Abstract: An inspection apparatus 1 for solar cells 100 includes: a visible light source 11 adapted to irradiate visible light; a CCD camera 15 adapted to measure a reflection image based on the visible light reflected by an antireflective film of a solar cell 100; an infrared light source 13 adapted to irradiate the solar cell 100 with infrared light; and a CCD camera 16 adapted to measure a transmission image based on the infrared light transmitting through the solar cell 100. In the inspection apparatus 1, as a result of comparing the reflection image and the transmission image with each other, of areas respectively appearing as bright spots in the reflection image, an area appearing as a dark spot in the transmission image is determined as an area including a particle, whereas of the areas respectively appearing as the bright spots in the reflection image, an area other than the area determined as the area including the particle is determined as an area including a pinhole.

Abstract: An improved system and method for automatically glass containers for defects and facilitates the identification and review of extensive information on defects identified by the glass container inspection machine on a touchscreen monitor. User gestures are used to review images larger than a size that can be displayed at any given time on the touchscreen monitor, to access and display images of glass containers having parameters that vary from the predetermined parameters, and to setup glass container inspection machine parameters and details of the inspections.

Abstract: A surface inspection apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to detect a first detection signal according to a first diffracted light beam and a second detection signal according to a second diffracted light beam; a storage unit which is configured to store a first reference data and a second reference data; and a determination unit which is configured to determine a processing condition of the pattern in the substrate as an inspection object substrate, based on consistency between the first detection signal and the first reference data, and consistency between the second detection signal and the second reference data.

Abstract: A method is provided for feeding-in X-ray fluoroscopy images of an object in the context of a digital laminography technique, in which the X-ray fluoroscopy images are not fed in at 360°, but a feed-in of first X-ray fluoroscopy images takes place at 180° and, after tilting the object, a feed-in of second X-ray fluoroscopy images follows in the same angular range of 180°. The second X-ray fluoroscopy images, after suitable reflection onto the complementary points, are set to the first X-ray fluoroscopy images and, from the resultant complete data set, a calculation is carried out in the context of the digital laminography technique. A multiaxis manipulator system is used for feeding-in X-ray fluoroscopy images in the context of carrying out a digital laminography technique on an object, which is secured on a fixing device of the manipulator system.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray inspection device having a pair of conveyor frames that is disposed symmetrically with respect to a center line as an axis along a substrate conveying direction, and clamps a printed substrate in a substrate width direction. A substrate conveying mechanism conveys in an X axis direction the printed substrate supported by the conveyor frames. A distance adjustment mechanism drives the pair of conveyor frames so that the conveyor frames approach or depart from each other in the Y axis direction, thereby adjusting the width dimension of a printed substrate that can be conveyed by the substrate conveying mechanism disposed on each of the conveyor frames.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of estimating a magnitude of background radiation for each of a plurality of regions of a target object comprising providing an estimate of background radiation detected by a detector, measuring radiation scattered by the target object at the detector for each of a plurality of positions of the object with respect to the incident radiation, calculating, for each of the positions, an estimate of a wavefront at the detector, and determining, for each position, an estimated wavefront comprising a coherent contribution from radiation scattered by the target object and a background contribution, wherein said background contribution is at least partly incoherent with the radiation scattered by the target object. This method is particularly suitable for performing coherent diffractive imaging using ptychography where contribution from the incoherently scattered background is taken into account.

Abstract: There is provided an X-ray diffraction apparatus configured to irradiate a sample S on a sample stage with X-rays generated from an X-ray source and detect the X-rays diffracted by a sample using a detector, including a virtual mask setting section and a signal processing section. The detector outputs detection signals according to intensity of the X-rays received by detection elements, for each of the plurality of detection elements forming a detection surface. The virtual mask setting section is capable of setting a virtual mask on the detection surface of the detector, and setting at least an opening dimension of the virtual mask as an opening condition of the virtual mask independently in an X direction and a Y direction. The signal processing section processes the detection signals outputted from the detector according to the opening condition of the virtual mask set in the virtual mask setting section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining when to replace a guard bed material used to remove one or more catalyst poisons from a feed based on a parameter change in a process. A guard bed having a guard bed material is in fluid communication with a catalyst bed having a catalyst. At least three monitors are positioned in said guard bed or said catalyst bed and at least one parameter of the guard bed or catalyst bed is monitored. A feed component comprising one or more catalyst poisons is supplied to said guard bed or said catalyst bed. The feed is contacted with said guard bed material or said catalyst to remove at least a portion of a catalyst poison and to form a product which produces an increase or a decrease in said parameter. The monitored parameters are compared to determine when to replace the guard bed material.

Abstract: A biometric finger sensor may include an array of biometric finger sensing pixels and an array shielding electrode outside the array of biometric finger sensing pixels. The biometric finger sensor may further include a finger drive electrode outside the array shielding electrode. Finger drive circuitry may generate a finger drive signal for the finger drive electrode and generate a compensating finger drive signal for the shielding electrode.

Abstract: A plate of substantially uniform thickness is formed from an electrically conductive material. The plate has a top surface defined to support a part to be measured. The plate has a bottom surface defined to be connected to a radiofrequency (RF) transmission rod such that RF power can be transmitted through the RF transmission rod to the plate. The plate is defined to have a number of holes cut vertically through the plate at a corresponding number of locations that underlie embedded conductive material items in the part to be measured when the part is positioned on the top surface of the plate.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of determining resistivity of fluids downhole in a well. The apparatus and methods may include using a sensor that employs a focused electric dipole as a transmitter and a uses a receiver to detect the electric current strength in the fluid under measurement responsive to the transmitter. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a liquid. Detection a liquid may include detecting liquid at a boundary of an area and reporting the presence of the liquid. Reporting liquid at a boundary may prevent leaking of the liquid from the area. Detecting also includes detecting liquid inside the area. The amount of liquid detected inside the boundary may relate to a range of amounts of liquid. The minimum amount of the range may represent the minimum amount of liquid that is permissible in the area prior to taking action to deal with the liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide transducers capable of transducing redox active chemical signals into electrical signals. Transducers comprise two electrodes separated by a nanogap. At least one electrode is comprised of conducting diamond. Methods of fabricating nanogap transducers and arrays of nanogap transducers are provided. Arrays of individually addressable nanogap transducers can be disposed on integrated circuit chips and operably coupled to the integrated circuit chip.

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: Two techniques of determining hematocrit using impedance and phase angle to determine hematocrit are shown and described for correcting an analyte concentration.

Abstract: A method of improving performance of electrochemical gas sensors includes cycling potentials applied to one or more of the electrodes of the respective sensor(s) to improve performance of a different electrode. In a process for treating a reference electrode, potentials can be applied to working and, or counter electrodes so as to modify the environment in the vicinity of the reference electrode. An apparatus can carry out the method automatically.

Abstract: An olfactory system (300) capable of detecting a threat includes: a detection unit (100) including an IMS sensor (110) that outputs IMS data (115) relating to chemical substances included in fluid at a sampling point; a local memory (41) storing a library (49) including a specifying pattern (48) generated when a specified chemical substance was detected by the IMS sensor (110); and a matching unit (42) that routinely compares and matches the IMS data (115) and the specifying pattern (48) for monitoring purposes included in the library (49).

Abstract: An exemplary detector includes a source of radiation. A detection chamber is configured to at least temporarily contain a fluid. At least some of the radiation ionizes at least some of the fluid. At least some of the radiation produces light in the detection chamber. An ionization sensor provides an output corresponding to an amount of fluid ionization in the detection chamber. A light sensor provides an output corresponding to an amount of the light detected by the light sensor.

Abstract: The ability to levitate and detect height and orientation of diamagnetic objects suspended in paramagnetic solutions using an inhomogeneous magnetic field is described. By comparing the measured height and orientation of a sample material with the measured height and orientation of a reference material, quality control of objects can be carried out. The major advantages of this quality control technique are: i) it is a simple apparatus that does not require electric power (a set of permanent magnets and gravity are sufficient for the diamagnetic separation and collection system to work); ii) it is compatible with simple optical detection; iii) it is a cost-effective and simple method that can carry out quality control between sample and reference materials rapidly.

Abstract: A leakage flux probe for non-destructive leakage flux-testing of magnetizable bodies comprising a plurality of coils for detection of near-surface flaws in the body, wherein the coils have a degree of sensitivity which is dependent upon the orientation of the flaws in the body, and wherein coils having a different degree of sensitivity are disposed in the leakage flux probe with a first type of coil having a high degree of sensitivity for longitudinal flaws or transverse flaws and a second type of coil having a high degree of sensitivity for oblique flaws.

Abstract: A multi-layer eddy current sensor includes a sense coil for detecting an eddy current, and a drive conductor for inducing the eddy current. The drive conductor comprises a substantially straight conducting portion that traverses the entire width of the sense coil.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods, apparatus, and systems may operate to launch acoustic waves along a first acoustic path length from an acoustic transducer. The apparatus receives a reflected signal in response to each acoustic wave, each reflected signal including at least one echo. The reflected signal is decomposed, using a time-frequency decomposition method with basis functions, into a wavelet associated with each echo. Parameters describing each associated wavelet are determined and a borehole evaluation or pipeline inspection is performed based on the parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of non-destructive inspection of mechanical structures (2) by using vibratory waves in order to detect local defects and/or changes of state. According to the invention, the method comprises: a first training stage in which a transient vibratory excitation is injected into an inspection zone (Z) and the received signals are picked up and time reversed in order to constitute reference excitation signals; a second training stage in which the reference excitation signals are emitted simultaneously and the resulting diverging signals are picked up in order to constitute reference response signals; and a stage of inspecting the mechanical structure (2), in which the reference excitation signals are emitted, the resulting diverging signals are picked up, and the diverging signals are compared with the reference response signals.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate, a transmitting electrode configured to excite a main acoustic wave propagating through a propagation region of an upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a receiving electrode configured to receive the propagated main acoustic wave, a first insulating film provided on the propagation region of the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a second insulating film provided on the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate to cover the first insulating film, and a reaction section provided on the upper surface of the second insulating film above the propagation region. The reaction section is configured to react with an object. A velocity of a transverse wave propagating through the first insulating film is higher than a velocity of a transverse wave propagating through the second insulating film. The acoustic wave sensor described above has high detection sensitivity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of transducer modules, a substrate on which each of the plurality of transducer modules is arranged, and a buffer member which buffers the movements of the upper portions of the transducer modules, wherein the buffer member is disposed on the substrate between the plurality of transducer modules and on the substrate outside of the plurality of transducer modules.

Abstract: A fluidic connection system may comprise a port which includes a capillary tube receptacle with an end seal face and a threaded wall. The fluidic connection system may also comprise a capillary tube that includes a front end face for sealingly abutting against the end seal face of the port. On the capillary tube, a flange may be affixed at a distance from the front end face of the capillary tube. The fluidic connection system may further comprise a fitting nut that includes an axial hole to allow the capillary tube to pass therethrough and a matching threaded wall corresponding to the threaded wall of the port. The fitting nut may be slidably coupled with the capillary tube behind the flange. The distance at which the flange is affixed may be predetermined such that when the flange is pushed forward by the fitting nut, the front end face of the capillary tube abuts directly against the end seal face of the port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simultaneously analyzing at least two samples using a chromatography device comprising a chromatography column having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one detector placed at the outlet of the chromatography column, the method comprising steps of: injecting fractions of each independent sample at the inlet of the chromatography column, the fractions of each independent sample being injected according to a specific injection timing sequence derived from a pseudo-random binary sequence associated with said independent sample; recording a signal generated by said detector for a period of time at least equal to a duration of the longest of the specific injection timing sequences; cross-correlating the recorded signal and a derived correlation function, said derived correlation function being derived from the pseudo-random binary sequence associated with one of the independent samples, so as to obtain an individual correlogram signal specific to said independent sample; and

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample using at least one detector are disclosed.

Abstract: An equation expressing a previously and experimentally determined relationship between the number of ions and a CV value is stored in a reference CV value calculation data memory. When mass spectrometry is performed for a target sample under measurement conditions including a loop time Tp and a dwell time Td, a chromatogram creator creates a chromatogram based on the analysis result and calculates a peak area value A. A CV-value-related information calculator computes the number X of ions by X=A×(Td/Tp), and based on the equation stored in the memory, calculates a CV value corresponding to the calculated number of ions. This is a reference CV value containing only statistical dispersion factors for data. This CV value is displayed in such a manner that it can be compared with an actual CV value calculated based on the variance of actually measured peak area values corresponding to a plurality of measurements.

Abstract: Ion chromatography apparatus including (a) a chromatographic column, (b) a source of an aqueous eluent liquid stream, (c) a detector, (d) a recycle line between the detector and the chromatographic column, and (e) a purifying device disposed along the recycle line including ion exchange removal medium. Also, such apparatus with an electrolytic purifying device disposed along the recycle line. Also, methods of using such apparatus.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus (1) for controlling a gas sensor (2) includes a change amount detection means (40); an element resistance detection means for detecting the element resistance Rpvs of a sensor element section (3) on the basis of the response change amount ?Vs; a heater energization control section for on-off controlling the supply of electric current to a heater section (4) by pluses PS having a fixed period T; and an instruction signal output section for instructing the change amount detection section (40) to detect the response change amount ?Vs at a third timing t3 which comes after elapse of a predetermined wait time TW from a second timing t2 (heater energization off) which changes in accordance with the pulse width PSW.

Abstract: A soil tester is disclosed, and comprises a housing and a sampling apparatus. The housing includes an interior sampling chamber configured to receive a sample container. The sampling apparatus comprises a photodetector and a light source. The photodetector is mounted along a portion of the interior sampling chamber and has a variable resistance determined by a property of incident light. The light source is mounted to the interior sampling chamber in a transmissive orientation relative to the photodetector so that a beam of light can be transmitted from the light source to the photodetector through the interior sampling chamber. A display on the housing is responsive to the photodetector.

Abstract: The fuel physical property determination method relating to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a test fuel flame-imaging step of obtaining imaging data by imaging flames formed by supplying a pre-mixed gas containing a test fuel and an oxidant agent, to a test tube in which an internal flow path thereof has a diameter set smaller than a flame-quenching distance at normal temperature; and a physical property determination step of determining a physical property of the test fuel by comparing the imaging data obtained in the test fuel flame-imaging step and imaging data obtained by imaging flames ignited by supplying a pre-mixed gas containing a standard-mixed fuel and an oxidant agent, to the test tube, the standard-mixed fuel having a known physical property.

Abstract: A quality-control device comprises a housing, a biasing member disposed within the housing, and a reciprocating puncturing member that is configured and oriented to selectively move inwardly of the housing in opposition to the biasing member. A maximum-compression indicator is configured to move inwardly of the housing in tandem with the puncturing member and a gauge serves to correlate a particular location of the maximum-compression indicator to a corresponding measure of compression as corresponds to a material being tested for quality. By one approach the indicator moves in response to inward movement of the puncturing member but is also configured to not move when the puncturing member moves outwardly of the housing. So configured the maximum-compression indicator will remain located at a point that corresponds to the furthest inward incursion of the puncturing member in opposition to the biasing member when the user presses the puncturing member against the material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric substrate having a nanopore opening that separates two reservoirs of conductive fluid may provide for sensitive biological measurements by allowing control of the size of the nanopore according to piezoelectric stimulation of the substrate. Multiple embodiments are provided of monolithic piezoelectric substrates and nanopores for this purpose as well as a control system for controlling the nanopore dimensions electrically using AC or DC waveforms.

Abstract: Using NMR/MS based metabonomics and targeted lipidomics approaches the inventors have explored the metabolic phenotypes of aging and longevity in a cohort including centenarians, elderly and young adults. The invention provides biomarkers for a reduced risk of developing ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders and propose an in vitro method of diagnosing a lifestyle that allows to delay and/or avoid ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders using p-cresol sulphate as biomarker.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for more efficiently, easily, and accurately detecting asbestos without changing the asbestos detection criterion of the phase-contrast microscope/electron microscope method as compared with the phase-contrast microscope/electron microscope method, a phase-contrast microscope and a fluorescence microscope are used in combination to detect asbestos contained in a test sample after the test sample is made contact with an asbestos-binding protein having a fluorescent label.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sensing apparatus comprising, at least one LSPR light source, at least one detector, and at least one sensor for LSPR detection of a target chemical. The sensor comprises a substantially transparent, porous membrane having nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of its pores, the nanoparticles being functionalized with one or more capture molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunochromatographic detection sensor comprising optical waveguides and a detection method using the same, and more particularly, to an immunochromatographic detection sensor comprising optical waveguides, in which the optical waveguides are provided under the membrane, probe beams transmitted through the optical waveguide maximize the interaction frequency between evanescent wave generated on the surface of the optical waveguide and the colored conjugate in the band formed on the membrane, resulting in the absorbance signal from the colored conjugate being greatly amplified to improve the sample detection sensitivity, and to a detection method using the same.

Abstract: Provided is a modified antibody which enables the quantitative measurement of the amount of a heparin/PF4 complex, an onset factor of heparin-induced trombocytopenia (HIT), without the influence of the presence of PF4, and which can be used as an HIT antibody standard specific for the heparin/PF4 complex. The modified antibody is prepared by linking a human IgG, or an antibody fragment derived from a human IgG, to a monoclonal antibody obtained by immunizing an animal (excluding a human) with the heparin/PF4 complex.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing or predicting B-cell rejection in a subject. In one example, for assessing transplant rejection, the method includes determining an antigen presenting index by comparing uptake of a donor antigen to uptake of a reference antigen in a biological sample obtained from the subject. In another example, for assessing GVHD, the method includes determining an antigen presenting index by comparing uptake of a recipient antigen to uptake of a reference antigen in a biological sample obtained from the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with an epitope in the polypeptide represented by amino acid sequence 236 to 251 or 264 to 279 of the human CGA amino acid sequence. The invention further relates to the use of these monoclonal antibodies in an immunoassay for CGA, to immunoreagents comprising any of these two antibodies, and to test kits for the determination of CGA containing immunoreagents based on both of the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an ?-helical moiety, or one or more proline residues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for studying transport of an agent across a membrane comprising the steps a) providing at least one surface with a bilayer structure tethered to the surface, said bilayer structure comprising a detection volume, b) contacting the bilayer with at least one agent to be analyzed, and c) detecting a change in refractive index in the detection volume resulting from transportation of the agent across the membrane. Further there is provided a device comprising a) at least one surface, b) at least one bilayer structure tethered to the surface, and c) at least one sensor capable of detecting a change in refractive index in a detection volume, wherein the bilayer structure encloses a first volume of the detection volume and wherein the volume not enclosed by the bilayer structure but within the detection volume is a second volume and wherein the ratio between the first volume and second volume is above about 0.001.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for treating or preventing diseases and disorders associated abnormal cell growth, for example, treating or preventing cancer or tumor growth, by administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a compound that downregulates DDX3, for example a fused diimidazodiazepine ring compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also encompasses the use of DDX3 as a biomarker for diagnostic and treatment purposes, for example, to identify a hyperproliferative disorder susceptible to treatment by down regulation of DDX3.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing degenerative joint disease in an animal by collecting a saliva sample from an animal; determining the amount of at least one diagnostic agent selected from the group consisting of interferon gamma, interferoninducible protein-10, interleukin-2, and total saliva protein in the saliva sample; comparing the amount of diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample to a corresponding amount of the same diagnostic agent found in a saliva sample from one or more comparable control animals that do not suffer from degenerative joint disease; and diagnosing that the animal is susceptible to or suffering from degenerative joint disease if the amount of diagnostic agent in the saliva sample from the animal is greater than the amount of same diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample from the one or more comparable control animals.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an isolated particle comprising very high density, ultra small, lipid depleted apo B containing particles, and may also contain cytokeratin 8. The isolated particle is useful in diagnostic assays, which are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of displaying a particle distribution map of a measured sample and a reference particle distribution map so as to be visually compared without reducing a display area for displaying information other than the particle distribution map. The blood analyzer 1 comprises: a display 302; a measurement unit 2 for measuring a blood sample; and a controller 301 being configured to 1) generate a particle distribution map representing a distribution of the particles contained in the blood sample, based on measurement data obtained by the measurement unit 2; and 2) control the display 302 so as to display the particle distribution map of the blood sample at a predetermined display position and to display a reference particle distribution map at the predetermined display position so as to be visually compared with the particle distribution map of the blood sample.

Abstract: A biologic fluid sample analysis method and system is provided that includes a reagent depository, and analysis chamber, a biologic fluid transfer system, and a programmable analyzer. The reagent depository has a plurality of reagent deposits, and each reagent deposit located at a position within the depository independent of the other reagent deposits. The analysis chamber is adapted to quiescently hold a biologic fluid sample and one or more reagents during analysis. The biologic fluid transfer system has at least one fluid transfer device. The programmable analyzer is adapted to control the biologic fluid transfer system to acquire a volume of sample from a sample reservoir, dispense a volume of the sample into the reagent depository, acquire a volume of sample and reagent from the reagent depository, and to transfer the sample and reagent to the analysis chamber, and to analyze the combined sample and reagent.

Abstract: A batch chemical analyzer is disclosed, the analyzer including a reaction tank (100) in which sample and reagent are mixed, a detector (200), a switching valve (300), a multi-port valve (400), a pump (500) and an air suction/discharge hole (600), and particularly, the switching valve (300) includes a plurality of holes (301˜310) configured to receive sample and reagent and to send the same to the reaction tank (100) and the detector (200) for discharge to the outside, and the rotor (320) formed with a plurality of inlets (321˜325) simultaneously communicating with two adjacent holes of the plurality of holes (301˜310), whereby the two adjacent holes are differently paired to be communicated in two ways by the rotation of the rotor (320).