Abstract: Various embodiments for a method that allow for a more accurate analyte concentration with a biosensor by determining at least one physical characteristic of the sample and determining whether a counter or reference electrode is causing an error by monitoring the working electrodes and flagging an error if the signal outputs of the working electrodes do not meet certain thresholds.

Abstract: A concentration of a compound in a gas is determined by a gas sensor with a layer comprising metal oxide. The layer is heated by first heating pulses of a first duration each, and by at least one second heating pulse of a second duration between two consecutive first heating pulses, which second duration is less than the first duration and is equal to or less than 5 seconds. The concentration of the gas compound is derived from values indicative of a resistance of the layer as measured in response to one or more of the first and second heating pulses.

Abstract: A method of co-functionalizing single-walled carbon nanotubes for gas sensors, which includes the steps of: fabricating single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; synthesizing tin oxide onto the single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects; and synthesizing metal nanoparticles onto the tin oxide coated single-walled carbon nanotube interconnects.

Abstract: Provided is a gas sensor capable of accurately obtaining the concentration of water vapor of a measurement gas. A main pumping cell adjusts an oxygen partial pressure of a first internal space such that all of the water vapor of a measurement gas is decomposed in the first internal space. A measuring pumping cell adjusts an oxygen partial pressure of a second internal space such that hydrogen generated by the decomposition of water vapor selectively burns. A metal component of a measuring internal electrode contains an alloy of gold and a noble metal other than gold. A gold abundance ratio of the metal component on the surface of the measuring internal electrode is 25 at % or higher. The concentration of water vapor is identified based on the magnitude of a current flowing between the measuring internal electrode and an external electrode.

Abstract: A potentiometric sensor having: a measuring half cell with a conductor element; a reference half cell with a reference element; a measuring circuit that is connected with the conductor element of the measuring half cell and the reference element of the reference half cell, is designed to create a measuring signal that is dependent on a potential difference between the conductor element and the reference element. The measuring half cell further includes: a housing, in which a housing chamber is formed, which is closed off by a first ion-selective membrane and contacted by the conductor element a first inner electrolyte contained within the housing chamber, contacting the ion-selective membrane, wherein the conductor element includes an inner conductor, especially an inner conductor comprising a metallic conductor, that is connected with the measuring circuit and a gas-tight barrier separating the inner conductor from the first inner electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based particle sorting. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a suspension of particles; and (b) electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations using droplets comprising particles. A method of transporting a particle is also provided, wherein the method includes providing a droplet comprising the particle and transporting the droplet on a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: There is provided an electrolyte solution for extending shelf life, and/or accelerating or improving resolution or improving transfer efficacy for blot applications, or accelerating and improving resolution, or accelerating and improving transfer efficacy of gel electrophoresis and containing Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), at least one zwitterion, and water. The electrolyte solution may be used in buffer systems for gel electrophoresis and the preparation of gels for gel electrophoresis, such as Western blot.

Abstract: A nanopore sequencing device is disclosed. The nanopore sequencing device includes a working electrode. It further includes a dielectric layer, wherein a portion of the dielectric layer is disposed horizontally adjacent to the working electrode and a portion of the dielectric layer is disposed above and covering a portion of the working electrode, and wherein the dielectric layer forms a well having an opening above an uncovered portion of the working electrode. A base surface area of the working electrode is greater than a base surface area of the opening above the uncovered portion of the working electrode.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for containing molecules. In some embodiments, the device comprises a nanopore, a pore, and a cavity capable of entropically containing (e.g., trapping) a molecule (e.g., a biomolecule), e.g., for minutes, hours, or days. In certain embodiments, the method comprises urging a molecule into a cavity of a device by application of an electric field, and/or by deposition of fluids having different ionic strengths. The molecule may comprise, in some cases, nucleic acids (e.g., DNA). The molecule, when present in the cavity and/or the nanopore, may be capable of being analyzed, determined, or chemically modified. In some instances, a second molecule (e.g., a second molecule which interacts the first molecule) may also be urged into the cavity. In some embodiments, the interaction of the second molecule with the first molecule (e.g.

Abstract: During filling of a capillary with an electrophoresis medium, this electrophoresis medium receptacle maintains a resting state, and the capillary and the electrophoresis medium receptacle are readily sealed. The electrophoresis medium receptacle is simple in shape, the electrophoresis medium receptacle is readily manufactured, and the electrophoresis medium is readily sealed. The amount of the electrophoresis medium sealed in the electrophoresis medium receptacle is brought into approximation without limit to the amount of the electrophoresis medium filling the capillary, minimizing dead volume. In this electrophoresis medium receptacle, a receptacle filled with an electrophoresis medium is maintained in a sealed state, and a septum which can be pierced by a capillary cathode end is provided. The pressure produced when the capillary cathode end pierces the septum in which the receptacle filled with the electrophoresis medium is sealed transports the electrophoresis medium into the interior of a capillary.

Abstract: In a linear drift tube partitioned into a plurality of cascaded drift tube segments each followed by an ion elimination region, a system and method of separating ions includes repeatedly establishing electric drift fields in the drift tube segments and in some of the ion elimination regions while establishing electric repulsive fields in others of the ion elimination regions such that ions having a predefined mobility or range of mobilities are transmitted through the drift tube in one direction, and when the ions reach the end of the drift tube the electric drift fields are reversed and the process is repeated to transmit the ions to the opposite end of the drift tube. Ions may be made to pass back and forth through the drift tube any number of times before being drawn out of the drift tube to an ion detector or into another drift tube.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor is disclosed for performing a propagation-time measurement in a liquid. The ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasound transmitter and a deflecting element made of plastic, into which deflecting element the ultrasound pulses emitted by the ultrasound transmitter are conducted, which ultrasound pulses are deflected on a boundary surface within the deflecting element by reflection. A hermetically sealed air bag is arranged inside the deflecting element. A wall of the air bag forms the plastic/air boundary surface for reflecting the ultrasound pulses. The ultrasonic sensor may provide improved functional capability of the deflecting element over a long time period, while being economical to produce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and related method that includes an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and transmitting and receiving electronics for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves via the ultrasonic transducer in an explosion-protected housing. The transmitting and receiving electronics has an energy storage connected to an amplifier circuit, wherein control signals for the ultrasonic transducer transmitted from outside can be amplified to such an extent that ultrasonic signals significantly strong for monitoring can be generated. By means of the acoustic waveguide, the ultrasonic signals are guided outside through an explosion-protected passthrough in the housing and are coupled into the object. As a result, objects can be continuously monitored in explosion-protected zones without violating the safety regulations and without a stoppage of the associated system or draining of the objects.

Abstract: In the present invention, differences in liquid feed properties between liquid chromatographic devices are determined, a liquid feed time table that takes these differences into account is acquired by way of system changes, and flow control is performed by a pump. Furthermore, the liquid feed time table after the system changes is divided into a plurality of intervals, and instructions are sent to the pump after approximate calculations are performed. Thus, by efficiently performing system change processes, the same measurement results can be obtained in a plurality of different liquid chromatograph devices, regardless of the differences in liquid feed properties.

Abstract: A data processing system for a chromatograph including a standard sample data storage section; a standard sample sensitivity factor calculator; a post-correction standard sample chromatogram strength calculator; a specific designated retention time and specific designated wavelength setter; a measurement sample data storage section; a measurement sample sensitivity factor calculator; and a post-correction measurement sample chromatogram creator.

Abstract: Described herein are liquid-free traps for trace levels of an acidic or basic airborne molecular contaminant in a gas. In one version of the invention described herein, the liquid-free trap comprises a housing, comprising an inlet and an outlet; a flow path between the inlet and the outlet; and a rigid sintered hydrophilic material situated in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet and sealed in the housing. The rigid sintered hydrophilic material is functionalized with from about 0.05 molar milliequivalents to about 10 molar milliequivalents of a basic species for trapping an acidic airborne molecular contaminant in the gas or from about 0.05 molar milliequivalents to about 10 molar milliequivalents of an acidic species for trapping a basic airborne molecular contaminant in the gas. Methods of using the liquid-free traps to detect or measure trace levels of an acidic or basic airborne molecular contaminant are also described.

Abstract: A process for testing a zeolite based FCC catalyst and a ZSM-5 zeolite based FCC catalyst additive for simulating commercial plant yields is disclosed in, the present disclosure wherein the catalyst and the additive are subjected separately to a steaming protocol with 60 to 100% steam at a temperature in the range of 750° C. to 850° C. for 3 to 200 hours to obtain a catalyst and a catalyst additive deactivated under, said simulated commercial plant hydrothermal deactivation conditions. The deactivated catalyst and the deactivated catalyst additive are admixed in a pre-determined weight proportion. The obtained catalyst mixture is then used for cracking a hydrocarbon feed for a pre-determined period of time to generate cracking data. Product yields are measured from the generated cracking data at a pre-determined simulated commercial plant conversion of the hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: Provided is an oxygen detecting agent composition including a redox dye and a reducing agent, the redox dye being an inorganic substance.

Abstract: A method for comparing odors comprises: sampling odor sources and detecting primary odorants, then for each odor source, storing each of the sampled odor sources in respective primary vectors of odor descriptors that describe the primary odorants. For each source a source vector is then constructed by summing the primary vectors of the respectively detected primary odorants. Comparison between the odors is achieved by determining an angle between the source vectors, which may then be output. The method may be used in electronic noses and like equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the health and growth of plants in a field. The method and system acquire a thermal image indicative of thermal energy emitted by the plants and process the thermal image to assess variations in the temperatures among the plants.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for fitting kinetic models to measurements of dynamic curves where the kinetic models give rise to nonlinear fitting equations in two or more unknowns that can be formulated so that they are linear in one or more of the unknown parameters and nonlinear in one or more of the unknown parameters. Such systems, methods and devices may be utilized to monitor and characterize the attributes of a given tracer such as a radioactive substance within a body, a drug within the body, a concentration of a substance within a particular medium, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transparent frozen soil, which is prepared from a fluorine-containing polymer, cube ice and a colorless pore fluid by steps of preparing materials, blending, vacuuming, and freezing. The fluorine-containing polymer is Teflon AF 1600 produced by American DuPont Company, with the refractive index of 1.31, and are particles with the particle diameter of 0.25-2.0 mm, and the density of 2.1-2.3 g/cm3. The present invention also provides the application of the above transparent frozen soil in the frozen soil directional blasting model test and the frozen soil road embankment model thaw-slumping test. The transparent frozen soil prepared by the present invention can well simulate the properties of natural transparent frozen sandy soil, is effectively used in model tests in the geotechnical engineering, with accurate measurement results, and can realize the visualization of the internal deformation of the soil body, and it is low in the expense, and simple in the operation.

Abstract: Provided are nanowire-coated fibers and compositions comprising one or more nanowire-coated fibers and methods of making the fibers and compositions. The fibers can be organic or inorganic fibers. The nanowires can be metallic or semiconducting nanowires. The nanowires are disposed on at least a portion of a surface of a fiber or fibers. The fibers and compositions can be used as barcodes (e.g., for anti-counterfeiting methods). The fibers and compositions also can be used as photodetectors (e.g., methods of detecting electromagnetic radiation).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an automatic analyzer for determining more accurately the concentration of lipids and other interfering substances in body fluids, particularly of interfering substances such as bilirubin and hemoglobin in blood serum and blood plasma samples.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for carrying out in vitro experiments with biological test systems, which are perfused with an exposure medium, forming an exposure atmosphere, includes an exposure cap, which is dimensioned in such a manner that it can be set onto a standard multiwell plate and connected with the standard multiwell plate using suitable connecting elements.

Abstract: A modified melanoma cell line capable of quantification of the effects of MEK inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors in a quantitative, temporal and non-invasive manner both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and assays for detection of low concentration analytes such as proteins in a sample, using beads. Specially coated beads allow for femtomolar sensitivity through strong near-infrared fluorescence enhancement on plasmonic beads having gold nanostructures in a coating. By selecting different bead sizes and labeling with different fluorophores of plasmonic beads for immobilization of different capture antibodies, multiplexed plasmonic beads can be used for simultaneous quantification of various markers down to 0.01 pg/mL sensitivity. Exemplified are human cytokine IL-6, IFN-gamma, IL-1 beta, VEGF and ovarian cancer biomarker CA-125. Using flow cytometry, a detection limit below that of glass bead based immunoassays by 2-3 orders of magnitude was achieved.

Abstract: The specification provides methods for isolating extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles can be efficiently isolated, e.g., from biological fluids or cell culture media, using a heparin-coated solid support.

Abstract: A substrate for biochips, in which contamination of a biologically relevant substance(s) to be immobilized does not occur even when reaction spots on the substrate for biochips are highly densified; and a biochip comprising the same are provided. The substrate for biochips comprises a substrate and a plurality of reaction spots disposed on the substrate. A plurality of grooves, which surround each of the reaction spots individually and independently, are provided on the substrate. On the biochip, a biologically relevant substance(s) is/are immobilized on each of the reaction spots of the substrate for biochips.

Abstract: Immunoblotting systems and method are provided. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying an antibody solution to a surface of a membrane having an optically detectable protein and a target protein transferred thereon, wherein the application of the antibody solution is guided by a signal emitted from the optically detectable protein; and detecting the target protein. Systems and other methods are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for the rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by immunoassays incorporating magnetic capture of beads on a sensor capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic device allowing highly specific and efficient in vivo and/or in vitro detection of a bio marker in a broad range of bodily fluids or tissues. The diagnostic device is composed of a binding agent that specifically binds a bio marker present in the bodily fluid linked by a linker compound or layer to the substrate, which includes a metallic, a semiconductor, or a polymeric carrier. The present invention further provides methods using said device for the detection of bio markers, as well as kits comprising said device and suitable ingredients for the detections of bio markers in a bodily fluid. Furthermore, the invention provides suitable in vivo and in vitro applications of said binding agent for the detection of specific disease-related target structures.

Abstract: Methods for producing a protein extract from cells, such as cells or cellular samples containing viral proteins, are provided. In general terms, the methods may involve: increasing the pH of the cells to a pH of at least about pH 10.0 to produce an intermediate composition, and then, in the presence of a non-ionic detergent such as a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, neutralizing the pH of the intermediate composition to produce the protein extract. Such methods can be used in conjunction with methods for detecting one or more target proteins in a sample, such as viral proteins. Systems, kits and compositions for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Isothermal titration calorimetry methods for determining one or more binding characteristics of a ligand and a receptor according to aspects of the present invention include injecting a ligand into a sample cell of a calorimeter, the sample cell containing a receptor, wherein the injecting is continuous; obtaining heat flow values indicative of binding of the ligand to the receptor; and calculating the binding characteristic in real-time, producing a determined binding characteristic. Binding characteristics determined according to methods of the present invention include any one or more of ?H, ?S, ?G, equilibrium binding constant (K), and binding stoichiometry (n).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a photothermal spectroscopy assay reader including a light source configured to emit light in the red range of the light spectrum. Methods of operating such photothermal spectroscopy assay readers are also disclosed. Assay kits including a lateral flow assay and a photothermal spectroscopy assay reader configured to read the photothermal spectroscopy assay reader are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for reducing noise in a lateral flow system includes a cartridge having first, second, third, and fourth lateral flow test strips, the lateral flow test strips providing for a detectable indication of an analyte in the presence of the analyte. The system further includes a meter including a cartridge reading system and a microprocessor, the cartridge reading system configured to detect a signal from each of the first, second, third, and fourth lateral flow test strips, the microprocessor including instructions and configured to average each of the signals.

Abstract: An in vitro method for quantifying a target-specific test antibody in a test sample, comprising the steps of: a) performing an immunoassay using a target immobilized on a support which is brought into contact with the test sample, the immunoassay comprising a step of measuring the binding of the target-specific test antibody to the immobilized target by using a detectable non-antibody ligand that binds to the Fc region or to a light chain of an antibody, whereby a concentration-related value of the target-specific test antibody in the test sample is obtained, and b) comparing the concentration-related value obtained at step a) with a reference value obtained by performing an immunoassay using the target immobilized on a support which is brought into contact with a calibration sample comprising a known concentration of a target-specific calibration antibody, the immunoassay comprising a step of measuring the binding of the target-specific calibration antibody to the immobilized target by using the detectable n

Abstract: The present invention provides four purified preparation containing a polynucleic acid molecule encoding porcine Torque teno virus (PTTV) genotypes or subtypes PTTV1a-VA, PTTV1b-VA, PTTV2b-VA, and PTTV2c-VA. The present invention also provides infectious DNA clones, biologically functional plasmid or viral vector containing the infectious nucleic acid genome molecule of the same. The present invention further provides live, attenuated, vector-expressed and purified recombinant capsid subunit or killed viral vaccines for protection against PTTV infection. The present invention additionally provides subunit vaccines comprising PTTV specific gene products, especially ORF1 capsid gene product for protection against PTTV infection. Further, the present invention provides methods for diagnosing PTTV infection via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primer for PTTV1, PTTV2, and individual PTTV1 genotypes.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting renal injury in a subject, such as proximal tubular injury associated with acute kidney injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of determining the response to metadoxine therapy for the treatment of Fragile X Syndrome and other cognitive disorders. The invention also relates to identifying individuals that will be responsive to metadoxine therapy.

Abstract: Nucleic acids and proteins having a mutant MEK sequence, and methods concerning identification of patients having resistance to treatment with anti-cancer agents, specifically inhibitors of RAF or MEK are provided. Methods of treatment and for optimizing treatment for patients having a mutation in a MEK1 sequence are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibody arrays for the detection of cancer in a human or animal subject, comprising a solid support having disposed thereon in a predetermined spatial configuration, a panel of antibodies specific to biomarkers comprising CA-125, MSP-?, TIMP-4, PDGF-R? and OPG, wherein the panel comprises a first antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds CA-125, a second antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds MSP-?, a third antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds TIMP-4, a fourth antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds PDGF-R?, and a fifth antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds OPG. Also disclosed are systems containing the arrays and methods of using the arrays to detect cancer such as ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of the peptides, from the Fatty acid synthase (FASN) protein are provided that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the FASN protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed and are selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the anti-SOX10 antibodies, kits, cocktails, and use of anti-SOX10 antibodies for detection of cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: There is provided a fluorescent polymer dot (FPdot) comprising one or more fluorescent conjugated polymers forming a hydrophobic core and one or more amphiphilic molecules, each amphiphilic molecule comprising a hydrophobic end embedded in the core and a hydrophilic end that forms a hydrophilic shell surrounding the core, wherein said hydrophobic end comprises one or more aliphatic chain moieties. There is also provided a method for preparing the fluorescent polymer dot comprising preparing a mixture of conjugated polymer and amphiphilic molecule in an aprotic solvent; and adding said mixture to a protic solvent. The fluorescent polymer dots may be useful in biomedical imaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for the labelling of biomolecules bearing reactive amino or hydroxyl groups. The kit consists of a Reagent A and a Reagent B, individually packaged, comprising: a mixture of a carboxylated labelling compound and a tertiary amine (Reagent A); and a coupling reagent (Reagent B). Upon contacting Reagent A with Reagent B, the carboxylated labelling compound is activated in-situ by the coupling reagent (a guanidinium, or uranium salt) in the presence of the tertiary amine. The active form of the carboxylated labelling compound is reacted with a biomolecules bearing reactive amino or hydroxyl groups, with formation of a stable covalent bond between the carboxylated labelling compound and the biomolecule.

Abstract: A fluorescent labeling particle for detecting a target substance, containing a composite particle having a phase containing a magnetic material and a phase containing a fluorescent material, and a thermoresponsive polymer on a surface of the composite particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of novel biomarkers and biomarker combinations having utility in the early determination of an individual's critical and/or life threatening response to illness and/or in predicting outcome of said illness. The measurement of expression levels of the products of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers of the invention have utility in making the determination of an individual's critical and/or life threatening response to illness. In some embodiments, the biomarker and biomarker combinations are agnostic and are independent of the pre-identification and/or determination of the cause or nature of the illness. In some embodiments, the biomarkers and biomarker combinations can be utilized to select treatment and/or monitor the effectiveness of treatment interventions for an individual who has a critical illness.

Abstract: A novel imaging reagent and gel-based method for analyzing and comparing phosphoproteomes on the same gel are disclosed herein.