Abstract: A method to classify and identify microorganisms using the FTIR ATR technique.

Abstract: A size reduction in an optical system that detects a fluorescent photon is achieved. A photon detection operation of a photon detection unit (21) is controlled on the basis of timing of an irradiation operation of an excitation light source (50), and after excitation light emitted to a microfluidic channel (10) is switched off, a fluorescent photon generated by a target flowing in the microfluidic channel (10) is detected.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a microorganism in a fluid sample is disclosed. The method includes providing a fluid specimen within a specimen collection container having a sidewall defining an interior therein. The interior includes a mechanical separator adapted for separating the fluid sample into first and second phases within the specimen collection container and a sensing element capable of detecting the presence of a microorganism disposed therein. The method includes subjecting the specimen collection container to applied rotational force to isolate a concentrated microorganism region. The method also includes detecting by a sensing element the presence or absence of a microorganism within the concentrated microorganism region.

Abstract: A cell transfer apparatus transfers cells from a dish in which the cells are held to a microplate where a plurality of wells are classified into a plurality of groups. The cell transfer apparatus includes a camera unit that captures an image of the dish with the cells being held in the dish, an evaluation unit that gives evaluation levels to the plurality of cells held in the dish, respectively, based on the image of the dish with reference to predetermined multiple-step evaluation level for the cells, an allocation processor that sets transfer destinations of the cells on the dish so that the cells equal in evaluation level are distributed evenly to the groups in the microplate, and a shaft controller that transfers the cells in accordance with the transfer destinations set by the allocation processor.

Abstract: Single dye fluorescent staining (with a membrane-associated dye such as FM 1-43 or FM 4-64) and the combination of differences in both intensity and spectral emission discriminate live from inactivated/dead bacteria and provides for rapid and accurate detection of live bacteria in mixed populations.

Abstract: Various embodiments of fluidic devices and methods of the present teaching can provide precision on-device loading of fluidic samples, and merging, mixing, and splitting of the fluidic samples, in illustrative embodiments as droplets, using pressures that can be provided by standard laboratory liquid handling equipment. Various embodiments of fluidic devices of the present teachings can provide on-device manipulation of accurate and precise fluidic volumes at the picoliter to nanoliter scale for each steps from fluidic sample loading to fluidic sample splitting. Various embodiments of fluidic elements of the present teachings, for example, but not limited by, various embodiments of fluidic traps of the present teachings, can have a constrained and measurable geometry, allowing for accurate and precise tuning of each fluidic sample volume throughout the on-device liquid handling process.

Abstract: A fiber optic analyte sensing needle 10 with a photoluminescent analyte-sensitive probe 70 nonadherently entrapped within the lumen 29 of the needle 20 between the distal tip 51 of a fiber optic filament 50 and the distal tip 21 of the needle 20. The probe 70 has unimpeded fluid communication with the external environment through a port 28 in the needle 20.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an imaging device for multi-color imaging using frequency-modulated illumination. The method comprises a step of providing electromagnetic radiation with a plurality of different wavelengths, comprising a step of modulating each wavelength with a different modulation frequency, a step of illuminating a target with the modulated electromagnetic radiation, in particular for excitation of a target, a step of sensing electromagnetic radiation emitted from the target, in particular the luminescence, more in particular the fluorescence, and a step of processing the data obtained in the step of sensing.

Abstract: A construct for detecting cellular membrane potential includes a nanoparticle operable as an electron donor; a modular peptide attached to the nanoparticle, the peptide comprising a nanoparticle association domain, a motif configured to mediate peptide insertion into the plasma membrane, and at least one attachment point for an electron acceptor positioned at a controlled distance from the nanoparticle; and an electron acceptor. The nanoparticle can be a quantum dot and the electron acceptor can be C60 fullerene. Emission correlates with cellular membrane potential.

Abstract: An improved system, method and interface for automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is disclosed which includes, in one aspect, a carrier population station comprising a workstation having a graphic user interface (GUI). The GUI accepts information from a lab technologist, including information related to a scope of testing to be performed on a microorganism containing sample. The GUI controls intelligent assignment of microorganism containing samples to test panels in a manner that maximize utilization of the test carrier by grouping together samples of similar tests scopes and advantageously testing those samples using one multiplexed test panel. Customizing workflow in accordance with test scope to facilitate parallel processing of multiple samples advantageously reduces laboratory waste, decreases test latencies, increases AST system throughput and efficiency, and thus lowers the costs to the AST lab.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser diode based optical sensor system capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of a microorganism culture in real-time. The microorganism culture from a microorganism production chamber is pumped to a flow chamber. Laser diodes emit light at certain wavelengths through the flow chamber, which is sensed by photodiodes. A laser control circuitry is operatively connected to the laser diodes and a signal conditioning circuitry is operatively connected to the photodiodes. A microprocessor reads and records voltage signals corresponding to the wavelengths. A data acquisition system converts said voltage signals into measurements of biological parameters, which are displayed on a graphical user interface and allow a user to monitor the measurements in real time.

Abstract: Our high phase sensitivity wide-field phase cancellation interferometry system allows single-shot, label-free optical sensing of neural action potentials via imaging of optical path length changes. Single-shot sensing and monitoring of single neurons within a neural network should lead to a more comprehensive understanding neural network processing, which is beneficial for the advancement in the field of neuroscience as well as its biomedical applications and impact. Our system cancels the phase profile of the resting neuron from the phase profile of the spiking neuron, improving the sensitivity by two orders of magnitude. Using a detector with an extremely large well depth and an appropriately biased interferometer increases the sensitivity by another order of magnitude, yielding a measurement that is three orders of magnitude more sensitive than those possible with other microscopes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for diagnosing Niemann-Pick disease in a subject comprising a step a), wherein the step a) comprises detecting a biomarker in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of fixing and staining rare cells. Further, disclosed herein are methods of identifying circulating tumor cells (CTC). In some embodiments, the method includes: imaging a cell sample to identify a cell of interest; determining a first pixel intensity of a stained nuclear area; determining a second pixel intensity of a background area; calculating a ploidy status of the cell of interest by subtracting the second pixel intensity from the first pixel intensity; and determining whether the cell of interest is a CTC based on the ploidy status. The method may be computer implemented, such that the method uses a machine learning algorithm to identify a feature; process the feature to extract a parameter of interest; analyze the parameter of interest; and when the parameter of interest is greater than or less than a predetermined threshold, classify the cell of interest as a CTC.

Abstract: Method of inhibiting live grazing organisms in an algae composition are disclosed, which do not inhibit the algae. In certain embodiments the concentration of algae increases. In other embodiments the mortality of live grazing organisms is complete. The method contacts an algae composition with wastewater comprising free ammonia and maintaining pH of at least 8 for more than two hours.

Abstract: A non-destructive iterative interferometric tomographic technique for imaging and reconstruction of phase objects as well as objects with complex permittivity and, particularly, to iterative optical diffraction tomographic (iODT) imaging and reconstruction of phase objects with high refractive index (RI) contrast, complex structures, and/or large optical path differences (OPDs) against the background, which cause multiple scattering, and applications thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of using a cell-derived extracellular matrix derived in-vitro from cells isolated from amniotic fluid (AFC-ECM) for the maturation of immature cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (immature hiPSC-CMs) in culture forming mature cardiomyocytes. Also disclosed herein is a cell construct comprising a monolayer of these mature cardiomyocytes on an AFC-ECM useful for cardiotoxicity and/or proarrhythmic screening assays of drug compounds. Also disclosed herein are methods for determining the cardiotoxicity and/or proarrhythmic effect of a drug compound in vitro using such cell constructs.

Abstract: A laboratory automation system for processing sample containers containing laboratory samples and/or for processing the samples is presented. The laboratory automation system comprises a digital camera configured to take an image of the sample container together with a calibration element. The image comprises image data related to the sample container and image data related to the calibration element. The laboratory automation system also comprises an image processing device configured to determine geometrical properties of the sample container depending on the image data related to the sample container and the image data related to the calibration element.

Abstract: A method of storing remote sensing big data in a Hbase database. The method includes: obtaining a remote sensing image, and pre-cropping the remote sensing image based on a Google S2 algorithm; selecting a grid level based on a resolution of the remote sensing image; demarcating a coverage scope of the remote sensing image; calculating grids covered within the coverage scope; cropping the remote sensing image according to the grids, to yield a plurality of image blocks, and serializing the plurality of image blocks; establishing an Hbase table; establishing a table storage model containing RowKey, and calculating the RowKey according to attributes of an image block; and integrating data structure of multi-source remote sensing image data according to attribute expression of a zoned remote sensing image in a plurality of dimensions, and storing serialized image blocks in an Hbase database according to the RowKey.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention generally relate to prolonging viability of bodily tissue, especially lung tissue, through the use of an expandable accumulator to maintain a constant pressure within the lumen of the organ even during external pressure fluctuations due to, for example, flight. Systems and methods may include prolonging donor organ viability in storage through the use of an organ container that mimics the geometry and orientation of the organ in vivo.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system with a minute measure of pulsatility in a flow of a fluid is described that comprises a first pump configured to flow the fluid to a junction at a first flow rate that comprises a measure of pulsatility; and a second pump configured to flow a portion of the fluid from the junction at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate to produce a flow of the fluid at a third flow rate from the junction with a minute measure of pulsatility.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are carbon nanotube arrays as well as transfer systems comprising said carbon nanotube arrays and an administration platform. The disclosed carbon nanotube arrays can also be provided in kits further comprising a culture platform. Also disclosed herein is the use of said carbon nanotube arrays and transfer systems in administering agents to a cell.

Abstract: In related-art methods of differentiating pluripotent stem cells into a desired cell type, there has not been established a differentiation induction method using human ES/iPS cells and being stable and highly efficient. The use of complicated culture steps is a large problem. In addition, there are also large problems in, for example, that the speed of cell differentiation is low, and hence long-period culture is required, and that the differentiation efficiency is low, and hence it is difficult to obtain a sufficient number of required cells. A method of inducing differentiation into a desired cell type, which induces differentiation within a short period of time and with high efficiency by the use of a Sendai virus vector capable of expressing a transcription factor, and as required, the use of a pluripotent stem cell in which an expression amount of a POU5F1 protein has been substantially removed or reduced, is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for inducing mesoderm, comprising a step of bringing pluripotent stem cells into contact with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) or CHIR for at least 3 days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel label-free tomographic interferometry technique implemented inside an environmental chamber (e.g. imaging incubator) that provides rapid capturing of the three-dimensional (3-D) refractive index distribution of biological cells.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a trajectory parameter of particles, comprising receiving a plurality of particles at a microfluidic channel, applying a force to each particle of the microfluidic channel, acquiring a dataset of each particle, measuring a trajectory of the particle, and determining a trajectory parameter of the particles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for crop grading and crop management. One or more images of crops are obtained and one or more crop related features are at least one of identified or extracted from the one or more images. A crop health status is determined based on the one or more crop related features, an environmental context, a growth stage of the crop, and a farm cohort by using a computerized deep learning system to perform an automated growth stage analysis. One or more actions are at least one of recommended, triggered, and performed.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic chip having an inlet/outlet structure optimized for sealing an inlet/outlet of a microfluidic chip using a UV curable sealing material, a microfluidic chip having the inlet/outlet structure, and a method of sealing the inlet/outlet of the microfluidic chip using a UV curable sealing material. It is possible to provide a semi-permanent seal with less contamination from a fluid sample or a harmful reagent, and the inlet/outlet of the microfluidic chip can be firmly sealed using simple equipment and without high-temperature/high-pressure conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer implemented method of analysing data comprising measured values of characteristics of objects in samples, the data comprising —a first set of data (Xireference)? with measured values of characteristics of objects in reference samples; —a test set of data (Xitest) with measured values of the characteristics of objects in a test sample; characterised by the method comprising; —fitting a control model to the first set of data to determine control loadings (Pcontrol) each representing an independent correlation between characteristics; —projecting the first set of data (Xireference) onto the control loadings (Pcontrol) for determining a first set control scores (Tcontrol,ireference) and determining one or more confidence intervals for the first set of control scores (Tcontrol,ireference); —projecting the test data onto the control loadings (Pcontrol) for determining test control scores; —determining if the test control scores are within one or more the confidence intervals.

Abstract: Self-delivering PTEN RNA and methods of reducing PTEN expression are provided herein. Also provided are methods of treating spinal cord injury (SCI) and other neurotrauma with PTEN sdRNA.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying microbiological constituents in the middle ear. A spectrometer receives Raman-scattered light from the region of the tympanic membrane and resolves spectral features of the Raman-scattered light. A processor receives the interferometry signal and the Raman signal, and generates a Raman spectrum of the tympanic membrane and material adjacent thereto. In some embodiments of the invention, low-coherence light and substantially monochromatic excitation light are directed onto a tympanic membrane of the ear of a person via an otoscopic tip that abuts the ear canal. An interferometer combines scattered low-coherence light from the ear tissue with a reference signal to generate an interferometric signal.

Abstract: A biological sample analyzer includes: a camera 201a imaging a blood collection tube 209 containing a biological sample; an image processing section 201b and a comparative analysis section 206 that analyze the image imaged by the camera in order to extract an existence region of the biological sample; a light source 203a1, a photo sensor 203a2 and a liquid-level position detection section 203b that detect the amount of transmitted light in the blood collection tube 209 in order to detect a liquid-level position of the biological sample; and the comparative analysis section 206 that, based on the extracted existence region of the biological sample and the detected liquid-level position of the biological sample, identifies a determination target portion for a category of the biological sample, and acquires color information on the identified portion, in order to determine a category of the biological sample contained in the blood collection tube 209.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bacteria analyzing method comprising: irradiating with light a measurement sample prepared by mixing a specimen and a reagent; obtaining two types of optical information from each of at least some particles contained in the measurement sample; and generating a measurement result of the specimen with a flag representing morphological characteristics of bacteria contained in the specimen based on both of: (i) information indicative of a characteristic of a distribution pattern of particles plotted in a first region of a coordinate space including at least two axes, wherein the two types of optical information are scalable along the respective axes, and (ii) information representing a number of particles plotted in a second region being a part of the first region.

Abstract: Biological indicators may be improperly activated. The disclosed subject matter is directed to methods of confirming that a biological indicator having an ampule containing a growth medium has been properly activated such that it may be assayed. The methods may include the steps of measuring a first fluorescence intensity of the biological indicator, heating the biological indicator; quenching the fluorescence intensity of the biological indicator from the first fluorescence intensity to a second fluorescence intensity, measuring the second fluorescence intensity; comparing the second fluorescence intensity and first fluorescence intensity to obtain a comparison value; and determining that the comparison value corresponds to a quenching metric of the liquid growth medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for synthesizing hyperpolarized xenon-129 (HP Xe) biosensors by using pseudo-rotaxane structures of gamma-cyclodextrin. These supramolecular complexes form novel ternary structures in the presence of HP Xe which can be detected via 129Xe MR spectroscopy and imaging techniques. The rotaxane-type complex can be tagged with an affinity label for detecting a target in a biological subject.

Abstract: Novel methods of treating tumors, including neuroendocrine tumors (NET), such as a catecholamine-secreting tumor (CST), are disclosed. The methods include treating Cushing's syndrome in a Cushing's syndrome patient having a NET, such as a CST. Tumors may be treated with a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulator (GRM), such as a GR antagonist (GRA). The novel treatments may treat Cushing's syndrome, may reduce catecholamine production by the tumor, may reduce catecholamine excess, may ameliorate symptoms of catecholamine excess, and may improve the efficacy of ?-adrenergic or ?-adrenergic blockade, somatostatin or somatostatin analog treatment or imaging, or Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy, in patients with a CST. The GRM may reduce the activation of a GR, and may bind to a GR with higher affinity than it binds to a progesterone receptor (PR). In embodiments, the drug may only poorly bind to PR, or may not measurably bind to PR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Adeno-associated virus type 9 methods and materials useful for intrathecal delivery of polynucleotides. Use of the methods and materials is indicated, for example, for treatment of lower motor neuron diseases such as SMA and ALS as well as Pompe disease and lysosomal storage disorders. It is disclosed that administration of a non-ionic, low-osmolar contrast agent, together with a rAAV9 vector for the expression of Survival Motor Neuron protein, improves the survival of SMN mutant mice as compared to the administration of the expression vector alone.

Abstract: A cell observation system includes an imaging element that acquires images of the inside of a culture container in which cells are cultured, the imaging element acquiring the images over time; a computer configured to: quantitatively analyze a culture state of the cells cultured in the culture container on the basis of each of the images acquired by the imaging element; and statistically analyze the quantitatively analyzed data; and a display that displays statistical analysis results in the culture container within a plurality of subculture periods obtained by the computer in a manner allowing comparison of the statistical analysis results.

Abstract: Provided are a cell image evaluation device, method, and program which are capable of performing more accurate and high reliable evaluation even though a captured image of each part to be observed within a container is an image of which contrast is low due to influence of meniscus. The cell image evaluation device includes a region determination unit that determines whether a captured image obtained by capturing an inside of a container that contains a cell is an image obtained by capturing a meniscus region within the container or an image obtained by capturing a non-meniscus region within the container and an image evaluation unit that evaluates a state of the cell included in the captured image. The image evaluation unit evaluates the image of the meniscus region and the image of the non-meniscus region by different evaluation methods.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods, kits, and compositions, for amplifying and detecting a human hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a sample, which comprises a variety of combinations of forward oligonucleotide primers, reverse oligonucleotide primers, and oligonucleotide probes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a first connection unit having a plurality of sensor surfaces and which is adapted to be aseptically connected to a second connection unit mounted e.g. on a flexible bioreactor bag.

Abstract: Herein described is an apparatus for disgregating a biological tissue, such as an adipose tissue including stem and/or multipotent cells for use in regenerative medicine. The apparatus comprises a disposable device having a first duct for the passage of the biological tissue, the first duct having a first end and a second end. Each end of the first duct is configured for connection to an inlet/outlet opening of a respective handling and/or collecting device, particularly a pump device, such as a syringe. The disposable device further comprises an adjustment arrangement operable to cause a reduction of a passage section of the first duct.

Abstract: Methods for identification and quantification of bile acids are disclosed. Bile acids in plasma, serum and/or blood such as a dried blood spot are used to identify subjects with a Niemann-Pick disease. The methods include measuring levels of a bile acid, such as 3?,5?,6?-trihydroxycholanic acid, N-(3?,5?,6?-trihydroxy-cholan-24-oyl)glycine, N-(3?,5?,6?-trihydroxy-cholan-24-oyl)taurine, or a combination thereof. Detection of bile acids involve mass spectroscopy and/or a combination of mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography such as a LC-MS/MS assay. The methods can be used with sphingomyelinase assays to detect, diagnose and differentiate between Niemann-Pick A/B and Niemann-Pick C (NPC) disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for assessing response to inflammatory disease therapy. The methods include placing a subject on a therapeutic regimen and subsequently performing an immunoassay to generate a score based on quantitative data for expression of biomarkers relating to inflammatory biomarkers. The methods further include recommending that the subject either remains on the therapeutic regimen, or is removed from the therapeutic regimen, based on the score.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for analysis of disease cell response to a therapeutic agent. In embodiments, a method comprises administering the therapeutic agent to a disease cell sample from the subject in a device that measures at least one physiological parameter of a cell; determining whether a change occurs in the physiologic parameter of the disease cell sample in response to the therapeutic agent as compared to a baseline measurement or the physiological parameter before administration of the therapeutic agent, and selecting the therapeutic agent that results in the change in the at least one physiologic parameter. In embodiments, the disease cells are whole, viable, and/or label free.

Abstract: A system may include a flow cell through which a plurality of reagents may be pumped during a genetic sequencing operation, an effluent line that, in operation, is to conduct a used reagent, a used reagent valve to receive the used reagent from the effluent line and controllable to select one of a plurality of disposal paths for the used reagent, and control circuitry coupled to the used reagent valve that, in operation, is to control the used reagent valve to select a desired one of the disposal paths depending upon which reagent is being pumped though the flow cell.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stably producing alveolar epithelial progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells, including steps of culturing pluripotent stem cells in (1) a medium containing activin A and a GSK3? inhibitor, (2) a medium containing a BMP inhibitor and a TGF? inhibitor, and (3) a medium containing BMP4, retinoic acid, and a GSK3? inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying and distinguishing different types of nerve cells in ex vivo cell culture, the method comprising the steps of: a) culturing somato-sensory nerve cells ex vivo, b) loading the nerve cells with a calcium, sodium, or voltage-sensitive indicator or expressing a genetically encoded calcium, sodium, or voltage-sensitive indicator, c) pulsing the nerve cells with an electrical train of bipolar square waves at two different voltages and two different frequencies; wherein the first voltage is 10 V/cm or less (low voltage) and the second voltage is between 12 and 20 V/cm (high voltage); and wherein the first frequency is 5 Hz or less (low frequency) and the second frequency is between 15 and 20 Hz (high frequency), and d) detecting activation of the nerve cell by measuring the changes in the signal intensity of the indicator, wherein low voltage and low frequency activation indicates a first type of cell and activation detected only at high voltage indicates a secon

Abstract: It has been found that efficient screening for a compound having anticancer activity can be achieved by selecting a compound having activity to induce alternative autophagy using, as an index, formation of fluorescent bright spots due to aggregation of a lysosomal protein to which a fluorescent protein is attached in cells expressing the lysosomal protein.

Abstract: Described are cell culture solutions and systems for epithelial stem cell and organoid cultures, formation of epithelial constructs and uses of the same in transplantation.