Abstract: The invention provides a system adapted to a method for determining behavior of thyroid tumor. The system comprises a processor, and a memory, under control of said processor, including software instructions adapted to enable the system to perform operations.

Abstract: There is provided a bio-chip, including a fixing plate having a plurality of guide grooves formed in one surface thereof, a first substrate having a plurality of support plates inserted into the guide grooves, and a plurality of pillars protruded from one surface of the respective support plates, and having a biomaterial disposed thereon.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for determining and/or predicting a response to a therapy, prognosis of a cancer subject or survival of a cancer and kits for performing the same are described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems of molecular profiling of diseases, such as cancer. In some embodiments, the molecular profiling can be used to identify treatments for a disease, such as treatments that were not initially identified as a treatment for the disease or not expected to be a treatment for a particular disease.

Abstract: A method for assaying a sample for each of multiple analytes is described. The method includes contacting an array of spaced-apart test zones with a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood). The test zones are disposed within a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel is defined by at least one flexible wall and a second wall which may or may not be flexible. Each test zone comprising a probe compound specific for a respective target analyte. The microfluidic device is compressed to reduce the thickness of the channel, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the walls within the channel. The presence of each analyte is determined by optically detecting an interaction at each of multiple test zones for which the distance between the inner surfaces at the corresponding location is reduced. The interaction at each test zone is indicative of the presence in the sample of a target analyte.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a system for detecting one or more analytes in a fluid. The system comprises: a controller adapted to obtain one or more sample streams of the fluid. The controller is configured in use to form a plurality of output streams. Each output stream comprises at least part of one of the one or more sample streams. The system further comprises: a detector adapted to receive from the controller the plurality of output streams and comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is operable to detect an interaction between a corresponding detecting agent and a corresponding analyte. The detector is configured in use to detect one or more said interactions using the plurality of output streams to determine if the fluid contains one or more said analytes. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing a kidney disorder in a patient, as well as methods of monitoring the progression of a kidney disorder and/or methods of monitoring a treatment protocol of a therapeutic agent or a therapeutic regimen. The invention also relates to assay methods used in connection with the diagnostic methods described herein.

Abstract: A method and related microfluidic chip and kit for high throughput detection of proteins of interest contained in a sample is disclosed. The method comprises of specifically labeling fusion proteins in a complex sample with fusion tag specific fluorophores that specifically bind the fusion tags coupled to the proteins of interest, and subjecting the sample to automated capillary electrophoresis, wherein the presence of the proteins of interest in the sample is detected by fluorescence signals associated with the fusion tag specific fluorophores.

Abstract: Biomarkers, particularly hypoxia-related genes, and methods using the biomarkers for molecular detection and classification of disease are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable system for real-time population-scale HLA genotyping and/or allelotyping in a field environment and methods of such population-scale HLA genotyping. The individual components of the system are portable to and operable within a field environment thereby providing high throughput with real-time geno- or allelotyping. Also provided are HLA gene-specific primers and HLA allele-specific or single nucleotide polymorphism-specific hybridization probes. In addition the present invention provides a microarray comprising the hybridization probes. Further provided is a kit comprising the HLA gene-specific primers and the microarray.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for the high-throughput characterization of the mechanical properties of cells or particles. In certain embodiments the devices comprise a microfluidic channel comprising: an oscillating element on a first side of said channel; and a detecting element on a second side of said channel opposite said oscillating element, wherein said detecting element is configured to detect a force transmitted through a cell or microparticle by said oscillating element. In certain embodiments the devices comprise a microfluidic channel comprising an integrated oscillator and sensor element on one first side of said channel, wherein said sensor is configured to detect a force transmitted through a cell or microparticle by said oscillator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to uniform nanostructure biosensors and methods of calibrating the response of nanostructure biosensors. The invention overcomes device to device variability that has made quantitative detection difficult. The described biosensors have uniform characteristics that allow for more reliable comparison across devices. The methods of the invention comprise normalizing the initial current rate, as measured by the nanostructure biosensor following the addition of an analyte, to device characteristics of the biosensor. The device characteristics of the biosensor which can be used to normalize the response include baseline current and transconductance. Calibration of responses allows for the generation of calibration curves for use in all devices to quantitatively detect an analyte, without the need for individual device calibration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cover sheet for a microarray reaction device. In one aspect, the present cover sheet or device ensures the reaction units/volumes are stable and/or consistent among assay samples and assay runs, allowing samples (e.g., reaction solutions) to be conveniently added and distributed uniformly.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for loading molecules of interest onto a substrate by contacting beads having molecules of interest attached to them with the substrate, for example by providing a field that brings the beads into proximity or contact with the substrate and moves the beads with respect to the substrate. Such molecules of interest can be deposited onto substrates for single-molecule analysis.

Abstract: A method is provided to construct libraries of nucleic acids that comprise a plurality of mutations, each of which may be identified with particularity, such as following a selection or screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the screening, identification and/or application of microorganisms of use in imparting beneficial properties to plants. In one embodiment, the method involves subjecting one or more plants to a growth medium in the presence of a set of microorganisms, selecting one or more plant, acquiring one or more microorganisms associated with the selected plant(s) and repeating the process one or more times. The method further involves the step of subjecting the one or more microorganisms to a conditioning and/or directed evolution process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting analytes using a sensor element having a cleaning cycle and renewable liquid material with an affinity for the analytes are described. An analyte detection system may include a controller in communication with a sensor element and a liquid dispensing assembly. The liquid dispensing assembly, such as an inkjet dispensing device, may deposit the liquid material on or adjacent to the sensor element. The controller may be operative to monitor at least one property associated with the liquid material deposited on the sensor element. In addition, the controller may be configured to generate at least one control signal based on the at least one property. The liquid dispensing assembly may be configured to deposit the at least one liquid material on the sensor element based on the at least one control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods of selecting combinatorial coordinately dysregulated biomarker subnetworks are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises comparing the normalized gene expression data to a predetermined threshold to provide binary gene expression data associated with phenotype samples and control samples, analyzing subnetwork states of the binary gene expression data associated with phenotype samples and control samples to identify gene expression patterns that occur in phenotype samples and do not occur in control samples and identifying a subnetwork that provides gene expression patterns indicative of a sample being a phenotype sample.

Abstract: The cell observation using a conventional well plate takes much costs. Each well 3 being opened at a top plate 2a of the well plate 1 has a diameter reduced portion 32 which inner circumferential surface 32a is conically hollowed. At a lower portion of the diameter reduced portion 32 is formed an inserting hole 33. In a detecting portion 4, an outer circumferential surface of a round-bar reference electrode 41 is covered by an insulating portion 42. The detecting portion 4 has an upper end portion 4a and a lower end portion 4b which outer circumferential surface is exposed to an outside without being covered by an insulating portion 42. On an upper side above the lower end portion 4b is formed a diameter expanded portion 4c in which an outer circumferential surface of the insulating portion 42 is covered with a measuring electrode 43. The detecting portion 4 is fixed to a well 3 whose diameter expanded portion 4c is inserted into an inserting hole 33 and its upper end portion 4a is contained in the well 3.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously determining multiple different biological molecule types in a sample include labeling each different biological molecule type in a biological sample with a unique combination of a plurality of labels. Each different biological molecule type is selected from a population of M different biological molecules types. The plurality of labels is selected from a population of L different labels; and, M is greater than L. Measurements are obtained of relative abundances of the L different labels in the sample. Relative abundance of up to M different biological molecule types in the sample are determined based on the measurements and a method of compressed sensing.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for performing measurements of electrical signals in a multi-compartmented fluidic array format where the signal to noise ratio is improved are disclosed.

Abstract: A real time analysis in accordance with temperature change and highly sensitive detection are permitted. A flow passage device has a flow passage (1) and is able to heat a fluid in the flow passage. A state of the fluid in the flow passage is observable using light. The flow passage device includes a first member (2) including an observation surface (3) and an upper inner wall surface (4), and a second member (5) including a lower inner wall surface that opposes the upper inner wall surface (4) and that is part of inner walls of the flow passage. A heating resistor (6) having a reflective surface that reflects light is provided on the lower inner wall surface. The light reflected by the reflective surface passes through the upper inner wall surface (4) and the observation surface (3).

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for inducing mechanical stress in a cellular sample to evaluate mechanotransduction in the cellular sample. In one embodiment, the mechanical stress is induced by generating a microcavitation bubble in the cellular sample using a pulsed energy. The microcavitation bubble creates a microtsunami, which provides a transient, impulsive mechanical stress on the cellular sample, forming a gradient of effects at distances away from the microcavitation bubble.

Abstract: An integrated microfluidic biochip is provided that includes a microfluidic device, where the microfluidic device includes hollow structures, where at least one the hollow structure includes an output at a bottom surface of the microfluidic device, and a sensor plate, where the sensor plate comprises a plurality of independent surface sensors, where the microfluidic device is sealably attachable to the sensor plate, where the hollow structure output abuts the surface sensor when the microfluidic device is attached to the sensor plate.

Abstract: An injection molding method of fabricating a carrier for holding a microfluidic device can form all of the desired features of such a carrier, including wells, channels and ports having smaller dimensions and greater density than previously achieved, while reducing or avoiding fracturing and the need for drilling the substrate to form certain features, in particular the ports. The carrier includes a substrate with a plurality of wells, each well defining a volume of between 0.1 ?l and 100 ?l; a plurality of channels within the substrate wherein each well is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of channels; a plurality of ports within the carrier substrate wherein each port is for coupling with regions in the carrier substrate adapted to receive fluids or pressure; and a receiving portion for receiving a microfluidic device and placing the microfluidic device in fluid communication with the plurality of wells.

Abstract: Analysis of a system and/or sample involves the use of absorption-encoded micro beads. Each type of micro bead is encoded with amounts of the k dyes in a proportional relationship that is different from proportional relationships of the k dyes of others of the n types of absorption-encoded micro beads. A system and/or a sample can be analyzed using information obtained from detecting the one or more types of absorption-encoded micro beads.

Abstract: A honeycomb tube with a planar frame defining a fluidic path between a first planar surface and a second planar surface. A fluidic interface is located at one end of the planar frame. The fluidic interface has a fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet. The fluidic path further includes a well chamber having an well-substrate with a plurality of wells. The well chamber is arranged in the planar frame between the first or second surface and the well-substrate. The well chamber is in fluidic communication between the pre-amplification chamber and the fluidic outlet.

Abstract: A microarray system is disclosed. The microarray system includes a microarray formed on a planar substrate and an incubation chamber formed around the microarray. The incubation chamber has a plurality of interior surfaces including a bottom surface on which the microarray is formed and a top surface that faces the bottom surface and is generally parallel to the bottom surface. At least one of a plurality of interior surfaces is a hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: A microarray system is disclosed. The microarray system includes a microarray formed on a planar substrate and an incubation chamber formed around the microarray. The incubation chamber has a plurality of interior surfaces including a bottom surface on which the microarray is formed and a top surface that faces the bottom surface and is generally parallel to the bottom surface. At least one of a plurality of interior surfaces is a hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: Markers on chromosome 19q13, in particular, markers in the ALDH16A1 gene, are associated with risk of gout in humans. Diagnostic applications using the markers, such as determining the susceptibility to Gout, are described.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photo-generated carbohydrate arrays and methods of their use to detect the presence of one or more agents in a sample. The invention also relates to a high-throughput strategy to facilitate the identification and immunological characterization of pathogen-specific carbohydrates, including those of Bacillus anthracis. The invention can be used to determine the presence of a pathogen and whether a subject has been exposed to a pathogen, such as by screening for pathogen-specific antibodies.

Abstract: An integrated plasmonic sensing device is monolithically integrated and provides marker-free detection (eliminating the need to use fluorescent or absorbing markers) and in-situ monitoring of conditions at each detection region. The integrated plasmonic sensing device includes a plasmonic backplane disposed on a monolithically integrated image sensor. One or more plasmonic scattering regions and one or more plasmonic via regions laterally offset from the plasmonic scattering regions are provided in the plasmonic sensing device. Guided plasmonic modes mediate power transfer through the plasmonic backplane to one or more underlying image sensor pixels.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining the healing status of wounds, in particular of chronic wounds are provided. Also provided are kits comprising the diagnostic devices, and methods of wound diagnosis and treatment using the diagnostic devices and methods. A diagnostic apparatus (device) for monitoring wounds that exude a wound fluid and determining whether said wounds would be responsive to treatment with wound therapy such as oxidized cellulose therapy is also provided along with kits comprising the diagnostic apparatus and a wound dressing. Furthermore, methods of prognosing and treating wounds that exude a wound fluid are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for defining a nucleic acid construct for integration at locus L of an organism. Nucleic acid requests are received, each such request specifying a genetic change to L. The request are expanded into component polynucleotides which are then arranged into {AR1, . . . , ARm} different arrangements, each ARi in {AR1, . . . , ARm} defining a different arrangement of the component polynucleotides. A score Si for each ARi in {AR1, . . . , ARm} is determined based on whether source constructs encoding a portion of ARi are physically present. An ARf in {AR1, . . . , ARm} is selected based on the score for ARf. Primer pairs are calculated to amplify the portions of ARf not represented in the source constructs. The portions of ARf amplified by the primer pairs and the portions of ARf in the source constructs, ordered by ARf, define the nucleic acid construct.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide rapid analysis of members of a combinatorial library. The apparatus includes a plurality of reactor vessels for containing individual library members, a fluid handling system that apportions a test fluid about equally between each of the vessels, and a housing for enclosing the reactor vessels. The housing defines a pressure chamber configured to sustain a pressure substantially above atmospheric pressure. This allows for simultaneous screening of library members at high pressure by providing a small pressure differential on reactor components. The apparatus is used for screening library members based on their ability to catalyze the conversion of fluid reactants.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides methods for normalizing gene expression profiles against a cellular repertoire, i.e., the different proportions of various cell types in a sample containing multiple cell types. More specifically, the present disclosure encompasses a method for normalizing the gene expression profile against a mixed cell population.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to process multiple microarrays by providing a microarray plate and processing plates. In an embodiment of the invention, methods for assembling microarray plates by using wafers are described for high throughput microarray processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and diagnostic methods using the devices for detecting the presence of neurodegenerative diseases. The device (a “biosensor”) distinguishes between different neurodegenerative diseases and facilitates pre-symptomatic diagnoses.

Abstract: A label-free RF MEMS-based biosensor is described for detecting biomarkers in a given environment. The biosensor is capable of sensing the presence of biomarkers by exploiting both its mechanical and electrical characteristics. In addition, the method employed for detecting mechanical deflections due to antigen-antibody binding uses a simple electrical circuitry which allows the sensor to be used at any location and time. Such a sensor, when placed in a matrix like structure allows for the detection of multiple biomarkers simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, immunoassays, kits and devices pertaining to the detection of multiple biomolecules from single cells or other biological entities. It also enables the highly parallel detection of interacting biomolecules from such entities.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods for analyzing populations nucleic acids including nucleic acids from different subjects or different samples such as bacteria in biomes, and for identifying nucleic acids present in such populations. A non-limiting example is an analysis of bacteria in biomes. Another example is an analysis of DNA from different human subjects.

Abstract: An integrated cartridge for sample processing and analysis is disclosed. The integrated cartridge contains a sample preparation chamber having a sample inlet and a sample outlet, and a sample purification chamber adapted to receive a replaceable sample purification unit containing a housing and an extraction filter inside the housing. The extraction filter specifically binds to a molecule of interest. The sample purification chamber has a sample inlet that is in fluid communication with the sample outlet of the sample preparation chamber. Also disclosed is a microarray-based sample analysis (MBSA) system.

Abstract: A method of analyzing nucleic acid by compensating for crosstalk in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) data and other data, wherein crosstalk signals associated with multiple fluorescent dyes are corrected by using fluorescent intensity variations detected from a concentration difference of the fluorescent dyes, and apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a droplet actuator device and methods for multiplexed PCR amplification and detection of target amplicons within a single droplet. The methods of the invention combine quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) amplification with fluorescence-based sequence specific detection technologies for amplified DNA. In one embodiment, fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotide probes may be used for hybridization-based multiplexed detection of target amplicons. The methods of the invention generally involve combining the necessary reactants to form a PCR-ready droplet and thermal cycling the droplet at temperatures sufficient to result in amplification of one or more target nucleic acids. Fluorescence-based detection techniques may be used for end-point or real-time analysis of DNA amplification. For end-point analysis, the accumulation of a signal, e.g., a fluorescence signal, is measured after the amplification of the target sequence is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting light emanating from chemical or biochemical reactions occurring in at least one reaction vessel of a plurality of reaction vessels is disclosed. Each reaction vessel has a receptacle portion having an emitting area from which light can emanate. A plurality of light waveguides are arranged to guide light from apertures in a masking element to a light dispersing device for dispersing the light from each waveguide into a dispersed spectrum. A light detecting device detects specific spectra in the dispersed spectra of light substantially simultaneously In one embodiment, the light waveguides have a diameter that tapers from a first end substantially similar in diameter to the area of the top of the reaction vessel to a second end that is substantially smaller in diameter.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for thermally cycling samples of biological material contained in a microcard having a top and bottom surface. The thermal cycling device can include a sample block having an upper surface configured for engaging the bottom surface of a microcard, a vacuum device, and a temperature control system operatively connected with the sample block. The upper surface of the sample block may include a plurality of channels, the channels defining spaces between the sample block and the bottom surface of a microcard that may be positioned thereon. The vacuum device may be in fluid communication with the sample block for drawing gas out of the spaces defined by the channels in the sample block. The vacuum device may be configured for substantially maintaining a vacuum between the sample block and microcard so that a retention force is imparted on the microcard to urge the microcard toward the sample block.