Abstract: Hydrogel particles and their use in cytometic applications are described. The hydrogel particles described herein are selectively tunable to have at least one optical property substantially similar to the at least one optical property of a target cell. In this regard, the hydrogel particles provided herein in one aspect, are used as a calibration reagent for the detection of a target cell in a sample.

Abstract: A device for processing a sample comprises a blister defined by first and second walls. The first wall is flexible allowing the blister to be divided into one or more sealed regions by an external pressure applied to a portion of the first wall. The external pressure is applied in the form of a 2-dimensional shape to form a sealed region having that shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of dynamic spectroscopy and more precisely to a method involving dynamic molecules spectroscopy technology designed to determine transitional changes in molecules conformation and assemblies both in physiologic and pathologic conditions. The method comprises in vitro fingerprints of a sample taken under highly controlled temperature in order to obtain precise images of either one or an ensemble of molecular dynamics. Due to its precise information, the method according to the invention allows shortening of the drug discovery stage.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluorescent sensor agents, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In particular, sensor agents are provided that exhibit a detectable change in fluorescence (e.g., fluorescence intensity) upon alteration of the pH of the surrounding environment (e.g., upon moving from one pH environment to another).

Abstract: A method of preparing or operating a mass spectrometer vacuum interface comprising a skimmer apparatus having a skimmer aperture and an internal surface of the skimmer apparatus, comprising disposing an adsorbent or getter material on the internal surface. The internal surface has a deposition region where matter from plasma flows may be deposited and the material is disposed on part or all of the deposition region. The disposing step may be performed before a first use and/or intermittently, especially to refresh a previously disposed material. Providing such material serves to trap or collect deposition matter which might anyway be deposited but in such a way that subsequent liberation of that matter is prevented or at least reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure water content and water pH of multiphase fluid mixtures of water and oil. The apparatus employs a water content sensor containing an infrared light source and a photodetector. The pH sensor includes a pH indicator that exhibits a color change in an oleophobic coating including an image recording device. The apparatus and method may be applied to measure water fraction and pH within oil/water pipelines.

Abstract: Systems for analyte detection are disclosed. The system includes absorption channels positioned along a surface of an object. The absorption channels are configured to trap an analyte. The system further includes a sensor embedded in the object and configured to detect the presence of the analyte. The sensor includes a light source configured to transmit light and a detector configured to detect a change in an intensity of light transmitted by the light source. The sensor further includes a cable configured to connect the light source to the detector, wherein the cable comprises detection regions, and wherein the detection regions include a portion of the cable exposed to the analyte in the absorption channel.

Abstract: A sensing device for determining the presence of hydrogen peroxide is disclosed. The sensing device comprises a light guide having a distal portion terminating at a light guide tip and a proximal portion, wherein the light guide tip is proximal to a layer of Prussian blue (PB), which is pure (or essentially free of contaminants). The sensing device produces a fast linear response and is durable, due to the robustness and purity of the PB. The PB is chemically deposited proximal to, or on, the light guide tip using a single-source precursor technique. Methods of making and using the device also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide lateral flow and flow-through bioassay devices based on patterned porous media, methods of making same, and methods of using same. Under one aspect, an assay device includes a porous, hydrophilic medium; a fluid impervious barrier comprising polymerized photoresist, the barrier substantially permeating the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic medium and defining a boundary of an assay region within the porous, hydrophilic medium; and an assay reagent in the assay region.

Abstract: A system to detect the presence of a catalyst includes an exhaust gas tube, a first temperature sensing device, a second temperature sensing device, a flow rate measurement device, and a processing device. The first temperature sensing device measures a first temperature of exhaust gas upstream of the exhaust gas tube. The second temperature sensing device measures a second temperature of the exhaust gas downstream of the exhaust gas tube. The processing device estimates an expected time delay between the measured inlet and outlet exhaust gas temperatures corresponding to a system with a catalyst present. The processing device may also determine the presence of a catalyst by comparing the measured second temperature to the measured first temperature and comparing the measured second temperature to an estimated delayed first temperature associated with the expected time delay.

Abstract: Techniques for increasing the capture zone in nano and microchannel-based polymer testing structures using concentric arrangements of nanostructures, such as nanopillars are provided. In one aspect, a testing structure for testing polymers is provided that includes a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir formed in an electrically insulating substrate; at least one channel formed in the insulating substrate that interconnects the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir; and an arrangement of nanostructures within either the first fluid reservoir or the second fluid reservoir wherein the nanostructures are arranged so as to form multiple concentric circles inside either the first fluid reservoir or the second fluid reservoir with each of the concentric circles being centered at an entry point of the channel. A method of analyzing a polymer using the testing structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of an analyte is provided. The method comprises: applying an alternating voltage to a first electrode and a second electrode of a sensor in the presence of the analyte; measuring a first capacitance of the sensor in presence of the analyte; irradiating the analyte for a predetermined time period at a discrete frequency within a predetermined frequency range; measuring a second capacitance of the sensor at an end of the predetermined time period; determining a difference between the first and second capacitances; and determining the concentration of the analyte based on the difference. Also, the method includes determining a composition of an analyte. The discrete frequency is associated with the difference to determine a frequency response. The frequency response is used to determine the composition of the analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments for diodes, devices, and methods for polar vapor sensing. One embodiment of a diode includes a first electrode to which an electric field is applied; a second electrode to which the electric field is applied; and a vapor gap region between the first electrode and the second electrode. A total capacitance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode varies based on presence of a polar vapor species on at least a portion of an electrode surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method of identifying a product comprises forming a tagged product by adding to said product a tracer material comprising at least one tracer compound which is acceptable for use as an additive in food and subsequently analyzing a sample of said product to determine the presence of said tracer compound thereby to determine whether said sample is a sample of the tagged product. The method is especially useful for the identification of vegetable oil products from sustainably managed sources. The use of permitted food additives as tracers enables the product to be identified in the supply chain while also allowing it to be used safely in foodstuffs if required.

Abstract: A micro well plate is described for capturing and distributing single cells in individual wells is described, wherein at least one individual well is provided with a bottom plate having at least one pore to pass sample liquid, such that if one object or cell of interest is collected on the bottom plate of the well, the sample flow rate through that particular well is significantly reduced, minimizing the possibility that multiple cells or objects of interest entering the same well. The presented invention is particularly suited for obtaining single cells and/or microorganisms suspended in fluid samples for subsequent detailed interrogation.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for separating an analyte from a sample fluid including a series of fluidic channels including at least one first region and at least one second region. The first region includes a plurality of L-nodes, which connects to each other in series. The second region includes a plurality of R-nodes, which connects to each other in series. The first region is configured to trigger at least about one lamination process cycle for both the sample fluid and the buffer fluid and the second region is configured to trigger at least about one reverse lamination process cycle for both the sample fluid and the buffer fluid, whereby the lamination process cycle and the reverse lamination process cycle causes the analyte to diffuse to the buffer fluid from the sample fluid. A method for separating the analyte is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting and sequencing post translationally modified peptides is disclosed wherein a negative ion precursor scan is performed. A negative ion high resolution MS scan is then performed and then MRM channels in positive ion mode are determined and monitored. A positive ion MS/MS scan is then performed.

Abstract: A method of marking a hydrocarbon liquid includes the step of adding to the liquid, as a tracer compound, a compound of Formula I: wherein at least one of R1-R4 is selected from: i. a bromine or fluorine atom; ii. a partially or fully halogenated alkyl group; iii. a branched or cyclic C4-C20 alkyl group; iv. an aliphatic substituent linking two positions selected from R1-R4 in Formula I to one another; or v. a phenyl group substituted with a halogen atom, an aliphatic group or halogenated aliphatic group. The tracer compounds are resistant to removal from the fuel by chemical laundering or by contact with absorbents such as charcoal.

Abstract: A pressure reactor for treating a sample fluid includes an oven, a sample line partly arranged in the oven, and a pressure line arranged in surrounding relation to the sample line and partly arranged in the oven. The sample line has an outlet opening into the pressure line. A contamination blocking apparatus is disposed in the pressure line for forming a contamination barrier which has at least one section arranged between the outlet opening and the oven and which delimits a contamination-free region in the pressure line. The outlet opening of the sample line is arranged in the contamination-free region of the pressure line.

Abstract: A method for detecting hydrocarbons is described. The method includes performing a remote sensing survey of a survey location to identify a target location. Then, an underwater vehicle (UV) is deployed into a body of water and directed to the target location. The UV collects measurement data within the body of water at the target location, which is then analyzed to determine whether hydrocarbons are present at the target location.