Abstract: A system for producing steam includes a steam generator with steam output; a membrane filtration system in fluid communication with the steam output and including a membrane filter with a permeate side and an opposing retentate side. The membrane filter includes a separation membrane constructed to reject organic molecules. The system may be used for removing organic compounds, such as anti-corrosion agents or contaminants, from steam.

Abstract: A use of an anthranilic acid derivative as a matrix for a MALDI Mass spectrometry, comprising: preparing a matrix compound represented by the following formula: wherein X is selected from hydrogen and a hydroxyl group, and Y is selected from hydrogen, a methyl group or an acetyl group, provided that when X is hydrogen, Y is hydrogen or an acetyl group, and when X is a hydroxyl group, Y is a methyl group; applying the matrix compound and an analyte onto a sample holder; and analyzing the analyte by the MALDI mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an in vitro method for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, wherein the potentially interfering compound 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is blocked by a binding agent specifically binding to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and not binding to 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

Abstract: The concentration of an administered compound, such as a drug (D), in an organ or a bodily fluid, such as blood, is determined directly through detecting the drug (D) or its metabolites (DM) in sweat. The concentration may be determined indirectly by administering the drug (D) together with one or more tracer compounds (T, T2) or metabolites thereof (TM, T2M) or by detecting concentrations and trends of other analytes present in the body that react to the presence of the drug (D). By determining tracer concentration in sweat, the concentration of the drug (D) in blood or an organ can be determined. The tracer (T, T2) is a compound selected for ease of detection in sweat, known metabolic and solubility profiles that correspond to those of the drug (D), and safety of use. A smart transdermal delivery patch (300) is used to administer a dosage of drug to a wearer in coordination with at least one sweat sensor (324) reading conveying information about the wearer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a semiconductor apparatus and a method for handling contamination from a semiconductor manufacturing process. The semiconductor apparatus can include a chuck configured to hold a substrate, a drain cup configured to surround the chuck and to capture a chemical sprayed from the substrate, and a detection module disposed in a space between the drain cup and the chuck and configured to monitor sidewalls of the drain cup.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for measuring haemagglutinin of an influenza virus, which can construct an assay system in a shorter period of time than a sandwich immunoassay method using two kinds of anti-haemagglutinin antibodies. The method for measuring haemagglutinin of an influenza virus is achieved by a sandwich immunoassay method comprising sandwiching the haemagglutinin between a lectin which binds to the haemagglutinin but does not bind to an antibody, and an anti-haemagglutinin antibody which undergoes antigen-antibody reaction with the haemagglutinin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inline and automatic dilution of chemicals of interest for speciation and subsequent analysis by ICP spectrometry are described. A system embodiment includes a first valve to receive a sample into a holding loop; a plurality of syringe pumps coupled to the first valve to deliver an inline diluted sample from the first valve; and a second valve coupled to the first valve to receive the inline diluted sample from the first valve into a sample holding loop coupled to the second valve, the second valve configured to couple to at least one of an eluent source or a carrier fluid source to receive at least one of an eluent fluid or a carrier fluid to transfer the inline diluted sample from the sample holding loop to a speciation column to separate one or more species from the inline diluted sample.

Abstract: Compounds include carbamate derivatives of vitamin D including vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. The compounds are useful in methods and kits for determining the presence and/or amount of vitamin D including vitamin D analogs and metabolites thereof in a sample suspected of containing the same.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of an autosampler, a sample rack provided with a thermal conductive plate holder on whose upper surface a sample plate is to be set is set on a rack setting section. A cooling device for cooling the plate holder is provided. A plate detection section for detecting whether a sample plate is set on the plate holder of the sample rack that is set on the rack setting section is provided, and when a sample plate is not set on the plate holder of the sample rack that is set on the rack setting section, the output of the cooling device for cooling the plate holder is turned off.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantification of 1-benzylpiperazine and its metabolites. The invention is underpinned by novel polyclonal antibodies with unique binding properties which enable immunoassay methods and kits for various applications.

Abstract: Various methods for determining whether a subject has alcoholic hepatitis are described. In one aspect, a method for determining whether a subject has alcoholic hepatitis is described. The method includes determining the levels of a trimethylamine in a biological sample obtained from the subject. The level of trimethylamine in the biological sample is compared to the control value, and the subject whose level of trimethylamine exceeds the control value is diagnosed as having alcoholic hepatitis. In another aspect of the present invention a method for assessing a subject as having alcoholic hepatitis (AH) includes determining the level of trimethylamine and the level of pentane in a biological sample obtained from the subject. A TAP score is determined based on the concentration of trimethylamine and the concentration of pentane. The subject is diagnosed as having alcoholic hepatitis if the TAP score exceeds a control value.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for assaying for a target analyte, comprising providing a plurality of samples which may comprise the target analyte, wherein each sample is differentially labelled with a mass label or a combination of mass labels, wherein the mass labels are from a set of mass labels, wherein each mass label is an isobaric mass label comprising a mass spectrometrically distinct mass marker group, such that the samples can be distinguished by mass spectrometry and determining from the mass spectrum the quantity of the target analyte in each sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring a reaction rate of a reactive mesogen and an alignment layer formed thereby, the method including coating an alignment material on a substrate. The alignment material includes a backbone and a reactive mesogen connected to the backbone. The reactive mesogen includes an unsaturated bond. The alignment material is irradiated with ultraviolet light, or is heated, to form the alignment layer. A marking compound, including a thiol group is coated on the alignment layer and reacts with remaining unreacted reactive mesogen, to form a marked mesogen. An amount of the marked mesogen is detected. A reactive ratio is measured by comparing an amount of the reactive mesogen before irradiating or heating with an amount of the marked mesogen.

Abstract: Embodiments of probes for selectively detecting compounds having a thiol group and an amino group, e.g., cysteine and/or homocysteine, are disclosed, along with methods and kits for detecting the compounds in neutral media with the probes. The probes have a structure according to the general formula where R1-R4 independently are hydrogen hydroxyl, halogen, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy, x is an integer from 0 to 4, and each R5 independently is halogen, hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy. Embodiments of the disclosed probes are capable of undergoing condensation/cyclization reactions with cysteine and/or homocysteine. Cysteine and/or homocysteine can be selectively detected and identified by determining fluorescence emission of the probes at characteristic wavelengths.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a color indicator that signals when the concentration of an antimicrobial solution changes. In some embodiments, the color indicator is specific for changes in the concentration of an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound in an antimicrobial solution. The color indicator can be incorporated into a variety of articles including towels, labels, containers, buckets, trays, sinks, spray bottles, liners for containers, buckets, sinks, or spray bottles, indicator wands or strips, and test kits.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing clumping of cells in microfluidic devices by addition of diazolidinyl urea (DU). DU can be added to samples at the time of collection or can be added to samples post-collection. DU can also be pre-added to sample collection devices.

Abstract: Various methods for determining whether a subject has alcoholic hepatitis are described. In one aspect, a method for determining whether a subject has alcoholic hepatitis is described. The method includes determining the levels of a trimethylamine in a biological sample obtained from the subject. The level of trimethylamine in the biological sample is compared to the control value, and the subject whose level of trimethylamine exceeds the control value is diagnosed as having alcoholic hepatitis. In another aspect of the present invention a method for assessing a subject as having alcoholic hepatitis (AH) includes determining the level of trimethylamine and the level of pentane in a biological sample obtained from the subject. A TAP score is determined based on the concentration of trimethylamine and the concentration of pentane. The subject is diagnosed as having alcoholic hepatitis if the TAP score exceeds a control value.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to the collection of biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, and uses related to using a biopolymer substrate to collect biological samples for analysis.

Abstract: A reading device for reading and analyzing a test cassette having an identification code includes a reading unit, used for reading the identification code marked by the test cassette and carrying out interpretation on a plurality of test lines of the test cassette; an operating unit, used for operating the reading device; a processing unit, used for interpreting a test result with the identification code and the test lines; and a display unit, used for displaying the test result of the test cassette.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for determination of analytes are provided. Analytes including explosives (e.g., RDX or PETN) may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a material upon exposure to the analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the material may interact via a chemical reaction to form a new emissive species. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying the compounds contributing to a pungent odor from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the pungent odor, and preparing a corresponding pungent odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the pungent odor from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The pungent odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced pungent odor may provide significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for predicting a pregnant woman's risk of carrying a fetus with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) or Trisomy 18. The methods are based on measuring one or more metabolites obtained from a pregnant woman's bodily fluid, such as blood or urine, and found to be predictive of Trisomy 21 or Trisomy 18.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides for compositions, methods for synthesizing said compositions, and methods for using said compositions, wherein the compositions and methods may be used to bind to and/or deactivate a poison oak oil, such as urushiol. The compositions and methods can be used to treat and/or reduce an inflammatory reaction and/or hypersensitivity to natural compounds found in poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, mango, lac tree, and cashew nut.

Abstract: Biomarkers relating to pancreatic Beta-cell function, pancreatic Beta-cell glucose sensitivity, insulin resistance, and/or pancreatic Beta-cell-related disorders are provided. Methods based on the same biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: A method that identifies the compounds contributing to a fish-like odor from an air conditioner and artificially reproduces the fish-like odor, and prepares a corresponding fish-like odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the fish-like odor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The fish-like odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced fish-like odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing purity of compositions comprising cysteamine and detecting impurities in cysteamine compositions are described.

Abstract: To provide an anti-cancer agent sensitivity determination marker, which marker can determine whether or not the patient has a therapeutic response to the anti-cancer agent, and novel cancer therapeutic means employing the marker. The anti-cancer agent sensitivity determination marker, the anti-cancer agent including oxaliplatin or a salt thereof and fluorouracil or a salt thereof, contains one or more substances selected from among an amino-acid-metabolism-related substance, a nucleic-acid-metabolism-related substance, a substance in the pentose phosphate pathway, a substance in the glycolytic pathway, a substance in the TCA cycle, a polyamine-metabolism-related substance, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin, 6-phosphogluconic acid, butyric acid, triethanolamine, 1-methylnicotinamide, NADH, NAD+, and a substance involved in the metabolism of any of these substances.

Abstract: A colorimetric assay to detect certain compounds and a kit therefore are provided.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a subject has alcoholic hepatitis is described. The method includes determining the levels of a trimethylamine in a biological sample obtained from the subject. The level of trimethylamine in the biological sample is compared to the control value, and the subject whose level of trimethylamine exceeds the control value is diagnosed as having alcoholic hepatitis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of diagnostics for kidney toxicity and toxicological assessments for risk stratification of chemical compounds. Specifically, it relates to a method for diagnosing kidney toxicity. It also relates to a method for determining whether a compound is capable of inducing such kidney toxicity in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating kidney toxicity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device and a kit for diagnosing kidney toxicity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are chromogenic response polymers and methods and devices that utilize the disclosed polymers which are suitable for use in detecting the presence of and identity of biogenic amines.

Abstract: A buffer kit includes a first eluent and second eluent. The first eluent solution includes at least four buffer salts where at least three of the four buffer salts are a monovalent buffer salt, have a net negative charge or a net neutral zwitterionic charge, and include a sulfonate group and an amine. The second eluent solution includes at least four buffer salts where at least three of the four buffer salts are a monovalent buffer salt, have a net negative charge or a net neutral zwitterionic charge, and include a sulfonate group and an amine. The first eluent solution has a first pH and the second eluent solution has a second pH where the first pH and second pH are different values. The buffer kit provides a linear pH gradient that forms an approximately straight line from at least the first pH to the second pH.

Abstract: A method for detecting paths and amount of loss of desulfurization organic components in a flue gas desulfurization system includes preparing a to-be-measured solution and a base standard solution, and diluting the base standard solution with water to a plurality of standard solutions containing different concentrations of desulfurization organic components; adjusting the to-be-measured solution and standard solutions to have a strong acidity, respectively, such that each of desulfurization organic components in the to-be-measured solution and standard solutions exists in ion forms; heating and oscillating the to-be-measured solution and standard solutions, respectively; respectively detecting carbon elements in the standard solutions, to form a linear relationship between concentrations of the desulfurization organic components in the standard solutions and detected carbon element data; and detecting carbon elements in the to-be-measured solution, and obtaining a total concentration of the desulfurization or

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disease diagnosis method, a marker screening method, and a marker using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and more particularly, to a large intestine cancer diagnosis method, a large intestine cancer marker screening method, and a large intestine cancer marker using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Specifically, the present invention provides a method diagnosing a disease using a pattern of secondary ion mass (m/z) peaks of biological samples measured using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) as a marker, a marker screening method being a reference judging an existence or non-existence of a disease, and a marker configured of specific secondary ion mass peaks.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sensing device and method detecting the presence of a chemical analyte, comprising: a surface; a continuous or discontinuous terbium(III)-triphenylphosphine oxide coordination polymer layer deposited on the surface, wherein the polymer layer is porous; and a luminescence detector, wherein one or more analytes that interact with the polymer layer luminesce at distinct wavelengths unique to each analyte.

Abstract: A functional element positioned in front of an active detection region of a sensor element has a compact main body with a gas-side surface, a sensor-side surface, and at least two functional channels located between the gas-side surface and the sensor-side surface. The functional channels have a functionality that is different from one another with respect to a gas that can pass through. Such a functional element allows particularly variable operation of a sensor with great long-term stability.

Abstract: A reversible color-changing ink formulation, and a nonwoven wipe to which the ink formulation is securely bound, are provided. The reversible color-changing ink formulation includes about 55-98% by weight of a polymer binder, about 0.1-20% by weight of a reversible color-changing dye that reversibly changes between a first color and a second color at a pH of about 5.5 to about 8.0, and optional amounts of plasticizer, inorganic particulate filler, and color brightener. During use, the nonwoven wipe is impregnated with a sanitizer solution that contains a quaternary ammonium compound. The nonwoven wipe reversibly changes between a first color when impregnated with the sanitizer solution and a second color when the sanitizer solution is depleted during use. The change to the second color indicates the need to recharge the nonwoven wipe with the sanitizer solution, whereupon the first color returns.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.

Abstract: A microchannel chip having a microchannel formed in a substrate and a gas-liquid phase separation microchannel whose upper part is covered with a porous film, the gas-liquid phase separation microchannel being connected to the downstream end of the microchannel and having a depth of 10 ?m to 100 ?m. Also, a gas-liquid phase separation method which is a method for separating a liquid-phase flow from a two-phase flow flowing through a microchannel by removing a gas phase, the two-phase flow composed of the gas phase and the liquid phase, which liquid phase flows in the periphery of the above-described microchannel and which gas phase flows interiorly of the liquid-phase flow.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor (10) is disclosed and described. The sensor (10) can include nanofibril materials (12) fabricated from a linear carbazole oligomer and a fluorescence detector (14). The linear carbazole oligomer can have the formula (I) wherein n is 3 to 9, R are independently selected amine sidegroups, and at least one, but not all, R is a C1 to C14 alkyl. The carbazole-based fluorescence based sensors (10) can be particularly suitable for detection of explosives and volatile nitro compounds.

Abstract: An anise flavored liquid medication. The liquid medication contains phenylephrine and an anethole analog that is substantially free of aldehyde groups. In one example, the anethole analog can be 1-methoxy-4-n-propylbenzene.

Abstract: Embodiments of probes for selectively detecting compounds having a thiol group and an amino group, e.g., cysteine and/or homocysteine, are disclosed, along with methods and kits for detecting the compounds in neutral media with the probes. The probes have a structure according to the general formula where R1-R4 independently are hydrogen hydroxyl, halogen, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy, x is an integer from 0 to 4, and each R5 independently is halogen, hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, lower aliphatic, or lower alkoxy. Embodiments of the disclosed probes are capable of undergoing condensation/cyclization reactions with cysteine and/or homocysteine. Cysteine and/or homocysteine can be selectively detected and identified by determining fluorescence emission of the probes at characteristic wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of assaying for tetrahydrocannabinol in a body fluid. The method includes contacting a sample of body fluid with an imine capable of reacting with tetrahydrocannabinol to yield a quinone imine, and detecting the formation of a quinone imine, where the sample is contacted with the reagent compound at a pH of at least 10.5.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous sensor and sensing methods that use a porous sensor with a porous nanostructure having an optical response and having a portion of the porous nanostructure filled with a fiducial marker that is non-reactive to an analyte of interest. In a preferred sensing method, reflectance spectra from both the fiducial marker and reactive portions of the porous structure are acquired simultaneously. The fiducial marker provides an internal reference that permits compensation for humidity, as well as off angle measurements. In addition, simple visual observations can reveal the presence of an analyte, including human observations.

Abstract: The present invention concerns means and methods for predicting the risk of a subject to suffer from liver damage. In particular, it pertains to a method for predicting the risk of a subject to suffer from liver damage caused by acetaminophen comprising determining the amount of putrescine in a blood, serum or plasma sample that has been obtained from the subject after administration of acetaminophen, and comparing the determined amount to a reference, whereby the risk of the subject to suffer from liver damage caused by acetaminophen is predicted. Also provided are devices for carrying out the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides for compositions, methods for synthesizing said compositions, and methods for using said compositions, wherein the compositions and methods may be used to bind to and/or deactivate a poison oak oil, such as urushiol. The compositions and methods can be used to treat and/or reduce an inflammatory reaction and/or hypersensitivity to natural compounds found in poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, mango, lac tree, and cashew nut.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an ultrathin micro-electromechanical chemical sensing device which uses swelling or straining of a reactive organic material for sensing. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a contact on-off switch chemical sensor. For example, the device can comprises a small gap separating two electrodes, wherein the gap can be closed as a result of the swelling or stressing of an organic polymer coating on one or both sides of the gap. In certain embodiments, the swelling or stressing is due to the organic polymer reacting with a target analyte.

Abstract: A method for the detection of explosives using a single sample. The explosives include nitro aliphatic and nitro aromatic-based explosives. The method includes steps which require different pHs to discriminate between these types of explosives and at least in the detection step of the nitro aliphatic explosive requires the presence of a nitro aromatic compound. A kit for detecting explosives which includes a medium for collecting a sample, a base optionally impregnated on the medium; and a nitro aromatic solution for detecting a nitro aliphatic explosive by contacting the solution with the sample on the medium. A reagent including a nitro aromatic compound, having one or more additional electron withdrawing groups, in the presence of a basic compound usable for detecting nitro aliphatic explosives.

Abstract: A preparation method and its use of derivatization reagent for detecting L-carnitine or D-carnitine are provided. The present reagent is stable. It can be used for detecting L-carnitine or D-carnitine accurately and sensitively. That is to say, the reagent is applied to detecting the amount of synthesized or natural L-carnitine and the amount of mixing D-carnitine. The compound reagent is used for determining the chiral isomers of chemicals, biological reagents, health care reagents, cosmetic, body fluids and various foods, which contain L-carnitine or/and D-carnitine, and optical isomers of other chiral amino acids.

Abstract: A chemical sensor can include a nanofiber mass of p-type nanofibers having a HOMO level greater than ?5.0 eV. Additionally, the chemical sensor can include oxygen in contact with the p-type nanofibers. Further, the chemical sensor can include a pair of electrodes in electrical contact across the nanofiber mass, where the p-type nanofibers conduct an electric current that decreases upon contact with an amine compound.