Abstract:
The present invention relates to topical compositions containing fermented extracts of Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) ingredients for improving the appearance and skin condition of the user. The topical compositions of the present invention are tailored for different users of different skin compositions according to TCM principles. The fermented TCM extracts are characterized by reduced odor and/or color in comparison with unfermented TCM extracts and are therefore more suitable for use in cosmetic products.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses an asymmetric PCR amplification method, its special primer and application, aims to provide a simple, effective PCR amplification for preparation of single-stranded product. The asymmetric PCR primer of the invention comprises some PCR primer pairs, in which an unrelated nucleic acids sequence to target sequence to be detected is added onto 5′-terminal of one primer. The asymmetric PCR amplification provided includes the steps: 1) preparative denaturing; 2) repetitiously denaturing, primers annealing, extending cycles as the first stage of PCR amplification; 3) repetitiously denaturing, primer extending cycles as the second stage of PCR amplification, wherein an unrelated nucleic acids sequence to target sequence to be detected is added onto 5′-terminal of one PCR primer of each pair in extension. With the asymmetric PCR amplification of the invention, high throughput of single-stranded products can be obtained, single PCR amplification or multiple PCR amplification can be carried out. And the method can be widely used in detection of nucleic acids.
Abstract:
Among others things, techniques, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for recording electrophysiological signals. In one aspect, a microelectrode sensing device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a chip unit electrically connected to the PCB, and a cell culture chamber positioned over the chip unit and sealed to the PCB with the chip unit between the PCB and the cell culture chamber. The chip unit includes a substrate; a conductive layer positioned over the substrate that includes one or more recording electrodes; an insulation layer positioned over the conductive layer; another conductive layer positioned over the insulation layer that includes positioning electrodes; and another insulation layer positioned over the other conductive layer. The recording and positioning electrodes are electrically independent so as to independently receive a stimulus signal at each recording electrode and positioning electrode and independently detect a sensed signal at each recording electrode.
Abstract:
The invention provides a laser microarray scanner for microarray scanning, comprising an optical system, a scanning platform, and a data processing system. During scanning, the optical system remains fixed, and the microarray placed on the scanning platform moves relative to the optical system. The microarray scanner disclosed herein has high scanning speed, high sensitivity, high resolution, and high signal-to-noise ratio, thus is ideal for use in microarray scanning
Abstract:
Techniques, systems and apparatus are disclosed for detecting impedance. In one aspect, a microelectrode sensing device includes a substrate and an array of microelectrode sensors formed on the substrate. Each sensor includes at least one conductive layer formed above the substrate and patterned to include a counter electrode and multiple sensing electrodes to detect an electrical signal in absence and presence of one or more target cells positioned on at least a portion of a surface of each sensing electrode. The sensing electrodes are spaced apart and arranged around the counter electrode to provide a spatially averaged value of the detected electrical signal.
Abstract:
The invention provides a scanning platform for high speed scanning of microarrays. The platform uses a novel flexible a metal strip/wheel linear driving system to convert rotary movement of motors into linear movement, thereby drives movement of a stage/microarray in the direction of scanning. The platform of the present invention provides high movement speed, high resolution, and low return deviation. It is also simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a micro-volume liquid ejection system, including an air pressure module, a micro-ejection unit which is connected with the air pressure module by means of pipes, and a control circuit which is connected with the air pressure module and the micro-ejection unit respectively. In the present invention, due to air is used as the pressure medium, on one hand, as the sample does not contact with the pressure regulating module, the efficiency of cleaning process is improved, on the other hand, the volume of the sample needed in the sample ejecting process is only equal to the cavity-dimension of the micro-ejection unit by not need to fill the whole pipe with liquid. During the sample ejecting process, it is not need to regulate the pressure. After the sample ejecting is finished, the sample can be put into its original place, so as to greatly save the sample. The present invention is connected with the manipulator, so as to sample from the sample plate, eject sample and clean the pipes automatically, and it can also dispense a multiplicity of samples to micro-array substrate conveniently. The present invention can be used for transferring or dispensing the micro volume liquid of nL grade and L grade widely, and all kinds of the micro-volume liquid including biological liquid.
Abstract:
This invention relates generally to the field of moiety or molecule isolation, detection and manipulation and library synthesis. In particular, the invention provides a bead, which bead comprises: a) a magnetizable substance; and b) an electrically conductive substance or an optical labeling substance. Methods and kits for isolating, detecting and manipulating moieties and synthesizing libraries using the beads are also provided.
Abstract:
A method of electrochemical deposition (ECD) provides a barrier and a seed layer on a substrate. The surfaces of the substrate are pre-treated before a metal layer is electrochemically deposited thereon in an electrochemical plating cell with a physical or a chemical surface treatment process. The electrochemical plating cell is covered by a cap to prevent evaporation of the electrolyte solution. The electrochemical plating cell includes a substrate holder assembly with a lift seal, e.g., with a contact angle θ less than 90° between the lift seal and the substrate. The substrate holder assembly includes a substrate chuck at the rear side of the substrate.
Abstract:
A new method is provided for the creation of a barrier-free copper interconnect. A dual damascene structure is created in a layer of dielectric, a thin metal barrier layer is deposited. The metal barrier layer is oxidized, two layers are then deposited with the first layer comprising doped copper and the second layer comprising pure copper. The dual damascene structure is filled with copper, a thermal anneal is applied, stabilizing the deposited copper filling the dual damascene structure and forming metal oxide of the doped minority element. Excess copper is then removed from the dielectric.