Abstract: The disclosure relates to the identification of salivary biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring of type 2 diabetes in a subject. Also provided are methods for noninvasively diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes in a subject. More particularly, the expression of salivary biomarkers, including MUC-1, MUC-2, MUC-4, and MUC-5B, are highly associated with A1C level in African American patients with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: An assay for Alzheimer's disease pathology (AD) in a living patient is disclosed wherein an amount of ?7nAChR or TLR4 in a FLNA-captured protein complex or ?7nAChR in an A?-captured protein complex or ?7nAChR-FLNA, TLR4-FLNA and/or ?7nAChR-A?42 complex present as a protein-protein complex in a sample is determined and compared to the amount in a standard sample from a person free of AD pathology. An amount greater than in the standard sample indicates AD pathology. Also disclosed is an assay predictive of prognosis for treatment with a medicament in which the amount of an above protein or protein complex is determined and compared to an amount determined in the presence of a medicament that binds to a FLNA pentapeptide and contains at least four of the six pharmacophores of FIGS. 7-12. An amount of protein or protein complex determined in the presence of the medicament less than the first determined amount indicates a favorable treatment prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic fecal occult blood detector for detecting a sample kit, comprising: a feed passage and a discharging passage which are provided in parallel and convey a sample kit separately; a transfer platform configured between the feed passage and the discharging passage; a push rod configured to push the sample kit on the feed passage onto the discharging passage through the transfer platform; and an image capturing device provided on one side of the discharging passage to acquire the color band information presented on a test strip. In the present invention, the parallel arrangement of the feed passage and the discharging passage shortens the whole length of the automatic detector, meeting the requirement that the color band information of the test strip is automatically acquired after the sample kit is left in the device a certain time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA). In particular, the present invention relates to the use of a new diagnostic parameter that is composed of the ratio between the Ang II level, in particular the steady state equilibrium Ang II level, and the aldosterone level in a biological sample, such as e.g. plasma. The ratio of the two measured parameters is used to diagnose PHA in patients and has clear advantages over currently used diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia provides a method, and use thereof, of predicting CV complications such as AMI, ACS, stroke, and CV death by determining the concentrations of at least one ceramide of Group A and at least one ceramide of Group B in a biological sample and comparing those concentrations to a control. Finding a decreased concentration of at least one Group A ceramide and an increased concentration of at least one Group B ceramide indicates that the subject has an increased risk of developing one or more CV complications. Also provided are a newly identified subset of ceramide molecules, labelled versions thereof, and kits and compositions comprising the same for use in predicting and/or diagnosing CV complications.

Abstract: Antibodies, immunoassay methods and kits thereof are described for the detection and determination of 3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid. The novel immunogens from which said antibodies are generated are also described.

Abstract: There is provided plate equipped with a mechanism to facilitate determination of the amount of a fluid added to or removed from a well in the plate. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A multi-well fluid container that includes a container body is provided for use in an in vitro diagnostics automation system. The container body includes a first well having a first well size configured to hold a first fluid and an openable first well closure that covers a first well opening. The first well opening provides access to the first fluid in the first well when the openable first well closure is opened. The container body also includes a second well having a second well size configured to hold a second fluid and having an openable second well closure that covers a second well opening. The second well opening provides access to the second fluid in the second well when the openable second well closure is opened. The first well size of the first well is different than the second well size of the second well.

Abstract: An anti-evaporation tube for use with an in vitro diagnostics automation system is provided. The anti-evaporation tube includes an anti-evaporation tube body configured to be automatically inserted in a container and to limit evaporation of one or more fluids in the container and an alignment portion disposed on the anti-evaporation tube body. The alignment portion is configured to automatically align the anti-evaporation tube body within the container and cause the anti-evaporation tube body to remain aligned within the container. The alignment portion includes one or more openings disposed on an upper area of the anti-evaporation tube body. The one or more openings are configured to provide ventilation.

Abstract: The type of blood collection tube (1) inserted into this system is automatically recognized, a lifting operation for checking the state and volume of analyte is switched on the basis of the automatic recognition result, a mechanical operation parameter based on the blood collection tube type is determined, and the blood collection tube (1) is grasped and lifted. Then, an image processing threshold is changed on the basis of the automatic recognition result, and image processing is performed using a threshold parameter based on the blood collection tube type to check the state and volume of the analyte. This enables precise automatic checking of the state and/or volume of the analyte for various types of blood collection tubes.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting sample well trays with respect to a heating device is provided. The apparatus includes a sample well tray holder, a rotational actuator, and a biasing mechanism. The sample well tray holder includes a plate in which a sample well tray may be positioned. The sample well tray holder is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis. The rotational actuator is configured to rotate the sample well tray holder about the first rotational axis. The biasing mechanism is configured to urge the sample well tray holder in a generally upward direction along the first rotational axis.

Abstract: An adapter is attached to each sample storage unit in a rack. Each adapter includes a pair of arms, and these arms include a pair of lower-end structural bodies. An opening force being imparted to a pair of the lower-end structural bodies in the horizontal direction when a sample container is mounted on the pair of lower-end structural bodies causes the bodies to retreat towards the outside in the horizontal direction. In the subsequent opened state, the sample container is passed from the rack to a lifting mechanism. In the closed state, pressure being applied to the sample container in the vertical direction causes a stopper segment, which is contained in each attachment, to be lowered. In this lowered state, the opening motion of the pair of arms is restricted.

Abstract: An analysis device for particle analysis, configured in such a manner that a reagent container is set in the device by inserting the reagent container from a side surface of the device toward the inside thereof, the reagent container having, near the forward end thereof, a suction pipe entrance portion into which a suction pipe can enter. The analysis device is provided with: a reagent container holding portion which holds the reagent container inserted from the suction pipe entrance portion side; and the suction pipe which enters, from above, the suction pipe entrance portion of the reagent container held by the reagent container holding portion and which sucks a reagent within the reagent container. The reagent container holding portion includes a guide member for guiding the insertion of the reagent container, which is inserted from the suction pipe entrance portion side, into the reagent container holding portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipetting work station comprising a pipetting mechanism bracket and a plurality of pipetting mechanisms; wherein, the pipetting mechanism comprises a mobile seat, a mobile rod movably mounted on the mobile seat; a mobile rod drive mechanism; a gear capable of turning around the vertical direction; a linear rail fastening seat; and a pipette disposed at the lower end of the mobile rod. The present invention further provides the abovementioned pipetting mechanism. The present invention further provides usage of the pipetting work station in such aspects as liquid sample dosing and liquid transferring. The pipetting mechanism used in the pipetting work station provided by the present invention can independently make vertical or horizontal movements, and does not require or reduces lubricating services, which accordingly avoid contamination.

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

Abstract: Air data sensing apparatus comprising: an aircraft panel; a blister arranged on a surface of the aircraft panel, the blister comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the upstream portion being rounded in three dimensions and having a rounded outer edge surface spaced laterally from the aircraft panel; a plurality of apertures in the surface of the aircraft panel, the apertures being adjacent to the upstream portion of the blister, and spaced from the blister; a plurality of conduits, each conduit being in fluid communication with a respective aperture; and one or more pressure sensors arranged to measure a pressure in each of the conduits.

Abstract: A debris collection and metrology system for collecting and analyzing debris from a tip used in nanomachining processes, the system including an irradiation source, an irradiation detector, an actuator, and a controller. The irradiation source is operable to direct incident irradiation onto the tip, and the irradiation detector is operable to receive a sample irradiation from the tip, the sample irradiation being generated as a result of the direct incident irradiation being applied onto the tip. The controller is operatively coupled to an actuator system and the irradiation detector, and the controller is operable to receive a first signal based on a first response of the irradiation detector to the sample irradiation, and the controller is operable to effect relative motion between the tip and at least one of the irradiation source and the irradiation detector based on the first signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a metrology instrument includes generating relative motion between a probe and a sample at a scan frequency using an actuator. The method also includes detecting motion of the actuator using a position sensor that exhibits noise in the detected motion, and controlling the position of the actuator using a feedback loop and a feed forward algorithm. In this embodiment, the controlling step attenuates noise in the actuator position compared to noise exhibited by the position sensor in a bandwidth of about seven times the scan frequency. Scan frequencies up to a third of the first scanner resonance frequency or greater than 300 Hz are possible.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a common test board including a socket board, an IP evaluation board, and a common board. To the socket board, a semiconductor device is to be connected. On the IP evaluation board, the socket board is able to be attached. On the common board, the IP evaluation board is able to be attached.

Abstract: A test machine includes a base, a testing platform, a probe platform, a control lever, a temporary positioning mechanism and a damper. The testing platform connects with the base and carries a device under test. The probe platform connects with the base and moves along a longitudinal direction. The probe platform connects with a probe. The control lever connects with the base and the probe platform which is driven by the control lever to move along the longitudinal direction. The temporary positioning mechanism connects with the control lever and temporarily holds the probe platform and the control lever at a specific position. The damper connects with the base. When a distance between the probe and the DUT is shorter than a buffering distance, the damper abuts against the control lever or the probe platform to reduce a velocity of the probe moving towards the DUT.

Abstract: A digital multimeter stores multiple sequential measurements of physical or electrical parameters. Each of the sequential measurements has a name including an automatically generated descriptor. The descriptor for each sequential measurement may indicate a relative position of the measurement within the sequence. For instance, the descriptor may indicate whether the measurement was obtained before or after other measurements in the sequence.

Abstract: A low ohmic current sensor capable of using untrimmed resistor to provide required resistance, including: an untrimmed resistor for a current to flow through; an adjustable amplifier unit, having an input port coupled with the untrimmed resistor to receive a current-sense voltage, an output port for providing an output voltage, and a control port for receiving at least one control signal to determine a voltage transfer curve relating the output voltage to the current-sense voltage; and a control unit, having a first port coupled with the control port to provide the at least one control signal, and a second port for accessing at least one control data, wherein the at least one control signal is generated according to the at least one control data.

Abstract: A wire wound resistor arrangement including a plurality of wire wound resistors electrically connected in a series connection, a first terminal disposed at a first end of the series connection of wire wound resistors, and a second terminal disposed at a second end of the series connection of wire wound resistors. The wire wound resistors are arranged in a polygonal shape having at least three vertices the first terminal and the second terminal are disposed at one of the vertices.

Abstract: A device, an arrangement, and a method for measuring a current intensity in a primary conductor through which current flows are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic field-generating element configured to generate a reference magnetic field; and a magnetic field angle-sensitive element configured to measure an orientation of a total magnetic field, the total magnetic field is produced by overlapping of the primary magnetic field and the reference magnetic field in space, wherein the primary magnetic field and the reference magnetic field are not parallel to one another at a location of the magnetic field angle-sensitive element, and wherein the current intensity of the current flowing through the primary conductor is determinable from the orientation of the total magnetic field in space.

Abstract: A system for measuring impedance is disclosed. The system is designed to be connected with an external unknown impedance. The system includes a reference signal generator, an impedance component coupled to the reference signal generator, a local oscillator configured to generate a signal of a selected frequency, a plurality of frequency mixers coupled to the impedance component and the local oscillator and a switch connected across the impedance component in such a way that the impedance component is bypassed when the switch is on.

Abstract: A method of detecting a relatively weak signal includes providing an oscillatory loop that can sustain oscillations, wherein the oscillatory loop has no more than one or an even-number of stages. The loop includes a first weakly bistable differential amplifier and a second weakly bistable differential amplifier. At least one of the first and second weakly bistable differential amplifiers is connected to a behavior perturbing coupling which is operative to introduce into the connected-to amplifier a behavior tipping signal where, even if the behavior tipping signal is much weaker than an oscillation of the one or multistage oscillatory loop, the relatively weak behavior tipping signal can nonetheless alter the oscillatory behavior of the multistage oscillatory loop in a distinguishable way. The system may be used for detecting outside a patient's body weak manifestations of internal nerve firings.

Abstract: A current sense circuit for a pass transistor is described. The circuit comprises a sense transistor having input and control ports that are coupled to input and control ports respectively of the pass transistor. The circuit comprises a differential amplifier comprising a differential input and output. An output port of the pass transistor is coupled to a first port of the differential input and an output port of the sense transistor is coupled to a second port of the differential input. The differential amplifier comprises a first sub-amplifier and a second sub-amplifier that are arranged in parallel and which are operated in an auto-zero phase and in an amplification phase in an alternating manner, and which are operated in the auto-zero phase in a mutually exclusive manner. The output of the differential amplifier is used to control voltage drops across the sense transistor and the pass transistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a range determining device for a voltage controller of an intermediate bus voltage (VIB) in an intermediate bus architecture power system, an intermediate bus architecture power system as well as to a method, computer program and computer program product of providing a range within which a controlled intermediate bus voltage in an intermediate bus architecture power system is allowed to vary. The range determining device obtains a range (R3) for the controlled intermediate bus voltage, which range has been determined based on statistical data corresponding to a current time interval of the control, and provides the range to the voltage controller for the voltage controller to control the intermediate bus voltage (VIB) within the determined range in a current time interval.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a primary side circuit including one or more voltage nodes; and a monitoring circuit operating to monitor one or more parameters of the primary side circuit, and including at least one sensing circuit and at least one processing circuit within a secondary side circuit, where the sensing circuit includes a resistor network having an input for receiving a first sensed voltage from a first of the voltage nodes of the primary side circuit, traversing an isolation boundary between the primary side circuit and the secondary side circuit while adhering to a safety specification, which includes a primary-secondary isolation requirement, and having an output for providing a first modified sensed voltage to the processing circuit.

Abstract: A current sense circuit for a pass transistor is described. The current sense circuit comprises a sense transistor, a differential amplifier comprising a differential input and a differential output, and a differential difference amplifier, referred to as DD amplifier, comprising a main differential input, an auxiliary differential input and an output; wherein the differential output of the differential amplifier is coupled to the auxiliary differential input of the DD amplifier; wherein the output port of the pass transistor is coupled to a first port of the main differential input and wherein the output port of the sense transistor is coupled to a second port of the main differential input. The output of the DD amplifier is used to control a voltage drop across the sense transistor and the pass transistor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a wideband CMOS RMS power detection scheme may comprise: a first circuit including a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor having a gate for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal and having a drain for outputting a first current that is proportional to a square of a voltage of the RF signal in response to receiving the RF signal; and a second circuit connected to the first circuit, the second circuit comprising a second MOS transistor biased in a triode region and having a source for receiving the first current from the first circuit. The second circuit may output a voltage proportional to a power of the RF signal received by the first circuit, the output voltage being a function of the first current and a channel resistance of the second MOS transistor.

Abstract: There is provided an energy consumption meter device (1) comprising the processor (8) arranged to receive input data from the sampling unit. The processor calculates at a calculation step [n] an energy contribution value using ?E using a sampled voltage value and a sampled current value. The processor will calculate an energy value E[n] using a reminder value which was calculated at a previous calculation step [n?1]. The processor will then calculate a relative delay Td? using the threshold value, the reminder value and the energy value, and generate an output pulse at an output time tpulse which is delayed for the relative delay Td? with respect to the calculation time step[n]. By delaying the output pulse with a value which is a closest proximity of Td, the cycle-by-cycle jitter is less or equal to the clock frequency of the timer tclk.

Abstract: An electric power demand prediction system has an extractor to select electric power consumption value data included in a certain period out of a consumer's past electric power consumption value data and to extract an outdoor temperature-electric power relation that is a relation between an outdoor temperature and outdoor-temperature-depend electric power varying in accordance with the outdoor temperature out of electric power consumption, a model generator to generate an electric power consumption prediction model which predicts electric power consumption by the consumer in accordance with the outdoor temperature based on the outdoor temperature-electric power relation extracted by the extractor, and a predictor to predict electric power consumption by the consumer at a time subject to prediction based on the electric power consumption prediction model generated by the model generator and the outdoor temperature at the time subject to prediction.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an operation apparatus includes an operation unit which performs an operation for decomposing feature waveforms before and after a change time point at which the operating state of an instrument changes into one or more frequency components, a database unit which stores frequency features representing operating states of a predetermined instrument, a calculator which calculates a weighted distance, on polar coordinates, between an operation result and a feature stored in the database unit, the weighted distance being calculated for each operating state, and an estimation unit which estimates operating states of an instrument, based on the weighted distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting, from a smart plug, an electronic device connected to the smart plug, and more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for detecting a change in an electronic device connected to a smart plug. A method, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is the method for detecting a connected electronic device from the smart plug and comprises the steps of: inspecting whether pre-trained data is present when the an electronic device is connected; inspecting whether the connected electronic device and the pre-trained data match when the pre-trained data is present; a training step of obtaining information on valid power, invalid power, and power factor when the connected electronic device and the pre-trained data do not match; and saving trained data after the training is complete.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least two amplitude-modulated transmitted signals contained in a received signal within the same frequency channel with respectively different frequency displacement determines from the received signal a modified received signal by means of a nonlinear signal processing. Following this, the spectrum of the modified received signal is determined by means of Fourier transform, and at least two transmitted signals contained in the received signal are detected if at least two first spectral lines each associated with carrier signals are significantly distinguishable within the determined spectrum from spectral components associated with noise signals and payload signals.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of detecting a phase difference between a first signal and a second signal include latching a state of the first signal using the second signal as a clock to produce a first latched signal, latching a state of the second signal using the first signal as a clock to produce a second latched signal summing the first latched signal and the second latched signal to produce an indication of whether the first signal is leading or lagging the second signal.

Abstract: A forward-backward Kalman filter for estimating phase noise present in a received signal. Both the forward and backward Kalman filters use hard-decision measurements of the received symbols. The phase noise estimate from the forward Kalman filter is used as a coarse phase noise estimate for the backward Kalman filter and vice versa. The final phase noise estimate is an optimal combination of the forward phase noise estimate and backward phase noise estimate.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a harmonic oscillator circuit, a first switch circuit configured to cause an oscillating state of the harmonic oscillator circuit to switch between an “on” state and an “off” state, a detector circuit configured to produce a voltage responsive to an amplitude of the oscillating output of the harmonic oscillator circuit, a decision circuit configured to detect whether the voltage produced by the detector circuit exceeds a threshold in synchronization with a clock signal, and a second switch circuit configured to control whether or not to apply noise from a noise source to the harmonic oscillator circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device having at least one connector for at least one wired sensor, said device having further a sensor break detection unit, wherein the sensor break detection unit comprises a pulse generator being adapted.

Abstract: A life determination device for a DC capacitor includes: a current detecting unit that detects a current outputted from a rectifier; a voltage detecting unit that detects a voltage of the DC capacitor; an initial charging device that performs initial charging of the DC capacitor up to a predetermined voltage value with the current outputted from the rectifier; a current integrating unit that integrates the current detected by the current detecting unit during a period of the initial charging; a capacitance estimating unit that calculates an estimated capacitance of the DC capacitor from the current integration value, the predetermined voltage value, and the voltage of the DC capacitor prior to the initial charging; and life determination unit that determines whether the DC capacitor is at the end of its life based on an initial capacitance value of the DC capacitor in an unused state and the estimated capacitance.

Abstract: A testing device for a meter socket assembly, including breaker load lugs, includes a base unit having a plurality of test probes, a ground node, and a breaker node having a plurality of breaker probes. To perform the test, the base unit is inserted into a jaw meter socket such that each of the plurality of test probes are in contact with jaws of the jaw meter socket, at least two of the plurality of breaker probes are in contact with each of a plurality of breaker load lugs of a main breaker, and the breaker node is electrically connected to the base unit. The testing device determines the jaw type of the meter socket assembly and can output results of tests relating to phase to phase, phase to ground, crossed cables, and interruption of electrical paths. The testing device can output results of the test audibly and visually.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an inspection apparatus includes a detecting part and a control part. The detecting part detects a signal generated from a first layer including a wiring line or a contact due to application of an energy beam to the first layer. The control part sets an inspection area on the basis of a position of the wiring line or the contact that may be a defect in the first layer obtained by the signal and of information indicating an electric connection destination of the wiring line or the contact that may be the defect. The set inspection area includes a wiring line or a contact in a second layer different from the first layer. The second layer is electrically connected to the wiring line or the contact that may be the defect in the first layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of fault location in HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission lines, especially in mixed lines, where part of the line is overhead line and part is a cable line. The fault location is based on estimation arrival times of travelling waves induced by fault in transmission line that are propagating along the line from faulted point to the measurement point, which is located at one end of the transmission line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for fault detection and direction determination with a phase overcurrent relay using individual phase torques and the negative sequence torque, and with a ground overcurrent relay using the zero sequence torque. A directional element includes a ground element logic circuit, a negative element logic circuit and a phase element logic circuit to evaluate the operation state of the system, detect a fault condition and determine the direction of the fault condition in an electrical power distribution system having multiple sources on a power grid.

Abstract: A method for generating a reflectometry signal for the diagnosis of defects impacting a transmission line or a network of transmission lines, the method executed by a diagnosis device belonging to a distributed system comprising a plurality of diagnosis devices connected to the line or network of lines, the method comprises the following steps: Generating an electrical signal comprising a plurality of frequency carriers regularly dispersed within a frequency band subdivided into sub-carriers so that each device of the distributed system uses different sub-carriers from the other devices of the system; injecting the electrical signal into the line or network of lines.

Abstract: A method of measuring semiconductor output characteristics is provided that includes connecting a pulse generator to the gate structure of a semiconductor device, and applying a plurality of voltage pulses at least some of which having a different pulse width to the gate structure of the semiconductor device. The average current is measured from the drain structure of the device for a duration of each pulse of the plurality of pulses. From the measured values for the average current, a self-heating curve of the average current divided by the pulse width is plotted as a function of the pulse width. The self-heating curve is then extrapolated to a pulse width substantially equal to zero to provide a value of drain current measurements without self-heating effects.

Abstract: A method of measuring semiconductor output characteristics is provided that includes connecting a pulse generator to the gate structure of a semiconductor device, and applying a plurality of voltage pulses at least some of which having a different pulse width to the gate structure of the semiconductor device. The average current is measured from the drain structure of the device for a duration of each pulse of the plurality of pulses. From the measured values for the average current, a self-heating curve of the average current divided by the pulse width is plotted as a function of the pulse width. The self-heating curve is then extrapolated to a pulse width substantially equal to zero to provide a value of drain current measurements without self-heating effects.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of testing a plurality of semiconductor devices includes applying a stress voltage having a peak voltage on a shield line disposed over a substrate. The substrate has functional circuitry of a semiconductor device. A fixed voltage is applied to a first metal line disposed above the substrate adjacent the shield line. The first metal line is coupled to the functional circuitry and is configured to be coupled to a high voltage node during operation. The peak voltage is greater than a maximum fixed voltage. The shield line separates the first metal line from an adjacent second metal line configured to be coupled to a low voltage node during operation. The method further includes measuring a current through the shield line in response to the stress voltage, determining the current through the shield line of the semiconductor device, and based on the determination, identifying the semiconductor device as passing the test.