Abstract: A fluid-flow contaminant indicator includes a container having a fluid-flow path having an upstream region and a downstream region. A colorimetric indicator, disposed in the fluid-flow path, has a surface adapted to change color when exposed to a contaminant of interest. The colorimetric indicator has at least one hole passing there through such that the fluid-flow path extends through the hole(s) in the colorimetric indicator. A fluid-impervious mask is adhered to all of the colorimetric indicator's surface except for a region of the surface that is adjacent to the hole(s) in the colorimetric indicator wherein this region is exposed to the upstream region of the fluid-flow path.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a treated cellulosic material comprising: a cellulosic material having a porous structure defining a plurality of pores, at least a portion of the pores containing a treating agent comprising: a polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer; and a modifying agent comprising a quat.

Abstract: A crowd sensing system includes a central entity and remote entities. The remote entities receive queries from the central entity and transmit data to the central entity in response to the query. The sample data obtained from the queried remote entity is analyzed and an average value for the sample data is determined for a current time interval. The central entity determines whether a difference between the average values for the current time interval and a previous time interval is greater than a predetermined threshold. The central entity increases the number of entities in response to the difference being greater than the predetermined threshold, and decreases the respective number of remote entities sampled in response to the difference being less than the predetermined threshold. The central entity queries a number of remote entities in the plurality of regions equal to the adjusted number of samples identified by the central entity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell of a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.

Abstract: A method of determining the geographic origin of a metal can comprise measuring a first isotope and a second isotope of the metal by high-resolution mass spectrometry; calculating a ratio of the first isotope and the second isotope; comparing the ratio to native ratios of isotopes of the metal of native samples from a plurality of geographic locations using a database; and matching the ratio to a geographic location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional detector for gaseous compounds, or mixtures of gaseous compounds, selected from NH2Cl, NHCl2, NCl3, total chlorine, NOx, where x=1 or 2, O3, and X2, where X=Cl, Br, or I, in a sample, said detector including a first sensor including an iodide and a reactive compound selected from starch, amylose, amylopectin, xyloglucan, xylan, chitosan, glycogen, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose or a cellulose compound, ?-cyclodextrin, theobromine, and polypropylene block polymers and polyethylene oxide block polymers, included in a block of sol-gel material that is absorbent in the UV spectrum but not in the visible spectrum. The invention also relates to the uses of said detector.

Abstract: A homologous series of neutrally charged compounds having at least one functional group bearing a positive charge and at least one functional group bearing a negative charge are advantageous retention index standards for liquid chromatography, especially for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, more especially for LC-MS methods employing electrospray (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ionization systems.

Abstract: A gaming machine with more gaming excitement is provided. The gaming machine includes: a cabinet; an upper image display panel which is provided on the cabinet and displays an effect image concerning a game; a lamp body unit which includes a lamp body which is a formed object and a sensor configured to detect the player's gesture with respect to the lamp body and is provided at a position different from the upper image display panel when viewed from the front surface of the cabinet; and a controller used to start the game, and the controller detects the player's gesture by the sensor at a timing corresponding to the state of the game and displays an effect image corresponding to the detected player's gesture on the upper image display panel.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable a mobile multifunction device to detect a disposable sensor card at an interface coupled to the mobile multifunction device, wherein the disposable sensor card is mounted inside an opening in the mobile multifunction device, detect analog information associated with the disposable sensor card, and convert analog information to digital information. Detecting analog information comprises detecting a non-transient change in at least a portion of the disposable sensor card, wherein at least a portion of the first disposable sensor card changes form in response to exposure to one or more stimuli from an environment of the first disposable sensor card. A non-transient change may include one or more of changing color, changing shape, changing chemical composition or changing electrical characteristics. Furthermore, the interface may be configured to receive disposable sensor cards with varying sensing capabilities.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to select an alfalfa plant with enhanced feed value and increased flexibility in management either to increase quality of forage provided or to enhance biomass available earlier.

Abstract: A simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the simulant.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a player may influence the volatility of a bonus round of a game by placing elements collected during a primary game onto symbol positions of the bonus round. In some embodiments, if a symbol position onto which a player placed one or more bonus round symbols is selected as an active symbol position for an event instance of the bonus round, the player wins a prize. Additionally, a multiplier may be applied to the value of the prize or other benefit may be provided to the player if the player placed more than one bonus round symbol element on the position. Thus, a player having a plurality of bonus round symbols to place may choose to increase the frequency of prizes won (e.g., by distributing the bonus round symbols over more positions) or increase the value of prizes (e.g., by grouping more symbols on fewer positions).

Abstract: A method for determining origins of food products, and more specifically for determining geographic and/or biological origin of food products containing alcohols or sugars includes preparing an alcohol sample from a product in question, removing exchangeable hydrogen/deuterium atoms from alcohol molecules of the sample, determining the isotopic composition of non-exchangeable hydrogen/deuterium atoms from sample alcohol, and analyzing results for adulteration or determination of product origin. In addition, alcohol ?13C and ?18O isotopic values, along with ?18O isotopic value of the product water are used for the analysis. Products containing sugar are also subjected to tightly controlled fermentation.

Abstract: An entity of a Th2 adjuvant activity in mother's milk has been revealed as coenzyme A by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The followings have been found out that: a risk of developing atopic dermatitis can be evaluated by targeting coenzyme A; and any one of a food and mother's milk with a reduced risk of developing atopic dermatitis can be prepared by removing or inactivating coenzyme A.

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: 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: A method of quantitatively measuring the total lactoferrin content of an infant formula using electrophoresis and infrared fluorescence detection.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players around the casino may predict cards to be dealt in a game of blackjack.

Abstract: A bio-threat simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the bio-threat simulant.

Abstract: A method for testing, treating, and preventing delayed food allergies includes: receiving detailed symptom, medical, and dietary histories from a patient; formulating a combination of one or more food extracts at selected concentration for sublingual administration over a trial period; determining whether the patient's symptoms have improved, worsened, or had no change, in response to the administration of the combination; and altering the combination in response to whether the patient's symptoms have improved, worsened, or not changed, so as to induce immune system food tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical H+-sensor, comprising an H+-indicator material, wherein the H+-indicator material is present between a support material and a H+-permeable layered structure, the layered structure comprising an H+-permeable hydrophilic layer and an H+-permeable cation exchange layer. Further, the invention relates to a method for determining the H+-concentration, e.g. expressed as pH, in a product or sample thereof, the method comprising contacting the product or sample with an optical H+-sensor according to the invention, measuring an optical property of the indicator material, and determining the H+-concentration of the product or sample based on said optical property.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.

Abstract: Methods and assay for the portable colorimetric detection of an antioxidant in a food sample. According to one aspect the method comprises the steps of providing a colorimetric reagent comprising 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, wherein a change in the optical property of the colorimetric reagent is associated with the presence of antioxidant in the food sample, and further wherein the change in the optical property of the colorimetric reagent is dependent upon the concentration of the antioxidant in said food sample.

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: A photoluminescent oxygen probe including a tack with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent element on the underside of the head. The probe is effective for sensing oxygen concentration within an enclosed space by puncturing the container defining the enclosed space the with the probe's shank and adhering the underside of the probe's head to the container so as to sealingly surround the puncture, thereby placing the oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye on the underside of the probe's head into sensible communication with the enclosed space through the puncture hole.

Abstract: Provided is a method for quantitative analysis of carotenoids such as ?-cryptoxanthin contained in a sample such as citrus fruit or the like which enables simple and accurate quantitative analysis. An internal standard such as lycopene or retinal is used, whereby work is facilitated and an error of a measured value is reduced. Further, a dehydrating agent is added during saponification reaction in the preparation of a sample for analysis, whereby a deviation of a measured value can be reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (Aze) in food consumable by humans and animals are provided. Also provided are methods and systems for inactivating Aze in food and byproducts, as well as other methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders associated with Aze.

Abstract: A method is provided that can form a clear textural structure image of a processed food or a raw material for the processed. Also, said method can form an image clear enough to clearly discern even an intertwined structure of starches, proteins and lipids of a processed food or a raw material for the processed food. The method includes light-exciting the processed food or the raw material for the processed food which is stained with a fluorescent dye having triphenylmethane skeleton; collecting data about the light-excited processed food or the light-excited raw material using at least three kinds of monitoring lights, that is, a monitoring light A having a fluorescence wavelength of 380 nm or longer and shorter than 450 nm, a monitoring light B having a fluorescence wavelength of 450 nm or longer and shorter than 560 nm, and a monitoring light C having a fluorescence wavelength of 560 nm to 700 nm; and forming an image on the basis of the collected data.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of foreign substances in a beverage. The apparatus for detecting the presence of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or other drugs in a beverage comprises apparatus wherein cobalt nitrate, oxammonium chloride/ferric chloride, oxammonium sulphate/ferric chloride, 5% ferric chloride, saturated potassium dichromate, toluene/cobalt thiocyanate, chromium (IV) oxide/sulphuric acid carbodiimide salts in combination with oxammonium salts and ferric chloride, or lacmoid is supported on a substrate. The apparatus for detecting the presence of ketamines or other drugs in a beverage comprises apparatus wherein modified-Dragendorff Reagent is supported on a substrate.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of free and bound SO2 in a liquid beverage product sample comprising a sample container having a volume sufficient to provide a headspace above the sample into which a gas can pass; a gas flow system adapted to extract gas from the headspace and recirculating it back into the liquid volume; a measurement system configured to monitor a time dependent evolution of SO2 in gas from the gas flow system; and a dosing apparatus fluidly connected to the container to supply an hydrolysis reagent thereto. A heater unit is provided for supplying thermal radiation into the container to elevate the temperature of sample therein sufficient to facilitate the hydrolysis reaction and a signal processor operates to deconvolute the monitored evolution to generate an indication of the concentration of each of the free SO2 and the total SO2 content of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysis of liposoluble vitamins of biological materials. It is proposed to perform reagent storage, sample application and conducting of the measuring in one reaction vessel and to correct interfering ingredients during the photometric evaluation.

Abstract: A gaming machine connected in a gaming network or operating as a stand-alone machine, is capable of accepting two or more currencies for wager game play. The machine operates internally using a native monetary type and converts non-monetary bills to native amounts in the form of restricted or cashable credits. The multiple currency capability of the machine is utilized to encourage the use of restricted credits by adjusting conversion rates, payback tables, and the like. These features, combined with the use of restricted credits, also enable ways to monitor abuse and illegal activity on the gaming machine and implement ways to limit losses by a player. Certain post-conversion processes are used to ensure that the player is returned non-converted amounts. The gaming machine has additional hard and soft meters to process multiple monetary types.

Abstract: A device and reagents to be used in conjunction therewith for the determination of the level of sulfite or related species, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), in red or white wine, musts, beer, juices, water, industrial process streams and other opaque media is described. The device provides electrodes and circuits designed for amperometric detection of the titration endpoint and for indicating by sight, sound or touch when the endpoint has been reached. The reagents allow quantitative volumetric determination of the iodometric endpoint when used with the device. The sulfite or related species levels are related directly to the volume of the quantitative reagents used.

Abstract: A method of accumulating a quantity of seeds having a desired fatty acid characteristic is provided. The method includes removing a sample from each seed in a population of seeds while maintaining the germination viability of the seeds; contacting each sample with a solvent to form a mixture comprising fatty acid methyl esters; analyzing the mixture of fatty acid methyl esters from each sample to determine the fatty acid profile of the corresponding seed; selecting seeds having at least one desired fatty acid characteristic based on the analysis of the samples removed from the seeds; cultivating plants from the selected seeds; recovering seeds from the cultivated plants, wherein the recovered seeds are a subsequent generation of the selected seeds; and repeating the operations for one or more generations of the recovered seeds to thereby accumulate the quantity of seeds having the desired fatty acid characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of analyzing the age and/or quality of certain natural products, for example foods. The invention also relates to devices for analyzing said age and/or quality as well as to methods for preparing such devices, to methods for analyzing natural products and to their use.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards, wherein at least one gaming machine may be provided a plurality of bonus awards.

Abstract: A method for accurate and precise measurement of target proteins such as food allergen proteins in the specific foods is provided. The method is a method for immunological measurement of a food allergen protein in a processed food using an antibody against the food allergen protein, comprising adding animal tropomyosin to an assay solution upon measurement.

Abstract: Material transfer/interrogation devices (e.g. liquid handling workstations) have been designed in the past for transferring material from a source to a destination location or for interrogating a material at a location, where the locations remain fixed. The invention provides methods and apparatuses for transferring or interrogating materials by one or more carrier devices to one or more receiving devices, where the carrier and receiving devices move independently and simultaneously on multiple axes. In some embodiments, one or more of the carrier and receiving devices can move along an X, Z, Y, and Theta axis, which allows the source and destination locations to rotate and translate relative to each other. Due to this rotation and translation, containers can be positioned to minimize the distance traveled between a pick location from the source and a place location on the destination, greatly increasing the speed at which material transfer can occur.

Abstract: A method for detecting a taggant molecular structure in a fluid includes providing a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device, contacting a molecularly imprinted crosslinked star polymer with the fluid, and correlating a color change in the fluid with the amount of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid. The device has polymer arms attached to a core, and the core has molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind displacement molecules having the taggant molecular structure and a colorimetric indicator. The displacement molecule is selectively removed from the molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer upon exposure to the taggant molecular structure in the fluid thereby indicating the presence of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid based on a loss of color along a length of a housing.

Abstract: A bio-threat simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the bio-threat simulant.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is shone within an area and detected. The detected ultraviolet radiation is monitored over a period of time to determine a set of biological activity dynamics for the area. Ultraviolet radiation detected during a calibration period can be used to provide a baseline with which analysis of subsequently detected ultraviolet radiation is compared and analyzed. When the presence of biological activity is determined within the area, ultraviolet radiation and/or one or more other approaches can be utilized to suppress the biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue paper with pH-indicator function, specifically a toilet paper that can be used to diagnose abnormal pH changes of the human urine as accompanying for instance acetonemic vomiting or diabetes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for quantitative analysis of carotenoids such as ?-cryptoxanthin contained in a sample such as citrus fruit or the like which enables simple and accurate quantitative analysis. An internal standard such as lycopene or retinal is used, whereby work is facilitated and an error of a measured value is reduced. Further, a dehydrating agent is added during saponification reaction in the preparation of a sample for analysis, whereby a deviation of a measured value can be reduced.

Abstract: A gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a gaming portion in which a plurality of main dice roll and stop; a timer capable of measuring time; a station having an input device with which a player can place a normal BET and a side BET different from the normal BET, based on a prediction of the outcomes of dice; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (A) starting acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, (B) measuring the time from when the acceptance was started in the processing (A) by using the timer, (C) terminating the acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, when the time measured in the processing (B) reaches a predetermined value, (D) determining whether or not the side BET has been placed by using the input device provided in the station, since the acceptance was started in the processing (A), (E) increasing the predetermined value when determining

Abstract: A method for assaying the antioxidant capacity of a skin care product, the method including preparing an emulsion base, dissolving a sample of a skin care product into the emulsion base to form a homogeneous emulsion mixture, adding a detection probe to the homogeneous emulsion mixture, adding reactive oxygen species generator and/or reactive nitrogen species generator to the homogeneous emulsion mixture, measuring the fluorescence intensity change of the detection probe in the presence of the sample over time, in the presence of the standard over time, and in the presence of a blank over time, and calculating the initial rate of oxidation of the detection probe to determine the antioxidant capacity of the sample of the skin care product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new plant breeding process. The process improves the agronomic performance of crop plants by using genetic material that is also used in classical breeding. Instead of sexually recombining entire genomes at random, as is done in classical breeding, specific genetic elements are rearranged in vitro and inserted back into individual plant cells. Plants obtained through this new plant breeding process do not contain foreign nucleic acid but only contain nucleic acid from the plant species selected for transformation or plants that are sexually compatible with the selected plant species. Plants developed through this new plant breeding process are provided. In particular, potato plants displaying improved tuber storage and health characteristics are provided.