Abstract: A fine ratio measuring device that measures a ratio of fines adhering to the surface of a material in the form of lumps, the fine ratio measuring device includes: an illumination unit that illuminates the material in the form of lumps; a spectrometer that performs spectral analysis on light reflected from the material in the form of lumps to measure spectral reflectance; and an arithmetic device that extracts at least one feature quantity from the spectral reflectance measured by the spectrometer and computes the fine ratio from the extracted at least one feature quantity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of fluidic devices that can be used to detect the presence (or absence) of analytes in samples by providing separate and distinct chromatographic signals for particular analytes. The fluidic devices described herein are highly sensitive and user-friendly. Methods of making and using the disclosed fluidic devices also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Sensors for detecting and distinguishing metals in a sample comprise phenol group-containing azo dyes, the phenol group having one hydroxy involved in reversible metal ion binding and a second hydroxy alkylated to an optically transparent substrate. The sensors have utility for detecting chromium, calcium, magnesium, copper, mercury, nickel, zinc, cobalt, manganese, cadmium, lead, tin, aluminum, potassium, sodium, or arsenic ions in a sample.

Abstract: A method of detecting one or more heavy metals in a sample solution is provided. The disclosure includes adding a dye to the sample solution having the one or more heavy metals to produce a color mixture. Mesoporous TiO2 NPs are added to the color mixture to preconcentrate metal-dye complex onto the surface of the mesoporous TiO2 NPs. Presence of the one or more heavy metals is detected by change in color within about 30 seconds via a naked eye. The disclosure further includes a method of determining concentration of one or more heavy metals in a sample solution by absorbance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a selective colorimetric detection sensor and a colorimetric detection method for C6+ ions using size controlled label-free gold nanoparticles, which may be useful for the detection of toxic materials such as heavy metal ions in the environmental sector and the industry. Selective colorimetric sensor solution used therein is selectively reacted with only Cr6+ ions in trivalent chromium ions (Cr3+) and hexavalent chromium ions (Cr6+), and there is no interference effect resulting from other metal ions, and it is possible to very rapidly and precisely detect Cr6+ ions compared to the related art.

Abstract: Aqueous calibration or quality control reagents that include urea are disclosed; the reagents may further include at least one amino acid-containing composition to provide pH stability thereto. Methods of production and use thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for validating that an integrated circuit die is not susceptible to a conductive metallic ion diffusion defect is disclosed. A test component is applied to a backside surface of the integrated circuit die to form a test assembly. The test component includes a conductive metal layer and a transport media layer for facilitating diffusion of conductive metallic ions. The test assembly is heated at a thermal activation temperature. The integrated circuit die is computer validated to determine whether or not the integrated circuit die has the conductive metallic ion diffusion defect.

Abstract: A model-based method of inspecting a specimen for presence of an interferent (H, I, and/or L). The method includes capturing images of the specimen at multiple different exposures times and at multiple spectra having different nominal wavelengths, selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the captured images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra, identifying a serum or plasma portion of the specimen, and classifying whether an interferent is present or absent within the serum or plasma portion. Testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Object: To provide a biochip for use in exhaustive analysis of a particular protein including DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) in a body fluid through Raman quantitative analysis.

Abstract: Metal-organic framework (MOFs) compositions based on chiral phosphine-, chiral oxazoline-, chiral pyridine-, and chiral diene-derived organic bridging ligands were synthesized and then post-synthetically metalated with metal precursors such as Ru and Rh complexes. The metal complexes could also be directly incorporated into the MOFs. The MOFs provide a versatile family of recyclable and reusable single-site solid catalysts for catalyzing a variety of asymmetric organic transformations, including the addition of arylboronic acids to ?,?-unsaturated ketones and alkimines, the hydrogenation of substituted alkene and carbonyl compounds, and cyclization reactions. The solid catalysts can also be integrated into a flow reactor or a supercritical fluid reactor.

Abstract: The preparation of silver quantum clusters embedded in organic-templated-boehmite-nanoarchitecture (OTBN) and its use as a sensor for quantity of water flow measured by change of color in visible light upon flow of contaminated water have been provided. Silver quantum clusters-embedded OTBN are highly luminescent. Since the quantum clusters are embedded in the matrix, they are highly stable over a long period of time. The composition described here is utilized in the form of a device for ‘visible/ultraviolet light color change-based detection’ upon passage of water through a water purification device. Upon interaction with ions present in water, luminescent silver clusters undergo chemical transformation to Ag2S nanoparticles. The transformation is reflected in the form of visible color change (from pink to black) and luminescence quenching (from red emission to negligible luminescence).

Abstract: Element tags based on novel metal-polymer conjugates are provided for elemental analysis of analytes, including ICP-MS. A polymer backbone is functionalized to irreversibly bind metals that are selected prior to use by the user. The polymer is further functionalized to attach a linker which allows for attachment to antibodies or other affinity reagents. The polymer format allows attachment of many copies of a given isotope, which linearly improves sensitivity. The metal-polymer conjugate tags enable multiplexed assay in two formats: bulk assay, where the average biomarker distribution in the sample is diagnostic, and single cell format to distinguish a rare (for example a diseased) cell in a complex sample (for example, blood).

Abstract: A fluorimetric system, apparatus and method are disclosed to measure an analyte concentration in a sample. A sensor reagent housing is also disclosed which comprises a channel and a porous medium having an analysis chemistry reagent, such as a nucleic acid analysis chemistry reagent. The apparatus and system are portable for field use, with an apparatus housing having a size adapted to fit into a user's hand. An apparatus also includes a sensing chamber and cover, a user interface, a light source; a photomultiplier tube, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a memory, and a processor. In various embodiments, the processor performs a data fitting, determines a sample reaction rate parameter, and determines the analyte concentration from a comparison of the sample reaction rate parameter with stored calibration data. The processor may also generate the calibration data and site-specific offset factors, and modify the calibration data using an offset factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor having a solid electrically conductive substrate and a compound immobilized thereon which has binding affinity for an analyte species to be detected and also displays electrochemical behavior which is modified upon binding of that analyte species, so that binding of an analyte species can be detected by measuring electrochemical properties, such as by voltammetry. Desirably the immobilized compound contains both a first moiety with binding affinity for the analyte and a separate second moiety which is a redox system whose electrochemical oxidation/reduction properties become modified when the first moiety binds the analyte. The analyte binding moiety may be a diol or polyol and preferably is a sugar. The electrochemical sensor finds use in methods of analyzing reservoir and process fluids, particularly at a subterranean location. The electrochemical sensor may be a component of a downhole tool, adapted for deployment downhole.

Abstract: A composition includes a quantum cluster of Agm or Aun, one or more protector molecules; and a molecular cavity partially or wholly surrounding the quantum cluster. A method for preparing the quantum clusters includes adding a first amount of glutathione to a gold salt, a silver salt, or a mixture thereof to form a mixture; adding a reducing agent to the mixture to form a precipitate; and mixing the precipitate with a second amount of glutathione and a cyclodextrin to form a composition. Devices are prepared from the quantum clusters, and the devices may be used in methods of authentification of articles.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of discriminating between, in a surface of a transition metal alloy, transition metals in different oxidation states using surface sensor molecules adapted to associate selectively with one of the transition metals. In particular, the present invention provides a method of identifying degradation in aircraft components such as turbine blades, engine casings and aerofoils. In embodiments, a surface sensor molecule comprising an oxidation state discriminating group, such as an imidazole, and a fluorescein probe is applied in aqueous solution to the surface of a service-run Ni alloy aircraft component. The sensor molecule selectively associates with transition metals in oxidation states greater than zero such that fluorescence imaging can be used to identify areas of degradation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.

Abstract: A method of analyzing graphene includes providing a first graphene structure including graphene having grains and grain boundaries, and a support portion for supporting the graphene, generating a second graphene structure by oxidizing the first graphene structure, and detecting a shape of the graphene.

Abstract: Methods for determining metabolic properties of living cells through the uptake of semiconductor nanocrystals by cells. Generally the methods require a layer of neutral or hydrophilic semiconductor nanocrystals and a layer of cells seeded onto a culture surface and changes in the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals are detected. The observed changes made to the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals can be correlated to such metabolic properties as metastatic potential, cell motility or migration.

Abstract: A method for recovering a metal, capable of recovering a metal easily without requiring the use of an organic medium, is provided. A first complex between a first chelating agent and a metal present in a sample is formed in a first mixture prepared by mixing the first chelating agent and the sample. Then, the first complex is recovered from the first mixture, and a second complex between the metal derived from the first complex and a second chelating agent is formed in a second mixture prepared by mixing the first complex and an aqueous solution of the second chelating agent. The aqueous solution is under the pH conditions where the first chelating agent can be insoluble in the aqueous solution. Then, a liquid fraction containing the second complex is recovered from the second mixture. Thus, the metal can be recovered.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a method and a device for the detection of heavy metal ions in water. The method includes: providing a detection material, wherein the detection material includes a hydrophilic layer which is at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer formed from a long-chain compound selected from the group consisting of a long-chain thiol, a long-chain fatty acid and combinations thereof, and wherein a detection area is an area covered by the hydrophobic layer, and the detection area has a surface having an initial contact angle with water of more than or equal to about 120°; contacting the detection area with an aqueous solution sample; determining whether the surface of the detection area has a hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity change after contact with the aqueous solution sample; and deciding whether heavy metal ions exist in the aqueous solution sample according to the determination.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oligonucleotide-immobilized microoscillator for detecting silver ions and a method for detecting silver ions using resonance of the same. A DNA including a thiol-terminated cytosine is immobilized on the surface of the microoscillator. In accordance with the present disclosure, silver nanoparticles detrimental to the human body and environment can be detected and quantified through a simple method based on the mechanical property of resonance frequency. Since trace silver nanoparticles below 1 nM can be detected with high sensitivity and selectivity, it may be usefully applied as a biosensor for detecting the toxic material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mixed metal-organic frameworks, Zn3(BDC)3[Cu(SalPycy)] and Zn3(CDC)3[Cu(SalPycy)], wherein BDC is 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, CDC is 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, and SalPyCy is a ligand of the formula: These are useful for applications such as selective gas storage, selective molecular separations, and selective detection of molecules, including enantioselective applications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula I: along with compositions comprising the same and methods of using the same, such as for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy-Active Composite Nanoparticles (SACN) comprising: core/shell nanoparticles comprising nanoparticle cores covered with shells, wherein the cores and the shells may comprise the same or different materials; at least one Raman-active reporter molecule associated with said core/shell nanoparticle; and an SiO2 encapsulant which encapsulates the core/shell nanoparticle and the at least one Raman-active reporter molecule, are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system containing an array of chemically sensitive sensors based on coated single walled carbon nanotubes, for measuring volatile organic compounds indicative of renal failure. Methods of breath analysis for diagnosing chronic, acute and end-stage renal failure are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition includes a quantum cluster of Agm or Aun, one or more protector molecules; and a molecular cavity partially or wholly surrounding the quantum cluster. A method for preparing the quantum clusters includes adding a first amount of glutathione to a gold salt, a silver salt, or a mixture thereof to form a mixture; adding a reducing agent to the mixture to form a precipitate; and mixing the precipitate with a second amount of glutathione and a cyclodextrin to form a composition. Devices are prepared from the quantum clusters, and the devices may be used in methods of authentification of articles.

Abstract: Disclosed are 2-quinoxalinol salen compounds and in particular 2-quinoxalinol salen Schiff-base ligands. The disclosed 2-quinoxalinol salen compounds may be utilized as ligands for forming complexes with cations, and further, the formed complexes may be utilized as catalysts for oxidation reactions. The disclosed 2-quinoxalinol salen compounds also may be conjugated to solid supports and utilized in methods for selective solid-phase extraction or detection of cations.

Abstract: Described herein are small peptide domains and consensus sequences that bind small target molecules of industrial importance, e.g., metals such as nickel, ? carotene, and isoflavones such as genistein. Also described are fusion proteins containing such binding domains fused to proteins or to peptide domains like GST or GBD that bind other ligands and can be used to immobilize the target binding domain on a support. One class of fusion proteins that is useful in industrial settings are fusions that contain concatemers of target binding domains, which increases the binding equivalents per molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting soil nutrients or soil nutrients in soil from reflected light, and also includes systems for the measurement, calculation and transmission of data relating to or carrying out that method.

Abstract: A system to selectively deliver relatively small analyte molecules of interest to a SERS-active nanoparticle surface while excluding dozens to hundreds of other species in the environment. In particular, the present invention provides a permselective film that renders the particles of interest as viable small molecule optically addressable sensors.

Abstract: A luminescent chemical sensor integrated with at least one molecular trap. The luminescent chemical sensor includes at least one molecular trap and at least one metallic-nanofinger device integrated with at least one molecular trap. The molecular trap includes a plurality of electrodes that trap at least one analyte molecule. The metallic-nanofinger device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. A nanofinger of the plurality includes a flexible column, and a metallic cap coupled to an apex of the flexible column. At least the nanofinger and a second nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with the analyte molecule. A method for using, and a chemical-analysis apparatus including the luminescent chemical sensor are also provided.

Abstract: Pyridine-containing polyenes and their applications as metal ion sensors. These polyenes are practically nonluminescent in the solution state but become highly emissive as nanoparticle suspensions in aqueous solutions or thin films in the solid state, due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The nanoaggregates of these compounds can work as “turn-off” fluorescent chemosensors for metal ions and display different fluorescence responses to various metal ions. For example, a characteristic red shift in the emission spectra is observed with a terpyridine-containing luminogen in the presence of Zn2+. However, the terpyridine-containing luminogen displays a magenta color upon selectively binding with Fe2+. This allows easy identification of both Zn2+ and Fe2+ ions in aqueous media. The function of the polyenes can be easily tuned by altering the substituent groups. Due to their AIE properties, these polyenes can be used in aqueous solutions and in solid substrates for metal sensing.

Abstract: Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs.

Abstract: Provided is a diagnosis method for an oil-filled electrical apparatus, which is for evaluating the degree of danger of copper sulfide being generated within the oil-filled electrical apparatus, comprising: a first step for detecting a specific compound contained within insulating oil inside the oil-filled electrical apparatus; a second step for evaluating the possibility of copper sulfide being generated inside the oil-filled electrical apparatus, on the basis of the result detected by the first step; and a third step for diagnosing the degree of danger of a malfunction occurring in the oil-filled electrical apparatus, on the basis of the evaluation result obtained in the second step. The specific compound contains dibenzyl disulfide and/or a reaction product of a radical resulting from dibenzyl disulfide, and di-tert-butyl-p-cresol and/or a reaction product of a radical resulting from di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, or, di-tert-butyl-phenol and/or a reaction product of a radical resulting from di-tert-butyl-phenol.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an innovative method for detecting metal ions based on selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer between metal-ligand complexes and a single nanoplasmonic particle as a probe. The selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer occurs if a resonance frequency matching condition between the single nanoplasmonic particle and the metal-ligand complexes is satisfied.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a reagent that includes an effective amount of an adsorber to remove interfering species present during heavy metal level measurement in a fluid sample. In some examples, the reagent can include an effective amount of an adsorber to remove a suitable amount of glutathione from the fluid sample such that the glutathione does not interfere with measurements of lead levels in the fluid sample.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a method and a device for the detection of heavy metal ions in water. The method includes: providing a detection material, wherein the detection material includes a hydrophilic layer which is at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer formed from a long-chain compound selected from the group consisting of a long-chain thiol, a long-chain fatty acid and combinations thereof, and wherein a detection area is an area covered by the hydrophobic layer, and the detection area has a surface having an initial contact angle with water of more than or equal to about 120°; contacting the detection area with an aqueous solution sample; determining whether the surface of the detection area has a hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity change after contact with the aqueous solution sample; and deciding whether heavy metal ions exist in the aqueous solution sample according to the determination.

Abstract: Methods for rapid sensing of dissolved toxic heavy metals use a hybrid inorganic material (“HIM”), which is synthesized from hydrated iron oxide (“HFO”) and calcium magnesium silicate. HIM thus synthesized is used in sensing dissolved toxic heavy metals. Water containing toxic heavy metals (e.g., lead, copper, zinc, nickel, etc.) is passed through a sorbent bed of HIM, whereupon it shows a sharp drop in pH after a certain length of time. The presence of HFO and calcium magnesium silicates in HIM synergistically provide a precipitous drop in pH, which is characteristic of the concentration and type of toxic heavy metal. Therefore, observing a change in pH indicates the presence and identity of heavy metal ions in a test water sample.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor having a solid electrically conductive substrate and a compound immobilized thereon which has binding affinity for an analyte species to be detected and also displays electrochemical behaviour which is modified upon binding of that analyte species, so that binding of an analyte species can be detected by measuring electrochemical properties, such as by voltammetry. Desirably the immobilised compound contains both a first moiety with binding affinity for the analyte and a separate second moiety which is a redox system whose electrochemical oxidation/reduction properties become modified when the first moiety binds the analyte. The analyte binding moiety may be a diol or polyol and preferably is a sugar. The electrochemical sensor finds use in methods of analysing reservoir and process fluids, particularly at a subterranean location. The electrochemical sensor may be a component of a downhole tool, adapted for deployment downhole.

Abstract: The present technology relates gold sub-nanoclusters comprising a gold core and one or more thiolates bound to the gold core, wherein the gold core consists essentially of 23 gold atoms. Methods of preparing and using such sub-nanoclusters are also provided.

Abstract: Applicants have produced a chromophore and a polymer that are highly sensitive to the presence of various agents, including organophosphates, pesticides, neurotoxins, metal ions, some explosives, and biological toxins. The detection is accomplished by detecting a change in the fluorescence characteristics of the chromophore or polymer when in the presence of the agent to be detected. The chromophore and polymer may be incorporated into sensors of various types, and they are adaptable for potential field use in areas where detection of these types of agents is desired.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of discriminating between, in a surface of a transition metal alloy, transition metals in different oxidation states using surface sensor molecules adapted to associate selectively with one of the transition metals. In particular, the present invention provides a method of identifying degradation in aircraft components such as turbine blades, engine casings and aerofoils. In embodiments, a surface sensor molecule comprising an oxidation state discriminating group, such as an imidazole, and a fluorescein probe is applied in aqueous solution to the surface of a service-run Ni alloy aircraft component. The sensor molecule selectively associates with transition metals in oxidation states greater than zero such that fluorescence imaging can be used to identify areas of degradation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.

Abstract: A chemical sensor that utilizes localized surface Plasmon resonance including a substrate, metal-containing particles and dielectric particles, wherein the metal-containing particles and the dielectric particles are disposed on the substrate, is used as a chemical sensor element. Thereby, a chemical sensor element having a sufficient detecting sensitivity when localized surface Plasmon resonance is utilized, and a method for the fabrication thereof, can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are 2-quinoxalinol salen compounds and in particular 2-quinoxalinol salen Schiff-base ligands. The disclosed 2-quinoxalinol salen compounds may be utilized as ligands for forming complexes with cations, and further, the formed complexes may be utilized as catalysts for oxidation reactions. The disclosed 2-quinoxalinol salen compounds also may be conjugated to solid supports and utilized in methods for selective solid-phase extraction or detection of cations.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a final signal value measured on a lateral flow assay test strip, by: identifying a pre-determined calibration method for the test strip, wherein the pre-determined calibration method corresponds to the manufacturing lot from which the test strip has been made; measuring signal values while performing a lateral flow assay reaction on a test strip; determining a final signal value; and adjusting the final signal value based upon the identified pre-selected calibration method for the test strip.