Abstract: A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer is provided. The cartridge may include a substantially rigid frame, a flow path within the rigid frame, at least one opening in the substantially rigid frame configured to align and stabilize a capillary tube, and a seal within the flow path. The seal may be configured to temporarily obstruct flow through at least a portion of the flow path. The seal may also be configured to open in response to a force exerted via a capillary tube inserted into the at least one opening.

Abstract: A food container assembly includes a housing with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly therefrom. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an access opening into the housing. A shoulder is attached to an inner surface of the perimeter wall and extends continuously around an interior of the housing. The shoulder is spaced from the upper edge. A food holder is removably positioned in the housing and comprises a mesh material such that fluids may flow through the food holder. The food holder has an outer ridge that releasably engages the shoulder to support the food holder on the shoulder so that the food holder is spaced from the bottom wall.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosis or treatment of epilepsy disease with EFHC1, EFHC1 agonists, or EFHC1 analogs are provided. Compositions and methods for diagnosis or treatment of epilepsy disease with EFHC1a, EFHC1a agonists, or EFHC1a analogs are provided.

Abstract: A specimen processing apparatus includes a housing having a fluid supply reservoir, a specimen receiving chamber, a specimen collection reservoir, and an actuator coupled to the fluid supply reservoir. A liquid flow path extends from the fluid supply reservoir to the specimen receiving chamber, and to the specimen collection reservoir. The actuator is operable to propel a liquid from the fluid supply reservoir to the chamber. The specimen receiving chamber includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid flow guide disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port. In addition, the fluid supply reservoir is fluidly coupled to the inlet port and the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the specimen collection reservoir. The fluid flow guide may be operable to roil a liquid as it flows from the inlet port to the outlet port to facilitate the extraction of a specimen from a collection device.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for separately denaturing a probe and target in hybridization applications. The invention may, for example, eliminate the use of or reduce the dependence on formamide in hybridization applications. Compositions for use in the invention include an aqueous composition comprising at least one polar aprotic solvent in an amount effective to denature double-stranded nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Assay cartridges are described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain embodiments, these cartridges are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick. Also described are kits including such cartridges and a cartridge reader configured to analyze an assay conducted using an assay cartridge.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culturing vessel for holding and culturing cells. It has a first vessel that stores a culture medium and cells or only a culture medium, a second vessel that is placed above the first vessel and stores a culture medium and cells or only a culture medium, a main vessel that holds the first vessel and houses the second vessel, and a lid member that engages with the main vessel. The main vessel has a pressing member that fixes and holds the first vessel in the main vessel and the second vessel is eccentrically held in the first vessel by the pressing member.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the formation of cardiac tissue constructs. In some embodiments, methods are provided for forming cardiac tissue constructs that including cardiomyocytes, non-myocytes, and extracellular matrix, and which exhibit properties associated with healthy cardiac tissue. In some embodiments, microfabrication platforms are provided to support the transmission of dynamic electromechanical forces, such that the cardiac microtissue constructs may be formed mimicking the basic microenvironment found in the heart. The microfabrication platform may include retaining features for stabilizing the position of the microtissue construct during its formation, and the microfabrication platform may include a ramped support configured to produce tissue constructs having a ring geometry. In some embodiments, the microfabrication platform may be configured to for the application of point electrical stimulation, and/or to amplify the transduction of force into a visible displacement.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods for evaluation of hemostasis. Also provided are sound focusing assemblies.

Abstract: Horizontal reactor (1) for catalytic reactions, comprising an outer cylindrical shell (2), a catalytic bed (5) and heat exchange plates (6) immersed in said catalytic bed, parallel to each other and supplied with a heat exchange fluid; said reactor comprises a container (7) for said catalytic bed (5) and said plates (6), said container is extractable slidably from said shell, by means of at least one linear guide (31, 32, 45) extended longitudinally with respect to said shell (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising, or consisting of, the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a nucleic acid sequence of at least 200 bp having at least 70% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the isolated nucleic acid molecule specifically leads to the expression in retinal amacrine bipolar cells of a gene when operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence coding for the gene.

Abstract: Implantable devices having antibacterial activity for preventing periprosthetic infections and for improving osteointegration capacity are provided. Methods for making and using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: A pipetting system includes a rail; a carriage to engage the rail, the carriage movable relative to the rail substantially along a first axis; a pipette pump slidably engaged with the carriage, the pipette pump slidable relative to the carriage substantially along the first axis; and a sensor to detect movement of the pipette pump relative to the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for taking biopsies, resections, excisions, and/or autopsies. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of taking biopsies resections, excisions, and/or autopsies using the kit of the present invention. The kits and methods of the present invention allow for fewer errors, decreased turn around time and/or more rapid processing due to a cassette and specimen numbering system that is simplified and superior over that which has been previously disclosed in the prior art. The kit of the present invention comprises one or more tissue cassettes, and optionally one or more bottles of formalin and optionally, other components.

Abstract: Provided are a reagent supply method and device capable of using up a reagent in a container without a remnant to the extent possible, and supplying the reagent to an analysis device without mixing air bubbles even when the remaining amount of the reagent is extremely small. The reagent supply device includes: at least one reagent container including: a container body for storing a liquid reagent; and a reagent supply port arranged on the container body; and a support member for supporting the at least one reagent container so that the reagent supply port is positioned on a lower side of the container body. The reagent supply port is sealed by a plug including at least one nozzle penetration portion. The at least one nozzle penetration portion is formed of a material having a Shore hardness of from A5° to A90°.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein features a substrate arm and gripper, a platform having a top surface located opposite the substrate when the substrate arm is in a specimen processing position and featuring at least one fluid port located on a surface of the platform facing the substrate and at least one vacuum port located on the surface of the platform facing the substrate, and during operation, the apparatus is configured to (a) dispense a first quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port to fill a separation between the substrate and the platform, (b) dispense an additional quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port into the separation to displace a portion of the first quantity of fluid, and (c) remove the portion of the first quantity of fluid from the separation through the at least one vacuum port.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for performing complex chemical, physical and biological assays. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for performing microfluidic assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the NIPA-1 proteins and nucleic acids encoding the NIPA-1 proteins. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of NIPA-1 polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states, as well as methods of screening for ligands and modulators of NIPA-1 proteins.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting, preparing, and/or analyzing a biological sample. A sample collection site may be utilized with one or more sample processing device. The sample processing device may be configured to accept a sample from a subject. The sample processing device may perform one or more sample preparation step and/or chemical reaction involving the sample. Data related to the sample may be sent from the device to a laboratory. The laboratory may be a certified laboratory that may generate a report that is transmitted to a health care professional. The health care professional may rely on the report for diagnosing, treating, and/or preventing a disease in the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting device for automatic analysis instruments and a method for heating a volume of liquid in a heated pipetting needle.

Abstract: This invention relates to test kits and methods for their use in determining the expression levels of genetic markers. Additionally, this invention relates to kits and uses thereof for the determination of ratios of genetic markers. Ratios of genetic markers can be used to assist in analysis of bladder cancer from samples of urine.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer having no limitation on a range of a placeable position on a sample placement disk for patient specimens, emergency specimens, quality control samples, and calibration samples, and being capable of performing analysis while changing the number of simultaneously-measurable samples for each type of each specimen is provided. In the automatic analyzer, either a calibration sample dedicated disk or a patient specimen dedicated disk is placed in an analyzing unit 8 as a sample placement disk 19, and the analyzing unit 8 has a disk identifying unit 24 which identifies a type of the sample placement disk 19, and a computer 22 identifies the type of the sample placement disk 19 based on an identification result of the disk identifying unit 24, and performs analysis on a liquid sample based on the identified type of the sample placement disk 19.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for making and handling liquid samples are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for a portable computing device to read a reaction area on a test strip, which is located in a peripheral device placed over an image sensor and a light source of the portable computing device. Light is provided with the light source, which the peripheral device directs to the reaction area. An image including the reaction area is captured with the image sensor. An analyte characteristic is determined based on a color of the captured reaction area in the image.

Abstract: An embodiment of the claimed invention is directed to a method that greatly streamlines and reduces costs for tissue preparation, preservation, long-term storage and sample retrieval for molecular analysis using a method based on dried blood spot (DBS) technology. In this method, a small needle punch sample of freshly excised tissue will be homogenized in stabilizing reagent and inserted into a device containing absorbent material and drying agent. This device is suitable for long-term sample storage at ambient temperature and allows for easy removal of sections for biomarker analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for determining the presence of cancer in a subject based on the analysis of the expression levels of an under-expressed tumor marker (TM) and at least one other TM. Specifically, this invention relates to the determination of a cancer, particularly bladder cancer, by performing ratio, regression or classification analysis of the expression levels of at least one under-expressed TM, particularly an under-expressed bladder TM (BTM), and at least one over-expressed TM, particularly an over-expressed BTM. In various aspects, the invention relates to kits and devices for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design, construction and method of use of a novel thin film transport and applicator for use on XRF sample cups.

Abstract: Provided is an analyzer performing solid-phase extraction of a measurement component (i.e., component to be measured) in a sample solution while decreasing an amount of waste generated and reducing a running cost. The analyzer includes: a solid-phase extraction container having a body part to receive a sample solution containing a measurement component of analytical target and a discharge passage to discharge the sample solution. Herein, the discharge passage is to be filled with a solid-phase extraction material for subjecting the measurement component to solid-phase extraction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The presence of G76C, C213G, or C318A (SNP) in tvntr 4 or the presence of A238T, G427C, or T476C (SNP) in tvntr6 provides a reliable biomarker for the presence of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. The present invention further provides reagents used for detecting the SNPs to screen subjects for metronidazole resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis.

Abstract: An embedder is provided. The embedder includes a body having a working stand; a paraffin reservoir disposed in the body; a paraffin dispenser disposed on the body and connected with the paraffin reservoir; a heated working plate disposed on the working stand; a cooling plate disposed on the working stand; a tray disposed on the working stand; and a ceramic layer at least formed on an inner wall surface of the tray. With the embedder according to the present invention, by coating the ceramic layer on the inner wall surface of the tray to form an anti-scratch protective layer, when removing solidified paraffin wax on the inner wall surface of the tray, it is possible to avoid scratching the inner wall surface of the tray so as to avoid the damage to the surface of the tray.

Abstract: A sample processing system includes a sample vessel holder including a disk-shaped base section disposed so as to have a central axis extending in a vertical direction and a sample vessel holding section that is formed coaxially with, and above, the base section for holding a sample vessel in an upright posture. A conveyor conveys the sample vessel holder 1 placed thereon; and a holding plate is disposed so as to extend along an outer peripheral portion of a columnar space that has a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and is disposed at a position above a space past which the base section of the sample vessel holder moves along the conveyor and at a position past which at least the sample vessel holding section moves. This enables individual conveyance processing to be performed for each of multiple sample vessels.

Abstract: A sample temperature control chamber is described for a benchtop X-ray machine and/or full-protection X-ray machine, which comprises (a) a first chamber part (11) and a second chamber part (12) which can be connected together and are configured so as to form a closed chamber, (b) a sample holder, (c) an integrated temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a sample (P) which is provided on the sample holder, and (d) an active cooling system for dissipating heat from the sample temperature control chamber, the active cooling system comprising a heat sink and/or a fan. A system for X-ray-based analysis of a sample, in particular for X-ray diffraction measurements, is also described.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for isolating a fraction in a biological sample. The fraction is bound to solid phase substrate to define a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a second zone for receiving an isolation fluid therein. A force is provided that is generally perpendicular to gravity. The force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the isolation zone. The force captures the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate moves from the input zone to the isolation zone in response to the force moving from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A sample presentation apparatus comprises a round support movable in an optical assembly and having a flange region and an elevated gear shaped region having indexing gear cogs at intermediate radius locations of the support; a sample carrier slide holder removably supported on and movable with the support, the slide holder having at least one arm extending radially from a central hub of the sample carrier slide holder and being aligned between a first pair of indexing gear cogs; and at least one sample carrier slide removably supported on the support and aligned by the first pair of indexing gear cogs. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-aligning movable platform and support apparatus in an optical assembly comprises coarse and fine alignment mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a reagent for detecting a digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer patient based on expression profiles. The method comprises obtaining the expression profile of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of probes corresponding to genes with expression levels (in peripheral blood) that vary in digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and biliary tract cancer cases, compared with normal healthy subjects.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods for evaluation of hemostasis. Also provided are sound focusing assemblies.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided to control a probe moving towards fluid held in a container. The probe is moved towards the fluid to take a sample of the fluid in the container. To take a sample, probe is actuated to hit the fluid surface and to pass the fluid surface by a predetermined distance. Capacitive sensing which incorporates the probe itself is used to support an approach engine for controlling the motion of the probe. The approach engine determines the speed of the probe based on capacitance measurements, and in some cases based on position information of the probe. The approach engine ensures the probe hits the surface of the fluid in the container in order to take a sample while ensuring the probe does not hit the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A valve for a reagent bottle is provided, the valve including a resilient membrane configured to extend across an opening in the reagent bottle, the resilient membrane having at least one slit extending therethrough. Also disclosed is a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a reagent from a reagent bottle, the dispensing apparatus comprising: a probe assembly having a probe adapted for insertion into the reagent bottle through the valve and an extraction mechanism for drawing reagent out of the reagent bottle through the probe. A valve opening assembly is provided, which is adapted to open the valve of the reagent bottle such that the probe can pass through the valve without contacting the valve.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine having two main faces (17) of which one is adapted to cooperate with a container and a lateral face (18) extending between said main faces (17) as well as at least one sliding valve (3) housed in a cavity of said magazine (2) and in which there is formed a transfer duct (59) for said medium which issues on said face (17) adapted to cooperate with said container, said valve (3) having a closed position in which it sealingly isolates said duct (59) from said container and an open position in which said duct (59) is placed in communication with said container; said valve (3) comprising a valve member (40), an isolation sleeve (41) surrounding at least partially said valve member (40) as well as spring means (58) adapted to be compressed by said valve member (40) when said valve (3) is in its open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for marketing and using products such as liquid materials, especially liquid reagents for use in microbiological and cellular biological laboratory settings include the use of unique color and simple numeric or alphanumeric identifiers to quickly and easily identify any product from a catalog list of products. Methods of marketing, advertising and producing such products are also disclosed. Particular embodiments include products, product packaging and product labeling. The invention also relates to collars and sleeves for containers, as well as related methods of use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a circuit comprising a bag (10) comprising two flexible films (65, 66), a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed upright on a front face of a base of the device and a second shell (17) mounted on said first shell, which shells clamp said bag to form conduits (13); said press is provided with a system (170) for jamming at the location of a treatment zone (67) of the bag, which comprises a jamming member (171) provided with at least one jamming nipple (173) and a complementary jamming member (172) provided with a jamming channel (174) configured to receive said nipple; said jamming member (171) and complementary jamming member (172) and said bag (10) being configured in order for the latter to have a portion (175) in said treatment zone in which said films are jammed between said nipple and said channel.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine having two main faces (17) of which one is adapted to cooperate with a container and a lateral face (18) extending between said main faces (17) as well as at least one sliding valve (3) housed in a cavity of said magazine (2) and in which there is formed a transfer duct (59) for said medium which issues on said face (17) adapted to cooperate with said container, said valve (3) having a closed position in which it sealingly isolates said duct (59) from said container and an open position in which said duct (59) is placed in communication with said container; said valve (3) comprising a valve member (40), an isolation sleeve (41) surrounding at least partially said valve member (40) as well as spring means (58) adapted to be compressed by said valve member (40) when said valve (3) is in its open position.

Abstract: A lithographically structured device has an actuation layer and a control layer operatively connected to the actuation layer. The actuation layer includes a stress layer and a neutral layer that is constructed of materials and with a structure such that it stores torsional energy upon being constructed. The control layer is constructed to maintain the actuation layer substantially in a first configuration in a local environmental condition and is responsive to a change in the local environmental condition such that it permits a release of stored torsional energy to cause a change in a structural configuration of the lithographically structured device to a second configuration, the control layer thereby providing a trigger mechanism. The lithographically structured device has a maximum dimension that is less than about 10 mm when it is in the second configuration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for holding and/or treating a sample material. A sample may be positioned in a vessel and a crushing force may be applied to the sample material while in the vessel, e.g., by a plunger that is part of a cap to pulverize the sample at cryogenic temperatures. The sample holder may include an acoustic window arranged to admit acoustic energy into the vessel for acoustic treatment of the sample. A flexible film may be used at a portion of the vessel, e.g., at the acoustic window, to cooperate with a plunger for crushing a sample.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for mixing and dispensing dental impression materials is described. A dental impression material mixing machine comprises a water dispenser fluidly coupled to a hollow mixing axle, the mixing axle extending through a pulley, wherein an inner circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a water conduit and an outer circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a hub connector, a closeable valve inserted at a water entrance to the water conduit and electronically coupled to a water pump, an electronically commutated motor rotateably coupled to the pulley, wherein the hub connector receives a tubular rotatable hub of a disposable mixing vessel comprising dry dental impression powder, and wherein water is dispensed from the water dispenser into the disposable mixing vessel through the water conduit and hub orifice.

Abstract: In relation to an automated nucleic acid processor and an automated nucleic acid processing method using a multi function dispensing unit, processing involving extraction and amplification of the nucleic acid, can be consistently, quickly and efficiently conducted at a low cost with the use of a multi function dispensing unit, while saving user's trouble without expanding the scale of the device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein that are configured for use in laboratory testing, such as, for example, during a procedure including the monitoring and detection of chemical reactions. For example, the systems and devices described herein can be used during a procedure to monitor and detect polymerase chain reactions (PCR). In some embodiments, a sample container includes a container body that defines an interior volume and has an open end in fluid communication with the interior volume. A cap is sealingly engageable with the open end of the container body. The cap defines a receptacle that is configured to extend within a portion of the interior volume of the container body when the cap is sealingly engaged thereto. The receptacle can receive therein a sensor, such as, a temperature sensor that can monitor the temperature of a sample material disposed within the container body.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and storing biological fluids from a human or animal subject is provided. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a main body, lancet carrier or hub, lancet, lancet trigger, capillary tube, and sample compartments for collecting and storing dried blood and other bodily fluids. The lancet hub supports a lancet and provides for moving the lancet longitudinally between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The device includes a capillary tube having an internal diameter sized to draw and retain fluid from a contacted source using capillary action. The main body of the apparatus further includes a sample compartment for holding sampling and storage materials. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sample compartment can be accessed by lifting sample compartment lid. Also included is a new “fan” or “daisy” shaped collection material format for use in collecting and preserving samples.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the amplification of nucleic acids and generation of concatemers are disclosed. Amplification methods provided herein may be performed under isothermal conditions. Methods and compositions may include reagents such as nucleic acid polymerases and primers.

Abstract: An incubator including a container having an interior chamber capable of receiving a sample holder having samples, a lower heated surface disposed within the interior chamber of the container, and a movement mechanism coupled to the container and the lower heated surface. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured to move the lower heated surface to a position in which the lower heated surface essentially contacts the sample holder. A method of rapidly heating and incubating a sample for biochemical or immunological testing is further disclosed.