Abstract: Stabilizing compositions for stabilizing a post-draw, but pre-analysis sample include, a saccharide, at least one heavy metal salt, and a pH from 5.9 to 8.0. The stabilizing compositions may include an aliphatic aldehyde, a buffer, and a preservative. The stabilizing compositions stabilize a sample for analysis. The analysis preformed on the stabilized cell may determine the state of a condition of interest, quantification of absolute cell counts, cellular activity, and qualitative analysis of cell types. Stabilizing a sample means that cells of the sample retain their biophysical properties, including biophysical properties of cell surface markers, for analysis. Preferably, the stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for at least 16 days, and up to 30 days. The stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for up to 180 days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clearing technique which uses a solution containing at least one of a compound having a delipidation ability, a compound having a biochrome decoloring ability, a compound having a decalcification ability, a compound having a refractive index adjusting ability, and a compound having a tissue swelling ability. The clearing technique is suitable for use in high-throughput and low-magnification imaging which involves a simple process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for labeling intracellular and extracellular targets of leukocytes, as well as to kits for performing said methods.

Abstract: A system and method of biological testing and deep learning to predict fertility based on ferning patterns and detecting white blood cells in cervical mucous samples.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include hematology analysis reagents, systems and methods that can be used to preserve blood cell morphology and integrity as well as provide sample integrity and optical clarity to facilitate optical analysis of blood samples. In some embodiments, the reagents include a non-phosphate organic buffer and a sphering surfactant. The pH and osmolality of the reagents may be adjusted to desired ranges. In addition, the reagents can be simply diluted with de-ionized water prior to use.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a mass spectrometry tag may comprise a linker region, a mass balance region, and a reporter region. The mass spectrometry tag may be configured to fragment in a mass spectrometer via an energy dependent process to produce multiple reporter molecules. For example, the reporter region of the tag may be configured to produce at least two reporter molecules via fragmentation. In some embodiments, one or more regions of the tag may comprise at least one heavy isotope. In some such embodiments, the ability to fragment into multiple reporter molecules as well as the placement and/or number of heavy isotope(s) allows the mass spectrometry tag to be distinguished from other similar mass spectrometry tags. In some such embodiments, the ability to distinguish between tags having the same or substantially similar total mass to charge ratio and reporter region mass may allow the system to have a greater multiplexing capacity than conventional systems.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte in a blood sample includes dissolving a refractive index adjuster in the blood sample to obtain an analysis sample in which a difference in refractive index between a red blood cell and an extra-red blood cell fluid is reduced and detecting the analyte using the analysis sample.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include WBC analysis reagents, systems and methods that can be used for analyzing a sample of whole blood to identify, classify, and/or quantify white blood cells (WBC) and WBC sub-populations in the sample. The WBC analysis reagents of the present disclosure generally include at least one membrane-permeable fluorescent dye, a WBC protecting reagent, and a surfactant. In some embodiments, the WBC reagents include a suitable amount of an osmolality adjusting component to adjust the osmolality of the WBC reagent into a desired range.

Abstract: This application relates to methods for purification of proteins such as antibodies using a hydrophilic polymer (e.g., PEG), a fatty acid (e.g., caprylic acid), and/or another agent (e.g., calcium chloride).

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition that synergistically prevents proteolysis or modification of peptides in sampled biological fluids using sulfonyl fluoride family protease inhibitors at high concentrations combined with at least one additional protease inhibitor of a different type, preferably a broad spectrum protease inhibitor, and a chelator. A preferred embodiment uses AEBSF at 10 mM, Benzamidine at 20 mM and EDTA as the chelator. The disclosed composition may be combined with other protease inhibitors to further modulate its specificity, for instance to additionally target acidic proteases. Additional protease inhibitors, reducing agents, stabilizers and buffering agents may be combined with the disclosed compositions in devices for sampling or testing biological fluids for levels of peptides of interest, or methods therefore. The disclosed devices, compositions and methods are of particular use in sampling and testing for the level of natriuretic peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provide for solutions of a defined composition useful in a staining protocol, such as a hematoxylin and eosin staining protocol, when used at certain points of the staining protocol. The formulations of these defined solutions are such that carry-over of the solutions will not negatively impact, or preferably, will stabilize or favorably modify staining reagent solutions coming in contact with the solutions. In certain embodiments of the invention, solutions are buffered to maintain a specific pH that when carried-over—such as carried-over into hematoxylin—will not significantly influence the pH of the next staining reagent.

Abstract: Colloidal formulation for staining proteins and methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a player may influence the volatility of a bonus round of a game by placing elements collected during a primary game onto symbol positions of the bonus round. In some embodiments, if a symbol position onto which a player placed one or more bonus round symbols is selected as an active symbol position for an event instance of the bonus round, the player wins a prize. Additionally, a multiplier may be applied to the value of the prize or other benefit may be provided to the player if the player placed more than one bonus round symbol element on the position. Thus, a player having a plurality of bonus round symbols to place may choose to increase the frequency of prizes won (e.g., by distributing the bonus round symbols over more positions) or increase the value of prizes (e.g., by grouping more symbols on fewer positions).

Abstract: A fosfomycin plus tobramycin combination formulation for delivery by aerosolization is described. The concentrated fosfomycin tobramycin combination formulation containing an efficacious amount of fosfomycin plus tobramycin is able to inhibit susceptible bacteria. Fosfomycin and tobramycin are formulated separately in a dual ampoule such that when reconstituted, the pH is between 4.5 and 8.0 or as a dry powder. The method for treatment of respiratory tract infections by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having mass median aerodynamic diameter predominantly between 1 to 5?, produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer (or equivalent) or dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: A phantom for medical imaging instrumentation, the phantom including a first hydrogel matrix, said matrix containing additives for simulating the optical and acoustic properties of a living organ or tissue. In the phantom, the additives include Indian ink or haemoglobin, silica powder and titanium dioxide powder. The phantom may contain a tumor simulator in solid or liquid form. It may also comprise several hydrogel matrices, each matrix including additives in different concentrations depending on the organ or tissue simulated. A method of producing the phantom includes one or more freeze-thaw cycles for optimizing the characteristics of the phantom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reagents for separating proteins from detergent, reagents for detecting proteins in the presence of a detergent, and methods of using the same. The separating reagents contain a cyclic oligomer such as cyclodextrin and a cellulose derivative such as 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose. When used in combination with standard protein-complexing dyes, the reagents allow detection of proteins in electrophoresis gels at nanogram levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach for the simultaneous determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of potentiators of cellular activation allows for characterization of such pathways and cell populations.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players around the casino may predict cards to be dealt in a game of blackjack.

Abstract: A device for collecting, treating and dispensing a biological sample is described. Use of the device permits integration of sample collection, sample treatment, and sample dispensing.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the labeling of two or more targets with different labels. Specifically, disclosed are compositions for biotin and the protection of biotin within multilabel assays which employ the biotin-biotin binding protein binding relationship for each distinct label in relation to targets such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies or cells. These multilabel assays are enabled through the use of biotin with desthiobiotin, orthogonal protecting schemes for biotin, or a combination of the approaches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a biological sample, comprising the following method steps: i) preparation of a biological sample and ii) bringing the biological sample into contact with a composition, comprising: (1) 1 to 100 wt. % of at least one polyol and (2) 0 to 99 wt. % of at least one additive, wherein the total amount of components (1) and (2) is 100 wt. %. The invention further relates to biological samples obtained by said method, a method for analysis of a treated biological sample, devices for treating a biological sample, use of said devices, various kits and use of a composition.

Abstract: Dewaxing buffers containing a water-soluble organic solvent, methods for use thereof, and kits incorporating dewaxing buffers. The dewaxing buffers contain a water soluble organic solvent that has a boiling point of at least 80° C. The dewaxing buffers described herein can be used to quickly and efficiently remove embedding paraffin from slide-mounted tissue sections in an aqueous buffer solution at elevated temperature without fear of paraffin redeposition of the slides. In addition, the dewaxing buffers described herein can be used to perform dewaxing and HIER in a single step, which can substantially reduce protocol time and lower the risk of sample loss or damage.

Abstract: Histochemical process compositions comprising at least one nanoparticle in an amount effective to reduce or substantially eliminate the average number of spots per slide that result from a sample staining protocol are disclosed. Various nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, including metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, ceramics, functionalized metals or metalloids, and other miscellaneous nanoparticles, such as carbon nanoparticles and diamond nanoparticles, can be used. The nanoparticle concentration typically is from about 2 parts per million to about 20 parts per million. One embodiment of a disclosed method concerns applying a histochemical process composition to a sample, followed by performing a staining protocol on the sample. Particular embodiments concern dispensing a nanosolution onto a sample using an automated system, heating the sample, and performing a sample staining process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cleavable surfactant/detergent compound of the following formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Embodiments of the cleavable surfactant/detergent compound are useful, for example, in methods for isolating a hydrophobic molecule that include providing a plasma comprising a hydrophobic molecule, applying the cleavable surfactant to the plasma so that the surfactant engages the hydrophobic molecule, cleaving the surfactant from the hydrophobic molecule, and analyzing said hydrophobic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow cytometer (10) for in vitro assaying of human or animal whole blood and to an investigation method using the flow cytometer. Enhanced detection properties are achieved by it relative to the prior art cytometers of the same kind. Here, automated beam positioning is also solved. To these ends, collection of light scattered by the cellular components of human or animal whole blood and its transmission to suitable optical sensing elements take place by a coupling member with a particular end construction, in particular through one or more optical fiber bundles. Preparation of a blood sample for the assay, that is, mixing up said human or animal whole blood with appropriate reagents is performed by a hydro-pneumatical unit (12) of a particular design. Moreover, the actual assaying takes place in a flow cell (22) of a particular construction, which assists to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the present flow cytometer.

Abstract: Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.

Abstract: Provided is a blood separating agent that can form an excellent partition wall in an intermediate layer between clot and serum or between blood cell components and plasma even under low-temperature centrifugation conditions, is less likely to form crevices in the partition wall, is less likely to have any effect on test values, and offers stable performance even after long-term storage. The blood separating agent contains: a polymer for the blood separating agent which is composed of a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based polymer and has a viscosity of 10 to 200 Pa·s at 25° C. and a ratio of viscosity at 15° C. to viscosity at 25° C. of below 4.6; an inorganic powder; and a polyalkylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of 700 or more, wherein the polyalkylene glycol is mixed at a concentration of 5% by weight or less of the total weight of the blood separating agent.

Abstract: A method for analyzing platelets is described. In the method, a measurement sample is prepared by mixing a sample and a dye for staining platelets. The dye is selected from the group consisting of Capri blue, Nile blue and brilliant cresyl blue. Upon irradiating cells in the measurement sample with light, scattered light and fluorescence emitted from the cells are measured. The platelets are detected on the basis of the scattered light and the fluorescence. A reagent kit and a reagent are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of playing a side bet wager in a roulette game allow for a significant reward on the side bet. The side bet is on the appearance of three consecutive events where the number provided in the roulette game falls within three consecutively selected sets of numbers. The apparatus may be a standard roulette table with appropriate wager markings on the felt, a partially electronic table with wagering terminals and physical roulette wheel, or a completely electronic roulette table with virtual roulette wheel.

Abstract: Described is a method of measuring fiber digestion in ruminants and calibrating spectrophotometers using the measured fiber digestion values. The method includes the steps of harvesting rumen fluid from at least one ruminant animal and combining the rumen fluid with a primer composition comprising a carbohydrate. The rumen fluid and carbohydrate are then incubated in a sealed container until a pre-determined pressure is achieved within the sealed container. A plant matter sample is digested with the rumen fluid so treated. The digested sample is the measured for absorbance or reflectance using a spectrophotometer. The digestion values and the absorbance or reflectance values are then correlated to construct a standard curve for predicting fiber digestion values using spectrophotometric analysis, preferably NIRS analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for analysis of immature leukocytes comprising: a surfactant which can damage cell membranes of erythrocytes and mature leukocytes, a solubilizing agent which can shrink the damaged blood cells and a dye for staining nucleic acid, wherein the reagent has an osmotic pressure of not lower than 10 mOsm/kg and lower than 150 mOsm/kg.

Abstract: A liquid for ejection includes a bio-specimen, and at least one kind of first compounds expressed by Formula (1), wherein, in Formula (1), m?8, and 8?n?18.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods for enhancing blood coagulation in a subject. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, an amount of a non-anticoagulant sulfated polysaccharide (NASP) is administered to a subject to enhance blood coagulation in the subject. Also provided are methods for preparing a NASP composition having blood coagulation enhancing activity. Compositions and kits for practicing methods of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards, wherein at least one gaming machine may be provided a plurality of bonus awards.

Abstract: A fosfomycin plus tobramycin combination formulation for delivery by aerosolization is described. The concentrated fosfomycin tobramycin combination formulation containing an efficacious amount of fosfomycin plus tobramycin is able to inhibit susceptible bacteria. Fosfomycin and tobramycin are formulated separately in a dual ampoule such that when reconstituted, the pH is between 4.5 and 8.0 or as a dry powder. The method for treatment of respiratory tract infections by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having mass medium average diameter predominantly between 1 to 5 ?, produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer (or equivalent) or dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A fosfomycin plus tobramycin combination formulation for delivery by aerosolization is described. The concentrated fosfomycin tobramycin combination formulation containing an efficacious amount of fosfomycin plus tobramycin is able to inhibit susceptible bacteria. Fosfomycin and tobramycin are formulated separately in a dual ampoule such that when reconstituted, the pH is between 4.5 and 8.0 or as a dry powder. The method for treatment of respiratory tract infections by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having mass median aerodynamic diameter predominantly between 1 to 5?, produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer (or equivalent) or dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: A test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase, and peroxidase. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing urine is described. The reagent comprises a fungus membrane damaging agent for damaging a cellular membrane of yeast-like fungus in urine; a first dye for staining yeast-like fungus so that a fluorescent intensity of damaged yeast-like fungus becomes more intense than that of erythrocyte in urine; and a second dye for staining sperm in urine so that a fluorescent intensity of sperm becomes more intense than that of the damaged yeast-like fungus.

Abstract: Isobaric reagents for labeling analytes are provided. The isobaric reagents have facile design and synthesis that allows for differential labeling of an unlimited number of analyte samples.