Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for identifying nucleic acid ligands of a target molecule. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for identifying a nucleic acid ligand of a target molecule from a candidate mixture of nucleic acids, including contacting at least one target molecule with a candidate mixture of nucleic acids, in which the nucleic acids have different affinities for the target molecule, and separating in a single step nucleic acids that bind the target molecule with greatest affinity from nucleic acids that bind the target molecule with a lesser affinity and nucleic acids that do not bind the target molecule, thereby identifying the nucleic acid ligand of the target molecule.

Abstract: A humidity sensor and method is disclosed. The sensor is configured as an optical fiber based sensor and may be useful in obtaining moisture information, such as humidity and/or relative humidity (RH) in curing concrete. The sensor may be configured to isolate the sensor from external mechanical stresses, chemical reactions and/or temperature fluctuations that may occur in the concrete and/or at least account for such occurrences. Methods of calibrating the sensor are also disclosed. The sensor may be configured as a fiber Bragg sensor.

Abstract: A humidity sensor and method is disclosed. The sensor is configured as an optical fiber based sensor and may be useful in obtaining moisture information, such as humidity and/or relative humidity (RH) in curing concrete. The sensor may be configured to isolate the sensor from external mechanical stresses, chemical reactions and/or temperature fluctuations that may occur in the concrete and/or at least account for such occurrences. Methods of calibrating the sensor are also disclosed. The sensor may be configured as a fiber Bragg sensor.