Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument (10) adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor-dispensing instrument includes an outer housing (12) and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor-dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release (66) that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor the sensor release additionally activating a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin that connects the sensor release aid arm to the mounting block, wherein the sensor release aid arm is adapted to contact the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry. Radiation is directed at a thin electrically conductive film having one or more small apertures. The incident radiation excites surface plasmons on a first surface of the electrically conductive film, and energy associated with the surface plasmons couples to an opposite surface of the electrically conductive film, where surface plasmon-enhanced radiation (SPER) is emitted from the aperture(s). A temperature-sensitive fluid or solid dielectric material is disposed contiguous with at least a portion of the electrically conductive film, such that a temperature change in the dielectric material alters a resonance condition for the SPER. Measurable changes in the SPER due to altered resonance conditions provide for an ultrasensitive temperature sensor that can detect small temperature changes in the dielectric material.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.

Abstract: In general terms the biosensor apparatus according to the invention comprises a housing (5, 6), a pair of heat sinks (11, 12) and a pair of heat reflectors (13, 14) thermally floating relative to the heat sinks, and a pair of Peltier elements (16) attached to and in thermal contact with the heat sinks (11, 12), one element (16) on each heat sink (11, 12). The housing is made of an insulating material, and the heat sinks (11, 12) are made of a material with thermal properties large enough to absorb the heat flow with only a very slight, negligible disturbance in its temperature, to render their envelope surface having a high heat emissivity. The heat reflectors (13, 14) are made of a material having a very low emissivity and have a generally flat and thin disc shaped structure and acts primarily as radiation shields.

Abstract: A fluidic device containing a flow through chamber comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid permeable, compressible matrix located in the chamber between said inlet port and said outlet port, and said compressible matrix having a higher flow resistance at higher compressions and a plurality of flow paths leading from said inlet port to said outlet port through said matrix comprising shorter and longer length flow paths, wherein said matrix is compressed in at least one dimension, being more strongly compressed along the shorter length flow paths than along the longer length flow path.

Abstract: A detection system includes a detection device and an anti-evaporation device. The detection device comprises a region configured to merge at least two small drops and to detect a potential transient signal generated by the merger of the drops. The an anti-evaporation is configured to enclose the region and limit evaporation from the region. A method for detecting a signal includes the following steps: depositing drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions on a detection device within a drop-merging region; placing an anti-evaporation device over the drop-merging region to form a seal around the drop-merging region; merging the drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions; and measuring a signal occurring within the merged solution drops.

Abstract: A passive differential calorimeter, comprising an inflow control valve (2?), differential measurement means (4?) including the driving part of an input water meter (15) and the driving part of an output water meter (16), a back flow control valve (9?) and connecting pipes between them, wherein both the inflow control valve and the output flow control valve being temperature controlled valve, i.e.

Abstract: Free-standing microfluidic channels are used to both transport and analyze molecules of interest. In a biochemical context, such molecules may be polypeptides, nucleic acids, or other biomolecules. The free-standing channels provide a real-time readout of concentration without the need for labeling with reporter molecules. The channels can also measure enthalpy values and equilibrium constants by detecting heat released from or absorbed by the sample.

Abstract: Thermal sensing devices can include two subsets of thermal sensors connected in a bridge by circuitry on the same support layer or surface with the sensors. Each thermal sensor can be formed in a patterned layer of semiconductor material, and the bridge circuitry can include leads formed in a patterned layer of conductive material, over or under the semiconductor layer. In one implementation, the bridge circuitry includes conductive portions that extend across and electrically contact the lower surface of each sensor's semiconductor slab. The bridge circuitry can also include pads that can be electrically contacted, such as by pogo pins. The device's reaction surface can be spaced apart from or over the thermal sensors. The device's components can be shaped and positioned so that the bridge's offset voltage is below the sensitivity level required for an application, such as by left-right symmetry about an axis.

Abstract: A passive electronic device includes layers of a layered structure on a support surface. The device can include a first layer part that includes electrically conductive or semiconductive material and that has a contact surface. The device can also include second layer parts that include electrically conductive material and are in electrical contact with the contact surface, with a subset electrically connectible to external circuitry. At least one of the parts of the two layers can be produced by a printing operation or can include a printed patterned artifact such as an uneven boundary or an alignment. The printing operation can be direct printing or printing of a mask for etching or liftoff or both. The device could, for example, be a resistive device, such as a device with resistance varying in response to non-electrical stimuli, or a conductive device, such as with a contact pad for a pogo pin.

Abstract: A calorimeter with at least one reactor for receiving a sample. A reactor jacket may surround the reactor. A reactor-heating device and a reactor-cooling device serve to regulate an internal reactor temperature. The reactor-cooling device preferably comprises a thermoelectric cooling element that is thermally connected to a coolant. The reactor-cooling device and the reactor-heating device are preferably individual units, both of which are thermally connected to the reactor by way of the reactor jacket. A temperature control device is provided to control the reactor-heating device and the reactor-cooling device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may employ one or more sorting stations for separating target species from other species in a sample. The separation is driven by magnetophoresis. A sorting station generally includes separate buffer and sample streams. A magnetic field gradient applied to the sorting station deflects the flow path of magnetic particles (which selectively label the target species) from a sample stream into a buffer stream. The buffer stream leaving the sorting station is used to detect or further process purified target species labeled with the magnetic particles.

Abstract: An automatic pipette assembly for an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system, comprising a pipette housing, a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into a sample cell for supplying titrant, and a linear activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, the titration needle is rotatable with respect to the housing and is provided with a stirring paddle arranged to stir fluid in the sample cell, wherein the automatic pipette assembly comprises a stirring motor for driving the rotation of the titration needle. There is also provided an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system.

Abstract: Microcalorimeters having low addendum heat capacities and attojoule/Kscale resolutions are provided. These microcalorimeters make use of very small calorimeter bodies composed of materials with very low heat capacities. Also provided are polymer-based microcalorimeters with thermally isolated reagent chambers. These microcalorimeters use a multi-layered polymer membrane structure to provide improved thermal isolation of a reagent chamber.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: A system may include utensil means for portioning a foodstuff into a first portion and a second portion, a means for detecting a first portion size for the first portion with the utensil means, a means for detecting a second portion size for the second portion with the utensil means, and a means for determining a cumulative amount of portioned foodstuff based upon the first portion size and the second portion size.

Abstract: A system may include utensil means for portioning a foodstuff into a first portion and a second portion, a means for detecting a first portion size for the first portion with the utensil means, a means for detecting a second portion size for the second portion with the utensil means, and a means for determining a cumulative amount of portioned foodstuff based upon the first portion size and the second portion size.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry. Radiation is directed at a thin electrically conductive film having one or more small apertures. The incident radiation excites surface plasmons on a first surface of the electrically conductive film, and energy associated with the surface plasmons couples to an opposite surface of the electrically conductive film, where surface plasmon-enhanced radiation (SPER) is emitted from the aperture(s). A temperature-sensitive fluid or solid dielectric material is disposed contiguous with at least a portion of the electrically conductive film, such that a temperature change in the dielectric material alters a resonance condition for the SPER. Measureable changes in the SPER due to altered resonance conditions provide for an ultrasensitive temperature sensor that can detect small temperature changes in the dielectric material.

Abstract: The specific heat capacity (cp) of a medium is determined using a calorimeter with a reactor (1), a stirrer (3), a first thermostat for providing an inner heat balance, a second thermostat, means for providing an outer heat balance and a central control unit (35). The method uses the steps of: applying a modulated energy profile to the medium, inside the reactor (1), under near isothermal conditions; monitoring the resulting energy changes of: the medium, the reactor (1), the first thermostat, the second thermostat and/or the outer heat balance means as a function of time; determining the respective inner and outer heat balances independently from each other at predefined time intervals; and calculating the overall heat transfer coefficient (UA) and the specific heat capacity of the medium (cp) simultaneously and independently from each other as a function of time from the inner and outer heat balances.

Abstract: A microfabricated fuel heating value monitoring device comprises a microfabricated gas chromatography column in combination with a catalytic microcalorimeter. The microcalorimeter can comprise a reference thermal conductivity sensor to provide diagnostics and surety. Using microfabrication techniques, the device can be manufactured in production quantities at a low per-unit cost. The microfabricated fuel heating value monitoring device enables continuous calorimetric determination of the heating value of natural gas with a 1 minute analysis time and 1.5 minute cycle time using air as a carrier gas. This device has applications in remote natural gas mining stations, pipeline switching and metering stations, turbine generators, and other industrial user sites. For gas pipelines, the device can improve gas quality during transfer and blending, and provide accurate financial accounting.

Abstract: Rotatable bomb device includes a housing with a hollow interior for receipt of a rotatable component to a vessel, and support for the component in the interior; and the component for such receipt and support in the housing. The device may be employed as a reactor or in test methods, for example, methods such as oxygen uptake tests analogous or equivalent to the ASTM-D-2272 and ASTM-D-4742 test methods.

Abstract: A modulated differential scanning calorimeter that accounts for heat flow due to evaporative solvent loss. The calorimeter modulates the temperature applied to a sample and a reference to determine the amount of heat flow that is due to evaporation. By calculating the amount of heat flow due to evaporation, the user can determine how much of the heat flow of any given well is due to the process of interest as opposed to evaporation.

Abstract: The present application relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample containing suspended particles. The device comprises a radiation source adapted to generate electromagnetic radiation, a transducer (3) having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, at least one reagent (2) on or proximal to the transducer (3), the reagent being capable of absorbing the electromagnetic radiation to generate energy when in contact with the analyte, a chamber (9) for holding the sample in fluid contact with transducer, and a detector which is capable of detecting the electrical signal generated by the transducer. The transducer is in a plane from +45° to ?45° to the vertical.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for determining the calorific value of combustible substances employs an integrated, isothermal water reservoir to reduce the complexity of the apparatus and facilitates automation of the calorimeter by providing a convenient source of isothermal water. A moving divider is used to reconfigure the isothermal water reservoir to either provide for temperature equilibration prior to sample analysis or define a fixed volume of water during analysis in which high precision temperature measurements can be recorded. The apparatus includes mechanisms for controlling the moving divider, a sample holding combustion vessel, and loading, cleaning, and unloading the combustion vessel. This eliminates key analysis steps that had previously required manual intervention by an operator.

Abstract: A calorimeter includes a bucket cover which is used to reconfigure an isothermal water reservoir to provide for temperature equilibration prior to sample analysis and subsequently define a fixed volume of water during analysis in which high precision temperature measurements can be recorded. The apparatus includes mechanisms for sealing and controlling the cover, and for coupling the combustion vessel to the cover while minimizing the thermal contact between them. Improved thermal isolation between the fixed volume of water and the surrounding environment is also achieved.

Abstract: In thermal sensing devices, such as for calorimetry, a support layer or central layer can have a thermometer element or other thermal sensor on one side and a thermally conductive structure or component on the other. The thermally conductive structure can conduct temperature or other thermal input signals laterally across the support layer or central layer. The temperature or signals can then be provided to the thermometer element, such as by thermal contact through the support layer. An electrically conducting, thermally isolating anti-coupling layer, such as of gold or chromium, can reduce capacitive coupling between the thermally conductive structure and the thermometer element or other thermal sensor.

Abstract: Thermal sensors for calorimetry can include vanadium oxide, heavily p-doped amorphous silicon, or other materials with high temperature coefficients of resistivity. Such thermal sensors can have low noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD). For example, a thermal sensor with NETD no greater than 100 ?K over a bandwidth range of approximately 3 Hz or more can include a thermistor including vanadium oxide sputtered at room temperature under conditions that yield primarily V2O5; more specifically, the NETD can be no greater than 35 ?K, or even 10 ?K over a bandwidth range of approximately 3 Hz or more. If a low noise thermal sensor has NETD no greater than 50 ?K over such a bandwidth range, a low noise output circuitry connected to its thermistor can provide an electrical output signal that includes information about input thermal signal peaks with amplitude of approximately 100 ?K.

Abstract: Improved operating modes of a micro counter-current flame ionization detector (?FID) are demonstrated. By operating the flame inside the end of a capillary gas chromatography (GC) column, the effective cell volume enclosing the flame is considerably reduced and results in significantly lower gas flows being required to produce optimal sensitivity from the stable flame. In a post-column ?FID arrangement, a very lean flame is now situated on the end of a stainless steel capillary delivering 10 mL/min of hydrogen, which is opposed by a counter-current flow of only 20 mL/min of oxygen. The ?FID detection limit obtained in this stable, oxygen-rich counter-current flame mode is 7×10?11 gC/s with a response that is linear over 6 orders of magnitude. These findings are comparable to those of a conventional FID.

Abstract: A method for screening of compounds for binding differentiation at various drug target binding sites is used with a device measuring the enthalpy of reaction for the binding. The method includes merging test ligand with target compound and merging test ligand with target compound in the presence of at least one blocking agent. A first heat of reaction is detected for the merged test ligand and target compound solution and a second heat of reaction is detected for the merged test ligand and target compound solution in the presence of a blocking agent. The two heats of reaction are compared to determine whether a reaction has occurred.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for high-throughput screening assay sample preparation and testing for the identification of binding between drug targets and library compounds, for use with a calorimetric device measuring the enthalpy of reaction for the binding. The method includes mixing a library compound with a specified solvent and mixing a target compound solution with a second specified solvent on a calorimetric device. The library compound/solvent is merged with the target compound/solvent solution and the library compound/solvent solution is also merged with a third solvent solution on the calorimetric device. The heats of reaction are detected for both merged solutions and are compared.

Abstract: A measurement operation, such as a calorimetry measurement, is performed using a measurement array and a replaceable passivation membrane (e.g., a parylene membrane). The passivation membrane is used to cover the measurement array to provide temporary electrical and chemical passivation, while still allowing measurement of the parameter of interest (e.g., temperature, in a calorimetry measurement). By only replacing the membrane instead of the entire measurement array between measurement operations, the cost of the measurements can be significantly reduced over conventional methods. The passivation membrane can be mounted on a frame to simplify handling of the membrane.

Abstract: Free-standing microfluidic channels are used to both transport and analyze molecules of interest. In a biochemical context, such molecules may be polypeptides, nucleic acids, or other biomolecules. The free-standing channels provide a real-time readout of concentration without the need for labeling with reporter molecules. The channels can also measure enthalpy values and equilibrium constants by detecting heat released from or absorbed by the sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic substrate assembly includes a substrate body having at least one fluid inlet port. At least one microscale fluid flow channel in the substrate is in fluid communication with the inlet port for transport of a fluid to be tested. The substrate body also has a plurality of sockets, with each of one or sockets configured to receive an operative component. At least one socket is in communication with the microscale fluid flow channel.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of selecting a contact lens suitable for a wearer and/or a care system therefor, by which the occurrence of problems (for example, worsening in the feel during wearing, lowering in the oxygen permeability of the lens, shortening in the lens life, lowering in the visual acuity, corneal injury, etc.) can be minimized to thereby ensure a high safety for the eye, namely, a method which comprises collecting the lacrimal fluid of a wearer, detecting the protein content and/or the lipid content in the lacrimal fluid thus obtained (Step S5), estimating the dirt adhesion characteristics of the wearer to a contact lens based on the protein content and/or lipid content thus detected, and then selecting a contact lens suitable for the wearer and/or a care system therefor from among a plurality of contact lenses and a plurality of care systems (Step S6).

Abstract: An igniter assembly for a pulsed flame photometric detector having a filament comprising a resistive heating wire between about 0.08 millimeter and about 0.40 millimeter in diameter wound into a coil having an inner diameter between about 0.40 millimeter and about 3.2 millimeters. The filament has an applied protective coating of an alloy of gold and palladium. The filament is detachably connected to a cable and connector assembly that connects the filament to a source of power in the pulsed flame photometric detector.

Abstract: An airtight configuration for keeping down the permeation of corrosive gas from silicone adhesive, and for preventing corrosive gas from entering the case. An electronic device mounted on vehicle. The electronic device has at least one of a portion connecting components, and a portion sealing the clearance or hole where exists in the electronic device. The at least one of the connection portion and the seal portion is constituted by using adhesive or sealant which has at least one of a function adsorbing corrosive gas and a function trapping corrosive gas with chemical reaction. A car-mounted electronic device characterized by reduced permeation of corrosive gas into a case and high reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for igniting a sample in a calorimeter. A heating element is used to ignite a solid or liquid substance inside the calorimeter, and the burning substance is allowed to move into contact with a sample in a crucible to ignite the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes of separating, analyzing and/or collecting selected species within a target sample by use of magnetic microspheres including magnetic particles, the magnetic microspheres adapted for attachment to a receptor agent that can subsequently bind to selected species within the target sample. The magnetic microspheres can be sorted into a number of distinct populations, each population with a specific range of magnetic moments and different receptor agents can be attached to each distinct population of magnetic microsphere.

Abstract: A nanocalorimeter array for detecting chemical reactions includes at least one thermal isolation region residing on a substrate. Each thermal isolation region includes at least one thermal equilibration region, within which resides a thermal measurement device connected to detection electronics.

Abstract: A micro flow system is provided for separating particles, comprising a microfabricated member having a flow channel (5) defined therein for guiding a flow of a fluid containing the particles through the flow channel, first inlet means (2) positioned at one end of the flow channel for entering the fluid into the flow channel, first outlet means (7) positioned at the other end of the flow channel for discharging the fluid from the flow channel, the flow of the fluid containing the particles being controlled in such a way that one particle at the time passes a cross section of the flow channel, the member being positioned in a field that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow channel so that particles residing in the flow channel and being susceptible to the field across the flow channel are deflected in the direction of the field.

Abstract: An exemplary calorimeter includes a body configured to capture radiation generated by a source of the radiation, such as without limitation a laser, and absorb energy from the captured radiation. The calorimeter is simple to manufacture, operate, and maintain and is compact, highly accurate, able to withstand high power beams, and self-calibrating. NIST traceable electrical wires are used for the measurement. No fluids are used during measurements of the input radiation. A simple built in fluid or gaseous cooling system may be used post-measurement to reset the calorimeter temperature back to ambient for repeated measurement capability.

Abstract: Workstation, apparatuses and methods for the high-throughput synthesis, screening and/or characterization of combinatorial libraries. The invention relates to an array, which permits various high-throughput methods for synthesis, screening and/or characterization in the same array, without requiring sample transfer from the array. In a preferred embodiment, the synthesis, screening, and/or characterization steps are carried out in a highly parallel fashion, where more than one compound is synthesized, screened, and/or characterized at the same time. The invention may be practiced at the microscale. The array may comprise thermal channels, for regulating the temperature of the wells in the array. The wells of the array may comprise a membrane, which is used in various screening and characterization methods. The invention also relates to a covered array, comprising the array and an array cover, as well as an apparatus comprising the array, which comprises the array, an array cover and a stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-calorimeter device operable for measuring and characterizing the thermodynamic and other physical properties of materials that are confined to essentially nano-scale dimensions. The nano-calorimeter device including a thin film membrane having a first surface and a second surface. The nano-calorimeter device also including a frame structure disposed adjacent to and in thermal contact with the first surface of the thin film membrane, the frame structure defining a plurality of hollow cells adjacent to and in thermal contact with the first surface of the thin film membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic sampler device. According to one aspect, the automatic sampler includes a cell having a sample platform and a reference platform; a sample tray; and a sample arm. The sample tray has wells into which sample pans and reference pans are inserted. The geometry of the automatic sampler device permits the sample platform, the reference platform, and the wells in the sample tray to be accessed by the sample arm along a common arc. According to another aspect, the automatic sampler device includes a sample tray with wells, a sample arm, and a gripper device. The gripper device has gripping fingers. The gripping fingers open or close in a manner that tends to center objects grasped by the gripper device. According to another aspect, the automatic sampler device includes a sample tray with wells, a sample arm, and a gripper device. The sample arm has an optical sensor and an electrical sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for opening an autosampler sealed sample pan prior to TGA testing. The sealed sample pan comprises a pan, cover, and bail. A notch is formed in the seal sample pan cover. The cover can be opened by applying a concentrated force to the inside of the notch with a punch element integrated into the autosampler. This causes the center disk portion of the cover to be partially sheared and the sealed sample pan to be opened. It also prevents the punch element from touching the sample. A force sensor is used to determine if the cover has been opened. If the cover has been opened, then the sample pan is loaded to the TGA balance. If the cover has not been opened, the autosampler will not load the pan and will automatically move to the next sealed sample pan.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A “folded leg” thermal detector microcantilever constructed of a substrate with at least one leg interposed between a fixed end and a deflective end, each leg having at least three essentially parallel leg segments interconnected on alternate opposing ends and aligned in a serpentine pattern with only the first leg segment attached to the fixed end and only the last leg segment attached to the deflective end. Alternate leg segment are coated on the pentalever with coating applied to the top of the first, third, and fifth leg segments of each leg and to the bottom of the second and fourth leg segments of each leg.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening an array of test compounds for bioactivity by contacting an array of test compounds with a detector layer capable of detecting bioactivity, and detecting a detector layer response. The detector layer is comprised of physiologically viable cells. The method and apparatus allow a large number of test compounds to be simultaneously assayed in parallel without the need for complex fluidic devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns the study of the effect of a supercritical fluid on the transitions of a material, which consists in varying continuously or by stages according to a predetermined programme, a first parameter value selected among the super-critical fluid pressure, the temperature of a cell containing the material sample and said sample volume, while maintaining a second of said parameters at a value selected, so as to induce the transition; and in recording the variation of the first parameter, that of the third parameter and the heat flow rate in the cell; in comparing said recordings with those obtained by replacing the supercritical fluid with a neutral fluid. The figure shows a diagram of the device for carrying out said study. The invention is in particular useful for studying a polymer material transitions.

Abstract: A digital image processing-based system and method for quantitatively processing a plurality of nucleic acid species expressed in a microarray are disclosed. The microarray is a grid of a plurality of sub-grids of the nucleic acid species. The system includes a scanner that has a digital scanning sensor that scans the microarray and transmits from an output a digital image of the microarray, and a processor that receives the digital image of the microarray from the scanner and then processes the digital image, identifying each of the microarray's sub-grids. The processor then detects in each of the sub-grids a center-representing pixel of a signal of a chemical material and an approximate radius of the signal. Then, the processor segments the signal and calculates a characterizing measure for the segmented signal.