Abstract: A method for operating a resonant measurement system has at least one: adjustment device, electric actuation device, electromagnetic vibration generator, vibrating element, and vibration recorder. The adjustment device generates an output signal to trigger the electric actuation device, the electric actuation device provides an electric excitation signal to the electromagnetic drive, the electromagnetic drive excites the vibrating element to the same vibration in at least one normal mode, and the excited vibration is sensed by the vibration recorder and is output as an output signal. To approach, maintain and readjust a resonant point as an operating point of the resonant measurement system, the phase difference between the output signal of the vibration recorder and the adjustment device output signal is acquired, an adjustment deviation is calculated from a predefined phase difference and the acquired phase difference, and the adjustment deviation provided to the adjustment device as an input signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to the monitoring of the integrity of casing, tubing and other strings in oil and gas wells. The technical result of this invention consists in increased accuracy and trustworthiness in detecting and locating transverse and longitudinal defects in well completion components and downhole equipment, in both the magnetic and non-magnetic first, second and other metal barriers. Electromagnetic defectoscopy in multi-string wells includes measuring EMF induced in a coil by eddy currents generated in metal barriers by the decay of the electromagnetic field produced by magnetization current pulses in the coil. A series of pulses of fixed duration in the range of 0.1-1000 ms is fed to each exciter-and-pickup coil to sequentially magnetize all metal barriers starting from the nearest one, with pulse durations increasing for each next barrier. The recorded data are saved and processed by comparing them with model data, and the processing results indicate detects in the metal barriers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection tool has a chassis with a two part body, an aperture for providing a clear line of sight between an array and a workpiece, and a series of feet for sliding along the workpiece.

Abstract: Described is a method of generating a flow having a composition gradient such as a mobile phase gradient for liquid chromatography. A pair of pumps is operated such that the initiations of pump strokes for one pump are controlled to occur between the initiations of pump strokes for the other pump so that the sequences of pump strokes fort the two pumps are interspersed in time. Initiations of the pump strokes of the second pump are offset in time relative to initiations of the pump strokes of the first pump such that variations in the flow rates of the first and second pumps due to initiation do not overlap in time. The volume of liquid contributed by a pump stroke is controlled according to the relative contribution of the respective pump to the composition gradient.

Abstract: A chromatography column (2) containing a bed of packed particles (22, 24, 26, 28, 30), wherein the packed particles comprise fused core particles and the particle diameters of the packed particles vary along the column. Preferably, the particles (2, 24, 26, 28, 30) are arranged according to their average particle diameter, in order of increasing average particle diameter from the inlet end (4) to the outlet end (6). The bed may comprise a plurality of bed sections and each bed section has an average particle diameter calculated from the particles in that section and there are at least two different average particle diameter bed sections, wherein the particles of each bed are separated from particles of an adjacent bed by a partition that is liquid permeable to allow through a flow of mobile phase. A high column efficiency can be provided with lower pressure drop per unit length of the column.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a chromatography analysis column, the resulting column, and a device comprising such a column.

Abstract: There are provided a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometry method which can realize shortening of the measurement time and reduction of the consumption of a sample. Ions, in which the intensity distribution forms a peak waveform at both of each retention time and each mass-to-charge ratio (peaks P11, P21, P22 and P32) are detected as MS/MS precursor ions based on three-dimensional information of a retention time, a mass-to-charge ratio and an intensity. Whether or not MS3 analysis is performed for each ion is determined beforehand based on whether or not the isotopic distributions of a plurality of ions are superimposed at each retention time rt1 to rt3. Ions (peaks P21 and P22) for which MS3 analysis is performed and ions (peaks P11 and P32) for which MS3 analysis is not performed can be hereby determined at the time the MS spectrum is measured to detect MS/MS precursor ions.

Abstract: Every time a target sample is injected from an injector (12) of an LC unit (1) and a mass spectrometry for a target component in the sample is performed, a CD voltage applied to a conversion dynode of an ion detector (29) is switched. For each of the multiple CD-voltage levels, a data collector (32) collects noise data during a period of time where no component is present and intensity data of an ion originating from the target component, while the SN ratio calculator (33) calculates an SN ratio. After the actual measurement is completed, an optimum CD voltage determiner (34) compares the SN ratios calculated for each CD voltage, finds the CD voltage which gives the highest SN ratio, and stores this voltage in an optimum CD voltage memory (42) as an optimum CD voltage for the analysis conditions at that point in time and for the m/z of the analysis target.

Abstract: The electronic device includes at least one sensor configured to detect air flow in from outside of the electronic device, and a plurality of openings formed in the electronic device. Further, the electronic device includes a duct formed between the at least one sensor and at least one of the plurality of openings. A method for operating an electronic device having at least one sensor configured to detect air flow in from outside includes detecting a motion of the electronic device by using a motion sensor, recognizing a pattern of the detected motion, and activating a foreign matter removing unit when the recognized pattern corresponds to a predefined first motion pattern.

Abstract: This application discloses a method and an apparatus for the measurement of gases in hydraulic fracking sites, comprising a gas sensor, a computer, and a correction factor wherein the correction factor is applied to the observed gas reading to generate a more accurate reading of the gas level at the site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include integrated systems and methods of evaluating cannabis and cannabinoid products for public safety, quality control and quality assurance purposes for research and public use purposes. Embodiments of the invention facilitate suppliers and consumers of a cannabis and/or cannabinoid product to evaluate the origin, efficacy, potency, and quality of the product. Embodiments of the invention also include cannabis processing center where samples of the products are analyzed for research studies to test and set parameters for third parties. Embodiments of the invention include, for example, analyzing cannabis products to determine quality and quantity of desired components and undesired components, determining concentrations of cannabinoids in the product, and comparing measures of components in the product against regulations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for characterizing eggshells of eggs, the eggs being supported, comprising:—deforming the eggshell,—scanning the eggshell with a laser beam of a Self Mixing Laser Vibrometer (SMLV) with scanning signals, whereby a reflection light signal of reflection light is obtained,—processing scanning signal and the reflection signal with the SMLV, whereby a mixed signal with crack information is obtained,—during scanning moving the eggs relative to the SMLV,—comparing the signals with preset criteria and characteristics of such eggs, whereby comparative data are obtained, and—characterizing the eggshells on the basis of the comparative data.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems for determining oil viscosity based on biodegradation are described. A chemical signature of oil obtained from a subterranean zone is received. An amount of bacteria associated with oil in the zone based on the chemical signature of the oil is received. Using an empirical relationship relating oil viscosities to amounts of bacteria, an oil viscosity that is empirically related to the amount of bacteria is identified. The identified oil viscosity for the oil is provided, for example, in response to input requesting oil viscosity.

Abstract: The stability of an oil-based fluid crude oil fluid may be determined by measuring a first RI value of the crude oil that does not comprise a solvent where the first RI value is used to determine a first solubility parameter therefrom. A second RI value may be taken from the crude oil at a point of asphaltene flocculation during a turbidimetric flocculation titration. The second RI value may be used to determine a second solubility parameter. A process for refining the crude oil may be controlled by maintaining the process or implementing a change to the process based on a ratio of the first solubility parameter to the second solubility parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes for accurate quantitation of naphthenic acids in liquid samples. The method allows efficient identification as well as quantitation of NA species based on carbon number and ring structure, but requires no chemical modification or extraction of the sample allowing a rapid throughput. Reverse phase liquid chromatographic separation of the sample minimizes (or eliminates) matrix suppression effects to allow detection of all NAs present in various samples by mass spectroscopy with superior detection thresholds that are as much as 350-fold lower than conventional methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems for accurate quantitation of naphthenic acids in liquid samples. The system allows efficient identification as well as quantitation of NA species based on carbon number and ring structure, but requires no chemical modification or extraction of the sample allowing a rapid throughput. Reverse phase liquid chromatographic separation of the sample minimizes (or eliminates) matrix suppression effects to allow detection of all NAs present in various samples by mass spectroscopy with superior detection thresholds that are as much as 350-fold lower than conventional systems.

Abstract: Using a substrate with at least one optical waveguide structure integrated thereon for the optical inspection of a moving textile material. A scanning region is provided on the substrate for optically scanning the textile material. The optical waveguide structure opens at least partly into the scanning region. The device arranged in this manner requires little space, can be used in a versatile manner and can be changed or maintained with very little effort.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a target biological material from a biological sample. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in isolated target biological material from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the predisposition of a subject to cancer or other disease states characterised by free radical induced DNA damage such as COPD or asthma and identifying those with undiagnosed cancer. The method is able to utilise whole blood from a subject and is based on exposing the samples to different levels or intensities of electromagnetic radiation, preferably by altering the distance between the source of radiation and the sample.

Abstract: A breath test system is provided comprising a sensor unit configured to sense the presence or concentration of a volatile substance present in air flowing through a predefined inlet area, and generate a signal corresponding to the concentration of said substance. Also provided is an apparatus configured to detect the presence of a person in the vicinity of said input area, and registering said presence, and configured to respond by delivering an output. This apparatus includes a unit configured to call for immediate attention of said person, and upon registration of the presence of said person, provide instructions to said person to direct an expiratory air flow towards said inlet area. An analyzer to determine breath substance concentration of said person is also provided, the determination based on said signal corresponding to the substance concentration.

Abstract: A method for determining the systems biology state of an animal, which comprises determining levels of small molecules covalently bound to macromolecules (CBSM) in samples from that animal, and using said levels to determine the risk, diagnostic state and progression of disease in that animal. A therapy development method for determining the structure of covalently bound molecules and their precursors and modifying the sources and mechanisms causing such binding to reduce disease risk and progression.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, systems and compositions comprising cell culture analog systems, comprising components which optionally comprise biologically functional cells, and the components and systems function similarly to in vivo conditions.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods are provided that rapidly separate particles from a liquid. In an embodiment, a small volume of liquid (such as a blood sample, or any other solution with a concentration of particles) is input into a flow device implemented as a unilateral channel. When activated by an acoustic energy source (such as an ultrasound pulse), gas-liquid interfaces naturally occurring between the liquid in the flow device and a plurality of gas-filled cavities that line the channel will oscillate and create stable cavitation streaming within a localized region of the surrounding liquid. These oscillations create micro-vortices that gently remove and trap particles and debris from the liquid and adjacent surfaces. Fluid and particle manipulation can thus be accomplished on a passive, disposable chip that is placed on top of an external acoustic transducer with a coupling medium.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying agents capable of modulating cap-dependent RNA translation by comparing translation efficiency in the presence and absence of the agent in an in-vitro or in-vivo translation system that comprises eIF4A and an mRNA having one or more eIF4A-dependent translation-controlling motifs. The modulation of translation in the presence of the agent indicates the agent as capable of modulating cap-dependent mRNA translation. The method can be used to identify anti-cancer agents and oncogenes that may be responsible for tumorigenesis.

Abstract: There is provided an in vitro assay for screening a test compound for toxicity in renal proximal tubular cells. The method comprises contacting a test compound with a test population of renal proximal tubular cells; and examining one or more cell morphology features, examining one or more cytoskeleton features, and/or determining cell numbers of the renal proximal tubular cells in the test population and comparing such cell morphology, arrangement of cytoskeletal components and/or cell count with the respective features of a control population. A change in one or more cell morphology features, a change in arrangement of one or more cytoskeleton features or a decrease in cell numbers of the test population relative to the control population is indicative that the test compound is toxic for renal proximal tubular cells.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper3) are disclosed. The CatSper3 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper3 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper3 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper3, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper3-mediated disorders, including infertility. Related business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally features methods for providing engineered pluripotent stem cells that can be used to study biological response and pathways, including differentiation and drug effects. For example, these cells are provided comprising two or more exogenous expression cassettes including a selectable or screenable marker under the control of different condition-responsive regulatory elements, such as differentiation-responsive promoters or regulatory element of a receptor, drug target, drug metabolizing enzyme or signaling pathway gene. Also provided are sets of stem cell lines each comprising a different exogenous expression cassette including a selectable or screenable marker under the control of a different condition-responsive regulatory element.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, methods, a system, and kits for detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in samples, such as samples of water including but not limited to waste water treatment plant effluent, using a live-cell fluorescence-based nuclear translocation reporter system. Upon binding of a ligand to a fluorescent-labeled reporter protein, the protein (and therefore the fluorescence) is translocated in a ligand level-dependent manner from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of live mammalian cells; this translocation is detectable as diffuse (cytoplasmic) fluorescence converting to localized, brightly fluorescent nuclei. The described kits can be used to reliably detect very low levels of EDC contamination, including in high throughput analysis systems as described.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper1) are disclosed. The CatSper1 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm and to be necessary for sperm motility. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper1 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper1 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper1, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper1-mediated disorders, including infertility.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening a compound that can increase spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers. The compound is identified by contacting Ephexin5 with a test compound and selecting the compounds that inhibit Rho GEF activity of Ephexin5. Additionally, the invention also provides methods for increasing spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers by contacting a neuron with an Ephexin5 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of obtaining, recovering and culturing pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from an individual patient, subjected to a right heart catheterization in regard to diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. These isolated pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from an individual patient may be utilized to generate cellular phenotyping profile for the cell population, allowing generation of a personalized pharmacotherapy regime to assist the clinician in treatment and prognosis of the disorder for an individual patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitative identification of distinctive cellular events occurring in a cell population using a non-fluorescence approach.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing porous noble metal oxide nanoparticles, comprising the following steps: a) preparing an Olea Europaea fruit extract; b) preparing an Acacia Nilotica extract; c) mixing the Olea Europaea fruit extract and the Acacia Nilotica extract for preparing a mixed extract; d) providing an aqueous solution containing a noble metal compound dissolved therein; e) mixing the mixed extract obtained in step c) and the aqueous solution of step d); f) dropping a solution of sodium chloride to be mixture of step b); d) drying the mixture, in air or by vacuum, and h) calcining at a temperature between 100 to 900° C., to get the porous noble metal oxide nanoparticles; porous noble metal oxide nanoparticles obtained thereby and their use.

Abstract: Fluorescent quinolizinocoumarin compounds substituted with electrophilic reactive groups that bind thiol compounds are described. The compounds are useful in detecting oxidative stress and processes associated therewith in live cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for drug discovery. In particular the present invention provides a method of identifying compounds capable of binding to a functional conformational state of a protein of interest or protein fragment thereof, said method comprising the steps of: (a) Binding a function-modifying antibody to the target protein of interest or a fragment thereof to provide an antibody-constrained protein or fragment, wherein the antibody has binding kinetics with the protein or fragment which are such that it has a low dissociation rate constant, (b) Providing a test compound which has a low molecular weight, (c) Evaluating whether the test compound of step b) binds the antibody constrained protein or fragment, and (d) Select a compound from step c) based on the ability to bind to the protein or fragment thereof.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and a two-chamber apparatus are provided for use in the separation of a biological substances type from a complex liquid mixture utilizing buoyant microbubble compositions.

Abstract: An analytical processing and detection device is described which comprises a rack capable of holding at least one reaction receptacle, at least one magnetic unit for exerting a magnetic field on at least one reaction receptacle comprising magnetic particles in a fluid, wherein said at least one magnetic unit is reversibly or irreversibly connected to said rack, and wherein said magnetic field causes the magnetic particles to be sequestered to the side walls of said at least one reaction receptacle, and a detection unit for detecting a signal in the fluid in said reaction receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a PIVKA-II measurement method that achieves better serum-plasma correlation than conventional methods, and a reagent and a kit therefor. The PIVKA-II measurement method according to the present invention comprises measuring PIVKA-II in a sample by an immunoassay using a mixture of an anti-F1 antibody that specifically binds to prothrombin fragment F1 or an antigen-binding fragment thereof and an anti-F2 antibody that specifically binds to prothrombin fragment F2 or an antigen-binding fragment thereof; and an anti-PIVKA-II antibody that specifically binds to PIVKA-II or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for determining insulin resistance and/or pancreatic ?-cell dysfunction in a subject. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating a subject according to the insulin resistance and/or pancreatic ?-cell dysfunction in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microparticles for analyzing biomolecules, a biomolecule analysis kit comprising the microparticles, and a method for analyzing biomolecules using the analysis kit, the microparticles for analyzing biomolecules comprising: a core including at least one selected from among an optical expression substance, a metallic material, and a magnetic material; a silica coating layer formed on the core; and at least one binding means, linked to the silica coating layer, for binding to an analysis subject biomolecule, wherein the optical expression substance is a fluorescent or a luminescent.

Abstract: An analysis carrier for trapping a biologically active substance includes a carrier body having a carrier surface on which one or more polymers are immobilized. The polymer includes a first repeating unit and a second repeating unit, the first repeating unit has a side chain including a functional group of a betaine structure, and the second repeating unit has a side chain whose terminal group is an active ester group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for detecting target molecules using an optical sensor element comprising a photonic crystal constituted by a membrane of a chosen transparent material, being provided with a number of defined openings in a chosen pattern, a chosen number of said openings providing a capture molecules having a high affinity to said target molecules, the pattern being adapted to provide resonance at a chosen wavelength, or range of wavelengths. The system and method also moving a first fluid flow containing target molecules through said openings and after this conducting a second fluid flow containing a second reactant being different from said capture molecules but having a high affinity for the target molecules but a low affinity for other possible molecules in said first flow.

Abstract: There is method for detecting the presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample comprising the steps of: allowing an inorganic fluorescent particle to conjugate with a detection biomolecule that is bound to said target analyte, if present in said sample, said target analyte additionally being bound by a capture biomolecule immobilized on or within a nanostructure; and detecting the fluorescence emitted by said inorganic fluorescent particle, said nanostructure being capable of generating a surface plasmon resonance effect when excited by a light source to substantially increase the fluorescence emitted by said inorganic fluorescent particle, wherein the detected fluorescence indicates the presence of said target analyte in said sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing plasma and/or serum of a test subject for determining the pathology or onset risk of acute coronary syndrome, including (1) a step of measuring a soluble amyloid ? precursor protein (sAPP) 770 level of plasma and/or serum of a test subject; and (2) a step of relating the plasma and/or serum sAPP770 level(s) measured in (1) to the pathology or onset risk of acute coronary syndrome.

Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of assaying biological samples for the presence of antibodies or antigens indicative of infection by a bacterium of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Also included in the invention are devices that can be used in carrying out these methods. The methods and devices may be used to help identify subjects that have Lyme disease.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the diagnosis or detection of infection by a pathogen that causes Lyme disease in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell wall C-polysaccharide antigen of Streptococcus pneumoniae which contains not more than 10% by weight of protein, and preferably less which has been purified with 0.1N Na OH prior to deproteinizing. Also disclosed are polyvalent antibodies raised against Streptococcus pneumoniae which have been affinity purified by passing them over a chromatographic affinity matrix to which is coupled the purified and at least partially deproteinized antigen to render them antigen-specific.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of visualizing a plurality of cell types in a microscopic multicell tissue sample comprising cells of at least one particular cell type as well as cells of at least one confounding cell type, wherein cells of said at least one particular cell type and cells of said at least one confounding cell type both comprise a second cell marker and cells of the confounding cell type also comprise a first cell marker not present in cells of the at least one particular cell type, comprising the steps of exposing the cells of the sample to a first molecular detection means specifically binding to the first cell marker and having a detection enzyme; generating a blocking polymer within or around cells having the second cell marker by a reaction catalyzed by a detection enzyme on said first molecular detection means; exposing the cells of the sample to a second molecular detecting means comprising a fluorochrome, said second molecular detecting means specifically binding to said second cell