Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for forming transmission electron microscopy sample lamellae using a focused ion beam including directing a high energy focused ion beam toward a bulk volume of material; milling away the unwanted volume of material to produce an unfinished sample lamella with one or more exposed faces having a damage layer; characterizing the removal rate of the focused ion beam; subsequent to characterizing the removal rate, directing a low energy focused ion beam toward the unfinished sample lamella for a predetermined milling time to deliver a specified dose of ions per area from the low energy focused ion beam; and milling the unfinished sample lamella with the low energy focused ion beam to remove at least a portion of the damage layer to produce the finished sample lamella including at least a portion of the feature of interest.

Abstract: A container for selective transport of samples of biological material or of biological origin suitable for containing at least a fluid or liquid and/or for containing at least a portion of a collecting device, the container having a selective passage portion configured to prevent exit of a fluid or liquid from the container, through the passage portion, at least in at least an operating sealed condition defined at least by a rest state of the container or by a first value of mechanical shaking of the container and/or by a first value of relative centrifugal force to which the container is subjected, and configured selectively to enable exit of the fluid or liquid from the container, across the passage portion, at least in an operating passage condition, defined at least by a corresponding second state of mechanical shaking of the container and/or wherein the container is subjected to a corresponding second relative centrifugal force.

Abstract: A digital microfluidics system with electrodes attached to a substrate and covered by a hydrophobic surface, and a control unit for manipulating liquid droplets by electrowetting; providing in close proximity to electrodes a magnetic conduit for directing a magnetic field of a backing magnet to the first hydrophobic surface; providing on the hydrophobic surface a liquid droplet that has magnetically responsive beads; moving by electrowetting the liquid droplet with the magnetically responsive beads until a part of which is placed atop of the magnetic conduit; actuating the backing magnet of the magnetic conduit and attracting/concentrating magnetically responsive beads; and while actuating the backing magnet, moving by electrowetting the liquid droplet with decreased number of magnetically responsive beads away from the specific magnetic conduit.

Abstract: The nuclear spin hyperpolarization method includes the steps of: irradiating a sample, prepared by doping solid benzoic acid derivative with a pentacene derivative, placed in a space where a static magnetic field is formed by a main magnetic field forming unit, with a laser beam from a laser source; following the light irradiation, irradiating the sample with a microwave from a microwave source while applying a sweeping magnetic field; and after repeating the application of sweeping magnetic field, light irradiation and microwave irradiation, dissolving the benzoic acid derivative in the sample. This enables generation of an aqueous solution containing benzoic acid derivative of which nuclear spins are hyperpolarized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for concentrating analyte from large sample solutions using a combination of magnetic microparticles on a digital microfluidic device using virtual channels. Virtual channels are produced by applying voltages to a series of driving electrodes of the DMF that connect a reservoir of solution situated just outside of the DMF device to a fluid exit location. The magnetic microparticles are first exposed to a liquid sample containing the analyte whereupon analytes are bound by analyte specific receptors on the microparticles. By flowing these solutions of magnetic particles through virtual channels in DMF device, large volumes can be processed, regardless of the total capacity of the DMF. Engaging a magnet underneath the DMF device while a suspension of magnetic microparticles is flowed through the virtual channel causes the microparticles to become immobilized and the supernatant solution is removed.

Abstract: A device for high-throughput multi-parameter functional profiling of the same cells in multicellular settings and in isolation is provided. In certain aspects, an integrated microfluidic device for multi-parameter metabolic and other phenotypic profiling of live biological cells is useable with: 1) multicellular clusters or small biopsy tissue samples, 2) cultures of the constituent cells obtained after cluster/tissue dissociation, and 3) the same constituent single cells in isolation. The approach enables study of the effects of multicellular complexity, such as in response to treatment, pathogens, stress, or other factors concerning disease origination and progression. Measurements may be performed on single cells or multicellular populations or tissues in the same assay at the same time.

Abstract: A system for building a gas processing apparatus includes a compressed gas source, a pressure modulator in communication with the gas source, and a chamber configured to receive a gas permeable material. The chamber is further configured with a first chamber area on one side of the material and with a second chamber area on a second side of the material. A sensor is configured to measure over time a pressure differential between the first and second chamber areas. A memory stores performance characteristic data for a plurality of gas processing apparatus. A processor converts the pressure differential to a material characteristic of the gas permeable material, and compares the material characteristic to at least one selected performance characteristic of the gas processing apparatus.

Abstract: A biological fluid sampling transfer device adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid sampling transfer device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid sampling transfer device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid sampling transfer device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid sampling transfer device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid sampling transfer device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: Processes for producing germanium-68 from a gallium target body are disclosed. In some embodiments, germanium-68 and gallium are precipitated to remove metal impurities. Germanium-68 and gallium are re-dissolved and loaded onto an ion exchange column to separate germanium-68 from gallium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transfer of a tissue section from a first location to a second location. Thermoplastic material is applied to at least one pin of a tissue section transferring apparatus. The thermoplastic material contacts a tissue section while at least partially melted, and when it cools, substantially solid thermoplastic material holds the tissue section to the at least one pin. A tissue section transferring apparatus comprises a heater block, a heat source, and at least one pin attached to and extending from the heater block.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing biomolecules includes: a storage in which a solution containing a target material is received; a sensor configured to sense the target material; and a flow controller connected between the storage and the sensor to supply the solution to the sensor, wherein the flow controller controls a solution flow to supply the solution containing the target material and the solution containing no target material in an alternating manner. According to the apparatus for sensing biomolecules, the sensing device always achieves a sensing offset, and consequently, long-term continuous measurement is enabled, leading to the maximized usage efficiency of the sensor, and the value of quantitative measurement can be obtained with high precision.

Abstract: A method and device for quality controlling a blood-based product. In order to control the quality of a blood-based product which comprises an erythrocyte concentrate, a thrombocyte concentrate, a granulocyte concentrate, a leukocyte concentrate, whole blood and/or blood plasma, a Raman spectrum is recorded. By means of evaluating the Raman spectrum, it is determined whether the blood-based product can be used for a transfusion.

Abstract: A method for preparing thin layers from liquid samples is disclosed. Such thin layers can be useful when analyzing samples with probes whose penetration length in these samples is short The method consists of squeezing a certain amount of a liquid sample between two approximately flat and parallel surfaces separated by a small distance then cooling down the liquid sample until it freezes in a way that the frozen sample adheres only to one of these two flat surfaces. Removing the non-adhered flat surface leaves the frozen sample layer with the thickness approximately equal to the initial distance between the two parallel surfaces.

Abstract: Display module support techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes an external enclosure forming a cavity and a touch display module. The touch display module includes a touch panel assembly having one or more touch sensors and a display module to output a display through at least a portion of the touch panel assembly. The apparatus also includes a support that secures the touch display module to the external enclosure. The support is secured to the external enclosure using a reworkable connection.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a concentrator for concentrating, purifying or otherwise isolating one or more target analytes in a fluid matrix, and related methods, using self-wicking materials, such as monoliths. The present disclosure can be used as a point-of need sample preparation device. The self-contained device can be used for the extraction and concentration of specific target molecules, such as nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for characterizing toxicity of toxic pollutants and a method for characterizing comprehensive toxicity of water bodies. The methods include constructing a reporter gene cell line expressing CHOP gene associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for tissue processing and analysis. Tissue chambers are configured to allow single-container chemical processing, imaging, and wax embedding of tissue samples in a single container without manipulation between steps. Tissue chambers with features to support the tissue sample and allow fluid flow between the tissue sample and the tissue chamber surface are disclosed. The features may be index matched to sample structures of interest or dissolvable in clearing solution to allow for in-chamber imaging with minimal distortion. Specialized tissue processing and wax removal apparatuses are also disclosed including for use with tissue chambers having frangible portions to permit ease of wax removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of designing DNA probe chip for room-temperature hybridization in order to solve the solvent evaporation problem occurring when carrying out said hybridization at a high temperature of 40° C.˜50° C. or higher, wherein the method is designed to allow genotyping through hybridizing at a room temperature of 20° C.˜30° C. The method of designing DNA probe chip comprises designing DNA probe to start at ?10˜+5 position that is between ?10 position which is overlapped 10 sequences with primer and +5 position which is 5 sequences far from the 3?-terminal of primer, based on 0 position which is 3?-terminal of primer.

Abstract: A detection method for an LED chip comprising the following steps: providing a container with a solvent therein, and putting the LED chips in the container to mix the LED chips with the solvent; providing a base with a circuit therein, the base forms a plurality of receiving holes, a bottom of each receiving holes have an N electrode and a P electrode coupled with the circuit; transferring the solvent and the LED chip mixed in the solvent on the base; detecting the LED chip received in the receiving holes; providing a carrier film and classifying the LED chips on the carrier film.

Abstract: A system and method that images biological samples and uses chromophores to analyze the imaged samples. The chromophore analysis can be done by itself or in conjunction with fluorophore analysis in High Content Imaging systems. To perform chromophore analysis the biological samples can be labeled with different chromophores and imaged using transmitted light that is at least partially absorbed by the chromophores. To also perform fluorophore analysis the samples can also be labeled with fluorophores that are excited by excitation light. The chromophore analysis and fluorophore analysis can be performed separately or concurrently using a High Content Imaging system. The system provides the expanded capability by illuminating the chromophore-labeled samples with transmitted light of different wavelengths and automatically detecting the images which represent the differential absorption of the colored lights by the sample.

Abstract: The apparatus for inoculating agar plates includes a spray chamber having an upper opening for receiving an atomized microbial suspension and a lower opening for receiving an agar plate. The apparatus also includes an atomizer including a reservoir and a fluid tube for delivering the microbial suspension to the atomizer nozzle. A containment feature extends around an inner surface of the spray chamber to catch any drop that may form on its inner wall and advance down towards the lower opening. The spray chamber allows multiple agar plates to be quickly inoculated without cross-contamination of agar habitats, without contaminating the outside of the plates, and without contaminating the work area.

Abstract: Micro light-emitting diode (LED) displays and assembly apparatuses are described. In an example, method of manufacturing a micro-light emitting diode (LED) display panel includes positioning a display backplane substrate in a tank or container, the display backplane substrate having microgrooves therein. The method also includes adding a fluid to the tank or container, the fluid including a suspension of light-emitting diode (LED) pixel elements therein. The method also includes moving the fluid over the display backplane substrate. The method also includes assembling LED pixel elements from the fluid into corresponding ones of the microgrooves.

Abstract: The invention combines recent advances in barcode technology with portable wireless communication devices to engineer a simple and low-cost chip-based multiplex wireless detection system. The system can analyze multiple targets of interest simultaneously in minutes and is applicable to detection of pathogens or contaminants in a wide range of fields including medicine, agriculture and the environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aptamer sensor including a substrate having metal nanoparticles formed thereon, an aptamer attached to surfaces of the metal nanoparticles to form a structure by selectively reacting with a target material to be detected, and an intercalating agent inserted between the aptamer and the target material in reaction of the aptamer with the target material to increase shift of an absorption spectrum due to local surface plasmon resonance sensor through aggregation toward the metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A lane-maintaining control device detects a lane width (H1) of a traveling lane (21) through a camera (4) and performs lane-maintaining control without a deviation from the lane width (H1). When detecting, through the camera (4), that the traveling lane (21) gradually increases (H2>H1 where the increasing lane width is (H2)), the lane-maintaining control device continues the lane-maintaining control on a condition that a turn signal is not operated.

Abstract: A reagent reservoir for fluids, including a storage chamber connected to a duct for conducting fluid out of, into and/or through the storage chamber. The duct includes a duct section delimited by a substrate and a film joined to the substrate. The duct is sealed and is openable at a predetermined breaking point by deflecting the film. The film also delimits the storage chamber and covers a recess in the substrate which forms the duct section. A sealing wall that seals the duct and is integrally joined to the substrate is placed in the recess. The predetermined breaking point is formed by a breakable joining region between the film and an edge portion of the sealing wall facing the film. The dimensions of a peripheral area of the sealing wall, which is formed in the edge portion and runs parallel to the film, determine the surface area of the joining region.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical drug delivery system having a base (1) comprising at least two inlets (2), an outlet (20) and a passive mixing chamber (7) having micro pin fins (8) with heights in the range of 10 to 100???? characterized in that the base (1) is selectively coated with nanostructures which are made of a material different than the material of said base, such that the base (1) comprises a plurality of regions R1 to RN each having a different nanostructure coating intensity, and such that a surface tension gradient is established among regions R1 to RN for promoting fluid flow towards the outlet (20). The present invention further proposes a method for obtaining a pharmaceutical drug delivery system.

Abstract: A technique for efficiently sealing many substances, such as beads, nucleic acid, protein, virus, cells, and lipid membrane complex, into an array is provided. The present invention provides a method for sealing a substance, including: (i) a step of introducing a first solvent containing a substance on a substrate on which a plurality of receptacles capable of storing the substance are formed separated from each other by a side wall; and (ii) a step of introducing a second solvent having a greater specific gravity than that of the first solvent onto the first solvent, the step (ii) being carried out after the step (i).

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicon microphone with a high-aspect-ratio corrugated diaphragm and a microphone package including the same. The microphone comprises the corrugated diaphragm on which at least one ring-shaped corrugation is formed in the vicinity of the edge of the diaphragm which is fixed to the substrate, the corrugated diaphragm is flexible, wherein the ratio of the depth of the corrugation to the thickness of the diaphragm is larger than 5:1, preferably 20:1, and the walls of the corrugation are inclined to the surface of the diaphragm at an angle in the range of 80° to 100°. The microphone with the high-aspect-ratio corrugated diaphragm can achieve a consistent and optimal sensitivity and greatly reduce impact applied thereto in a drop test so that the performances, the reproducibility, the reliability and the yield can be improved. The microphone package of the present invention further provides a simplified processing, an improved sensitivity and an improved SNR.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are provided for trapping, isolating, and processing single cells. The microfluidic devices include a cell capture chamber having a cell funnel positioned within the cell capture chamber to direct a cell passing through the cell capture chamber towards one or more a cell traps positioned downstream of the funnel to receive a cell flowing. The devices may further include auxiliary chambers integrated with the cell capture chamber for subsequent processing and assaying of the contents of a captured cell. Methods for cell capture and preparation are also provided that include flowing cells through a chamber, funneling the cells towards a cell trap, capturing a predefined number of the cells within the trap, interrupting the flow of cells, flowing a wash solution through the chamber to remove contaminants from the chamber, and sealing the predefined number of cells in the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the directed capillary transport of liquids, comprising at least two capillaries (8, 9, 33, 54, 55), the at least two capillaries (8, 9, 33, 54, 55) being designed such that the liquid can be transported in at least some regions in a passive, directed and capillary manner, characterised in that at least two of the capillaries (8, 9, 33, 54, 55) are interconnected in the direction of transport of the liquid via at least one capillary passage conduit (20, 23, 28, 29, 34, 40, 41, 59, 63). The invention is intended for use in the separation of components from a fluidic substance and/or in oil/water separation. A production method is characterised in that at least one part of the capillary structure is generated by means of laser irradiation, by means of a moulding tool, in particular a sintering mould, by means of a milling process, in particular by means of a micro-milling process, or by means of EDM.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention.

Abstract: A system that includes a cartridge housing and a hollow transfer module, according to an embodiment is described herein. The cartridge housing further includes at least one sample inlet, a plurality of storage chambers, a plurality of reaction chambers, and a fluidic network. The fluidic network is designed to connect the at least one sample inlet, a portion of the plurality of storage chambers and the portion of the plurality of reaction chambers to a first plurality of ports located on an inner surface of the cartridge housing. The hollow transfer module includes a second plurality of ports along an outer surface of the transfer module that lead to a central chamber within the transfer module. The transfer module is designed to move laterally within the cartridge housing. The lateral movement of the transfer module aligns at least a portion of the first plurality of ports with at least a portion of the second plurality of ports.

Abstract: A tissue embedder comprising a transport mechanism for an input member, the input member adapted to hold a plurality of tissue supports, with each tissue support associated with a mould, a wax bath and a cooling station wherein the transport mechanism moves the input member from a wax bath to a cooling station.

Abstract: A method for identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of an automated hematology analyzer and the detection of the light scattered, absorbed, and fluorescently emitted by each cell. More particularly, the aforementioned method involves identifying, analyzing, and quantifying the cellular components of whole blood by means of a light source having a wavelength ranging from about 400 nm to about 450 nm and multiple in-flow optical measurements and staining without the need for lysing red blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel device and methods thereof with utility application in the high-throughput detection, screening and disease management of cervical disease. The “multiwell” device of the present invention consists of a solid support featuring multiple well-separated areas, each accommodating a patient sample, leading to simultaneous evaluation of patient samples. The methods of the present invention comprise conventional cytological staining, cervical Pap staining, and immunochemical staining using antibodies or combination of antibodies which are capable of binding to biomarkers that are overexpressed in cancer including in cervical carcinoma and dysplasia, as compared to normal controls. The device and methods of the present invention can be practiced in either manual or automated mode, and applied to any biological fluid or cell suspension from any biological specimen in view of a variety of cell biology assays, and in view of detection and screening of cervical and other diseases.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing droplet-based solid phase processing steps on a digital microfluidic device. A solid phase material, which may be a porous solid phase material such as a porous polymer monolith is formed or located on a digital microfluidic element. The solid phase may be formed by an in-situ method in which the digital microfluidic array is actuated to transport a droplet of solid phase pre-cursor solution to a selected element on the array, and subsequently processed to form a solid phase on the array element. The integration of a solid phase material with a digital microfluidic array enables a wide range of applications including solid phase extraction and sample concentration.

Abstract: A milk sampling system for use with an automatic milking machine includes a metering pump (2) having an inlet (9) connected to a induction system (3) and an outlet (10) connected to a discharge system (5). The induction system includes a manifold block (4) with passages forming supply paths (12, 13, 15) for connecting the pump inlet to a milk source, a washing fluid source, and a source of pressurized air, and solenoid valves (21, 22, 25) to selectively open and close the supply paths. The discharge systems includes a manifold block (6) with passages forming a plurality discharge paths (27, 29, 31, 33) for successively delivering discrete milk samples for analysis, and solenoid valves (35, 36, 37, 38) to selectively open and close the discharge paths.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: A detection chip is provided. The detection chip includes a substrate, an active reagent, a hydrophilic droplet and a lipophilic substance. The substrate includes a first containing slot, wherein the first containing slot includes a first space and a second space adjacent to each other. The active reagent is disposed in the first space of the first containing slot. The hydrophilic droplet is disposed in the second space of the first containing slot. The lipophilic substance is disposed in the first containing slot, wherein the lipophilic substance is immiscible to the active reagent and the hydrophilic droplet, and separates the active reagent from the hydrophilic droplet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment system (3) for a transfer system (1) in an in-vitro diagnostics system. The adjustment system comprises a contact element (4), which is arranged on a movable element (2) of the transfer system (1). The contact element (4) is arranged on the movable element (2) by means of a joint element (5), wherein the joint element (5) has a self-resetting design and wherein a distance measuring sensor (7, 8) is associated with a distance between the contact element (4) and the movable element (2). The adjustment system enables a quick automated adjustment.

Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric material comprising a conductive polymer substantially homogeneously distributed within a hydrogel. Also disclosed are methods for making the polymeric material and uses for the polymeric material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mixing at least one sample solution with at least one reagent in at least one chamber of a microfluidic cartridge such that at least one reagent (R) is supplied to the sample solution (P) and brought into contact therewith by way of at least one movable component. In this way the loss of sample liquid or analyte can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for optical analysis, wherein a flow space of a low depth is formed by attachment, using a simple double-coated tape without out special processing, of a micro flow channel through which a liquid sample passes, thereby enabling: a very easy manufacturing method; a reduction of manufacturing costs, thereby allowing the cell to be more widely used; a maintenance of a short path length of light with respect to the flow space in which the liquid sample flows, thereby enabling accurate optical analysis without diluting a sample with high absorbance; an expansion of a flow space region along the plane vertical to the light-passing direction, thereby enabling smoother optical analysis and improving the accuracy of optical analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating particles of pharmaceutically active materials, based on differences in density.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating a tissue sample including placing at least one tissue sample on an cassette which has: a retaining member, a base and at least one biasing element; placing the at least one tissue sample in the tissue cassette; attaching the base and the retaining member to retain the tissue sample; processing the tissue sample in the tissue cassette with one or more solvents; and embedding the tissue sample in a paraffin to form an portion of paraffin in which the tissue sample is embedded in the tissue cassette, wherein the embedding comprises adding molten paraffin to the interior area of the tissue cassette and allowing the paraffin to become solid.

Abstract: A cartridge capable of storing a chemical solution includes a first container, a second container installed within the first container and configured to store the chemical solution, and an exhaust path configured to exhaust a gas generated by the chemical solution stored in the second container, wherein the exhaust path is disposed between the first container and the second container.