Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for triggering electrical arcs are disclosed. Such arcs are useful for testing combustible fluids and equipment operating near ignition hazards. In some embodiments, arcs are produced with a defined energy at a defined time with little variation in arc energy. Consistent production of arcs is facilitated by one or more of conditioned electrodes, control and/or reduction of parasitic capacitance, avoidance of corona sources, and non-interfering arc triggers. In some embodiments, electrodes are conditioned by repeated application of conditioning arcs. Conditioned electrodes have relatively physically consistent and chemically consistent tips. In some embodiments, arc triggers are charged particle sources such as light sources operating in cooperation with a target to produce free electrons proximate the electrodes.

Abstract: A kit for testing grease includes components for testing consistency, oil bleed characteristic and contamination. Consistency of the grease is tested by compressing a sample of the grease between two surfaces (e.g., glass plates), measuring the extent of spread, and comparing the measured spread to a calibrated reference. Oil bleed characteristic is tested by placing a quantity of the used grease on a test medium, heating the test sample, measuring a dimension of the grease quantity on the heated test sample, and determining the bleed characteristic of the used grease by comparing the dimension of the grease quantity to a reference. A contamination test may be performed by further compressing the consistency sample and inspecting the sample both by the naked eye and with a microscope.

Abstract: System (18, 28) for inspecting oil, which comprises a cell (280) through which oil (281) flows through a pipe.

Abstract: A container device for storing, singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips such as diagnostic test strips. A plurality of strips is contained and protected within a transparent container having an internal capture element for capturing and positioning a single strip adjacent a narrow normally-closed dispensing aperture. The aperture is exposed by rotating a spring-loaded container top cap to an open position. A detachable container base cap contains a desiccant and is replaceable. An optional stand stores the device in an upright position, and incorporates a tool to facilitate removal of the base cap for replenishing the container's contents or replacing the desiccant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be incorporated for electronic inventory control. The device can also be used as an integrated test strip container/single strip dispensing means for an automated analyte meter module.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to an apparatus that may be used for taking blood glucose measurements and providing individualized insulin dose recommendations wherein the apparatus is easy to use and facilitates improved diabetes control in patients. Also disclosed are related methods.

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 inventors have identified biomarkers for a reduced risk of developing ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders and propose a method of diagnosing a lifestyle that allows delaying and/or avoiding ageing related chronic inflammatory disorders using PC-O 40:1 as biomarker.

Abstract: A sweet taste substance or a sweet taste-regulating substance is detected by contacting a test substance with a cell that expresses a chimeric protein of human T1R2 and mouse T1R2, and/or a chimeric protein of human T1R3 and mouse T1R3, and may further express a G protein ? subunit, and by detecting an interaction between the chimeric proteins and the test substance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying CD4+ T cell antigens as well as to antigens which were identified by such a method. The present invention further is directed to the application of those identified antigens in medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating or screening a hair growth-regulating agent which utilizes a readily available animal. The present invention is directed to a method for evaluating or screening a hair growth-regulating agent which comprises subjecting hair follicles of a pig to an organ culture in the presence of a test substance, and evaluating or selecting a substance which promotes or suppresses the growth of the hair follicles.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for diagnosing a hyposialylation disorder. Methods are also disclosed for determining the effectiveness of a therapeutic agent for treatment of a hyposialylation disorder in a subject. These methods include measuring an amount of monosialylated Thomsen-Friedenreich (ST) antigen and measuring an amount of non-sialylated Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (T) in a biological sample, such as a serum or plasma sample from the subject and determining the ratio of T to ST. A ratio of T to monosialylated ST of about 0.06 or higher diagnoses the hyposialylation disorder or indicates that the therapeutic agent is not effective for the treatment of the hyposialylation disorder. In other embodiments, a ratio of T to ST less than about 0.06 indicates that the therapeutic agent is effective for the treatment of the hyposialylation disorder, or the subject does not have the hyposialylation disorder.

Abstract: A subtractive corrective assay device and methodology, whereby ail required binding and label detection reagents are initially located within the detection zone. Application of a magnetic field is used to selectively remove bound label from the detection zone by means of paramagnetic particles. The relationship between measured label concentration before and after the application of a magnetic field within the detection zone is used to accurately measure analyte concentration within the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of target biomolecules in a sample are presented. The detection of biomolecules is achieved through a synergistic use of immunoseparation and diffractometry, and the formation of antibody-biomolecule-ligand sandwich complexes that form diffraction gratings. Characteristic diffraction patterns are then produced upon illumination of the diffraction gratings with light. The diffraction patterns can be used to detect very low amounts of biomolecules present in the sample.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrophilic cellulose derivative fine particle having a small particle size, a dispersion liquid thereof and a dispersion body thereof; and provide a diagnostic reagent composed of the hydrophilic particle, which is excellent in storage stability and does not require excess components, such as an emulsifier or surfactant. The cellulose derivative fine particle of the present invention is a cellulose derivative fine particle comprising a cellulose derivative with a part of hydroxyl groups of cellulose being substituted with a substituent, wherein the average particle diameter is from 9 to 1,000 nm; and the diagnostic reagent of the present invention is a diagnostic reagent obtained by loading a substance differentially interacting with a test object substance on the above-described cellulose derivative fine particle.

Abstract: A method for performing an immunodiffusion assay comprising at least the following steps of: (a) preparing one or more test samples comprising an influenza virus antigen, (b) treating the test samples with at least 5% (w/v) of detergent, (c) applying the treated test samples to a gel comprising an antibody specific to the influenza virus antigen, and (d) allowing the samples to diffuse into the gel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of target molecules are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventors disclose methods and systems that provide for the isolation and purification of neurons directly from heterogeneous cell cultures. The expression of various cell adhesion molecules was examined in pluripotent stem cells. Changes in the expression of one or more of these molecules correlates with the progression of cells from non-lineage committed to neural cells. Using one or more antibodies for these molecules in combination with antibodies specific for CD200 will enable one to identify and isolate neurons from a population cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices to treat and/or prevent inflammatory conditions within a subject and to related methods. More particularly, the invention relates to systems, devices, and related methods that sequester leukocytes and/or platelets and then inhibit their inflammatory action.

Abstract: A rapid, infrared spectroscopic method has been developed to assess the efficacy of targeted chemotherapeutics against the structure of the polypeptide target, based on the effect of natural polymorphic sequence variation on the conformation of the protein. This method has an advantage over the current genomics-based screening, as the new method provides a direct readout of the structural, and hence functional, outcome of polymorphisms to the protein region targeted by drugs. It allows rapid measurement of a protein's susceptibility to therapeutic targeted agents, prior to using the drug as treatment in the patient. This method can be used to identify biomarkers for a response for a protein to a drug which can be readily tested, interpreted, and used in a clinical setting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of accurately measuring carcinoembryonic antigen in a biological sample and methods of identifying and treating a mucinous cyst in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds that are useful as near-infrared fluorescence probes, wherein the compounds include i) a pteroyl ligand that binds to a target receptor protein, ii) a dye molecule, and iii) a linker molecule that comprises an amino acid or derivative thereof. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for making and using the compounds, methods incorporating the compounds, and kits incorporating the compounds.

Abstract: Novel fluorogenic compounds designed such that upon a chemical event, compounds capable of emitting NIR light are generated, are disclosed. The compounds comprise two or more acceptor-containing moieties and a cleavable donor-containing moiety, being in complete pi-electrons conjugation and being such that no delocalization of pi-electrons is enabled. Also disclosed are fluorescent compounds generated upon subjecting the fluorogenic compounds to a chemical event (e.g., deprotonation). Also disclosed are uses of the fluorogenic compounds as NIR probed with a Turn-ON mechanism in monitoring presence and/or level of various analytes.

Abstract: Cell permeable metal ion indicator compounds and methods of their use and synthesis are described. The compound comprises a metal chelating moiety (Mc), a reporter molecule and two or more lipophilic groups (GL) covalently bonded through a linker to the reporter molecule, wherein the lipophilic groups, when present in a live cell, are cleaved resulting in two or more negatively charged groups.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided for measuring a ketone in the fluid of a patient or other user. The systems include a portable measurement device for analyzing a plurality of fluid samples and for generating a corresponding plurality of ketone measurement results. The systems also include an electronic or communications device, for example, such as a cell phone or smartphone, configured to communicate with the measurement device. The system further includes a software application. The systems and related methods according to one aspect provide reminders, preferably interactive reminders that facilitate user compliance with a weight management or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) monitoring or prevention program. The systems and related methods according to another aspect incorporate ketone tags and/or trigger points to improve accuracy of results and to advance user compliance.

Abstract: There are provided a pre-treatment technique for a glycated hemoglobin-containing sample, which is a simple and convenient treatment, is free from problems in storage stability and environmental aspects, and is capable of exposing an epitope sufficiently in a short time; and an method for an immunological assay of glycated hemoglobin using this technique. A method for pre-treating a glycated hemoglobin-containing sample for an immunological assay of glycated hemoglobin, the method includes treating a glycated hemoglobin-containing sample with a pre-treatment solution containing (A) guanidine or a salt thereof and (B) a nonionic surfactant and/or a nitrite.

Abstract: Physical condition under stress can be controlled by using adiponectin in blood as a stress marker and measuring a level thereof. Moreover, endotoxin activity can be inhibited by using adiponectin.

Abstract: A reactive mass label for labelling a biological molecule for detection by mass spectrometry, which label comprises a reactive functionality for labelling thiol groups or carbonyl groups. Also provided is a reactive mass label for labelling a biological molecule for detection by mass spectrometry, wherein the mass label comprises the following structure: X-L-M-S—Re wherein X is a mass marker moiety, L is a cleavable linker, M is a mass normalization moiety, S is a mass series modifying group comprising the following group: wherein J is C?O, K is NH, and n is 2 or J and K are both CH2 and n is 1, and wherein m is at least 1; and Re is a reactive functionality for attaching the mass label to a biological molecule.

Abstract: The method according to the invention is capable of characterizing a variation in the speed of particles or agglomeration of particles, the particles, such as blood particles, being contained in a liquid (12). The characterization method includes the following steps: introducing the liquid (12) into a fluid chamber (14); lighting the fluid chamber (14) using an excitation light beam (18) emitted by a light source (16), the light beam (18) extending through the fluid chamber (14) in a longitudinal direction (X); acquiring at least one image using a matrix photodetector (20), the image being formed by radiation transmitted by the lighted fluid chamber (14); and calculating, from at least one acquired image, at least one indicator characterizing the variation of the speed or agglomeration of the particles. During the acquisition step, the photodetector (20) is positioned at a distance (D2) smaller than 1 cm from the fluid chamber (14) in the longitudinal direction (X).

Abstract: A method is provided of determining whether an individual has reduced ability to form platelet thrombi due to inhibition of platelet activation initiation, signal transduction and/or GPIIb/IIIa blockade. A blood sample is obtained from the individual being assessed. The blood sample is mixed in combination with 1) an anticoagulant; 2) sufficient buffer to maintain the pH and salt concentration of the anticoagulated blood within a range suitable for platelet aggregation; 3) a platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand immobilized on a solid surface; 4) one or more agents to enhance a signal transduction pathway and 5) a receptor activator. The combination is incubated under conditions for agglutinating particles. Platelet-mediated agglutination is assessed in the agitated mixture. The absence of agglutination indicates that the individual has a reduced ability to form platelet thrombi.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer enables users to perform working steps easily and reliably by switching a display screen irrespective of a skill level of the user. The automatic analyzer, which determines a consistency of a test item, includes a display/input section to display a plurality of working steps relating to necessary work flow for measurement. The display/input section is adapted to selectively present a maximized workflow display and a reduced workflow display. The maximized workflow display shows a series of operations and works, and further shows a plurality of operations and works in an order that the plurality of operations and works are processed. In a reduced display of the work flow, the reduced workflow display shows details of a specific operation or work, and a position of the specific operation or work in a sequence that the entire series of operations and works are processed.

Abstract: A apparatus for microfluid detection for detecting a sample fluid including a plurality of magnetic particles is provided. The apparatus for microfluid detection includes a microfluidic chip and a magnetic generating module. The microfluidic chip includes a substrate and microfluidic channels, wherein the sample fluid is carried by a carry surface of the substrate. The magnetic generating module is adapted for providing a positioning magnetic field and a surrounding magnetic field. The magnetic module controls to move the sample fluid and change a distribution of the magnetic particles in the sample fluid through the positioning magnetic field and the surrounding magnetic field.

Abstract: A biosample autoanalyzer including: a sample supply unit having a plurality of biosamples; a first measuring unit fitted with a first optical measuring device; a sample transport capable of transporting the biosamples from the sample supply unit to the reaction cuvettes on the first measuring unit; a second measuring unit fitted with a second optical measuring device; a cuvette transfer device capable of transferring the reaction cuvettes to the second measuring unit; a reagent supply unit having reagents; and (7) a reagent transport device capable of transporting reaction reagents to the reaction cuvettes. The analyzer is operated wherein the reaction cuvettes on the second measuring unit are dispensed with the biosamples on the first measuring unit, subsequently transferred from the first measuring unit to the second measuring unit by the cuvette transfer device, such that different measurements are carried out by the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit.

Abstract: A cartridge for dispensing fluid is presented. The cartridge comprises a valve. The valve comprises a pumping chamber for pumping the fluid. The valve positions a pumping chamber conduit. The pumping chamber conduit is connected to the pumping chamber. The cartridge further comprises a plunger for changing the volume of the pumping chamber. The cartridge further comprises a reservoir conduit for connecting the reservoir with the valve. The valve positions the pumping chamber conduit to connect with the reservoir conduit. The cartridge further comprises an outlet conduit for dispensing the fluid. The valve further rotates the pumping chamber conduit to connect with the outlet conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring fluid velocity in a conduit or in open space comprises providing a laser which sends a beam through the fluid, measuring how the beam deflects due to the effect of transverse-moving fluid on the beam, and calculating velocity based on the deflection. The laser beam is one which causes thermal blooming within the fluid and that causes the beam to deflect as a function of the velocity of the fluid. The beam deflection is directly or indirectly measured, for example by looking at the movement of a beam spot on a target, or by sensing the change in intensity of the beam at a target.

Abstract: A vibrator element includes a pair of first and second drive vibrating arms that extend in opposite directions from a base portion; a first weight that is spaced from a tip of at least one of the first and second drive vibrating arms toward the base portion and is provided in a first region of the at least one of the drive vibrating arms; and a second weight that is provided in a second region that is a region between a tip of the first weight and the tip of the at least one of the drive vibrating arms. When an area of the first region is represented as A1, a mass of the first weight is represented as B1, an area of the second region is represented as A2, and a mass of the second weight is represented as B2, B1/A1>B2/A2 is established.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensing device, including a laser arrangement configured to generate a light beam, a first waveguide configured to receive and output a first portion of the light beam, and a second waveguide having a section that is evanescently coupled to the first waveguide and configured to receive and output a second portion of the light beam. The section of the second waveguide is configured to be movable substantially parallel to the first waveguide, wherein a movement of the section of the second waveguide may be caused by an inertial change applied to the sensing device. The movement of the section may cause a detectable change in light intensity between the first and second portions of the light beam. Based on the detected change, the inertial change may be determined. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A system for real-time determination of a parameter of a movement having a repetitive form includes first estimating means for estimating an approximation of the period of the repetitive movement, before the end of the current movement, on the basis of representative signals indicative of the movement. A determining means determines a size of a sliding window on the basis of the period estimated by the first estimating means. Finally, a second estimating means precisely estimates, using the sliding window, the movement parameter, on the basis of the representative signals indicative of the movement and of the size of the sliding window delivered by the first estimating means.

Abstract: A system is provided for the continuous reduction, in real time, of bias in a force rebalanced accelerometers having a proof mass coupled to an accelerometer housing by a flexure suspension. The system comprises a closed loop, force rebalance servo that provides control voltage to the proof mass to null an electrical pickoff signal that indicates the motion of the proof mass with respect to the accelerometer housing, wherein a time varying disturbance signal is injected into the force rebalance servo that results in the generation of a time varying voltage in the output of the force rebalance servo that corresponds to a magnitude of the net positive spring of the combined flexure suspension and electrostatic springs acting on the proofmass. The system also comprises a negative electrostatic spring servo that applies a negative electrostatic spring DC voltage to each of a pair of negative electrostatic forcer electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a testing apparatus, including: a base having opposite upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of electrical circuits formed in the base, each of the electrical circuits extending from the upper surface to the lower surface and bending backwards to the upper surface such that two terminal ends of the electrical circuit are located on the upper surface. While in a testing, an element is disposed on the upper surface of the base such that testing probes are placed on the electrical contact spots of both the element and the upper surface of the base, thus without resorting to double sided testing that testing probes are placed on the upper and lower surfaces of the element as mentioned in the prior art. Hence, the testing apparatus and testing method can simplify the testing process and prevent the element from damage caused by mechanical stresses of the testing probes.

Abstract: The probe card includes a substrate, at least two IC boards, and a plurality of probe pads. The IC boards are located on the substrate, and a predetermined distance is formed between the IC boards. Each of the IC boards has a plurality of lead connection points. The probe pads are plated on the IC boards, and are respectively connected to the lead connection points to cover the lead connection points. A probe area is surrounded by the probe pads on each of the IC boards. The probe pads are used to abut against plural probes.

Abstract: A structure and method for providing a contact pin between a device under test (DUT) and a load board which provides upper and lower contact point which are axial aligned is disclosed. The pin has an upper (30) and lower (32) section and a hinge (44/46) in between which allow flex of both upper and lower contact (24/26) which, but the axial alignment can provide a direct replacement for POGO pins but with greater reliability.

Abstract: A space transformer includes: a ceramic substrate that contains enstatite and boron nitride as components; a through hole running through in a thickness direction with respect to a sintered body in which the boron nitride is oriented in one direction; conductive material provided inside the through hole; and a wiring pattern including a plurality of electrodes provided on each of two principal surfaces, wherein a wiring pitch in the wiring pattern on one principal surface is different from a wiring pitch in the wiring pattern on the other principal surface.

Abstract: A probe card for an electric test of a device under test on a working table incorporating a heat source includes a circuit base plate including conductive paths connected to a tester, a probe base plate including conductive paths corresponding to the conductive paths and provided with probes connected to the conductive paths, and a heat expansion adjusting member bonded to the probe base plate, having a different linear expansion coefficient from that of the probe base plate to restrain heat expansion of the probe base plate, and constituting a composite body with the probe base plate. In a case where, when the device under test is at two measuring temperatures, the composite body is at corresponding achieving temperatures, expansion changing amounts of the device under test and the composite body under temperature differences between the respective measuring temperatures and the corresponding achieving temperatures are set to be approximately equal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic load module and to a method and a system therefor. The method comprises receiving control data (301) from a connectable power controller via a data bus connector (202), and controlling (302) an active load (203) based on the received control data to sink a defined current from a connectable device under test via a first input (204). The method further comprises controlling (303) the activate load (203) based on the received control data by means of a digital control circuit (201) and the connectable power controller to generate and maintain an ambient temperature of the device under test.

Abstract: An optical sensor assembly, for installation on a current carrying cable, senses the current in the cable and provides an electrical output indicating the current. To sense the current, a magnetic concentrator is placed in close proximity to the cable and creates a magnetic field representing current in the cable. An optical current sensor, within the created magnetic field, exposes a beam of polarized light to the magnetic field. The beam of polarized light is rotated thereby, by Faraday effect, according to the current in the cable. The amount of rotation is analyzed and converted to electrical signals to portray the current in the cable. The electrical signals may be processed, evaluated and analyzed to provide one or more of several elements of quality of the current in the cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixed current sensor comprising in a case: a magnetic current sensor; a current measuring device comprising a Rogowski coil arranged in such a way that a primary circuit of the magnetic sensor corresponds to the primary circuit of said current measuring device, electronic means for performing acquisition and measurement of the electric current. Said sensor comprises a linking cassette comprising first fixing means arranged to position and secure said cassette by clip-fastening onto the measuring device; second fixing means arranged to position and secure said cassette and the measuring device by clip-fastening onto the case.

Abstract: A method for operating a charge pump that supplies switching current for a plurality of transistors includes a capacitor generating a pumped voltage. A comparator generates a pump control signal for turning on and off charging of the pump capacitor based on a difference between a comparison voltage and a reference voltage. A direct voltage sensor receives a feedback signal reflecting the pumped voltage and generates the comparison voltage in response to the feedback signal. The sensor includes a sensor resistor, a current source configured to drive a sensor current through the sensor resistor, and a differential op-amp that drives the sensor current to cause the voltage drop across the sensor resistor to remain constant as the pumped voltage experiences the voltage drop. The charge pump may include two similar direct voltage sensor controlling positive and negative pumped voltages.

Abstract: Nanosensors including graphene and methods of manufacturing the same. A nanosensor includes a first insulating layer in which a first nanopore is formed; a graphene layer that is disposed on the first insulating layer and having a second nanopore or a nanogap formed therein adjacent to the first nanopore; and a marker element that is disposed adjacent to the graphene layer and identifies a position of the graphene layer.

Abstract: A printed circuit includes a hole, a stack, one or more first coils, a magnetic core, and a pad. The hole passes through the vertically through the board to receive a conducting wire. The stack comprises metallization layers vertically stacked and separated mechanically from one another by electrically insulating layers. The first coils fulfill functions of a measurement coil and of an excitation coil. Each first coil has turns wound solely around the magnetic core. The magnetic core forms a first magnetic ring surrounding the hole and extending horizontally between metallization layers. Each turn of each first coil is formed by two conducting tracks produced, respectively, in metallization layers situated above and below the first magnetic ring. The pad passes through an insulating layer and passes through an interior of the magnetic ring, electrically linking the two conducting tracks.

Abstract: Oscillation frequency measurements for trimming oscillators on an integrated circuit device are performed entirely on the device. The oscillation frequency measurements utilize a reference clock. Some measurements count periods of the oscillator signal independently of the reference clock, and some measurements count periods of the reference clock independently of the oscillator signal. After one oscillator on the device has been trimmed, that trimmed oscillator may then be used to make oscillation frequency measurements for trimming another oscillator on the device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein use capacitive sensing to detect human interaction with living plants. A sensing system may utilize the natural conductive paths found in an organic plant to transmit an electrical signal between the plant and a user interacting with the plant. By directly contacting the plant or coming into proximity of the plant, the user may affect the electrical signal. That is, the electrical properties of the user (e.g., the capacitance of the human body) change a measured impedance curve associated with the electrical signal. Based on this change, the sensing system detects an interaction between the user and the plant and may inform a user interaction device to provide a feedback response to the user. For example, the feedback response may be an audio or video effect that is based on the type of user interaction such as whether the user touched the plant's leaf or stem.