Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is to extract multiple ionic species in a FAIMS into one or more IMS drift tubes simultaneously. By adjusting FAIMS operational parameters, ions in FAIMS are detected on IMS detectors through separation in FAIMS and/or separation and collection in the IMS. This method provides a continuous separation of specific ions from an ion swarm by employing a high-field differential mobility analyzer (FAIMS) with a plurality of orthogonal transitions paths spaced incrementally along the electrodes which allow additional separation by a conventional IMS drift tube. The components of the sample can be collected or detected.

Abstract: To provide a discharge ionization current detector 3, where a partition 13a in which a through hole for penetrating a tubule 24 for introducing a sample gas is created is provided between a collector electrode 20 and an outlet for discharging a gas 26 so that a gas for generating plasma that has been generated by electrodes for discharge 15, 16 and 17 passes through a gap between the through hole and the tubule 24 so as to be directed towards the outlet for discharging a gas, and thus, the air that has entered from the other side 25 of the partition cannot pass through the through hole in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An inspection tool for the non-destructive testing of a test component made of an electrically conductive material is described. The inspection tool employs movably mounted permanent magnets, which provides a means for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component, and eddy current probes so as to provide a means for performing a partial saturation eddy current test upon the test component. The eddy current probe preferably comprises an integrated magnetic field sensor which increases the accuracy and flexibility of the modes of operation of the described apparatus and methods. The described apparatus and methods are particularly suited for the inspection of tubular components that are often remotely located within the oil and gas exploration and production industries.

Abstract: A pipe processing device provided with a subject insertion body (1) includes an insertion end portion (2) that is provided on a front side of the subject insertion body inserted into the pipe and is formed on an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the pipe, an axial ultrasonic sensor (21) that transmits and receives a sonic wave in an insertion direction with respect to a front end of the insertion end portion, a radial ultrasonic sensor (22) that transmits and receives a sonic wave in a direction intersecting a center axis at a side portion of the insertion end portion, and a control unit that controls the movement mechanism according to detection results of the axial ultrasonic sensor and the radial ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A bubble reduction device, chromatography device, bubble reduction method and bubble reduction program capable of reducing bubbles in an eluent. Included are a liquid accommodation portion, a liquid supply apparatus, an air layer formation apparatus, a first channel and an evacuation portion. The liquid accommodation portion accommodates a liquid that is to elute an analysis component from a specimen adsorbed to an adsorption portion. The liquid supply apparatus, by operation of a rod pushing up and polling down, sucks and discharges the liquid through an aperture portion of a tube portion, the aperture portion being oriented upward. The air layer formation apparatus forms an air layer in the tube portion. The first channel connects the liquid supply apparatus with the liquid accommodation portion. The evacuation portion is connected to the first channel via a first switching valve and evacuates the air layer through the first channel.

Abstract: An automated system for handling components of a chromatographic system, comprising: one or more trap columns each having sorbent material therein; a robotic system for moving a trap column from a storage position to an operating position where the trap column is connected in a liquid pathway along which solvent is flowed in operation to a liquid chromatography (LC) column; and an optical sensor for sensing one or more parameters of the trap column. Sensed parameters can include: a presence or absence of a trap column in the operating position, a position or orientation of the trap column, a fluid level in the trap column, the presence and position of a sorbent material in the trap column, the condition of the trap column and/or whether the trap column is new or used.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for gas detectors and methods for their preparation and use. Some embodiments provide for a gas detection film including an insulating base layer, a conducting layer including a plurality of conductive clusters having a known degree of percolation below a percolation threshold; and a non-conductive reactant layer between the insulating base layer and the conducting layer. Some embodiments described in this document also provide for methods of making a gas detection film, methods of detecting a detectable gas, and kit for detecting a detectable gas. In some embodiments, the detectable gas may include mercury vapor, water vapor, formaldehyde or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for measuring the hydration profile of seeds during Soaking. In some example embodiments, the volume change of irregular-shaped seeds during soaking is measured as the difference in the volume for a given chamber and the volume of water to fill a chamber with seeds at pre-defined time intervals. A device according to some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept includes a soak chamber to hold the seed, a water bath as a source of the input water, and a measuring tank where the water volume can be determined with a level sensor. The soaking temperature is maintained constant by water baths with a circulating tank surrounding the soak chamber to reduce heat loss.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a replaceable sensor module and an assembly housing. The assembly housing contains an assembly housing processor and an electrical connector connected to the processor. The replaceable sensor module has an enclosure adapted to be mounted in a position to sense a process variable, a process variable transducer positioned in said enclosure so as to be exposed to the process variable, and a non-volatile memory having stored therein specific profiling data for the sensor module. The assembly housing processor has data representing a desired sensor assembly output characteristic, and is responsive to receipt of specific profiling data and to the data representing the desired sensor assembly output characteristic to calibrate the sensor assembly to provide the desired sensor assembly output characteristic when connected to the sensor module having the specified profiling data. Radial and axial seals are provided for the openings in the assembly housing.

Abstract: An apparatus may be configured to test a beverage, the apparatus may include but is not limited to, a beverage container that may be configured to hold a beverage, wherein the beverage container may include a material. An indicator may be chemically bonded to at least a portion of the material of the beverage container, wherein at least the portion of the material of the beverage container may include the indicator, wherein the indicator may be associated with at least part of a brand profile to identify a brand of the beverage, wherein the indicator may visibly react when the indicator is contacted with the beverage to show whether the beverage may be identified as the brand of the beverage, and wherein the visible reaction may be shown on at least the portion of the material of the beverage container via the indicator chemically bonded to at least the portion of the material of the beverage container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dissolution testing of active substances in various dosage forms is provided. The apparatus has filtration cells equipped and configured to simulate bodily functions, operate continuously and facilitate testing various types of dosage forms including, but not limited to, tablets, capsules and those having non-disintegrating substrates.

Abstract: A method and device for the detection of low-level harmful substances in a large volume of fluid comprising using a concentrator system to produce a retentate and analyzing the retentate for the presence of at least one harmful substance. The concentrator system performs a method comprising pumping at least 10 liters of fluid from a sample source through a filter. While pumping, the concentrator system diverts retentate from the filter into a container. The concentrator system also recirculates at least part of the retentate in the container again through the filter. The concentrator system controls the speed of the pump with a control system thereby maintaining a fluid pressure less than 25 psi during the pumping of the fluid; monitors the quantity of retentate within the container with a control system, and maintains a reduced volume level of retentate and a target volume of retentate.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing lost circulation materials (“LCMs”) for use in a formation is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a LCM cell that contains at least one formation simulation component. A pressurized tank may be in fluid communication with the LCM cell, and may force a sample LCM slurry into the LCM cell. An LCM receiver may also be in fluid communication with the LCM cell, and may receive the LCM slurry that flows through the LCM cell.

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: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for high throughput detection of wide range of genotoxins in eukaryotic cells wherein the eukaryotic cell based tool combines the ability to detect a broad spectrum of genotoxic signaling events and a simple and reproducible assay technique. The present invention further comprises expression cassettes, vectors, and eukaryotic cell lines for the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a protein using a cyclodextrin covalently linked to at least one label. The cyclodextrin can associate with the protein by sequestering an aromatic amino acid side-chain of the protein in its hydrophobic cavity. After contacting the protein with the cyclodextrin, the label can be detected directly or can undergo a chemical interaction with a reagent to form a detectable product. The label can include an indole moiety, which can react with a halo-substituted organic compound upon exposure to UV light and thereby be rendered fluorescent. Alternatively, the label can include a biotin moiety, which can bind to a binding partner such as avidin, or variants thereof, to form a detectable molecular complex. A labeled cyclodextrin can be used in the present methods to detect a protein of interest in an electrophoresis gel or on a blotting membrane.

Abstract: The invention concerns: —a silylated biomolecule having the following formula (I): —the process for the preparation of a silylated biomolecule of formula (I), —the use of a silylated biomolecule of formula (I) to functionalize the surface of a support, —a process for the preparation of a hydrogel by use of a silylated biomolecule of formula (I), the hydrogel obtainable by said process, —said hydrogel as a biological tissue substitute, —a composition comprising said hydrogel in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, —said composition for the release of active principle.

Abstract: There is provided a method for the analysis of circulating antibodies comprising the steps: a) providing an analysis device comprising a substrate, and provided on said substrate at least one sample addition zone, at least one retaining zone, at least one sink, and at least one flow path connecting the sample addition zone, the retaining zone and the sink, wherein the flow path is open and comprises projections substantially vertical to the surface of said substrate and having a height (H), diameter (D) and reciprocal spacing (t1, t2) such that lateral capillary flow of said sample is achieved and such that cells can flow through the projections, wherein said retaining zone comprises at least one affinity binding means to which cell structures are bound, b) adding at least one sample to a sample addition zone, and c) reading a result, wherein circulating antibodies directed against cell structures are determined.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits for measuring multiple analytes in a sample having a broad range of concentrations using optical diffraction are disclosed. Devices, methods, and kits useful for monitoring and diagnosing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, hormone-related conditions, and sepsis are also described.

Abstract: A method of assembling a protein nanostructure on a surface including selectively patterning a surface with a fixation site, bringing a protein node into contact with the surface, and allowing the protein node to bond with the fixation site, so that the position and/or orientation of the protein node is constrained, and compositions.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent for use in the detection of M. bovis or M. tuberculosis infection in an animal, comprising a peptide which has an epitope from Mycobacterium bovis hypothetic protein Mb3645c (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an epitope from a polypeptide having at least 76% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: The developed reagent is three-color immunophenotyping reagent for measurement of CD4 positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The reagent contains 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) which intercalates into double stranded DNA and is easily excited at 488 nm. The fluorescence emission of 7-AAD has peak at 670 nm that can be detected with FL3 detector of flow cytometer. The 7-AAD, therefore, stains white blood cells and discriminates it from red blood cells. The reagent also contains fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled CD4 monoclonal antibody and phycoerythrin (PE) labeled CD14 monoclonal antibody which are detected with FL1 and FL2 detectors of flow cytometer, respectively. The developed reagent can be used to measure number of CD4 positive lymphocytes in lymphocyte population and monitor monocyte contamination simultaneously. This reagent therefore provides more accuracy results of CD4 positive lymphocyte enumeration.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing prostate cancer from prostatic hypertrophy using the method for analyzing PSA and an analysis kit of PSA are provided. An object of the present invention can be solved by being brought into contact a lectin having an affinity for ?-N-acetylgalactosamine residues with a sample possibly containing PSA, to determine an amount of PSA having an affinity for the lectin. A method for distinguishing prostate cancer from prostatic hypertrophy can be provided by this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibody-based arrays for detecting the activation state and/or total amount of a plurality of signal transduction molecules in rare circulating cells and methods of use thereof for facilitating cancer prognosis and diagnosis and the design of personalized, targeted therapies.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing metastatic potential of a breast cancer in an individual with breast cancer is described. The method comprises a step of assaying a breast cancer tumor sample from the patient for expression of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 22, (ADAM22), wherein expression of ADAM22 correlates with increased potential for metastasis compared with a patient who is ADAM22 negative. The invention also describes an agent for use in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in a patient, in which the agent is selected from leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) protein (SEQ ID NO:1) and an LGI1 peptide mimic capable of mimicking the ADAM22 binding activity of LGI1 by binding to the LGI1 binding domain of ADAM22 (SEQ ID NO: 4) and which is capable of inhibiting migration of endocrine resistant breast cancer cells.

Abstract: Provided is a method of screening a target-specific antibody for an antigen that undergoes structural change in a particular physiological condition.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying D-peptidic compounds that specifically bind target proteins are provided. Aspects of the methods include screening libraries of 20 residue or more L-peptidic compounds for specific binding to 40 residue or more D-target proteins. Once a L-peptidic compound has been identified that specifically binds to the D-target protein, the D-enantiomer of that compound may be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for examining a person having symptoms and/or biomarkers indicating an autoimmune disease for the presence of atrophic gastritis. The biomarker combination, which diagnoses atrophic gastritis, acts also as a part of a biomarker panel that helps diagnosis and assessment of autoimmune disease as well. The invention relates also to products used in these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ex vivo method for aiding the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a patient, the method comprising the steps of determining the level of expression of at least four platelet proteins in a platelet sample from the patient selected from monoamine oxidase-B, coagulation factor Xllla, total tropomyosin (a and 13), WD-repeat protein 1 and apolipoprotein E4; and comparing the result of (i) to a control value, wherein a result higher than the control value is indicative of Alzheimer's disease. Preferably, the method of the invention further comprises determining the level of expression of wild-type GSTO-1 or mutant GSTO-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the NIPA-1 proteins and nucleic acids encoding the NIPA-1 proteins. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of NIPA-1 polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states, as well as methods of screening for ligands and modulators of NIPA-1 proteins.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of an analyte in a sample is provided comprising: (a) providing an analyte-specific substance which is able to undergo a reaction which generates a detectable signal when it is contacted with an analyte; (b) providing at least two calibration graphs which have been generated by reacting in each case the same analyte-specific substance with different amounts of in each case the same test analyte for in each case a predetermined reaction time; (c) contacting the analyte-specific substance with a sample which contains the analyte to be detected; (d) measuring the signal at a first predetermined reaction time for which a first calibration graph according to (b) is provided; (c) checking whether the signal measured according to (d) enables a quantitative determination of the analyte with a desired accuracy; (f) (i) quantitatively determining the analyte on the basis of the signal measured according to (d) if the desired accuracy is reached, or (ii) measuring the signal a

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject, a method for identifying whether a subject is in need for a therapy of heart failure or a method for determining whether a heart failure therapy is successful. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: A sample testing apparatus comprising: a receiving section which receives identification information inputted by an operator; a testing section which tests a sample to obtain a test result; a memory which stores the test result, which is obtained by the testing section, so as to be associated with the identification information received by the receiving section; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: make a display section display only the test result associated with the identification information corresponding to a first attribute in the test results stored in the memory when the identification information received by the receiving section corresponds to the first attribute; and make the display section display test results which are stored in the memory when the identification information received by the receiving section corresponds to the second attribute is disclosed. An information management apparatus and sample testing method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement system MS1 provided with a plurality of loading units 10 into which a measurement tool 4 supporting a reagent is loaded. The measurement system MS1 includes reading means 2 for reading information on an analyte provider that includes identification information, and guidance means 11 for guiding the measurement tool 4 to which an analyte derived from the analyte provider has been or is to be applied, to a loading unit that is selected from the plurality of loading units 10 and individually associated with the analyte provider based on the identification information that has been read by the reading means 2. With such configuration, the measurement results obtained from the analyte derived from the analyte provider can be easily associated with the information on the analyte provider that includes the identification information.

Abstract: In an analyzing apparatus which is connected to a chromatograph, in which one more measurement events are performed based on a reference chromatogram, when multiple events overlap each other and are simultaneously performed, a loop time may become too long and therefore the measurement may not be properly performed. The system of the present invention includes: a time range displayer for displaying each of one or more measurement time ranges as a range bar; and a loop time displayer for computing a loop time, which is a time required for a unit measurement, for each of the measurement time ranges and displaying results of computations. Thereby, a user can intuitively know whether or not the measurement requires an adjustment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: A specimen analyzer comprises a measurement mechanism section configured to measure a specimen by using a first consumable and a second consumable having a shape different from a shape of the first consumable, a first inlet for loading the first consumable, a supplying section configured to supply the first consumable loaded through the first inlet, to the measurement mechanism section, a sorter configured to sort the first consumable and the second consumable from each other, and a storage for housing the second consumable sorted by the sorter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing and/or treating a biological sample including an assembly (2) of storage chambers (3) and/or reaction chambers intended for receiving a fluid and means arranged to move an amount of fluid from and/or to at least one of the chambers (3) of the assembly (2) of chambers (3), the chambers (3) being separated by walls (5) so as to form an assembly of adjacent chambers (3) aligned in a given direction.

Abstract: A vector velocimeter includes a laser emitting a measurement beam with a wavelength ?, for illumination of an object in a measurement volume to create a signal beam, a reference beam generator generating a reference beam, and a first detector arranged such that the signal beam and the reference beam, propagating at a first angle ? relative to the signal beam, are incident thereon. The first detector includes an array of first detector elements to convert the intensity of the interfering signal beam and reference beam incident thereon into an oscillating electronic detector element signal when the fringe pattern formed thereby moves across the first detector array. A signal processor generates a velocity signal corresponding to a first velocity component of movement of the object in the measurement volume in the longitudinal direction thereof based on the electronic detector element signals from each of the first detector elements.

Abstract: An inductive rotational speed sensor assembly includes a first PCB with a transmitter coil configured to convert an alternating electrical input into an alternating magnetic field. A second PCB is operatively connected to the first PCB for relative rotation and includes a resonance coil configured to couple to the alternating magnetic field of the first PCB to output a modulating position signal. The first PCB includes a receiver coil configured to receive the first and the modulating position signal and to output a signal indicative of rotational speed of the second PCB relative to the first PCB.

Abstract: A GPS-based pitot-static calibration system uses global output-error optimization. High data rate measurements of static and total pressure, ambient air conditions, and GPS-based ground speed measurements are used to compute pitot-static pressure errors over a range of airspeed. System identification methods rapidly compute optimal pressure error models with defined confidence intervals.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for providing a measure of pedestrian congestion in a given area. In one embodiment, the method comprises collecting data from a pedestrian moving in the area, and using the data to determine one or more specified parameters representing a pattern of movement of the pedestrian in the area. These specified parameters are used to determine a sinuosity of pedestrian traffic in the given area. In one embodiment, the pattern of movement is a walking pattern of the pedestrian, and the data collected from the pedestrian identifies a multitude of positions of the pedestrian's feet. In an embodiment, the specified parameters include a lateral gap between the feet of the pedestrian, and a length of a stride of the pedestrian. A sequence of values may be collected for each of these parameters.

Abstract: Optical accelerometers may be provided that detect acceleration in up to six axes. An optical accelerometer may include an image sensor and optical elements such as light pipes that extend over the image sensor. Light may be injected into the optical elements by a light source. The optical elements may guide the light onto corresponding portions of an image pixel array on the image sensor. The image pixels may be used to detect changes in the location, size, and intensity of illuminated portions of the pixel array when the optical elements move due to acceleration of the optical accelerometer. The optical accelerometer may include multiple light pipes having various lengths and thicknesses. Light pipes of matching length and thickness may be formed over opposing sides of a pixel array. The light pipes may be coated with a material that responds to electric or magnetic fields.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an accelerometer system. The system includes a laser configured to emit an optical beam at a linear polarization. The system also includes an optical cavity system. The optical cavity system includes a mirror that is coupled to an accelerometer housing via a spring and is configured to reflect the optical beam. The optical cavity system also includes at least one photodetector configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the optical beam and the reflected optical beam and to generate an acceleration signal that is indicative of motion of the mirror resulting from an external acceleration acting upon the accelerometer housing. The system further includes an acceleration processor configured to calculate a magnitude of the external acceleration based on the acceleration signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards techniques and configurations for MEMS sensing device configured to determine inertial change applied to the device. In one instance, the device may comprise a laser arrangement configured to generate a light beam, and a waveguide configured to split the light beam into two portions. The waveguide may include two arms through which the respective portions of the light beam may respectively pass, and disposed substantially parallel with each other and joined together around their respective ends to recombine the portions into a light beam. One of the arms may be deformable. A deformation of the arm may result in a change of an optical path length of a portion of the light beam traveling through the arm, causing a detectable change in light intensity of the recombined light beam outputted by the waveguide. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing a head gimbal assembly having a flex circuit with a plurality of circuit pads, prior to installation of the head gimbal assembly into a disc drive. The fixture comprises a contact board having a plurality of electrically conductive contact points on a surface thereof, the contact points arranged to contact the circuit pads of the flex circuit. The fixture further comprises a clamp assembly connected to the contact board, the clamp assembly having an activation end, an opposite engagement end, and a pivot axis extending orthogonal to an axis defined by the activation end and the engagement end. The engagement end has a non-conductive engagement surface configured to contact the head gimbal assembly on a surface opposite the plurality of circuit pads.