Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A lead fixation and stability feedback assembly for testing stability and anchoring of a fixation tip of a distal end of an implantable lead to a tissue is disclosed. The assembly includes a first member including a first coupling arrangement configured to couple to a proximal end of an implantable lead, wherein the proximal end of the implantable lead is coupled to a distal end of the implantable lead configured to be anchored to a tissue, and a second member including a second coupling arrangement configured to couple the first member to the second member, the second coupling arrangement configured to decouple the second member from the first member when a predetermined force is applied to pull the second member away from the first member to thereby test the anchoring of the distal end of the implantable lead to the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing are provided to test the durability and resilience of crib mattresses and other child development surfaces. The testing apparatus is configured to provide a movable fixture for imparting repeated force to a mattress. The fixture can include a pair of feet formed thereon to mimic the pressure profile provided by a toddler standing or jumping on a crib mattress. The method provides for the cycling of the apparatus over a predetermined time period and the determination of the deflection of the surface after the time period.

Abstract: A particle size distribution measuring system 1 sets a reference voltage in a DMA 300 to a voltage value U, and executes the classifying of aerosol particles based on electrical mobility, in an electric field to which the voltage value U is supplied. When a predetermined condition is not satisfied, an analyzing device 600 causes a sum of the voltage value for the previous classifying (previous value) and the voltage value U to be re-set in the DMA 300 and causes the classifying of the aerosol particles to be executed again. A particle measuring device 400 defines a first measurement result as a measurement result M1, and defines a result of the re-measurement as a new measurement result Mx every time the measurement is thereafter repeated.

Abstract: There is provided a microparticle analysis apparatus including a light detection unit configured to detect forward-scattered light generated from a microparticle that is an analysis target. The light detection unit includes a circuit having a high-pass filter that removes low frequency noise included in light entering the light detection unit and switches to the high-pass filter according to a predetermined frequency of the forward-scattered light.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for detecting objects in samples. The sample is held in the transmission path of light from a light source to a detector, whereby light from the light source interacts with objects in the sample. The patterns of light incident on the detector subsequent to its interaction with the objects are directly used to determine the presence of objects in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for evaluating corrosion resistance of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies at an accelerated rate. An anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested are exposed to an electrolyte in a chamber of a corrosion resistance evaluator. These coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The coated cathode/anode pair is subject to a start-up period followed by series preset DC voltages modulated in triangular, truncated triangular or trapezoidal manner for preset durations that are interspaced with recovery periods. The impedance data collected are then used to arrive at the corrosion performance resistance of the coating applied over the cathode/anode pair. The foregoing evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the interaction of a disinfecting composition with a floor wax. The method include coating a surface with floor wax, allowing the coating to dry, applying a selected amount of disinfecting composition to the coated surface, and measuring, after a pre-determined amount of time, the tack of the surface, by using a controlled force measurement inverted probe machine. A detectable amount of tack indicates that the disinfecting composition has interacted with the floor wax. Alternatively, any tacky residue on the dried product surface may be sampled and analyzed by Fourier transform spectroscopy. Absorption at a wavelength associated with the floor wax indicates that the product has interacted with the floor wax. A foamable disinfecting composition having reduced interaction with floor wax is also provided.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus includes a blood purification instrument for extracorporeally circulating blood of a patient and a concentration detector detecting a concentration of liquid flowing during blood purification. The concentration detector has a light emitter irradiating light onto said liquid, a light receiver receiving light from the light emitter transmitted through said liquid, and a detector detecting the received light intensity received by the light receiver. The concentration detector detects the concentration of the liquid based on the received light intensity and can be calibrated by adjusting an amount of irradiation by the light emitter so that the received light intensity has a predetermined value.

Abstract: A chemical composition analyzer may be used to optically determine and report chemical compositions associated with gases within a gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This analyzer includes a number of optical sensors which may be used to perform spectroscopic spectrographic analysis in order to determine the chemical composition of the gas. Additionally other sensors may be used to measure other physical properties associated with the gas. These sensors are tied to a data collection system wherein the output of the optical sensors and sensors used to measure the physical properties of the gas may be combined and processed in order to determine in a nearly continuous fashion the chemical composition associated with the gas at various locations within the gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This real time compositional analysis may be used to determine valuations of the gas or to optimize other processes or equipment configurations.

Abstract: In a gas phase analyte testing method a laser beam is generated using a laser beam from a laser gain medium located within an external laser cavity. A gain parameter of the laser gain medium is changed so that the laser gain medium emits across a range of wavelengths in response to the change. The beam is passed through a test sample as the gain parameter is changed, the test sample being positioned inside the external laser cavity. A change in the spatial or spectral mode distribution or dynamics of the laser emission spectrum is detected. It is then determined whether the change in the spatial or spectral mode distribution or dynamics of the laser emission spectrum is caused by the test sample.

Abstract: A refractive index measurement apparatus includes a light source, a measurement cell including a sample as an object of refractive index measurement and diffracting light incident from the light source, a detector that detects the amount of diffracted light in at least one diffraction order other than zero order of diffracted light exiting from the measurement cell, and a control unit that determines refractive index of the sample based on the measured value of the amount of diffracted light by the detector. The measurement cell includes two substrates disposed so as to be opposed to each other and a diffraction grating disposed between the two substrates, and the diffraction grating has a plurality of members whose width decreases stepwise as approaching from one of the substrates to the other of the substrates, the sample being filled in the space between the substrates not occupied by the diffraction grating.

Abstract: A solid-state photodetector with variable spectral response that can produce a narrow or wide response spectrum of incident light. Some embodiments include a solid-state device structure that includes a first photodiode and a second photodiode that share a common anode region. Bias voltages applied to the first photodiode and/or the second photodiode may be used to control the thicknesses of depletion regions of the photodiodes and/or a common anode region to vary the spectral response of the photodetector. Thickness of the depletion regions and/or the common anode region may be controlled based on resistance between multiple contacts of the common anode region and/or capacitance of the depletion regions. Embodiments include control circuits and methods for determining spectral characteristics of incident light using the variable spectral response photodetector.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of free and bound SO2 in a liquid beverage product sample comprising a sample container having a volume sufficient to provide a headspace above the sample into which a gas can pass; a gas flow system adapted to extract gas from the headspace and recirculating it back into the liquid volume; a measurement system configured to monitor a time dependent evolution of SO2 in gas from the gas flow system; and a dosing apparatus fluidly connected to the container to supply an hydrolysis reagent thereto. A heater unit is provided for supplying thermal radiation into the container to elevate the temperature of sample therein sufficient to facilitate the hydrolysis reaction and a signal processor operates to deconvolute the monitored evolution to generate an indication of the concentration of each of the free SO2 and the total SO2 content of the sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic filter is disclosed. The filter can be used with onchip fluid filtration such as whole blood filtration for microfluidic blood analysis. The filter is able to filter the necessary volume of fluid and in particular blood in an acceptable time frame.

Abstract: A rapid diagnostic system that delivers a panel of serologic assay results using a small amount of blood, serum, or plasma is described. The system includes a disposable cartridge, including an integral lens portion coupled to a planar waveguide, and a reader instrument, based on planar waveguide imaging technology. The cartridge incorporates a microarray of recombinant antigens and antibody controls in a fluidic channel, providing multiple parallel fluorescence assay results for a single sample.

Abstract: Obtaining two spectra from the same sample under two different conditions at about the same time for comparison, where at least one of the spectra measures magnitudes of electromagnetic radiation on at least four different ranges or weightings of wavelengths or frequencies. Classifying a sample using these spectra obtained by a user, and using spectra obtained from different samples by different users to identify the sample. Computing correlations between data related to food and ingredient consumption by one or more users over time, and data related to passive personal log data, user entered feedback, user interaction data or personal information related to those users, and detecting: foods or ingredients to which a user may be allergic or intolerant; a possible medical condition of a user; a possible link between food and ingredient consumption and a medical or health condition; or a similarity between at least two such users.

Abstract: A scattering spectroscopy nanosensor includes a nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate to produce an optical scattering response signal indicative of a presence of an analyte when interrogated by an optical stimulus. The scattering spectroscopy nanosensor further includes a protective covering to cover and protect the nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate. The protective covering is to be selectably removed by exposure to an optical beam incident on the protective covering. The protective covering is to prevent the analyte from interacting with the nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate prior to being removed.

Abstract: In a method for the spectral analysis of a metal coating layer deposited on the surface of a steel strip, the strip is moved along an arc of the outer surface of a rotating roller with a cylindrical wall guiding the strip by contact. An ablation laser beam is guided into an internal cavity of the cylindrical wall to be placed in optical incidence under a normal axis on the outer surface of the roller on a targeted contact point of the strip and the roller. The beam passes through the wall via a wall opening, which is transparent to the beam. A plasma spectral emission distribution from the laser ablation to the contact point is collected by optical feedback in the direction of the normal axis on the outer surface of the roller and through the opening in order to be guided towards a spectral measurement unit. The normal axis on the outer surface for the optical incidence and feedback is placed in synchronous rotation with the roller.

Abstract: A device for determining a concentration of at least one gas in a sample gas stream includes an analysis chamber, a detector, and a connecting channel. The analysis chamber is configured to have the sample gas stream and a reaction gas stream be introduced therein. The sample gas stream and the reaction gas stream are mixed to a gas mixture which reacts so as to emit an optical radiation. The detector is configured to measure the optical radiation. The connecting channel is configured to connect the analysis chamber to the detector. The connecting channel is configured as a light conductor extending from the analysis chamber to the detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems and devices for a photonic crystal combinatorial sensor. The photonic crystal sensor may include an array of photonic crystal materials, wherein each photonic crystal material has a reflected wavelength in a respective initial wavelength range. At least one a first one of the photonic crystal materials may be configured to have a response to an external stimulus different from at least a second one of the photonic crystal materials, the different response resulting in a change in the reflected wavelength of the first photonic crystal material that is an optically detectable difference from the second photonic crystal material. The optically detectable difference may provide an optically detectable response pattern of reflected wavelengths in the array. The sensor may be reversible and reusable.

Abstract: In a focal position adjusting method for an inspection apparatus, the inspection apparatus includes an illumination optical system and an imaging optical system configured to perform a defect inspection of a pattern formed in a sample using an image imaged on a first sensor. The focal position adjusting method includes illuminating the light from the first light source on the sample after transmitting the light through a first slit disposed in the illumination optical system. The light from the first light source is condensed into a second sensor disposed in the imaging optical system. A light intensity distribution of a pupil of the illumination optical system is observed. The focal position of the illumination optical system is adjusted by obtaining each light quantity of the front focus and the rear focus of the image of the first slit projected on the sample based on the light intensity distribution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating the ability of a tire to clean its tread is provided. For example, an apparatus (100) and method for evaluating the ability of a tire to eject materials such as e.g., mud from its tread during use is provided. Samples (10) of a subject test pattern are rotated at predetermined rpm profile. A camera (170) captures the effect of centrifugal forces on the materials during rotation, which in turn may be used to compare how differences in tread patterns impact the ejection of materials (15) from the tread during use.

Abstract: A method is provided for characterizing a mask having a structure, comprising the steps of: —illuminating said mask under at least one illumination angle with monochromatic illuminating radiation, so as to produce a diffraction pattern of said structure that includes at least two maxima of adjacent diffraction orders, —capturing said diffraction pattern, —determining the intensities of the maxima of the adjacent diffraction orders, —determining an intensity quotient of the intensities. A mask inspection microscope for characterizing a mask in conjunction with the performance of the inventive method is also provided.

Abstract: An X-ray anti-scatter grid having thinner X-ray opaque layers, smaller X-ray opaque diameters, greater aspect ratio, lower weight and improved image resolution is disclosed. A method of forming the X-ray anti-scatter grid is disclosed that includes a set of hollow X-ray transparent glass capillary tubes that are fused together, with an X-ray opaque layer thick enough to block X-rays at a specified energy inside the capillary tubes. The capillary tubes provide the high aspect ratio and light weight, while the X-ray opaque layer is provided by a deposition process that has features similar to atomic layer deposition (ALD). The high aspect ratio and thin layers improves resolution and decreases image artifacts, and large area X-ray anti-scatter grids are provided by aligning the axis of the an X-ray opaque layers to the X-ray source.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technique provides a method and apparatus for use in modulated X-ray harmonic detection and identification. More specifically, it specifies a X-ray backscatter imaging system using radio frequency modulation of the incident X-ray beam at two frequencies and detection patterns in the backscattered signal corresponding to harmonics of the modulation frequencies.

Abstract: A foreign matter detector includes an X-ray source which irradiates a sample moving in a constant direction with primary X-rays, a parallel two-dimensional slit which includes a plurality of slits arranged in at least a moving direction of the sample and emits parallel secondary X-rays by extracting a parallel component of secondary X-rays generated from the sample, a dispersing element which disperses the parallel secondary X-rays to obtain a specific X-ray fluorescence, a TDI sensor which receives the X-ray fluorescence, and a control unit which controls the TDI sensor to detect a foreign matter corresponding to the X-ray fluorescence. The control unit integrates a luminance value of the X-ray fluorescence received by the TDI sensor while matching a direction and a speed of charge transfer of the TDI sensor to a direction and a speed of movement of the sample.

Abstract: Certain embodiments herein are directed to a differential scanning calorimeter comprising a sample holder thermally coupled to a first furnace, a reference holder thermally coupled to a second furnace, and a processor electrically coupled to the first furnace and the second furnace, the processor configured to receive data during a scan of a sample to provide a heat flow trace and further configured to subtract a calculated baseline from the heat flow trace, the calculated baseline comprising the sum of an isothermal baseline function, a scanning baseline function and a transient baseline function. Calibration methods are also described.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system for optimizing a composite system by electrically monitoring the reactive and physiological behavior of the resin binder in a composite system, so as to develop the desired properties of the resin during the cure process. A method of manufacturing a composite part can include assembling a composite preform with a resinous material and an open circuit. Further, the method can include subjecting the composite preform to a curing cycle so that a resin in the resinous material melts and closes the open circuit. Further, the method can include electrically monitoring a current through the resin during the curing cycle. Further, the method can include selectively controlling a manufacturing variable in response to the step of electrically monitoring the current through the resin.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: A method and an automated system for discriminating bulk liquid from foam and/or residuals of the bulk liquid of a sample contained in a sample vessel are presented. A probe having an electric capacitance is provided and moved into the sample. Consecutive steps of charging and at least partially discharging the probe to generate a discharging current is repeatedly performed. A quantity indicative of the discharging current for the consecutive steps of charging and at least partially discharging the probe is measured. The quantity is analyzed to determine an electric resistance (Rmess) of the sample via the probe. The bulk liquid is discriminated from the foam and/or the residuals of the bulk liquid based on a change of the electric resistance (Rmess) of the sample occurring when the probe contacts the bulk liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring a component in blood, by which an amount of the component can be corrected accurately by measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of the blood with high accuracy and high reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The method of measuring a component in blood using a biosensor comprising a first electrode system including a first working electrode on which at least an oxidoreductase that acts upon the component and a mediator are provided and a first counter electrode and a second working electrode on which the mediator is not provided. The first working electrode and the first counter electrode are used for obtaining the amount of the component and the second working electrode and the first working electrode are used for obtaining the amount of the blood cells.

Abstract: An electrochemical ethylene sensor and method for ethylene sensing are disclosed. In one aspect, an electrochemical ethylene sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode on an electrically insulating substrate. An ionic liquid layer covers the working electrode and counter electrode. In one method, a voltage is applied to the working electrode which is equal to or lower than the voltage required for the onset of oxidation of the material of the working electrode, for example, in the range spanning 700 mV before the onset of oxidation of the material of the working electrode.

Abstract: In a gas sensor, a ratio A2/A1 defined by a ratio of an opening area A1 per first inner gas hole and an opening area A2 per second inner gas hole is set to higher than or equal to 0.9 and lower than or equal to 3.8 and, more preferably, to higher than or equal to 1.5 and lower than or equal to 1.9. Accordingly, adhesion of water to a sensor element can be sufficiently prevented. In addition, a ratio B2/B1 defined by a ratio of a total opening area B1 of the first inner gas holes to a total opening area B2 of the second inner gas holes is set to higher than or equal to 0.85 and, more preferably, higher than or equal to 1.5. Accordingly, adhesion of water to the sensor element can be more reliably, effectively prevented.

Abstract: A biological sample measuring device in which a deposited biological sample is introduced into a capillary, a biological sample measuring sensor in which a reagent and the biological sample provided is mounted, and the biological sample is measured. The biological sample measuring device comprises a mounting portion, a voltage application section, and a detection component. The biological sample measuring sensor is mounted to the mounting portion. The voltage application section applies a measurement voltage to a plurality of electrodes disposed along the capillary. The detection component eliminates the effect of seepage of the biological sample by pass-around at the end of the capillary, or the effect whereby the plasma component seeps into the reagent, and detects the degree to which the biological sample is introduced into the capillary, based on the output result for the voltage applied by the voltage application section to the electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated self-compensation are described herein. Accordingly, some embodiments of a method may include measuring a signal from an electrochemical sensor device, where the signal relates to the presence of a predetermined gas, and where the electrochemical sensor device includes a potentiostat, measuring an internal property of the electrochemical sensor device by electronically pinging the potentiostat, and receiving a response from the potentiostat. In some embodiments, the method may include interpreting the response through an associative relationship between the electrochemical sensor device and a data acquisition and calculation module, determining an effect of an environmental factor from the response, compensating for effects of the environmental factor by adjusting the signal from the electrochemical sensor device and outputting the adjusted signal.

Abstract: The present application provides a rotary testing apparatus for use with a work piece. The rotary testing apparatus may include a rotor, a probe, and a lifting unit for maneuvering the probe about the work piece. The lifting unit may include a hydraulic lifting mechanism and a counterweight mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of electrically conductive components is described. The described apparatus comprises a sensor module having a magnetizer unit suitable for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component and an eddy current probe. The variable DC magnetic field and eddy current probe are configured to perform a partial saturation eddy current test upon the test component. The eddy current probe further comprises a magnetic field sensor that provides a means for measuring the permeability within the test component. Employing the magnetic field sensor provides apparatus that is more accurate and flexible in its modes of operation since such sensors provide a means for the actual permeability of a material being tested to be measured. The described methods and apparatus find particular application in the inspection of tubular components used in the oil and gas exploration and production industries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a dimension of a defect in a component is disclosed. A linear array of acoustic transducers is used to propagate a focused ultrasonic beam along a first focal line. The focused ultrasonic beam is moved across the defect in a first array direction substantially perpendicular to the first focal line. The dimension of the defect is determined from at least one reflection of the focused ultrasonic beam from the defect as the focused ultrasonic beam moves across the defect.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing method is provided. The ultrasonic method includes non-destructively testing a test object with an ultrasound generated by an ultrasound probe, continuously circulating a liquid coupling medium outside of the test probe before and/or during non-destructively testing the test object, branching a part of the liquid coupling medium off from the circulation, and feeding the branched liquid coupling medium to a coupling chamber arranged between the ultrasound probe and the test object.

Abstract: A connector is used to connect a conduit to a threaded orifice of a fluidic component, such as a component of an apparatus for chromatography. The connector includes a flexible fitting, a deformable fitting, and a compression fitting. The flexible fitting fixes the position of the conduit with respect to the threaded orifice. The deformable fitting provides a fluid-tight seal between the fluidic conduit and the threaded orifice. The compression fitting includes an external-thread portion for attachment to the orifice, to urge the flexible fitting toward an outer surface of the fluidic conduit, and to urge the deformable fitting toward both the outer surface and the orifice, a cam portion in mechanical communication with the flexible fitting via a through-hole in the external thread portion, and a graspable portion in rotatable communication with the cam portion.

Abstract: The present development is a kit and a method for easily determining the presence of lead on a surface. The kit provides a rhodizonate salt and an aqueous acid mixed together in a container that can deliver a liquid product as a fine particle spray. In a preferred embodiment, the rhodizonate salt is sodium rhodizonate and the aqueous acid is aqueous acetic acid. The method includes mixing sodium rhodizonate and aqueous acetic acid and then delivering it to a surface as a fine particle spray, and monitoring any change of color on the treated surface.

Abstract: A moisture content level certification system and method involves taking moisture content measurements within a structure and issuing a certificate of moisture content level. Moisture content level pass/failure certifications may also be issued.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to microfluidic devices for measuring platelet coagulation, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluidics device includes an array of microstructures including pairs of generally rigid blocks and generally flexible posts. The fluidics device further includes at least one fluid channel configured to accept the array. The fluid channel is configured to induce fluid flow of a biological sample, such as whole blood, through the array. The fluidics device can further include a detection component configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more of the flexible posts in the array. In some embodiments, the fluidics device comprises a handheld device and usable for point of care testing of platelet forces and coagulation.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with tools for the quality control and safety during manufacture of neurotoxins. In particular, it relates to a method for the determination of the amount of partially processed and/or unprocessed Botulinum neurotoxin A polypeptide (BoNT/A) in a solution comprising processed and partially processed and/or unprocessed BoNT/A comprising the steps of contacting a sample of the solution with a capture antibody which specifically binds to the partially processed and unprocessed BoNT/A under conditions which allow for binding of the antibody to the partially processed and unprocessed BoNT/A, whereby a complex is formed, and determining the amount of the formed complex, whereby the amount of the complex is indicative for the amount of the partially processed and/or unprocessed BoNT/A in the solution. Moreover, the present invention contemplates a device and a kit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipoparticles. The invention also relates to producing lipoparticles. The invention further relates to lipoparticles comprising a viral structural protein. The invention further relates to a lipoparticle comprising a membrane protein, and the lipoparticle can be attached to a sensor surface. The invention further relates to methods of producing and using the lipoparticle to, inter alia, assess protein binding interactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for isolating human forkhead box P3 (Foxp3+) CD4+ regulatory T cells (herein referred to a Foxp3+ Treg cells) from a sample containing (i) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), (ii) a lymphocyte containing fluid, or (iii) a lymphocyte containing tissue, a kit for isolating human Foxp3+ Treg cells, and the use of anti-CD49d antibody for the isolation of human Foxp3+ Treg cells.

Abstract: A composition for breast cancer diagnosis using a material specifically binding to a polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) or a fragment thereof, and a method for detecting breast cancer or acquiring information for breast cancer diagnosis using the composition.

Abstract: We describe a method of generating a classification model capable of distinguishing between two biological states, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a training dataset, X, comprising concentrations of a plurality of lipids in a biological sample in a first state and a biological sample in a second state; (b) subjecting the training dataset X to Principal Components Analysis (PCA), in which the PCA analysis generates a transformation matrix, C, and a transformed dataset, Yl; (c) subjecting the transformed dataset Yl to Support Vector Machines (SVM) analysis, in which the SVM analysis generates a SVM model, S; (d) forming a classification model comprising (i) the transformation matrix C, and (ii) the corresponding SVM model S.