Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through an analysis bottle containing a desiccant material. As the sample is being pulled through the analysis bottle, a microwave measurement system (or other scattering parameter measuring system) is used to measure the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material. By measuring the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material, the sample's moisture content can be determined. The sample's moisture can also be determined by measuring the expanded volume of the desiccant. A filter section having a sight glass with graduations is used to determine the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates the analysis of foods for celiac patients. In particular, the invention includes: a method for extracting gluten from foods, which is compatible with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and with the Western Blot technique; compositions suitable for implementing this method; kits that comprise these compositions; a method for the quantification of the gluten present in a food.

Abstract: This invention relates to a micro cartridge and to a method of using the micro cartridge to sample and extract components of interest from a gas or a liquid. The cartridge contains a sorbent and has passages through which a pressure drop can be created to permit access between the gas or liquid and the sorbent. The micro cartridge is elongated and has one pointed end to fit into the injection port of a suitable analysis instrument where the components of interest are desorbed. The cartridge has two ends that are covered by removable closures and preferably has a diameter of less than 1 millimeter. The cartridge can be used with micro machine components and components made using nano technology.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of the detection of enzymatically active enzymes in feed added in the pre-pelleting stage. Further, this invention relates to the field of detecting thermotolerant enzymes added to feed in the pre-pelleting stage. In particular, the invention relates to the detection of a phytase enzyme, in particular an E. coli phytase or an E. coli derived phytase in feed, such as Quantum™ Phytase.

Abstract: Drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine) and related substances are selectively bound by an adsorbent which comprises units derived from carboxylic acids of formula A or B: (A): R1R2C(CF3)—CO2H; (B): R3?C(CF3)—CO2H or derivatives thereof. The adsorbent may be a polymer, or a solid support onto which the carboxylic acid, derivative or polymer has been grafted. The preferenced acid is 2-trifluoromethyl acrylic acid. A drug can be selectively bound from a mixture, and recovered using an eluant comprising an organic acid.

Abstract: A device for the separation of small particles or cells from a fluid suspension of the same is described. The device includes a coaxial tubular design in which the inner tube is a micro porous tube that allows the passage of liquids and certain particulates up to a certain size cut-off, and the outer tube allows for the collection of passed fluids. Inlet and outlet ports allow the introduction and flushing of components of interest. Embodiments of the device can be used for the separation of blood components, the sequestering of micro spheres used in micro-sphere-based immuno assay, and sample filtration. Other applications are not precluded. Another field of application for this device is in the separation of plasma from red blood cells. The red blood cells will not pass through the membrane due to their size, but plasma will.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in a sample, particularly a sample that may contain symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA) and/or arginine. The methods generally involve modifying any SDMA and arginine in the sample such that SDMA and arginine are readily distinguishable from ADMA; and detecting ADMA. The invention further provides antibodies specific for ADMA; antibodies specific for modified SDMA; and antibodies specific for modified arginine. The invention further provides kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A method for spectrometric investigation of a plurality of samples dissolved in a solvent comprises: (a) guiding a first solvent with a sample through an SPE cartridge for concentrating the sample in the cartridge; (b) positioning the cartridge in a carrier for a plurality of cartridges; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for a desired number of samples; (d) drying the concentrated samples through removal of the residual first solvent, in particular, dehydration or evaporation; (e) dissolving each sample in a second solvent, transferring these dissolved samples from the cartridges to a spectrometer and acquiring a spectrum of each sample. All samples are dried together in step (d) subsequent to steps (b) and (c) while the cartridges with samples are positioned in the carrier. The drying process is thereby considerably accelerated in a straightforward technical manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of qualifying ovarian cancer status in a subject comprising: (a) measuring at least one biomarker in a sample from the subject and (b) correlating the measurement with ovarian cancer status. The invention further relates to kits for qualifying ovarian cancer status in a subject.

Abstract: A test strip for conducting a lateral flow assay for detection of an analyte in a sample that contains cells and fluid is provided, as well as methods for making and using the test strip. This test strip is commercially usable, for example, in a diagnostic device at a point of care for detection of analytes in whole blood.

Abstract: The present application describes a method for pretreating a biological sample from an autoimmune disease subject in order to avoid interference, especially where the sample is to be subjected to a cell-based biological activity assay, such as a neutralizing antibody assay.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more ovarian tumor polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly ovarian cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting the presence of detergent- or urea-insoluble amyloid-like fibrils or protein aggregates on filters. Preferably, said fibrils or aggregates are indicative of a disease, preferably of a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease or Huntington's disease. In addition, the present invention relates to inhibitors identified by the method of the invention, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said inhibitors and to diagnostic compositions useful for the investigation of said amyloid-like fibrils or aggregates.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for radiolabeling, particularly methods and apparatus for large scale in-line radiolabeling of products, such as proteins and antibodies.

Abstract: ?9 THC acid is obtained from plant material and extracted into an aqueous solvent under conditions of pH control. The acid is converted to a salt and the salt extracted into a polar solvent, yielding acid of high purity. The ?9 THC acid is then converted to ?9 THC which is further purified and combined with a carrier for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: The present invention includes a harvesting and irrigation device, a method and a kit for the collection of viable fat cells and/or adipose tissue with decreased handing and improved yield and viability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining binder distribution on a sample in which a selected sample is contacted with a transfer medium in a manner such that at least 15% of any fluorescing binder present on the surface of the sample will be transferred to the transfer medium, a digital image of the transfer medium is generated and analyzed for binder distribution.

Abstract: A sample carrier has an ultraphobic surface with an affinity zone and a waste zone and/or a zone occupied by a MALDI matrix. Also disclosed is a process for isolating a substance from a mixture of substances, and for its subsequent treatment, as well as a process for purifying a substance.

Abstract: An assay device and method for measuring the concentration of HDL-associated cholesterol in a blood-fluid sample are described. The assay design is such that removal of non-HDL lipoproteins from a sample and assay of HDL cholesterol in the sample occur without interruption of the assay. The device also prevents interference by reagents used for the HDL assay with other assays carried out on the same sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a liquid sample stream including at least one analyte ion species and matrix ion species of opposite charge to said one analyte ion species. The liquid sample stream flows through a treatment channel. A carrier liquid stream including a matrix ion species capture material flows substantially parallel to the sample stream in the treatment channel forms a liquid interface between them. The matrix ion species diffuses through the interface to contact and become bound by the capture material in said carrier liquid.

Abstract: A centrifugation device comprising a combined sample chamber and slide holder adapted to be mounted, with a microscope slide, in a centrifuge in a predetermined position, after placing, in the sample chamber, a fluid biological sample containing cells, the centrifugation device comprising a body (10) affording a base (14) adapted for engagement with a microscope slide, structure on one side of the base defining a chamber for a fluid sample, with an opening (15) for the introduction of fluid to said chamber, the base (14) including an aperture (18) and carrying a means for sealing the edges of such aperture with respect to the surface of a microscope slide placed across the base (14), or for allowing the passage of liquid but obstructing the passage of cells, the centrifugation device further including a back plate (12) arranged, when the back plate (12) is closed against the rear of a microscope slide engaged with the base (14), to locate the slide between the base and the cover plate and to hold the cover pl

Abstract: An automated system and method for individually processing multiple specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid in respective containers. The containers are transported seriatim along a processing path to present them to, at least, a preprocessing apparatus (e.g., a mixing head), and then to a specimen acquisition apparatus, which removes preprocessed specimen fluid from the container for subsequent analytical testing or evaluation. Each apparatus is actuated in response to presentation of a container thereto so as to carry out its respective operation independently. An exemplary system can include, in sequential order, stations for container loading and unloading, container uncapping and cap disposal, specimen mixing, filter loading, specimen acquisition (e.g., by aspiration, and then slide printing), filter disposal, and container resealing.

Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. The first flow path includes an extraction chamber containing a solid support for capturing the analyte from the sample. The cartridge has a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the extraction chamber, the second flow diverging from the first flow path after passing through the extraction chamber. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber and into a waste chamber, thereby capturing the analyte with the solid support as the sample flows through the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber and along the second flow path.

Abstract: Devices, and methods of use thereof, receivable by autosamplers for processing fluids contains suspended solids and solubles in, for example, solid phase extraction, include an inlet chamber in fluid communication with an outlet chamber through an integral fluid pathway. One or more autosampler needle(s) may inject the fluid into the inlet chamber, which contains a separation medium through which the injected fluid flows prior to flowing into the outlet chamber, from which fluid may be withdrawn by the autosampler needle(s). A pressure tight seal may be formed between the needle(s) and inlet chamber, and backflow is preventable from the outlet chamber to the inlet chamber. Numerous embodiments of the device are described, including well plate configurations and structures graspable by autosampler robotic devices and/or which may be held in autosampler trays.

Abstract: A composite modular system for handling biological sample vials and slides comprises a vial scanner configured to read indicia on the sample vials, a slide labeler configured to mark the slides, a cap manipulator configured to uncap and cap the vials, and a controller, where all other elements are in communication with the controller and the system outputs the uncapped vial and the marked slide.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to introduce a sample solution into the minute and hydrophobic inside of a reactor for a pretreatment while avoiding bubble formation. According to the present invention, a reactor that has at least one portion having a width of 90% or less of its whole width between an inflow opening and an outflow opening is constructed on a planar substrate.

Abstract: A plasma concentrator of this invention having a concentrator chamber, concentrator gel beads, a filter, and an agitator. The agitator has agitator blades extending outwardly from the lower end. The agitator end is positioned in the concentrator chamber and supported for rotation about its central axis and for reciprocal movement along its central axis. The concentrator has a top with an upper opening through which the upper end of the actuator stem extends, and a lower opening in which the filter is positioned. The concentrator chamber can have a cylindrical inner wall, and the agitator blades can have an outer edge in close proximity to the inner wall with the space between the outer edge and the inner wall being less than the diameter of the gel beads. The filter is selected to block effective flow of plasma therethrough under ambient gravity conditions and permit plasma and plasma concentrate flow therethrough under centrifugal forces of the separation gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for arraying beads that allow a bead array having been difficult in mass production to be manufactured easily and accurately are provided. Beads are once arrayed in a separate container using an inclined bead array apparatus while controlling the number of beads to be inserted simply by the use of a bead control rod. When the whole arraying is completed, the arrayed beads are transferred onto a plate for use in an actual reaction.

Abstract: A dissolution and precipitation system includes an array of reactors. Each reactor has a mother well and a daughter well having a volume between about one microliter and one milliliter. A fluid transfer system is operable to transfer fluid between the mother well and daughter well and purify the fluid that is transferred to the daughter well from the mother well. A method of testing a plurality of samples includes dissolving a plurality of first solids in each of the mother wells to form a plurality of first solutions in the mother wells. The first solutions are purified in the reactors. The first solutions are distributed from the mother wells to one or more daughter wells. A plurality of second solids are precipitated in the daughter wells and the second solids are analyzed.

Abstract: Capture particles for harvesting analytes from solution and methods for using them are described. The capture particles are made up of a polymeric matrix having pore size that allows for the analytes to enter the capture particles. The pore size of the capture particles may be changeable upon application of a stimulus to the particles, allowing the pore size of the particles to be changed so that analytes of interest remain sequestered inside the particles. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles may be made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle. The capture particles may be used to isolate and identify analytes present in a mixture. They may also be used to protect analytes which are typically subject to degradation upon harvesting and to concentrate low an analyte in low abundance in a fluid.

Abstract: A novel use of serum fractionation centrifuge tubes involves placing a plasma sample in the device and centrifuging at low speed. Platelet-free plasma flows from an outer tube through a plasma permeable filter membrane and collects in the inner tube of the device. This method results in higher platelet clearance than conventional methods because it screens out platelet fragments and minimizes platelet damage.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A sample preparation device is disclosed. The sample preparation device includes a housing defining a passage way between a first opening and a second opening; and a sample filter occupying a section of said passage way. The sample filter contains a monolith adsorbent that specifically binds to nucleic acids. Also disclosed are sample filters containing glass frit is coated with an capture agent that binds specifically to an analyte of interest, sample filters containing a hydrophilic matrix with impregnated chemicals that lyses cell membranes, a cartridge base and an integrated sample preparation cartridge.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for assaying for ubiquitin agents that are enzymatic components of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and, more particularly, methods and compositions for assaying for agents that modulate the activity of such ubiquitin agents.

Abstract: An installation for the automatic preparation of specimens by liquid/solid extraction on a column is characterized in that the extraction device comprises, on either side of the columns (3), a valve (4) controllable to switch one column (3) to the other to actuate one column (3) adapted to ensure the extraction function when another column (3) is in a non-operating condition, each switching valve (4) being connected to a controllable common direction reversing valve (5) arranged to impose one direction of circulation on the fluid in anyone of the columns (3) of the extraction device and to ensure its return to the valve (5) to distribute the treated fluid toward a circuit selectively either for its rejection or for its analysis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of testing oil extraction processes including the steps of: 1) placing a sample to be tested in a sample holder which has a configurable temperature profile; 2) placing the sample holder in a pressure vessel; 3) increasing the pressure in the pressure vessel to simulate an over burden pressure; 4) configuring the temperature profile of the sample holder to match a desired temperature profile; 5) applying an oil extraction process to the sample; 6) measuring one or more parameters of the oil extraction process; 7) measuring the temperature of the sample to which the process is being applied; and 8) configuring the sample holder to match the measured temperature profile. A device to test oil extraction processes on samples is also disclosed. The device has a temperature configurable sample holder having sufficient temperature control to provide a desired heat profile to the sample.

Abstract: For the purpose of obtaining medical preparations by means of a printing technique, a specimen cylinder is provided with a syringe cone segment that can be separated from a cylinder segment. After the syringe cone segment has been removed, a filtering device with a filter which is held so as to be sealed relative to the inner wall of the specimen cylinder projects beyond its holder and beyond the cylinder segment in an operational position of the filtering device and can be pressed onto a specimen carrier in a simple manner.

Abstract: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided with at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). The interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for determining the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in a sample. The test device has a continuous solid surface with at least one reaction area on the continuous solid surface, and the reaction area has, in dry form, a non-LDL inhibitor and a system for determining the concentration of cholesterol.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.

Abstract: System and methods for collecting and preparing fat for autologous fat tissue transplantation. The system includes syringes, filtering and transferring assemblies coupled with the syringes, a centrifuge and a centrifuge insert releasably coupled with the centrifuge. Substances, including oil, fat, and denser substances, such as tumescent fluid, connective tissue, hormones and/or other non-fat substances, are harvested through a cannula into a syringe. Syringes are placed in the centrifuge insert, and subject to centrifugation. Centrifugation stratifies the substances into a top oil stratum, a middle fat stratum, and a bottom denser substance stratum. Denser substances are filtered out of the syringes during or after centrifugation. Oil is removed through an aspiration port in the plunger head of the syringe plunger. Fat is transferred from the first syringe into one or more smaller syringes through an adapter in the assembly coupled with the first syringe and the smaller syringe.

Abstract: A method of analyzing cell wall components based on a hot dilute acid extraction, followed by alcohol precipitation, of plant cellulosic materials such as cotton fibers or wood pulp. The extracts are analyzed by high pH anion exchange chromatography to separate and characterize the carbohydrates. This method extracts a characteristic series of carbohydrate multimers containing galactose, mannose and glucose. The pattern of multimers is indicative of origin of the cellulosic material (e.g., the plant species the material comes from) as well as quality and processing state of the material. The alcohol precipitation improves the discriminating powers of the analysis so that the species of origin of plant products can be identified.

Abstract: A system and method for cleanup of biological samples from contaminants prior to spectroscopy analysis. The system includes a support configured to hold a sample including a liquid having at least one group of biological molecules with a surface of the support binding the molecules at a surface tension angle to the liquid of less than 180 degrees. The system includes an evaporator configured to evaporate liquid from the support, a solvent applicator configured to apply a solvent for dissolution of the contaminants in the sample, and a solvent removal device configured to remove applied solvent from the sample and thereby at least partially remove the contaminants.

Abstract: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The invention is characterized by the use of low dead volume columns, which is achieved in part by the use of low pore volume frits (e.g., membrane screens) to contain a bed of extraction media in the column. Low dead volume facilitates the elution of the captured analyte into a very small volume of desorption solution, allowing for the preparation of low volume samples containing relatively high concentrations of analyte.

Abstract: An analytical test element for blood analyses is provided having at least a substrate body having a channel structure for the flow transport of a blood sample from an application site to at least one analytical site. The channel structure has a dilution channel that can be loaded with the blood sample and is provided with a separation component for retaining corpuscular blood components and has a sample channel which conveys a blood sample aliquot to be diluted and joins the dilution channel at a mixing site.

Abstract: This invention relates to a micro cartridge and to a method of using the micro cartridge to sample and extract components of interest from a gas or a liquid. The cartridge contains a sorbent and has passages through which a pressure drop can be created to permit access between the gas or liquid and the sorbent. The micro cartridge is elongated and has one pointed end to fit into the injection port of a suitable analysis instrument where the components of interest are desorbed. The cartridge has two ends that are covered by removable closures and preferably has a diameter of less than 1 millimeter. The cartridge can be used with micro machine components and components made using nano technology.

Abstract: This invention relates to a micro cartridge and to a method of using the micro cartridge to sample and extract components of interest from a gas or a liquid. The cartridge contains a sorbent and has passages through which a pressure drop can be created to permit access between the gas or liquid and the sorbent. The micro cartridge is elongated and has one pointed end to fit into the injection port of a suitable analysis instrument where the components of interest are desorbed. The cartridge has two ends that are covered by removable closures and preferably has a diameter of less than 1 millimeter. The cartridge can be used with micro machine components and components made using nano technology.

Abstract: Equipment and method of use for in vitro buccal dissolution testing. The invention is particularly useful for evaluating the effect of taste-masking in oral dosage forms.