Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for determination of unit operations of a chemical plant for acid gas removal, the method carried out by a computer or a distributed computer system and the method comprising the steps of: providing a first set of parameters for the unit operations; providing a second set of parameters for the unit operations based on the provided first set of parameters and based on data retrieved from a database; determining a digital model of the chemical plant based on the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters, wherein the digital model comprises a system of equations defining the unit operations of the chemical plant; selecting starting points for an equation-based solution method of the system of equations, wherein the starting points are at least partially selected from the: (i) the first set of parameters; (ii) the second set of parameters; and (iii) the data retrieved from the database; determining resultant settings for the unit operations of the chemic

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus may include a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items. The apparatus may also include an operation part that can specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items. An information processing unit may also be included.

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus may include a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items. The apparatus may also include an operation part that can specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items. An information processing unit may also be included.

Abstract: A column protection gas supply channel (4) is connected to a channel (17) for carrier gas present between a sample vaporization chamber (12) and an MS section (2). During a standby, a column (11) may be protected on the downstream side of a merging section (16) of the column protection gas supply channel (4) and the channel (17) for carrier gas by supplying column protection gas through the column protection gas supply channel (4). At this time, there is remaining carrier gas in the channel (17) for carrier gas on the upstream side of the merging section (16). Accordingly, when carrier gas is then supplied at a time of start of an analysis, a certain amount of carrier gas is already present inside the channel (17). Therefore, the time required to completely replace the column protection gas in the channel (17) by the carrier gas is reduced, and the standby time until the start of the analysis may be reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a sample inspection automation system capable of easily, reliably, and efficiently responding to requests for reinspection or addition of inspection items. The sample inspection automation system includes a storage unit having a sample replacing mechanism for transferring a sample from a tray to a sample transfer line. When the system receives sample retrieval information through the communication between an operating unit and a laboratory information system (LIS), or a host system of the sample inspection automation system, the sample is transferred to the appropriate sample treatment unit through the transfer line. Thus, when a request for reinspection or an addition inspection is issued, the sample inspection automation system can efficiently respond to it.

Abstract: An automatic analysis device is provided with a reagent container disk, a reagent loader (6), a reagent loader position sensor, an RFID antenna, a memory unit, a reagent loading switch (26), and reagent load position LEDs (21-25). The reagent loader (6) has a plurality of slots for inserting reagent containers (4) and moves between the outside and the reagent container disk. The reagent load position LEDs (21-25) display determination results for each slot indicating whether the reagent accommodated in the reagent container inserted into the slot or the slot can be used on the basis of the presence of a reagent container in the slot and the reagent state of the inserted reagent or the state of the slot.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzing apparatus that analyzes a mixture of a tested sample and a reagent, by selecting the reagent, acquiring cross-check information unique to the kind of the selected reagent, inputting input information for acquiring permission for input of data including an analysis parameter of the selected reagent, and cross-checking the cross-check information and the input information, it is determined whether to permit the input of the data. In a case that it is determined to permit the input of the data, the input of the data is accepted and, based on the analysis parameter reflecting the inputted data, the mixture of the tested sample and the reagent is measured and analysis data is generated.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods can provide parameters of operating results for control products used in biological reactions. For example, automatically updated inserts containing such parameters for clinical quality controls can be provided. A customer can log into a website, provide lot number of quality control products, information about instruments, and tests being performed and then receive updated parameters for the products. The product inserts can be customized for or by a particular customer.

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus comprises: a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items; a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an operation part that is operable by a user to specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an information processing unit configured to determine whether or not a first measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine qualitative measuring section and a second measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine sediment measuring section have a predetermined relationship with respect to the urine qualitative measurement item and the urine sediment measurement item included in the specified combination.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample measuring apparatus, comprising: a reagent holder for holding plural kinds of reagents; a measurement unit for measuring a measurement sample, prepared from a sample and plural kinds of reagents held by the reagent holder, for a predetermined measurement item; a display; and a display controller for controlling the display so as to display a screen including a predetermined display area showing a measurable number of times indicating how many times the measuring unit is able to perform a measurement for the predetermined measurement item by using the plural kinds of reagents held by the reagent holder.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for measuring quality of a urea solution is operated with at least a portion of the apparatus inserted into the urea solution. The apparatus (100) includes a configuration of sensors (180, 190, 200) for measuring mechanical and electrical properties within a volume of the urea solution, the measurements of mechanical and electrical properties being mutually differently influenced by components present in the urea solution. A data processing arrangement (230) of the apparatus (100) is operable to process the measurements of mechanical and electrical properties for generating output data (120) indicative of a quality of the urea solution. The apparatus (100) is also capable of being adapted to measure qualities of other types of solution.

Abstract: An integrated chemical separation device includes a chemical separation unit configured to separate a plurality of substances in a sample solution, a mixing chamber configured to receive the plurality of substances in the sample solution at different times, a chemical separation and detection controller, and a multi-channel valve configured to direct the plurality of substances in the sample solution to the mixing chamber under the control of the chemical separation and detection controller. The chemical separation and detection controller can introduce nano particles in the mixing chambers to allow each of the plurality of substances to be adsorbed on the nano particles. A Raman scattering spectrometer unit emits a laser beam to illuminate molecules adsorbed on the surfaces of the nano particles and obtains Raman spectra from the plurality of substances.

Abstract: An analyzing system, including: a plurality of inspection lines, each including a reagent supplying apparatus, and a plurality of hematology analyzers, each analyzing a measurement sample prepared from a blood sample and a reagent supplied from the reagent supplying apparatus; and a computer connected to the reagent supplying apparatuses, wherein each reagent supplying apparatus includes a storing part adapted to store a concentrated reagent, a detector adapted to detect a weight of or liquid level in the storing part, a first controller adapted to calculate a remaining amount of the concentrated reagent from an output of the detector and to transmit the calculated amount to the computer, and wherein the computer includes a display, and a second controller adapted to receive the amount data transmitted from the reagent supplying apparatuses, to generate display data integrating the plurality of received amount data and to show the display data on the display.

Abstract: A multi-channel system and methods for sorting particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles. The system includes multiple flow cytometry units, each unit can have a nozzle for producing a fluid stream containing a desired population of particles in a mixture of particles. Each of the units may be operable to sort said desired population of particles by interrogating the fluid stream with a beam of electromagnetic radiation and classifying particles based on one or more characteristics of the particles. The system also includes a common fluid delivery system for delivering sheath fluid to each flow cytometer unit for producing respective fluid streams.

Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. The intelligent carriers can include one or more image sensors to observe the relative motion of the track as the carrier traverses it. The carriers can also observe position marks on the track surface to provide absolute position information, which can include additional data, such as routing instructions. Synchronization marks may be provided to correct errors in the observed trajectory.

Abstract: A clinical laboratory apparatus includes a pretreating apparatus having a high separation capability and providing high data reproducibility and reliability and a mass spectrometer is provided which executes fully automatic processing from pretreatment to detection. The pretreating apparatus that includes a cartridge for holding an extraction agent for solid-phase extraction, a pressure-loading unit for applying a pressure load to any cartridge mounted on the solid-phase extraction cartridge-retaining unit, a receiving tray mechanism for receiving a sample extracted from the cartridge, and a liquid-level sensor for detecting liquid levels in the receiving tray as well as in the cartridge, conducts feedback control for the pressure-loading unit to open its pressure release valve upon the liquid-level sensor detecting that the liquid level in the receiving tray mechanism has reached a preset liquid-level position.

Abstract: A method including automatically displaying information obtained from a first identifier associated with a slide and a second identifier associated with a reagent cartridge. The method further including generating a staining log based on the information obtained from the first identifier and the second identifier. A further method includes displaying a location of a slide within a sample processing system and information obtained from a first identifier associated with the slide in a first table and displaying a location of a reagent cartridge within a sample processing system and information obtained from a second identifier associated with the reagent cartridge in a second table. The first table is then aligned with the second table.

Abstract: Oxidation/reduction measurement is described. An aspect provides an oxidation/reduction quantification method, including: receiving intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements from one or more reference sensors; receiving one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements from one or more corroboration sensors; and processing the one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements with the intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements to generate substantially continuous representative oxidizer/reducer measurements. Other aspects are described.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer and an automatic analyzing system to identify samples and reagents used in the analyzer and members used in measurement of at least two objects in common: system reagents or buffer solution; sensor parts; probes; nozzles; chips; dispensing cups; tubes; ISE electrodes; detectors; deionized water; and waste, and to unify management of identification information thereof and a measurement result.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analyzer comprising: a liquid container mounting section in which a liquid container are set; a container mounting section in which at least one tip container accommodating a plurality of pipette tips is set; a cover detecting section that detects a presence of a cover mounted on the tip container; a dispensing section that equips a pipette tip accommodated in the tip container and dispenses a quantity of liquid from the liquid container to a reaction container via the equipped pipette tip; a detecting section that interrogate a property of the liquid; and a controller programmed to prohibit a process of equipping the pipette tip by the dispensing section when the cover on the tip container is detected, and permits the process when no cover is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.

Abstract: Provided are automated methods for measuring soluble magnesium concentration in water using fluorescence. The methods employ the use of a pH-buffered liquid and a magnesium coordinating fluorescing reagent. In certain embodiments, the methods may further employ measuring total hardness concentration of the water by displacing any soluble calcium with soluble magnesium and then re-measuring the soluble magnesium concentration. Optionally, the soluble calcium concentration can be determined by subtracting the measured soluble magnesium concentration from the measured total hardness concentration.

Abstract: A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A modular chemical production system includes multiple modules for performing a chemical reaction, particularly of radiochemical compounds, from a remote location. One embodiment comprises a reaction vessel including a moveable heat source with the position thereof relative to the reaction vessel being controllable from a remote position. Alternatively the heat source may be fixed in location and the reaction vial is moveable into and out of the heat source. The reaction vessel has one or more sealing plugs, the positioning of which in relationship to the reaction vessel is controllable from a remote position. Also the one or more reaction vessel sealing plugs can include one or more conduits there through for delivery of reactants, gases at atmospheric or an elevated pressure, inert gases, drawing a vacuum and removal of reaction end products to and from the reaction vial, the reaction vial with sealing plug in position being operable at elevated pressures.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transport unit for transporting a sample container to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining measurement item information indicating a measurement item of the sample contained in the sample container; and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the second measurement unit when a first measurement item and a second measurement item different from the first measurement item are indicated in the measurement item information, and controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit when the first measurement item is indicated and the second measurement item is not indicated in the measurement item information.

Abstract: A test apparatus, which may compare detection data of a detector with reference data and correct a positional error in the detector due to the failing of a motor, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The test apparatus includes a detector configured to irradiate light to a plurality of chambers of a reaction device and detect a detection target, a motor configured to move the detector such that light is irradiated to the plurality of chambers, and a controller configured to compare detection data of the detector regarding the reaction device with reference data, determine a positional error in the detector, and correct the positional error.

Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is that can be connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.

Abstract: A method of calculating a drop delay in a stream of a flow cytometer. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of determining a widths plot by measuring the width of a stream based on an image of the stream and setting drop delay based on the widths plot. In another aspect the invention relates to a flow cytometer system for automatically calculating drop delay. In one embodiment the flow cytometer system includes means for determining a widths plot based on an image of the stream; and means for calculating drop delay based on the widths plot.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation process is disclosed, such as for desalination and waste water reuse process, wherein an effectiveness of membrane cleaning can be estimated. Exemplary embodiments operate the reverse osmosis membrane cleaning process for a controlled time for cleaning and with a controlled value of chemical concentration in a chemical liquor prepared for cleaning the membrane. A method can include estimating fouling status of the membrane and determining a controlled value of chemical concentration in the chemical liquor, and a controlled time for cleaning based on the fouling status of the membrane.

Abstract: A controller for an automated immunoassay system is provided to manage the system resources and control the flow of samples under test. The controller allows tests to be run dynamically instead of in a serial, first in first out flow. The controller evaluates the set of tests to be run and generates a sequencing strategy. The sequencing strategy is based on the paths specified for each type of assay, the numbers of tests to be run, the priority of each test and the resources required for each test. In addition, the controller can resolve resource allocation conflicts and modify the sequencing strategy as test conditions change during operation.

Abstract: The invention provides for an analysis system (100, 300, 400) for analyzing a biological sample (108) comprising an analyzer (102) with an analytical unit (106) for analyzing the biological sample to obtain an analysis result (140). The analyzer is configured for receiving a cartridge (110) comprising an identifier (114) and containing at least one reagent for analyzing the biological sample. The analyzer comprises an identification unit (116) for reading the identifier. The analyzer accepts the cartridge if the identifier is valid. The analysis system further comprises a protocol creation system (150, 104).

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: A specimen processing device is disclosed that comprises: a processing unit configured to aspirate a specimen from a specimen container accommodating the specimen, and to process the aspirated specimen; a state transition section configured to make the processing unit undergo transition to a pause state; an instruction accepting section configured to accept an instruction to start processing of the specimen when the processing unit is in the pause state; and a pause state releasing section configured to release the processing unit from the pause state to make the processing unit perform the processing of specimen when the instruction to start the processing is accepted by the instruction accepting section. A specimen processing method using a specimen processing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. A detecting apparatus may be configured so that light from luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a first lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon an image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The detecting apparatus may further include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and/or a robot for handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: Provided are automated methods for measuring soluble magnesium concentration in water using fluorescence. The methods employ the use of a pH-buffered liquid and a magnesium coordinating fluorescing reagent. In certain embodiments, the methods may further employ measuring total hardness concentration of the water by displacing any soluble calcium with soluble magnesium and then re-measuring the soluble magnesium concentration. Optionally, the soluble calcium concentration can be determined by subtracting the measured soluble magnesium concentration from the measured total hardness concentration.

Abstract: A chromatographic optical detection system includes an optical detector disposed to receive light scattered from a stream of particles and configured to convert the received light to an electrical signal; a signal-processing unit in signal communication with the optical detector to receive the electrical signal, and configured to convert the electrical signal to digital pulses and count the digital pulses to output a first signal corresponding to a number of particles detected in a time interval, and configured to integrate and digitize the electrical signal to output a second signal corresponding to the number of particles detected in the time interval; and a data station in signal communication with the signal-processing unit, and configured to select the first signal, if the number of particles detected in the time interval is less than a threshold criterion, and to select the second signal if the number of particles detected in the time interval exceeds the threshold criterion.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.

Abstract: A calorimeter with at least one reactor for receiving a sample is disclosed. A reactor jacket may surround the reactor. A reactor-heating device and a reactor-cooling device serve to regulate an internal reactor temperature. The reactor-cooling device preferably comprises a thermoelectric cooling element that is thermally connected to a coolant. The reactor-cooling device and the reactor-heating device are preferably individual units, both of which are thermally connected to the reactor by way of the reactor jacket. A temperature control device is provided to control the reactor-heating device and the reactor-cooling device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.

Abstract: A temperature control device which may control temperature of a reactor, and a test apparatus including the same are provided. The temperature control device includes at least one body, temperature controllers provided on the at least one body and configured to control a temperature of the at least one body, and at least one temperature sensor provided on the at least one body and configured to measure the temperature of the at least one body.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic analyzer which moves a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing probe, or a vessel by a driving mechanism to dispense plural liquids into the vessel via the dispensing probe, and measures and analyzes optical characteristic of a reaction liquid in which each of the dispensed liquids is reacted, and a dispensing method thereof. The automatic analyzer includes a drive controlling unit which controls the driving mechanism so that the liquid surface of the liquid and a distal end of the dispensing probe are moved relatively to each other in a vertical direction, and, when the liquids including precipitated substance are to be dispensed, the dispensing probe sucks in the liquids from plural different positions along the vertical direction.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer adapted to enhance sample/reagent dispensing accuracy, regardless of a difference in sample/reagent dispensing height of a dispensing probe. When the amount of sample in a sample container is small, tip height “h1” of a sample dispensing probe positioned immediately after it has aspirated the sample decreases below tip height “h?” of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample. The sample in this state takes a concave shape at the tip of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample. When the amount of sample in a sample container is large, tip height “h2” of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately after it has aspirated the sample increases above the tip height “h?” and the sample takes a convex shape at the tip of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample.

Abstract: In an analysis system having an analysis apparatus using a reagent container having a memory to store reagent information concerning the reagent in the reagent container and a remote computer, the following steps are executed: reading out the reagent information from the memory of the reagent container; judging, based on the read reagent information, whether or not the reagent in the reagent container is usable; when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, writing data representing the reagent is unusable into the memory of the reagent container; and when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, registering the data representing the reagent is unusable, into a reagent database managed by the remote computer in association with identification information to identify the reagent container. Thus, it is possible to automatically identify the reagent, which should not be used, and to manage the reagent not so as to use it for the analysis.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer which assures uniformity in mixing effects regardless of sample quantity and test item and thus produces analysis results with high repeatability. The automatic analyzer includes a device for adding a conditioning liquid into a reaction chamber so that the quantity of liquid in the reaction chamber becomes a predetermined quantity prior to being mixed. The conditioning liquid may be a diluent or physiological saline as used for dilution of a sample or any other special liquid that adjusts the properties such as viscosity, surface tension, etc. of liquid to be mixed.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a colorimetric absorbance measurement method and a system for performing the same. The method comprises driving a reaction tray carrying a plurality of reaction cuvettes to rotate at a speed; transferring or rotating filters on a filter wheel to a light path of a light beam, starting from a filter of a first wavelength; and sampling photoelectric data when the light beam has passed through each reaction cuvette in some embodiments. The method ensures consistency in the measurement and synchronization between the calibration and the sample test and reliability of the measurements. Various embodiments simplify data processing and reduce the complexity of the system.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is free from limitations on layout of various mechanisms, and thus causing no bottlenecks, for example, in a space-saving design of the automatic analyzer. This invention includes a coaxial planar duplex arrangement of two dilution disks each with annularly disposed dilution cells, and the dilution disks A and B operate independently of each other. Various mechanisms (parent-sample sampling mechanism, diluent delivery mechanism, diluent/sample mixing mechanism, and diluted-sample sampling mechanism) used in a dilution process can each access the two dilution disks. The dilution process for a parent sample, executed on the dilution disks A and B, can be continuously conducted by providing a fixed delay in operational timing between the two dilution disks.

Abstract: A clinical tester has been described that includes a probe to aspirate a fluid. The probe is washed between aspirations to reduce carryover. The wash operation includes both an internal and an external wash, where the internal wash operation is terminated prior to terminating the external wash. In one embodiment, the probe wash can be implemented on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay tester.

Abstract: Stepped portions of a flow channel are reduced by completely fixing the channel that extends to the measuring unit, and reducing connections in the channel, thereby to suppress a disturbance in the flow of the liquid suctioned into the measuring unit. A means is provided so that the reaction solution and reagent suctioned will move towards the channel through which the liquids are suctioned.

Abstract: Devices, systems, or methods are disclosed herein for treatment of disease in a vertebrate subject. The device can include a quasi-planar substrate; and one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types at least partially embedded within the quasi-planar substrate, wherein the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types is configured to interact with one or more cell types. The device can further include one or more sensors configured to detect at least one aspect of an interaction between the at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types and the one or more cell types; and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to responsively initiate modification of at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types, the quasi-planar substrate, and the one or more cell types.

Abstract: Devices, systems, or methods are disclosed herein for treatment of disease in a vertebrate subject. The device can include a quasi-planar substrate; and one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types at least partially embedded within the quasi-planar substrate, wherein the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types is configured to interact with one or more cell types. The device can further include one or more sensors configured to detect at least one aspect of an interaction between the at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types and the one or more cell types; and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to responsively initiate modification of at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types, the quasi-planar substrate, and the one or more cell types.