Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detectors for detecting fluorine-containing compounds and/or cyanide containing compounds, including hydrogen fluoride (HF) or HCN gas, hydrofluoric acid in solution, selected chemical warfare agents, selected industrial chemicals which may be hydrolyzed to release HF or HCN gas, compounds containing a cyanide group, and compounds that can release HF or HCN. The detectors comprise i) an organometallic component containing at least one bis-substituted boryl group of the formula —B(RB)(RB?) wherein each RB and each RB? is independently selected from H, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, OR6, N(R6)(R7), SR6, C3-20 aryl or heteroaryl, and C3-20 cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl groups, each of which may be optionally substituted, ii) a Lewis base component, and iii) a solid matrix component.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a bioweapon-sensitive fibrous-network product, wherein the subject products exhibit a color change in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon. Also disclosed are fibrous-network products that contain units of biopolymeric material that impart a color change to the products in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon.

Abstract: Chemical indicator apparatuses containing one or more chemical indicators for use in monitoring the quality of water in an aquatic environment. The apparatuses are designed and configured to be submersible in the water that is being monitored. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo a physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Such indicators can be read by one or more suitable optical readers. These and other embodiments are designed and configured to be movable by a corresponding monitoring/measuring apparatus, for example, via a magnetically coupled drive. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide a chemical indicator apparatus with additional functionalities.

Abstract: A device (600) for performing at least part of an analytical process comprises a communicator (605) to facilitate communication with the device, and a data handler (610) to handle data of the analytical process and/or the device. In an embodiment, the device (600) is a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device. A method for performing at least part of an analytical process using a device comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a sample into the device; (b) handling data associated with the test using a data handler of the device; and (c) facilitating communications about the test using a communicator of the device. In another embodiment, the method is performed using a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device.

Abstract: Provided is a method for checking a blood status including: a step of supplying blood to the centrifugal container of a disk; a step of rotating the disk to centrifuge the blood cells and blood plasma in the centrifuge container, and detecting the actual moving distance per hour of the blood cells in the centrifugal container; and a step of establishing a first graph which represents the actual moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and a second graph which represents the theoretical moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and thereafter calculating the hematocrit of the blood cells and the viscosity of the blood plasma by comparing the first graph with the second graph.

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: Herein are provided nano-particles comprising a nanocore of Raman-scattering material stabilized by a bilayer comprising a porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate, methods of making the same and their use in Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a series of systems, devices, and methods relating to the determination of explosives, such as peroxides or peroxide precursors, and other species. Embodiments of the invention may allow a sample suspected of containing an explosive (e.g., a peroxide) or other species to interact with a reactant, wherein the sample may react and cause light emission from the reactant. Advantages of the present invention may include the simplification of devices for determination of peroxide-based explosives, wherein the devices are portable and, in some cases, disposable. Other advantages may include relative ease of fabrication and operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present application, a stimulus-responsive gel is disclosed with optical characteristic molecule introduced therein that is capable of easily and securely converting a volume change responding to external stimulus to optical data being easy to handle in the construction of sensor system; an external stimulus measuring apparatus making use of the same; and a method of measuring external stimulus therewith.

Abstract: A reliable, low cost device for determining when dangerous levels of hydrogen gas have been generated in a transformer is disclosed. The hydrogen indicator is defined by a module assembly that threads into either the headspace or into the oil-filled body of a transformer. The module has an open interior that contains a film that incorporates a hydrogen-sensitive chemochromic indicator. The indicator film is visible through a lens. When the film has been exposed to hydrogen, chemical changes in the chemochromic indicator cause the film to change color—the color change is immediately visible through the lens.

Abstract: A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity.

Abstract: Mixtures of cell types can be analyzed by having at least two signal markers, with at least one at three different levels to provide a barcode for each cell type. The mixture of cells may be subjected to a common candidate moiety and the effect of the moiety on the cells determined along with identification of the cell by the barcode. Conveniently, surface marker proteins and labeled antibodies can be used to create the barcode and the cells analyzed with flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: Embodiments of optofluidic devices or methods according to the application can provide on-chip, label-free, massively parallel analysis of analytes. An embodiment of the optofluidic device can comprise a microresonator, a waveguide optically coupled to the microresonator, and a fluidic channel that exposes an analyte to an evanescent field from the microresonator, wherein the light signal has a linewidth lesser than the width of at least one resonance of the light signal propagating in the microresonator. The light signal can be tuned across a spectrum of light wavelengths, wherein the spectrum of wavelengths includes one or more wavelengths defining the at least one resonance in the microresonator. The light transmission through the waveguide over the spectrum of wavelengths of the input light can be detected, and an absorption spectrum of the analyte can be determined.

Abstract: A hybrid nanostructure for molecular analysis is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of nanofingers wherein each nanofinger is coated with a metal coating, is attached at one end to a substrate, and is freely bendable along its length such that the second ends of each nanofinger are capable of movement toward each other to form a cavity. The structure further includes a nanoparticle trapped in the cavity. An array of hybrid nanostructures and a method for fabricating the hybrid nanostructures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and kit includes one or more use protocol indicators having a color changeable dye, the dye being translucent or having a first color upon immediate exposure to an environment and for a defined time thereafter and the dye changing color after exposure to the environment for the defined time. A dual environment indicator includes a first indicator color changeable dye being translucent or having a first color upon immediate exposure to a first environment and changing color after exposure to a second environment and a second indicator color changeable dye being translucent or having a first color upon immediate exposure to the second environment and for a defined time thereafter and changing color after exposure to the second environment for the defined time. A time exposure indicator comprises at least one color changeable dye disposed to change color in a sequential manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to affinity biosensing using polarization of light scattering of aggregated noble metallic nanostructures to determine concentration of an analyte in a test sample. This new sensing system utilizes the changes in polarized plasmonic scattering from nanostructures as the nanostructures aggregate due to binding of the analyte to a binding partner attached to the surface of the metallic nanostructure.

Abstract: A method for sampling a sulphur-containing solid product including supplying a gas flow comprising hydrogen sulphide, bringing the gas flow into contact with a solid reagent and reacting the solid reagent with the hydrogen sulphide contained in the gas flow, the reaction fixing the sulphur of the hydrogen sulphide by forming a sulphur-containing solid product which is different in color from the solid reagent, and recovering the sulphur-containing solid product. The invention also relates to a device suitable for the implementation of this method.

Abstract: A biosensor device (100) for detecting biological particles, the biosensor device (100) comprising an electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102) adapted for transmitting electromagnetic radiation and a plurality of sensor active structures (104) arranged at the electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102), wherein each of the plurality of sensor active structures (104) is sensitive to specific biological particles and is adapted to modify electromagnetic radiation transmission properties of the electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102) in the event of the presence of the respective biological particles, and wherein the electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102) is adapted for a simultaneous detection of different biological particles at different ones of the plurality of sensor active structures (104).

Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic assay device for assaying at least one property of a liquid sample, the device comprising: (i) a liquid sample application region; (ii) at least one test flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; (iii) a reference flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; and (iv) a junction region, at which the test flow path and the reference flow path contact one another, the junction region typically comprising an outlet, conduit, chamber or other portion which permits the onward flow of liquid; wherein a liquid flowing along the reference flow path, upon reaching the junction region, has the effect of preventing the flow of liquid along the test flow path. The invention relates to a fluidic device for the passage of a liquid. It also relates to an assay device suitable for measurement of the amount and/or presence of an analyte in, or property of, a fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of discriminating between, in a surface of a transition metal alloy, transition metals in different oxidation states using surface sensor molecules adapted to associate selectively with one of the transition metals. In particular, the present invention provides a method of identifying degradation in aircraft components such as turbine blades, engine casings and aerofoils. In embodiments, a surface sensor molecule comprising an oxidation state discriminating group, such as an imidazole, and a fluorescein probe is applied in aqueous solution to the surface of a service-run Ni alloy aircraft component. The sensor molecule selectively associates with transition metals in oxidation states greater than zero such that fluorescence imaging can be used to identify areas of degradation.

Abstract: An example embodiment is an apparatus for measuring antioxidant presence comprising a solid media, and a reagent carried by the media, the reagent reactive with at least one antioxidant to cause changes in light that is incident upon the reagent while carried by the solid media.

Abstract: Using a microplate having wells for the dispensing and reaction of a sample including blood and a reagent, an automatic analyzer captures an image of whether reactions have occurred inside the wells and performs analysis, the automatic analyzer comprising: a section for, with captured images obtained by capturing images of the inside of the wells corresponding to categories, calculating photometric parameters of the images, evaluating whether a measurement result based on the images is negative for each test, and analyzing characteristic information of the sample; a section for matching and storing characteristic information of samples and measurement results; a section for extracting a photometric parameter of a measurement result judged as negative; and a section for calculating a difference between maximum and minimum values of an extracted photometric parameter, determining whether a measurement is valid using the difference, and adding a result of the determination to characteristic information.

Abstract: A method for determining the area of an analysis chamber covered by a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber is provided. The chamber has a first panel with an interior surface, and a second panel with an interior surface, both of which panels are transparent.

Abstract: Methods for assessing the condition of keratinized structures, including hair, in particular methods to determine the condition of keratinized structures in relation to suitability for analysis of analytes of interest in a test sample, are presented. The methods comprise contacting the keratinized structure with a non-proteolytic reducing agent and an optional proteolytic agent. The methods further include inspection of the hair sample, or measurement of free protein eluted from the keratinized structure, after reduction and optional proteolysis to determine condition prior to analyte identification and quantitation by known techniques such as immunoassays.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A sample element may be used to swipe an object for a test sample. The sample element may be positioned in a sample holder of a testing device having a heater. The heater may be programmed to heat the sample element and sample in a controlled manner through two or three temperature increases from approximately 35 degrees to 165 degrees centigrade in approximately 40 seconds. Prior to each temperature increase a first, second and third reagent fluid is applied to the sample holder, and during the temperature rise the sample holder is observed for the presence of various explosive elements by detecting colors as compared to a color chart. The color observations may be based on time and temperature variations using a testing device.

Abstract: Methods and assay for the portable colorimetric detection of an antioxidant in a food sample. The method includes the steps of providing a colorimetric reagent, the reagent including a plurality of ceria nanoparticles immobilized to a support, contacting the colorimetric reagent with the food sample, and detecting an optical property of the colorimetric reagent, where a change in the optical property of the colorimetric reagent is associated with the presence of antioxidant in the food sample. The change in the optical property of the colorimetric reagent is dependent upon the concentration of the antioxidant in the food sample.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising proteins that bind specifically to adalimumab are disclosed herein. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody specific for the cytokine TNF-? and was developed to treat TNF-? mediated inflammatory diseases. In one aspect of the instant invention, the binding proteins are antibodies directed toward adalimumab. These antibodies, including binding fragments thereof, can be used in a clinical setting as well as for research and development. For example, these anti-adalimumab antibodies can be employed to neutralize adalimumab.

Abstract: Regions where metastatic cancer cells can exist are detected with high accuracy in a sentinel lymph node. Quantum dots are injected into the vicinity of a cancer in a living body, thereby identifying the location of the sentinel lymph node by means of fluorescence. Subsequently, the sentinel lymph node is extracted. With respect to the sentinel lymph node extracted with quantum dots injected, structural analysis is conducted by means of precision fluorescence measurement which uses a confocal fluorescence microscope for monomolecular observation. Specifically, the fluorescence intensity is measured with respect to each of multiple areas in the sentinel lymph nodes, and out of the multiple areas measured, one or more areas are detected as afferent lymph vessel inflow regions in descending order of fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses are provided for the liberation of one or more volatile organic compounds from a test sample. The processes include exposing a sample to light of a wavelength less than 400 nm, subjecting the sample to heat, and collecting one or more volatile organic compounds produced from the sample. The volatile organic compounds are detected by any of various methods, and are optionally identified by methods such as FTIR. The processes and apparatus provide for improved detection of relevant volatile organic compounds that are otherwise undetectable by traditional processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the redox condition of cementitious materials. The methods are leaching methods that utilize an in situ redox indicator that is present in the cementitious materials as formed. The in situ redox indicator leaches from cementitious material and, when the leaching process is carried out under anaerobic conditions can be utilized to determine the redox condition of the material. The in situ redox indicator can exhibit distinct characteristics in the leachate depending upon the redox condition of the indicator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer membrane produced using a microchannel capable of easily forming bilayer membranes such as planar lipid bilayer membranes in large quantities, and a production method thereof. A process for producing a bilayer membrane of the present invention comprises forming a state where two liquid phases or liquid and gaseous phases each containing amphipathic molecules are alternately arranged in a microchannel, discharging one of the two liquid phases or the gaseous phase of the liquid and gaseous phases through branch minichannels formed in the wall on one side or in the walls on both sides to contact the remaining liquid phases adjacent to each other, and thereby forming a side-by-side arrangement of bilayer membranes comprising the amphipathic molecules.

Abstract: There is provided a method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution with high sensitivity. A method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution, including the steps of 1) immobilizing a fluorescent probe molecule showing a fluorescence response specific to 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine on surfaces of fine particles via a spacer unit and bringing the sample solution into contact with the fine particles, and 2) measuring a physical property of the fine particles before and after the contact with the sample solution to determine a change in the physical property.

Abstract: A separation-free assay including a binding partner, a binding partner labeled with a directly luminescent label, and a nonspecifically binding label able to affect the signal of the unbound labeled binding partner, in which a signal of the binding partner label or the signal of the nonspecific binding label is measured in a binding event, and where at least one of the binding partners is a mobile binding partner.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-parameter analysis methods for determining the presence or absence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in a cervical sample and for screening cervical abnormality in a cervical sample. The invention also provides an apparatus and automated methods for screening cervical abnormality in a sample. The invention further provides a sampling device and a sample collection assembly for collecting cell samples, including cervical samples.

Abstract: Second harmonic nanoprobes for multipurpose imaging of samples and a method of using such probes to monitor nucleotide sequencing in a Multi-SHG Detection Imaging (MSDI) modality and to monitor external electric field using voltage sensitive second harmonic generating (SHG) nanoprobes are provided. The SHG nanoprobes are comprised of various kinds of nanocrystals that do not possess an inversion symmetry and therefore are capable of generating second harmonic signals that can then be detected by conventional two-photon microscopy for in vivo imaging of biological processes and structures such as cell signaling, neuroimaging, protein conformation probing, DNA conformation probing, gene transcription, virus infection and replication in cells, protein dynamics, tumor imaging and cancer therapy evaluation and diagnosis as well as quantification in optical imaging for a wide-range of biological and non-biological processes and devices.

Abstract: The invention provides various compositions, devices, and methods useful for detecting an analyte by colorimetric readout. The compositions and devices include polymers constructed to have pores specifically imprinted to provide for capture of an analyte in the pores; nanoparticles layered on the polymers; and photochromic optical switch molecules coated on the nanoparticles. Capture of the analyte in the pores of the polymer results in a change in the spatial relation of the nanoparticles layered on the polymer, which in turn causes the photochromic optical switch molecules coated thereon to undergo a change in energy state corresponding to a visible change in the optical spectra of the photochromic optical switch molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits, apparatus and methods for determining a biological condition in a mammalian subject, the method includes incubating a specimen from a patient with at least one composition in a kit for a predetermined period of time to form at least one reaction product, when the subject has said biological condition, and receiving an indication of the at least one reaction product responsive to at least one reporter element in the kit thereby providing the indication of the biological condition in the subject.

Abstract: A method of analyzing graphene includes providing a first graphene structure including graphene having grains and grain boundaries, and a support portion for supporting the graphene, generating a second graphene structure by oxidizing the first graphene structure, and detecting a shape of the graphene.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor system comprising a light source, a cartridge adapted to be illuminated by said light source, a light detector adapted for detecting a signal originating from the cartridge, an illumination control means adapted to vary the illumination of the cartridge between at least two different states, a means for generating a first oscillation with a first frequency, and a means for generating a second oscillation with a second frequency, wherein the frame rate of the light detector is triggered by the first oscillation and the illumination control means is triggered by the second oscillation.

Abstract: A cell for conducting electrochemiluminescence measurements is disclosed. The cell in one embodiment provides a measurement cell housing having a cavity, a fluid inlet channel for inducing fluid into the cavity and a fluid outlet channel for discharging fluid from the cavity at axial ends. The cell also provides at least one working electrode and a counter electrode on or in the cavity, and an optical viewing element for observing electrochemiluminescence effects in the cavity, wherein the fluid inlet channel has an at least approximately continuous curved course in a transition area to the cavity so that the fluid inlet channel at its end which is joined to the cavity is shaped in such a manner as to constitute a continuous course of the transition between the fluid inlet channel and the cavity to generate a largely steady flow profile when inducing fluid into the measurement cell cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media, the meter having a housing and an interface for receiving a signal representing coding information, and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having a coding element associated therewith. Additionally, the system may provide a mechanism for removing the meter from an interconnected test container and reattaching it to a new container using on-container coding methods that can recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips.