Abstract: A system for buoyant separation includes a separation container. Additionally or alternatively, the system can include an automated instrument, one or more processing components, and/or any other components. A method for buoyant separation can include any or all of: manipulating the separation container; adding materials to the separation container; removing materials form the separation container; otherwise processing the separation container; and/or any other processes.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry system having a simplified control interface includes a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions that when executed cause the processor to perform the steps of providing a user interface including a plurality of adjustment elements for adjusting at least one results effective parameter and at least one sample descriptive parameter; determining a plurality of instrument control parameters based on the at least one results effective parameter and the at least one sample descriptive parameter; and analyzing a sample while operating according to the plurality of instrument control parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing nucleic acid amplification reactions includes a thermally-conductive receptacle holder with front and back surfaces. The front surface includes a row of receptacle wells, and an outer surface of each well has a frustoconical shape, an inner surface of each well receives a receptacle, and each well has a through-hole extending between the inner and outer surfaces thereof. One or more thermal elements in contact with the back surface of the holder alter a temperature(s) of the holder. The apparatus includes multiple optical fibers, and each optical fiber provides optical communication between one of the wells and an excitation signal source and/or an emission signal detector. A first end of each optical fiber is disposed outside, within, or extends through the through-hole of a corresponding well, and a second end of each optical fiber is in optical communication with the excitation signal source and/or the emission signal detector.

Abstract: A reagent test paddle includes a contamination detection medium, a reference color bar, at least one chemical test medium, and a unique identifier. The contamination detection medium includes a reagent that changes color in the presence or when exposed to a hostile or inhospitable environment. Each chemical test medium includes a regent that is responsive to a respective analyte in a biological sample. The reference color bar includes reference color samples of different colors. The unique identifier, like a serial number, identifies the particular paddle and its chemical test medium so it can be uniquely and anonymously associated with a user.

Abstract: A multiple analyte detection system includes a carrier having reagents disposed thereat, with each of the reagents capable of optically changing in response to exposure to a respective analyte. The system further includes a photodetector positioned to collectively detect light interacted with each of the reagents, a processor to determine a presence or an absence of each of the analytes in response to the light collectively-detected, and an indicator to provide an indication of the presence or the absence of each of the analytes. A method of detecting multiple analytes includes exposing reagents capable of optically changing in response to exposure to a respective analyte to a sample. The method further includes collectively detecting light interacted with each of the reagents, determining a presence or an absence of each of the analytes in response to the light collectively detected, and indicating the presence or the absence of each of the analytes determined.

Abstract: A method of measuring a gas concentration is described. The method comprises illuminating, with a light source, a volume of space that includes a gas and measuring, with a detector, a first illumination level of the volume of space. The method further comprises determining, via a processor, a gas concentration in the volume of space based on the measured first illumination level, where the volume of space is configured to be in fluid communication with a gas recirculation flow path including a catalyst, the catalyst configured to substantially remove the gas from the volume of space.

Abstract: A fluid sample testing apparatus has a housing with a test chamber and first and second fluid collector tubes and first and second fluid collectors in fluid communication with the test chamber. A sample holding container is in fluid communication with the second fluid collector tube. The first fluid collector is inserted into the first fluid collector tube and pressure is generated to release fluid from the first fluid collector into the test chamber, and air passes outside of the apparatus from the test chamber via an opening from the test chamber into the first fluid collector tube. The second fluid collector is inserted into the second fluid collector tube concurrently and pressure is generated to release fluid from the second fluid collector into the sample holding container, and air passes outside of the apparatus from the second fluid collector tube.

Abstract: A sensor assembly may include a chassis, cover, first sensor, second sensor, and a control system. The chassis may include a first housing that defines a chamber with the cover and includes a partition within the chamber. A second housing of the chassis may define first and second ports in fluid communication with the chamber. A central wall may extend from an inner surface of the second housing and a protruding wall may extend over the central wall. Both the partition and the central wall may extend from locations along a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly that are between the first port and the second port. In some examples the protruding wall and the partition direct a portion of fluid flowing within the second housing into and out of the chamber, and the first and second sensors detect values for respective fluid parameters for the portion of fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a computer program for estimating a bilirubin level of a neonate, composed of the steps of: Acquiring a series of bilirubin levels estimated at different time points from a sample obtained from a neonate, Acquiring a plurality of covariates from the neonate, each composed of an information about a neonatal property, Providing a pre-defined bilirubin model function, wherein the bilirubin model function is configured to describe a time course of a bilirubin level of a neonate, Determining a plurality of model parameters of the bilirubin model function, wherein each model parameter is estimated from at least one covariate of the plurality of covariates and an associated population model parameter, Determining from the series of acquired bilirubin levels and the bilirubin model function with the determined model parameters an expected bilirubin level of the neonate for a time particularly later than a lastly acquired bilirubin level of the series of bilirubin levels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing and using a single layer microfluidic for detecting target analytes, including obtaining a single layer sheet of paper; depositing wax boundaries onto the paper in a plurality of patterns including a main channel, fluid transfer channels, and an independent diagnostic area corresponding to each fluid transfer channel; melting the wax through the paper; depositing diagnostic components onto the diagnostic areas; depositing a continuous wax backing; and cutting devices from the paper. The disclosure also relates to a method of capturing an image of the micro fluidic device to generate diagnostic results corresponding to the diagnostic components by: identifying at least two panels from the image; and determining a color for each panel of the at least two panels; and generating for display, using the computing device, a graphical user-interface including at least one component visualizing the diagnostic results.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an apparatus for measuring optical properties of liquid samples. The apparatus includes a sample chamber and a spectrometer optically coupled with the sample chamber. One or multiple sources of electromagnetic radiation are positioned relative to the sample chamber to direct electromagnetic radiation through the sample chamber to measure the color, haze, and/or clarity of the sample. Also provided is a method for measuring optical properties of liquid samples, including inserting a cuvette containing a liquid sample into the sample chamber of the apparatus, and directing electromagnetic radiation from the one or more sources and through the sample to measure the color, haze, and/or clarity of the sample. The apparatus and methods may be used to analyze various samples, such as petroleum-based fluids, including fuels and lubricants.

Abstract: The invention is intended for the organization of an automated process for spraying of liquid means of chemical treatment from unmanned vehicles, for example, in precise farming systems. The invention provides the use of a replaceable, marked and hermetically sealed liquid subsystem with integrated pumping chambers in a spraying device together with an integrated self-diagnosis system allowing to ensure personnel safety and the accounting of the resources of main components of the spraying device. All this in combination enables to create fully automated spraying systems.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a cosmetic sponge having: a tip portion at one end of the cosmetic sponge; an angled portion, where the tip portion is surrounded by the angled portion; a bulbous portion, where the bulbous portion is disposed proximate a bottom of the cosmetic sponge; and a bottom portion, where the bottom portion is surrounded by the bulbous portion; and a thermochromic pigment in at least a portion of the cosmetic sponge, where the portion of the cosmetic sponge changes from a first color at a first temperature to a second color at a second temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a nucleic acid extraction method using a cartridge comprising: (a) a driving part of a nucleic acid extraction device is connected to a control rod module disposed in an inner space of the upper body of a piston and a rotation control module coupled to the lower body of the piston; (b) driving the rotation control module and the control rod module, sequentially sucking sample and reagents from the plurality of chambers separated from each other into an interior space, and discharging the mixture of the interior space into the chamber of the cartridge; and (c) driving the rotation control module and the control rod module to suck the reagent inside the master mix bead chamber of the cartridge into the interior space of the piston upper body and then discharge the mixed reagent to a nucleic acid amplification module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for control of solid phase peptide synthesis are generally described. Control of solid phase peptide synthesis involves the use of feedback from one or more reactions and/or processes (e.g., reagent removal) taking place in the solid phase peptide synthesis system. In some embodiments, a detector may detect one or more fluids flowing across a detection zone of a solid phase peptide synthesis system and one or more signals may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). For instance, an electromagnetic radiation detector positioned downstream of a reactor may detect a fluid exiting the reactor after a deprotection reactor and produce a signal(s). In some embodiments, based at least in part on information derived from the signal(s), a parameter of the system may be modulated prior to and/or during one or more subsequent reactions and/or processes taking place in the solid phase peptide synthesis system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing structural layers for guiding liquid flow on a porous substrate, by printing onto at least one area of at least one surface of the substrate a printing solution containing an aqueous dispersion of a poly(lactic acid)-based copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biochemical detection, and in particular to a reading apparatus for reading an assay result on a testing element. The reading apparatus comprises a first light-emitting element, a first photodetector and a light blocking element, wherein the first light-emitting element emits light and illuminates one or more corresponding areas of the testing element, the first photodetector receives light from one or more corresponding areas of the testing element, and the light blocking element guides a path of light emitted from a light emitting element and/or from a testing element. The light blocking element separates photodetectors in separate spaces, including a first light blocking element and a second light blocking element, wherein the first light blocking element is located between the first light-emitting element and the first photodetector, to guide the light emitted from the light emitting element to illuminate the testing element.

Abstract: Distributed fiber optic sensors formed by covering the fibers with tubing are provided. The tubing including responsive materials formulated or configured to, responsive to exposure to one of a target chemical species and a target radiation particle, change a relative size and generate a localized effect on or in the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nucleic acid extraction apparatus and a method using the apparatus for extracting nucleic acids and amplifying target nucleic acids. The nucleic acid extraction apparatus comprising: a nucleic acid extraction element, a waste storage chamber, and a reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber is selectively in communication with the nucleic acid extraction element and the waste storage chamber, and the apparatus realizes fluid exchange through the pressure between the waste storage chamber and the reaction chamber. In the present invention, by using an integrated control system, the conventional manual process of nucleic acid extraction and purification is integrated into a fully automatic closed process, making the operation more conveniently and quickly and improving the efficiency of experimental work.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

Abstract: Calibration requests are received at a network service. The network service assigns a request identifier for the data of a request. The request identifier is encoded into a control strip on a test color sheet using color patches. A color encoding key encodes the request identifier using the color patches. After the test color sheet is printed, a color measurement tool is used to decode the information from the control strip, including the request identifier. The color measurement tool measures the test color strips on test color sheet. The request identifier corresponds to the measurement data. The measurement data along with the request identifier is sent to the network service. The measurement data is processed to generate calibration data, which is used to update the printing device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for introducing a fluid into a subsea production flow system, a system and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a first flow path through the apparatus for fluidly coupling a subsea well to a subsea production flow system and an inlet for receiving a fluid. A second flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the subsea production flow system. A valve is operable to control the flow of the fluid through the inlet to the subsea production flow system. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for preventing or reducing flow of a first treatment chemical into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for injecting a gas into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use.

Abstract: A device including a light source, one or more actuators, and an image capturing device. The device is operable to receive a request to capture image data of a sample, determine at least one of an analyte being tested within the sample or a container holding the sample, position the image capturing device relative to the sample based on the analyte being tested or the container holding the sample, illuminate the light source based on the analyte being tested or the container holding the sample, capture the image data, and send the image data to one or more computing devices for image processing.

Abstract: A method of quantifying the amount of glucose in a sample is provided herein that may further comprise an interferent such as mannitol. At least two measurements are obtained using measurement methods that differ in their sensitivity to the amount of interferent in the sample, thus enabling the results to be compared to determine whether any interferent is present in the sample. A glucose sensor for carrying out a method described herein is also provided.

Abstract: A titration system is disclosed for determining content of an analyte in a sample. The titration system comprises: a controller; a reaction vessel; a titration vessel and an indicator vessel in fluid communication with the reaction vessel; a spectroscopy unit; a sensor for outputting a signal to the controller based on a force exerted by the reaction vessel on the sensor. The controller executes a stored program to: (i) perform titration by delivering to the reaction vessel a first mass of a first fluid comprising the sample, a second mass of a second fluid comprising indicator, and a third mass of a third fluid comprising titrant; (ii) detect color change in the mixture in the reaction vessel based on a signal from the spectroscopy unit and stop titration; and (iii) calculate content of the analyte in the sample based on the first mass, the second mass, and the third mass.

Abstract: A fluid metering system for gas independent pressure and flow control through an electron microscope sample holder includes: a pressure control system that supplies gas; an inlet line providing gas from the pressure control system to the sample holder; an outlet line receiving gas from the sample holder; and a variable leak valve that controls gas flow in the outlet line. The gas flows from an upstream tank of the pressure control system through the sample holder and variable leak valve to a downstream tank of the pressure control system due to the pressure difference of the two tanks as the variable leak valve meters flow in the outlet line. Flow rates are established by monitoring pressure changes at source and collection tanks of known volumes with gas independent pressure gauges. A method of directing the gas flow to a residual gas analyzer (RGA) is also presented.

Abstract: Color quantification of chemical test pads and titration of analytes can be performed under different lighting conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting condition is estimated under which a digital image is captured and utilized to select a set of reference colors from which the quantified color is compared to determine the titration. In another embodiment, a plurality of comparisons are made with different lighting conditions with the result having the highest confidence level being selected to determine the titration.

Abstract: To provide a reaction system capable of analyzing a liquid sample with high accuracy. To provide a reaction system A including: a reaction vessel 1, a flow channel 2 including a deformable unit 22 having an elastic member, a pump 3, a flow channel deformation mechanism 4, a measurement unit 5 and an analysis unit 6, wherein the measurement unit 5 includes a light source unit 52 and a light receiving unit 54, the flow channel deformation mechanism 4 includes an operation unit 42 for deforming the deformable unit 22 of the flow channel 2 such that a cross-sectional area of the deformable unit 22 is reduced, and the analysis unit 6 is electrically or physically connected to the measurement unit 5 and the flow channel deformation mechanism 4, and operates the flow channel deformation mechanism 4 based on a measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 5.

Abstract: A method, system, device and computer program product for analyzing absorbent articles (300) are provided. The method includes receiving an image or data representing an image of an absorbent region (302) of an absorbent article. The absorbent region comprises at least one stain (350) caused by a bodily fluid discharge of a person using the absorbent article. The absorbent region includes at least one reference mark (304). A surface area of the stain (350) is computed using the at least one reference mark (304). The computed surface area of the stain (350) is used to determine a volume of bodily fluid contained in the absorbent article (300). The volume of the bodily fluid is analyzed to assess a measure of the bodily fluid discharge of the person.

Abstract: To provide a reaction system capable of analyzing a liquid sample with high accuracy. To provide a reaction system A including: a reaction vessel 1, a flow channel 2 including a deformable unit 22 having an elastic member, a pump 3, a flow channel deformation mechanism 4, a measurement unit 5 and an analysis unit 6, wherein the measurement unit 5 includes a light source unit 52 and a light receiving unit 54, the flow channel deformation mechanism 4 includes an operation unit 42 for deforming the deformable unit 22 of the flow channel 2 such that a cross-sectional area of the deformable unit 22 is reduced, and the analysis unit 6 is electrically or physically connected to the measurement unit 5 and the flow channel deformation mechanism 4, and operates the flow channel deformation mechanism 4 based on a measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simple, low-cost, rapid paper-based diagnostic devices and their methods of use.

Abstract: An optical sensor device includes a light source configured to emit a light including a wavelength in a range of 650 to 900 nm that is exposed to a biological fluid at first and second times. At least a portion of the light is reflected off of the fluid and received by a light detector. The light detector analyzes at least a portion of the received light to determine a first intensity of the light at the wavelength at the first time and a second intensity of the light at the wavelength at the second time. A controller compares the first and second intensities and generates an output indicative of the presence of red blood cells or free hemoglobin in the biological fluid depending on which intensity is greater and whether there is more redness in the biological fluid at the first time or at the second time.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring a concentration of lead(0) in an aqueous sample, including: introducing an aqueous sample to a reaction vessel; adding a copper(II) acetate material to the aqueous sample in the reaction vessel; chelating unreacted copper(II) material by introduction of an organosulfur compound to the aqueous sample in the reaction vessel; adding a colorimetric indicator to the aqueous sample in the reaction vessel; and measuring a concentration of lead(II) in the aqueous sample by measuring a colorimetric change of the aqueous sample caused by a reaction of lead(II) within the aqueous sample with the colorimetric indicator. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A multiwell plate cover is provided, wherein the cover comprises a frame configured for attachment to a multiwell plate; a first movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the width of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the first movable guide member is slidable along the length of the frame; and a second movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the length of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the second movable guide member is slidable along the width of the frame, wherein the first and second movable guide member are configured to move independently from each other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a specimen measurement apparatus includes a detector, a reaction promoter and processing circuitry. The detector generates an electrical signal based on a reactive state in a reaction chamber in which a mixture of a test substance and a reagent is contained. The reaction promoter supplies to the reaction chamber energy to promote reaction in the reaction chamber. The processing circuitry switches an energy supply state in accordance with a predetermined time schedule, determines a stationary state of the test substance based on an electrical signal generated after the energy supply state is switched, and outputs the stationary state obtained by the determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing urine sample, a reagent for the analysis of a urine sample and a reagent kit for the analysis of a urine sample, which are used for detecting at least casts and erythrocytes as urinary particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for reducing quantification errors caused by reaction volume deviations in digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) and to a method for determining the amount or concentration of a nucleic acid of interest in a sample with dPCR.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device, and related method, which include an electrode and a plurality of spaced apart alignment structures. The electrode defines an electrode gap, the electrode being operable to detect a change in tunneling current as a DNA strand passes through the electrode gap. The plurality of spaced apart alignment structures are arranged to position nucleotides of the DNA strand in a predetermined orientation as the DNA strand passes through the electrode gap.

Abstract: Provided is a spectroscopic apparatus including an encoder configured to output an orthogonal code, a light source configured to receive the orthogonal code and provide to a sample an optical signal encoded as a pattern corresponding to the orthogonal code, a detector configured to detect a output signal emitted from the sample, and a decoder configured to share the orthogonal code with the encoder and extract a valid signal corresponding to the sample based on a correlation between the orthogonal code and the output signal.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining a constituent and/or concentration of a solid dissolved in a liquid. In one embodiment, a method is provided to interrogate and identify a liquid in a medical container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for control of solid phase peptide synthesis are generally described. Control of solid phase peptide synthesis involves the use of feedback from one or more reactions and/or processes (e.g., reagent removal) taking place in the solid phase peptide synthesis system. In some embodiments, a detector may detect one or more fluids flowing across a detection zone of a solid phase peptide synthesis system and one or more signals may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). For instance, an electromagnetic radiation detector positioned downstream of a reactor may detect a fluid exiting the reactor after a deprotection reactor and produce a signal(s). In some embodiments, based at least in part on information derived from the signal(s), a parameter of the system may be modulated prior to and/or during one or more subsequent reactions and/or processes taking place in the solid phase peptide synthesis system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a station, for testing an analyte in a sample, enabling accurate and quick reaction and analysis of the sample and a reagent in one apparatus. To this end, the present disclosure provides a station, which is for testing a sample by means of inserting a cuvette, having a standby chamber on which a collecting member is placed, a sample chamber, a reagent chamber and a detection unit. The station comprises: a housing which has an input/output part into which a cuvette is inserted; a driving unit which is provided inside the housing, horizontally moves the cuvette, vertically moves a collecting member, reacts a sample in a sample chamber and a reagent in a reagent chamber, and injects a reaction result thereof into a detection unit; and an optical reader which is provided on the horizontal movement path of the cuvette and is for analyzing the reaction result.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for interrogating a liquid in a container. In one embodiment, a method is provided to interrogate and identify a liquid in a medical container.

Abstract: A portable rapid diagnostic test reader system includes a mobile phone having a camera and one or more processors contained within the mobile phone and a modular housing configured to mount to the mobile phone. The modular housing including a receptacle configured to receive a sample tray holding a rapid diagnostic test. At least one illumination source is disposed in the modular housing and located on one side of the rapid diagnostic test. An optical demagnifier is disposed in the modular housing interposed between the rapid diagnostic test and the mobile phone camera.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe an infrared (IR) imaging system for detecting a gas. The imaging system can include an optical filter that selectively passes light having a wavelength in a range of 1585 nm to 1595 nm while attenuating light at wavelengths above 1600 nm and below 1580 nm. The system can include an optical detector array sensitive to light having a wavelength of 1590 that is positioned rear of the optical filter.

Abstract: A method of using an exchange-induced remnant magnetization (EXIRM) technique for label free detection of short strands of nucleotides and cancer biomarkers, such as DNA and microRNA strands, DNA/RNA-binding biomarkers, and cancer-specific antigens, with high sensitivity, high specificity, and broad dynamic range. The method may provide a label-free approach aimed to facilitate high reliability, and to require a minimum amount of biochemical reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for determining a wavefront position of a liquid on a surface of an assay test strip placing a liquid on the surface of the test strip; and acquiring one or more signals from the surface of the test strip at one or more times, comparing the one or more acquired signals to a threshold, wherein the wavefront position is a position on the surface of the test strip where a signal is greater than or less than a threshold (e.g., fixed or dynamic threshold). Such methods may be used to determine the wavefront velocity of a liquid on a surface of an assay test strip and the transit time of a liquid sample to traverse the one or more positions on the surface of the assay test strip.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting the presence of lead in a solid sample is disclosed. The solid sample is brought into contact with a nonaqueous solution of a dithiocarbamate capable of forming a gel upon contact with lead, with the formation of a gel showing that lead is present in the solid sample.

Abstract: It is provide a method for determining at least one of physical, chemical and biological properties of a medium with the aid of at least two transmitter-receiver pairs and on the basis of at least one first and one second acoustic wave. The first acoustic wave has propagated at least in part between a first transmitter-receiver pair through the medium and the second acoustic wave has propagated at least in part between a second transmitter-receiver pair through the medium, wherein the medium adjoins an inner lateral surface of an elongate conduction element that is arched transversely to its direction of longitudinal extent.

Abstract: Provided is a testing device including: a porous flow path member in which a flow path for flowing a sample is formed; and a resin layer provided at at least one position over the flow path member, wherein the resin layer is a porous body formed of a hydrophobic material, and wherein a reagent reactive with the sample is formed as a solid phase over a surface of the resin layer facing the flow path member and inside voids of the resin layer.