Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for assaying OPC contained in natural substances, foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals and/or cosmetics. The present invention is a novel method for assay of OPC which assays anthocyanidin, obtained by hydrolysis of OPC, to determine the total amount of OPC, and elucidates the proportions of the polymerization degrees of OPC by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the contents of the respective polymers in OPC.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and associated analytical method to use for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances. The present invention also relates to the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances with ease and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Such detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme that along with a co-enzyme or form of energy or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia.

Abstract: Provided is a novel shrimp allergen. The shrimp allergen of the present invention includes an isolated shrimp collagen or a polypeptide fragment thereof. According to the present invention, there is provided the novel shrimp allergen, and there are provided, using the allergen, an anti-shrimp allergen antibody, a method of detecting contamination of a shrimp allergen, an agent for detecting contamination of a shrimp allergen, a method of measuring sensitivity to a shrimp allergen, and an agent for measuring sensitivity to a shrimp allergen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, devices, and microfluidic chips that may be used for the detection of pathogens.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating the physical strength of husks of a barley ingredient for malt manufacture. Barley kernels with husks are disposed in a sulfuric acid solution with a concentration of approximately 40% to 60%, and are agitated for a prescribed time (e.g. approximately 1 hour) using a stirrer bar or the like. After agitation, the barley kernels are treated with a mixed liquid of Methylene Blue and Eosin, and the degree of peeled husk (remaining degree) is examined by referring to the degree of dyed barley kernels, to thereby evaluate the physical strength of the husks of the barley kernels.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting, separating, isolating and quantifying contaminants in starting materials by separating the contaminant from the starting material using a bead coupled to an affinity moiety and quantum dot-labeling the contaminant. The contaminant is detected by the characteristic emission spectrum of the quantum dot. Also, competitive binding methods are provided wherein the starting material and a control material are contacted with a quantum dot coupled to an affinity moiety capable of binding the contaminant and a competitor complex. A decrease in the intensity of the characteristic emission spectrum of the quantum dot associated with the competitor complex from the starting material as compared to that of the control material is indicative of the presence of the contaminant in the starting material.

Abstract: A system and method for producing milk is disclosed in which animals present themselves for milking on a voluntary basis. The milk produced is handled and processed separately from milk and dairy products produced by conventional milking. Advantageous characteristics of the milk are retained and can be made available for the consumer. The production process may also be adapted to the voluntary milking facilities.

Abstract: A method for quantitative determination of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in feed is described. The method includes the steps of adding a defined amount of an internal standard which has a mass different from 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and a polarity similar to that compound, e.g., 26,27-hexadeutero-25-hydroxycholecalciferol, to an aqueous dispersion of the feed, extracting the aqueous dispersion with tert.butyl methyl ether and further processing the extract by HPLC and mass spectrometry as described in the specification.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating the physical strength of husks of a barley ingredient for malt manufacture. Barley kernels with husks are disposed in a sulfuric acid solution with a concentration of approximately 40% to 60%, and are agitated for a prescribed time (e.g. approximately 1 hour) using a stirrer bar or the like. After agitation, the barley kernels are treated with a mixed liquid of Methylene Blue and Eosin, and the degree of peeled husk (remaining degree) is examined by referring to the degree of dyed barley kernels, to thereby evaluate the physical strength of the husks of the barley kernels.

Abstract: A method for the rapid analysis of the fatty acid components present in a fat and/or oil-containing material is provided wherein the levels and types of fatty acids present in a sample are determined using Fourier Transform Near Infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy. The FT-NIR technique is developed by preparing a calibration matrix based on FT-NIR and Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis of known standards, and subsequently using the calibration matrix to analyze the FT-NIR spectral data obtained from a sample to be tested.

Abstract: A food spoilage sensor of the general formula wherein M is a transition metal ion; D1, D2, D3 and D4 can be the same or different and can be N or P; R1 and R2, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, and R7 and R8 can be the same or different and from, taken together with the adjacent carbon atoms to which they are bonded and joined together, an aromatic or a cyclic group with at least one of the aromatic or cyclic groups possessing one or more polymerizable moieties. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines which are released by food spoilage microorganisms and undergo a detectable color change upon exposure thereto.

Abstract: In order to identify a marking which is arranged on a body and contains a marking substance with a specific property, the marking initially is scanned by use of radiation. The marking substance is then brought into contact with a detector substance having a specific property corresponding to the marking substance. A combination of the marking and detector substances which results because of the corresponding specific properties, exhibits fluorescent behavior. The marking is then scanned by use of the radiation in a second measurement, and identified by based upon the results of the two measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry-chemical method and a test kit for the rapid, quantitative analysis of total acid in wine and must. In this method, a slightly alkaline buffer is added to the sample to be analyzed, and the total acid content is determined from the resultant pH with the aid of a test stick with pH indicator.

Abstract: A method was developed for the screening of antioxidant efficacy in food and feed matrices. The novel method uses radical initiators to accelerate the oxidation process. Consequently the screening of the oxidation process can be performed at significantly lower temperatures compared to the existing methods. The use of initiators improves the correlation between accelerated screening and real shelf life. This resolves an important issue that is frequently raised concerning the applicability of accelerated oxidation tests conducted at high temperatures. Furthermore feed and food products can be analyzed in their original states because lower temperatures have less influence on the product matrix.

Abstract: A standard sample composition containing a complexing agent and an alkali salt, mixed with a known amount of a foodstuff, the content of at least one component of which is accurately known. The mixture is dissolved in a solvent, e.g. water, and comminuted to form a dispersion. The solvent is removed e.g. by freeze-drying or other suitable method, such that the water content of the composition is <5% by weight, preferably <1% by weight, more preferably <0.1%, most preferably <0.01% by weight of the total composition.

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: A metal co-ordinated complex in a medium, e.g. a palladium-fluorophore, may be used to detect food spoilage products by the release of a detectable component by preferential binding of the metal to, for example, sulphur compounds or amines. It can be easy to detect food spoilage in sealed packs.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating the physical strength of husks of a barley ingredient for malt manufacture. Barley kernels with husks are disposed in a sulfuric acid solution with a concentration of approximately 40% to 60%, and are agitated for a prescribed time (e.g. approximately 1 hour) using a stirrer bar or the like. After agitation, the barley kernels are treated with a mixed liquid of Methylene Blue and Eosin, and the degree of peeled husk (remaining degree) is examined by referring to the degree of dyed barley kernels, to thereby evaluate the physical strength of the husks of the barley kernels.

Abstract: A sample for NMR measurement of moisture and fat and oil contents is disclosed. The sample includes an organic portion containing at least some fats and oils, a pad that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation and is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, and a sheet material that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, with the sheet material being wrapped around the organic portion and the pad.

Abstract: A two-site immunoassay for the qualitative or quantitative detection of alpha-amylase in a test sample, said immunoassay comprising: (1) exposing said test sample to a first (“capture”) antibody or fragment thereof which specifically or preferentially binds to a first epitope on said alpha-amylase, under conditions permitting binding of said first antibody or fragment thereof to alpha-amylase if present, (ii) subsequently exposing bound alpha-amylase, if any, to a second (“detection”) antibody or fragment thereof which specifically or preferentially binds to a second epitope on said alpha-amylase that is distinct from said first epitope, under conditions permitting binding of said second antibody or fragment thereof to said bound alpha-amylase, and (iii) detecting any binding of said second antibody or fragment thereof to said bound alpha-amylase, wherein either of said first or second epitopes is an epitope comprising one or more of the amino acid sequences: IDRLVSIRTRGQIHS (SEQ ID NO:1), CRDDRPYADG (SEQ ID

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting mastitis in an animal, characterized by the steps of collecting milk from the animal, and assaying the milk for a substance produced in the animal in an anaerobic environment, and comparing the substance levels obtained with typical substance levels found in uninfected milk.

Abstract: A food quality indicator device an indicator compound provided on a substrate. The indicator compound changes color due to the presence of volatile compounds, such as volatile bases, in spoiled food, even when the food is frozen. Alternatively, the indicator compound detects the presence of an unwanted amine-producing biological agent, such as bacteria or fungi. The indicator compound is typically contained within a polymeric matrix disposed on the substrate. Examples of suitable indicator compounds include halogenated azo dyes, sulfonated xanthene dyes, and sulfonated hydroxy-functional triphenylmethane dyes.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with first, second and third reel rows, and each of the reel rows executes slot game independent from each other. The number of reel rows to be actuated is increased in proportion to the number of bet coins. When less than three coins are betted, a first privilege providing section is operated to judge whether the first winning is generated. The first and a second privilege providing sections are operated to judge whether the first winning and a second winning are generated when four coins are betted. Dividend coins are provided in the first winning and a free game in the second winning. A player may play slot game without betting a coin in the free game.

Abstract: A corn plant is evaluated by a six-step method. The first step is to select a population of mature corn plants to be evaluated. A limited number of representative plants from the population are then selected. The representative plants are then harvested by cutting them near the ground. The plants are then ground into a homogeneous mixture. A sample of the homogeneous mixture is then analyzed in a near infrared spectrometer. The analysis is then compared with an existing correlation between near infrared analyses and wet-test chemistry tested nutritional compositional characteristics to predict the compositional characteristics of the corn plant population.

Abstract: Provided is a method of evaluation of antioxidation level through determination of in-vivo redox balance. The redox balance is represented by a formula: redox balance=(antioxidation index after administration/oxidation index after administration)/(antioxidation index before administration/oxidation index before administration). The antioxidation index is obtained by indexing the antioxidation level that is obtained through quantitative determination of the signal intensity attenuation with serum addition thereto of the DMPO-OOL radical formed through trapping of a butylhydroperoxide radical by 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) by the use of a magnetic spin resonator followed by analysis of the data for 10-grade frequency distribution of from 1 to 10, and the oxidation index is obtained by indexing the oxidation level that is obtained through quantitative determination of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine followed by analysis of the data for 10-grade frequency distribution of from 1 to 10.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inspecting microbes, etc. including, as an apparatus for detecting microbes, etc., a cultivating device, an image taking-in device, and an arithmetic processing unit, in which an image of a medium to be inspected obtained from a sample collected from a substance or a physical solid having proper color microbes or the medium subjected to illumination treatment, dyeing treatment, etc. prior to or after cultivation in accordance with necessity is separated into the three primary colors, or the like, then, chromatic information of histogram, color and hue for each primary color are calculated, and the information thus obtained is compared with integrated data obtained by combining second data of generic information of microbes, etc. with first data of microbes, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for screening for the presence of a clinically relevant amount of bacteria in donor blood or a blood product from a donor mammal, particularly blood or a blood product that will be transferred from the donor mammal to a recipient mammal. The method comprises contacting a sample of the donor blood or a blood product with a set of binding agents that comprises binding agents that specifically bind to Gram-negative bacterial antigen and/or binding agents that specifically bind to Gram-positive bacterial antigen, and determining binding of the set of binding agents to the sample, wherein binding indicates the presence of a clinically relevant amount of Gram-positive bacteria and/or Gram-negative bacteria in the donor blood or blood product and no binding indicates the absence of a clinically relevant amount of Gram-positive bacteria and/or Gram-negative bacteria in the donor blood or blood product.

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: Methods of playing games and gaming systems and devices useful for playing games. Gaming devices include a first gaming unit for randomly selecting and displaying indicia associated with play of a primary game and for generating a signal relating to play on the first gaming unit. The gaming device also includes a second gaming unit connected to the first gaming unit for conducting an ongoing bonus game and enabling participation by a player in the ongoing bonus game in response to a signal generated by the first gaming unit. The ongoing bonus game may be administered by and communicated from a second gaming unit in the form of a host server to a number of networked gaming devices. Players may enter and exit play of the ongoing bonus game while it is still in progress, participating only in a segment thereof.

Abstract: The rate of carbon dioxide release from a grain sample can be measured by placing the grain sample in a sealed container, and positioning a pH responsive color-change material in the container so that carbon dioxide released from the grain sample chemically reacts with a buffer incorporated into the color-change material. Carbon dioxide measurements can be used to measure actual and potential spoilage of the grain associated with fungal attack.

Abstract: An immunological test kit suitable for the rapid detection of ciguatoxin and related low molecular weight lipid polyether marine toxins in fish tissues in the field, home or laboratory. The test procedure utilizes a synthetic membrane laminated onto one end of a solid plastic stick, which is immersed into alcohol with a piece of fish tissue. The membrane is then removed and dried thoroughly, then placed in the suspension of mixed colored beads coated with anti-ciguatoxin. The membrane is then rinsed in water and the intensity of the color compared with a standard range of colors formed (0-3+). The color intensity is proportional to the concentration of toxin in the piece of tissue. The kit includes the synthetic membrane on a plastic stick, a suspension of mixed colored beads coated with anti-ciguatoxin antibody, testing instruments, and a supply of solvent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile products with the transducer to produce a gas signature of the volatile products and a spectrophotometer to analyze the volatile products to produce a spectral footprint of the volatile products. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and by comparing the gas signature and spectral footprint to a library of gas signatures and spectral footprints, the apparatus enables identification of the microorganisms and in particular identification of pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: It is provided with a medical inquiry processing unit for acquiring the response to a medical inquiry presenting medical inquiry items to a person to be examined, a nutrient requirement amount calculating unit for calculating the nutrient requirement amount of the person to be examined from the response to the medical inquiry, a nutritional supplement suggesting unit for suggesting the blend of a nutritional supplement based on the nutrient requirement amount of the person to be examined and a nutritional supplement blending unit for blending nutrients to prepare the nutritional supplement based on the blend of the nutritional supplement.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: A method for analysis of the textural structure of a food of a multi-component dispersion system, in which a food of a multi-component dispersion system is stained with a fluorescent dye, and observing the stained food within a wavelength range lower than the value calculated by subtracting 40 nm from the maximum absorption wavelength of the employed fluorescent dye. The method enables image analysis through stereoscopic visualization of the textural structure of a food of a multi-component dispersion system.

Abstract: A portable product authentication device and method for analyzing key ingredients and the relative amounts of key ingredients in products which in turn enables authentication and monitoring products for authenticity, fraud and quality control is disclosed. Particular light-emissive compounds can be used to identify and quantitate the relative levels of key ingredients in the products. The invention includes a probe assembly for providing a source of light to irradiate a sample product, an optical detector to detect emitted light from the irradiated product and a controller to determine the authenticity or quality of the sample product by comparing the emitted light to a standard. A small sample of the product to be authenticated is tested on site (e.g., at the point of manufacture or at the point of distribution) thereby giving immediate feedback as to its authenticity or quality. The sample, together with the light-emissive compound may be placed on a chip.

Abstract: A disposable device, a method of sample preparation, and a business method are provided for collecting and preparing a sample for subsequent direct analysis of a particular analyte. The device includes a sampling assembly for collecting a sample, a homogenizing body for comminuting the sample, and a container with a buffer. The homogenizing body has two sites for attachment—one site being attachable to the sampling assembly and the other, being attachable to the container. The device includes a first reagent and a second reagent to facilitate sample preparation, which may respectively be proteinase-K and proteinase-K inhibitor for preparing a sample for analysis of pathogenic prion protein. One embodiment includes a delivery apparatus for dispensing the second reagent into the treated homogenate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for determining the levels of sterols, stanols, steryl esters, fatty acid derivatives and combinations thereof in a starch-containing food product. The assay is particularly useful in supporting product health and/or nutritional claims in manufacturing products intended for human or animal consumption. The present invention describes a method for extracting sterols related compounds and uses as an internal standard a steryl ester, preferably cholesteryl oleate. By using the present extraction technique the process enables the recovery of substantially all of the sterol related compound in the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining quality properties of fish on the basis of light reflection. A fish and a reflection measurement device (5) with a light emitter and a light receiver (6) are positioned in relation to each other, with the light emitter and light receiver of the device directed towards the fish's inner abdominal wall with peritoneum, so that the light emitter illuminates an area of the fish through the peritoneum and the light receiver captures the light reflected from the fish. The intensity of the reflected light is registered in three or more different wavelength bands, in the visible and near-infrared range. Measurement results registered are, after any processing, entered into an algorithm in a calculation unit, where the algorithm expresses a quality property of the fish.

Abstract: A multiwell plate scanner comprises a detector for measuring an attribute of a sample which is scanned continuously over wells of a multiwell plate. A signal obtained during the scan may be sampled and digitized based on detector position over the multiwell plate. The scanner is also disclosed for scanning microarrays, bio-chips and areas of samples not having physical separations. The scanner may be used in a high throughput screening system comprising a storage and retrieval module, a sample distribution module, a reagent distribution module, and a detector which incorporates the scanner. The screening system may further comprise a transport module and a data processing and integration module for transporting samples between the components of the system and for controlling system operation.

Abstract: A method for analysis of the textural structure of a food of a multi-component dispersion system, in which a food of a multi-component dispersion system is stained with a fluorescent dye, and observing the stained food within a wavelength range lower than the value calculated by subtracting 40 nm from the maximum absorption wavelength of the employed fluorescent dye. The method enables image analysis through stereoscopic visualization of the textural structure of a food of a multi-component dispersion system.

Abstract: A method of assaying metal proteinate samples to determine compliance with European Union standard definitions for such products.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: In qualitative or quantitative assays which employ a test device comprising a test strip pretreated for detection of a specified target analyte dissolved in a liquid medium, the presence of solid, semisolid and/or colloidal materials in the liquid medium may interfere with the assay results. The present invention involves collecting the sample from a flowing or quiescent pool of liquid also containing solid, semisolid or colloidal material with a swab comprised of a handle and a mass of fibrous material or foamed, open cell material which, when immersed in and thoroughly wetted by the liquid, entraps solid, semisolid and/or colloidal material and delivers only the liquid to the sample receiving zone of the test strip.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus that enable consumers to experience, prior to purchase, the aroma of a finished product even though the product as sold is unfinished. Further, methods and apparatus provide users of a product with a reference aroma that may be employed to determine if the product is suitable for use, while, prior to purchase, consumers can experience a selected aroma of a consumer product that has a plurality of aromas, and the aroma bouquet of a consumer product where a particular aroma in the bouquet has been intensified. Among other advantages, this invention enables marketers to employ additional sensual modalities, and particularly the sense of smell, in offering products for sale, and thus permits consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the clandestine placement of an illicit chemical present in a beverage is disclosed and described.

Abstract: Described is a process and electronic data processing software program for carrying out same, for the creation of a flavor or fragrance formulation or for the determination of the use of a fragrance or flavor ingredient in a fragrance or flavor formulation or use thereof in or on a perfume composition, perfumed article, cologne, foodstuff, beverage, oral care product (e.g., mouthwash) and/or chewing gum. The process uses apparatus which is a laser light beam transmitter fitted with a light scattering means having attached thereto a titration means.

Abstract: Taste recognition is performed by letting a solvent flow through a holding section which holds an object to be recognized and measuring the solvent which has flowed through the holding section by a taste sensor. If the flow rate of the solvent is set at about 1 ml/min, the solvent whose quantity is almost equal to that of saliva secreted in a mouth can be supplied to the object to be recognized, and hence the taste recognition can be performed by the taste sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining a surface property of solids in a plurality by contacting the solids with a fluid, measuring the radiation emitted, absorbed, or altered during adsorption of the fluid using a detector, and then determining at least one surface property of the solids from the radiation measurements has been invented. The invention is particularly useful in combinatorial applications in order to evaluate a plurality of solids or mixtures of solids to determine at least one surface property of each of the solids.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for monitoring, preferably in real time, the physical or chemical conversion of a grain material. The method employs multivariate analysis of a collected sample. In a preferred embodiment a steeping conversion is monitored by multicomponent chemical analysis of the steepwater.