Abstract: Light harvesting luminescent multichromophores that are configured upon excitation to transfer energy to, and amplify the emission from, an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith are provided. Also provided are compositions for labelling a target. The labelling composition may include a donor light harvesting multichromophore and an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity to the donor light harvesting multichromophore. Also provided is an aqueous composition for labelling a target, including: a donor light harvesting multichromophore; an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith; and a sensor biomolecule. Methods for using the subject compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for detection and quantification of various organic analytes in a liquid sample and an assay substrate for providing analyte measurements. The method is implemented by using specific interaction of organic analytes with selective binding sites immobilized on a multi-layer assay substrate with further detection of such interaction with a device based on inducing and recording the fluorescence of the substrate for bio-chemical, genetic and environmental analyses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating electrical component degradation include a processor programmed to: compute a cumulative degradation value for an electrical system component of an electrical system based on an operating parameter of the electrical system component; and to compute a corrosion compensated cumulative degradation value for the electrical system component based on the cumulative degradation value and a corrosion rating of the electrical system.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNA-based methods for inhibiting the expression of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) gene. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses of the invention deliver DNAs encoding RNAs that knock down the expression of SOD-1. The methods have application in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein describes a novel technology offering unparalleled efficiency, flexibility, utility and speed for the discovery and optimization of polypeptides having desired binding specificity and/or functionality, including antigen-binding molecules such as antibodies and fragments thereof, for desired functional and/or binding phenotypes. The novel method is based on transposable constructs and diverse DNA libraries cloned into transposable vectors and their transfection into host cells by concomitant transient expression of a functional transposase enzyme. This ensures an efficient, stable introduction of the transposon-based expression vectors into vertebrate host cells in one step, which can then be screened for a desired functional or binding phenotype of the expressed proteins, after which the relevant coding sequences for the expressed proteins, including antibodies and fragments thereof, can be identified by standard cloning and DNA sequencing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.

Abstract: Light harvesting luminescent multichromophores that are configured upon excitation to transfer energy to, and amplify the emission from, an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith are provided. Also provided are compositions for labelling a target. The labelling composition may include a donor light harvesting multichromophore and an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity to the donor light harvesting multichromophore. Also provided is an aqueous composition for labelling a target, including: a donor light harvesting multichromophore; an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith; and a sensor biomolecule. Methods for using the subject compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention, depending on aspect and embodiment, relates to capture probe controls, and capture and signal probe configurations and combinations of configurations that can facilitate accurate and efficient multiplex analyte detection, especially in electrochemical detection schemes.

Abstract: Light harvesting luminescent multichromophores that are configured upon excitation to transfer energy to, and amplify the emission from, an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith are provided. Also provided are compositions for labelling a target. The labelling composition may include a donor light harvesting multichromophore and an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity to the donor light harvesting multichromophore. Also provided is an aqueous composition for labelling a target, including: a donor light harvesting multichromophore; an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith; and a sensor biomolecule. Methods for using the subject compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A round bar tensile test specimen for a sulfide stress corrosion cracking test of a steel, the specimen including a parallel section, a shoulder section, and a grip section. A sectional shape of the shoulder section being formed by a curve having two or more radii of curvature. A radius of curvature R1 (mm) of a portion of the curve adjacent to the parallel section being 15 mm or more, and the radius of curvature R1 (mm) satisfying (0.22??119)?R1?100 in terms of load stress ? (MPa) of the sulfide stress corrosion cracking test. A length X1 (mm) of the portion of the curve having the radius of curvature R1 in a longitudinal direction of the test specimen satisfying X1??{(r/8)×(R1?r2/4)}. Additionally, other radii of curvature of the curve being smaller than the radius of curvature R1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for copper strip corrosion testing of high vapor pressure hydrocarbon products using a dual test chamber system to provide over pressure protection to the chambers and containment of the liquid and vapor being tested.

Abstract: A component for conducting or receiving a fluid, in particular a component of a fluid-conducting line system of an industrial plant, especially of a line system of a tertiary cooling circuit of a nuclear power plant, includes a wall having a supporting structure made of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. Electrically insulating inner and outer protective layers are disposed on respective inner and outer surfaces of the supporting structure. An electrically conductive inner intermediate layer lies between the inner protective layer and the supporting structure and is provided with an electrical terminal. An electrically conductive outer intermediate layer lies between the outer protective layer and the supporting structure, is provided with an electrical terminal and is electrically insulated from the inner intermediate layer. A method for testing the component is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface mount structures including a capacitive element or a resistive element, where the element has a property that is responsive to an environmental condition. In particular examples, the structure can be optionally coupled to a printed circuit board. Other apparatuses, surface mountable structures, and methods of use are described herein.

Abstract: A high-throughput corrosion testing mechanism was developed for metals in a variety of environments in controlled, multiplexed microenvironments. Many parallel experiments can be conducted with microbial and environmental variables independently manipulated to identify the key determinants of corrosion progression. The synthetic assay design enables subsequent surface characterization of select samples within the array. In as little as one day, diverse corrosive environments can be compared quantitatively.

Abstract: A method for determining corrosiveness of naphthenic acid in a crude oil feedstock is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a crude oil feedstock containing naphthenic acid; contacting the crude oil feedstock with iron for a period of time at a sufficient temperature for the iron to react with the naphthenic acid, forming iron salts. Under sufficiently high temperatures, at least a portion of the iron salts decompose to form ketone, which can be quantified. Measurements of the ketone can be used to correlate with the amount of iron lost from corrosion given a certain level of naphthenic acid present, giving a measure of the corrosivity of crude oil feedstock.

Abstract: A method of testing workpieces and an automated oscillating solution spray manifold assembly for a corrosion testing chamber is configured to introduce a fluid into a cavity of a test cabinet that receives workpieces. The manifold assembly includes a motor having an output shaft for driving a linkage assembly. An elongated spray bar is connected to the linkage assembly and the spray bar has a plurality of openings spaced therealong. The linkage assembly is configured to rotate the spray bar in a desired oscillatory movement such that fluid can be dispensed through the openings and into the test cabinet. A fan-like pattern sprays from one opening and substantially overlaps with spray from at least one adjacent opening. The method of testing may include one or more of the steps of controlling a speed of the motor, a temperature level of the cavity, a humidity level of the cavity, and a salinity content of the fluid within the cavity of the test cabinet.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized.

Abstract: A coated corrosion-resistant nozzle with a diffuser configured to support a coating and a coating that, together, inhibit functionally-debilitating corrosion of the nozzle for a desirable period of time within a corrosive environment. The diffuser includes exterior surfaces configured to enhance the corrosion-resistance properties of the coating to extend the duration of the corrosion protection provided to the nozzle by the coating.

Abstract: An oxide film is formed on the surface of a sample made from a metal material by holding the above-described sample at a temperature of 800° C. or higher and 1,100° C. or lower in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, and the sample provided with the oxide film is immersed in a corrosive solution containing an acid and NaCl for a predetermined time. After immersion, the corrosion state (degree of denseness of oxide film, cracking state, and the like) of the sample is evaluated. The corrosion resistance of the sample can be evaluated appropriately and conveniently in a short period of time by causing accelerated corrosion in an environment simulating the actual environment of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Provided are an atmospheric corrosion test procedure and an apparatus used for the test. The procedure involves a salt spray step for supplying salt content containing chloride ions on the surfaces of test pieces placed in a thermo-humidistat chamber and a subsequent dry-wet cyclic step including a dry sub-step for drying the surface of the test pieces in the thermo-humidistat chamber at a low relative humidity and a subsequent wet sub-step at a higher relative humidity than that in the dry sub-step, which are cycled. The salt content is supplied by spraying the salt water in the salt spray step. An exhaust step for removing the salt mist sprayed inside thermo-humidistat chamber is further inserted between the salt deposition step and the dry sub-step. The quantity of the salt content deposited on the surfaces of the test pieces is controlled by adjusting the quantity of the sprayed salt water.

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: Methods to produce pH-sensitive microparticles that have an active agent dispersed in a polymer matrix have certain advantages over microcapsules with an active agent encapsulated in an interior compartment/core inside of a polymer wall. The current invention relates to pH-sensitive microparticles that have a corrosion-detecting or corrosion-inhibiting active agent or active agents dispersed within a polymer matrix of the microparticles. The pH-sensitive microparticles can be used in various coating compositions on metal objects for corrosion detecting and/or inhibiting.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for predicting corrosion in a tubular element that receives hydrocarbons. The device includes a housing, a first sensor, and a location tracking device. The first sensor is partially within the housing and detects one of first physical, chemical and electrical signals of a fluid within the tubular element at a plurality of locations within the tubular element. The location tracking device is within the housing and operatively connected to the first sensor. The location tracing device determines an axial and circumferential position of the first sensor at each of the plurality of locations.

Abstract: A method of creating a protective coating on an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is provided. The method includes providing carbon dioxide to an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid and allowing the alkali metal hydroxide and carbon dioxide to react thereby forming a carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer on the exterior of the solid wherein the carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer is non-hygroscopic and water soluble, and wherein greater than 80% of the hydroxide in the hydroxide-containing solid does not react with the carbon dioxide, and further wherein the alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is substantially free of lithium hydroxide. A method of testing for the presence of carbonate-containing coating on an alkali metal hydroxide containing solid is also provided. The method includes exposing the coated solid to 95 weight percent ethanol, collecting the ethanol effluent and testing the effluent for alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: Example methods, systems, and computer readable media are provided for monitoring operating processes. An example method includes monitoring an equipment parameter associated with an asset in an operating process unit and monitoring a process parameter associated with the asset. The example method includes determining an asset health corresponding to the asset. The asset health is determined based on a potential state of corrosion associated with the asset by comparing a corrosivity index to a corrosion threshold. The corrosivity index is a function of at least one of current values or changes in the monitored equipment parameter or the monitored process parameter over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved electrochemiluminescence assay methods for phosphorylated peptides or proteins employing phospho-specific antibodies and buffer compositions that are substantially free of inorganic phosphate.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the residence time of oils/fats in metal apparatus, particularly in the upstream of a hydrotreating unit, for example, a heat exchanger and/or a storage/feed tank, can impact significantly on corrosiveness of oils/fats in combination with and without conventional hydrocarbons. In addition, it is also found that the presence of hydrogen in the metal apparatus can also inhibit the corrosion rate of oils/fats.

Abstract: A method for determining and identifying corrosion protective layers that provide corrosion protection against crude oils and crude oil fractions is disclosed. The method identifies naturally occurring constituents in crude oils that indirectly provide corrosion protection. A method assessing the potential of these constituents is also disclosed. The method includes exposing metal coupons with the crude oil or crude fraction of interest at the expected operating temperature of concern. The corrosion potential assessment further analyzes the exposed coupons with transmission electron microscopy and an additional high temperature exposure that challenges the tenacity of the protection offered by the corrosion protective layer.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of detecting and quantifying target nucleic acids in samples in multiplexed single chamber reactions. Consumables incorporating chambers optimized to reduce signal background proximal to high efficiency arrays are provided, as well as methods of use. Devices and systems configured to use the consumables to practice the methods are a feature of the invention.

Abstract: A corrosion detection product is a coating including a film forming material and a complexing agent, the complexing agent forming a complex when it comes into contact with a corrosion byproduct produced by corrosion of a substrate on which the coating is applied, the complex being detectably different from the complexing agent when the coating is exposed to radiation in order to detect the corrosion, the complexing agent being immobilized in the coating to reduce leaching of the complexing agent or the complex from the coating.

Abstract: A method for determining corrosiveness of naphthenic acid in a crude oil feedstock is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a crude oil feedstock containing naphthenic acid; contacting the crude oil feedstock with iron for a period of time at a sufficient temperature for the iron to react with the naphthenic acid, forming iron salts. Under sufficiently high temperatures, at least a portion of the iron salts decompose to form ketone, which can be quantified. Measurements of the ketone can be used to correlate with the amount of iron lost from corrosion given a certain level of naphthenic acid present, giving a measure of the corrosivity of crude oil feedstock.

Abstract: A method of tracking the rate of corrosion of a metal conduit traversed by a corrosive fluid, in which is provided a device arranged so as to form, when said device is installed on a wall of the metal conduit, a chamber able to receive gaseous hydrogen issuing by permeation across said wall of said conduit, the method comprising: (i) a step of treatment to eliminate a metallic species from the chamber, (ii) a step of measuring a quantity of hydrogen received in the chamber, with a view to estimating the rate of corrosion of the metal conduit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to measuring corrosion rate. Flowing corrosive fluid contacts a metal coupon or object and results in an effluent stream. The effluent stream contains metal from the object due to reaction of constituents in the fluid with the metal. Analysis of the effluent stream measures concentration of the metal therein. Since the concentration of the metal in the effluent stream is indicative of mass loss from the object, calculations provide the corrosion rate utilizing weight of the metal that is eluted, surface area of the object and exposure time of the object with the corrosive fluid.

Abstract: A system for sulfide stress cracking testing comprises an enclosed testing chamber including a fluid bath comprising a liquid saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the system comprises a test fixture disposed in the testing chamber and at least partially submerged in the fluid bath. The test fixture includes a housing having an internal chamber in fluid communication with the fluid bath and a test assembly disposed in the internal chamber. The test assembly comprises a first upper support and a second upper support, a first lower support and a second lower support, and a first platen engaging each of the upper supports and adapted to transfer an applied vertical load to the upper supports. Further, the system comprises a test specimen mounted in the test assembly between the upper supports and the lower supports.

Abstract: Provided are an atmospheric corrosion test procedure and an apparatus used for the test. The procedure involves a salt spray step for supplying salt content containing chloride ions on the surfaces of test pieces placed in a thermo-humidistat chamber and a subsequent dry-wet cyclic step including a dry sub-step for drying the surface of the test pieces in the thermo-humidistat chamber at a low relative humidity and a subsequent wet sub-step at a higher relative humidity than that in the dry sub-step, which are cycled. The salt content is supplied by spraying the salt water in the salt spray step. An exhaust step for removing the salt mist sprayed inside thermo-humidistat chamber is further inserted between the salt deposition step and the dry sub-step. The quantity of the salt content deposited on the surfaces of the test pieces is controlled by adjusting the quantity of the sprayed salt water.

Abstract: A sensor for detection and measurement of incompatible (corrosive or foreign) materials in a fluid medium. The sensor includes a tuning fork mounted on a diaphragm with tines having an amplitude and a resonant frequency. The sensor alarms when a measured amount of the incompatible material has been deposited on the sensor to form a fusing element on the tines which causes vibration of the tines to cease.

Abstract: A method of testing workpieces and an automated oscillating solution spray manifold assembly for a corrosion testing chamber is configured to introduce a fluid into a cavity of a test cabinet that receives workpieces. The manifold assembly includes a motor having an output shaft for driving a linkage assembly. An elongated spray bar is connected to the linkage assembly and the spray bar has a plurality of openings spaced therealong. The linkage assembly is configured to rotate the spray bar in a desired oscillatory movement such that fluid can be dispensed through the openings and into the test cabinet. A fan-like pattern sprays from one opening and substantially overlaps with spray from at least one adjacent opening. The method of testing may include one or more of the steps of controlling a speed of the motor, a temperature level of the cavity, a humidity level of the cavity, and a salinity content of the fluid within the cavity of the test cabinet.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of corrosive material in drywall utilizing a testing device having a metal pin for insertion in the drywall, where the pin forms a visible layer when it reacts with corrosive materials in the drywall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gasohol fuel composition that prevents corrosion of the metallurgies involved in fuel storage tanks, vehicle fuel tanks, fuel distribution systems, and transportation systems. The novel gasohol fuel composition comprises of a major portion of an alcohol blended gasoline fuel and a minor portion of a corrosion inhibitor formulation, wherein the corrosion inhibitor formulation comprises of (i) a reaction product of (a) a monosaturated fatty acid; and (b) an azomethine compound derived from a condensation reaction between a carbonyl compound and an amine compound; (ii) a fatty acid oil or ester selected from a group comprising of castor oil, palm oil, soyabean oil, and methyl soya ester; (iii) a dispersing agent, the dispersing agent being a sulfonate compound; and (iv) a viscosity reducing agent selected from a group comprising of ethanol, isopropanol, and propargyl alcohol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and determining corrosion rates in an airflow wherein the corrosion rate is dynamically corrected for non-corrosive environmental effects.

Abstract: Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for GCGR.

Abstract: The invention provides columns and methods for the purification and concentration of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution. The columns typically include a bed of extraction medium positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. The invention also provides methods for purifying and concentrating multiple analytes simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provided methods for treating lung cancers using therapeutic agents for lung cancers comprising erbB receptor inhibitors as active ingredients. Methods for examining the responsiveness of lung cancer patients to erbB receptor inhibitors by using blood amphiregulin (AREG) as an indicator were provided. Furthermore, methods for treating lung cancers in which responsiveness to an erbB receptor inhibitor is determined based on blood AREG concentration, and in which therapeutic agents are selectively administered to patients expected to be responsive, were also provided. Advanced therapeutic effects can be expected by administering an erbB receptor inhibitor to patients predicted to be responsive. The present invention contributes to the improvement of therapeutic effects of gefitinib (Product name: Iressa®) and such on lung cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corrosion loss measuring apparatus which enables to quantitatively determine corrosion loss characteristics of ceramic materials and heat-resistant metallic materials, which is excellent in terms of safety, cost, and operation easiness, and whose size can be reduced. The invention also provides a method for measuring corrosion loss by use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A polyvalent multimeric complex formed from a plurality of circularly permuted chimeric pRNA molecules, each carrying a stabilized biologically active moiety.

Abstract: A method of producing shaped articles made from single-sidedly or double-sidedly galvanized steel sheet, starting from galvanized steel strip, at least one of the steps of the method being a transport operation, and in which, for protection from black-spot corrosion, a corrosion preventive oil is applied which comprises N-acyl derivatives of sarcosinic acid as corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed.

Abstract: The methods of the invention are aimed toward the determination of corrosivity, ageing, fingerprinting and contaminants, as well as the functional diagnosis, decontamination, depolarisation and detoxification of oils and technical fluids, such as mineral insulating, natural and/or synthetic esters, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, diathermic fluids and technical fluids in general, used in apparatuses and equipment, such as electric transformers, reactors, bushings, switches and turbines, for the generation, transmission, distribution and use of power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct detection of chemical reactions are provided. In a preferred embodiment, electric charge perturbations of the local environment during enzyme-catalyzed reactions are sensed by an electrode system with an immobilized target molecule. The target molecule is preferably DNA. The charge perturbation caused by the polymerase reaction can uniquely identify a DNA sequence. The polymerization process generates local perturbations of charge in the solution near the electrode surface and induces a charge in a polarazible gold electrode. This event is detected as a transient current by a voltage clamp amplifier. Detection of single nucleotides in a sequence can be determined by dispensing individual dNTPs to the electrode solution and detecting the charge perturbations. Alternatively, multiple bases can be determined at the same time using a mix of all dNTPs with subsequent analysis of the resulting signal.