Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based radiation detectors to detect radiation in an environment. An SiPM-based radiation detection system may include a number of detector assemblies, each including at least one scintillator providing light to a corresponding SiPM in response to ionizing radiation entering the scintillator. The radiation detection system may include a logic device and a number of other electronic modules to facilitate reporting, calibration, and other processes. The logic device may be adapted to process detection signals from the SiPMs to implement different types of radiation detection procedures. The logic device may also be adapted to use a communication module to report detected radiation to an indicator, a display, and/or a user interface.

Abstract: A method for efficiently decontaminating surfaces is provided comprising applying an indicator to a surface wherein the indicator provides an observable or machine readable response when a contamination is present on the surface, wherein the response is located relative to a location of the contamination; and decontaminating the location of the contamination, and optionally rechecking the location of the initial contamination post decontamination to ensure that the surface is free of contamination.

Abstract: Mass separators are provided that can include at least one electrode component having a surface, in one cross section, defining at least two runs associated via at least one rise, the rise being orthogonally related to the runs. Mass selective detectors are provided that can include at least a first pair of opposing electrodes with each of the opposing electrodes having a complimentary surface, in one cross section, defining at least two runs associated via a rise. Methods for optimizing mass separation within a mass selective detector are also provided, including providing mass separation parameters; providing one set electrodes within the separator having a surface operatively aligned within the separator, the surface, in one cross section, defining at least two runs associated via a rise, the rise being orthogonally related to the runs; and modifying one or both of the rise and/or runs to achieve the mass separation parameters.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for segregating a target nucleic acid from a mixed nucleic acid sample. The methods, compositions and kits comprise a non-processive endonuclease (e.g., a restriction enzyme) or an antibody that binds the target nucleic acid (e.g., has methylation specificity). The mixed nucleic acid sample can comprise prokaryotic and eukaryotic nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid from more than one prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry instruments are provided that are configured to provide dynamic switching between positive and negative ion preparation and analysis during a single sample analysis. Mass spectrometry analysis methods are also provided that can include switching between positive and negative ion preparation and analysis during a single sample analysis.

Abstract: A method for correctly identifying at least one source, in particular at least one nuclide, enclosed in a human body and/or a container, is provided, the method comprising the following steps: detecting and measuring the at least one source by means of a gamma spectroscopic device; identifying, in a first estimation step, the at least one source by means of a standard nuclide identification procedure for evaluating a measured first spectrum of the at least one source; applying a second estimation step on the basis of the result of the first estimation step, wherein the result of the first estimation step is used for acquiring a plurality of second spectra of the at least one source found by the standard nuclide identification procedure for a plurality of absorption scenarios and for a plurality of scattering scenarios; and comparing the measured first spectrum with a scatter and absorber spectrum obtained from the plurality of second spectra generated in the second estimation step.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to optical devices that can collect and detect signal emissions effectively while allowing the excitation light path and the sample flow path to coexist non-obstructively in a compact format. More specifically, this invention relates to a compact device having a multilayer coating on the structure surface and a wave guiding structure. In the device, using the surface plasmon coupling effect, the majority of the optical emission from the emitter on top of the multilayer coating is distributed toward the wave guiding structure. The wave guiding structure then further directs on signal to the detector with a high efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of oxidizing salts. According to the current invention, analyte is collected on a swipe and subsequently heated to a temperature sufficient to release a detectible vapor phase component of the oxidizing salt. The vapor phase component passes reacts with a pH sensitive molecule. Reaction of the vapor phase product with the pH sensitive molecule produces a detectible change in response intensity.

Abstract: An aqueous enzyme based sensor comprising one or more enzymes and at least one indicator compound capable of indicating a reaction of at least one of the enzymes with at least one target analyte, wherein the enzyme and the indicator are capable of being delivered, preferably by being sprayed, to a surface having the target analyte without sampling the surface. An aqueous enzyme based sensor is provided that is capable of detecting an enzyme specific substrate as the analyte. This aqueous enzyme based sensor further comprises of one or more enzyme specific substrates in which the sensor detects enzyme inhibition. The aqueous enzyme based sensor optionally comprises one or more of a light scattering additive(s), an adhesive polymer(s), a protein stabilizer(s), a protein stabilizing sugar(s), a surfactant(s), and a solvent(s), and combinations thereof. A dispensing system and a method of detecting a target chemical on a surface without sampling the surface is provided.

Abstract: A smart antimicrobial material and dressing to inhibit microbial growth is provided. Endogenous chemicals, such as metabolites produced from bacteria are utilized as chemical substrates and converted by enzymes to produce a disinfecting compound that will in turn inhibit the targeted microorganism. The material shall remain passive until such time as it encounters a microbe which expresses and/or secretes specific metabolites or markers. The enzyme or enzymes embedded in the smart material converts the metabolite into a disinfecting compound, which in turn either kills the microorganism or prevents it from multiplying on the surface of the material.

Abstract: The invention provides for a multiple analyte detector that is capable of detecting and identifying explosive, chemical or biological substances having multiple analytes with a single system having multiple reporters. The reporters include fluorescent polymers, conducting polymers, metal oxide elements electrochemical cells, etc. The reporters may be combinations of other reporters that are optimized for broadband detection.

Abstract: Person-portable mass analysis instrumentation configured to perform multidimensional mass analysis is provided. Mass analysis instrumentation can include a housing encompassing components of the instrumentation with the housing of the instrumentation defining a space having a volume of equal to or less than about 100,000 cm3. Instrument assemblies are also provided that can include a housing coupled to an instrument component isolation assembly, wherein the component isolation assembly is isolated from an environment exterior to the housing. Exemplary instrument assemblies can include at least first and second components configured to provide analysis with a housing of the instrument at least partially encompassing the first and second components and the first component being rigidly affixed to the housing. An isolation assembly can also be provided that is rigidly affixed to the second component with the isolation assembly being isolated from received inputs of the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein related to devices and methods for the collection and/or determination of analytes, such as illicit substances including military explosives, explosives, and precursors thereof. In some cases, the device may be a disposable device that incorporates highly efficient sample collection in combination with microfluidic-based chemical analysis resulting in the rapid detection and identification of unknown materials. In some cases, multiple colorimetric detection chemistries may be employed, and the resulting “barcode” of color changes can be used to positively identify the presence and/or identity of the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoresponsive nanoparticle useful for the stabilization of enzymes in environments having a temperature greater than thirty degrees Centigrade. The thermoresponsive nanoparticle has (a) a functionalized enzyme conjugate having one or more enzymes or biological catalysts, the enzymes or biological catalysts are modified with palmitic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester and acryclic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, and (b) a thermally responsive polymer, wherein the functionalized enzyme conjugate is encapsulated within the thermally responsive polymer. A nanocatalyst is provided that has one or more proteins. The proteins are covalently immobilized and encapsulated within a thermally responsive polymer shell. The proteins are one or more enzymes or biological catalysts. A method for protecting the proteins is also set forth.

Abstract: A highly scalable platform for radiation measurement data collection with high precision time stamping and time measurements between the elements in the detection array uses IEEE 1588 with or without Synchronous Ethernet (timing over Ethernet) to synchronize the measurements. At a minimum, the system includes at least two radiation detector units, an IEEE 1588 and SyncE enabled Ethernet switch, and a computer for processing. The addition of timing over Ethernet and power over Ethernet (PoE) allows a radiation measurement system to operate with a single Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment of detectors using standardized technology with a multitude of configuration possibilities. This eliminates the need for an additional hardware for the timing measurements which simplifies the detection system, reduces the cost of the deployment, reduces the power consumption of the detection system and reduces the overall size of the system.

Abstract: Person-portable mass analysis instrumentation configured to perform multidimensional mass analysis is provided. Mass analysis instrumentation can include a housing encompassing components of the instrumentation with the housing of the instrumentation defining a space having a volume of equal to or less than about 100,000 cm3. Instrument assemblies are also provided that can include a housing coupled to an instrument component isolation assembly, wherein the component isolation assembly is isolated from an environment exterior to the housing. Exemplary instrument assemblies can include at least first and second components configured to provide analysis with a housing of the instrument at least partially encompassing the first and second components and the first component being rigidly affixed to the housing. An isolation assembly can also be provided that is rigidly affixed to the second component with the isolation assembly being isolated from received inputs of the housing.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.