Abstract: A method including providing time series structural response data from a structure. A plurality of linear surrogate data series is generated from the time series structural response data. A first generalized correlation function is estimated for each linear surrogate data series of the plurality of linear surrogate data series to generate a confidence interval. The same correlation function is estimated for the time series structural response data. The output of the generalized correlation function applied to the structural response data is compared to the confidence interval. A damage-induced nonlinearity in the structure is indicated when the output of the generalized correlation function applied to the structural response data is outside of the confidence interval.

Abstract: A method including providing time series structural response data from a structure. A plurality of linear surrogate data series is generated from the time series structural response data. A first generalized correlation function is estimated for each linear surrogate data series of the plurality of linear surrogate data series to generate a confidence interval. The same correlation function is estimated for the time series structural response data. The output of the generalized correlation function applied to the structural response data is compared to the confidence interval. A damage-induced nonlinearity in the structure is indicated when the output of the generalized correlation function applied to the structural response data is outside of the confidence interval.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of bacteria in a platelet or red blood cell sample is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: lysing a substantial portion of the platelets or red blood cells; staining the bacteria using a membrane permeable nucleic acid stain; filtering the sample using a membrane filter with a suitable pore size so that a material containing the stained bacteria is retained on the membrane filter; and analyzing the material retained on the membrane filter using epifluorescence microscopy and/or digital image acquisition and analysis to determine the presence of bacteria in the sample. The method allows the detection of bacterial contamination in platelets or red blood cells at clinically significant levels in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of bacteria in a platelet or red blood cell containing sample is disclosed. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: lysing a substantial portion of the platelets or red blood cells; staining the bacteria using a membrane permeable nucleic acid stain; filtering the sample using a membrane filter with a suitable pore size so that a material containing the stained bacteria is retained on the membrane filter; and analyzing the material retained on the membrane filter using epifluorescence microscopy and/or digital image acquisition and analysis to determine the presence of bacteria in the sample.