Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the overall oxidative status of a body fluid or a tissue of a patient by measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the body fluid or tissue. The method has been found to be useful in the diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of patients who have suffered a trauma (such as a head injury), patients suspected of being critically-ill or who are critically ill, patients who have an infection, and patients suspected of having a myocardial infarction (MI) or who have had an MI. The method has also been found useful in monitoring and evaluating exercise performance in patients. In addition, the method has been found useful in monitoring and evaluating stored blood products and patients who will receive such a product.

Abstract: In a limited-current type gas sensor which detects oxygen-containing gas contained in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, the decomposition current value of water (H2O) may be detected, and existence of an abnormality of output characteristics of the sensor may be diagnosed based on its deviation from a reference decomposition current value of water corresponding to the concentration of water contained in the exhaust gas. A NOx sensor and a SOx sensor can also diagnose remarkable and minute abnormalities of output characteristics. In addition, the reference decomposition current value of water may be acquired based on the concentration of water detected by a separate humidity sensor or the decomposition current value of oxygen detected by the limited-current type gas sensor. The reference decomposition current value of water may be corrected based on a decomposition current value of oxygen detected during a fuel cut.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a membrane heater and controller. The membrane heater is supplied with power from a power supply and has a self-temperature control function. At the time of electrophoresis using a capillary extending inside of a microchip in a first direction, the controller controls supply of power from the power supply to the membrane heater arranged so as to supply heat to a capillary to keep the capillary at an even temperature.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for monitoring a condition of an elongated ferrous object having a longitudinal axis, said apparatus including at least one magnetizing circuit including magnetic poles separated along the longitudinal axis, and magnetic field sensors arranged at the poles, said poles including pole shoes for directing magnetic flux between the poles and the monitored object. The pole shoes include openings between the monitored object and the poles, an opening including two ends separated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a mid-section defining a smaller opening than the ends for concentrating the magnetic flux at the mid-section. There is further provided an arrangement including one or more elongated objects for hoisting payload, wherein the monitoring apparatus is attached to the elongated objects.

Abstract: The transmitter of this application provides a tubular body fabricated from an aluminum tube into which is inserted an electrical coil formed from high permeability nickel alloy material which is rolled into coiled sheets then inserted one into the second and sometimes third sheet. A battery is inserted into the nickel alloy tubing formed from these coiled sheets and connected to the electrical coil. Electronics comprising a constant output voltage switching power regulator, a Hall effect sensor, a micro-processor and a MOSFET bridge energize the coil in alternating directions providing a magnetic field capable of detection by the transmitter signal detectors used in the pipeline business. The duty cycle and frequency can also be adjusted through an exterior magnetic force pulse generator to communicate with the microprocessor within the transmitter.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive inspection of a structure includes a magnetostrictive pulser coil and a ferromagnetic strip. The ferromagnetic strip is coupled to the structure adjacent to the pulser coil. A scanner receiver probe is located adjacent to the ferromagnetic strip. The probe includes a probe body, a position encoder, and a magnetostrictive partial loading receiver coil. A magnet applies a biasing magnetic field to the ferromagnetic strip. A pulser system generates a time-varying current in the pulser coil to induce a time-varying magnetization in the ferromagnetic strip to generate guided wave energy in the structure. The probe detects reflected guided wave energy as the probe is moved around the circumference of the structure. A processor controls the pulser system, records guided wave reflections, and process the guided wave and probe position data to generate a one-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image of anomalies in said structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for in-line inspection of a pipe using a dynamic pulsed eddy current probe system that includes of a remote computer, a dynamic pulsed eddy current probe, a data acquisition system, and a delivery apparatus used for nondestructive examination of pipelines.

Abstract: A sensor includes an inflow section into which an analyte liquid flows; a first cover member; a detection element including an element substrate located on an upper surface of the first cover member, and a detection section which is located on an upper surface of the element substrate and is configured to detect a target contained in an analyte liquid; an intermediate cover member including a first upstream portion; a second cover member including a second upstream portion; and a flow channel which is surrounded by the intermediate cover member and the second cover member, is continuous with the inflow section, and extends at least to the detection section. A contact angle ?2a of a lower surface of the second upstream portion of the second cover member with the analyte liquid is smaller than a contact angle ?3 of an upper surface of the detection element with the analyte liquid.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted below a particular elevation and configured to produce ultrasonic energy, a coupling fluid source configured to introduce coupling fluid between the transducer and the particular elevation. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected, wherein the part is disposed at the particular elevation and wherein a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during inspection.

Abstract: Micromachined ultrasonic transducers integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrates are described, as well as methods of fabricating such devices. Fabrication may involve two separate wafer bonding steps. Wafer bonding may be used to fabricate sealed cavities in a substrate. Wafer bonding may also be used to bond the substrate to another substrate, such as a CMOS wafer. At least the second wafer bonding may be performed at a low temperature.

Abstract: Micromachined ultrasonic transducers integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrates are described, as well as methods of fabricating such devices. Fabrication may involve two separate wafer bonding steps. Wafer bonding may be used to fabricate sealed cavities in a substrate. Wafer bonding may also be used to bond the substrate to another substrate, such as a CMOS wafer. At least the second wafer bonding may be performed at a low temperature.

Abstract: A method of scanning a sample includes simultaneously forming a plurality of co-linear scans. Each scan is formed by a sweep of a spot by an acousto-optical device (AOD). The co-linear scans are separated by a predetermined spacing. A first plurality of swaths are formed by repeating the simultaneous forming of the plurality of co-linear scans in a direction perpendicular to the co-linear scans. The first plurality of swaths have an inter-swath spacing that is the same as the predetermined spacing. The predetermined spacing can be a scan length or an integral number of scan lengths. A second plurality of swaths can be formed adjacent to the first plurality of swaths. Forming the second plurality of swaths can be performed in an opposite direction to that of the first plurality of swaths or in a same direction. An inspection system can implement this method by including a diffractive optical element (DOE) path after a magnification changer.

Abstract: The method for calibrating an inspection instrument coupled with acoustic transducers disposed at circumferential positions distributed around a surface of an elongated object to inspect generally has the steps of: for each one of the circumferential positions, measuring a first and a second received signal using two acoustic transducers disposed at two axial positions along the object, the received signals resulting from the propagation of an acoustic guided wave signal along the object; identifying an acoustic mode according to the first received and the second received signals using a known period of time associated with the propagation of the acoustic guided wave signal between the two axial positions along the object; and determining a coupling coefficient associated with the acoustic mode, the coupling coefficient being indicative of the coupling of the acoustic transducers on the object; and calibrating the inspection instrument coupled to the object based on the coupling coefficients.

Abstract: The phased-array probe to be received on a probe receiving area of a wedge generally has a probe housing, a plurality of acoustic transducer elements disposed in the probe housing and distributed along a length of a working surface of the probe housing, and a matching layer covering the plurality of acoustic transducer elements and extending to cover an extended region of the working surface of the probe housing such that the matching layer forms a closed contact with an upper end of an acoustic damping junction of the wedge when the working surface of the probe housing of the phased-array probe is received on the probe receiving area of the wedge, wherein the closed contact prevents acoustic energy from being reflected from the extended region of the working surface of the probe housing.

Abstract: Examples of calculating a minimum pipe wall to determine a pipe wall failure probability are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a first acoustical sensor is connected to a pipe a distance from a second acoustical sensor connected to the pipe. A computing system is communicatively coupleable to the first and second acoustical sensors. The computing system calculates an average maximum pit depth value of a plurality of pits in an outer surface of a pipe wall of the pipe from a known initial pipe wall thickness value and an average present pipe wall thickness value. The computing system also calculates a minimum present pipe wall thickness by applying a statistical technique to the calculated average maximum pit depth value. The computing system determines a pipe wall failure probability based at least in part on the minimum present pipe wall thickness value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic in-vitro diagnosis method for increasing diagnostic reliability and a diagnosis speed by automatically mixing a specimen taken from the body of a person with a reagent in volumes needed to diagnose the state of the person using the specimen, absorbing the mixture solution of the reagent and the specimen with an analysis strip for a predetermined time, and making a diagnosis by analysis.

Abstract: Provided is a preparative separation chromatograph including: a chromatograph 10 having a detector 15; a fraction collector 20; a controller 34 for commanding the fraction collector to initiate a component-collecting operation with reference to a point when the rate of change in an output signal from the detector 15 exceeds a positive reference value and to discontinue the operation with reference to a point when the absolute value of the rate of change becomes smaller than that of a negative reference value after the rate of change turns negative; a storage section 31 for storing sampling-rate information which relates the value of the output signal to the time interval at which the controller determines the rate of change; and a sampling rate determiner 33 for determining the time interval for calculating the rate of change based on the sampling-rate information and actual values of the output signal.

Abstract: A method for localizing the source of air pollution that includes receiving pollution data from a network in communication with at least one air pollution sensor that is connected to at least one motor vehicle in a stationary position. Each stationary motor vehicle of the network is positioned at a different air pollution measurement location. The method may further include determining from the pollution data an origin of an air pollutant using an air pollution model provided by a pollutant source localization device including at least one hardware processor.

Abstract: A method of marking a batch of carbon dioxide including creating by a traceability computer system at least one reference for a batch of carbon dioxide, in a database of a computer system listing a plurality of batches of carbon dioxide; injecting a chemical tracer into the batch of carbon dioxide, the final concentration of the tracer in the batch being less than 1% by mass; and recording the chemical tracer formula in the traceability computer system. The formula of the chemical tracer for the batch is associated with a batch reference in the database, the chemical tracer formula having the form of a combination of proportions of at least two chemical substances.

Abstract: A method for localizing the source of air pollution that includes receiving pollution data from a network in communication with at least one air pollution sensor that is connected to at least one motor vehicle in a stationary position. Each stationary motor vehicle of the network is positioned at a different air pollution measurement location. The method may further include determining from the pollution data an origin of an air pollutant using an air pollution model provided by a pollutant source localization device including at least one hardware processor.

Abstract: A sensor can include a conductive region in electrical communication with at least two electrodes, the conductive region can include a complex, and the complex can include a carbon nanotube that is functionalized by a porphyrin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a disintegration or dissolution testing apparatus (100) including at least one area for a compartment (205) to hold a dosage form during disintegration testing, and at least one light emitter (302) and at least one light detector (303) arranged around each of the areas so as to face the area. The light detector (303) is adapted to provide, when a compartment (205) is disposed within the area a signal indicative of the amount of detected light provided by the light emitter (302). In another embodiment, a bottom flange (202) for disintegration test apparatus (100) is encapsulated in a material that (i) permits the bottom flange (202) to be immersed in a liquid medium during disintegration testing without the liquid contacting any of the light emitters (302) or detectors (303), and (ii) permits light from the emitter (302) to pass through the material and be received by the light detector (303).

Abstract: Disclosed are in vitro methods for predicting the relative irritancy of a test substance. The disclosed methods include a first assay for water insoluble test substances and a second assay for water soluble test substances. The combined results of both assays provide greater sensitivity and accuracy in predicting relative irritancy than tests for water soluble irritants alone.

Abstract: Systems and methods and a kit are provided for using a DNA tracer for the detection of hydraulic fracturing fluid, and further including a method of creating well-specific tracers.

Abstract: A method of screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method includes dissolving petroleum hydrocarbons in a selected solvent to form a first solution, adding an ionic liquid to the first solution and blending to form a second solution and measuring absorbance of the second solution using spectroscopic techniques. The solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons in the solvent is then determined based on the difference between the measured absorbance of the first and second solution. A system for screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is also disclosed. The system can be used in removal of wax deposition in refinery process equipment, process flow lines, during piping operations, upgradation of wax, prevention of clogging of pipelines, processing of sludge or for removing sludge from petroleum tank installations and enhancing the crude oil flow.

Abstract: This application relates to a method and a system for determining aging of a liquid. The method includes steps for measuring a relative water content (rS1) of the liquid in a first measurement step at a first temperature (T1), measuring the relative water content (rS2) at a second temperature (T2) in a second measurement step, the first and second measurement step are performed such that absolute water content (w) stays essentially unchanged between these two measurements, and based on these at least two measurement values (rS1, T1, rS2, T2), determining a first water in oil solubility coefficient (B) for the liquid. In accordance with the invention the first water in oil solubility coefficient (B) is monitored essentially continuously in order to determine the liquid quality.

Abstract: Methods for screening molecules or moieties for their ability to crosslink are disclosed. An aromatic carbonate, aromatic ester, or aliphatic ester group is attached to the molecule to mimic the presence of a polymer. A solution of the modified molecule is irradiated, and the first-order kinetic rate constant is measured. If the rate constant is high enough or a threshold amount of the molecule is consumed, a polymer is synthesized using the molecule/moiety as an endcap or co-monomer. The polymer is irradiated, and the increase in crosslink density and the gel formation percentage are determined. These parameters, if high enough, indicate the suitability of the molecule/moiety to act as a crosslinking agent, particularly for polycarbonates. Alternatively, the molecule/moiety may be identified as suitable solely by its first-order kinetic rate constant.

Abstract: Provided is a method for measuring the concentration of a substance in a blood sample, comprising: supplying the blood sample to a biosensor comprising a hematocrit electrode for measuring a hematocrit value on the surface of which electrode an electrically conductive polymer is covalently immobilized; and calculating the concentration of the substance from the measured value of a first current resulting from application of a first voltage; and correcting the concentration of the substance with the value of a second current resulting from application of a second voltage or the hematocrit value calculated from the value of the second current.

Abstract: Conventionally, only a pair of electrodes is provided and nanopores arranged in parallel are connected by an electrolyte solution, and therefore a change in an ion current to be measured is a sum of changes in ion currents generated in the respective nanopores.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, devices, and software for determining values for one or more markers in order to characterize a subject's risk of developing cardiovascular disease or experiencing a complication thereof (e.g., within the ensuing one to three years). In certain embodiments, the markers are those derived from a blood sample using a hematology analyzer operably linked to a software application that is configured to compute a risk score for a subject based on the values for the markers detected in the blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urine sample dispensing method. The method comprises: (i) suctioning a urine sample using a nozzle; (ii) flowing the urine sample suctioned by the nozzle through a filter for capturing foreign matter, the filter being provided in a flow path connected to the nozzle; and (iii) changing a flow course of the urine sample or a position of the filter so that the filter is not positioned on the flow course of the urine sample, when the urine sample that has passed through the filter is discharged from the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample dispensing method. The method comprises: suctioning a urine sample from a sample container by a first nozzle; moving the first nozzle to a holding chamber after the first nozzle has suctioned the urine sample from the sample container, and discharging the urine sample into the holding chamber; moving the first nozzle to a first wash tank and washing the first nozzle in the first wash tank after the first nozzle has discharged the urine sample into the holding chamber; and moving a second nozzle to the holding chamber after the first nozzle has started moving to the first wash tank, and moving the second nozzle which has suctioned the urine sample from the holding chamber to respective plurality of processing chambers and discharging a part of the urine sample to the respective plurality of processing chambers.

Abstract: A method for analyzing droplets is described. The droplets can be received on an outer surface region of a sampler surface disposed on a substrate, wherein the sampler surface is increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface. Next, the droplets can be aggregated and moved toward the center of the sampler surface. The droplets can then be received at an inner surface region of the sampler surface. Next, the droplets can be analyzed using an analysis mechanism in an area in the inner surface region.

Abstract: A method of analyzing biological particles for a biological particle analyzer includes outputting a first detection result when at least one particle has arrived at the first detection area, outputting a second detection result to the control module when the particles have arrived at the second detection area, and determining when to turn on or off the light emission source and outputting a control signal to turn on or off the light emission source according to the first detection result, wherein a control module is configured to calculate a turn-on time according to different particle characteristics and an average velocity of the at least one particle, and the light emission source is turned on only when the at least one particle is being tested during the turn-on time.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel substrates and methods for staining live stem cells. The stain may be used to identify induced pluripotent stem cell colonies during the process of somatic cell reprogramming.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying a test compound as agonists or antagonists of Akt activity. The methods involve contacting the test compound with a cell that expresses a biosensor comprising a FOXO1 or HDHB polypeptide and a fluorescent protein and locating the biosensor within the cell. Locating the biosensor in the nucleus relative to the cytoplasm is an indication that the test compound has an effect upon Akt activity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the study of apoptosis, especially the field of the prognosis and monitoring of diseases wherein apoptosis occurs. Concretely, the invention relates to a method for isolating apoptotic bodies from a sample of body fluid, and to methods for the prognosis and evaluation of the efficiency of a treatment for vascular, neurodegenerative and/or oncological diseases, based on the use of said method for isolating apoptotic bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a Polyporus squamosus-derived PSL1b recombinant lectin, which binds specifically to sialic acid containing glycoconjugates, from an Escherichia coli PSL1b strain (deposit number: KCTC12507BP) or a Pichia pastoris PSL1b strain (deposit number: KCTC12500BP) and a lectin produced thereby. The recombinant lectin of the present invention can be useful as an active ingredient of a composition or a kit for measuring or detecting glycoproteins, glycopeptides, glycolipids, sugar precursors, or oligosaccharides having sialic acid moieties.

Abstract: A spectrofluorimetrically detectable luminescent composition consists essentially of at least one energy transfer acceptor lanthanide(III) complex having an emission spectrum maximum in the range from 300 to 2000 nanometers and a luminescence-enhancing amount of at least one energy transfer donor selected from the group consisting of a fluorophore, a lumiphore, an organic compound, a salt of an organic ion, a metal ion, a metal ion complex, or a combination thereof. Such energy transfer donor enhances the luminescence of at least one energy transfer acceptor lanthanide(III) complex, with the conditions that the emission spectrum of any energy transfer donor differs from that of its energy transfer acceptor lanthanide(III) complex; and such energy transfer donor can be dissolved to form a unitary solution in a solvent having an evaporation rate at least as great as that of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining whether a temperature of a sample has reached a predetermined temperature. The method comprises the steps of: mixing an albumin-containing sample with a peptide reagent comprising a peptide for temperature determination; heating the mixture; detecting an optical change of the mixture; and determining whether the temperature of the mixture has reached the predetermined temperature based on the detection result of the optical change. In the method, a dissociation constant (Kd) of binding of the peptide for temperature determination to albumin is 500 ?M or more, and the peptide for temperature determination comprises a first labeling substance and a second labeling substance.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of performing chemical reactions, including multi-step chemical reactions in which two or more of the reagents in the chemical reaction are incorporated or entrapped in a solid polymeric structure comprising pullulan. In certain embodiments, the chemical reaction or multi-step reaction serves as a sensor. Accordingly the present application is also directed to sensors for performing the methods of the application. In certain embodiments, at least one of the reagents is a biomolecule and the sensor is a biosensor. In certain other embodiments, the solid polymeric structure comprising pullulan and the reagents for performing a chemical reaction form a convenient device for performing a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for detection of disease markers, and methods for detecting a disease marker, using a conductive hydrogel modified with a biorecognition element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the rapid and reliable preparation of a sample for use in testing for target analytes such as bacteria, viruses, toxins and pathogenic agents in various products. A sample for testing the target analyte is collected from various sources. The method for sample preparation provides for an express process for preparing collected samples for testing. The collected sample may be concentrated by centrifugation, filtration, or other means suitable for sample concentration, homogenized with the addition of a broth and enriched for specified period of time. Immunomagnetic separation of the sample occurs with receptor-coated magnetic microspheres in different test-specific formulations (singleplex or multiplex). An automatic testing system is disclosed which includes a biological testing cassette, in which testing of the sample occurs using liquid crystal diagnostic methodologies.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target substance, containing the steps of: incorporating labeling particles into a test liquid containing an analyte; heating the test liquid; irradiating the test liquid with excitation light, and detecting the target substance contained in the test liquid depending on a state of light emission of the labeling particles; wherein an aggregation state of the labeling particles is changed by the heating step; and wherein the labeling particles have a thermoresponsive polymer on a surface of a composite particle containing a magnetic material and a fluorescent material, and further have a biomolecule having properties of binding with the target substance.

Abstract: A cartridge for detection of target components in a liquid sample includes a sample chamber, at least two reservoirs that can be furnished with magnetic particles, and at least two corresponding sensitive zones in which solved magnetic particles and/or target components can be detected. When a magnetic actuation field of a given configuration is established in the sample chamber, the magnetic particles of different reservoirs migrate predominantly to different sensitive zones. Thus a mixing of magnetic particles can be avoided.

Abstract: Analyte-detecting sensor devices include a test sensor, a reference sensor and one or more positive control or calibration sensors. The sensors are in fluid communication with each other. For example, the sensors may be positioned in and in fluid communication with a flow path of the sensor device.

Abstract: A process for identifying one or more target analytes present in a sample includes contacting a microarray with the sample. The microarray has at least two microbead subpopulations with randomly distributed spatial positions, each of the subpopulations comprising microbeads having a known active agent capable of binding with a respective target analyte. After contacting the microarray with the sample, the spatial positions of the microbeads which have undergone a change that is indicative of a respective one of the active agents being bound to a corresponding one of the target analytes are determined. At least one of the microbead subpopulations which has undergone the change is identified by comparing the determined spatial positions to recorded spatial positions of the microbeads of the microbead subpopulations stored in an encoding/decoding data table. The target analytes are identified based on the known active agents belonging to the at least one identified microbead subpopulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polynucleotide conjugates, methods, and assay systems for use in detecting the presence, absence, and/or amount of an analyte in a sample. Various polynucleotide conjugates, conjugate pairs, sets, libraries, and assay systems comprising the same are disclosed. In particular, methods and assay systems for antibody detection and analysis are provided. For example, assays capable of high levels of multiplexing are used for antibody detection and analysis in a biological sample, e.g., Lyme disease patient samples. The presently disclosed polynucleotide conjugates, methods, and assay systems can be used to provide sensitive and reliable diagnosis, even at early stages of a disease or condition. Use for monitoring disease progression and prognosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The methods and compositions described herein relate to the measurement of factor VIII (fVIII) levels and/or activity.

Abstract: The present application discloses a multi-well cuvette for integrating the reaction between a sample and a reagent with the detection of a specific analyte included therein, and the multi-well cuvette comprises: a reaction chamber part having a sample and a reagent placed therein; and a detection part for detecting the reaction between the sample and the reagent, wherein the reaction chamber part comprises: an extraction member standby chamber in which a member for dividing or distributing the sample is on standby; a sample filling chamber; and a reagent filling chamber which is filled with the reagent, and in which the reaction with the sample is carried out, wherein the detection part comprises: a chromatography analysis means for a reactive product between the sample and the reagent; and a detection chamber for accommodating the same.