Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes and devices for collecting nucleic acids of microorganisms from particulate samples.

Abstract: A system and method for organizing and evaluating different points of view on controversial topics that minimizes the ‘spin’ that typically accompanies different opinions, and also minimizes the tendency to ‘cherry pick’ issues by emphasizing only those that support a particular point of view and ignoring others. It allows these different points of view to be compared side by side, and computes the similarity between them.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for automatic categorization of documents. More specifically, the present invention provides for the automatic assignment of a set of pre-defined topics to a set of documents.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of detecting a leak of fluoroolefin compositions and sensors used therefor. In particular, the method is particularly useful for detecting a leak of a fluoroolefin refrigerant composition from a cooling system of an automotive vehicle. Such fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions have double bond structures which make them particularly well suited with sensing technologies, including: infrared sensors, UV sensors, NIR sensors, ion mobility or plasma chromatographs, gas chromatography, refractometry, mass spectroscopy, high temperature thick film sensors, thin film field effect sensors, pellistor sensors, Taguchi sensors and quartz microbalance sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and method for converting the resistances of an array of metal oxide sensors into digital signals, wherein the sensors respond to the concentration of gases surrounding the sensor array. The device includes an electronic excitation device that provides an excitation voltage to the sensors; analog-to-digital signal conversion devices that convert the resistances of the sensors to digital signals; and means for calculating gas concentrations from the digital signals.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target organism in a sample mixture comprising preparing at least one complex sample mixture, performing primer directed nucleic acid amplification of the complex sample mixture; and examining the primer directed nucleic acid amplification result to detect for presence or absence of amplification product of the target organism, wherein the presence or absence of the amplification product is indicative of the presence or absence of the target organism in the sample mixture. Preparing the complex sample mixture comprises adding to a container at least one sachet containing at least a nutrient concentrate and a sample mixture suspected of containing the target organism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a culture medium container such as a bag comprising a main compartment and a locus of containment that contains a nutrient concentrate until it is released at the time of use. The locus of containment may comprise separated compartments defined by frangible seals or seals comprising a water-reactive material. Sachets comprising frangible seals or a water-reactive material are also suitable for the locus of containment. Matrices and coatings comprising water-reactive material are also suitable. Capsules that can be pulverized and/or dissolved may also be used.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are detectable refrigerant compositions, comprising from about 0.001 to about 5 weight percent tracer compositions, which are useful to identify leaking in a vapor compression refrigeration and/or air conditioning system. The presence of the tracers make the refrigerant compositions detectable by chemo/electro-active array, corona discharge, heated diode, electrochemical, photoionization, infra red, ultrasonic and electron capture detectors.

Abstract: An online system and method for providing information products such as news articles, photos, documents, etc., to remote clients that are users of the system. The system tailors the content and price of the product for different segments of the market. For example, a news provider can sell business articles to one segment of the market for once set of prices, and sports articles to the same or another segment of the market for a different set of prices. Further, the system provides a means for delivering real time account information to the clients so that each client can know the exact status of his account, even as the client is ordering the content.