Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for amplifying scattering intensity during tSAXS measurements. The apparatus includes an enhancement grating object and a placement mechanism. The enhancement grating object is positioned within a longitudinal coherence length of an incident X-ray from a target object. The placement mechanism is capable of placing the enhancement grating object with nanometer precision with respect to the target object in both a lateral and a longitudinal directions.

Abstract: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) monitoring of characteristic peaks while etching thin-film layers can reveal coverage defects and thickness nonuniformity in the top film. To measure coverage and uniformity while screening candidate layer materials and processes, the candidate layers may be formed above an underlayer of a different composition. A wet etchant that selectively etches the underlayer faster than the candidate layer is applied to the candidate layer, and the XRF spectrum is monitored. Pinholes, cracks, islands, and nonuniform thickness in the candidate layer produce characteristic features in the time-dependent behavior of XRF peaks from the underlayer and/or the candidate layer. “Etch/XRF” tests can be used to rapidly and objectively identify the most uniform contiguous candidate layers to advance to further screening or production. XRF may also be calibrated against a known thickness indicator to detect the approach of a desired endpoint in an etch process.

Abstract: A method for determining the oxygen concentration of a sample made from p-type semiconductor material includes a thermal treatment step to form the thermal donors, a measuring step of the charge carrier concentration of the sample at a temperature between 0 K and 100 K, a step of determining the thermal donor concentration of the sample from the charge carrier concentration and the temperature of the sample, and a step of determining the interstitial oxygen concentration from the thermal donor concentration.

Abstract: Barrier layers, barrier stacks, and seed layers for small-scale interconnects (e.g., copper) are combinatorially screened using test structures sputtered or co-sputtered through apertures of varying size. Various characteristics (e.g., resistivity, crystalline morphology, surface roughness) related to conductivity, diffusion blocking, and adhesion are measured before and/or after annealing and compared to arrive at materials and process parameters for low diffusion with high conductivity through the interconnect. Example results show that some formulations of tantalum-titanium barriers may replace thicker tantalum/tantalum-nitride stacks, in some cases with a Cu—Mn seed layer between the Ta—Ti and copper.

Abstract: An improved probe designed in particular but not exclusively for measuring the concentration of live biomass. The probe has an insulating body portion arranged to carry a first and second electrode where the probe has a longitudinal axis and the first and second electrodes extend in this longitudinal axis. The body portion has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by a major axis and minor axis, wherein the length of the body portion in the major axis is greater than the length of the body portion in the minor axis. The first and second electrodes are positioned on either side of the major axis. This reduces the effect of impedance between the electrode and the liquid through increasing the effective distance between the electrodes.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor testing method including: applying at least one of a first voltage that obtains a response caused by a substance and a second voltage that either obtains no response or substantially no response caused by the substance across a first electrode and a second electrode of a sensor; measuring current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode; and determining whether or not there is a defect present in the sensor based on a quantity related to an amount of change per specific period of time of a current measured when the first voltage and/or the second voltage have been applied.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus is disclosed, including a preliminary control for supplying a constant current to a second oxygen pump cell of a gas sensor for a constant period of time so as to control to a constant level the amount of oxygen pumped out from a second measurement chamber (S40 to S50). At the beginning of drive control (S55 to S80), oxygen is pumped back into the second measurement chamber. During the pumping back operation, an NOX concentration correspondence value has a large time course change and is not stable. The NOX concentration correspondence value is corrected using correction data common among gas sensors, wherein the timing for applying the correction data is adjusted by making use of an application time determined in accordance with individual differences of each gas sensor.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor (100) is configured to detect an oxygen concentration or air-fuel ratio in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas sensor includes a sensor element (10) and a glass coating film (20). The sensor element is configured to detect an oxygen concentration or air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas sensor. The glass coating film (20) is formed on at least part of a surface of the sensor element and capable of absorbing a Mn component contained in the exhaust gas at 700° C. The internal combustion engine uses a fuel having a Mn concentration in excess of 20 ppm.

Abstract: A device structure for detecting partial pressure of oxygen in blood includes a semiconductor substrate including a source region and a drain region. A multi-layer gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate. The multi-layer gate structure includes an oxide layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, a high-k layer formed over the oxide layer, a metal gate layer formed over the high-k layer, and a polysilicon layer formed over the metal gate layer. A receiving area holds a blood sample in contact with the multi-layer gate structure. The high-k layer is exposed to contact the blood sample in the receiving area.

Abstract: An electrode system for measuring properties of solutions using a porous platinum electrode. The electrode system includes a low porosity platinum working electrode in which platinum is deposited in a porous form on the surface of an electrode, and a high porosity platinum electrode having a higher roughness factor than the low porosity platinum electrode.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an electrical lead to an electrode of a sensor element, for sensing at least one property of a measured gas in a measured gas space, in particular for sensing a proportion of a gas component in the measured gas or a temperature of the measured gas, is described. A measured signal indicating an internal resistance of a pump cell of the sensor element is investigated for regularity upon switching on of the control unit. Upon identification of at least one irregularity of the measured signal, a suspected fault in the lead is identified and at least one substitute action is taken. The substitute action is selected from: an application of control to the heating element which is provided for a fault situation, a check of the validity of the measured signal, and a monitoring of the heating element. A sensor apparatus is also described.

Abstract: To provide a reagent applying device and a reagent applying method for electrophoresis analysis which make it possible to apply a reagent with a simple configuration at low cost. A reagent supplying device for supplying a reagent to the surface of a gel in electrophoresis analysis includes a reagent applying tool which is a plate-shaped body. The reagent applying tool includes at least one reagent holding section which penetrates the reagent applying tool in a thickness direction and which holds a reagent by capillary action, and a reagent spreading section for spreading, on the surface of the gel, a reagent supplied from a lower-side opening of the reagent holding section when the reagent applying tool is placed on the gel.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for extracting target objects from a sample. In the method, a stream of sample containing a plurality of target and non-target objects is directed by first and second streams of buffer through a sample inlet channel into a fluid junction and through the fluid junction into a sample waste channel. In response to detecting a target object within the stream of sample, an actuator is energized to close a normally open valve, resulting in a transient burst of cross-flow into the fluid junction that briefly diverts the flow of sample within the fluid junction and results in an aliquot of sample being directed into an aliquot delivery channel. The combination of the valve and the actuator acts as a self-limiting pulse generator.

Abstract: Improvements are provided in the detection of atmospheric vapors by ionizing them near ambient pressure, and analyzing them as ions. Lowest detection limits of parts per quadrillion (ppq) concentrations are enabled by a combination of improvements, including the use of a filter to remove occasional intense signal from explosive particles. Several sources of chemical background are identified and solutions for their reduction or elimination are presented. Gains in response time may be achieved by operating at elevated temperature. When the ionizer is an electrospray source, the use of high boiling point solvents is indicated. An increased selectivity is achieved by operating a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) in series with a mass spectrometer. However, ppq sensitivities require various improvements in the DMA system including a special coupling to the ionizer, controlling the temperature in the DMA pump circuit, avoidance of induction on the DMA electrodes from heating devices, etc.

Abstract: A cross-flow ion mobility spectrometer consists of two parallel plates defining a volume between them. Analyte ions flow along an axis from an entrance end to an exit end through the volume. An RF confining field tends to guide ions along the axis. An analytical gas flow is established orthogonal to the axis. A DC electrostatic analytical field is oriented in opposition to the analytical gas flow such that the “drag force” on ions of the selected mobility due to the analytical gas flow is balanced by the force on the ions due to the electrostatic analytical field. The selected ions are thereby able to follow a stable path to the exit end of the cross-flow mobility analyzer. However, the force on ions of other than the selected mobility is unbalanced and these ions are deflected and lost.

Abstract: An automatic sonic/ultrasonic data acquisition system for collecting data from concrete railroad ties. The system has a frame, a wheel carried by the frame and constructed and arranged to rotate relative to the frame such that the wheel can roll along the top of a rail, an axle suspended from the frame and adapted to be rotated relative to the frame via rotation of the wheel, one or more sensors coupled to the axle and constructed and arranged to contact the ties as the frame is moved along the rails, and an energy source for initiating in the ties compressional and/or shear/Rayleigh waves that are sensed by the sensors.

Abstract: A determination assist system including a first image generating section for generating a first planar image based on data of a first test index; a second image generating section for generating a second planar image based on data of a second test index; a differentiation section which differentiates the first planar image and the second planar image to generate a first differential image and a second differential image, respectively; a binarization section which binarizes the first differential image to generate a first binary image including a first region which is not less than a first threshold and a second region which is less than the first threshold, and binarizes the second differential image to generate a second binary image including a third region which is not less than a second threshold and a fourth region which is less than the second threshold; and a determination image generating section.

Abstract: The present invention is seen to provide a new methodology, testing system designs and concept to enable in situ real time monitoring of the cure process. Apparatus, system, and method for the non-destructive, in situ monitoring of the time dependent curing of advanced materials using one or more differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probes. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe in direct contact with the material to be cured and providing in situ monitoring of the cure process to enable assessment of the degree of cure or cure level in a non-cure related signal variances (e.g., temperature) independent calibrated response manner. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe including a transducer coupled to a waveguide and incorporating correction and calibration methodology to accurately and reproducibly monitor the cure process and enable assessment of cure level via ultrasonic reflection measurements.

Abstract: A switching valve includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes multiple connection ports. The rotor having predetermined switching positions and interacts with the stator to form a fluidic connection or a fluidic disconnection of predetermined connection ports. The rotor being mounted rotatably via a bearing and pressing device, where the bearing and pressing device is arranged in the housing and loaded with a predefined pressing force in a direction of the stator. The bearing and pressing device includes a spring unit, being supported against a receiving part mounted to rotate about a rotor axis. The receiving part is coupled rotationally conjointly to the rotor and has a drive region which faces away from the stator and is coupled to an output of a drive device.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor housing, and a sensing element located within the sensor housing, the sensing element defining an axis and having a distal end extending from the sensor housing. The gas sensor further includes a sensor protection element coupled to the sensor housing and at least partially surrounding the distal end of the sensing element. The sensor protection element includes a tube, the distal end of the sensing element located within the tube, the tube including a window located along a side of the tube adjacent the distal end of the sensing element. The sensor protection element further includes a fabric layer positioned adjacent the window, the fabric layer spaced from the sensing element and extending generally parallel to the axis.

Abstract: The present invention describes an analysis device and a method associated with this device, said device comprising an analysis cell (8) containing an optrode (10), receiving an input laser signal and sending an output signal to the Raman spectrometer, and said method using two analysis routes: an analysis route 1 connected to the internal circulation current passing from adsorber B to adsorber A, and an analysis route 2 connected to the distilled raffinate originating from distillation column C.

Abstract: An electrode unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which define a space to flow fuel therethough. A detection circuit is connected to the first electrode to charge and discharge the electrode unit and to detect a capacitance of fuel, which flows through the space. A switch device is equipped to a wiring, which connects the second electrode with the ground, and configured to simulate disconnection between the second electrode and the ground. A malfunction detection unit is configured to detect disconnection of the wiring when a difference between a capacitance, which is detected with the detection circuit when the switch device is turned ON, and a capacitance, which is detected with the detection circuit when the switch device is turned OFF, is smaller than a first threshold.

Abstract: A sorption exothermicity measurement device (1) mainly includes: an air pump (2) that supplies dry air; a bubbling instrument (3) that humidifies dry air and supplies humidified air; a reaction measuring instrument (4) into which air flows so that the dry air or the humidified air comes in contact with a sample (10) to be measured; and a flow rate measuring instrument (5) that measures the flow rate of at least the humidified air flowing into the reaction measuring instrument (4). The reaction instruments are connected by flow paths through which the dry air or the humidified air flows. Furthermore, at least a humidified air supply system needle valve (13) that regulates the flow rate of the humidified air is included.

Abstract: A friction-flow piercing apparatus for piercing very deep and fine holes is described, that relies on a novel support method for the piercing means. An apparatus for monitoring during the piercing process to determine the electrical properties gradient of the substrate is further described, particularly for meltable dielectric such as plastic industrial equipment. A permanently installed piercing means may function as a permanent test site.

Abstract: Kinked nanowires are used for measuring electrical potentials inside simple cells. An improved intracellular entrance is achieved by modifying the kinked nanowires with phospholipids.

Abstract: A method of determining an electrolyte in a sample including adding the sample to an electrolyte module, the electrolyte module including a dilution cup, a flow cell, and a pump, the flow cell having a flow channel with a first end and a second end, the first end fluidically coupled to the dilution cup, and the second end fluidically coupled to the pump; combining the sample with a diluent in the dilution cup to produce a diluted sample; operating the pump to aspirate the diluted sample into the flow cell; measuring the electrolyte in the diluted sample in the flow cell; and reversing the pump to dispense fluid through the second end to displace the diluted sample from the flow cell back into the dilution cup.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for reduction of (CAG)n-RNA mediated toxicity. Compositions, methods, and kits are also provided for treatment of polyglutamine diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring oocyst of protozoa, such as Cryptosporidium, in an environment sample with high sensitivity at low cost within a short period of time; and a detecting reagent for use therein. Magnetic fine particles of 5 to 500 nm particle diameter having, immobilized thereto, binding factors for specific recognition of oocyst are added to an analyte containing a protozoan oocyst to form oocyst/binding factor/magnetic fine particle complexes by using a binding reaction to the oocyst, the formed complexes are recovered by a magnetic separation, and the protozoan oocysts contained in the complexes are assayed. Further, there is provided, for conducting the above method, a reagent for detecting protozoan oocysts comprising magnetic fine particles of 5 to 500 nm particle diameter having, immobilized thereto, antibodies against oocysts or binding factors for recognizing the antibodies.

Abstract: A biomaterial structure containing a larger amount of biomaterial than the conventional art with maintaining the reactivity of the biomaterial is provided by linking particulate lumps in which the biomaterial is bound with a compound capable of binding to the biomaterial, wherein the particle diameter of the particulate lumps is 10 ?m or smaller.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a method of using nanoparticle aggregates to form sensors and optical filters. Properly sized (60 and 200 nm) nanoparticle aggregates with cores having a sulfur-oxygen molecular species and a shell with a surface in contact with the core are obtained. Those nanoparticle aggregates have a first resonance profile to wavelengths between 350 nm and 1075 nm. A modified resonance profile for those nanoparticle aggregates is determined. The nanoparticle aggregates are then selectively sized by irradiating them with electromagnetic energy at sufficient intensity and spectral content to modify the first resonance profile towards the modified resonance profile. The resulting nanoparticle aggregates can be used as sensors or optical filters at a selected wavelength.

Abstract: According to the method for detecting respiratory infection associated with bacterial infection of the present invention, the measured value of soluble CD14 antigen subtype (“sCD14-ST) in the urine sample can be used to select a patient with a respiratory infection to whom the antibiotic can be administered.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions, devices, and methods comprise immunodominant antigens from selected human pathogens (Burkholderia pseudomallei, Borrelia burgdorferi, Brucella melitensis, Chlamydia muridarum, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, human Herpes virus 1 and 2, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium falciparum, and Vaccinia virus) can be used as a vaccine, as diagnostic markers, and as therapeutic agents. In particularly preferred aspects, the antigens have quantified and known relative reactivities with respect to sera of a population infected with the pathogen, and have a known association with a disease parameter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to separation of amylase from body fluid by contacting said body fluid with starch under conditions enabling binding between the amylase and the starch, separating between the starch-amylase bound complexes and the free components, thereby removing the bound amylase, and collecting the non-bound components.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying biomarker proteins that exhibit differential expression in subjects with a first lung condition versus healthy subjects or subjects with a second lung condition. The present invention also provides compositions comprising these biomarker proteins and methods of using these biomarker proteins or panels thereof to diagnose, classify, and monitor various lung conditions. The methods and compositions provided herein may be used to diagnose or classify a subject as having lung cancer or a non-cancerous condition, and to distinguish between different types of cancer (e.g., malignant versus benign, SCLC versus NSCLC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for diagnosing or predicting cancer in a patient. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a patient as having cancer comprises the steps of (a) providing a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded or fresh frozen sample of patient tissue; (b) steaming the sample in antigen retrieval buffer; (c) incubating the sample in hydrochloric acid (HCl); (d) incubating the sample with an affinity reagent specific for 5hmC under conditions to form a complex between the affinity reagent and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) present in the sample; (e) detecting the complexes formed between 5hmC and the affinity reagent with secondary detection reagents; (f) quantifying 5hmC levels; and (g) identifying the patient as having cancer if the 5hmC levels in the sample are reduced as compared to a control.

Abstract: A kit for optically detecting proteins, in particular lipoproteins, in a sample, the kit comprising: a chip for performing a separation of the proteins, in particular of the lipoproteins, wherein the chip comprises at least one well for receiving the sample, and a separation channel coupled to the at least one well and being adapted for separating different compounds and a marker dye which contains a polymethine of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a substituted derivative of benzooxazole, benzodiazole, 2,3,3-trimethylindolinine, 2,3,3-trimethyl-4,5-benzo-3H-indolinine, 3- and 4-picoline, lipidine, chinadine and 9-methylacridine derivatives with the general formula IIa or IIb or IIc and wherein X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, Si, N-alkyl and C(alkyl)2, n is 0, 1 , 2 or 3, R1 to R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, linear or branched alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, hydroxy, carboxy, amine, alkyl-substituted am

Abstract: Quantitation of analytes, including but not limited to peptides, polypeptides, and proteins, in mass spectrometry using a labeled peptide coupled to a reporter, and a universal reporter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a peptide or a corresponding peptidomimetic that binds to an anti-KIR4.1 antibody in a sample from a patient, wherein said patient having multiple sclerosis or a predisposition therefor. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for diagnosing multiple sclerosis or a predisposition for multiple sclerosis in a subject, the method comprising determining the presence of an anti-KIR4.1 antibody in a sample obtained from said subject. Also provided are novel means and methods for the therapy of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining platelet aggregation, methods of determining susceptibility to clotting upon administration of a CD40L-binding moiety, and kits related thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is the construction of a system capable of quickly and easily identifying patients having a risk for worsening inflammatory digestive tract disease by identifying a causal factor for the worsening of the inflammatory digestive tract disease. Specifically disclosed is a method for detecting oral bacteria that cause worsening of inflammatory digestive tract disease and/or a screening that targets high risk for worsening of inflammatory digestive tract disease and/or determining the risk for worsening of the inflammatory digestive tract disease by PA not being detected and/or CBP being detected, inclusive of the detection of PA, which is an oral bacteria protein antigen, and/or CBP, which is collagen binding protein, in samples. Also disclosed are a detection reagent and kit used for this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic tests and diagnostic tools. Specifically, contemplated is to a method for diagnosing cancer in a sample of a subject suspected to suffer from cancer comprising contacting the sample with an antibody which specifically binds to the epitope characterized by SEQ ID NO 1 on a BRAF polypeptide under conditions which allow for binding of said antibody to the epitope and determining binding of the antibody to the epitope, whereby cancer is diagnosed. Further contemplated are antibodies which specifically bind to the epitope characterized by SEQ ID NO 1 on a BRAF polypeptide and a device or kit comprising such antibodies.

Abstract: Targeting metabolic enzymes in human cancer Abstract Lung cancer is a devastating disease and a major therapeutic burden with poor prognosis. The functional heterogeneity of lung cancer (different tumor formation ability in bulk of tumor) is highly related with clinical chemoresistance and relapse. Here we find that, glycine dehydrogenase (GLDC), one of the metabolic enzyme involved in glycine metabolism, is overexpressed in various subtypes of human lung cancer and possibly several other types of cancers. GLDC was found to be highly expressed in tumor-initiating subpopulation of human lung cancer cells compared with non-tumorigenic subpopulation. By array studies we showed that normal lung cells express low levels of GLDC compared to xenograft and primary tumor. Functional studies showed that RNAi inhibition of GLDC inhibits significantly the clonal growth of tumor-initiating cells in vitro and tumor formation in immunodeficient mice.

Abstract: Methods of screening human female subject for a risk of ovarian cancer are described. High levels of calcium in serum are shown to be significantly positively associated with the risk of ovarian cancer and can advantageously be used to triage women into risk categories for more intensive testing. Also included are preoperative methods of determining if an adnexal mass is likely to be malignant or benign.

Abstract: A method for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, by analyzing an amount and/or activity of a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and a kit for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, or a von Willebrand factor or a fragment thereof, are disclosed. Examples of the detection of a condition include a detection of cerebrovascular disease, a detection of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, and a detection or prediction of severity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for measuring blood coagulation includes a substrate having a surface, an optical waveguide provided on the surface of the substrate, the waveguide having a tip, and means for spatially separating objects from the tip of the waveguide.

Abstract: Described are pipetting systems that automatically track the dispensing and extracting of reagents to and from arrays of well locations. The systems track the position of a pipette with respect to the well locations, and selectively illuminate those locations to indicate the progress of pipetting operations. Control logic can shepherd pipetting processes, indicating errors and guiding the user.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that includes: a memory configured to store a record of maintenance already performed on the sample analyzer; a display; and a display control configured to control the display to display a first table which chronologically shows the record of maintenance already performed, wherein the first table is assigned a predetermined term, in the table the term is divided into a plurality of sections.

Abstract: An analyzing system includes an analyzer and a server computer in communication with the analyzer via a network. The analyzer includes a first controller that is configured to communicate, via a display, instructions to an operator of the analyzer when a predetermined event occurs in the analyzer. The instructions request confirmation that the operator received training. The first controller is also configured to receive an indication of whether the operator has completed the training, and, when the indication indicates that the operator has completed the training, request, from the server, a confirmation that the operator has completed the training. The server computer is configured to receive the confirmation request from the analyzer, determine a training status of the operator, and communicate the training status to the analyzer. The first controller prevents measurement of a sample if the operator has not completed the training.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer includes a storage unit for storing operation information information about usage histories of expendable supplies provided for the analysis, and an analysis-ID control unit giving an ID to the analysis, the analysis ID being used as information for identifying the analysis to derive a calibration curve. Data stored in the storage unit is organized along the same time axis both in the order of samples subjected to the analysis and inspection, and in the order of analysis items, so that the data is output in a total data display area. The data is organized from the viewpoint of an analysis process of an analysis item of each sample. By use of information used to identify an influence range based on a kind of an abnormal state, which is stored beforehand, a judgment is made as to whether or not it is necessary to perform reinspection.

Abstract: A method and system for testing the functional capability of an analytical instrument uses first and second blind samples. Each blind sample is a test substance with an amount of a parameter to be tested that is unknown to the user. Each blind sample is provided with an identification means with a unique identification. When the blind samples are tested by the user in the instrument being tested, the measurement values obtained and the unique identifications read are compared against predetermined values that are accessible to a test program configured as software on the analytical instrument. By comparison of the measurement values and the predetermined values, the functional capability of the analytical instrument is determined and the result is transmitted to an output unit of the analytical instrument.