Abstract: Compositions, kits, and methods of using the kits and compositions to determine the hardness of and/or magnesium concentration in a solution are described. The kit can include a lyophilized composition that has an absorbance at a detectable wavelength in response to the hardness of the solution and or the concentration of magnesium in the solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to thin indicating devices, such as time-temperature indicators and a method of making by applying and UV curing one or more layers of indicating composition are disclosed. For example, an indicator layer is applied on substrate and cured with UV light, immediately followed by an application of an activator layer which is cured by UV light. The device can have other layers, such as a permeable barrier between the activator and indicator layer and a top protective layers which are also UV cured. This fast curing method prevents premature reactions, e.g., diffusion of activator into indicator layer and vice versa during manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of chemical analysis and quantitative detection, in particular to a quantitative detection method for snake venom thrombin-like enzyme (SVTLE) from Agkistrodon halys pallas. The quantitative detection method for the SVTLE includes the following steps of taking a reference substance of marker peptide for the SVTLE from Agkistrodon halys pallas with an amino acid sequence of LDSPVSNSAHIAPLSLPSSAPSVGSVCR, and preparing a series of reference solutions with different concentrations; adding the reference solutions in test solutions respectively for enzymolysis, and then taking a supernatant after enzymolysis as a series of solutions to be detected; and adding the solutions to be detected in a liquid chromatogram-mass spectrometer, and then selecting a qualitative ion pair and a quantitative ion pair to detect contents of marker peptide in the solutions to be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of chemical analysis detection and application, in particular to a marker peptide of snake venom thrombin-like enzymes (SVTLEs) from Agkistrodon Halys Pallas and an application thereof. The amino acid sequence of the marker peptide of snake venom thrombin-like enzymes (SVTLEs) from Agkistrodon Halys Pallas is TLCAGVMEGGIDTCNR. Characterizing the source of species and a content of the SVTLEs in a to-be-detected sample by using the marker peptide includes the following steps of: pretreating the to-be-detected sample by trypsin through enzymolysis, and taking a supernatant of an enzymolysis liquid as a test solution; and injecting the test solution and a reference solution into a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer, and selecting a qualitative ion pair and a quantitative ion pair for detecting the source of species and a content of the SVTLEs in the to-be-detected sample.

Abstract: A sensor device according to the present technology includes a stack sensor. The stack sensor includes a first sensor layer and a second sensor layer. The first sensor layer has, as a detection target, a first substrate in a culture solution, the first substrate being changed in accordance with a change in a state of a cell. The second sensor layer has, as a detection target, a second substrate in the culture solution and is provided on the first sensor layer, the second substrate being changed in accordance with the change in the state.

Abstract: An example of a flow cell includes a substrate, which includes nano-depressions defined in a surface of the substrate, and interstitial regions separating the nano-depressions. A hydrophobic material layer has a surface that is at least substantially co-planar with the interstitial regions and is positioned to define a hydrophobic barrier around respective sub-sets of the nano-depressions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a product label with a colorimetric sensor array and a code, and the system and the method of the present invention are mainly that the product label is attached to a fresh food, so that at least one sensing material of the colorimetric sensor array undergoes a chemical reaction with at least one metabolic molecule of the fresh food to change from an initial color to an indicating color. The present invention, by obtaining an image comprising an appearance, the code and the indicating color of the fresh food through an image acquisition device, also provides an instant information associated with the fresh food by a processing device according to a comparison result of the image and a database.

Abstract: Methods of determining the dose of UVC light delivered to a sample comprising a low optical transmission complex fluid are provided. Also provided are methods of inactivation of an organism, such as a spore, a bacteria or a virus, in a sample comprising dose of UVC light delivered to a sample comprising a low optical transmission complex fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising: a plurality of sensor elements wherein the sensor elements are configured to be actuated in response to exposure to a parameter and the apparatus is configured to record when each of the sensor elements are actuated wherein: the plurality of sensor elements comprises at least a first subset of sensor elements and at least a second subset of sensor elements where the first subset of sensor elements are actuated in response to a first level of exposure to a parameter and the second subset of sensor elements are actuated in response to a second level of exposure to a parameter.

Abstract: Although analysis can be very quickly conducted at a low cost by a method for measuring a biopolymer using a nanopore, the accuracy of distinguishing the individual monopolymers constituting the biopolymer is low. To both ends of a biopolymer through a nanopore, molecules which are larger than the nanopore are attached and then the biopolymer is reciprocated by an external force to thereby perform repeated measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of analysis including at least one microscope means operable to characterize the surface of a sample in use, at least a first conduit to convey one or more solvents to the sample and a further conduit to convey at least part of the solution from the sample. At least one pump means delivers solvent to the sample and/or removes solution from the same.

Abstract: Provided herein are cartridges, devices, and methods for carrying out multistep assays on a microfluidic scale. A cartridge includes a block frame comprising a well, wherein the well comprises an outlet, at least one inlet, and a bottom surface; a plurality of containers, wherein each container is connected to the well via a microchannel leading to the at least one inlet; and an openable cover, which cover when closed is configured to enclose an assay surface and form a gap between (i) the assay surface and the bottom surface of the well or (ii) the assay surface and the cover. The gap can be formed by a spacer that extends from the bottom surface of the well or from the outer edge of the cover. Methods include flowing liquid into the gap and/or through an opening adjacent to the assay surface.

Abstract: A method of performing a stimulation operation at a wellsite is provided. The wellsite has a wellbore penetrating a formation having fractures therein. The method involves predicting placement of proppant parameters in the fractures based on wellsite data, generating an asperity model based on the predicted placement, predicting aperture change for a prescribed closure stress using the asperity model, and determining fracture conductivity based on the predicted aperture change. The method also involves placing into the fractures with a stimulation fluid by injecting the stimulation fluid having the proppant therein into the formation based on the determined fracture conductivity and producing fluid from the reservoirs and into the wellbore through the propped fractures.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring a status of a plurality of products, such as prepared food, located in product locations within stations throughout a restaurant. The status of each product indicates whether that product exists in a particular storage location, and whether that product has exceeded its shelf life or hold time. The storage time which has elapsed for each product is automatically counted and compared to the hold time. A cook time, which is that duration of time required to cook a particular product, is also maintained for each of the products. The status indicates when additional product should be cooked in order to have new product prior to the expiration of existing product by indicating when the hold time less the cook time has elapsed. The status also indicates which product is the oldest to facilitate the transfer and use of the oldest product first.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems pertaining to sequencing units of analytes using nanopores. In general, arresting constructs are used to modify an analyte such that the modified analyte pauses in the opening of a nanopore. During such a pause, an ion current level is obtained that corresponds to a unit of the analyte. After altering the modified analyte such that the modified analyte advances through the opening, another arresting construct again pauses the analyte, allowing for a second ion current level to be obtained that represents a second unit of the analyte. This process may be repeated until each unit of the analyte is sequenced. Systems for performing such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensing system includes an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator sensor having a substrate, a plurality of first sensing elements mutually spaced apart and disposed on the substrate, and a sensing material film being disposed on a first sensing region of the corresponding first sensing element.

Abstract: A sensing system includes an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator sensor having a substrate, a plurality of first sensing elements mutually spaced apart and disposed on the substrate, and a sensing material film being disposed on a first sensing region of the corresponding first sensing element.

Abstract: A motor vehicle oil quality testing apparatus and system to assess the quality and viability of motor oil in a vehicle to determine if a change of oil is needed. An absorbent strip of chemically treated material is mounted on a self-contained single use display and test card on which a used oil sample is deposited and will change color based on the oil's determined alkalinity in a sealable color comparison chamber indicated to the user if the oil should be changed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the process of using a catalyst for the photo-catalytic degradation of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in water. A Pd/Ce2O3—ZnO photo-catalyst is formed to react with MTBE dissolved in water sample and UV irradiated to reduce the MTBE concentration in the water sample. A 95-97% degradation of MTBE is observed using this process.

Abstract: Provided is a first reservoir for containing a liquid solution including a molecule to be characterized and a second reservoir for containing a liquid solution. A solid state support includes a nanopore having a molecular inlet providing a fluidic connection to the first reservoir and a molecular outlet providing a fluidic connection to the second reservoir. An electrical connection is disposed between the first and second reservoirs to apply a molecular translocation voltage across the nanopore between the molecular inlet entrance and outlet exit. At least one electrical probe is disposed at the nanopore to apply a first voltage bias with respect to translocation voltage to slow progression of a molecule through the nanopore between the molecular inlet and outlet and to apply a second voltage bias with respect to translocation voltage to cause the molecule to proceed through the nanopore between the molecular inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A jetting-fault analysis system can include a print head with a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a print medium, a testing substrate that can include a carrier and at least one color-changing material that changes color and forms a color pattern upon exposure to at least one color-change inducer, an applicator for delivering a color-change inducer to the testing substrate, and a color-pattern imaging system for analyzing the color pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for characterizing a target polynucleic acid by providing a surface containing a channel of a dimension sufficient to allow sequential monomer-by-monomer passage of a single-stranded polynucleic acid, but not of a double-stranded polynucleic acid; providing a source of hybridized target polynucleic acid at the surface; inducing passage of the target polynucleic acid through the channel, whereby the target polynucleic acid undergoes base pair separation (melts) prior to its passage; and making one or more measurements over time as the target polynucleic acid moves relative to the channel yielding data suitable to determine a monomer-dependent characteristic of the target polynucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring of particles properties in a stream and the use of such method and system. In particular, the invention concerns sampling of liquids like aqueous suspensions or filtrates that contain solid matter in forest industry, oil and mining industry, as well as in and water treatment, desalination or water reuse processes, and in subsequent measurement of the samples. A sample from a stream of liquid is dyed to stain particles contained in the sample, which is conducted to a first flow chamber having means for causing said sample to be divided into particle populations according to their size or mass. A liquid flow is applied through the first flow chamber to cause at least one particle population to flow into a second flow chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring cooling effectiveness of a component is disclosed. The method includes providing a component with a coating applied on a surface of the component. Further, the method includes supplying a first gaseous medium over a surface of the component through a plurality of holes in the component and feeding a second gaseous medium along the surface of the component. Further, the method includes exposing the surface of the component to the first and second gaseous mediums for a predetermined period. The method further includes obtaining an image of the surface of the component exposed to the first and second gaseous mediums for the predetermined period. The method includes analyzing the obtained image to determine whether at least a portion of the coating is removed from the surface of the component upon exposure to the second gaseous medium.

Abstract: A sorption exothermicity measurement device (1) mainly includes: an air pump (2) that supplies dry air; a bubbling instrument (3) that humidifies dry air and supplies humidified air; a reaction measuring instrument (4) into which air flows so that the dry air or the humidified air comes in contact with a sample (10) to be measured; and a flow rate measuring instrument (5) that measures the flow rate of at least the humidified air flowing into the reaction measuring instrument (4). The reaction instruments are connected by flow paths through which the dry air or the humidified air flows. Furthermore, at least a humidified air supply system needle valve (13) that regulates the flow rate of the humidified air is included.

Abstract: A method of determining the solubility of a compound in a selected solvent is provided that does not require determination of, or use of, standards having known concentrations of the compound. In one aspect, the method can include preparation of a mixture where not all of a compound is dissolved in the provided solvent, separating undissolved compound from the solvent, and direct determination of the amount of the compound dissolved in the solvent. Methods adapted for use include those where a multiplicity of compounds or solvents are tested in parallel. Devices adapted for these methods are also provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for use in tube feeding comprises a cylindrical body 110 provided with a first opening 120 and a second opening 130 connected by a flow channel 140. The body 110 comprises reagent 111, for determining a characteristic of fluid disposed in the body and a transparent window 112 through which the reagent 111 is visible. In use, a first end of an internal feeding tube releasably engages with the first opening 120. The second, distal end of said feeding tube is disposed inside a patient to be fed. A second feeding tube engages with the second opening 130. The second feeding tube connects the apparatus 100 to a bi-directional pump operable: to pump internal fluid from a reservoir, through the apparatus and into the internal feeding tube; and to pump fluid from the patient into the body 110 of the apparatus 100. This allows a user to pump fluid from the patient into the body 110 of the apparatus 100 to react with the reagent 111.

Abstract: A technique is provided for base recognition in an integrated device is provided. A target molecule is driven into a nanopore of the integrated device. The integrated device includes a nanowire separated into a left nanowire part and a right nanowire part to form a nanogap in between, a source pad connected to the right nanowire part, a drain pad connected to the left nanowire part, and the nanopore. The source pad, the drain pad, the right nanowire part, the left nanowire part, and the nanogap together form a transistor. The nanogap is part of the nanopore. A transistor current is measured while a single base of the target molecule is in the nanogap of the nanopore, and the single base affects the transistor current. An identity of the single base is determined according to a change in the transistor current.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer and one absorbent core layer. The topsheet layer, absorbent core layer and backsheet layer each include a longitudinally directed side peripheral edge. The absorbent article further includes an aqueous medium-sensitive coating composition for triggered release of active ingredients from the absorbent article. The aqueous medium-sensitive coating composition is affixed to the absorbent article adjacent a longitudinally directed side peripheral edge. The coating composition includes a betaine ester or betaine ester derivative having a functional active group derived from a fragrance with a hydroxyl group, a color changing visual indicator chemistry, where the visual indicator chemistry is selected from at least one of the group of a pH indicator dye and pH adjuster, a thermochromic dye and a polarity-sensitive dye.

Abstract: A method of predicting viscosity behavior of a thermosetting resin is provided that is capable of predicting viscosity behavior of a thermosetting resin and void generation in the underfill is suppressed while good solder connection is obtained.

Abstract: A detection method and indicator are disclosed that includes quantum dots that fluoresce under illumination of a first light having a first wavelength to indicate the presence of a predetermined condition, and in particular, a corrosion condition. The quantum dots are surrounded by a shell material that under normal conditions reflect the first light and reacts in the presence of the predetermined condition to permit the first light to illuminate the quantum dot to excite the quantum dot to emit a second light having a second wavelength, which when detected, indicates the presence of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method used for determination of inhibition durability index (IDI) of an inhibitive mud system can include multiple stages, with each stage including specific steps. The first stage can include a dispersion test that evaluates the inhibition effects of a stability inhibitor after exposing the test material to the inhibitor. The second stage can include a durability inhibition assessment, which includes assessing the longevity of the effect of the inhibitor. A third stage can be used to graph or otherwise evaluate the results of the second stage or the first and second stages.

Abstract: A self-indicating material system may include a solid polymer matrix having a first color, a first plurality of capsules in the matrix, and a plurality of particles in the matrix. The first plurality of capsules includes a first reactant, and the plurality of particles includes a second reactant, which forms a product when in contact with the first reactant. When a crack forms in the polymer matrix, at least a portion of the first plurality of capsules is ruptured, the first and second reactants form the product in the matrix, and the portion of the polymer matrix containing the product has a second color different from the first color. A self-indicating material system may include a solid polymer matrix, a plurality of capsules in the matrix, and an activator in the matrix, where the polymer matrix includes a first polymer and has a first color, the plurality of capsules includes a polymerizer, and the activator is an activator for the polymerizer.

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.

Abstract: Crystallized diacetylenic compounds having certain crystallographic and other characteristics; diacetylenic compounds and mixtures crystallized from diacetylenic solutions; methods of preparing and identifying solvent systems for dissolving diacetylenic compounds; diacetylenic solutions; methods of recrystallizing diacetylenic compounds; crystals of 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-bis(alkylurea) compounds; and ambient condition indicators and time-temperature condition indicators comprising crystallized diacetylenic compounds.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing corrosion of an underground storage tank system is provided. The method includes the following steps. A sample from the underground storage tank system is collected, wherein the sample comprises at lease one metal ion. The species and the concentration of the metal ion in the sample are detected by an analysis instrument. A concentration threshold value is determined from a database according to the species of the metal ion. A mapping step is performed, wherein the concentration of the metal ion and the concentration threshold value are compared to diagnose if the underground storage tank system is corroded.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a surfactant in a microelectronic process is disclosed. Specifically, the monitoring of a surfactant occurs by studying the fluorescence or electromagnetic emission of a sample collected from a microelectronic process.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator.

Abstract: Acidic oral compositions having calcium contents and effective pH-values in the area indicated by grey-tone in FIG. 2 are non-erosive in saliva and capable of stimulating saliva production, even in “dry mouth” patients. A new multi-step test method for determining erosive potential in saliva has been used for identifying the compositions.

Abstract: A measuring method of chromium-free coating film thickness on surface of strip steel comprising selecting two water-soluble chemical substances containing elements P, Ca, Ti, Ba or Sr and not reacting with a chromium-free coating liquid; adding the chemical substances into the chromium-free coating liquid and agitating them to be homogeneous, thereafter, fabricating a reference sample of coating film; using a ray emitted by an off-line film thickness instrument to excite the two water-soluble chemical substances so as to obtain characteristic spectrums to obtain a correction function expression between the measured film thickness and the thickness correction value by fitting; adding the water-soluble chemical substance which has a weak characteristic spectrum into a chromium-free coating liquid, and using the expression to obtain the actual coating film thickness. The method is capable to monitor film thickness with no adverse effect on adhesiveness and corrosion-proof of the coating film.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present application, a color changeable dye can comprise a redox indicator, a reduction reaction initiator, an electron donor, an oxygen scavenger, an indicator barrier agent, a thickening agent and an agent to facilitate mixing. The color changeable dye is a first color in the presence of oxygen, capable of changing to a second color upon reduction in a substantially oxygen free environment, and capable of changing back to the first color after exposure to oxygen for a period of time corresponding to the intended use time of a disposable or limited use product. Methods of making and using the color changeable dye and apparatuses incorporating such dye are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques and tools reduce pH drift downward in growth media triggered by plant growth or ammoniated fertilizers. Methods and compositions provide growing media with buffering potential to prevent pH drifts in the growing media. A compost composition has a buffering potential against pH changes. A carbonate index test provides information on a buffering potential of a compost composition. A growing medium includes a compost composition with a buffering potential to provide a stable pH that is conducive to plant growth in the growing medium.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (1) for weatherability testing of a material sample (3) are disclosed. The material sample (3) is exposed to a testing atmosphere (12) in a testing chamber (2). The testing atmosphere (12) is formed by a plasma (10). Testing atmosphere (12) is withdrawn from the testing chamber (2) and resupplied to the plasma generation as a process gas (5G), after filtering and/or conditioning. At least one further substance (8S) may be added to a process gas (5G) for plasma generation, in order to obtain a desired chemical composition of the testing atmosphere (12). Parameters of the testing atmosphere (12) like temperature and chemical composition may be controlled. The material sample (3) may furthermore be exposed to UV light (25), which preferably is generated by an electric arc.

Abstract: Crystallized diacetylenic compounds having certain crystallographic and other characteristics; diacetylenic compounds and mixtures crystallized from diacetylenic solutions; methods of preparing and identifying solvent systems for dissolving diacetylenic compounds; diacetylenic solutions; methods of recrystallizing diacetylenic compounds; crystals of 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-bis(alkylurea) compounds; and ambient condition indicators and time-temperature condition indicators comprising crystallized diacetylenic compounds.

Abstract: Indicator inks, indicators formed by printing or otherwise utilizing the inks and host products utilizing the indicators are disclosed. Reactivity-enhancing adjuvants stimulate enhanced thermal reactivity of diacetylenic or other indicator agents capable of responding to ambient thermal conditions with a visual change signaling an end point. The diacetylenic or other agents may be sensitive or relatively insensitive to ambient temperatures. Use of a reactivity-enhancing adjuvant provides a useful means for adapting the reactivities of indicator agents to the response characteristics of prospective host products, for example perishables such as vaccines or fresh fish and maturables such as fruit, cheese and wine. Some exemplary adjuvants include low-temperature polymerization initiators, for example methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and polymerization accelerators, for example cobalt compounds. Such initiators and accelerators can also be used in combination.

Abstract: The invention proposes a pH monitoring device 10 comprising a chamber 107 for containing a solution; a polymer 105 being immersed in the solution, wherein the physical state of the polymer is changeable in dependence on whether the pH of the solution exceeds a threshold value; and a detector 109 for detecting the change of the physical state of the polymer.

Abstract: Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) of an insulated iron or other corrosion prone object (1) is detected by taking a sample (8) of the pore fluid from the pores of a permeable insulation layer (2) that covers at least part of the object (1) and analyzing the composition of the sample (8) on the presence of any tracer fluid, such as phospines, mercaptans, alcohols, acids, ketones and/or aldehydes emitted or acetic acid and/or butoxyethanol absorbed by any corrosion of the corrosion prone object (1) by a tracer fluid detection sensor (6).

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for detecting hydrogen sulfide in a formation fluid downhole. A detection mixture is combined with the formation fluid downhole. The detection mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and charged nanoparticles sized so as to inhibit significant aggregation of the metal sulfide so as to enable spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide downhole. The combined mixture and formation fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated so as to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the formation fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.