Abstract: Disclosed herein is an indicator precursor composition for determining the hardness of a wellbore fluid filtrate, where the composition includes a colorimetric indicator and a buffer, where the buffer may include a salt of a weak acid and a strong base, and where the indicator precursor may be a dry solid. Also disclosed is a method for determining the hardness of a wellbore fluid filtrate.

Abstract: Provided are a suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus capable of automatically measuring a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the atmosphere, and a suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same. The suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus includes a filter, suction part, extraction part, measurement part, and a recording part. The suction part suctions air in the atmosphere at a constant flow rate to cause particulate matter contained therein to be adsorbed onto the filter. The extraction part extracts components of the particulate matter adsorbed onto the filter, by dissolving the particulate matter into a solvent, and collects a resultant solution. The measurement part measures at least one of a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the solution collected by the extraction part, and outputs the measurement result. The recording part records the measurement result outputted from the measurement part.

Abstract: Alkalinity determination, including an alkalinity determination process and/or alkalinity determinator. An alkalinity determination process may include providing a known value of volume of an acidic fluid, forming a titration system by providing one or more additions of a known value of volume of a relatively alkaline fluid to an acidic fluid, determining a pH value and/or a temperature value for one or more additions and/or determining an alkalinity value of a system by calculating a transformation including one or more determined pH values and/or temperature values of one or more additions. An alkalinity determination process may include modeling, such that an informed determination may be made with reference to relevant and/or irrelevant factors, as well as parameters to maximize likelihood of alkalinity determination. In embodiments, an alkalinity determinator may include one or more titration cells, one or more sensors and/or one or more alkalinity value determinators.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of a surfactant-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a composition for a humidity indicating device comprising (a) an organic pH indicator dye compound, (b) a Bronsted acid or base, and (c) a polyol having the general formula HOCH2—(CHOH)n—CH2OH, wherein n can be 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said components (a), (b), and (c) do not contain halogen and/or heavy metals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a humidity indicator device comprising a sheet substrate and the composition for a humidity indicating device containing no heavy metals or halogen compounds, and to a process for preparing said humidity indicator device.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate the coumarin unnatural amino acid L-(7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl)ethylglycine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal synthetases, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing the unnatural amino acid L-(7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl)ethylglycine and related translation systems.

Abstract: Fluorescent pH detector and methods for measuring pH using the fluorescent pH detector.

Abstract: Provided is a water absorbing material having a granular core portion and a coating layer portion coating the granular core portion, which enables a test result after use to be clearly determined by developing vivid and uniform color. In the water absorbing material, the coating layer portion is composed of 90 wt % to 96 wt % of a substrate and 10 wt % to 4 wt % of an excretion test material, the excretion test material contains a porous adsorbent having an adsorbance of 20 wt % or greater and including micropores, and an excretion test indicator adsorbed on the micropores of the porous adsorbent, and the excretion test indicator is added in an amount more than 0.1 wt % and not more than 1.0 wt % relative to the total amount of the coating layer portion.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence or absence of saccharide or saccharide level in a biological or artificial sample comprising contacting the sample with a water-soluble tetraphenylethene-cored probe having multiple functionalities of boronic acid and aggregation induced emission (AIE) characteristics, and detecting fluorescence. A method for detecting pH in a sample solution with a certain pH value comprising contacting the sample solution with a water-soluble tetraphenylethene-cored probe having multiple functionalities of boronic acid and aggregation induced emission (AIE) characteristics, and detecting fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the validation of a non-particulate ion exchange adsorber and a kit for the validation of a non-particulate ion exchange adsorber.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sequencing device includes determining a sensitivity of a pH of a solution to a first reagent, determining an amount of the first reagent to add to the solution to approach a target pH, adding the amount of the first reagent to the solution, and diluting a nucleotide solution with the solution.

Abstract: An exemplary test strip reading and analyzing system includes a test strip unit, a mobile device and a remote computing apparatus. The test strip unit includes at least one tested-object reacting region. The mobile device includes an image capture module for capturing a test-strip image of the test strip unit and a transmission module electrically coupled to the image capture module. The remote computing apparatus, installed with a test strip analyzing system, is for analyzing the test-strip image and accordingly generating an test report. The test-strip image captured by the image capture module is transmitted to the remote computing apparatus through the transmission module; and the test report generated by the remote computing apparatus is consequently transmitted to the mobile device.

Abstract: Compositions are directed to the treatment of kidney diseases in a cell-specific manner. Methods of treating kidney diseases comprise the use of the compositions. Assays for identification of further compounds are provided. Biomarkers for predisposition to kidney diseases and diagnosis are identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable measuring device for measuring the salinity, the acidity (pH) or other chemical and physical parameters on different types of surfaces (9) such as inner and outer surfaces of tubes and surfaces of floors, walls, ceilings and such like, whereby the measuring device comprises electronic circuits (2), a measuring unit and a housing (4) in which a test chamber (10) has been formed, whereby the test chamber is provided with: 1) a first opening that can be positioned against a surface to be tested, 2) a second opening through which a fluid such as de-ionized water can be introduced into the test chamber, 3) a resilient seal (11) for sealing the test chamber there where it is brought against the test surface area, 4) a number of sensors (5) taken up in the test chamber that are connected to the electronic circuits and the measuring unit for indicating the value of the shemical or physical parameter to be measured of a solution contained in the test chamber, characterized in that t

Abstract: A method of measuring a pH of a solution includes: emitting light beams of two wavelengths from one side of a measuring region of a solution into which an indicator is mixed, while pulsating the solution in the measuring region; receiving at least one of transmitted light beams and reflected light beams of the emitted light beams on the other side of the measuring region, while pulsating the solution in the measuring region; obtaining absorbances of the two wavelengths based on the received at least one of the transmitted light beams and the reflected light beams; obtaining an absorbance ratio from the obtained absorbances ; and calculating a pH value of the solution based on the obtained absorbance ratio and an absorbance ratio/pH value correspondence database which is previously stored.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a physiological parameter of an aspirate. The device includes a sensor element for measuring the physiological parameter, a connection port for fluid communication with a medical tube, a collection tube for aspirating and/or collecting the aspirate, a housing, wherein the sensor element is mounted within the housing and a communication passage enabling the aspirate to enter the housing from the collection tube such that the sensor element can measure the physiological parameter. Further, a method for measuring the parameter is disclosed.

Abstract: Novel pyridinium salts functionalized with boronic acid and methods of making them are disclosed. When combined with a fluorescent dye, the compounds are useful in the detection of polyhydroxyl-substituted organic molecules.

Abstract: A system for determining parameters and compatibility of a substance such as an asphalt or other petroleum substance uses titration to highly accurately determine one or more flocculation occurrences and is especially applicable to the determination or use of Heithaus parameters and optimal mixing of various asphalt stocks. In a preferred embodiment, automated titration in an oxygen gas exclusive system and further using spectrophotometric analysis (2-8) of solution turbidity is presented. A reversible titration technique enabling in-situ titration measurement of various solution concentrations is also presented.

Abstract: A method for detecting contaminants in an airflow includes urging an airflow from a desired source location into a volume of water. The airflow is mixed into the water, and particles are dissolved in the water. A change in a property of the volume water is measured via a detection probe, indicative of an amount of particles present in the volume of water. A system for detecting particles includes a container configured to contain a volume of water and an airflow inlet in the container configured to introduce an airflow into the volume of water from a desired source location. A detection probe is located in the container to detect changes in a selected property of the volume of water after introduction of the airflow into the volume of water thereby indicating presence of particles in the airflow.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid-based molecular switches that respond to changes in pH. The switches may be used in DNA nanodevices. The switches may also act as sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, including cells, regions thereof, and whole organisms. The switch includes an A-motif that forms at acidic pH. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of cells or regions thereof, such as vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondrial matrix, or the Golgi lumen.

Abstract: An optical measurement method for determining a pH of a medium includes adding a fluorescent pH indicator to the medium. The pH indicator is based on naturally-obtained or synthesized ageladine A. The pH indicator is irradiated with light of at least one wavelength so as to provide fluorescence excitation of the pH indicator. An emitted fluorescence intensity of the pH indicator is detected as a measure for the pH of the medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the amount of various materials in a liquid sample. Because the apparatus is particularly resilient it can be used repeatedly with very harsh liquid samples such as boot water from an oil refinery. The apparatus uses at least one volume and/or concentration independent optical analysis method to determine at least one of: the pH, amount of chloride, and/or amount of iron in the sample. The optical property can be colorimetric, fluorescent or both and result from adding dyes, complexing agents, turbidity inducing compounds, and other optically effecting reagents to the sample. Because the measurements are concentration and volume independent they can be done continuously, quickly, and avoid the inconvenient start and stop procedures in prior art measurement regimens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the amount of various materials in a liquid sample. Because the apparatus is particularly resilient it can be used repeatedly with very harsh liquid samples such as boot water from an oil refinery. The apparatus uses at least one volume and/or concentration independent optical analysis method to determine at least one of: the pH, amount of chloride, and/or amount of iron in the sample. The optical property can be colorimetric, fluorescent or both and result from adding dyes, complexing agents, turbidity inducing compounds, and other optically effecting reagents to the sample. Because the measurements are concentration and volume independent they can be done continuously, quickly, and avoid the inconvenient start and stop procedures in prior art measurement regimens.

Abstract: Binding an analyte can cause a change in fluorescence emission of a sensor. The change in fluorescence can be related to the amount of analyte present. The sensor can include a semiconductor nanocrystal linked to a fluorescent moiety. Upon excitation, the fluorescent moiety can transfer energy to the semiconductor nanocrystal, or vice versa.

Abstract: Environmentally-friendly, disposable, water submersible device that turns translucent in the presence of urine and displays a visual indicator for toilet training.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid-based molecular switches that respond to changes in pH. The switches may be used in DNA nanodevices. The switches may also act as sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, including cells, regions thereof, and whole organisms. The switch includes an A-motif that forms at acidic pH. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of cells or regions thereof, such as vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondrial matrix, or the Golgi lumen.

Abstract: Fluorescent pH detector and methods for measuring pH using the fluorescent pH detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in water that can correct a reduction in measurement accuracy based on deterioration of a pH indicator is provided. A carbon dioxide concentration measurement apparatus includes a deterioration determining section that measures a change rate ?A0 of an isosbestic point absorbance A0 and determines that the pH indicator solution is deteriorated when the change rate ?A0 is reduced by a predetermined reduction rate or more. After the deterioration determining section determines deterioration of the pH indicator solution, a pH value computing section computes the pH value of the pH indicator solution using a corrected pH computation expression for correcting a deterioration of the pH value of the pH indicator solution on the basis of the change rate ?A0 of the isosbestic point absorbance A0.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring pH of low alkalinity samples. The present invention provides a sensor array comprising a plurality of pH indicators, each indicator having a different indicator concentration. A calibration function is generated by applying the sensor array to a sample solution having a known pH such that pH responses from each indicator are simultaneously recorded versus indicator concentration for each indicator. Once calibrated, the sensor array is applied to low alkalinity samples having unknown pH. Results from each pH indicator are then compared to the calibration function, and fitting functions are extrapolated to obtain the actual pH of the low alkalinity sample.

Abstract: A process for the determination of body parameters, in which body hair removed by shaving, especially facial hair, is separated from body substances adhering thereto or body substances removed by shaving. Body substances include skin particles, fat and/or perspiration. The separated body hair is tested for its mineral content and/or the separated, removed body substances are analyzed for their pH and/or their conductance. A device for performing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A simple titration method involving a single copper ion titrant detected by a copper ion specific electrode provides the concentrations of both copper ions and bath complexing agent (ethylene diamine, for example) in alkaline copper electroplating baths of the type used to deposit or thicken copper seed layers on silicon wafers. Standard addition of an excess of a strong complexing agent (EDTA, for example) and back-titration with the copper ion titrant yields the bath copper ion concentration, and continued titration to a second endpoint, preferably after addition of hydroxide to adjust the pH of the analysis solution, yields the total concentration of bath complexing agent. Based on these analyzes, the concentration of free bath complexing agent may be calculated. The method also provides direct determination of the free bath complexing agent concentration via standard addition of excess bath complexing agent to a sample of the plating bath and titration with the copper ion titrant.

Abstract: This present invention proposes a method of producing intrinsically colored, luminescent silk fibroin by feeding silkworms with feed comprising the luminescent dyes as well as the appropriate degumming process to remove sericin while retaining the dyes in silk fibroin are also described. Luminescent and functional molecular organic dyes with balanced hydrophobic/hydrophobic properties that can be effectively absorbed into silk glands of the silkworm are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dye solution monitoring device and a dye solution controlling device for a dye-sensitized solar cell, more particularly, to a dye solution monitoring device for a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a light-absorption device for measuring absorbance of a dye solution for a dye-sensitized solar cell, and a pH measuring device for measuring pH of a dye solution for a dye-sensitized solar cell; and, a dye solution controlling device for a dye-sensitized solar cell further comprising a dye supply device supplying dye of high concentration, and an acid or base supply device for pH control, in addition to the monitoring device. According to the present invention, a dye adsorption process may be optimized in real time to manufacture a solar cell of high quality with high productivity, maximize utilization of expensive dye, and minimize the waste, thereby reducing production cost.

Abstract: An extracorporeal filtration and detoxification system and method generally comprise separating ultrafiltrate from cellular components of blood, treating the ultrafiltrate independently of the cellular components in a recirculation circuit, recombining treated ultrafiltrate and the cellular components, and returning whole blood to the patient. A recirculation circuit generally comprises an active cartridge including active cells operative to effectuate a selected treatment; in some embodiments, the active cells are the C3A cell line.

Abstract: Described is a lab-on-a-chip device and a method employing a lab-on-a-chip device for determining the concentration of species present in water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

Abstract: A system and method of quantitatively characterizing base content of a hydrophobic fluid. The method includes providing a base neutralizing solution including an alcohol (preferably selected from the group consisting of 1-propanol, ethanol, methanol, and mixtures thereof), and mixing the solution with known amounts of a base to produce a number of calibration mixtures. Infrared spectroscopic testing is performed on the calibration mixtures to derive corresponding spectrum data. The spectrum data is processed to solve for a calibration equation that relates a spectral property measurable at a predetermined wavelength to a measure of base concentration per unit volume. The base neutralizing solution is also mixed with the hydrophobic fluid to produce a sample-extract. Infrared spectroscopic testing is performed on the sample-extract to derive corresponding spectrum data. The spectrum data for the sample-extract is processed to measure the spectral property of the calibration equation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring pH of low alkalinity samples. The present invention provides a sensor array comprising a plurality of pH indicators, each indicator having a different indicator concentration. A calibration function is generated by applying the sensor array to a sample solution having a known pH such that pH responses from each indicator are simultaneously recorded versus indicator concentration for each indicator. Once calibrated, the sensor array is applied to low alkalinity samples having unknown pH. Results from each pH indicator are then compared to the calibration function, and fitting functions are extrapolated to obtain the actual pH of the low alkalinity sample.

Abstract: A device for the precise and accurate potentiometric pH measurements in situ. Embodiments of a potentiometric device according to the invention consist of one or more glass pH-sensitive electrodes connected to a potentiometer. A key feature of the device is that, rather than being calibrated conventionally with buffers, it can be calibrated with an in situ device that measures pH spectrophotometrically. Spectrophotometric pH measurements obtained via sulfonephthalein absorbance measurements are inherently calibrated (do not require buffers). Thus, devices according to the invention allow for continuous potentiometric pH measurements with occasional spectrophotometric calibrations. The spectrophotometric calibration device consists of a spectrophotometer with associated pumps for combining a sulfonephthalein pH indicator with the aqueous medium whose pH is to be measured.

Abstract: A mammalian disease detecting system used to provide a visual indication of a possible disease state includes particles made of a material that is substantially clear or transparent to permit the easy visual detection of blood in urine of a mammal. The system also includes additives to permit visually detection of possible disease states or infections in mammals, such additives being of the type that are not reactive with the particular material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cation exchange capacity titration unit comprising a titration cell having a closed bottom end in fluid communication with an open top end; a recirculation loop comprising a pump and a sensing unit, wherein the pump comprises a pump inlet in fluid communication with the bottom end of the titration cell, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with a sensing unit inlet, the sensing unit inlet being in fluid communication with a sensing unit outlet, wherein the sensing unit outlet is in fluid communication with the top end of the titration cell such that operation of the pump results in an analyte sample flowing from the bottom end through the pump, through the sensing unit, and back into the top end of the titration cell in a continuous loop. A method of determining the cation exchange capacity of a sample is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanosensors or transducers that permit measurement of a physical parameter in an analyte via magnetic reasonance measurements, in particular of non-agglomerative assays. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to designs of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles. Additionally provided are methods of use of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of a stimulus or an analyte with NMR detectors.

Abstract: Fibers, fabrics and textiles in which core-shell silica nanoparticles are incorporated are provided. The fibers, fabrics and textiles can be polymeric materials or natural cellulose-based or protein-based materials in which core-shell silica nanoparticles are incorporated. A variety of polymeric and natural materials can be employed, such as cellulose acetate, nylon, rayon, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic, polyester, polylactic acid, polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polyurethane, aramid, wool, cotton, ramie, milk protein, soy protein, bamboo, etc. The core-shell silica nanoparticles can incorporate sensing, magnetic, thermal, electrical, chemical or RFID properties that can be imparted to the materials and that allow the materials to sense one or more conditions of interest, making them ideal for in situ sensing, treatment, or security applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relics on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: Fluorescent pH detector and methods for measuring pH using the fluorescent pH detector.

Abstract: A system and associated methodology to directly measure the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. Metal ions are added to seawater and the absorbance spectra of the added ions are measured in the ultraviolet. The spectral absorbance (light attenuation) of ions such as divalent lead or copper in seawater is predominantly determined by the carbonate ion content of seawater. Through a knowledge of (1) the strength of association between carbonate and either divalent lead or divalent copper and (2) the spectral characteristics of these cations in seawater (e.g., Pb2+ complexed solely as PbCO3 and Pb2+ complexed solely in the form of chloride complexes), it is possible to directly determine seawater carbonate ion concentrations from absorbance measurements at a variety of wavelengths in the ultraviolet.

Abstract: A nano-pH sensor can include a nanoparticle having an outer surface functionalized by a carboxy functional group. The nanoparticle is reversibly aggregated as a function of pH and is generally non-toxic. A fluorometer can be oriented to expose the nanoparticles to a light source at a given wavelength. Further, the fluorometer can be configured to detect changes in fluorescence of the gold nanoparticle with changes in pH.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber for detecting a target, a method of preparing the fiber for detecting the target, a method of detecting the target in a sample, a fiber complex including the fiber for detecting the target, and a kit including the fiber for detecting the target. The fiber may include a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle, wherein the target material and the metal nanoparticle are fixed to the polymer. The method of preparing a fiber may include preparing a composition that includes a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle and spinning the composition to prepare the fiber.