Abstract: The invention provides a method for imaging and thickness determination of coatings on coated contact lenses. The method comprises selectively staining a negatively-charged-groups-containing coating over the lens body of a coated contact lens by immersing the coated contact lens in an aqueous solution comprising a fluorescently-labeled polycationic polymer and having a pH of from about 6.5 to 8.0; orthogonally cutting the selectively-stained coated contact lens; and determining the thickness of the coating on the coated contact lens. In addition, the invention provides a method for selecting a candidate coating material comprising negatively charged groups for applying a coating with a desired thickness onto silicone hydrogel contact lenses and for optimizing a coating process for producing coated silicone hydrogel contact lenses with a desired thickness coating thereon.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring an inert gas by an ion probe. Embedding a to-be-measured sample into an epoxy resin, to obtain a sample target, where the to-be-measured sample includes an inert gas atom; after putting the obtained sample target into an analysis chamber of the ion probe, vacuumizing the analysis chamber, where the ion probe includes a primary ion source, an electron gun, a mass analyzer, and an ion detector; bombarding the sample target by using a primary ion beam formed by the primary ion source to release the inert gas atom in the sample target; ionizing the released inert gas atom by using an electron beam formed by the electron gun to form an inert gas ion; and analyzing a secondary ion containing the inert gas ion by using the mass analyzer and the ion detector to achieve measurement of the inert gas.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to graphene derivatives, as well as related devices including graphene derivatives and methods of using graphene derivatives.

Abstract: An online colorimetric analyzer that generates an indication of a material in a sample is provided. The analyzer includes a peristaltic pump configured to convey. A photometric cell is operably coupled to the peristaltic pump to receive the sample. An illumination source is disposed to direct illumination through the sample in the photometric cell along an angle of incidence. A photodetector disposed to receive illumination passing through the photometric cell along the angle of incidence and provide a signal indicative of a color of the sample. A controller is coupled to the illumination source, the photodetector and the peristaltic pump. The photometric cell is tilted relative to vertical such that a surface of liquid present when the photometric cell is partially filled substantially reflects the illumination away from the angle of incidence.

Abstract: A colorimetric wet chemistry analyzer for determining a concentration of an analyte of interest in a sample is provided. The analyzer comprising includes a reaction chamber configured to receive the sample and facilitate a reaction that changes a color of the sample based on the concentration of the analyte of interest. A photometric cell is operably coupled to the reaction chamber to receive the sample and direct illumination therethrough. The photometric cell has a first illumination source configured to provide illumination at a first wavelength through the photometric cell and a second illumination source configured to provide illumination at a second wavelength through the photometric cell. The second wavelength is different than the first wavelength. A photo detector is configured to detect illumination passing through the photometric cell.

Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir, The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a specified amount of a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to hold the specified amount of the reagent mixture and dispense the specified amount of the reagent mixture from the device.

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 method for quantitative analysis of asbestos in vermiculite-containing materials includes a first embodiment which includes washing the sample with water or treating the sample with a low concentration acid to digest gypsum and carbonates, ashing the sample at a low temperature to remove cellulose, therefrom and analyzing the sample. Digestion may be effected before or after ashing. Subsequently, a second subsample may be ashed at low temperature to remove cellulose and refluxed with a concentrated acid followed by refluxing with a base and rinsing with deionized water to wash away gypsum, vermiculite and other soluble components. This is followed by analysis to determine asbestos concentration. In a further embodiment, the residue if the first embodiment may be employed as the second subsample.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for qualifying and quantifying carboxyl groups on the surfaces of a silicone hydrogel contact lens. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining silicone hydrogel contact lenses each of which comprises a silicone hydrogel lens body (i.e., bulk material) and a coating thereon, wherein the silicone hydrogel lens body is obtained from a lens formulation free of any polymerizable component including one or more carboxyl groups, wherein the coating comprises a polymer having carboxyl groups; (b) immersing a given number of the silicone hydrogel contact lenses in a fixed volume of a C1-C4 alcohol solution of a positively-charged dye having acetate as counter anion at a given initial concentration for a time period sufficient to stain the silicone hydrogel contact lens; and (c) determining the concentration of carboxyl groups per each silicone hydrogel contact lens and/or the thickness of the coating on the silicone hydrogel contact lens.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for recycling silica waste and a method for preparing nanoporous material and other valuable silica materials. More specifically, a method for preparing a nanoporous material by recycling silica-containing waste produced from a silica etching process in the synthesis of nanoporous carbon is provided. The present disclosure allows recycling of silica waste in an effective and environment-friendly manner, reduction of consumption of chemical materials, and reduction of chemical waste. Accordingly, the present disclosure enables effective preparation of various valuable nanoporous silica and other silica materials from silica waste released for production of various nanoporous materials.

Abstract: Silicon ions in an alkaline etchant solution are analyzed by acidifying a sample of the etchant solution, adding fluoride ions in excess of the concentration required to react with all of the silicon ions, and using a fluoride ion specific electrode (FISE) to detect free fluoride ions in the resulting test solution. Good sensitivity and precision are provided by using a relatively acidic test solution and only a slight excess of fluoride ions, and limiting the analysis range to the maximum expected silicon concentration in the etchant solution.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for gas filtration and detection devices. Example devices may include a graphene membrane and a sensing device. The graphene membrane may be perforated with a plurality of discrete pores having a size-selective to enable one or more molecules to pass through the pores. A sensing device may be attached to a supporting permeable substrate and coupled with the graphene membrane. A fluid mixture including two or more molecules may be exposed to the graphene membrane. Molecules having a smaller diameter than the discrete pores may be directed through the graphene pores, and may be detected by the sensing device. Molecules having a larger size than the discrete pores may be prevented from crossing the graphene membrane. The sensing device may be configured to identify a presence of a selected molecule within the mixture without interference from contaminating factors.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a location of a nanoparticle within a material is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing at least one nanoclay particle, attaching a fluorescent tag to the at least one nanoclay particle, and determining a fluorescence of the fluorescent-labeled nanoclay particle. The method also includes forming the material including the at least one fluorescent-labeled nanoclay particle, depositing the material in an aqueous solution, and detecting a movement of the fluorescent-labeled nanoclay particle from the material to the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A systems and apparatus for measuring non-electroactive materials in liquids using electrochemical detection. A first electrical activity of a electroactive material is detected in absence of a target non-electroactive material (Step 120). A second electrical activity of the electroactive material is detected in presence of the target non-electroactive material (Step 130). A difference between the first and second electrical activities is obtained, and based on the obtained difference, a concentration of the target non-electroactive material is identified (Step 140).

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the presence of surfactants in water. The invention is quite superior over the prior art because it can form a colorful complex in half the time, avoid the need for difficult separation steps, use a safer solvent and avoid the formation of messy foam. The invention involves adding to the water a cobalt thiocyanate reagent, pre-prepared from a cobalt salt and a thiocyanate salt, which forms a colorful complex with the surfactant. Chloroform is then added to the water. The cobalt reagent causes the virtually all of the surfactant to form a colored complex which rapidly migrates into the chloroform and prevents the surfactant from foaming. Once in the chloroform, a UV-vis spectrometer can easily and precisely identify the type and amount of surfactant that was in the water.

Abstract: Methods for the direct analysis of liquid halosilanes. In particular, methods for using graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAA) spectrometric analysis to evaluate the purity of liquid halosilanes by identifying and quantitatively measuring trace elements or impurities, such as, but not limited to metal species that may be present in liquid halosilanes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the rapid detection of small ligands, such as cyanide, carbon monoxide or azide, in small quantities. Specifically, metmyoglobin is used to bind small ligands which yield a product with a characteristic absorbance spectrum that is detectable and quantifiable. Also disclosed is a kit for detecting small ligands with metmyoglobin, which is portable and provides for practice of the invention without the use of harsh solvents or chemical reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enriched fish food product comprising a binder resin and a fermented soy nutraceutical. Optionally the nutraceutical may contain enzymes or coenzymes. Also, the enriched fish food product may be formed by mixing a resin with the fermented soy nutraceutical in a heated molding machine and subjecting said product to a variety of size reduction processes. For example, the fish food product may be provided in the form of a flake.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide an analysis apparatus and analysis method of chlorosilanes capable of stably carrying out an analysis with less contamination. An analysis apparatus of chlorosilanes includes a vaporizer 10 for vaporizing chlorosilanes L and an analyzer for analyzing materials r1 and r2 remained by vaporizing. In the analysis apparatus, the vaporizer 10 includes a hotplate 11, a cover 12 detachably attached onto the hotplate 11 and configuring a heating chamber 13 with the hotplate 11, and a sample vessel 14 arranged in the heating chamber 13 and having an opening upside capable of storing the chlorosilanes L. The cover 12 includes a supply port 12a for supplying an inert gas or nitrogen gas into the heating chamber 13 and a discharge port 12b for discharging gases in the heating chamber 13.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for recycling silica waste and a method for preparing nanoporous material and other valuable silica materials. More specifically, a method for preparing a nanoporous material by recycling silica-containing waste produced from a silica etching process in the synthesis of nanoporous carbon is provided. The present disclosure allows recycling of silica waste in an effective and environment-friendly manner, reduction of consumption of chemical materials, and reduction of chemical waste. Accordingly, the present disclosure enables effective preparation of various valuable nanoporous silica and other silica materials from silica waste released for production of various nanoporous materials.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an enzymatic reagent ink for use in analytical test strips (such as electrochemical-based analytical test strips configured for the determination of glucose in blood) includes determining a first relationship between wetability of a representative hydrophobic silica material (e.g., a hydrophobic fumed silica material) and at least a first calibration characteristic (for example, a calibration slope) of an analytical test strip that includes an enzymatic reagent ink containing the representative hydrophobic silica material. In the method, the first relationship defines a minimum wetability that provides an acceptable first calibration characteristic.

Abstract: Low concentrations of silicon in an etchant solution are analyzed by adding a predetermined concentration of fluoride ions to a test solution comprising a predetermined volume of the etchant solution, and measuring the concentration of fluoride ions in the test solution. Reaction with silicon ions in the test solution reduces the concentration of fluoride ions, which are present in stoichiometric excess, so that the silicon concentration of the etchant solution can be calculated from the difference between the predetermined and measured concentrations of fluoride ions in the test solution. The method is especially suited for analysis of silicon nitride etchants comprising a high concentration of phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A chemical sensor including a substrate having at least two faces, at least one of the faces being covered by a thin film that includes a sensitive material, and a means for measuring a change in a physical property of the sensitive material; and, methods of detecting the presence of a nitro compound with the chemical sensor.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for processing sample materials are disclosed. The present invention may provide a bridge between standard microtiter plate systems, methods, protocols, etc. (that include wells arranged in rectangular arrays) and rotating sample processing devices and systems that allow users to obtain the rapid processing advantages of the more advanced sample processing devices. The sample processing devices preferably include a rectangular body to improve compatibility of the sample processing devices of the present invention with equipment designed for use with more conventional microtiter plates (which are typically rectangular in shape). The sample processing devices also include at least one set of process chambers arranged in one or more circular arcs and may include input and/or output chambers arranged in a rectilinear grid array.

Abstract: Proposed is a zirconium crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, wherein the purity of the zirconium crucible is 99.99 wt % or higher. In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, the present invention provides a zirconium crucible for melting an analytical sample, a method of preparing such analytical sample, and a method of analysis that enables the analysis of high purity materials by inhibiting the inclusion of impurities from the crucible regardless of difference in the analysts and their skill.

Abstract: Provided are a target biomaterial detecting kit and a method of detecting the target biomaterial. The target biomaterial detecting kit includes a guided mode resonance filter comprising a substrate transmitting or reflecting light, a grating layer formed on the substrate, and a capture layer formed on the grating layer to capture a target biomaterial; and a nano complex comprising a nanoparticle head and a connection tail. Therefore, the wavelength peak of a reflection/transmission spectrum of light coming from the guided mode resonance filter can be largely shifted, and thus the presence and quantity of a target biomaterial can be easily detected. Moreover, although the amount of the target biomaterial is small, the target biomaterial can be reliably detected.

Abstract: A diagnostic device comprising a sample inlet and a processing chamber having a window portion and a flat carrier having front surface, a back surface and one or more side surfaces, said front surface facing said processing chamber, said front surface having an active surface containing a diagnostic reagent immobilized to said active front surface and an extended front surface, wherein said window portion further contains a rim portion facing said extended front surface sealing said chamber versus said carrier through said extended front surface.

Abstract: A non-linear silicon compound is provided. The non-linear silicon compound may be a non-linear aromatic compound used as a linker for manufacturing an oligomer probe array. The non-linear silicon compound may reduce self-aggregation so as to form a stable and uniform monolayer. As a result, upon hybridization analysis, the fluorescent intensity may be increased.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide an analysis apparatus and analysis method of chlorosilanes capable of stably carrying out an analysis with less contamination. An analysis apparatus of chlorosilanes includes a vaporizer 10 for vaporizing chlorosilanes L and an analyzer for analyzing materials r1 and r2 remained by vaporizing. In the analysis apparatus, the vaporizer 10 includes a hotplate 11, a cover 12 detachably attached onto the hotplate 11 and configuring a heating chamber 13 with the hotplate 11, and a sample vessel 14 arranged in the heating chamber 13 and having an opening upside capable of storing the chlorosilanes L. The cover 12 includes a supply port 12a for supplying an inert gas or nitrogen gas into the heating chamber 13 and a discharge port 12b for discharging gases in the heating chamber 13.

Abstract: A novel hydrogel copolymer, a substrate coated with the copolymer, a method of producing a microarray using the copolymer, and a microarray produced by the method are provided. The use of the hydrogel copolymer makes efficient removal of protein and high integration of nucleic acid and protein on a substrate for a microarray possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel silicon compounds, methods for making these novel silicon compounds, compositions comprising these novel silicon compounds attached to substrates, methods for attaching the novel silicon compounds to substrates and methods for using the compositions in a variety of chromatographic applications.

Abstract: A method of analyzing carbon concentration in crystalline silicon includes providing a section from a zoned and annealed silicon core. The zoned and annealed core is extracted from a polycrystalline silicon composition and has a columnar shape. The zoned and annealed core includes a single crystalline silicon region and a freeze-out melt region. The freeze-out melt region is disposed adjacent to the single crystalline silicon region, and the regions are spaced along a length of the columnar shape. Specifically, the section is provided from the freeze-out melt region, with the entire freeze-out melt region in the section. A carbon concentration of the section is determined. By providing the section from the freeze-out melt region, as opposed to the polycrystalline silicon composition, determination of carbon concentration in the crystalline silicon is enabled with a sensitivity at less than or equal to 10 parts per billion atomic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prompt and easy asbestos detection method and a method for screening a candidate for an agent aiming at preventing or treating a disease for which asbestos is a causative or worsening factor. It is possible to quickly and easily detect asbestos in a sample by finding a protein capable of binding specifically to asbestos, allowing the protein or a fusion protein of the protein and a reporter protein to bind to asbestos in the sample, and then detecting the protein or the fusion protein having been bound to asbestos. A substance inhibiting the binding of actin to asbestos, which has been found out as a protein capable of binding specifically to asbestos, is a candidate for an agent aiming at preventing or treating a disease for which asbestos is a causative or worsening factor.

Abstract: An analytical technique for the accurate and precise measurement of trace water in chemical reagents, comprising the steps of combining a chemical reagent comprising ?5 ppm water, with hexafluoroacetone (HFA), to form a sample mixture comprising at least the chemical reagent and a water derivative of hexafluoroacetone; and measuring the concentration of the water derivative of hexafluoroacetone by gas chromatography.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is adapted to pass current between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst material, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the electrical connection is used to detect an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube is used for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.

Abstract: An analytical technique for the accurate and precise measurement of trace water in chemical reagents, comprising the steps of combining a chemical reagent comprising ?5 ppm water, with hexafluoroacetone (HFA), to form a sample mixture comprising at least the chemical reagent and a water derivative of hexafluoroacetone; and measuring the concentration of the water derivative of hexafluoroacetone by gas chromatography.

Abstract: A polycarbonate generated from the polymerization of a protected hydroxylated bisphenolic compound, a bisphenol, a monophenolic endcapping agent, a bisphenol haloformate, and a curing compound, and thereafter subjecting the obtained polymer to a reaction with an acidic compound. A hydroxylated charge transport compound may also be included in the polycarbonate.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of a chemical sensor which can be used to measure nitric acidity. This sensor is produced using a sol-gel method for depositing a porous film, containing a colored indicator, on the core of an optic fiber. The pH of the initial sol is adjusted as are other conditions for implementing the sol-gel method to obtain stability of the signal (curves 1 to 4) emitted by the sensor in an 8N nitric medium for at least 1000 hours.

Abstract: The invention provides microfabricated silicon substrates and devices having extremely small apertures (termed “nanoapertures”) and methods for producing such nanoapertures. The devices have a nanoaperture (which may have a diameter ranging from about a few millimeters to as small as a few nm) across a substrate effective to connect two regions separated by the substrate. The devices are suitable for the formation of lipid bilayer membranes across the apertures, and for use in devices such as biosensors. Substrates and devices may include multiple nanoapertures, which may each support a lipid bilayer membrane, allowing fault tolerant devices such as fault-tolerant biosensors, and allowing devices able to sense more than one target molecule.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has four or more colour changes in the temperature range 500° C. to 900° C. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from a surface. The system is designed to use very small particles having means thereon which are capable of selectively binding to a contaminant or contaminants of interest. The particles may contain a dye to render the particles visible in order for a user to observe the application and removal of the particles. The particles also have magnetic properties which may be provided by a high iron content. A carrier can be used to apply the particles to a surface whereupon the targeted contaminants bind to the particles. The particles may then be readily removed from the surface using magnets. When the particle is removed, the targeted contaminants are also removed. The invention is especially useful for the removal of contaminants from skin.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Semiconductor materials having a porous texture are modified with a recognition element and produce a photoluminescent response on exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The recognition elements, which can be selected from biomolecular, organic and inorganic moieties, interact with a target analyte to produce a modulated photoluminescent response, as compared with that of semiconductor materials modified with a recognition element only.

Abstract: Semiconductor materials having a porous texture are modified with a recognition element and produce a photoluminescent response on exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The recognition elements, which can be selected from biomolecular, organic and inorganic moieties, interact with a target analyte to produce a modulated photoluminescent response, as compared with that of semiconductor materials modified with a recognition element only.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement chip for a surface plasmon resonance biosensor, which comprises a transparent substrate, a metal membrane located on the transparent substrate and an organic silicon membrane immobilized on the metal membrane and in which the organic silicon membrane is immobilized on the metal membrane via a functional group capable of binding with atoms on the surface of a metal. The measurement chip for a biosensor of the present invention can easily be produced. Using the measurement chip of the present invention, a target substance can be measured with good sensitivity, even if only a small amount of physiologically active substance is immobilized.

Abstract: Silicon oxide containing active silicon represented by the general formula: SiOx wherein x is from 0.8 to 1.9, when analyzed by solid state NMR (29Si DD/MAS) with a sufficient relaxation time set, exhibits a spectrum having two separate peaks, a broad peak (A1) centered at −70 ppm and a broad peak (A2) centered at −110 ppm, the area ratio A1/A2 being in the range of 0.1≦A1/A2≦1.0.

Abstract: Semiconductor materials having a porous texture are modified with a recognition element and produce a photoluminescent response on exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The recognition elements, which can be selected from biomolecular, organic and inorganic moieties, interact with a target analyte to produce a modulated photoluminescent response, as compared with that of semiconductor materials modified with a recognition element only.

Abstract: A solid state device is formed through thin film deposition techniques which results in a self-supporting thin film layer that can have a precisely defined channel bored therethrough. The device is useful in the chacterization of polymer molecules by measuring changes in various electrical characteristics as molecules pass through the channel. To form the device, a thin film layer having various patterns of electrically conductive leads are formed on a silicon substrate. Using standard lithography techniques, a relatively large or micro-scale aperture is bored through the silicon substrate which in turn exposes a portion of the thin film layer. This process does not affect the thin film. Subsequently, a high precision material removal process is used (such as a focused ion beam) to bore a precise nano-scale aperture through the thin film layer that coincides with the removed section of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: Method for Absorbing substances wherein adsorbent particles comprising superparamagnetic and/or low Curie Temperature transition metal-containing cores surrounded by a hydrous siliceous oxide coating can be formed by an aqueous process wherein the core is precipitated from an aqueous solution and a siliceous oxide coating is deposited thereon while complete drying of the core is avoided until after the siliceous oxide is deposited. The resulting siliceous adsorbents exhibit strong superparamagnetic and/or low Curie temperature magnetic properties with low transition metal leachability.

Abstract: Fluorescent protein expressing cells with very high fluorescence are described as well as a method to obtain such cells. The fluorescence of such cells can be as high as about 1000 times the auto-fluorescence of the respective host cell. Due to the high fluorescence, said cells are very suitable tools in the development, surveillance and/or optimization of production processes, for selection of culture media and process parameters and for the determination of cell growth and the detection, quantification and monitoring of biomass.