Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for evacuating and for filling an array at the point of use.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanopore in a lipid bilayer is disclosed. A nanopore forming solution is deposited over a lipid bilayer. The nanopore forming solution has a concentration level and a corresponding activity level of pore molecules such that nanopores are substantially not formed un-stimulated in the lipid bilayer. Formation of a nanopore in the lipid bilayer is initiated by applying an agitation stimulus level to the lipid bilayer. In some embodiments, the concentration level and the corresponding activity level of pore molecules are at levels such that less than 30 percent of a plurality of available lipid bilayers have nanopores formed un-stimulated therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated spray deposition of biological specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated specimen deposition systems and methods of generating high-quality, reproducible specimen-bearing microscope slides in automated processing systems.

Abstract: Substrates comprising a functionalizable layer, a polymer layer comprising a plurality of micro-scale or nano-scale patterns, or combinations thereof, and a backing layer and the preparation thereof by using room-temperature UV nano-embossing processes are disclosed. The substrates can be prepared by a roll-to-roll continuous process. The substrates can be used as flow cells, nanofluidic or microfluidic devices for biological molecules analysis.

Abstract: A system for aspirating thrombus includes a catheter having a supply lumen having a distal end and an aspiration lumen configured to couple to a vacuum source and having an interior wall surface and an open distal end, an orifice at or near the distal end of the supply lumen, in fluid communication with the interior of the aspiration lumen, the orifice located proximally of the open distal end of the aspiration lumen, wherein the orifice is configured to create a spray pattern that impinges on the interior wall surface of the aspiration lumen when a distal end of the aspiration catheter is immersed within an aqueous environment, and a disposable tubing set having a first conduit configured to couple the supply lumen of the aspiration catheter to a fluid source, and a pump component associated with the first conduit and configured to detachably couple to a drive unit.

Abstract: Systems & methods for sorting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using an iDEP-based sorting device. The device includes an inlet channel with a constriction and the inlet channel splits into multiple different channels after the constriction—the multiple channels includes a center channel and at least one side channel. A sample is introduced into the iDEP sorting device containing a plurality of SWNTs of different lengths suspended in a fluid. An electrical field is applied to the sample between a first electrode in the center channel and a second electrodes at a proximal end of the inlet channel. The applied electrical field causes longer SWNTs to move towards the side channels while the shorter SWNTs move towards the center channel. Accordingly, a first plurality of shorter SWNTs is then collected from the center channel and a second plurality of longer SWNTs is collected from the at least one side channel.

Abstract: A fluid processing system that can include a sample container having a sample chamber for containing a fluid and a plurality of magnetic particles and at least one movable magnetic assembly configured to be movably inserted into or out of the sample chamber. The movable magnetic assembly can include a plurality of electromagnets that generate a magnetic field within at least a portion of the sample chamber when the assembly is inserted at least partially into the sample chamber. The fluid processing system can also include a signal generator that applies electrical signals, e.g., AC electrical signals, to the electromagnets of the magnetic assembly and a controller coupled to the signal generator that is configured to control phases of the electrical signals applied to the electromagnets to generate magnetic field gradients within the portion of the sample chamber effective to magnetically influence the plurality of the magnetic particles.

Abstract: A diverter test cell can include an enclosure having a body and a cover removably coupled to the body, where the body forms a cavity that is enclosed by the cover, where the body includes an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with the cavity. The diverter test cell can also include an insert removably disposed within the cavity, where the insert has a channel that forms continuously from a first end to a second end of the insert, where the channel has first width at the first end and a second width at the second end, where the first width is less than the second width, where the first end of the insert is adjacent to the inlet port of the enclosure, and where the second end of the insert is adjacent to the outlet port of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunochromatographic assay device, comprising: a cover plate; an immunochromatographic assay kit; and a sample loading pad. A wet zone is defined by the cover plate and at least part of a sample loading portion of the sample loading pad disposed close to an installation position of the immunochromatographic assay kit. The height of the wet zone satisfies the following condition: when flowing into the wet zone, a sample solution is driven by capillary action to flow from a surface of the sample loading portion toward the immunochromatographic assay kit.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and testing a sample is provided. The apparatus includes a test cavity and a collecting component. The test cavity is connected to the collecting component and the test cavity and the collecting component are in a liquid communication. An inner wall of the test cavity is provided with a first step. The collecting component includes a collecting rod and an absorbing element sleeved on the collecting rod. A connecting end of the collecting rod is provided with a barb. A tail end of the barb is tapered. The barb at the connecting end is clamped to the first step to connect the test cavity with the collecting component. A collecting and testing apparatus with an integrated structure is provided. The integrated structure integrates the collection and test of a sample, reduces a product structure and an operation difficulty of subjects.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for serial femtosecond crystallography for reducing the vast amount of waste of injected crystals practiced with traditional continuous flow injections. A micrometer-scale 3-D printed water-in-oil droplet generator device includes an oil phase inlet channel, an aqueous phase inlet channel, a droplet flow outlet channel, and two embedded non-contact electrodes. The inlet and outlet channels are connected internally at a junction. The electrodes comprise gallium metal injected within the 3-D printed device. Voltage across the electrodes generates water-in-oil droplets, determines a rate for a series of droplets, or triggers a phase shift in the droplets. An external trigger generates the droplets based on the frequency of an XFEL utilized in droplet detection, thereby synchronizing a series of droplets with x-ray pulses for efficient crystal detection. The generated droplets can be coupled to an SFX with XFEL experiment compatible with common liquid injector such as a GDVN.

Abstract: A process for producing superabsorbent particles by polymerizing a monomer solution or suspension, comprising the steps of continuously preneutralizing a monomer while cooling and partly recycling the preneutralized monomer into the preneutralization, continuously heating the preneutralized monomer by means of a heat exchanger and continuously postneutralizing the heated monomer, wherein the monomer solution or suspension prior to entry into the polymerization reactor is at a temperature of 70 to 99° C. and the temperature of the heating medium used in the heat exchanger is less than 160° C.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a microfluidic device, a microfluidic device and a microfluidic system. The method includes: providing a mold having a groove; injecting a liquid metal into the groove of the mold, and solidifying the liquid metal to obtain a solid metal; separating the solid metal from the mold; providing the solid metal with an electrode; providing a cladding layer on a surface of the solid metal provided with the electrode, such that the solid metal is wrapped by the cladding layer, and at least a part of the electrode extends outside the cladding layer, so as to obtain a preform; and fixing the preform in a substrate, melting the solid metal and extending at least a part of the electrode outside the substrate, to obtain the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An electrical system has a system housing and electrical components in the housing. At least two conductors of at least one of the electrical components are electrically insulated from one another by an electrical insulator. A sensor system is configured to detect a deposit of an electrically conductive foreign matter layer on the electrical insulator. The sensor system has a measuring surface arranged within the system housing on which at least two spaced-apart electrodes are arranged. The sensor system has a measurement circuit which is configured to measure a parameter which depends on a current flowing between the at least two electrodes. There is also described a method for determining a potential functional impairment in the electrical system.

Abstract: A process module for a biology laboratory system includes a housing, a working deck located within the housing, having working deck plate slots for receiving cell culture plates, a liquid handling robot comprising at least one pipette for aspirating a liquid medium, and a first transfer interface in communication with a first storage module for storing cell culture plates. The working deck is movable to a plurality of working positions. In one of the positions, the cell culture plate is located under an operating point of the liquid handling robot. In another of the positions, the cell culture plate is in alignment with the first transfer interface for transfer of the cell culture plate between an outside of the housing and the working deck plate slot. The first transfer interface or a second interface can be brought in communication with a second storage module for storing lab-ware or liquid material.

Abstract: An electrophoresis cartridge can include an integrated electrophoresis assembly including an anode sub-assembly comprising an anode, a cathode sub-assembly comprising a cathode; and at least one electrophoresis capillary having a first end in fluid communication with the cathode sub-assembly and a second end in fluid communication with the anode sub-assembly. The cartridge can further include a reagent container comprising electrophoresis buffer; a fluid conduit in fluidic communication with the reagent container; a pump in fluidic communication with the fluid conduit, the pump configured to transfer the electrophoresis buffer through the fluid conduit from the reagent container to the passage of the cathode sub-assembly; and a sample inlet port and at least one sample line, wherein the sample line places the sample inlet port in fluidic communication with the first end of the electrophoresis capillary through a passage in the cathode sub-assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a blood sample. In particular, formulations, compositions, articles of manufacture, kits and methods for reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a blood sample are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to gastrointestinal (GI) tract detection methods, devices and systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are provided. The system comprises an injector, a mixer, a coalescer, a droplet generator, a detector, a digital PCR system, and a controller. The injector takes in a sample, partitions the sample into sample aliquots with the help of an immiscible oil phase, dispenses waste, and sends the sample aliquot to the mixer. The mixer mixes the sample aliquot with a PCR master mix and diluting water, dispenses waste, and sends the sample mixture (separated by an immiscible oil) to the coalescer. The coalescer coalesces the sample mixture with primers dispensed from a cassette, dispenses waste, and sends the reaction mixture (separated by an immiscible oil) to the droplet generator. The droplet generator converts the sample mixture into an emulsion where aqueous droplets of the reaction mixture are maintained inside of an immiscible oil phase and dispenses droplets to the digital PCR system.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a centrifuge bowl rotatable about its longitudinal axis, a discharge unit positioned to receive discharge fluid from the centrifuge bowl, a diverter fluid circuit in communication with the discharge unit, a measurement region of the diverter fluid circuit with a narrower diameter than a cross section of the discharge unit, and the diverter fluid circuit oriented to direct a portion of the discharge fluid from the discharge unit to the measurement region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discrete microenvironment chamber (DIMIC) configured to accurately mimics the microenvironment of poorly perfused tissue. In one embodiment, the DIMIC of the present invention is further designed to allow the extraction of cells and media from different local environments for any type of biochemical analysis.

Abstract: A device for analyzing biological samples comprises first, second, third, and fourth layers. The first layer comprises a sample chamber in which a sample is positioned. The second layer comprises first, second, and third channels. A third, porous layer is positioned between the first layer and the second layer. A fourth layer composed of a substantially liquid-impermeable material is positioned between the second layer and the third layer. The fourth layer includes first and second pass-through channels that are aligned with the first and second channel, respectively. Fluids that flow in the first and second channels pass through the pass-through channels and diffuse into the sample chamber, establishing a chemical concentration gradient therein. A gas in the sample chamber can diffuse through the third and fourth layers and interact with a fluid flowing in the third channel, establishing a gas concentration gradient in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A chromatographic apparatus for online enrichment of trace and ultra-trace components and an analytical method using the same. The apparatus includes an injection system, a vaporizing chamber, an enrichment system, a thermal box, a sample collection system, a focusing trap, a chromatographic analytical column system, a detector and an electronic control system. The method includes steps of sample enrichment, thermal desorption and back flushing, which are performed through a combination of a four-way valve and an electronic switch valve box.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reagent storage include a placement table, a housing, a cover, and a fan. The placement table on which a plurality of reagent containers are placed. The housing configured to contain the placement table. The cover having a probe hole through which a probe is inserted and configured to cover an opening of the housing. The fan configured to send air in a first space defined by an inner bottom of the housing and the placement table into a second space defined by the cover and the placement table and to exhaust the air in the second space through the probe hole.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device including a lower panel including flow velocity measuring structures for measuring a flow velocity of a fluid; an upper panel separated from the lower panel and including a microfluidic channel through which a sample passes; a thin film provided at a portion where the lower panel and the upper panel adjoin each other in order to prevent the sample passing through the microfluidic channel from coming into direct contact with the flow velocity measuring structures, the thin film being configured to separate the lower panel and the upper panel to enable the lower panel to be repeatedly used multiple times; a specific functional unit configured to perform a specific operation on the sample passing through the microfluidic channel; and a negative pressure forming means configured to suck the lower panel and the upper panel with a negative pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to devices and methods for determining propellant mass based on average measurements irrespective of the fluid orientation in a fuel tank. The device is useful in detecting fuel levels in tanks where the fuel is in motion, for instance in aircraft (i.e., undergoing varying acceleration maneuvers) or spacecraft (i.e., a microgravity environment). The devices and methods can also be used for determining the liquid in a surface tension screen liquid acquisition device (LAD), and particularly, the incipient breakdown as gas bubbles enter or are formed inside the LAD as the screen dries or heat transfer induces vaporization. The same basic electrode configuration can be used to stir the liquid to reduce thermal stratification and condense vapor bubbles.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for analyzing neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, for example, in a sample from a subject suspected of having, having, or having had (e.g., having recovered from) a SARS-CoV-2 infection, or a subject having received a prophylactic and/or therapeutic intervention for a coronavirus infection.

Abstract: Sensors can be used for the detection of an analyte concentration, such as an electrolyte and/or a blood gas. In some embodiments, such sensors can include a matrix material, a nanoparticle associated with the matrix material, and a signaling molecule associated with the nanoparticle. In particular embodiments, the signaling molecule can exhibit a fluorescence emission intensity as a function of the analyte concentration.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analysis device that can suppress concentration of a reagent made to react with a specimen. This automatic analysis device is provided with: a reagent container which accommodates a reagent and which has attached thereto a perforable lid; a perforation unit for perforating the lid; and a reagent suction nozzle that is inserted into a hole formed by perforation and that sucks up the reagent. The automatic analysis device is characterized by being further provided with a state storage unit that stores the state as to whether the reagent container is in an unused state or in a used state, and a state update unit that, when the lid is perforated by the perforation unit while the reagent container is in an unused state, updates the state stored in the state storage unit to the used state.

Abstract: A multi-channel microfluidic blood coagulation detection chip having a five-layer structure includes a chip body. The chip body includes, in sequence from top to bottom, a first-layer chip, a second-layer chip, a third-layer chip, a fourth-layer chip, and a fifth-layer chip. The first-layer chip (1), the second-layer chip, the third-layer chip, the fourth-layer chip, and the fifth-layer chip cooperate with each other to define a closed microfluidic channel and a plurality of mutually-independent detection chambers. The first-layer chip is provided with a sample loading hole, and the sample loading hole communicates with the detection chambers through the microfluidic channel. The chip body further includes electrodes, and the electrodes are disposed within the detection chambers in one-to-one correspondence.

Abstract: Digital assay system, including methods, apparatus, and compositions, for assay of one or more targets in a set of partitions containing a generic reporter of target amplification.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic system for monitoring the condition of lubricating oil. The microfluidic system comprises a microfluidic device with at least one microchannel (40) configured to allow a sample of lubricating oil (52a) to pass therethrough as a laminar flow. The device has at least one separating device (41) configured to selectively separate at least one component (54b) from the lubricating oil (52a) in the fluid flow. The microfluidic system also comprises a detector device (20, 22) configured to detect the presence and/or measure at least one property of the at least one component passing through the microfluidic device after separation in the microchannel (40).

Abstract: A planarization process is performed to a wafer. In various embodiments, the planarization process may include a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process. A byproduct generated by the planarization process is collected and analyzed. Based on the analysis, one or more process controls are performed for the planarization process. In some embodiments, the process controls include but are not limited to process endpoint detection or halting the planarization process based on detecting an error associated with the planarization process.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow restrictor that uses micron-sized beads to impede flow is described. The flow rate can be adjusted by adding or removing the beads using injection needles through self-sealing ports, one injection needle injecting or aspirating beads and another injection needle pushing or pulling fluid from outside of a bead trap within the flow restrictor. In alternative embodiments, the beads or other filler material can be trapped in a manifold bead trap such that they block a subset of fluid channels of the flow restrictor, allowing fluid to flow freely through the rest of the fluid channels. The flow restrictor can be integrated with a contact lens or implantable medical device for use in dispensing liquid therapeutic agents at flow rates of microliters per minute or moving body fluids at a controlled rate from one part of the body to another.

Abstract: A soil testing device includes a housing, a display unit, and at least one sensor assembly. The display unit is disposed on the housing. The at least one sensor assembly is rotatably connected to the housing, and the at least one sensor assembly is electrically connected to the display unit. The at least one sensor assembly is configured to insert into soil and output an electrical signal corresponding to a soil parameter, and the display unit is configured to display a value of the soil parameter corresponding to the electrical signal output by the at least one sensor assembly.

Abstract: A transferring unit, a substrate treating apparatus including the same, and a substrate treating method are provided. The substrate treating apparatus includes a support plate, a plurality of protrusions protruding upward from the support plate to support a substrate, a temperature adjusting member provided in the support plate to heat or cool the substrate, and an ultrasound applying member to apply an ultrasound between the substrate placed on the plurality of protrusions and the support plate.

Abstract: A system and a method for transmitting information between a first unit and a second unit, wherein the second unit does not contain its own energy source sufficient for the transmission of information and includes measuring devices for determining various properties and/or substances in the environment of a transducer or the transducer itself as a component of the particular measuring device. The measuring devices are in particular characterised in that they are simple and robust to control and their function can be influenced. For this purpose, the measuring device comprises at least one transducer as a component of a second unit/passive device and/or as a component of first unit/an active measuring functional unit. The first unit/active measuring functional unit further consists of a data-processing system and a transceiver unit for electromagnetic radiation, and is interconnected to an electric power source.

Abstract: A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for food or food processing applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method includes providing a cartridge and the cartridge includes a slot for receiving a microfluidic chip having a set of first channels. The cartridge also includes a set of second channels and each channel of the set of second channels is coupleable to a different channel of the set of first channels during use with the microfluidic chip. The cartridge also includes an indent configured for engagement and alignment of the cartridge during use. The method also includes inserting the cartridge into a device, such that the cartridge engages a first biasing member of the device configured for alignment of the cartridge in a first direction. The first biasing member is configured to bias movement of the cartridge into locking position with a notch of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detecting apparatus, including a storage chamber containing a treating fluid; wherein, the detecting apparatus is internally provided with a sharp-pointed portion; the storage chamber may make a movement relative to the sharp-pointed portion; the storage chamber will be pierced by the sharp-pointed portion during the moving process, such that the treating fluid in the storage chamber is released. The detecting apparatus further includes a collecting chamber; the released treating fluid may flow into the collecting chamber; the collecting chamber is disposed inside a first shell and used to contain a sample; an opening is disposed at an upper position of the first shell; the collecting chamber is internally provided with a testing element for detecting an analyte; the testing element is disposed on a carrier, and the carrier has a specific matching form with the collecting chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate holding and locking system for chemical and/or electrolytic surface treatment of a substrate in a process fluid and a corresponding method. The system comprises a first element, a second element, a reduced pressure holding unit and a magnetic locking unit. The first element and the second element are configured to hold the substrate between each other. The reduced pressure holding unit comprises a pump to reduce an interior pressure inside the substrate holding and locking system below atmospheric pressure. The magnetic locking unit is configured to lock the first element and the second element with each other. The magnetic locking unit comprises a magnet control and at least a magnet. The magnet is arranged at one of the first element and the second element. The magnet control is configured to control a magnetic force between the first element and the second element.

Abstract: Each of one or more unknown compounds are separated from a sample over a separation time period. Separated compounds are ionized, producing one or more compound precursor ions for each of the unknown compounds and a plurality of background precursor ions. A precursor ion mass spectrum is measured for the combined compound and background precursor ions at each time step of a plurality of time steps spread across the separation time period, producing a plurality of precursor ion mass spectra. One or more background precursor ions are selected from the plurality of precursor ion mass spectra that have a resolving power in a range below a threshold expected resolving power. A separation time is detected for an unknown compound when a decrease in an intensity measurement of the selected background precursor ions over a time period exceeds a threshold decrease in intensity with respect to time.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes a housing unit capable of housing a plurality of reagent bottles each of which has an IC tag on one surface of short-side side surfaces thereof, an antenna used to communicate with the IC tag, a detector that detects the presence or absence of a reagent bottles, and a control unit. The housing unit includes a housing container cooled by a cooling machine, a heat insulating material, a reagent tray provided with a plurality of reagent bottle holding portions that hold the reagent bottles, a disk rotatably holding the reagent tray, and a driving unit driving the disk, and when it is unable to communicate with the IC tag of the reagent bottle installed in the reagent bottle holding portion where the reagent bottle is detected by the detector, the control unit determines that the reagent bottle is installed in a reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting, delaying, or reversing cellular senescence that includes having an isolated cell flow through a microchannel, and crashing the cell in flow into an impact surface installed on a flow path of the cell to apply a physical impact to the cell, resulting in inhibiting, delaying, or reversing senescence of the cell, while maintaining high biological activity, and in particular, it relates to a method that can further increase the value of a stem cell as a therapeutic cell for various degenerative diseases by maintaining undifferentiated state of the stem cell even during a long-term culture period to maintain multipotency, and to the cells obtained by the method.

Abstract: A sample support body is a sample support body for ionizing a sample, including: a substrate formed with a plurality of first through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; and a conductive layer provided at least on a peripheral portion of the first through hole in the first surface, in which in a partition portion provided between the adjacent first through holes, a plurality of second through holes communicating the adjacent first through holes are formed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.

Abstract: A specimen introduction method for improving a measurement accuracy and efficiency includes a preparation step, first step, second step, and third step. The preparation step uses a switching member to connect a first feeder to a first inlet-and-outlet, a second inlet-and-outlet to a discharge container, a third inlet-and-outlet to a first inflow port, and a second feeder to a second inflow port. The first step includes filling a path from the second feeder to the switching member through the second inflow port, a specimen treatment device, and the first inflow port with a second liquid. The second step includes filling a path from the first feeder to the switching member with a first liquid. The third step includes subsequently introducing the first liquid into the first inflow port from the first feeder through the switching member, and introducing the second liquid into the second inflow port from the second feeder.

Abstract: A method of automatically tracking urine in a toilet includes creating a background image of an interior of a toilet bowl using an image sensor, wherein the background image shows the interior of the toilet bowl. The method also includes acquiring an image of the interior of the toilet bowl using the image sensor, wherein the acquired image shows urine and a collecting and tracing member in the interior of the toilet bowl. The method further includes producing a difference image that shows a difference between the acquired image and the background image, and processing the difference image to identify a location of the urine and the collecting and tracking member, and moving the collecting and tracking member to the identified location of the urine.

Abstract: The present invention provides point-of-care blood typing devices. The devices require only a small sample of blood and are able to provide results within minutes. The devices are capable of identifying A, B, AB, and O type blood. The devices are also capable of identifying blood that is positive (+) or negative (?) for the D antigen.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for performing rapid low-cost bioassays in self-contained disposable cartridges that provide efficient mixing of sample and reactants under a layer of liquid wax. Some embodiments additionally use gravity assisted distribution of sample and assay reagents in conjunction with an appliance containing all necessary valves, pneumatic sources, heat sources and detection stations.