Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: A general methodology for the development of highly sensitive and selective sensors that can achieve portable, low-cost and quantitative detection of a broad range of targets using only a personal glucose meter (PGM) is disclosed. The method uses recognition molecules that are specific for a target agent, enzymes that can convert an enzyme substrate into glucose, and PGM. Also provided are sensors, which can include a solid support to which is attached a recognition molecule that permits detection of a target agent, wherein the recognition molecule specifically binds to the target agent in the presence of the target agent but not significantly to other agents as well as an enzyme that can catalyze the conversion of a substance into glucose, wherein the enzyme is attached directly or indirectly to the recognition molecule, and wherein in the presence of the target agent the enzyme can convert the substance into glucose. The disclosed sensors can be part of a lateral flow device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor system comprising a light source, a cartridge adapted to be illuminated by said light source, a light detector adapted for detecting a signal originating from the cartridge, an illumination control means adapted to vary the illumination of the cartridge between at least two different states, a means for generating a first oscillation with a first frequency, and a means for generating a second oscillation with a second frequency, wherein the frame rate of the light detector is triggered by the first oscillation and the illumination control means is triggered by the second oscillation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting sandwich assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes on a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a capture agent, a target analyte, and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling device is provided. A mesh (120) may be used to guide blood or fluid to travel directly form the wound to an analyte detecting port on the cartridge (121). Thus the volume of blood or body fluid produced at the wound site irregardless of its droplet geometry can be reliable and substantially completely transported to the analyte detecting member (150) for measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical detector at least including: a first substrate in which a plurality of wells are formed; a second substrate in which a heating section is provided to heat the wells; a third substrate in which a plurality of photoirradiation sections are provided in alignment with the wells; and a fourth substrate in which a plurality of photodetection sections are provided in alignment with the wells.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transport unit for transporting a sample container to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining measurement item information indicating a measurement item of the sample contained in the sample container; and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the second measurement unit when a first measurement item and a second measurement item different from the first measurement item are indicated in the measurement item information, and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit when the first measurement item is indicated and the second measurement item is not indicated in the measurement item information.

Abstract: The invention relates to tunable elastomeric nanochannels for nanofluidic manipulation. In particular, the present invention relates to nanochannels for performing biological assays.

Abstract: Some embodiments comprise a sample dispersion system including a sample container having a housing with two or more orifices to control the introduction of said fluid and/or the passage of carrier solution into the sample container and/or the passage of fluid from the sample container. The carrier fluid may be moving in a flow from an inlet orifice to an outlet orifice in order to disperse the sample fluid in flow. The sample container may be configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the fluid flow. The sample container may be configured to rotate (or tilt) about an axis substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow. The sample container may alternate from a first position to a second position at controllable rate, frequency, and/or direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simple device for a membrane assay using the lateral flow immunoassay method, whereby a subject to be detected can be detected at a high sensitivity, provided with, as a label drying pad, a substrate which has a higher tensile strength than glass fiber and can well release a label. The present invention provides a simple membrane assay device, comprising: a supporting board, a sample supply part, a label containing a labeling component which labels a subject to be detected, a development part formed with a detection part which includes a trapping reagent for detecting or quantifying the subject to be detected, and an absorption part, wherein a non-woven fabric which includes fibers having a fiber diameter of 0.05 to 10 ?m is used in the labeling component part.

Abstract: An optic light guide test sensor comprises a light guide, a reagent-coated membrane, and a mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and the mesh layer are attached to the light guide at an output end of the light guide. The light guide test sensor is adapted to be used to test the level of an analyte in a biological fluid sample when used with a readhead. A method of manufacturing the light guide test sensor involves providing a plurality of light guides, providing a strip of reagent-coated membrane, and providing a strip of mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer are attached to the light guides by ultrasonic welding. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer may also be attached to the light guides by adhesive.

Abstract: A composite detection device having in-line desalting is provided. The composite detection device comprises a membrane configured for desalting at least a portion of an analyte stream, and a nanostructure for detecting a bio-molecule or a bio-molecule interaction, wherein the nanostructure and the membrane are arranged such that an analyte stream desalted at least in part by the membrane is detected by the nanostructure. A bio-sending detection system having the composite detection device and method of fabrication of the composite detection device are also provided.

Abstract: We describe a thermal cycler comprising a Peltier-type thermoelectric element used for cooling a sample block, and a non-Peltier-type heating device for heating the sample block. The cycler also includes a heat sink connected to the Peltier-type element by a heat pipe, which permits thermal energy to transfer from the Peltier-type element to the heat sink. This configuration operates more efficiently than conventional thermal cyclers which use Peltier-type elements for heating and cooling, and allows a more rapid cycling time as well as operation in a wider range of ambient temperatures. Certain embodiments utilise the Peltier-type element as a thermal gate to reduce thermal loss during heating when the Peltier-type element is switched off.

Abstract: Activation of an enzyme in a bodily fluid is detected based on the amount of cleavage of a substrate for the enzyme. The substrate is tagged with two fluorescent dyes—a donor and an acceptor. The tagged substrate is presented to the bodily fluid. A device emits energy at a first wavelength into the bodily fluid, and detects energy at second and third wavelengths emitted by the dyes in response to the energy at the first wavelength. Prior to enzymatic cleavage of the substrate, the acceptor emits energy at the third wavelength in response to energy at the second wavelength received through fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) from the donor. After enzymatic cleavage of the substrate, the donor emits energy at the second wavelength. The device can determine the concentration of activated enzyme within the bodily fluid based on the relative intensities of energy at the second and third wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette tip (100, 200, 201, 300) comprising a tip body (110) having an inner surface and an outer surface (112). The inner surface (111) defines an inner cavity (120, 320), which has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has an upper opening (131); and the lower end has a lower opening (141). At least a part of the inner surface (111) is provided with capturing agents (151) of at least one type forming at least one capturing-agent region (150) on the at least one inner surface. The at least one capturing agent region (150) is capable of selectively binding target substances (152) of at least one type comprised in a sample to form at least agent-target conjugates (155), the arrangement of which define at least one agent-target region (156).

Abstract: A general methodology for highly sensitive and selective sensors that can achieve portable, low-cost and quantitative detection of a broad range of targets using only a personal glucose meter (PGM) is disclosed. The method and sensors take advantage of the ability of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to convert glucose-1-phosphate to glucose, and the ability of PGMs to detect the generated glucose. The disclosed sensors can be part of a lateral flow device. Methods of using such sensors for detecting target agents, for example to diagnose disease, are also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor elastometry device (MSED) and a method to perform the whole blood thromboelastography assay. It contains key components, including sample cuvette, detecting head, rotating disc, optical motion detector, and etc; and measures viscoelasticity of whole blood samples. The device optically monitors the physical motion of the magnetically driven rotating disc immersed in the blood sample. The thromboelastograph is recorded by the optical motion detector reading high pulse counts through a gated time window passing through the rotating disc. The device also includes a microcontroller and its embedded firmware to perform the functions of driving the rotating magnetic disc, generating high-frequency pulses, controlling the data pulse time window, as well as handling the user's interface, data analysis, and maintaining communication with an external computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for detecting efficient cryptic HIV replication in a patient who receives a suppressive antiviral therapy followed by administration of the HIV integrase inhibitor in an effective amount for intensifying the suppressive antiviral therapy, and has undetectable plasma viremia prior to the administration of the HIV integrase inhibitor. The method comprises making a pre-intensification measurement and one or more post-intensification measurements of the concentration of an episomal artifact in samples from the patient, and computing a pre-intensification HIV infection success ratio (R). A pre-intensification HIV infection success ratio (R) sufficiently close to 1 indicates that the patient has the efficient cryptic HIV replication. The method may further comprise quantifying the efficient cryptic HIV replication.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed. The sample analyzer comprises: a reader for reading ID of a sample from a sample container; an aspirator that aspirates a sample in a sample container; an analyzing section that analyzes the aspirated sample; a manual input receiver for receiving a manual input of an ID of a sample; an start instruction receiver for receiving a start instruction to cause the aspirator to aspirate a sample; and a controller. When receiving the start instruction without receiving the manual input, the controller controls the reader to read an ID from a sample container and then controls the aspirator to aspirate the sample from the sample container. When receiving the start instruction after receiving the manual input, the controller controls the aspirator to aspirate a sample without reading of an ID of the sample.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally related to differentiating and/or separating portions of a sample that are of interest from the remainder of the sample. Embodiments may be directed towards separating cells of interest from a cell sample. In some embodiments, acoustic impedances of the cells of interest may be modified. For example, the acoustic properties of the cells of interest may be modified by attaching bubbles to the cells of interest. The cell sample may then be subjected to an acoustic wave. The cells of interest may be differentiated and/or separated from the remainder of the sample based on relative displacements and/or volumetric changes experienced by the cells of interest in response thereto. The cells of interest may be separated using a standing wave and sorted into separate channels of a flow cell. Optionally, the cells may be interrogated by a light source and differentiated by signals generated in response thereto.

Abstract: The document proposes a diagnostic chewing gum for identifying the presence of inflammatory tissues in the mouth, in particular in or adjacent to the mandible, the maxilla, an implant or the teeth of a user, comprising a base material or particles (3) embedded and/or attached to said base material; an element (1, 5-7), like e.g. a releasable flavor molecule, attached to said base material and/or said particles, for the generation of a change in the chewing gum directly detectable by the user; wherein the element (1, 5-7) generates the change upon direct or indirect contact with a marker (4), e.g. a proteolytic enzyme, which is released by inflammatory tissue in response to bacterial mediators.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining whether a subject has a graft tolerant phenotype. In practicing the subject methods, the expression of at least one gene in a sample from the subject, e.g., a blood sample, is assayed to obtain an expression evaluation for the at least one gene. The obtained expression evaluation is then employed to determine whether the subject has a graft tolerant phenotype. Also provides are compositions, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including the determination of an immunosuppressive therapy regimen.

Abstract: A computer includes a number of hard disk drives (HDDs), a number of Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connectors correspondingly connected to the HDDs, and a number of jumpers. Each SATA connector includes a power supply pin, a spin-up pin, a ground pin, and a pin base with first to third pins. The first to the third pins are respectively connected to the power supply pin, the spin-up pin, and the ground pin. The second pin of each SATA connector is connected to either the first pin or the third pin by a corresponding jumper, thereby the corresponding HDD starts up with the computer or starts up at a preset time after the computer has started up.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of ammonium acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of ammonium acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of ammonium acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the ammonium acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring at least one bioprocess parameter utilizes a barrier that separates an external sensor from a culture medium. The barrier allows analytes to diffuse in and out of the culture vessel, thereby allowing the bioprocess parameter to be measured non-invasively by the external sensor.

Abstract: Systems for sterile separation of magnetically labeled sample components and methods for using the same are provided. Embodiments of the systems include a magnetic separation device and a pliant sample container, where a portion of the pliant sample container is operatively coupled under pressure to the magnetic separation device. Also provided are methods of using the systems, as well as pliant sample containers configured for use with the subject systems and methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to amino acid, modified amino acid, peptide and protein identification and sequencing, by means of, for example, electronic detection of individual amino acids or small peptides.

Abstract: An integrated device for diagnostic analyzes used to verify the presence of bacteria in at least a biological sample mixed with a eugonic culture medium in liquid form, to classify at least the type of bacteria, and to test a series of antibiotics, selected from a group of characteristic antibiotics at least for the type of bacteria identified, identifying those effective to determine the antibiotic therapy. The device comprises, inside an integrated structure, first containing means provided with containing elements in which the biological samples to be analyzed are distributed, second containing means comprising recipients or micro-plates thermostated with wells containing a eugonic culture medium in liquid form in which a first fraction of the biological samples to be analyzed is dispensed, and a first recipient and second recipients or plates with a relative first well and second wells in which a further fraction of the biological samples which resulted positive to the analysis is dispensed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein to improve on and expand the range of electrical and electromagnetic frequencies used in therapeutic electro medical devices. The present invention uses electrical and electromagnetic frequency generators and detectors integrated with a live cell imaging system that provides feedback to the frequency generators using data derived from said imaging system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing an amount of unwanted living organisms within an algae cultivation fluid are provided herein. According to some embodiments, methods may include subjecting the algae cultivation fluid to an amount of cavitation, the amount of cavitation being defined by a pressure differential between a downstream pressure and a vapor pressure, the pressure differential divided by half of a product of a fluid density multiplied by a square of a velocity of an apparatus throat.

Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is that can be connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from a sample and a device that is suitable therefore.

Abstract: A vertical clamping device is provided that supports a flow cell component in a vertical configuration in which the flow cell is on an opposite side of the vertical support from the electronic interface. The clamp includes a vertical setting to receive the flow cell component and provides an electronic interface on a vertical surface of the vertical setting. A block supports the fluidics interface and can move in a horizontal direction bringing the fluidics interface into contact with the flow cell component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that utilizes a radiation source and a simulated microgravity to provide combined stressors. The response of cells/bacteria/viruses and/or other living matter to the combined stressors can be evaluated to predict the effects of extended space missions. The apparatus and method can also be utilized to study diseases and to develop new treatments and vaccinations.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a lab-on-a-chip product are described for the detection of pathogens, infectious diseases and physiological conditions by quantifying change over time of one of capacitance or impedance when a biological sample is loaded onto the chip. The lab-on-a-chip utilizes AC electrokinetic phenomena such that molecules move or are carried in an electric field generated by the application of a signal of predetermined voltage and frequency to an electrode array. In particular, an electrode array of a conductive material is constructed on a substrate that may comprise silicon or quartz/glass or other known substrate, in one embodiment, a molecular probe comprising a bacterial antigen, an antibody against pathogen an antibody against protein or other biomarker is dispersed on the electrode array and blocked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of microorganisms in a liquid sample. A vessel with an electrode disposed therein receives a volume of liquid to be tested. A second electrode is also provided, both electrodes in physical contact with the liquid sample. A time varying signal is applied to one electrode, and the other electrode is coupled to a phase sensitive signal detector. The phase sensitive signal detector determines a frequency at which an out of phase signal amplitude is zero. This zero-crossing frequency is used as a baseline, and changes in the zero-crossing frequency are an indication of microbial growth.

Abstract: A sample support structure comprising a sample support manufactured from a semiconductor material and having one or more openings therein. Methods of making and using the sample support structure.

Abstract: A reagent composition containing GDH-PQQ as an enzyme-co-factor and screen-printed on working and counter electrodes of electrochemical biosensors, maintains activity of the enzyme reagents by proper selection of components. A preferred composition includes hydrophilic polymers, amorphous untreated silica, buffers, surfactants, and a mediator. For example, the biosensor is useful in the amperometric determination of glucose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (a measurement device) for on-line measurements on cells, in particular for measuring soluble analytes and dissolved gases on samples in a sample area.

Abstract: A system and method for the processing of nucleic acids containing fluids involving manipulation of magnetically responsive particles contained therein are disclosed. In the system, a holder holds a plurality of containers containing the fluids, a heating device applies thermal energy to the fluids for incubation, and a separating device magnetically separates the particles. The heating and separating devices move into at least one operative position for processing the fluids and at least one inoperative position with respect to the containers, in which the containers are kept stationary at least during and in-between incubating the fluids and manipulating the magnetically responsive particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple analyte analysis are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes determining concentrations of first and second analytes in a sample. The first and second analytes may be, for example, glucose and hydroxybutyrate. In this form, an indication related to the measured concentration of hydroxybutyrate is provided in response to determining that the concentration of hydroxybutyrate is above a predetermined value. In a further aspect of this form, a quantitative indication representative of the measured glucose concentration is automatically provided regardless of the value of the measured glucose concentration. In another embodiment, a system includes a meter configured to interact with a test element to assess first and second analytes in a sample. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the description and drawings.

Abstract: A microchip capable of sending liquid in a micro flow channel to a predetermined place irrespective of the pressure difference and sending a mixture of two or more liquid masses to a predetermined place even if the channel structure is simple. The microchip comprises an intermediate reservoir portion provided in a micro flow channel and adapted for temporarily holding liquid sent through the micro flow channel. The microchip is characterized in that the intermediate reservoir portion has a side channel, the volume of the intermediate reservoir portion is smaller than the total volume of the liquid sent into the intermediate reservoir portion, the side channel is provided for communication of a micro flow channel on the upstream side of the intermediate reservoir portion with a micro flow channel on the downstream side thereof, and the cross-section area of the side channel is smaller than that of the micro flow channel.

Abstract: Assays used in conjunction with a thermal contrast reader are disclosed. In the assay, the test strip includes materials that can develop a thermal response if a target analyte is present in a sample. The thermal contrast reader includes housing having an opening to receive the test strip at a test location, an energy source directed at the test location and a heat sensor directed at the test location. The heat sensor is configured to sense heating of the test strip upon activation of the heat source at the test location, if the target analyte is present in the sample. The heat sensor can provide sensor output using diagnostic circuitry coupled to the sensor output and configured to provide a diagnostic output. The diagnostic output can indicate the diagnostic condition of the patient as a function of the sensor output. The present disclosure also includes methods of detecting target analytes and kits comprising lateral flow assays and thermal contrast reader.

Abstract: A method of sampling biological or biochemical species, comprising the following steps: a) arranging a capture surface (SC) for said biological or biochemical species in contact with a biological tissue or fluid (TB); and b) rinsing said surface to remove biological or biochemical species that have not been adsorbed; the method being characterised in that said capture surface is the surface of a nanoporous material (MC). A method of analysing said biological or biochemical species, characterised by the use of said surface as an analysis support. The analysis may in particular be performed using a method selected from mass spectroscopy with laser desorption and fluorescence imaging.

Abstract: A reagent including a combination of a polyanionic compound and a bivalent cationic compound contains one substance selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, gluconic acid, alanine, glycine, valine, histidine, maltitol, and mannitol or at least one compound of the substance. A dry state of the reagent and deliquescence can be improved.

Abstract: A device and a process are proposed for separating constituents of a sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid is supplied by capillary force to a receiving region (7) for metering, stopping or delaying the sample fluid and the sample fluid is pre-treated with a soluble chemical (13) in the receiving region (7) before the sample fluid is supplied to a separating device (5) for separating off constituents of the sample fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a sample using microwaves comprises: a reaction vessel comprising a chamber which accommodates a refrigerant and a sample and an injection port through which a gas is injected; a microwave source which irradiates microwaves into the chamber; a connector which carries the gas injected through the injection port; and a gas supplier which is located in the chamber and injects the gas carried by the connector to a refrigerant in the chamber. The connector may comprise a gas carrying portion located above the level of the refrigerant in the chamber.

Abstract: In a housing configured to mount thereon a biosensor in an attachable and detachable manner in which the biosensor is configured to have a liquid sample of a biological object deposited thereon, the medial measuring device includes a measuring component operable to measure biological information from the liquid sample of the biological object, a recording component operable to store a result measured by the measuring component, and an information protection component operable to determine an access limitation to personal information data stored in the recording component. With this configuration of the device, it is possible to properly protect personal information stored in the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dielectrokinetic chromatography. As disclosed, the devices comprise microchannels having at least one perturber which produces a non-uniformity in a field spanning the width of the microchannel. The interaction of the field non-uniformity with a perturber produces a secondary flow which competes with a primary flow. By decreasing the size of the perturber the secondary flow becomes significant for particles/analytes in the nanometer-size range. Depending on the nature of a particle/analyte present in the fluid and its interaction with the primary flow and the secondary flow, the analyte may be retained or redirected. The composition of the primary flow can be varied to affect the magnitude of primary and/or secondary flows on the particles/analytes and thereby separate and concentrate it from other particles/analytes.