Abstract: A method and system for the imaging and localization of fluorescent markers such as fluorescent proteins or quantum dots within biological samples is disclosed. The use of recombinant genetics technology to insert “reporter” genes into many species is well established. In particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and their genetically-modified variants ranging from blue to yellow, are easily spliced into many genomes at the sites of genes of interest (GoIs), where the GFPs are expressed with no apparent effect on the functioning of the proteins of interest (PoIs) coded for by the GoIs. One goal of biologists is more precise localization of PoIs within cells. The invention is a method and system for enabling more rapid and precise PoI localization using charged particle beam-induced damage to GFPs. Multiple embodiments of systems for implementing the method are presented, along with an image processing method relatively immune to high statistical noise levels.

Abstract: A composition includes a quantum cluster of Agm or Aun, one or more protector molecules; and a molecular cavity partially or wholly surrounding the quantum cluster. A method for preparing the quantum clusters includes adding a first amount of glutathione to a gold salt, a silver salt, or a mixture thereof to form a mixture; adding a reducing agent to the mixture to form a precipitate; and mixing the precipitate with a second amount of glutathione and a cyclodextrin to form a composition. Devices are prepared from the quantum clusters, and the devices may be used in methods of authentication of articles.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively tracking a particle in a sample is disclosed. The system includes a 2-photon or confocal laser scanning microscope (LSM) and a particle-holding device coupled to a stage with X-Y and Z position control. The system also includes a tracking module having a tracking excitation laser, X-Y and Z radiation-gathering components configured to detect deviations of the particle in an X-Y and Z directions. The system also includes a processor coupled to the X-Y and Z radiation gathering components, generate control signals configured to drive the stage X-Y and Z position controls to track the movement of the particle. The system may also include a synchronization module configured to generate LSM pixels stamped with stage position and a processing module configured to generate a 3D image showing the 3D trajectory of a particle using the LSM pixels stamped with stage position.

Abstract: A fast, multiplexed PCR system is described that can rapidly generate amplified nucleic acid products, for example, a full STR profile, from a target nucleic acid. Such systems include, for example, microfluidic biochips and a custom built thermal cycler, which are also described. The resulting STR profiles can satisfy forensic guidelines for signal strength, inter-loci peak height balance, heterozygous peak height ratio, incomplete non-template nucleotide addition, and stutter.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve forming sample droplets containing, on average, a single target nucleic acid, amplifying the target in the droplets, excluding droplets containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target, and analyzing target amplicons.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the image analysis of measurement of biological samples.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention relates to a device for detecting a resonant non-linear optical signal of Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) type induced in a sample. The device comprises electro-optical means for making interact in the sample, at a first modulation frequency, trains of light pulses of angular frequencies ?1 and ?2 and, at a second modulation frequency, trains of light pulses of angular frequencies ?2 and ?3, such that ?2??1=?3??2=?R where ?R is a molecular vibrational resonant angular frequency of the sample. Moreover, the device comprises means for synchronous detection at the first and second modulation frequencies of non-linear optical signals resulting from the interaction of the light pulses in the sample, and electronic processing means making it possible to obtain, from electronic signals resulting from the synchronous detection, a signal characterizing the molecular vibrational resonance of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for verifying representativeness of samples collected in a contaminated soil. The method includes the steps of horizontally and vertically collecting the samples from the contaminated soil on a basis of a stratum of the contaminated soil at a predetermined sampling interval; measuring a total concentration of trace elements by analyzing the collected samples according to the sampling interval; and determining horizontal and vertical sampling intervals and a sample number based on a statistical analysis result for the total concentration of the trace elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, assay devices, kits and methods for detecting the presence, amount and/or activity of an analyte in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to the detection of enzymes. The present invention also relates to methods of diagnosing diseases associated with dysregulation of enzymes, screening for modulators of enzymatic activity, candidate antimicrobial peptides and toxins.

Abstract: Provided is technology for blood clotting reactions capable of analyzing a blood clotting reaction with a high degree of precision, by precisely detecting and removing noise, regardless of the location where the noise is generated in the light intensity data. This automated analyzer approximates, with an approximation curve, time series data for transmitted light intensity or scattered light intensity of light emitted onto a sample, and, in this process, removes abnormal data points that deviate from the approximation curve (see FIG. 2).

Abstract: Combined illuminator/light collectors (I/LCs) that provide measurement and/or reference light to a target and collect light from the target. One example of a use for a combined I/LC of the present disclosure is for an optic of an optical reader used to read one or more chemical indicators that undergo physical changes that can be optically detected. The combined I/LC includes a spot lensing designed and configured in conjunction with the target to provide spot illumination on the target from one or more light sources. A light collector collects light from the target resulting from the spot illumination. Some embodiments further include dispersive lensing to direct a portion of the light from each light source away from the spot illumination to keep that light from interfering with the spot illumination.

Abstract: Cleaning systems for optics of optical readers to periodically clean one or more surfaces of the optics of matter that may deposit on surface(s) and that might interfere with the performance of the reader. In an example, the cleaning system is used on a chemical indicator apparatus that includes one or more chemical indicators that are read by an optical reader having an optic. During use, the chemical indicator apparatus is moved relative optic during a reading mode. A cleaning element is engaged with the chemical indicator apparatus so as to have a neutral position in which it cannot contact the optic during the reading mode. When it is desired to clean the optic, the chemical indicator apparatus is moved in a manner that causes the cleaning element to move from the neutral position to a deployed position in which it contacts the optic in a manner that cleans the optic as the apparatus continues to be moved.

Abstract: To facilitate adjusting of a distance from an inspection target to an illumination section by providing a movable illumination section that is movable independently of the imaging section. An illumination apparatus has a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially annular form, a light diffusion member for diffusing light emitted from the plurality of LEDs, and a lighting control part for lighting the plurality of light sources in accordance with a predetermined lighting pattern when designated to start lighting. In particular, the illumination apparatus moves independently of a camera to adjust a distance to a workpiece.

Abstract: A confocal chromatic device is provided for inspecting the surface of an object such as a wafer, including a plurality of optical measurement channels with collection apertures arranged for collecting the light reflected by the object through a chromatic lens at a plurality of measurement points, and a magnifying lens arranged for introducing a variable or changeable scaling factor between the spatial repartition of the collection apertures and the measurement points. A method is also provided for inspecting the surface of an object such as a wafer including tridimensional structures.

Abstract: A lubricant deterioration sensor mounted in a machine to detect deterioration of a lubricant of the machine, the sensor comprising a white LED for emanating white light, an RGB sensor that detects colors of received light, a clearance forming member in which an oil clearance for intrusion of the lubricant is formed, and a support member that supports the white LED, the RGB sensor, and the clearance forming member; and wherein the clearance forming member allows passage of the light emitted from the white LED, and the oil clearance is placed along an optical path from the white LED to the RGB sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for minimizing interference among multiple illumination beams generated from a non-uniform illumination source to provide an effectively uniform illumination profile over the field of view of an inspection system are presented. In some examples, a pulsed beam of light is split into multiple illumination beams such that each of the beams are temporally separated at the surface of the specimen under inspection. In some examples, multiple illumination beams generated from a non-uniform illumination source are projected onto spatially separated areas on the surface of the specimen. A point object of interest illuminated by each area is imaged onto the surface of a time-delay integration (TDI) detector. The images are integrated such that the relative position of the illumination areas along the direction of motion of the point object of interest has no impact on the illumination efficiency distribution over the field of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting a device include arranging the device in a known position relative to a plurality of movable cameras mounted on a controllable actuator controlled by a computing device and pointed at the device by controlling the controllable actuator to position a camera with a user interface on the computing device with a display, and the display displays a virtual image from the camera into CAD model of the device and an image of the device generated by the camera in a side-by-side or in an overlay fashion or both.

Abstract: Optical quality control system for controlling the quality of a high refractive index solid (2), comprising a container (4) configured to receive the solid therein, a structured light source (30), an optical inspection zone configured for receiving an optical device (10) or an eye of a human observer, and a high refractive index liquid (12) for insertion in the container in a volume sufficient to fully immerse the translucent solid. The structured light source is configured to project a planar light fan (20) through the high refractive index solid immersed in the high refractive index liquid generating a illuminated cross-section (18) in the solid. The optical inspection zone is arranged at a top end of the container adapted for inspection of the illuminated cross-section in a direction transverse to a plane (P) defined by the planar illuminated cross-section.

Abstract: A method and system to determine material composition of an object comprises capturing a series of digital radiographic images of the object using a single exposure energy level. An intensity of the captured images is determined as well as phase shift differences. A difference in material composition of the object may be determined based on a combination of the determined intensity and the modulated phase shifts of the captured images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing measurements of semiconductor structures and materials based on scatterometry measurement data are presented. Scatterometry measurement data is used to generate an image of a material property of a measured structure based on the measured intensities of the detected diffraction orders. In some examples, a value of a parameter of interest is determined directly from the map of the material property of the measurement target. In some other examples, the image is compared to structural characteristics estimated by a geometric, model-based parametric inversion of the same measurement data. Discrepancies are used to update the geometric model of the measured structure and improve measurement performance. This enables a metrology system to converge on an accurate parametric measurement model when there are significant deviations between the actual shape of a manufactured structure subject to model-based measurement and the modeled shape of the structure.

Abstract: A method for predicting the corrosion rate of crude oil or other related process streams is provided. The method includes using x-ray absorption spectroscopy to characterize heteroatom species present by functional group and quantify the relative amount of each species in a plurality of samples. The corrosion rate of each sample is measured. A correlation between the relative amount of each species and the corrosion rate is determined and used to create a corrosion prediction model. The corrosion prediction model can be used so that corrosion rate can be predicted for a sample solely from the spectroscopy measurement of the relative amounts of each relevant species.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for determination of thermophysical properties of porous media filled with fluid, gas, or other mineral medium, and can be used, in particular, in the oil and gas industry. When implementing the method, it is necessary to initially determine a composition of a saturated porous medium and thermal conductivity coefficients of its components. A three-dimensional image of a sample of the porous medium is obtained by X-ray scanning. A thermal conductivity coefficient of the medium is determined by solving thermal conductivity problems, based on decomposition of a computational domain followed by composition.

Abstract: A moisture sensor that has a drive electrode and a separate sense electrode is described. Both electrodes have surfaces that face the sensed material and the surfaces are co-planar. The drive electrode receives an excitation signal and generates an electric field that produces a current in the sense electrode. The current is indicative of moisture in the sensed material.

Abstract: A metal detector (420) has a metallic enclosure (421) with entrance and exit apertures (430, 431) whose cross-sectional areas differ from each other. Inside the enclosure is a coil system with a transmitter coil (423) and first and second receiver coils (424, 425). The apertures and the coil system enclose a detection zone (428) around a travel path on which objects under inspection move. The asymmetric detection zone has a variable cross-section along the travel path and the coils differ in size from each other. The receiver coils are connected in series, but their windings are wired with the opposite sense of rotation relative to each other. Energizing the transmitter coil generates a primary electromagnetic field that induces a first voltage and a second voltage in the corresponding receiver coils. Despite the asymmetry, the respective voltages cancel each other when no metal is present in the object investigated.

Abstract: An MRI-free non-destructive on-line system for detecting a presence of a material in a sample. The system includes: a flow conduit encompassed by a tunable RF coil and having an input duct and an output duct; a flow of the sample through the flow conduit; a signal detector that detects frequency-dependent output signals as a function of a frequency variation of the RF tunable coil within a frequency range of an RF resonant frequency of a standard sample of the substance; and a processing unit.

Abstract: Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. A gas dosimeter includes a housing configured with an opening to admit an analyte. The gas dosimeter also includes a multivariate sensor disposed in the housing. The sensor is configured to determine a concentration of the analyte over time. In addition, the multivariate sensor includes an irreversible sensing material. Electrical properties of the irreversible sensing material are configured to change irreversibly upon exposure to the analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring circuit comprising a control block for controlling said circuit, a time base for providing a clock signal (fclk) in order to time said circuit, a sensor block which is designed to provide an output signal, said measuring circuit comprising in addition a first counting block which is timed to the clock frequency and a second counting block which is timed by the frequency of the output signal of the sensor block.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical gas sensor using micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). The MEMS electrochemical gas sensor includes: a substrate a lower central region of which is etched by a predetermined thickness; a first insulation film formed on the substrate; a heat emitting resistance body formed on the first insulation film; a second insulation film formed on the heat emitting resistance body; a reference electrode formed in an upper central region of the second insulation film; a solid electrolyte formed on the reference electrode; and a detection electrode formed on the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A hybrid sensor includes a proximity sensor section and a load sensor section. The proximity sensor section includes a first base material, a plurality of first front-side electrodes, a plurality of first back-side electrodes, and a protective layer. Each of these members is made of an elastomer. The proximity sensor section detects the approach and coordinates of an object to be detected, based on a change in capacitance between the first front-side electrode and the first back-side electrode which is caused by the approach of the object to be detected. The load sensor section detects pressing and coordinates of the object to be detected, based on a load that is applied from the object to be detected via the proximity sensor section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to membranes composed of heterocyclic nitrogen groups, such as vinylpyridine and to electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes. The membranes are useful in limiting the diffusion of an analyte to a working electrode in an electrochemical sensor so that the sensor does not saturate and/or remains linearly responsive over a large range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with membranes described herein demonstrate considerable sensitivity and stability, and a large signal-to-noise ratio, in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orientation-nonspecific sensor port for use in analyte meters designed to detect and quantify analyte levels in a fluid sample along with methods of using the same. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for facilitating the correct insertion of a sensor into a corresponding analyte meter.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus (1) includes a gas sensor (8) having an oxygen pump cell (14); a sensor drive circuit (52) which energizes the gas sensor; terminal voltage output means (54) which detects and outputs a terminal voltage of the oxygen pump cell; anomaly detection means (58) which compares the terminal voltage and a first threshold value, and when the terminal voltage exceeds the first threshold value, outputs a short circuit anomaly signal informing of a short circuit; a controller (55) which compares the terminal voltage and a second threshold value less than the first threshold value, and when the terminal voltage exceeds the second threshold value, generates a cell voltage anomaly signal informing of an application of an overvoltage to the oxygen pump cell; and command means (9) which, when receiving the short circuit anomaly signal or cell voltage anomaly signal, outputs a de-energization command.

Abstract: A gas sensor (1) which can be an air-fuel ratio sensor includes a detection element (71) including a pair of electrodes, one of the paired electrodes being a sensing electrode (87) which is exposed to a gas-to-be-measured, and the other electrode being a reference electrode (95) which functions as an oxygen reference electrode. In the gas sensor (1), the reference electrode (95) is connected to a porous reference electrode lead (97) extending along the surface of a solid electrolyte body (77); the reference electrode lead (97) contains a noble metal as a main component and also contains a ceramic material; and the reference electrode lead (97) has a specific resistance lower than that of the reference electrode (95). The ceramic material has, in a sintered state, a mean primary grain size greater than that of the noble metal.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus for controlling a gas sensor element, the gas sensor element including first and second measuring chambers and the gas sensor control apparatus including first chamber control unit for controlling an oxygen concentration in the first chamber; second chamber control unit for applying a second chamber pump voltage to disassociate an oxygen-containing specific gas contained in the second chamber and thereby generate a concentration-dependent current; current detecting unit; voltage changing unit for changing the second chamber pump voltage; and deterioration determination unit for determining the deterioration state of the gas sensor element based on a transient response of the concentration-dependent current.

Abstract: Protected sensor field effect transistors (SFETs). The SFETs include a semiconductor substrate, a field effect transistor, and a sense electrode. The SFETs further include an analyte-receiving region that is supported by the semiconductor substrate, is in contact with the sense electrode, and is configured to receive an analyte fluid. The analyte-receiving region is at least partially enclosed. In some embodiments, the analyte-receiving region can be an enclosed analyte channel that extends between an analyte inlet and an analyte outlet. In these embodiments, the enclosed analyte channel extends such that the analyte inlet and the analyte outlet are spaced apart from the sense electrode. In some embodiments, the SFETs include a cover structure that at least partially encloses the analyte-receiving region and is formed from a cover material that is soluble within the analyte fluid. The methods include methods of manufacturing the SFETs.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system, including a platform for performing at least one assay protocol. The platform may include a flow cell that can include at least one sensor. The platform may also include a reader that can be in communication with the sensor. Moreover, the sensor may maintain communication with the reader for the entirety of the performance of the assay protocols to transmit data regarding physical events within the flow cell or an electrochemical state of any substance contained within the flow cell.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a high capacity compact gel documentation system for documenting different types of electrophoresis gels or other translucent objects using ultraviolet light. The system includes a base with a scanning surface having a transparent bottom surface. A light source is connected to a conveying mechanism, disposed below the transparent bottom surface, to move the light source over the length of the transparent bottom surface. An image capture device receives a reflected image and provides it to a microprocessor. Moreover, separate interchangeable filters allow for documentation of UV and white light gel captures, alleviating the need for separate transilluminators and hoods with filters and cameras.

Abstract: An electrophoresis chip that can be small and simple and that can analyze a sample with high accuracy is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, an introduction reservoir 2a, a recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a receives a sample to be measured. The sample is electrophoretically introduced directly into the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x by creating a potential difference between the introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b, and is also analyzed in the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x during the separation of the sample while the sample is being continuously supplied.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for sequencing nucleic acid molecules. Nucleic acid molecules can be sequenced with a high accuracy (e.g., greater than 97% in a single pass) using a chip comprising an array of independently addressable nanopore sensors at a density of at least about 500 sites per 1 mm2. An individual nanopore sensor can include a nanopore in a membrane that is adjacent or in proximity to a sensing electrode.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems to apply a plurality of test voltages to the test strip and measure a current transient output resulting from an electrochemical reaction in a test chamber of the test strip so that a glucose concentration can be determined that account for hematocrits in both typical subjects and neonates.

Abstract: A force measurement sensor for measuring an applied force onto an object is provided. The force measurement sensor includes a sensing unit including a concentrator, a generator, a detector, and an evaluator. The concentrator points towards the object. The generator generates a magnetic field. The detector detects a magnetic field generated by the generator and influenced by the applied force to be measured. The detector outputs a first signal of the detected magnetic field. The evaluator evaluates a signal strength of the signal and determines the applied force based on the signal. A longitudinal axis of the detector is arranged for a lateral offset between the longitudinal axis of the detector and a central axis of the concentrator that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the concentrator.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection system for micrometer-sized entities, such as biological cells, includes a detector component incorporating a plate with a plurality of opening, the plate separating two chambers, one in communication with a fluid source containing target cells bound to magnetic beads. The openings are sized to always permit passage of the magnetic beads therethrough into a lower one of the chambers and are further sized to always prevent passage of the target cells from the upper one of the chambers. The detector component further includes a magnet positioned to pull unbound magnetic beads through the openings and to capture target cells bound to magnetic beads on the surface of the plate. The microfluidic detection system includes a pump flowing the fluid through the detector component at high flow rates of milliliters per minute for high throughput detection of target cells.

Abstract: Noise included in detection signals is distinguished with a simple configuration. Provided is a flaw-detection apparatus (1) including a flaw-detection sensor group (11) in which two flaw-detection sensors (11a and 11b) are arranged substantially in one row in a scanning direction with a distance therebetween and a processing device (15) that detects a defect in an inspection object on the basis of detection signals detected by the individual flaw-detection sensors (11a and 11b), wherein, with regard to the detection signals detected by the flaw-detection sensors (11a and 11b), when signal values detected at substantially a same positional coordinate in the scanning direction are not similar to each other, and, additionally, when signal values measured at a same time are similar to each other, the processing device (15) determines that the detection signals are not defect signals.

Abstract: This application generally relates to systems and methods of using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices to remotely analyze objects and structures, and more particularly, this application relates to systems and methods of using RFID devices to remotely analyze properties and conditions of a surface of objects and structures.

Abstract: A control valve monitoring system is disclosed. The control valve monitoring system includes at least one sensor connected to one of a valve stem or valve shaft, and the at least one sensor detects a change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft. A device for providing data regarding the change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft is provided, allowing maintenance of the valve shaft or valve stem to be conducted in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for testing a structure of an object. According to one embodiment, the system includes a vibration initiator that imparts an acoustic shockwave to an object. The system also includes an acoustic detector array that senses the acoustic shockwave as it propagates through the object, in which the acoustic detector array comprises a plurality of quantum microphones. The system further includes a reporting unit that receives sensed acoustic shockwave data from the acoustic detector array and produces a structural integrity report.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a composite structure utilizing sonic or ultrasonic waves. In response to a wideband chirp wave sonic excitation signal transmitted from a probe to the composite structure, a probe signal received is correlated with a library of predetermined probe signals and a graphical representation of defects detected is generated. The graphical representation provides detailed information on defect type, defect location and defect shape.

Abstract: A fitting element is configured for coupling tubing to a fluidic device having a receiving cavity configured for receiving the fitting element, where the tubing has an inner contact surface of a biocompatible material, the inner contact surface being configured to contact a fluid to be conducted by the tubing, and the receiving cavity having a receiving contact surface of a bio-compatible material. The fitting element includes a first sealing element of a bio-compatible material configured for sealing to the bio-compatible material of the inner contact surface of the tubing, and a second sealing element configured for sealing against a pressure ambient to a pressure of the fluid in the tubing. Upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device, at least a portion of the receiving contact surface, the first sealing element, and the second sealing element enclose an interspace, each surface of the interspace being a bio-compatible material.

Abstract: A tunnel monitoring sensor for monitoring environmental conditions in a tunnel comprises a first sensor module which outputs an obscuration signal, a second sensor module which outputs a first gas concentration signal, a common housing for the first and second sensor modules and an electronic logic unit which is preferably accommodated in the housing, which receives the obscuration signal and the gas concentration signal and which outputs a combined environmental condition signal on the basis of a link of the obscuration signal and of the gas concentration signal.

Abstract: A hatching egg inspection apparatus includes: a plurality of light emitter, the light emitter being disposed two dimensionally at prescribed positions; light receiver, which are provided in a one-to-one relationship with the light emitter and each of which receives light from the corresponding light emitter; and an egg container, which is for arraying in advance a hatching egg between each of the light emitter and the light receiver corresponding thereto. Each hatching egg is inspected by the corresponding light receiver that receives, among the lights from all the light emitter, transmitted light that transmitted through the interior of the hatching egg. When one light emitter of the plurality of light emitter is emitting light, other of the light emitter within a prescribed range centered on the one light emitter do not emit light.