Abstract: Various examples described herein are directed to systems and methods of detecting damage to an analyte sensor using analyte sensor impedance values. In some examples, a method of assessing sensor membrane integrity using sensor electronics comprises determining an impedance parameter of an analyte sensor and determining a membrane integrity state of the analyte sensor based on the impedance parameter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a biological fluid with light are disclosed. The methods and systems provide for determining a target light dose for the biological fluid; loading a treatment container holding the biological fluid into an irradiation chamber of an irradiation device comprising: with the treatment container being supported in the irradiation device in between a first array of light sources and first light energy sensors and a second light energy sensor. The first array of light sources is activated, and a first light intensity is measured with the first light energy sensors. A second light intensity is measured with the second light energy sensor, and the first light intensity is compared to the second light intensity to determine an attenuation factor. The attenuation factor is applied to the first light intensity to determine a time to achieve the target light dose, with the first array of multiple light sources being deactivated after the time to achieve the target light dose has elapsed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture vessel for three-dimensional cell cultivation and a three-dimensional cell co-cultivation method using the same. The culture vessel comprises a well formed by a column positioned thereon and at least one support protruding from the column within the well. In contrast to conventional techniques, the present invention allows cells to be cultured at a position spaced from a culture vessel, thus enjoying the advantage of smoothly supplying oxygen necessary for three-dimensional cell culture structures.

Abstract: An evaluation method is a method for evaluating a cell mass containing a plurality of aggregated cells, and includes an imaging step of capturing an image of light obtained from the cell mass by irradiating the cell mass with light, an analysis step of setting a reference point for the cell mass included in image data obtained by the imaging step, setting sampling circles centered on the reference point, and determining a parameter for a state of the cell mass based on image data included in regions on the sampling circles, and an evaluation step of evaluating the cell mass based on the parameter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for a lighting controller for sea lice detection. In some implementations, a pulse of red light and a pulse of blue light can be timed with the exposure of a camera to capture multiple images of a fish or group of fishes in both red and blue light. By using the captured images with different color light, computers can detect features on the body of a fish including sea lice, skin lesions, shortened operculum or other physical deformities and skin features. Detection results can aid in mitigation techniques or be stored for analytics. For example, sea lice detection results can inform targeted treatments comprised of lasers, fluids, or mechanical devices such as a brush or suction.

Abstract: Device for automatically analyzing micro organisms in an aqueous sample using filter cytometry comprising at least one filter holder and processing modules, wherein the filter holder is arranged to contain a filter for receiving the sample, wherein the processing modules comprise sample application means for applying the sample to the filter in the holder and imaging means for imaging the micro organisms on the filter, wherein the device furthermore comprises displacement means for automatically moving the filter holder between the processing modules and wherein each of the modules and the filter holder are arranged to removable connect for interaction.

Abstract: An electronic device that specifies or determines information associated with an application is described. During operation, the electronic device may identify one or more objects of interest in an acquired image. Then, the electronic device may determine or specify classifications (such as names) for the one or more objects of interest. Moreover, the electronic device may analyze a context of the one or more objects of interest in order to determine one or more inspection criteria. Once the one or more inspection criteria are determined, the electronic device may receive publishing information (such as designated recipients) and privacy settings (such as is the application private or public). Next, the electronic device may generate the application using the specified or determined information, and may publish or provide the application to one or more other electronic devices associated with the designated recipients using the publishing information and the privacy settings.

Abstract: The urine analyzer 10 includes a sample preparation unit 30 for mixing a urine sample with a hemolytic agent to prepare a measurement sample, a flow cell 41 for flowing a measurement sample, a light source 42 for irradiating light on the measurement sample flowing through the flow cell 41, a light receiving unit 50 for receiving scattered light given off from the measurement sample by irradiation of light and outputting a scattered light signal, and an analysis unit 12 for detecting fat particles in the measurement sample by using a parameter reflecting the intensity of the scattered light signal output by the light receiving unit 50, and a parameter reflecting the width of the scattered light signal.

Abstract: When bacteria growth is determined in the related art using an ATP method, the bacteria growth is determined, based on an increase or a decrease in live bacteria ATP with the lapse of a culture time. Accordingly, it is necessary to measure the live bacteria ATP multiple times while antimicrobial susceptibility culture is carried out. It takes time and labor in sample preparation for each measurement, and it is difficult to quickly obtain an antimicrobial susceptibility result. Therefore, according to the present invention, the presence or absence of antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria is determined, based on an ATP luminescence amount derived from dead bacteria in a culture liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing biologic fluid is provided that includes a first planar member, a second planar member, and at least three separators. At least one of planar members is transparent. The separators are disposed between the members, and separate the members to form a chamber having a height. At least one of the members or separators is sufficiently flexible to permit the chamber height to approximate the mean size of the separators. During use, the biologic fluid to be analyzed is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A particle sensing system which includes a plurality of micro-lenses which focus light from an unfocused or loosely focused light source onto a corresponding plurality of focus regions on a surface containing plasmonic structures. The absorption of light by the plasmonic structures in the focus regions results in heat dissipation in the plasmonic structures and consequently increases surface temperature in the focus regions. When an electrical field is applied to a sample fluid in contact with the surface, multiple electrothermal flows are induced in the fluid which rapidly transport suspended particles to the focus regions on the surface. The particles can then be captured and/or sensed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood analyzer including a specimen preparation unit that prepares a measurement specimen by mixing a hemolytic agent that hemolyzes red blood cells, a staining dye that dyes nucleic acids, and a blood specimen; a detector that detects intensity of side scattered light and intensity of fluorescence generated with application of light from the measurement specimen prepared by the specimen preparation unit; and an analysis unit that discriminates white blood cells from giant platelets based on the intensity of side scattered light and the intensity of fluorescence detected by the detector, and counts the white blood cells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the selection or processing of particles sensitive to the application of an external stimulus, in which is produced, by applying the external stimulus, the rupture/lysis of at least one selected particle or the fusion of first and second selected particles, by means of the organization of the particles using a first field of force by selectively energizing electrodes of an array of selectable electrodes having dimensions comparable to or smaller than those of the particles, applying to the electrodes a first configuration of stresses; and by applying to the electrodes a second configuration of stresses, so as to create a second field of force, located substantially close to at least one selected particle to be lysated or to a pair of first and second particles to be fused and such as to produce the application of a stimulus suited to produce their lysis or fusion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and quantifying bacterial spores on a surface. In accordance with the method: a matrix including lanthanide ions is provided on the surface containing the bacterial spores; functionalized aromatic molecules are released from the bacterial spores on the surface; a complex of the lanthanide ion and the aromatic molecule is formed on the surface; the complex of the lanthanide ion and the aromatic molecule is excited to generate a characteristic luminescence of the complex on the surface; and the bacterial spores exhibiting the luminescence of the complex on the surface are detected and quantified.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cell culture apparatus having multiple stacked cell culture units each having multiple cell culture chambers. The multiple cell culture units are connected by a manifold which connects the cell culture units and provides a mechanism for efficiently filling the multiple cell culture chambers.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing optical properties of a diffracting object immersed in a liquid medium using a reconstruction system that comprises a spatially coherent light source and a matrix photodetector, wherein the liquid medium and the matrix photodetector are separated by a distance along a vertical direction. The method comprises illuminating the liquid medium, measuring (with the matrix photodetector) an intensity of a diffraction pattern transmitted by the illuminated medium along a vertical direction, and reconstructing the optical properties of the diffracting object at a reconstruction height according to a reconstruction algorithm from the measured intensity, wherein the reconstruction height has a value less than that of the distance between the medium and the matrix photodetector along the vertical direction.

Abstract: A blood analyzer comprises a flow cell, a first light source, a second light source, a first light receiving part, a second light receiving part, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to make determinations related to the types of microcytic anemia based on a first scattered light information based on the signals output from the first light receiving part, and a second scattered light information based on the signals output from the second light receiving part.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and quantifying bacterial spores on a surface. In accordance with the method: bacterial spores are transferred from a place of origin to a test surface, the test surface comprises lanthanide ions. Aromatic molecules are released from the bacterial spores; a complex of the lanthanide ions and aromatic molecules is formed on the test surface, the complex is excited to generate a characteristic luminescence on the test surface; the luminescence on the test surface is detected and quantified.

Abstract: The invention relates to culture medium for screening or enrichment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which medium comprises a combination of at least two cephalosporins.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly.

Abstract: An integrated fluidic device comprising includes an input chamber that provides an input of a sample fluid, and a first overspill chamber in fluid communication with the input chamber. A metering conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid input chamber and the first overspill chamber. The metering conduit meters a first metered volume of fluid from the sample fluid, and the first overspill chamber receives fluid in excess of the first metered volume of fluid. A second overspill chamber is in fluid communication with the metering conduit. The metering conduit meters a second metered volume of fluid from the first metered volume of fluid, and the second overspill chamber receives fluid from the first metered volume of fluid in excess of the second metered volume of fluid. The second overspill chamber has a fluid actuated closable valve for controlling the metering of the second metered volume of fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention or treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: A fluorescence-assisted counting apparatus for quantitative and/or qualitative assessments of a population of fluorescently stained particles in a specimen device retaining fluorescently stained particles, wherein the apparatus includes a detector module and a light source. The detector module includes a lens, a first optical filter and a detector, wherein the detector detects a fluorescence response. The lens includes a field of view taking in at least a portion of the fluorescently stained particles within the specimen device. The light source, further including a second optical filter, shines light in a light path that encompasses at least a portion of the particles.

Abstract: A method and a composition for improving gut micro biota structure, selectively increase a first gut microbiota population while simultaneously decrease a second gut micro biota population in a subject. The first gut micro biota population includes a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacterium and the second gut microbiota population includes an endotoxin-producing bacterium.

Abstract: A method for detecting bacteria and determining the concentration thereof in a liquid sample includes the steps of taking an optical section through a container holding a volume of the liquid sample at a predetermined field of view and at a predetermined focal plane depth or angle and after a period of time has elapsed to allow non-bacteria in the sample to settle to the bottom of the container. Since bacteria auto arranges in the liquid sample, forming a lattice-like grid pattern, an optical section through the volume of auto-arranged bacteria may be used to measure the quantity of bacteria residing in that section. A container for holding the liquid sample has particular structure which aids in separating the non-bacteria from the bacteria.

Abstract: A method and point of use kit to determine under field conditions the presence and/or amount of a selected Pseudomonas species capable of bioremediating organic environmental pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device includes a container having at least one section transparent to light with an incubation zone defined in the container, the incubation zone containing growth media in which the sample is cultured. A detection zone containing a matrix composed of a polymeric material which is substantially transparent to light, and at least one indicator reagent sensitive to carbon dioxide gas generated by the microorganisms in the incubation zone is located in the transparent section of the matrix. The matrix is configured to facilitate penetration of external light aimed at the transparent section of the container and interaction of the external light with the indicator reagent to yield interactive light that escapes through the transparent section of the container, said interactive light is being indicative of the presence and/or concentration of the microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel enterobactin-cargo conjugates, such as compounds of Formula (I), and salts thereof, where X is the cargo and may be an antibiotic, a fluorophore, or biotin. The present invention also provides complexes, compositions, kits, and methods that involve the compounds of Formula (I) and are useful in delivering a cargo to a bacterium, treating a bacterial infection, cystic fibrosis, and/or inflammatory bowel disease in a subject, preventing a bacterial infection, cystic fibrosis, and/or inflammatory bowel disease in a subject, inhibiting the growth of or killing a bacterium, or determining the concentration of a bacterium in a biological sample. In certain embodiments, the bacterium is a Gram-negative bacterium.

Abstract: An optical system for determining the concentration of a metabolic gas in a container sealed to biological contamination and enclosing a biological material. The optical system has a broadly tunable coherent infrared light source, a detection module, and a control system connected to the light source and detection module and operates the light source, to receive and analyze the data provided by said detection module, and to process the data indicative of the concentration of said metabolic gas in said sealed container.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions for improving sinus microbiota and treating sinusits. Further provided are methods of detecting imbalance in the sinus microbiota that can be indicative of sinusitis, and methods of determining whether an individual has or is at risk of developing sinusitis, e.g., chronic sinusitis.

Abstract: The invention features devices and kits for capturing and culturing microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) and methods of using the devices and kits to detect microorganisms in environmental and other samples. The device includes a nutrient media having a flat growth area on which microorganisms can grow. Samples are collected by contacting the device with any environmental sample, e.g., rolling device on a work surface or exposing device to air, or by filtering a sample through a membrane. Microorganisms deposited on the membrane derive nutrients from the underlying media and grow into colonies that can then be detected using methods known in the art. The detected colonies can be imaged digitally or with film.

Abstract: Provided are incubation systems for incubating samples for an assay. In certain aspects, the systems include a rotary platform, a sample container positioned at a peripheral edge of the platform, a plurality of activity sites including at least a first and a second activity site, a processor, and a memory that includes instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the system to rotate the rotary platform to move the sample container from the first activity site to the second activity site, extract a first portion of the sample from the sample container at the first activity site for a measurement based on a first incubation time period, and extract a second portion of the sample from the sample container at the second activity site for a measurement based on a second incubation time period, the second incubation time period being longer than the first incubation time period. Methods for incubating samples, e.g.

Abstract: A method for quantifying cells of interest potentially contained in a blood-derived sample in cases of their quantification after separation from the blood-derived sample may enable accurate quantification of the cells without causing underestimation of the cell number. The quantification method is a method for quantifying specific cells of interest, the method may include: (A) separating a blood-derived sample containing a known number (P0) of specific resin particles P into at least two layers including a layer of erythrocytes and a layer of cells other than erythrocytes; (B) extracting the layer of cells other than erythrocytes and counting the number of cells of interest and the number (P1) of the resin particles therein; and (C) correcting the number of cells of interest by multiplying the number of cells of interest by P0/P1.

Abstract: An integrated microfluidic device for carrying out a series of fluidic operations includes a housing including a plurality of n microfluidic conduits, wherein n is at least three, and a rotating valve having an internal channel with an entrance port and an exit port that are angularly separated. The rotating valve is positionable in a first position to connect two of the n fluidic conduits via the internal channel, and upon rotating the valve to a second position, two other of the n fluidic conduits are connected by the internal channel. The device further may include one or more fluidic chambers in fluid communication with respective fluidic conduits. Fluid contained in one fluidic chamber is transferrable by application of positive or negative gas pressure through associated fluidic conduits into another fluidic chamber via the internal channel. The device may be utilized to perform a variety of fluidic operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for predicting an improved therapeutic benefit for an individual with a tumor load before initiating an immune therapy which is capable of activating immune cells against said tumor as well as to pharmaceutical compositions for use in this method.

Abstract: An automated microscope apparatus comprises an outer housing having an external wall; optionally but preferably an internal wall in the housing configured to form a first compartment and a separate second compartment in the outer housing; a microscope assembly in the housing (preferably in the first compartment); a microprocessor in the housing (preferably in the second compartment), and (optionally but preferably) a heat sink mounted on the housing external wall, preferably adjacent the second compartment, with the microprocessor thermally coupled to said heat sink and operatively associated with the microscope assembly. Systems and methods employing the same are also described, along with component parts thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent for blood analysis which may include: (1) a compound having the general formula I as a fluorescent dye, wherein n, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Y? are as defined in the specification; (2) a surfactant selected from cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and anionic surfactants. The present disclosure also provides a method to perform blood analysis including the following steps of: (a) mixing the blood sample with the reagent for blood analysis disclosed to form a cell suspension; (b) detecting the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals from the cells; and (c) differentiating and counting the cells in the blood in terms of the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells which can be safely used for transplantation. That is, the present invention provides a method for selecting human iPS cells having reduced differentiation resistance, comprising the steps of: (1) inducing differentiation of human iPS cells; (2) detecting remaining undifferentiated cells after the step (1); and (3) selecting human iPS cells whose rate of remaining undifferentiated cells detected in step (2) is equivalent to or not more than that of control cells.

Abstract: A method of obtaining stem cells includes (1) a subject (such as a human or an animal) taking or being subjected to an action, (2) after the subject taking or being subject to the action, the subject waiting for a predetermined time interval (such as between 30 minutes and 2 hours), (3) after the subject waiting for the predetermined time interval, taking a tissue sample (such as a peripheral blood of the subject) from the subject, and (4) collecting the stem cells from the tissue sample. The step of the subject taking or being subjected to the action may include the subject taking a herb medicine or an object containing fucoidan. The stem cells may be configured for a dental implant surgery. The stem cells may include a CD9(+), CD349(+) cell between 0.1 and 6.0 micrometers in size and/or a Lgr5(+) cell between 0.1 and 6.0 micrometers in size.

Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence, quantity and identity of one or more microorganisms in a sample and a method for using the same. The apparatus is composed of one or more chambers and a sensing element for sensing microorganisms. In particular embodiments, the sensing element is an array of chemoresponsive dyes deposited on a substrate in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the combination of the dyes have a distinct and direct spectroscopic, transmission, or reflectance response to distinct analytes produced by the microorganism which is indicative of the presence, quantity and identity of the microorganism.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method of co-culturing human endometrial stem cells and rat embryonic tooth bud cells to obtain ameloblast cells. The human endometrial stem cells are isolated from human females between the ages of 18-40 and cultured. The hEnSCs are identified using flowcytometry. The rat embryonic tooth bud cells are isolated from rat embryos and cultured. After the hEnSCs and rat embryonic tooth bud cells reach a desired level of cell growth, the hEnSCs are transferred to culture plate inserts and the rat embryonic tooth bud cells are transferred to a culture plate. The hEnSCs and rat embryonic tooth bud cells are co-cultured to obtain ameloblast cells. Immunocytochemical analysis is used to characterize the differentiated ameloblast cells. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) is used to detect the presence of Ameloblastin, Amelogenin, Amelotin and Cytokeratin 14 proteins in differentiated ameloblast cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a method for identifying an agent that selectively decreases the number of cancer stem cells (CSCs). This method includes (a) contacting a CSC from a population of cells with a candidate agent; and (b) determining whether the candidate agent reduces the survival or growth of the CSC or increases differentiation of the CSC relative to a CSC that has not been contacted with the candidate agent. The method may be used as a high throughput screen.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for labeling specifically living bacteria of a given category in a sample, the method including: a) incubating said bacteria of said sample with at least one analog of a monosaccharide compound, and b) contacting the bacteria with a labeling molecule having a second reactive group.

Abstract: A hematological analyzer for measuring blood, sets a body fluid measurement mode; receives a measurement start instruction; irradiates a measurement sample with light and obtains optical information from cells contained in the measurement sample; and classifies at least white blood cells and nucleated cells other than white blood cells contained in the measurement sample, and counts the white blood cells and nucleated cells other than white blood cells based on the optical information obtained from the cells in the measurement sample prepared from a body fluid sample and white blood cell measuring reagent when the body fluid measurement mode has been set and the measurement start instruction has been selected, is disclosed. A method for analyzing body fluid and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a means are provided, by which multiple types of cells can be simultaneously measured with high sensitivity by an ATP luminescence method. A method for measuring cells in a sample is provided, which comprises the steps of adding methanol to a sample suspected of containing viable cells to increase ATP within viable cells, extracting intracellular ATP, and causing extracted ATP to emit luminescence.

Abstract: A method for accurately counting desired cells or microorganisms (viable bacteria) in a sample fluid in which contaminants are included is provided. One or plural types of membrane-permeable fluorochromes whose fluorescence amount is amplified by binding to a nucleic acid and glycerin are added to a sample fluid containing cells or microorganisms to be counted and allowed to stand for a certain time. Glycerin is added before or after or simultaneously with the mixing of the sample fluid and the fluorochrome(s). The cells or microorganisms to be counted are counted by staining the cells or microorganisms to be counted, followed by irradiating with light having a specific wavelength to detect the fluorescence emitted from the cells or microorganisms.