Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more markers selected from the group consisting of cytochrome c and insulin-like growth factor IA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.

Abstract: Compositions containing soluble B7-H4 (sH4) antagonists in an amount effective to reduce, inhibit, or mitigate an inflammatory response in an individual and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases or disorders are provided. Soluble H4 has been discovered to interfere with B7-H4 activity including B7-H4's activity as an inhibitor of T cell immunity. Thus, interference of sH4 biological activity is an effective method to restore B7-H4 activity and thereby provide an effective method for treating inflammatory diseases or disorders including autoimmune diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer aggregates as delivery vehicles for therapeutics and diagnostics. The present invention additionally provides methods of synthesis and uses for such aggregates.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing or monitoring a psychotic disorder, or predisposition thereto, comprises measuring, in a sample taken from a subject, the levels of one or more peptide biomarkers listed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a risk of a phospholipidotic compound for inducing mitochondrial toxicity which is associated with drug-induced phospholipidosis, comprising a) measuring the level of PAG in a body fluid, b) comparing the level of determined PAG with the level of PAG of a control wherein an increased level of PAG in comparison with that control is indicative that said compound induces mitochondrial toxicity which is associated with drug-induced phospholipidosis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components.

Abstract: Products and processes are provided herewith for analyzing octane content in a fuel sample that include the step or steps of receiving an octane measurement of a fuel sample from a octane analyzer, rounding the octane measurement to a nearest recognized octane rating, comparing the rounded octane measurement with a listed octane rating for the fuel sample, and communicating results of the comparison to a user of the octane analyzer. The octane analyzer may be incorporated into a fuel pump or a vehicle. The results of the comparison may also be used to adjust the vehicle operating parameters to account for the actual octane rating of the fuel dispensed into the vehicle.

Abstract: Method for ascertaining an ethanol content of a fuel with the steps: ascertaining the vapor pressure of the fuel, ascertaining the temperature of the fuel and ascertaining the ethanol content of the fuel as a function of the vapor pressure and the temperature, which were ascertained.

Abstract: Internal combustion engines which are operated using ethanol exhibit an improved capability for lean-burn running. The lean-burn running limit with a higher ethanol proportion is displaced in the direction of lean. This link between the lean-burn running limit and the ethanol proportion of the fuel is used to determine the ethanol proportion. To determine the lean-burn running limit, a fuel quantity is injected into a cylinder in the operating range of the overrun fuel cut-off, with which fuel quantity no combustion of the air/fuel mixture occurs, and the fuel quantity is increased continuously until combustion occurs; the smooth running of the engine is monitored for this cylinder and the lean-burn running limit is detected as reached if the smooth running exceeds a predefined threshold value. The ethanol proportion is then deduced from the increase in the injected fuel quantity which is required to reach the lean-burn running limit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement system which comprises a reader and a chip and concerns a method to determining and detecting biological and chemical agents or materials in biological samples.

Abstract: A sample concentrator for concentrating analytes in a solvent-containing liquid sample stream, including concentrator housing having a sample stream flow channel and a gas stream flow channel having an inlet and an outlet, a heater for gas in the gas stream conduit, and a hydrophilic ion exchange or non-ionic membrane barrier separating said gas stream flow channel and said sample stream flow channel. Solvent is evaporated from the liquid sample stream in said sample stream flow channel in or at the interface with said membrane, when the gas stream is at an elevated temperature. A regeneration step is used to regenerate the ion exchange membrane barrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the treatment, e.g. reduction, of body fat mass levels for example in overweight and obese subjects. The present disclosure also relates to weight control in a subject where obesity should be avoided. Disclosed herein are methods of reducing body fat mass e.g reducing obesity or preventing weight gain and agents used in such methods whereby the agents inhibit a sulphur containing amino acid. Also included in the present disclosure include, without being limited to, methods for determining regimes for the treatment of obesity as well as other subject matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring subjects being on anti-angiogenesis therapy based on determining the amount of a cardiac troponin in a first and second sample of a subject and comparing the amount in the first sample with the second sample. Thereby, it can be assessed whether a subject is susceptible to a continuation of the therapy or not. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for predicting the risk of a cardiovascular event as a consequence of anti-angiogenesis therapy. Also encompassed by the present invention are kits and devices adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating changes in glucose levels include selecting a repeating event, obtaining a pre-event measurement and a post-event measurement for a plurality of occurrences of the repeating event wherein a glucose change between the pre-event measurement and post-event measurement may be determined for each of the plurality of occurrences of the repeating event, and, recording unique details for each of the plurality of occurrences of the repeating event such that the unique details may be correlated with the glucose change for each of the plurality of occurrences of the repeating event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a subject being susceptible to anti-angiogenesis therapy based in determining the amount of a cardiac troponin in a sample of the subject and comparing the amount to a suitable reference amount. Also encompassed by the present invention are kits and devices adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic measures. Specifically, it contemplates a method for assessing whether gastric bypass therapy was successful in a subject, a method of predicting whether gastric bypass therapy will be beneficial for a subject in need thereof, and a method of diagnosing whether a supportive therapy accompanying gastric bypass has beneficial effects on a subject in need thereof. Further provided are diagnostic methods for diabetes and body lean mass. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for identifying a treatment against diabetes and/or obesity.

Abstract: Concentrations of endogenous steroids in ovarian follicular fluid are used to develop steroid profiles which provide means for the diagnosis and prognosis of endocrine-related conditions and for identifying and developing appropriate treatments for related conditions, including the identification and development of suitable protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF), treatment and predictive strategies for successful IVF outcomes and selected uses of oocytes for IVF or embryonic stem cell procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a subject suffering from heart failure, the method involving repeatedly determining, within given time intervals, the amounts of each of the following peptide markers: NT-proANP or a variant thereof; NT-proBNP or a variant thereof; a cardiac troponin or a variant thereof; and GDF-15 or a variant thereof; in a sample from the subject; and comparing the amounts measured in each determination with reference amounts of each marker; and assessing, based on differences in determined amounts in one or more of the markers, whether the subject is stable or has undergone a change in pathophysiological state.

Abstract: A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, whereby the fluid is to be directed to a chamber a first valve may provide a connection between an inlet to the chamber and the flow path and a second valve may provide a connection between an outlet from the chamber and the flow path, comprising the following steps: a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the incoming fluid flow through the inlet to the chamber and from the chamber through the outlet into the continuation of the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time, b) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve, c) opening a valve 9 for reducing pressure, to obtain a pressure in the chamber suitable for monitoring the fluid, d) opening an access valve 11 and leading the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing the data representing the fluid chara

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein include beverage immersates and methods of their use. Systems include: at least one beverage immersate, wherein the at least one beverage immersate includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one analyte in a fluid within a personal use beverage container; and at least one signal transmitter configured to transmit a signal responsive to the at least one beverage immersate. Methods include: detecting one or more analyte in fluid within a personal use beverage container with at least one sensor integral to at least one beverage immersate; and communicating data from the at least one beverage immersate to at least one device external to the beverage immersate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for detecting one or more analyte in salivary fluid. Systems include: a discrete oral component configured for complete enclosure in a human oral cavity; at least one sensor configured to detect one or more analyte in salivary fluid; and an external device including a port configured for communication with the discrete oral component. Methods include: detecting one or more analyte within salivary fluid with at least one sensor integral to a discrete oral component, wherein the discrete oral component is configured to be completely enclosed in the oral cavity and includes one or more flavorant; and communicating information from the discrete oral component to at least one external device.

Abstract: The liquid depth sensing and identification system determines both the pressure head or depth, and therefore the quantity, of a liquid in a tank, as well as determining the characteristics of the liquid at the bottom of the probe. Two principles of operation are disclosed herein. The system may use a gas bubble collector about the outlet end of the purge tube, with the difference in height of the collector and purge tube mouths defining the very small difference in pressure head required to resolve the bubble emission characteristics produced in different liquids. Alternatively, the system incorporates a mass flow sensor capable of detecting minute changes in mass flow as bubbles are emitted from the purge tube in order to determine the type and characteristics of the liquid. The system operates using an open loop principle of operation, with no feedback provided to control the purge pump.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus using centrifugal force and inertia including a rotating body composed of a disk including upper and lower thin-films; a plurality of chambers composed of a polygonal space parts in the rotating body and including apertures on one side corner and a bottom side thereof; paths connected between the apertures of the chambers to transfer fluids mixed or separated in the chambers; sample inputting holes connected to the chambers formed inside of the rotating body through the paths; and balls moving within the chambers.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively inspecting one or more vessels capable of transmitting IR light containing liquid is provided, which uses a near-infrared (NIR) imaging device in combination with one or two NIR light sources, a diffuser plate, and an optical wavelength selecting means is provided for selecting one or more wavelength bands. In addition, the system may further comprise a computer processing means, a computer database containing known absorbance values, and a computer application, such that the system may compare the collected spectroscopic data to known spectroscopic data, and identify the liquid contained within the inspected vessel. The inspection method of the present invention measures a transmission or reflection image of one or more vessels being inspected at one or more narrow wavelength intervals in the NIR spectral range that corresponds to a peak absorbance wavelength of water, organic liquids, and explosive compositions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the water, oil, and gas fractions in hydrocarbons from high water cut hydrocarbon wells. A hydrocarbon flow stream discharging from a well is subjected to hydro-separation to produce an oil-enriched fractional stream upon which water content measurements can be more accurately and reproducibly made. Calculations based on the water content of the oil-enriched fractional stream and the flow rate of at least one of the streams through the separator are conducted to determine the water content of the original stream. This provides a simple approach to measuring the water content in high water cut hydrocarbons that is real-time, accurate, and reproducible.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a transient flow of a fluid for the presence of contaminants is disclosed. The system includes a fluid control valve having a body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. A fluid monitoring device is in fluid communication with the fluid flowing through the control valve. The fluid monitoring device is adapted to monitor the fluid flowing through the control valve for contaminants.

Abstract: In a measurement instrument for measuring pollutants in a liquid, such as oil in water, the measurement instrument includes a main unit disposed in a first housing and a sensor unit disposed in a second housing. The housing, manufactured from an electrically insulating material, and an associated electric connection, are sealed against the passage of gas and liquid. The sensor unit has connections which are connected to a conduit system in which flows the liquid which is to be inspection measured. Sensors are further disposed in the sensor unit for emitting a measurement signal. The sensor unit and its electronics lack galvanic connection with electrically conductive components in the main unit, transfer of measurement signals between both of the units taking place by optical energy transfer, capacitative or inductive transfer.

Abstract: In the method for determining the alcohol concentration of the tank fuel after filling up with E85 fuel or E0 fuel, two corridors of possible lambda values for filling with E0 fuel and E85 are established according to the volumes of the tank fuel before and after filling, and the lambda values are taken into account in the evaluation.

Abstract: A method for tracking a pollution source in process water is presented. Firstly, variation curves of drain water drained from different rinsing tanks are respectively obtained, and a water quality concentration of the drain water drained to a buffer tank is detected, so as to output a water quality variation curve. Then, an analytical comparison is performed on each drain water amount variation curve and the water quality variation curve within a same time interval, so as to output an analytical result of each flow of drain water in a range exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. In this manner, the drain water that exceeds the predetermined water quality standard can be tracked in real-time according to the analytical result, thereby quickly improving the process for discharging the drain water.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining a concentration of iron in brake fluid when contacting a calorimetric reagent such that a color results. The level of iron can be used to determine the amount of active corrosion within a brake system and determine if special service procedures are required.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment chamber and a process for ultrasonically treating a liquid in an ultrasonic treatment chamber include an elongate, generally tubular housing having an inlet and an outlet spaced longitudinally from the inlet. Liquid is directed into the housing at the housing inlet for longitudinal flow within the housing to the housing outlet. Mechanical ultrasonic vibration is generated within the housing in direct contact with the liquid flowing within the housing, with the direct contact being upstream of the housing outlet. A standing acoustic wave is produced within the housing with the standing acoustic wave having a node spaced longitudinally from the housing outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and accompanying device for separating a known or unknown sample into one or more subsamples. By comparing the subsample's measurement profile data to the sample measurement profile data, the performance of the separation can be determined. The separation could be chromatography [such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), or the like], electrophoresis [such as capillary electrophoresis (CE) or the like], or another separation technique. The measurement profile data could be ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra, mass spectra (MS), or another measurement technique.

Abstract: A method for testing the quality of a solvent is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a solvent sample, wherein the solvent sample contains less than 10 ppm of impurities and nebulizing the solvent sample thereby forming a multitude of droplets that comprises solvent and impurities. The method further comprises evaporating the solvent from at least a portion of the multitude of droplets to thereby form a multitude of aerosol particles, condensing a liquid onto at least a portion of the multitude of aerosol particles to a multitude of form liquid-coated aerosol particles, and counting the number of liquid-coated aerosol particles.

Abstract: According to the method of evaluating cancer state of the present invention, amino acid concentration data on the concentration value of amino acid in blood collected from a subject to be evaluated is measured, and a cancer state in the subject is evaluated based on the concentration value of at least one of Cys, Gln, Trp, Orn, Arg, Glu, His, Ser and ABA contained in the measured amino acid concentration data of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through an analysis bottle containing a desiccant material. As the sample is being pulled through the analysis bottle, a microwave measurement system (or other scattering parameter measuring system) is used to measure the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material. By measuring the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material, the sample's moisture content can be determined. The sample's moisture can also be determined by measuring the expanded volume of the desiccant. A filter section having a sight glass with graduations is used to determine the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are various embodiments of a blood glucose level measuring unit provided with wireless communication which both is small in dimensions and has radiation characteristics which substantially direction independent especially at small distances.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and kits for determining the concentration of free chlorine in water. To avoid false readings from other species present in the water, the free chlorine is reacted with ammonia to form monochloramine, which is then reacted to form an indophenol or an indonaphthol. The concentration of the indophenol or indonaphthol is proportional to the total monochloramine present. Subtracting the concentration of residual monochloramine from the total monochloramine yields the concentration of monochloramine formed from the free chlorine and ammonia, and is proportional to the concentration of free chlorine. Embodiments of the present invention will simplify and accelerate accurate measurements of free chlorine in water, without interference from compounds impacting present measurements of free chlorine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the amount of water in a high water cut crude petroleum flow stream exiting from a hydrocarbon well. Electrical property measurements such as permittivity measurements are collected with a microwave analyzer system as high water cut oil exits from a well. Collection is continued until the span of the measurements of at least one property reaches at least a characteristic pre-determined value. A heuristic salinity of the water phase of the crude oil can then be determined based on the span statistics and reference equations and/or reference data. The flow-weighted average water content of the oil can then be determined using the heuristic salinity to correct for salinity variation as the output of the well changes over time.

Abstract: A contaminant detector disposed within a base fluid for detecting the presence of a contaminating fluid includes a conductive core, a conductive sensor probe extending from the core in non-conductive relation, and a circuit board within the core. The circuit board is electrically connected to the sensor probe and electrically insulated from the core. Electrical power applied to the core creates a closed field loop for measuring the localized capacitance of the base fluid. When sufficient contaminating fluid exists in the base fluid to change the localized capacitance, an alarm is sounded to indicate the presence of the contaminating fluid.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for detecting a predetermined material. The device includes a first inner layer having first and second surfaces and a volume responsive to a first predetermined stimuli. A second inner layer has first and second surfaces. An adhesive bonds at least a portion of the first surface of the first inner layer to the first surface of the second inner layer with a bonding force. A change in the volume of the first layer generates an elastic force on the adhesive material. As a result, the first inner layer delaminates from the second inner layer in response to the elastic force overcoming the bonding force.

Abstract: A probe or sonde (1) comprising a plurality of sensors (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) for sensing different parameters, at least one sensor being mounted on or at one end of the probe or sonde (1), and at least one sensor being mounted on or at the, or one, side of the probe or sonde (1). The probe or sonde further comprises a centrally positioned stirrer (7) and in constructed from plastics discs bonded together or separated by gaskets. Sensors are used for measuring different water quality parameters, flow and temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a synthetic resin mold package at high yield from which package a pair of the surface of an internal device is exposed. A to-be-exposed part of the surface of the internal device composed of an insulating substrate (2) and thin film electrodes (4, 5) and an insulating protective film (6) formed on the substrate is covered with a coating agent (42), and a die pad portion (8) is bonded to the back surface of the internal device. After placing the thus-obtained structure in a mold consisting of a lower mold (46) and an upper mold (48), a pin (50) is inserted into the mold so that the front end of the pin is pressed against the die pad portion (8), thereby keeping the surface of the coating agent (42) pressed against the inner surface of the upper mold (48). Then, a synthetic resin (52) is injected into the mold and cured therein. The thus-obtained resin sealed body is taken out from the mold, and the coating agent (42) is removed from the resin sealed body.

Abstract: A method for preparing a microfluidic chip is described, the microfluidic chip comprising a micro-channel system with at least one micro-channel. The method comprises supplying one or more fluids to at least one predefined section of the micro-channel system or to the whole micro-channel system, and freezing the entire microfluidic chip by exposing the microfluidic chip to a temperature below ?5° C., wherein the one or more fluids contained in the micro-channel system are frozen solid.

Abstract: A apparatus and process for quantifying of contaminants, wherein the apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing to support a sample, and a gel elastomer inside the enclosure. The gel elastomer is capable of absorbing the contaminants that are leached from the sample. The gel may be a PDMS gel, and is preferable coated on a, or the side wall of the apparatus. After a period of time, the gel is analyzed for the presence and amount of contaminants.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one substance of a fluid includes at least one piezo-acoustic resonator with at least one piezo layer, an electrode arranged on the piezo-electric layer, at least one other electrode arranged on the piezo-electric layer and a surface section used for sorption of the substance of the fluid. The piezo-electric layer, the electrodes and the surface section are disposed in such a way that electric control of the electrodes leads to an oscillation of the resonator at a resonance frequency which depends upon the amount of the substance which is sorbed on the surface section. The thickness of the pioelectric layer is in the region of 0.5 to 20 ?m and the resonance frequency of the oscillation ranges from 500 MHz to 2 GHz. The device is a mass sensor with a piezo-acoustic high-frequency thin film resonator.

Abstract: The concentration of an anionically charged polymer in an aqueous solution is determined with a thin solid film having a polymer matrix and a cationic dye. A sample of an aqueous solution containing at least one anionically charged polymer to be tested is applied to the film sensor. The absorbance of the film sensor is measured after the sample has been applied. The absorbance of the film sensor is then compared with a calibration curve of the absorbance of samples containing known concentrations of the anionically charged polymers to determine the concentration of anionically charged polymer in the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically determining the properties of the contents of one or more reservoirs in a plurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir is adapted to contain a fluid. An acoustic radiation generator can be positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to each of the reservoirs. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through each reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing a characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation and optionally correlating the characteristic to a property of the reservoirs' contents. Properties that may be determined include volume, temperature, and composition. The invention is particularly suited to determining the properties of the contents of a plurality of reservoirs to allow for accuracy and control over the dispensing of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a surfactant in a microelectronic process is disclosed. Specifically, the monitoring of a surfactant occurs by studying the absorbance of a sample collected from a microelectronic process.

Abstract: In a measurement instrument for measuring pollutants in a liquid, such as oil in water, the measurement instrument includes a main unit disposed in a first housing and a sensor unit disposed in a second housing. The housing, manufactured from an electrically insulating material, and an associated electric connection, are sealed against the passage of gas and liquid. The sensor unit has connections which are connected to a conduit system in which flows the liquid which is to be inspection measured. Sensors are further disposed in the sensor unit for emitting a measurement signal. The sensor unit and its electronics lack galvanic connection with electrically conductive components in the main unit, transfer of measurement signals between both of the units taking place by optical energy transfer, capacitative or inductive transfer.