Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: A paint that warns of radiological or chemical substances comprising a paint operatively connected to the surface, an indicator material carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances, and a thermo-activation material carried by the paint. In one embodiment, a method of warning of radiological or chemical substances comprising the steps of painting a surface with an indicator material, and monitoring the surface for indications of the radiological or chemical substances. In another embodiment, a paint is operatively connected to a vehicle and an indicator material is carried by the paint that provides an indication of the radiological or chemical substances.

Abstract: Bodily fluid is analyzed for the presence of drugs of a selected panel of drugs in a simultaneous assay in which sample of the fluid is incubated with additional amounts of all drugs of the panel, antibodies specific to each of the drugs of the panel, and microparticles, the microparticles being divided into subsets, one subset for each drug in the panel and each subset distinguishable from the others. The incubation is performed in a liquid medium in which competitive binding occurs, the drugs in the sample competing with those added to the assay medium for binding to the antibodies. In one procedure, the added drugs are pre-coupled to the microparticles while the antibodies are not, and the incubation is followed by further incubating the microparticles with labeled ligands that have affinity for the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: A method for identifying a platelet population, preferably a population of immature, reticulated platelets, in a biological sample involves incubating the biological sample for less than 5 minutes with at least one labeled, ligand (e.g., monoclonal antibody) that binds to an epitope or antigen on platelets and with a nucleic acid dye. In one embodiment, the dye is Acridine Orange and the label on the ligand is PE-Cy7. The sample is then analyzed and one or more platelet populations is rapidly identified or quantified by passing the incubated sample through a sensing region of a flow cytometer. In one embodiment, this method occurs without a washing or physical cell separation step. The incubated sample is irradiated with a laser light source, and fluorescence of the labeled ligand and the nucleic acid dye are measured along with at least one additional parameter, e.g., light scatter, direct current, axial light loss, opacity, radio frequency, and fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid analysis device in a nucleic acid analysis apparatus, whereby waste of reaction spots on the nucleic acid analysis device is eliminated and leakage of fluorescence excitation light to unobserved nucleic acid measurement regions is minimized. Specifically, the nucleic acid analysis device has a plurality of nucleic acid measurement regions, which are characterized in that one nucleic acid measurement region is disposed at a sufficient distance from the other nucleic acid measurement regions such that the other nucleic acid measurement regions do not enter an irradiation region.

Abstract: A system for warning of corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances. The system comprises painting a surface with a paint or coating that includes an indicator material and monitoring the surface for indications of the corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances.

Abstract: A method of analyzing vitamin E components in a lipoproteinby subjecting a lipoprotein-containing sample to ion exchange chromatography to separate the lipoprotein, reacting the separated lipoprotein to a pretreating solution containing an organic solvent and a surfactant to liberate vitamin E components, and then subjecting the liberated vitamin E components to reverse phase chromatography. Also described is a method of judging various pathological conditions such as the pathological conditions of diabetes, the risks of coronary artery diseases, and the pathological conditions of myocardial infarction using levels of vitamin E components in the lipoprotein as an index.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid chromatograph which, in a high performance liquid chromatograph analysis using a post-column method, can maintain mixing precision of a sample eluted from a column and a reaction reagent without a special mixing and reacting portion, prevent diffusion of a target component, and perform measurement with high sensitivity. The liquid chromatograph of the present invention has a mobile phase feed pump 1 with an allowable pressure higher than 40 MPa, a separation column 3 having a packing material with a particle diameter of 3 ?m or smaller, and a reaction reagent feed pump 8 to which a pressurizing coil 9 for increasing the pressure acting on the reaction reagent feed pump 8 is connected.

Abstract: The enumeration of cells in fluids by flow cytometry is widely used across many disciplines such as assessment of leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or of bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. For many applications the cost, size and complexity of the instruments prevents wider use, for example, CD4 analysis in HIV monitoring in resource-poor countries. The novel device, methods and algorithms disclosed herein largely overcome these limitations. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. The labeled sample, in a chamber or cuvet, is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells to the observation surface of the cuvet. An LED illuminates the cells and a CCD camera captures the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising one or more fluid channels, one or more fluid ports, and a V-shaped particle retention structure. The fluid channel is generally opposite the particle retention structure, fluid ports are located between the fluid channel and the particle retention structure, and the particle retention structure has sloped side walls. Fluid, including reagents, can be delivered to the microfluidic device through the one or more fluid channels or the fluid ports. The invention also relates to methods of using the microfluidic device to monitor, observe, measure, or record a biological parameter of a particle, to separate a single particle from a group of particles, to culture a cell, to treat a particle, and to move a particle back and forth in the device.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a buffer solution having a desired pH value is disclosed. The method uses two known buffer solutions, each with predetermined pH values, and determines a mathematical relationship which defines the amount of each known buffer solution needed to create the buffer solution with the desired pH. This method can then be used to create one or more denaturation graphs, which demonstrate the stability of a protein at a given pH level.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a plurality of denaturation curves is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, one variable, such as salt content, pH or another parameter, is varied to create a plurality of different buffer solutions. Each is then used to create a denaturation graph. The plurality of denaturation graphs allows analysis of the effect of that variable on protein stability.

Abstract: A cartridge and cartridge system for use in an apparatus for analyzing a sample are provided. The cartridge has one or more light sources and/or optical systems and other components that are specific for a certain type of application such as fluorescence, absorbance, or luminescence. The light source, optical systems, and other components for a specific application are housed in a single cartridge. The system has a plurality of cartridges for different applications for a multimode instrument. The cartridges are removably engaged with the apparatus in a “plug-in” format such that one cartridge may be removed from the apparatus and another cartridge may be easily installed.

Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a colorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for performing in situ measurements, and, more particularly, to apparatus, systems and methods that can isolate a sample from a bulk fluid to measure characteristics of same without unwanted effects of perturbation in the bulk fluid.

Abstract: Device and detection system comprising two polarising elements and a measuring zone located between said polarising elements, wherein the measuring zone is being bounded on one side by the first polarising element. The device further comprises an inlet reservoir, an outlet reservoir and a flow channel. Method of fabricating said device, comprising the step of depositing an antibody into the measuring zone.

Abstract: A method of measuring the fluorescence of a fluorescent marker compound dissolved or dispersed in a bulk material includes: (a) measuring a characteristic of the fluorescence of a mixture of said bulk material and said fluorescent marker compound; (b) quenching the fluorescence of the fluorescent marker compound to produce a quenched mixture; (c) measuring the characteristic of the fluorescence of the quenched mixture; (d) comparing the fluorescent characteristic of the mixture with the fluorescent characteristic of the quenched mixture; and (e) correcting the measured fluorescent emission characteristic for the effects of the absorbance of the bulk material. The measurement may be further corrected to account for the absorbance of the material which is also known to have an effect on the measured fluorescence. A method of tagging and identifying a bulk material with a fluorescent marker compound, and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are also described.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an immunoassay method which is capable of simultaneous quantification of a plurality of test substances under a same analysis condition, through adjustment of the measurement sensitivity/range by simply varying the size of particles for use as labels, without changing the spectra of these particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent semiconductor microparticle assembly comprising at least three kinds of fluorescent semiconductor microparticles with an average particle size of from 1 to 10 nm, having the same chemical composition, a different average particle size and a different emission maximum wavelength in the emission spectra, wherein a standard deviation of emission intensity in each of the at least three kinds of fluorescent semiconductor microparticles is not more than 15%.

Abstract: Described is a luminometer or fluorometer having an optical axis which extends essentially perpendicular to the measuring sample. The detector for the luminometer or the fluorometer is arranged either directly or via a deflection means in the optical axis. An injection device (20) with an injection channel is provided for feeding in the reagents, wherein the injection channel consists of a first section and a second section, arranged at an angle relative to the first section, and is provided with a discharge opening (24c) that points in the direction of the measuring sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides for increasing fluorescence detection in surface assay systems while increasing kinetics of a bioreaction therein by providing low-power microwaves to irradiate metallic materials within the system in an amount sufficient to increase heat thereby affecting the kinetics of a bioreaction therein.

Abstract: Nickel, iron and palladium thin films thermally evaporated onto glass supports are used to demonstrate surface plasmon coupled fluorescence (SPCF) and surface plasmon couple chemiluminescence (SPCC) over a broad wavelength range (400-800 nm) for potential assays or other detection systems. Nickel, iron and palladium thin films used in SPCF and SPCC convert otherwise isotropic emission into highly directional and polarized emission, an attractive concept for surface assays. The emission angles of detected emissions occur over a 10 degree range for tested emitted wavelengths.

Abstract: Optics collection and detection systems are provided for measuring optical signals from an array of optical sources over time. Methods of using the optics collection and detection systems are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for the measurement of multiple fluorescence emissions in a flow cytometry system is disclosed where each excitation light source is modulated with a different frequency. A single detector is used to collect the fluorescent emissions excited by all light sources, and the emissions are segregated using Fourier Transform techniques. Systems and methods for the correction of inter-beam coincidence are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PNA complementary to the target polynucleotide. A signaling chromophore absorbs energy from the excited multichromophore and emits light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits having reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a sensor housing, having a channel; a porous substrate, in the channel; an analysis chemistry reagent, on the porous substrate; and a nozzle, in fluid connection with the channel. The porous substrate fills a cross section of the channel, and the cross-sectional area of the channel at the porous substrate is greater than the cross-sectional area at the nozzle.

Abstract: A fluorimetric system, apparatus and method are disclosed to measure an analyte concentration in a sample. A sensor reagent housing is also disclosed which comprises a channel and a porous medium having an analysis chemistry reagent, such as a nucleic acid analysis chemistry reagent. The apparatus and system are portable for field use, with an apparatus housing having a size adapted to fit into a user's hand. An apparatus also includes a sensing chamber and cover, a user interface, a light source, a photomultiplier tube, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a memory, and a processor. In various embodiments, the processor performs a data fitting, determines a sample reaction rate parameter, and determines the analyte concentration from a comparison of the sample reaction rate parameter with stored calibration data. The processor may also generate the calibration data and site-specific offset factors, and modify the calibration data using an offset factor.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: A high-performance light source apparatus for fluorescence photography of biomolecule sample gels is disclosed. The high-performance light source apparatus comprises a base frame, a supporting region located on the center of the top surface of the base frame for supporting a biomolecule sample gel, and at least one light-emitting module disposed on the top surface of the base frame around the supporting region for emitting an exciting light onto the biomolecule sample gel laterally. Each light-emitting module comprises an LED array having different colors of LEDs for different bio reagents. The exciting light is projected onto the biomolecule sample gel laterally, such that the size of the high-performance light source apparatus can be minimized, and the light spots interference in fluorescence photographing or observation can be prevented.

Abstract: A calibration tool for use in combination with a photoluminescent oxygen-sensitive working probe and an analytical instrument capable of reading the working probe. The calibration tool is effective for achieving two-point calibration of the analytical instrument, and includes at least first and second solid state compositions having different sensitivities to oxygen. The first composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the working probe, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as that in the working probe. The second composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the first composition, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from that in the first composition. The oxygen sensitivity of the second composition is less than the oxygen sensitivity of the first composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for simultaneously detecting hemoglobin and glycohemoglobin in blood. The device includes a lateral flow assay strip, a laser-induced epifluorescence detection device, and an LED detection device. The present disclosure further provides a method for simultaneously quantifying hemoglobin and glycohemoglobin in blood by an immunological method using the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for detecting cellular products using detection particles having product-specific detection reagents and having a characteristic spectral feature. In particular, devices and methods are provided for measuring secreted cellular products including cytokines. Detection substrates, include microwells having product-specific capture reagents thereon or comprising hydrophobic membranes are described having greater capability to detect products from individual cells in a mixture of heterogeneous cells. With the use of multiple detection particles, multiple cellular products can be detected in a single well. Additionally, using the inherent spectral properties of detection particles, no enzymatic reactions are needed to visualize a secreted product, thereby increasing the sensitivity, reproducibility and ease of use.

Abstract: Sensor particles comprise a silica-based core and at least one photoluminescent dye. The silica-based core may comprise a plurality of pores and the at least one photoluminescent dye may comprise a reference dye, insensitive to its environment and analytes and a sensor dye, sensitive to either or both of the foregoing. The sensor particles may be employed to sense unknown environmental conditions or analytes in biological or non-biological systems, in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system allows the operator to certify the integrity of the filters within the filter housing at the customer site without additional equipment. In one embodiment, a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is added to a carrier and injected into the system. The concentration of tracer gas at a specific operating transmembrane pressure is indicative of bubble pointing specific pores in the filter. This test will give a more sensitive indication of the bubble point and the presence of defects than a standard diffusion test. In a second embodiment, two gasses, in a known ratio, are introduced into the filter housing.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide for an alternative for analyzing fluids. To this end a device for analyzing fluids comprising magnetic particles is provided, the device comprising magnetic means for generating a magnetic field designed for exerting a magnetic force to the magnetic particles creating a movement of the fluid comprising targets and a membrane with an array for moving the fluid through or along the array.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, and, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing probes having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, and, probes in the outer casing for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, the probes each having a fluorophore such that the probe-target hybrids emit a fluorescence signal in response to exposure to an excitation light, wherein, the fluorophore has a fluorescence lifetime greater than 100 nanoseconds.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a probe with a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid and generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate for operative control of the excitation light.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence, the microfluidic device having a probe for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe having a fluorophore for generating fluorescence emissions in response to an excitation light, a photodiode for detecting the fluorescence emissions, and, CMOS circuitry activating the photodiode, wherein, the fluorophore has a fluorescence lifetime longer than 100 nanoseconds.

Abstract: A LOC device having a supporting substrate, a primer-linked, linear probe with a nucleic acid sequence that matches a target nucleic acid sequence, and a primer for elongating against the target nucleic acid sequence to form a complementary sequence such that during use the nucleic acid sequence matching the target nucleic acid sequence anneals to the complementary sequence to change a fluorescence emission from the probe in response to an excitation light, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry having operative control of the excitation light.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a method for discriminating between and counting at least two populations of biological elements carrying specific characteristics, optionally present in a sample. The invention allows the clear and unambiguous detection of at least three populations of biological elements by the use of only two detection means, which means that at least two populations of biological elements are detected by one and the same detection means. The invention can be carried out if three different probes are used, each recognizing and becoming fixed to one of the populations of biological elements to be detected, each of the probes being itself rendered detectable by a different marker, two of said markers having two emission spectra having at least one common part (overlapping emission spectra) and the third having an emission spectrum having essentially no part in common with the other two (non-overlapping spectrum).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing binding assays. In particular, the invention relates to a centrifugal device for performing such assays. The invention also relates to a method of performing binding assays involving antigen-antibody binding, nucleic acid hybridization, or receptor-ligand interaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus includes a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide includes a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further includes a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of amphipathic polymers to enhance lateral flow and reagent mixing on assay devices. More specifically, the invention relates to use of an amphipathic polymer in assay methods including a device for determining the concentration of lipids in blood serum or plasma.

Abstract: [Technical Problem] It is an object to provide a microchip solution sending system that is provided with the high reaction efficiency and the high detection accuracy. [Solution of Problem] A microchip solution sending system comprises a fine flow passage that is provided with a reaction field to which an antibody that reacts with a specific antigen is fixed and a solution sending pump that is configured to send a specimen material solution that includes the specific antigen, wherein a specimen material solution passes through a reaction field of a fine flow passage in a repetitive manner in the case in which the solution sending pump sends the specimen material solution, and a flow rate of a specimen material solution that is sent by the solution sending pump is in the range of 1,000 ?l/min to 50,000 ?l/min.

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A method and sensor for the detection of luminescence radiation generated by at least one luminophore is disclosed.