Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an electrochemical-based analytical test strip in the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes a housing, a micro-controller disposed in the housing, a test strip simulation passive circuit block disposed in the housing, and a strip port connector (“SPC”) configured to operationally receive an electrochemical-based analytical test. The test strip simulation passive circuit block is in electrical communication with the SPC and the SPC is configured in electrical communication with the micro-controller. In addition, the test strip simulation passive circuit block is configured to simulate insertion of an electrochemical-based analytical test strip into the SPC and also to simulate application of a bodily fluid sample to an electrochemical-based analytical test strip inserted into the SPC by presenting one or both of (i) an alternating current (AC) load to SPC; and (ii) a direct current (DC) load to the SPC.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring blood glucose are provided. The device includes a strip receiving part having a plurality of pins therein, the pins being arranged in such a manner that at least one of the pins contacts at least one electrode formed in a blood glucose measurement strip when the blood glucose measurement strip is inserted into the strip receiving part; and a controller configured to identify a type of the blood glucose measurement strip inserted into the strip receiving part and to control application of a testing voltage configured in response to the identified type of the blood glucose measurement strip to each pin of the strip receiving part.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base, a first electrode and a second electrode wherein a thermocouple portion is provided integral with the second electrode thereby enabling on-sensor temperature measurement capability. In some embodiments, two and only two electrical contact engagement portions are provided thereby simplifying electrical contact. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent detection systems, kits, and microfluidics devices containing same, as well as methods of production and use thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a device comprising a plurality of first reaction electrodes arranged in an array, the plurality of first reaction electrodes configured to be exposed to a solution and having a capacitance; first circuitry configured to controllably connect the plurality of first reaction electrodes to a bias source and controllably disconnect the plurality of first reaction electrodes from the bias source; and second circuitry configured to measure a rate of charging or discharging of the capacitance. Also described herein is a method of using this device to sequence DNA.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a housing containing a potassium permanganate element sandwiched between two polytetrafluoroethylene elements, a carbon element, a polytetrafluoroethylene element located adjacent to the carbon element, a sensing electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode with attached current collectors, and an electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the detection, quantification and/or monitoring of analytes. The systems and methods can be used, for example, to rapidly monitor gases downhole in a well.

Abstract: A sensing electrode for sensing a predetermined gas component of a measurement gas, which is provided in a mixed-potential gas sensor that measures the concentration of the predetermined gas, component, is formed of a cermet containing a noble metal and an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte. The noble metal comprises Pt and Au. An Au abundance ratio, which is an area ratio of a portion covered with Au to a portion at which Pt is exposed in a surface of noble metal particles forming the sensing electrode, is 0.3 or more.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: The described embodiments may provide a chemical detection circuit. The chemical detection circuit may comprise a column of chemically-sensitive pixels. Each chemically-sensitive pixel may comprise a chemically-sensitive transistor, and a row selection device. The chemical detection circuit may further comprise a column interface circuit coupled to the column of chemically-sensitive pixels and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the column interface circuit. Each column interface circuit and column-level ADC may be arrayed with other identical circuits and share critical resources such as biasing and voltage references, thereby saving area and power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for low-power sensing, for example, sensing of chemical or biochemical analytes in a gas or liquid phase are disclosed. One aspect relates to the use of a thin continuous film without grain boundaries as a sensing layer in devices for sensing a predetermined analyte and to low power devices having such sensing layer. The sensing layer has a surface exposed to the analyte. The electrical impedance of the sensing layer changes upon adsorption of the predetermined analyte on the exposed surface of the sensing layer. The sensing layer may have a thickness in the range between about 1 nm and 100 nm, such as between about 1 nm and 30 nm. The sensing layer may be an amorphous layer.

Abstract: A single molecule filter includes: a membrane including: a first surface; a second surface; and a membrane aperture disposed in the membrane and traversing the membrane from the first surface to the second surface, the membrane aperture provided to communicate a single molecule across the membrane; and a nanotube disposed on the membrane and including: a first end disposed on the first surface of the membrane; a second end disposed distal to the first surface; and a tubular aperture extending along the nanotube from the first end to the second end, the tubular aperture provided to communicate the single molecule from the second end of the nanotube to the membrane aperture.

Abstract: A fixed value residual stress test block, comprising a main body (1) and two welded blocks (2); the main body (1) and the welded blocks (2) are all rectangular metal blocks; the welded blocks (2) are welded onto the two opposite side surfaces of the main body (1); the main body (1) is deformed under the upper and lower pressures and generates residual stress. The fixed value residual stress test block has a simple structure.

Abstract: A change in a surface of a wall is detected by transmitting a pulse of input ultrasonic vibrations into a proximal surface of the wall and then receiving ultrasonic vibrations from that proximal surface. The received ultrasonic vibrations are compared with a previously detected pulse of output ultrasonic vibrations that have been received from the proximal surface in order to identify, for example, a time of arrival of a current pulse of output ultrasonic vibrations. The time of arrival of this current pulse of output of ultrasonic vibrations may be used to detect a change in the surface of the wall, such as a change in the thickness of the wall. Other embodiments can detect a change in the roughness profile of the wall using changes in the received ultrasonic vibrations other than arrival time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device that has high accuracy with respect to frequency and sensitivity and that can achieve a reduction of crosstalk is provided. A substrate of an ultrasonic device has a first surface and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and has a first opening and a second opening that are separated from each other by a wall portion. A first vibration film and a second vibration film that close the first opening and the second opening, respectively, are disposed on the first surface of the substrate. A first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element are provided on the first vibration film and the second vibration film, respectively. A recess that opens in the second surface of the substrate is demarcated in the wall portion.

Abstract: A probe, including a first input configured to receive a first input signal, a second input configured to receive a second input signal, a first cable connected to the first input, a second cable connected to the second input, an electronically adjustable delay connected to the first cable, the electronically adjustable delay configured to delay the first input signal to remove a skew between the first input signal and the second input signal, and an amplifier configured to receive the first input signal from the electronically adjustable delay and a second input signal.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to gaseous mercury detection systems, calibration systems, and related methods. The gaseous mercury detection systems are configured to detect gas-phase mercury-compounds present in ambient air. For example, the gaseous mercury detection systems collect gas-phase mercury-compounds from ambient air and release the gas-phase mercury-compounds at concentrations capable of being measured by a gas-chromatography mass spectrometer without heating the gas-phase mercury-compounds above a decomposition temperature of at least one gaseous mercury compound that may present in the mercury-containing gas. The calibration systems are configured to determine an accuracy of or calibrate a gaseous mercury detection system. The disclosed calibration systems may be integrated with or distinct from the gaseous mercury detection systems disclosed herein.

Abstract: Regarding a chromatogram data processing device configured to process three-dimensional chromatogram data collected on a target sample in which dimensions are made up of time, wavelength, and absorbance, and the chromatogram data processing device includes a differential spectrum generating means configured to generate a differential spectrum that represents a change in a wavelength differential coefficient, which is a differential coefficient in a wavelength direction in a predetermined wavelength range, based on the three-dimensional chromatogram data, with respect to an absorbance spectrum representing a relation of the wavelength and the absorbance at each time in an entire temporal range or a predetermined temporal range, and a determination means configured to determine whether or not one or plural other components are included in a peak of a target component, based on a temporal change in a waveform of the differential spectrum, so that the determination on whether or not a target sample includes impur

Abstract: To enhance the efficiency in the operation of checking a plurality of mass spectra acquired by measuring MSn (n is an integer equal to or more than two) of a sample containing an unidentified component under a plurality of measurement conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for quantitation of amines in hydrocarbon stream. More specifically, the disclosure relates to rapid, precise and highly-sensitive methods for quantitating hydrogen sulfide-scavenging amines in crude petroleum oil or refinery streams.

Abstract: An automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature, a multi-range concentration feature, a single calibration feature and a barrier circuit feature. The automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature includes a transmitter having a transmitter microprocessor that provides an initial voltage to a sensor having a sensor microprocessor. As the voltage changes a correction signal is relayed from the sensor microprocessor to the transmitter microprocessor. The correction signal is used to adjust the voltage applied to the sensor. The multi-range concentration sensor feature includes an amplifier associated with the sensor/microprocessor to create gain settings used to optimize sensor resolution by changing a gain value for the sensor. This enables use of a single sensor for a variety of different concentration ranges.

Abstract: Multi-functional piezo-actuated flow control systems and methods for use in gas exchange analysis systems such as photosynthesis measurement systems. A fluid valve assembly module includes a housing structure including a plurality of ports and a plurality of fluid passageways interconnecting the ports, and a plurality of piezo-actuated valves in fluid communication with the fluid passageways, each valve including a piezo element that controls flow along a passageway, wherein the passageways and valves are arranged within the housing structure so as to define a fluid control module, which includes a flow swapping component, a flow splitting component and a flow pressurization component.

Abstract: A module gathers information about water quality indicators in the air above water in a water well and in the ambient air outside the water well. The module sends the information to a database. A detector tracks the substances present inside and outside the well and how it changes over time.

Abstract: A fryer includes a fryer pot, a filter pan connected to the fryer pot by a drain conduit and a return conduit forming a filtration loop, a cooking oil quality sensor being in the filtration loop, and a controller that controls operation of a filtration cycle of the fryer. The filtration cycle has a circulation sequence and a fill sequence. The circulation sequence circulates cooking oil through the filtration loop and the fill sequence fills the fryer pot with the cooking oil from the filter pan. The controller stops the fill sequence after filling the fryer pot with a predetermined amount of cooking oil during a partial fill and resumes the fill sequence after a predetermined amount time elapses to complete the fill sequence. The cooking oil quality sensor measures a cooking oil quality to obtain a cooking oil quality measurement during the predetermined amount time.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining active ingredients of herbal medicines including identifying organic sources and catalytic (mineral) pathways to produce such active ingredients.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for collecting data related to a water quality sample location. Identifying information of a water quality sample container is electronically obtained, and identifying information of a water quality sample location is electronically obtained. There is placed, in the container, a water sample from the water quality sample location. There is stored the identifying information of the water quality sample container and the identifying information of the water quality sample location; such storing includes associating the identifying information of the water quality sample container and the identifying information of the water quality sample location. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein, including methods and arrangements for validating water quality sample data.

Abstract: An apparatus for the characterization of respirable aerosols, including: a burn chamber configured to selectively contain a sample that is selectively heated to generate an aerosol; a heating assembly disposed within the burn chamber adjacent to the sample; and a sampling segment coupled to the burn chamber and configured to collect the aerosol such that it may be analyzed. The apparatus also includes an optional sight window disposed in a wall of the burn chamber such that the sample may be viewed during heating. Optionally, the sample includes one of a Lanthanide, an Actinide, and a Transition metal.

Abstract: An internal inspection light system for a fuel water separator bowl of a fuel filtration system is disclosed. The internal inspection light system includes an assembly body, a compartment, and a light source. The assembly body is configured to attach to the fuel water separator bowl. The compartment includes a compartment wall extending from the assembly body with at least a portion of the compartment wall being formed of a material such that sufficient light can pass through the compartment wall to illuminate the fuel water separator bowl, and a compartment cap connected to the compartment wall distal to the assembly body. The light source is located within the compartment.

Abstract: A fluid measurement system and method for determining component mixtures flowing in a conduit such as an oil well. The system includes a sensor wire for location in a well bore; a signal generator for injecting a high frequency signal along the wire; a data acquisition unit to record first reflected signals received from the wire; a system criteria unit to maintain a data set relevant to the system, and a processor unit operable to act upon the first reflected signals and the data set to establish an output indicative of component fluid within the well bore from which the mixture of fluids flowing within the well bore can be determined. An iterative process can be used with waveguide and probabilistic models.

Abstract: A sensor includes a detection portion and an output portion. The detection portion is made of a material that changes in accordance with a ratio of an actual amount of water to an amount of water causing a phase separation in an alcohol containing fuel. The output portion is configured or programmed to output a signal in accordance with a change of the detection portion.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness during synthesis of polymers and/or colloids, including postpolymerization modifications on natural and synthetic polymers, includes providing a reactor in which the polymers and/or colloids are synthesized; and providing a means of monitoring the stimuli responsiveness of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, the method also includes monitoring the evolution of the characteristics of the polymers and/or colloids during said synthesis. Preferably, evolution of polymer and/or colloid stimuli responsiveness is correlated to the evolution of the properties of the polymers and/or colloids themselves. Also, preferably the conditions of the fluid in the reactor in which the synthesis occurs is determined. The determination can be by detection, choice of materials and temperature conditions, for example, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Optoelectronic control of solid-state nanopores and applications thereof. Nanopores are extremely sensitive single-molecule sensors. Electron beams have been used to fabricate synthetic nanopores in thin solid-state membranes with sub-nanometer resolution. Methods for controlling the translocation speed of biopolymers through solid-state nanopores and methods for unblocking clogged pores by illuminating nanopores are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nutrition and health. In particular, the present invention relates to trimethylamine as a biomarker in urine of the efficacy of prebiotics for the prevention of diet induced weight gain.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nutrition and health. In particular, the present invention relates to indoxyl sulfate as a biomarker in urine of the efficacy of prebiotics for the prevention of diet induced weight gain.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nutrition and health, particular, the present invention relates to alpha-keto-isovalerate as a biomarker urine of the efficacy of prebiotics for the prevention of diet induced weight gain.

Abstract: An assembly for testing platelet aggregation including an electrode subassembly that is mounted in a cuvette subassembly for use with relatively small samples containing platelets.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an exhaled breath of a subject is described. A breath collector can be configured to receive exhaled breath from a subject. One or more sensors can be configured to output a concentration of a first gas compound in the received exhaled breath, and to output a concentration of a second gas compound in the received exhaled breath. The second gas compound is used to normalize the concentration of the first gas based on different physiological states of the subject. A processor operably coupled to the one or more sensors is configured to calculate a ratio of the first gas compound to the second gas compound based on the determined concentrations, and to determine a normalized concentration of the first gas compound. This ratio may be monitored to evaluate an inflammatory state of the subject.

Abstract: A replaceable alcohol sensor module for use with a breathalyzer. The alcohol sensor module requiring calibration can be removed from the body of the breathalyzer and replaced with a new alcohol sensor module. The replaceable alcohol sensor module has at least an alcohol sensor and an adapter that removably connects the replaceable sensor module to the breathalyzer. The adapter transmits the electrical current generated by the alcohol sensor to a processor of the breathalyzer for processing. The alcohol sensor and the adapter are mounted on a printed circuit board to provide the replaceable sensor module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide having antagonist activity against SP, pain control activity, anti-inflammation activity, and anti-pruritic activity. The present invention further provides a method for searching for a therapeutic agent for pain, a therapeutic agent for inflammation, and a therapeutic agent for pruritus using G protein coupled receptor (GPR) 83, which is an HK-1 specific receptor.

Abstract: There are provided methods for detection and measurement of stress in a cell, the method including introducing a labeled tRNA into the cell and detecting a change in subcellular localization of the labeled tRNA in the cell, based on the signal emitted from the labeled tRNA. There are further provided methods and systems for the generation of a stress index of a living cell. There are further provided methods and systems for detection of stress in a living cell, comprising detection of changes in subcellular localization of labeled tRNA in a cell, wherein the detection is performed in real time.

Abstract: A complete remedy for AIDS is difficult to obtain. As such, a useful process was designed to search for an anti-HIV1 agent that has an immuno response modification activity capable of releasing immuno suppression, activating killer cells to destroy persistent infection cells, elevating antibody titer to activate ADCC activity, and vice versa. The process consists of 4 elements: guinea pig or mouse peritoneal derived adherent macrophages/monocytes as effector cells; cyclophosphamide as an immuno suppressor; chicken RBC as target cells; and the anti-HIV1 agent candidate to be examined. Immunovir and components were isolated from Pyrus serotina Rehder and other species of Rosaceae by column chromatography. Another useful process is the comparison of fluorescent antibody titer patterns among one round, two round, and non-medicated infected monkeys. The results of such processes can show that the anti-HIV1 agent, such as these immunovirs, are noble candidates for the complete remedy of AIDS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to generating hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and embryoid bodies that recapitulate the disease phenotype of Long QT Syndrome and their use in developing pharmacological treatments thereof. The present invention also includes the use of a compound which inhibits the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for the preparation of a medicament for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease associated with prolonged ventricular repolarization (cardiac arrhythmia) caused by one or more mutations in the amino acid sequence of the hERG potassium channel.

Abstract: Information on cytokines and cytology obtained from a biological specimen are combined as a method of predicting the risk that dysplasia will progress to cancer. Methods are disclosed herein to augment the evaluation of biological samples from subjects being tested for cancer. In addition to the cell types that are traditionally considered in the morphology-based cytological screening of specimens, methods disclosed herein add evaluations of certain cell types and cytokines that are traditionally discounted or ignored during screening.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the maturation state of mammalian sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is disclosed. A mammalian ejaculate is provided and incubated under controlled conditions. Aliquots of the ejaculate are assayed during incubation period at intervals to determine maturation state and changes in the maturation state by observing the percent positive cells in the aliquot. The assays are repeated with successive aliquots at intervals during incubation to observe real time changes in the maturation state. The ejaculate remaining is processed for the desired ART after the percentage of positive cells in the latest aliquot being assayed begins to decline.

Abstract: The invention provides serum-based, diagnostic, biological assays for predicting disorders of pregnancy resulting from poor trophoblast and/or placental ischemia, including preeclampsia. Serum samples from such subjects exhibit an ability to disrupt the architecture involving fetal trophoblasts and maternal endothelial cells in a three-dimensional, dual cell co-culture system provided herein, in contrast to normal pregnancy serum samples. Based on these distinctions, the assays are employed to predict pregnancy outcomes as early as first trimester.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising a food product, non-pathogenic microorganism, kits, methods of diagnosing a tumor in a subject, methods of quantifying the number of cancer cells in a cell sample, and methods of detecting a cancer cell, cancer tissue, or cell associated with a hyperproliferative disorder. In some embodiments, the method comprises a step of detecting the presence or absence of a modified substrate or portion thereof in urine of an animal without an instrument and solely by visual inspection of the urine.

Abstract: A recessed portion and a protruding portion arranged periodically are formed on a base portion. In the recessed portion, an antibody that binds to an antigen existing on a surface of each exosome to be detected is immobilized and then caused to bind to the exosomes. The width of the protruding portion is smaller than the average particle diameter of the exosomes.

Abstract: Dispensing devices and methods are provided. The dispensing devices can include a first dispensing station arranged on a periphery of a holding unit for dispensing a first reaction component, and a second dispensing station arranged on the holding unit for dispensing a second reaction component. The first reaction component and the second reaction component are dispensed. Operations on the holding unit are not affected by dispensing of the first reaction component, improving test efficiency. Because reaction containers do not need to be transferred out of the holding unit to dispense the second reaction component, test processes are simplified, In addition, the dispensing unit is not restricted to being arranged around the holding unit, and the first dispensing unit and second dispensing unit are arranged separately, so restriction of and interference with the dispensing units are avoided.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a method for enhancing detection of an analyte that is bound to a substrate comprising a signal amplification layer on a surface of the substrate, wherein the signal amplification layer comprises high-amplification regions and low-amplification regions, and the high-amplification regions amplify signals at said surface more than the low-amplification regions. The method comprises selectively masking the low-amplification regions of the substrate, thereby increasing the probability that an analyte will bind to a high-amplification region and be detected.