Abstract: Provided herein are improved multi-way cell sorter systems and methods. For example, provided are systems and methods for the collection of cells that are sorted in multiple directions. The systems and methods allow for the construction of a multi-way sorter (e.g., a ten-way sorter in the space that currently only allows four-way sorting). In addition the device may actively sense the arrival of drops (with cells of interest) at a sample tube, and trigger an alarm when the drops' arrivals deviate from an expected pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a risk evaluation and diagnosis of human cancer, by examining the presence, in the volatile fraction of a human saliva sample, of a combination of particulate biochemical volatile organic compounds, which is indicative of an increased risk of developing cancer.

Abstract: A method for determining the biological activity of embryonated Trichuris eggs is described, in which at least one of the following determinations is carried out: a) Determination and/or confirmation of the stage of the embryonal development of helminth eggs with the aid of quantitative PCR analysis by using suitable marker sequences for ascertaining the copy number of the genomic DNA, b) Determination of the metabolic activity of embryonated helminth eggs by means of biochemical and/or molecular biological methods, c) Determination of the inducibility of gene expression in embryonated helminth eggs, d) Microscopic determination of the motility of helminth larvae in the egg over long periods of observation after pre-incubation at increased temperatures and/or e) Determination of the hatching rate of Trichuris larvae in a laboratory animal, wherein the intact embryonated eggs recovered from the contents of the intestine are quantified compared to an internal standard.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for encapsulating inorganic micro- or nanostructures within polymeric microgels are described. In various embodiments, viruses are encapsulated with microgels during microgel formation. The viruses can provide a template for in situ synthesis of the inorganic structures within the microgel. The inorganic structures can be distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the microgel, or can be distributed non-uniformly within the microgel. The inventive microgel compositions can be used for a variety of applications including electronic devices, biotechnological devices, fuel cells, display devices and optical devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample. The apparatus includes a source for emitting high intensity ultrasound waves and is adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber containing the liquid sample, wherein the high intensity ultrasound waves are focused on a focus position at or near a nucleation element extending at least partially into the chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the prognostic evaluation of a patient suspected of having, or having, cancer by assessing the expression of IMP3 in a biological sample of a patient. Methods can be used at the time of initial diagnosis of malignant tumors to identify a group of patients with a high potential to develop progression or metastasis later. Therefore, methods not only are able to provide very useful prognostic information for patients but also can help clinicians to select a candidate patient likely to benefit from early and aggressive cancer therapy. Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer associated with expression of IMP3 are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining the area of an analysis chamber covered by a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber is provided. The chamber has a first panel with an interior surface, and a second panel with an interior surface, both of which panels are transparent.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for monitoring the development of a disease in a patient, and for assessing the efficacy of a therapy influencing on the CD73 level or activity in the patient, in particular a cytokine therapy or a statin therapy. CD73 in a tissue fluid drawn from the patient is used as a biomarker. The invention concerns also methods for determining of CD73 protein in a sample drawn from an individual's tissue fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and specifically to a method of diagnosing the presence, status or metastasis of cancer by detecting plasma Hsp90? having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 as a tumor marker. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for the treatment of cancer and metastasis.

Abstract: Regions where metastatic cancer cells can exist are detected with high accuracy in a sentinel lymph node. Quantum dots are injected into the vicinity of a cancer in a living body, thereby identifying the location of the sentinel lymph node by means of fluorescence. Subsequently, the sentinel lymph node is extracted. With respect to the sentinel lymph node extracted with quantum dots injected, structural analysis is conducted by means of precision fluorescence measurement which uses a confocal fluorescence microscope for monomolecular observation. Specifically, the fluorescence intensity is measured with respect to each of multiple areas in the sentinel lymph nodes, and out of the multiple areas measured, one or more areas are detected as afferent lymph vessel inflow regions in descending order of fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining membrane-bound proteins in a cell can include a chamber with an insulating partition dividing the chamber into an upper well and a lower well, and a pore penetrating the insulating partition. The pore can have a size and shape so as to snugly hold a cell in place therein. The apparatus can further include circuitry for delivering a radio frequency signal to the cell. A belt electrode for delivering electrical signals to the cell can be located within the insulation partition and substantially encircling the pore. A measuring circuit for measuring cell membrane impedance to the radio frequency signal is also provided, and changes in the impedance can signal a change in state of a protein in the cell membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: The present invention stems from the finding that the extracellular domain of CD31 proteins present on blood leukocytes is shed and released in the circulation as a soluble form of CD31. A method for detecting shed CD31 is further disclosed. The invention therefore relates to a method for detecting a shed ectodomain of a transmembrane protein such as CD31 and to the use of such a method as a diagnostic tool. The invention further provides methods for determining whether a candidate protein is part of a molecular complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-parameter analysis methods for determining the presence or absence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in a cervical sample and for screening cervical abnormality in a cervical sample. The invention also provides an apparatus and automated methods for screening cervical abnormality in a sample. The invention further provides a sampling device and a sample collection assembly for collecting cell samples, including cervical samples.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to novel nucleic acid sequences and their encoded proteins, referred to as 158P1D7 and variants thereof, and to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and compositions useful in the management of various cancers that express 158P1D7 and variants thereof.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating cells, particularly antibody-secreting cells that have a high likelihood of secreting antibodies specific for a desired antigen for the purpose of making monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Provided are a marker for determining sensitivity to an anticancer agent capable of distinguishing a therapeutic response of an individual patient and a novel means for a cancer therapy using the marker. The marker for determining sensitivity to an anticancer agent contains a substance in a metabolic pathway in which L-phenylalanine and/or N,N-dimethyl glycine are/is involved.

Abstract: Management of the health status of an animal colony using a plurality of blood collection cards and the analysis of dried blood from members of the colony that has been collected on the cards. Members of the colony may be removed from the colony as a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor. The device comprises a display adapted to display information to a user. The device further comprises at least one user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the device. The device further comprises a body portion including at least one opening formed therein, the at least one opening being of sufficient size to receive the test sensor. The device further comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of stored analyte concentrations. The device further comprises a processing feature adapted to inhibit the stored analyte concentrations from being displayed on the display.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting or determining the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent and for treating a mammalian tumor comprising detecting and quantifying the SPARC protein or RNA in a sample isolated from the mammal. The invention further provides kit for predicting the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent, comprising a means for the isolation of protein or RNA from the tumor, a SPARC protein or RNA detection and quantification means, control RNAs, and rules for predicting the response of the tumor based on the level of SPARC protein or RNA in tumor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of aiding in a renal cell carcinoma prognosis that include quantifying expressed carbonic anhydrase in samples derived from renal cell carcinoma patients. The methods also identify patients that are likely to respond positively to selected courses of treatment. The invention further provides related computer program products.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for identifying glycated protein in a sample using a matrix including a boronic acid moiety that binds glycated proteins.

Abstract: A method that enables quantification of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein 3 (HDL3) in a test sample without requiring a laborious operation is disclosed. The method for quantifying cholesterol in HDL3 having: Step 1 wherein a surfactant that reacts with lipoproteins other than high-density lipoprotein 3 is reacted with a test sample to transfer cholesterol to the outside of the reaction system; and Step 2 in which cholesterol remaining in the reaction system is quantified. The method enables specific quantification of HDL3 cholesterol in a test sample using an automatic analyzer without requirement of a laborious operation such as ultracentrifugation or pretreatment. Further, quantification of the HDL2 cholesterol level can also be carried out by subtracting the HDL3 cholesterol level from the total HDL cholesterol level obtained by a conventional method for quantifying the total HDL cholesterol in a test sample.

Abstract: Method and system for uniformly spacing particles in a flowing system comprising suspending particles in an elongated fluid filled cavity; exposing said cavity to an axial acoustic standing wave field, wherein said axial acoustic standing wave field drives said particles to nodal and anti-nodal positions along the center axis of said cavity to result in uniformly spaced particles; and focusing said particles to the center axis of said cavity.

Abstract: A method an system is disclosed for the detection and/or allocation of at least one point mutation in target DNA and/or RNA duplexes. The method comprises obtaining a functionalized surface which is coated with probe DNA and/or RNA whereto target DNA and/or RNA duplexes are attached, contacting said functionalized surface to an electrolytic solution having a neutral pH in a flow cell and measuring a first impedance value within said electrolytic solution, and then adding a chemical to the electrolytic solution which is able to achieve denaturation of the target DNA and/or RNA. The method further comprises measuring a second impedance value within the flow cell after completion of the denaturation of the DNA and/or RNA target, and then obtaining a value representative for the impact of the chemical on the impedance of the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: Management of the health status of an animal colony using a plurality of blood collection cards and the analysis of dried blood from members of the colony that has been collected on the cards. Members of the colony may be removed from the colony as a result of the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and systems for detecting the existence of oral conditions.

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: The invention includes systems, apparatuses and methods to evaluate the strength of clotting in addition to or separate from activated clotting time. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of energy employed to move an object within blood. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of time for fibrinolysis to occur. The strength of clotting may be determined by a system in which a ferromagnetic material is moved within blood.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of estrone in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing estrone in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of estrone in the sample.

Abstract: This application provides devices for modeling ischemic stroke conditions. The devices can be used to culture neurons and to subject a first population of the neurons to low-oxygen conditions and a second population of neurons to normoxic conditions. The neurons are cultured on a porous barrier, and on the other side of the barrier run one or more fluid-filled channels. By flowing fluid with different oxygen levels through the channels, one can deliver desired oxygen concentrations to the cells nearest those channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for collecting a biological sample comprising a container having at least one open end, a closure fitting on or in said at least one open end, a holding element connected to said closure and a solid matrix on which said biological sample is deposited, and optionally at least one processing agent, wherein said solid matrix is at least partially transferable into a liquid or dissolved state by changing at least one physico-chemical property of the environment of said matrix without disintegration of the biomolecules comprised in said biological sample deposited on said matrix.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and compositions for detecting target molecules present on cells and tissues. In particular, the methods involve adding primary antibodies such as scFv-targeted lactamase that are directed against a target of interest (e.g., cancer markers) to a tissue sample, followed by adding a lactam-containing compound and finally a lactamase reporter system. In some preferred embodiments, the lactamase reporters are fluorescent reporters that bind to the test tissue. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the test tissue contains at least once cancer cell and/or at least one cancer-associated marker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensing device, comprising an input unit, an analysis unit, a process unit, and a set unit for storing resulting data values as the basis for calibrating the biosensing device, to set up the calibration parameters of a strip of the biosensing device.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a transitional fill-volume indicator is disclosed. The specimen collection container includes an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior. The specimen collection container includes a transitional fill-volume indicator adjacent the sidewall, such that the container defines a first volumetric interior defined by the sidewall between the closed bottom end and the transitional indicator. The specimen collection container also defines a second volumetric interior defined by the sidewall between the closed bottom end and a portion of the sidewall disposed above the transitional indicator.

Abstract: Persons with diabetes often carry a handheld glucose meter as well as a portable computing device, such as a mobile phone. Given the close proximity of these two devices, the portable computing device can serve as a data collector for the glucose measures taken by the glucose meter. Improved techniques are set forth for transferring glucose measures automatically and seamlessly to the patient's portable computing device, including displaying a value for the glucose measure along with an identifier for the portable computing device on a display of the glucose meter during the data exchange with the portable computing device.

Abstract: Persons with diabetes often carry a handheld glucose meter as well as a portable computing device, such as a mobile phone. Given the close proximity of these two devices, the portable computing device can serve as a data collector for the glucose measures taken by the glucose meter. Improved techniques are set forth for transferring glucose measures automatically and seamlessly to the patient's portable computing device, including transmitting a single glucose measure automatically in response to navigating away from an interface which displays to the glucose measure.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for mitochondria analysis includes an inlet coupled to a first access channel, an outlet coupled to a second access channel, and a plurality of trapping channels fluidically coupled at one end to the first access channel and fluidically coupled at an opposing end to the second access channel, each trapping channel has a cross-sectional dimension about 2 ?m in one direction and a cross-sectional dimension between about 0.45 and about 0.75 ?m in a second direction.

Abstract: Described is a chimeric peptide, comprising, in order, (a) a first detectable label (b) a cAMP binding moiety having only one cAMP binding site and (c) a second detectable label least two detectable labels is describe. The chimeric peptide is useful for direct determination of cAMP concentration in vitro and/or in vivo. Also described are nucleic acids encoding the chimeric peptide, methods of making and modifying the chimeric peptide, a method for determining the cAMP concentration, and kits.

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: A water-quality monitoring system for an aquatic environment that includes a monitoring unit and a chemical indicator wheel designed and configured to be submerged in the water being monitored. The chemical indicator wheel includes a holder that supports a number of chemical indicators selected for use in measuring levels of constituents of the water. When in use, the wheel is drivingly engaged with a monitoring/measuring unit that includes at least one reader for reading the chemical indicators. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo an optically detectable physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide the monitoring system with additional functionalities.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for counting biomolecules or cells. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cell counting or biomolecule counting system including: a covered chamber having a known height and configured to hold a suspension of biomolecules or cells in a sample; at least one fluorescent light source connected to at least one fluorescent light beam narrowing device; a bright-field light source connected to a bright-field light beam narrowing device; a microscope objective; a detection device; a fluorescent filter assembly to allow only excitation light to illuminate the sample and allow only emission light from the sample to be imaged by the detection device; and a movable light shutter to block bright-field light during fluorescent detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining haemostasis parameters by measuring vibration parameters of a resonator having a measuring surface which contacts a platelet containing sample fluid. The invention is characterized by the analysis of the characteristic of a vibration parameter over time, based on which the platelet function will then be assessed and a distinction will be made between the presence of an adhesion disorder or that of an aggregation disorder.

Abstract: A test cartridge includes an input channel to receive a liquid sample to be tested. A sample chamber is coupled to the input channel to receive the sample. An air permeable membrane is coupled between the sample chamber and ambient to prevent passage of the sample past the membrane and stop movement of the sample in the sample chamber.