Abstract: Provided is microparticle extraction technology capable of stably extracting only a target microparticle at high speed from a sheath flow flowing through a flow path. A particle extraction apparatus includes: a first extraction unit for extracting, from a whole sample containing a target particle, an extraction sample containing the target particle without performing abort processing; and a second extraction unit for subjecting the extraction sample to abort processing and extracting only the target particle.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for cell processing or, more specifically, for introducing various payloads into cells. These methods and systems use a mechanoporation approach in which cells are rapidly compressed and then released to relax while absorbing the payload. More specifically, these methods and systems enable high-throughput mechanoporation with various clogging mitigation features. A cell processing apparatus comprises a shell with an inner shell cylindrical surface, a core with an outer core cylindrical surface, and ridges, supported on and protruding away from one of the inner shell cylindrical surface and the outer core cylindrical surface. The core is disposed inside the shell. The outer core cylindrical surface is concentric with the inner shell cylindrical surface. Each of the ridges forms a ridge gap with the other one of the inner shell cylindrical surface and the outer core cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to detect the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject is described. In particular, devices and methods of detecting the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject using in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry techniques is described.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipette tip, which can be used in in-vitro diagnostics, in particular in the diagnostic testing of body fluids, such as in coagulation testing. The Pipette tip contains two constituents in a spatially separated manner. The present invention furthermore provides a method of performing such diagnostics, e.g. coagulation analysis, and to the use of the pipette tip in such diagnostic testing.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating target substrates includes a microfluidic chip, comprising a plurality of processing units, each processing unit comprising: an inlet port, a plurality of first chambers connected to the inlet port by a fluid channel, the fluid channel comprising a plurality of valves, a plurality of second chambers, each of the second chambers connected to a respective first chamber by a fluid channel, each fluid channel including a controllable blocking valve, and a plurality of respective outlet ports, each outlet port in fluid communication with a respective one of said second chambers and each outlet port including a blocking valve. A magnet is adjacent the microfluidic chip and is movable relative to the microfluidic chip. A valve control is capable of actuating certain ones of the controllable blocking valves in response to a control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system to detect and characterize individual particles and cells using at least either optic or electric detection as the particle or cell flows through a microfluidic channel. The system also provides for sorting particles and cells or isolating individual particles and cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having an array for cell trapping is used to analyze cell-cell interaction at single-cell level. The microfluidic trapping array efficiently pairs single cells in isolated compartments in an easy-to-operate manner. A first cell is squeezed through an opening of a first cavity by a strong forward flow. Subsequently, a second cell is pushed into a second cavity by a low reverse flow. The trapped cell pairs are sealed by an oil phase or hydrogel into isolated compartments, thereby eliminating interference from other cell pairs or the surrounding media.

Abstract: The disclosed flow cytometer includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). The WDM includes an extended light source providing light that forms an object, a collimating optical element that captures light from the extended light source and projects a magnified image of the object as a first light beam, and a first focusing optical element configured to focus the first light beam to a size smaller than the object of the extended light source to a first semiconductor detector. The disclosed flow cytometer further includes a composite microscope objective to direct light emitted by a particle in a flow channel in a viewing zone of the composite microscope to the extended light source, a fluidic system and a peristaltic pump configured to supply liquid sheath and liquid sample to the flow channel, and a laser diode system to illuminate the particle in the flow channel.

Abstract: Methods are described for measuring the amount of one or more of vitamin A, ?-tocopherol, and the combination of ?-tocopherol and ?-tocopherol in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying one or more of vitamin A, ?-tocopherol, and the combination of ?-tocopherol and ?-tocopherol in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for detecting a binding event between an immobilised primary antibody and a target analyte-secondary antibody-enzyme complex using an electrochemical measurement technique.

Abstract: The estimator learning device contains an image acquisition unit that acquires stained images provided by photographing respectively in a plurality of wavebands a biomaterial sample that has been stained with a prescribed staining solution; a cell nucleus extraction unit that extracts a cell nucleus region present in the biomaterial sample in each of the stained images; a color information acquisition unit that calculates, for each of the stained images, an absorbance in each of the wavebands in the cell nucleus region; and an estimator learning unit that, based on a relationship between the absorbance in each of the wavebands and information associated with the biomaterial sample and relating to whether the cell nucleus present in the biomaterial sample is in a prescribed state, trains an estimator that estimates whether the cell nucleus is in the prescribed state from the absorbance in each of the wavebands.

Abstract: A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for agricultural applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Outlet fittings are provided. Outlet fittings of interest include an elongate structure and an opening at a proximal end for receiving a flow stream from the distal end of a flow cell. In addition, the outlet fittings described herein are configured to reduce the formation of bubbles at the interface between the outlet fitting and the flow cell. In certain cases, outlet fittings do not include a planar surface in contact with the received flow stream. Flow cytometers and methods employing the subject outlet fittings are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an oil deterioration diagnosis device capable of detecting oil deterioration accurately and early in real time during operation of an operating machine without oil sampling. An oil deterioration diagnosis device 10 for a construction machine including an oil hydraulic circuit 1 includes: a floodlight projector 11a configured to irradiate oil flowing through the oil hydraulic circuit 1 with measuring light having a predetermined wave number or wavelength during operation of the construction machine; a photoreceiver 11b configured to receive transmitted light having penetrated the oil; a signal processing unit 11c configured to continuously or intermittently measure absorbance or transmittance; and a diagnosis unit 12 configured to detect a decrease of an antioxidant contained in the oil or an increase of a peroxide contained in the oil, based on changes in the absorbance or the transmittance.

Abstract: A method of choosing which undesired cell to destroy in a multi-cell fluorescent event includes detecting fluorescence of cells, converting photons detected in the fluorescence into an analog voltage output signal, and identifying at least two discernable peaks associated with the cells. By looking solely at properties measured within the multi-cell fluorescent event, a decision of which cell to target for elimination can be made. Using this method with large population sizes can result in an effective sex skewed product. The sex skewed product can, for example, be formed from bull semen which is then later used to inseminate cows which results in an increased likelihood of giving birth to female cattle.

Abstract: Chronological age is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality, however it is unable to account for heterogeneity in the decline of physiological function and health with advancing age. Several attempts have been made to instead define a “biological age” using multiple physiological parameters in order to account for variation in the trajectory of human aging; however, these methods require technical expertise and are likely too time-intensive and costly to be implemented into clinical practice. Accordingly, a metabolomic signature of biological aging was developed that can predict changes in physiological function with the convenience of a blood sample. A weighted model of biological age was generated based on multiple clinical and physiological measures in a large group of healthy adults and was then applied to a cohort of healthy older adults who were tracked longitudinally over a 5-10 year timeframe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow cell carrier. The flow cell carrier may include a flow cell and a frame. The frame may include a pocket and a handle. The pocket may have at least one spring feature and at least one banking feature. The frame may be configured to retain the flow cell within the pocket such that a maximal surface area of the flow cell is exposed to an optical lens. Related methods and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject disclosure presents systems and methods for automatically selecting meaningful regions on a whole-slide image and performing quality control on the resulting collection of FOVs. Density maps may be generated quantifying the local density of detection results. The heat maps as well as combinations of maps (such as a local sum, ratio, etc.) may be provided as input into an automated FOV selection operation. The selection operation may select regions of each heat map that represent extreme and average representative regions, based on one or more rules. One or more rules may be defined in order to generate the list of candidate FOVs. The rules may generally be formulated such that FOVs chosen for quality control are the ones that require the most scrutiny and will benefit the most from an assessment by an expert observer.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing cancer in an expanded biological tissue sample of a patient comprising providing at least one sample image of the expanded biological tissue sample; providing a computer configured to analyze the sample; analyzing, with the computer, the sample detect and segment nuclei; calculating, with the computer, molecular characteristics of those nuclei; and determining, with the computer, a diagnosis of cancer of the sample by comparing the sample with a benign normal tissue reference.

Abstract: A coagulation test device for measuring clotting time and clot characteristics of a whole blood sample under different hemostatic conditions. Results of the test are used as an aid in management of patients with coagulopathy of unknown etiology in order to help the physician determine appropriate clinical action to arrest bleeding in a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a method for detecting a brain condition in a subject. The method can include obtaining a breath sample from the subject and contacting it with a chemical sensor element, where the chemical sensor element includes a plurality of discrete graphene varactors. The method can include sensing and storing capacitance of the discrete graphene varactors to obtain a sample data set and classifying the sample data set into one or more preestablished brain condition classifications. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A particle separating and measuring device includes a first flow path device having a post-separation flow outlet to allow discharge of a first fluid containing target particles to be separated, and a second flow path device receiving the first flow path device and having a first flow inlet to receive the first fluid. The first flow path device having a lower surface having the post-separation flow outlet is on the second flow path device having an upper surface having the first flow inlet in a first region, with the post-separation flow outlet facing and connecting to the first flow inlet. A connection flow path vertically extends from an opening of the first flow inlet to a first flow path, and narrows from the opening of the first flow inlet toward the first flow path.

Abstract: A filtering device is provided to an analyzing instrument to block the passage of oversized particles that may otherwise clog the aperture of a sample analyzing device. The filtering device can be arranged to be proximate to the mixing chamber. In certain examples, the filtering device is placed at or adjacent an output port of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for training and implementing a machine learning algorithm to generate feature maps depicting spatial patterns of features associated with osteolysis, synovitis, or both. MRI data, including multispectral imaging data, are input to the trained machine learning algorithm to generate the feature maps, which may indicate features such as a location and probability of a pathology classification, a severity of synovitis, a type of synovitis, a synovial membrane thickness, and other features associated with osteolysis or synovitis. In some implementations, synovial anatomy are segmented in the MRI data before inputting the MRI data to the machine learning algorithm. These segmented MRI data may be generated using another trained machine learning algorithm.

Abstract: A measurement device includes an acquisition unit and a calculation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a first image obtained by image-capturing liquid containing tangible components flowing through a flow path and a second image image-captured simultaneously with the first image and having an image-capturing magnification higher than the first image. The calculation unit sorts, by using clipped images obtained by clipping the tangible components included in the first image and the second image, the tangible components into different types, and that calculates, by using a total number of the tangible components clipped out of the first image and included in a specified category as well as a ratio of a number of each of the tangible components of the different types clipped out of the second image and included in the specified category relative to a total number thereof, the number of the tangible components included in the specified category.

Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure applied to adhere an ostomy appliance to skin is disclosed. The method includes providing an ostomy wafer having a backing layer, an adhesive layer attached to a proximal side of the backing layer, and a sensor configured to be placed on a distal side of the backing layer. The sensor has a proximal film attached to a distal film and a coating on at least one of the proximal film and the distal film. The method includes placing the adhesive layer onto skin and applying pressure to the sensor and observing visible feedback from the coating recording a location of the pressure applied to the sensor and the ostomy wafer.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods allowing for automated sampling and/or analysis of controlled environments, for example, to determine the presence, quantity, size, concentration, viability, species or characteristics of particles within the environment. The described systems and methods may utilize robotics or automation or remove some or all of the collection or analysis steps that are traditionally performed by human operators. The methods and systems described herein are versatile and may be used with known particle sampling and analysis techniques and particle detection devices including, for example, optical particle counters, impingers and impactors.

Abstract: A system, device and method for measuring markers for a periprosthetic joint infection in a sample of synovial fluid. A sensor reader device includes a vial receptacle for receiving a vial containing synovial fluid. A light source illuminates the vial and an optical sensor detects light scattered and/or absorbed by white blood cells in the fluid sample. An electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the light received at the optical sensor is detected. A white blood cell concentration is determined from the electrical signal value. The sensor reader device also includes one or more immunoassay strip receptacles. Immunoassay strips for other marker are inserted into the receptacles. Immunoassay optical sensors detect light generated by the immunoassay reaction on the immunoassay strip to determine the concentration of the marker. In example implementations, the device includes an immunoassay strip reader for leukocyte esterase and c-reactive protein.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including a tube and a plunger sized and shaped to be inserted into the tube. A distal end of the plunger is shaped to define one or more first passageways therethrough, and the plunger is shaped to define one or more compartments in fluid communication with the first passageways. A filter is coupled to the distal end of the plunger. The plunger is shaped to define a second passageway that passes through the plunger from a proximal end of the plunger to the distal end of the plunger, and is positioned to facilitate testing of the filter. The apparatus is configured such that while the plunger is advanced within the tube while fluid is within the tube, the fluid in the tube is pushed through the filter, through the first passageways, and into the one or more compartments. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A microfluidic, chip-based assay device has been developed for measuring physical properties of an analyte (particularly, whole blood or whole blood derivatives). The technologies can be applied to measure clotting times of whole blood or blood derivatives, determine the effects of anticoagulant drugs on the kinetics of clotting/coagulation, as well as evaluate the effect of anticoagulant reversal agents. These technologies can additionally be used to optimize the dosage of anticoagulation drugs and/or their reversal agents. The assay is independent of the presence of anticoagulant; clotting is activated by exposure of the blood sample in the device to a glass (or other negatively charged material such as oxidized silicon) surface, which activates the intrinsic pathway and can be further hastened by the application of shear flow across the activating materials surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for characterizing particles using a flow cytometer comprising detecting radiated light from the particles using two or more detectors positioned to allow for the detection in two or more angular directions and generating a waveform, as a digital representation for the detected radiated light for each of said angulation direction. The waveforms are transformed using one or more basis functions to obtain one or more coefficients characterizing the waveform. The one or more coefficients characterizing the waveform preferably correspond to properties of the particle(s), thereby enabling analysis of physical properties of the particles (such as size, shape, refractive index) or biological properties of the particles (such as cell type, cell cycle state or localization or distribution of molecules within the cell and/or on the cell surface). In preferred embodiments the method and system are used for a label-free sorting of particles, in particular biological cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of tamoxifen and its metabolites in a sample by mass spectrometry. In some aspects, the methods provided herein determine the amount of N-Desmethyl Tamoxifen. In some aspects, the methods provided herein determine the amount of N-Desmethyl Tamoxifen and other tamoxifen metabolites. In some aspects, the methods provided herein determine the amount of tamoxifen, N-Desmethyl Tamoxifen, and other tamoxifen metabolites.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a reservoir (R) containing fluid (P) and air (A), the reservoir (R) forming an assembly opening (11); a fluid dispenser cannula (12) in communication with the reservoir (R); and an actuator member (2) engaged in the assembly opening (11), for supplying the dispenser cannula (13) with fluid (P). The actuator member (2) has a deformable membrane (23) that defines an outside face (231) forming a pusher (24), and an inside face (232) that is in contact with the air (A) of the reservoir (R), when the dispenser cannula (12) is in contact with the fluid (P) of the reservoir (R).

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional (3D) printing includes applying a solution to a channel. The solution includes a plurality of anisotropic particles suspending in the solution. Acoustic waves are applied to the channel. The frequency of the acoustic waves is configured to organize the plurality of anisotropic particles into one or more columns of organized anisotropic particles. The channel is connected to a printhead and a waste outlet. The solution comprising the one or more columns of organized anisotropic particles is deposited on a substrate via the printhead outlet.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for partitioning species. In some embodiments, such systems can be used for determining one or more types of cancer. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to aqueous multiphase partitioning systems that can be used, for example, for distinguishing between different types of cancers, diagnosing subjects with cancer, or the like. In some cases, such systems can be identified using solvent properties such as the solvent dipolarity/polarizability difference (??*), the solvent hydrogen bond donor acidity difference (??), the solvent hydrogen bond acceptor basicity difference (??), and the electrostatic property difference (c) between two phases of the partitioning system. These may be within certain ranges in accordance with various embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods, for performing biological and chemical assays.

Abstract: Methods of detecting platinum and copper in a test sample are provided. Kits for use in detecting platinum and copper in a test sample also are provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of fluidic devices and methods of the present teaching can provide precision on-device loading of fluidic samples, and merging, mixing, and splitting of the fluidic samples, in illustrative embodiments as droplets, using pressures that can be provided by standard laboratory liquid handling equipment. Various embodiments of fluidic devices of the present teachings can provide on-device manipulation of accurate and precise fluidic volumes at the picoliter to nanoliter scale for each steps from fluidic sample loading to fluidic sample splitting. Various embodiments of fluidic elements of the present teachings, for example, but not limited by, various embodiments of fluidic traps of the present teachings, can have a constrained and measurable geometry, allowing for accurate and precise tuning of each fluidic sample volume throughout the on-device liquid handling process.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance having a signal generator adapted to give a user or a health care professional a warning in time to change the appliance before leakage occurs by predetermining leakage or potential leakage of stomal fluids.

Abstract: A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for agricultural applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for aquatic applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to chemical entities for the detection of wounds, e.g., chronic wounds or infected wounds, including compositions, substrates, kits, dressing materials, and articles, and systems containing such compounds. The disclosed technology further relates to methods of using these compositions, kits and systems in diagnostic assays, and in the diagnosis and/or detection of chronic or infected wounds based on enzymatic action on specific moieties and/or reaction sites. The disclosed technology additionally relates to detection of pathogenic, e.g., bacterial and/or viral substances, such as enzymes and substrates, at the wound situs. Additional disclosure relates to methods of characterizing wounds based on expression of a plurality of markers and using such information to treat, manage, and follow-up patients suffering from chronic or infected wounds.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a tissue slice selection method and an embedded block-preparing cassette which are capable of suppressing occurrence of errors in inspection results. The present invention makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of errors in inspection results by including: an embedded block-preparing process of preparing an embedded block by embedding both a biological tissue fragment and a standard substance in the same embedding agent; an embedded tissue slice preparing step of slicing the embedded block to prepare a sheet-like embedded tissue slice having a tissue slice and standard substance slices appearing on a surface thereof; and a tissue slice selecting step of selecting the tissue slice to be inspected, based on a light signal from the standard substance slice.

Abstract: A flow-cytometer has an excitation light source generating an excitation light that excites one or more bio-cells in a bio-sample carried by a flow path to luminesce. The flow-cytometer includes a spectrum dispersive element that disperses the luminescent light generated by the bio-sample into a photo-detector array. The flow-cytometer further includes a digital signal processor (DSP) that receives signals from the photo-detector array and generates a self-triggering signal based on the luminescent light generated by the bio-cells in bio-sample. The self-triggering signal triggers data capture in the DSP to improve synchronization with the data generated from signals received from the photo-detector array.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides, in various embodiments, methods of analyzing samples having a low abundance of proteins, e.g., single cells, utilizing liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS).

Abstract: A multi-channel system for classifying particles in a mixture of particles according to one or more characteristics including a common source of electromagnetic radiation for producing a beam of electromagnetic radiation and a beam splitter for producing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation for directing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation to each interrogation location associated with each flow channel of the multi-channel system.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an enzymatic measurement method using an antibody-enzyme complex or a nucleic acid probe measurement method using an enzyme-labeled nucleic acid probe, in both of which the quantification of a product of a reaction by an enzyme in the antibody-enzyme complex or the enzyme-labeled nucleic acid probe is performed by generating thio-NAD(P)H by an enzymatic cycling reaction using NAD(P)H, thio-NAD(P), and a dehydrogenase (DH), and measuring the amount of the generated thio-NAD(P)H or measuring a change in color caused by the generated thio-NAD(P)H. An enzymatic reaction system in which NAD(P) generated from NAD(P)H by the enzymatic cycling reaction is selectively reduced, is caused to coexist with the enzymatic cycling reaction. The present invention also pertains to a kit for enzyme immunoassay, and a kit for nucleic acid probe measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assisting prediction of onset of cerebral infarction, based on the number of red blood cells contained in a blood sample collected from a subject, comprising the steps of: calculating an exponent value for the prediction from a first measured value indicating red blood cell count measured by electrical resistance measurement method and a second measured value indicating red blood cell count measured by optical measurement method, comparing the exponent value with a reference range, and suggesting that the subject develops cerebral infarction when the exponent value is outside the reference range.