Abstract: A mobile computing device includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip. The mobile computing device further includes processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, the processing circuitry being configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The mobile computing device further includes an interface in communication with the processing circuitry, the interface being configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.

Abstract: A selective microbial detection device and methods of use are provided. The device includes a water-proof pouch that includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a porous membrane filter disposed in the pouch between the first and second wall portions. The filter membrane divides the pouch into first and second compartments. The microbial detection device also includes an effective amount of a dry nutrient disposed in the first compartment, which contains sodium lauryl sulfate in an amount of 1.75 milligrams or greater per twelve square inches of the first wall portion. A dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the pouch in the first compartment and an absorbent pad is disposed in the second compartment. A sealable sample port provides access to deposit a liquid into the first compartment.

Abstract: A reader device includes a camera board, processing circuitry in communication with the camera board, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera board is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera board, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip.

Abstract: A reader device includes a camera board, processing circuitry in communication with the camera board, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera board is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera board, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The interface is configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mobile computing device (902) physically coupled to a lightbox (904). The apparatus includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip (410) inserted into a receiving slot of the lightbox. The apparatus further includes processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, the processing circuitry being configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The apparatus further includes an interface in communication with the processing circuitry, the interface being configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a mobile computing device (902) physically coupled to a lightbox (904). The apparatus includes camera hardware, processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera hardware is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip (410) inserted into a receiving slot of the lightbox. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The interface is configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.

Abstract: A device includes camera hardware configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip, and processing circuitry configured to determine, based on the image data, respective intensities of a control line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, a hook line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, and a test line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a relative intensity between the test line and at least one of the hook line or control line using the respective intensities, and to detect, based on the relative intensity, a presence of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip.

Abstract: In a method for laser fusion cutting in particular a plate-shaped workpiece, preferably with a thickness D of at least 1 mm, a laser beam and a cutting gas, in particular nitrogen, at a cutting gas pressure are directed at the workpiece surface by a convergent cutting nozzle. The laser power is at least 6 kW and the cutting nozzle has a nozzle end face on the workpiece side. A distance A between the nozzle end face and the workpiece surface during the cutting operation is 2 to 8 mm. The cutting nozzle has a nozzle channel with a diameter dD at the nozzle end face on the workpiece side of 1.5 to 4 mm. The cutting gas pressure before emergence from the cutting nozzle is 15 to 30 bar. This makes it possible to achieve high productivity along with a reduced risk of collision, i.e. higher process reliability.

Abstract: A method for determining a minimum width of a microjoint by which, when machining a workpiece, in particular a sheet-like workpiece, a workpiece part remains connected to a remaining workpiece of the workpiece. In the method, the minimum width of the microjoint is determined in dependence on at least one machining parameter which influences a relative position of the workpiece part in relation to the remaining workpiece during the machining of the workpiece. A further method determines an attachment position of such a microjoint and a still further method machines the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for cutting machining of a plate-shaped workpiece, including determining the position of the support points either by measuring or inferring the position of the support points and/or the relative position of the workpiece, establishing starting-point-free regions, establishing end-point-free regions, establishing starting-point-free and end-point-free regions depending on the inferred or measured position of the support points and/or the relative position of the workpiece, establishing a grid of possible starting points and end points, omitting the starting-point-free and end-point-free regions determined in advance, either calculating a torque in a stabilizing and/or tilting direction or calculating a tilt height and/or a tilt depth for each of the points on the grid, setting a priority of points on the grid, transmitting the priority of points to a route planning means of the cutting head, and selecting one of the points on the grid and carrying out the cutting machining.

Abstract: A selective microbial detection device and methods of use are provided. The device includes a water-proof pouch that includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a porous membrane filter disposed in the pouch between the first and second wall portions. The filter membrane divides the pouch into first and second compartments. The microbial detection device also includes an effective amount of a dry nutrient disposed in the first compartment, which contains sodium lauryl sulfate in an amount of 1.75 milligrams or greater per twelve square inches of the first wall portion. A dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the pouch in the first compartment and an absorbent pad is disposed in the second compartment. A sealable sample port provides access to deposit a liquid into the first compartment.

Abstract: A method of enumerating gas-producing coliform bacteria present in a cultured dairy product is provided. The method can comprise forming a mixture that comprises a predefined quantity of the dairy product and a predefined volume of a diluent; inoculating a thin film culture device with the mixture to form a hydrogel comprising a nutrient medium for growing coliform bacteria, an effective concentration of lactose, and an effective concentration of MOPS; incubating the inoculated thin film culture device under conditions that facilitate growth of a coliform bacterium; and identifying and counting a gas-producing colony present in the inoculated culture device.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Shigella or Cronobacter microorganism. The method comprises providing a culture device with a selective culture medium and a detection article comprising a first indicator system.

Abstract: An article for detecting Salmonella microorganisms is provided. The article comprises a highly selective nutrient medium and a plurality of indicator systems. A method of using the article to detect Salmonella microorganisms is also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Salmonella microorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by ?-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.

Abstract: A latent effervescent body comprising a selective agent is disclosed. A method of using the latent effervescent body in a method to selectively enrich a target microorganism is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a sample, a culture medium, and the latent effervescent body. The method further comprises contacting the sample, the culture medium, and the latent effervescent body under conditions to facilitate growth of the target microorganism. The method further comprises releasing the selective agent from the latent effervescent body. Optionally, the method includes detecting a microorganism.

Abstract: Method for cutting a planar and/or metal workpiece along a predefined cutting contour using a laser beam and a cutting gas emitted from a nozzle, wherein the laser beam makes a recess in the workpiece so as to form a recess hole (on the cutting contour or at least partly close to the cutting contour. At least two machining parameters are continuously modified during formation of the recess hole, and/or at least one machining parameter is continuously modified on a switch path between the recess hole and an endpoint lying on the cutting contour.

Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods and systems are implemented for forming a through hole in a workpiece using a laser beam and a process gas, such as oxygen or nitrogen, coming from a gas nozzle. A hole is formed in the workpiece using the laser beam and a process gas emerging from a gas nozzle, such that the formed hole extends only partially through the workpiece. A bulge deposited while forming the hole partially through the workpiece is removed from the workpiece surface by directing a flow of gas through the nozzle toward the workpiece surface as the nozzle is moved with the laser beam switched off, the flow of gas being delivered to the nozzle at a higher pressure than the process gas is delivered to the nozzle during forming the hole partially through the workpiece. Then, the hole is fully pierced through the workpiece by the laser beam using the process gas.

Abstract: A method of enumerating gas-producing coliform bacteria present in a cultured dairy product is provided. The method can comprise forming a mixture that comprises a predefined quantity of the dairy product and a predefined volume of a diluent; inoculating a thin film culture device with the mixture to form a hydrogel comprising a nutrient medium for growing coliform bacteria, an effective concentration of lactose, and an effective concentration of MOPS; incubating the inoculated thin film culture device under conditions that facilitate growth of a coliform bacterium; and identifying and counting a gas-producing colony present in the inoculated culture device.