Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing, and tracer composites for use in the fracturing procedure, for tracing the production of crude oil or other hydrocarbon liquid products from one or more fractured zones. The tracer composites preferably include an oil soluble tracer adsorbed onto a solid carrier material. A non-water soluble coating is preferable also included on the composite over the tracer compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a use of reaction kinetics to generate multiple dose-response curves from a single reaction, thus eliminating the need to run a second experiment with additional sample, reagents, and time to cover a broader measuring range than is available in a standard assay. Using a single protocol, the differences in the reaction kinetics for different sample concentrations yield different responses at different measurement times. Selection of the appropriate dose-response curve cross-section increases the measuring range and accuracy of the assay from a single reaction without substantially increasing imprecision. Several overlapping dose-response curves are pieced together to provide a standard curve to ensure continuity throughout the expanded measuring range.

Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, and a carbonate salt. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: A well fluid test device includes a cell body having a first end port disposed on an upper end of the cell body, a second end port disposed on a lower end of the cell body, a first lateral port disposed on a side of the cell body, and a second lateral port disposed on a side of the cell body, and a filter medium disposed in the cell body, wherein the first and second lateral ports are disposed above the filter medium. A method of evaluating a fluid includes injecting a fluid into a well fluid test device, the well fluid test device having a filter medium, heating the fluid in the well fluid test device, establishing a pressure differential across the filter medium, establishing a filter cake on the filter medium, and maintaining at least one of a temperature and a pressure in the well fluid test device.

Abstract: A detection unit 113 measures scattered light intensity E as a coagulation index. A first curve fitting function 120B-a c calculates, at a predetermined time interval, a parameter for an approximate curve of a coagulation curve by curve fitting, based on the measured scattered light intensity E. An early reaction checking function 120B-b determines whether there is a lag phase as an early coagulation index change, based on the parameter for the approximate curve. The parameter has been calculated at the predetermined time interval by the first curve fitting function 120B-a. A clotting time calculation function 120B-f calculates clotting time, based on whether there is the lag phase.

Abstract: Porous sol-gel material essentially consisting of units of one or more first polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane; 1,3-dimethyltetramethoxydisiloxane; ethyltrimethoxysilane; triethoxy(ethyl)silane; triethoxymethylsilane; triethoxy(vinyl)silane; trimethoxymethylsilane; trimethoxy(vinyl)silane; tetraethoxysilane or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and of units of one or more second polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine; 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, in a first polyalkoxysilane/second polyalkoxysilane molar ratio of 1/0.01 to 1/1, optionally comprising a probe molecule, method of preparation and applications in the trapping of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants or in their detection.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive testing of a monolith catalyst element includes an inlet and outlet piping arrangement seal against opposing face surfaces of the catalyst element and permit at least a portion of the catalyst element to be tested. A gap between the surface on which the catalyst element rests and the inlet piping prevents or reduces heat transfer between the piping and the surface. A test fluid passes between the piping and therefore through the portion of the sealed catalyst section. Ports located in the piping allow for sampling of the fluid before and after the catalyst section. The catalyst element may then be repositioned on the surface for testing of a second portion of the element. Alternatively, the catalyst element and its housing can be placed on a pivot table so the housed catalyst element can be tested.

Abstract: Amount of combined nitric oxide or nitric oxide presented as iron nitrosyls in a blood sample is determined by directing a low power electromagnetic radiation beam at a blood sample to liberate nitric oxide gas, dissolving the liberated nitric oxide gas and electrochemically detecting amount of dissolved nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: In accord with one aspect, a microfluidic coagulation assessment device defining a plurality of microchannels is provided, wherein a blood sample is driven through the microchannels at a substantially constant flow rate and a controller is configured to, in combination with a timer and a pressure sensing device, determine a first pressure value (or flow value) at an initiation of flow, a first time (Tpg) at which a second pressure value is about twice the determined first pressure value, and a second time (Tpf) at which a third pressure value is about (1+e) times the determined first pressure value and establish a subject coagulation model predictive of channel occlusion therefrom. In another aspect, the blood sample is driven through the microchannels at a substantially constant pressure and a controller is configured to, in combination with a timer and a flow sensing device make the determination based on flow rate.

Abstract: Oxygen levels in biological tissue or systems can be measured by the phosphorescence quenching method using phosphorescent porphyrin probes, also referred to as a dendritic oxygen probes, with controllable quenching parameters and defined biodistributions. Provided are a “next generation” of oxygen sensors with substantially improved phosphorescence emission for better imaging capabilities, ease of use, increasing the quantum efficiency (phosphorescence intensity) and extending their range of applicability including constructing a class of oxygen sensors for making measurements in organic media. In addition, provided are methods for synthesizing new porphyrin constructs in which the porphyrin is made less flexible and more planar, changing with decrease internal quenching, and thereby increasing the phosphorescence emission used for oxygen sensing.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining the type and/or concentration a gaseous analyte from a set of analytes in a gaseous carrier. It comprises a housing having a passage to a cavity. A gas sensor with a heated metal-oxide sensing layer is arranged in the cavity. In order to gain a better understanding of the type of the analyte, diffusion effects are exploited by taking into account that the diffusion process through the passage as well as the catalytic reaction rate at the metal-oxide sensing layer depend on the type of the analyte. These material parameters can be determined by taking several measurements in a non-steady state of the concentration of the analyte within the cavity or while varying the reaction rate.

Abstract: Improved methods, devices, and systems for mixing fluids, including small volumes of fluid, are provided. Pressing a pipette tip against an inner surface of a mixing vessel allows pressure to be applied within the tip. Greater pressure may be built-up than would be possible without engaging the tip with the mixing vessel. Disengaging the tip allows fluid flow through the tip, providing improved fluid mixing as compared to methods lacking engagement of a pipette tip with an inner surface of a mixing vessel while applying pressure within the pipette tip. Mixing vessels having features on an inner surface that are configured to engage a pipette tip, and to occlude an orifice of a pipette tip, are provided. Sample analysis devices and systems including pipette tips and mixing vessels configured to engage each other for pressure application within the tip are provided.

Abstract: Probes for selectively detecting compounds comprising a thiol group and an amino group (“thiols”) are disclosed. Exemplary thiols include cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione. Embodiments of the disclosed probes produce a detectable change in absorbance spectrum and/or emission spectrum when reacted with one or more thiols in solution. Methods and kits for performing the detection also are disclosed. The probes have a general formula where each bond depicted as “” is a single or double bond; R1, R3-R6 and R8 independently are hydrogen, hydroxyl, thiol, lower alkyl, carboxyalkyl, amino, alkoxy, or halogen; R2 is an ?,?-unsaturated aliphatic ester; R7 is oxygen, sulfur, hydrogen, hydroxyl, thiol, lower alkyl, carboxyalkyl, amino, alkoxy, or halogen, or R7 and R8 together form a cycloalkyl or aryl ring; X1 is CH2, S, NH, O, Se, Si(CH3)2, Ge(CH3)2, Sn(CH3)2, or C(CH3)2; and X2 is CH, CH2, N, NH, or CR9 where R9 is aryl.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a measurement unit including a reagent storage capable of holding a plurality of kinds of reagents, the measurement unit configured to measure a sample by use of a plurality of kinds of reagents held in the reagent storage in combination; a memory in which a calibration curve is stored in association with a reagent set used in creation of the calibration curve; and a controller programmed to perform operations, comprising: in a case where no calibration curve corresponding to a reagent set used in measurement of the sample has been stored, storing, in the memory, information indicating that the reagent set used in the measurement of the sample has been used in measurement, and when creating a calibration curve, automatically extracting the reagent set for which no calibration curve has been stored and for which the information has been stored.

Abstract: A lancet housing assembly for use in a portable handheld medical diagnostic device for sampling bodily fluids from a skin site of a patient is provided. The lancet housing assembly comprises an outer facing side and an inner facing side. An opening is located at the outer facing side that is arranged and configured to align with a lancet port of the medical diagnostic device. A floor extends between the outer facing side and the inner facing side and having a reagent material. A lancet structure having a skin penetrating end and a blood transport portion adjacent the skin penetrating end is located in housing assembly. The blood transport portion is arranged and configured receive the amount of blood from the skin penetrating end and to carry the amount of blood away from the skin site and to the reagent material.

Abstract: This invention includes the implementation of several unconventional droplet manipulations on a superhydrophobic-patterned surface microfluidic platform, which may be applied to automated biological analyzes and point-of-care diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A corrosion resistance evaluator is provided for evaluating corrosion resistance of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies, at an accelerated rate. The evaluator includes a chamber for retaining an electrolyte that is exposed to an anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested. These anode and cathode coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes, to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The evaluator further comprises an anode holder and a cathode holder for testing the corrosion resistance of the anode and cathode coatings. The evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.

Abstract: When a STAT sample which needs to be centrifuged is inputted in the system, a measure to quickly realize centrifugation of the STAT sample is necessary. In view of the foregoing problem, the invention provides a specimen processing and conveying system in which a centrifuge module incorporated, the centrifuge module being capable of discriminating the operation status of the system at the time point when a STAT sample is inputted and the attribute of the inputted sample and starting centrifugation operation on the basis of the input interval of samples or the arrival interval at the device carrying out centrifugation, and thus capable of starting centrifugation operation quickly when a single or a group of plural samples of urgency is inputted.

Abstract: A method to measure all relevant biologic hydrogen sulfide pools, namely free hydrogen sulfide, acid-labile sulfide, and bound sulfane sulfur, has been developed. This new method involves selective liberation, trapping and derivatization of labile hydrogen sulfide. The total labile sulfide, including the contribution of the bound sulfane sulfur pool, the acid-labile pool, and free H2S, was measured by incubating the sample with a reducing agent, TCEP (Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride), to reduce disulfide bonds in an acid solution. This method was used to measure the three sulfide pools in blood samples from mice and from humans. This method can be used for research, environmental, and clinical diagnostic purposes in determining hydrogen sulfide bioavailability in biological or other samples.