Abstract: A method, and related apparatus, for controlling tyres in a production line, includes: predisposing a tyre to be controlled; elastically deforming a lateral wall portion of the tyre by imparting a compression force on an outer contact surface of the lateral wall portion, the compression force having axial direction and sense directed toward the middle line plane; illuminating an inner and/or outer surface of the lateral wall portion and detecting an image of the illuminated surface; generating a control signal representative of the detected image; and analysing the control signal in order to detect the possible presence of flaws on the lateral wall portion.

Abstract: A scattering tomography method includes: radiating waves to an object from a plurality of transmitting antenna elements aligned on a side surface of a case; receiving scattered waves by a plurality of receiving antenna elements aligned on the side surface of the case; and reconstructing an image relating to information on an interior of the object using scattered wave data representing the scattered waves. In the reconstructing, a reconstruction function for reconstructing the image relating to the information on the interior of the object is set in advance for a three-dimensional space having the same shape as the case, a scattering field equation which the reconstruction function satisfies is constructed, a visualization function that is obtained by solving the scattering field equation is derived from the scattered wave data, and the image relating to the information on the interior of the object is reconstructed using the visualization function.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes; an X-ray source that radiates X-rays upon an object to be measured; a frame upon which the X-ray source is mounted; an anti-vibration mechanism that attenuates vibration applied to the frame; and a shift mechanism that shifts the frame and the anti-vibration mechanism integrally together.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an X-ray interferometer for imaging an object comprising: a phase grating for effecting in correspondence with the phase grating geometry a phase shift to at least a part of X-ray incident onto the phase grating; and an absorption grating for effecting in correspondence with the absorption grating geometry absorption to at least a part of X-ray incident onto the absorption grating. The grating period of the phase grating, and the grating period of the absorption grating may be dimensioned such that a detector for X-rays can be placed at a relatively large distance away from the absorption grating such the phase contrast sensitivity of the image of the object detected by the detector remains substantially unaffected.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing disposable diagnostic test elements and monitoring a property thereof, where such methods include detecting X-ray fluorescent (XRF) signals of one or more metallic components in a composite of first and second layers applied to a substrate using XRF spectrometry, determining a quantity value for each metallic component in a measured area from the XRF signals, and then calculating an areal coating quantity of the first and the second layers using the quantity values of the metallic components. Additionally or alternatively, the methods can include determining a batch specific code from the XRF signals that can be used when performing a test with a test element. Further provided are systems for monitoring a property of disposable test elements.

Abstract: A defect inspection system includes an inspection sub-system and a controller communicatively coupled to the detector. The inspection sub-system includes an illumination source configured to generate a beam of illumination, a set of illumination optics to direct the beam of illumination to a sample, and a detector configured to collect illumination emanating from the sample. The controller includes a memory device and one or more processors configured to execute program instructions. The controller is configured to determine one or more target patterns corresponding to one or more features on the sample, define one or more care areas on the sample based on the one or more target patterns and design data of the sample stored within the memory device of the controller, and identify one or more defects within the one or more care areas of the sample based on the illumination collected by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices that employ microfluidic technology to generate molecular melt curves. In particular, the devices and methods in accordance with the invention are useful in providing for the analysis of PCR amplification products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical device for the elementary analysis, which is improved with regard to the feeding of samples, with a sample holder, a line for oxygen and inert gas, a reactor for catalytic combustion of a sample, a reduction reactor that is provided downstream of the reactor, an adsorber that is provided downstream of the reduction reactor, a detector that is provided downstream of the absorber and a logic unit for processing of the data transmitted by the detector, wherein the sample holder includes a perforated field plate that can be moved by means of a drive on a base that is equipped with an ejection opening to eject one of the samples.

Abstract: An electronic device for measuring at least one electrical characteristic of an object, including a supporting base provided with at least two measuring units each including at least two sets of electrodes including electrodes, is provided. The electrodes of the sets of electrodes of the same measuring unit are interdigitated such that each electrode of one of the sets of electrodes of the measuring unit is spaced by an inter-electrode distance from an electrode, of the other of the sets of electrodes of the measuring unit, which is adjacent thereto, the electrodes differ in the features in respect of contact with the object and/or the electrode spacing thereof so as to make a differential current measurement.

Abstract: A method for on-line monitoring an electrolytic capacitor condition comprising: measuring a voltage ripple across the electrolytic capacitor and the current ripple flowing through the electrolytic capacitor; measuring the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor; emulating the monitored electrolytic capacitor using a capacitor model comprising a capacitor and a solid state adjustable resistor, applying one of the measured ripple to the capacitor model, adjusting the solid state adjustable resistor to minimize the error between an estimated ripple provided by the capacitor model and the other measured ripple not applied to the capacitor model, and estimating an equivalent series resistance of the monitored electrolytic capacitor using value of the solid state adjustable resistor.

Abstract: A structure is provided for sensing an analyte in an environment. The structure may include a ring oscillator on a semiconductor substrate, the ring oscillator includes an AND gate, an odd number of inverters, and a carbon device connected in series, the carbon device is exposed to an environment such that a frequency of the ring oscillator changes when the carbon device is exposed to the analyte in the environment.

Abstract: A controller outputs control signals controlling a frequency source to selectively apply different nonzero frequencies of alternating current at different times to an electric sensor within a microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A product is provided into a first end of a conduit so that the product flows toward a second end of the conduit. The conduit may include a first pair of probes attached at a first location and a second pair of probes at a second location. The product's conductivity in the conduit at the first location is monitored using the first set of probes, and the product's conductivity at the second location is monitored using the second set of probes. An marker material is introduced into an entry port of the conduit so that the marker material flows with the product. The marker material's conductivity is different than the products conductivity. At a first time, the first set of probes detects the conductivity of the product has changed due to the introduction of the marker material, and at a second time, the second set of probes also detects such change.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer includes a substrate with a first cavity that passes through the substrate from a backside of the substrate. The MEMS transducer also includes a perforated first electrode plate overlying the first cavity on a topside of the substrate, a second electrode plate overlying the first cavity on the topside of the substrate and spaced apart from the perforated first electrode plate by a spacing region, and a gas sensitive material in the spacing region between the perforated first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The gas sensitive material has an electrical property that is dependent on a concentration of a target gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates a setting method for a conductive object of electrochemical test strip. In the embodiment, this manufacturing process is not complex, convenient, and has well precision, such that the cost of manufacturing an electrochemical test strip is reduced effectively, the disadvantage of past manufacturing process is improved. The present invention is highly applied and convenient, so that wide application can be expected in the future.

Abstract: An electrode assembly that may be used, for example, for electrochemically analysing a sample to determine the presence (or otherwise) of a species having biomembrane activity comprises at least one working electrode comprised of a conductive carrier substrate having a surface coated with mercury immobilised on the surface of the substrate. The surface of the mercury remote from said substrate is coated with a phospholipid layer. The preferred carrier substrate is platinum. The electrode assembly may be incorporated in a flow cell.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to novel materials and associated methods for conducting protons, such materials comprising cephalopod proton-conducting proteins such as reflectins. The protonic conductivity of such cephalopod proton-conducting proteins may be modulated by the application of an electric field. The invention further encompasses protonic transistors comprising a cephalopod proton-conducting protein channel. The transistors and related devices of the invention are amenable to use in biological systems for the sensing or manipulation of protonic flows within the biological system.

Abstract: An electrolytic copper plating solution analyzer comprises an analysis container for accommodating a part of an electrolytic copper plating solution containing additives including a promoter, an inhibitor and a leveler, a working electrode immersed in the electrolytic copper plating solution accommodated in the analysis container, a reference electrode immersed in the electrolytic copper plating solution and used as a reference when a potential of the working electrode is determined, a counter electrode immersed in the electrolytic copper plating solution, a rotation drive unit for rotating the working electrode at a given speed, a current generation unit passing an electric current with a given current density between the working electrode and the counter electrode, a potential measurement unit for measuring the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode, and an analysis unit for analyzing the relationship between an elapsed time after the current passage and the potential.

Abstract: An integrated system for performing electro-blotting, probing and drying of the membrane is disclosed. The integrated system comprises a transfer unit for receiving one or more transfer sandwich holder. Each transfer sandwich holder holding a transfer sandwich comprises a gel member and the membrane. The transfer unit is configured to transfer samples from the gel member to the membrane. The integrated system also includes a probing unit for receiving the membrane therewithin. The membrane is exposed to a plurality of antibodies for binding with the samples in the membrane. A drying unit is also present for drying the membrane with hot air.

Abstract: A magnetism characteristic detection method, a magnetism characteristic detection apparatus, an imaging apparatus and an imaging method are provided, where magnetism detection and imaging are based on an integrated excitation field of a direct current (DC) magnetic field and an oscillation wave. The magnetism detection method includes the following steps. A DC magnetic field is selectively applied to an object. Further, an oscillation wave is provided to the object, where the oscillation wave is a sound wave or an ultrasound wave. Then, a magnetism characteristic variation of the object is detected.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a component in a measurement area of the component, using an instrument having a flexible part and a rigid end part following the flexible part and carrying an eddy current probe. The method comprises a selection step in which a template corresponding to the measurement area is selected, a shaping step in which the flexible part is shaped against the template thus selected, a positioning step, in which the instrument thus shaped is positioned so that the eddy current probe is placed in the measurement area, and a measurement step, in which a measurement is made via the eddy current probe which has been thus positioned.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods for the use of a portable unit for the evaluation of hemostasis. For example, a portable system for determining a plurality of hemostatic parameters may be included. The system includes a blood sample receptacle, an analyzer and a housing. The blood sample receptacle is configured to hold at least one blood sample. The analyzer is configured to determine at least two hemostatic parameters of the at least one blood sample. The housing is configured to operably couple the blood sample receptacle and the analyzer. The housing is portable and may, for example, have a thickness of 17.5 cm or smaller.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for bolt inspection are presented. The bolt has a cylindrical threaded surface delimited by a pair of end faces that are opposite to each other. An ultrasonic transducer device contacts one of the pair of end faces for performing a scan operation. A guide structure is engaged with the bolt that guides a motion of the ultrasonic transducer device such that only a portion of a transducer contact surface contacts the one of the pair of end faces during the scan operation. The guide structure delimits a radial extent of the motion of the ultrasonic transducer device during the scan operation.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing system for testing a work piece. The non-destructive testing system includes an ultrasonic probe, including a matrix of transducers, and a control unit including a display. The control unit is configured to control the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain multiple S-scan images. The ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain a first S-scan image at a first direction orientation, and the ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain a second S-scan image at a second direction orientation different from the first direction orientation. The control unit is configured to process the first and second S-scan images to provide at least an image upon the display.

Abstract: A sampler for liquid chromatography is described. The sampler includes an injection valve and a sample loop. The injection valve includes one waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. The sample loop port includes a first loop part and a second loop part. The injection valve can be configured to have LOAD position and INJECT position. The injection valve can also be configured to have one or more additional positions such as a FULL PURGE position, a PUMP PURGE position, and a NEGATIVE PRESSURE position.

Abstract: An efficient absorption spectroscopy system is provided. The spectroscopy system may be configured to measure solid, liquid or gaseous samples. Vacuum ultra-violet wavelengths may be utilized. Some of the disclosed techniques can be used for detecting the presence of trace concentrations of gaseous species. A preferable gas flow cell is disclosed. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used with a gas chromatography system so as to detect and identify species eluted from the column. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an electrospray interface and a liquid chromatography system so as to detect and identify gas phase ions of macromolecules produced from solution. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used to characterize chemical reactions. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an ultra short-path length sample cell to measure liquids.

Abstract: A system for detection of non-volatile solutes dissolved in solution comprises: a spray emitter system configured to receive a flow of the solution and generate an aerosol comprising droplets thereof, the generated droplets comprising a restricted size range; a spray chamber configured to receive the aerosol and emit a modified aerosol comprising droplets having a diameter smaller than a predetermined value; a conduit configured to receive a flow of the modified aerosol and to evaporate the solvent so as to generate an aerosol comprising solid particles of the solutes; a charging chamber configured to receive the aerosol and impart electric charge to the solid particles; and a detector configured to measure a quantity of charge imparted to the solid particles, wherein the restricted size range is such that solid particles having diameters greater than 10 nm comprise a substantial portion of all particles received by the charging chamber.

Abstract: An object of the present technology is to provide a chlorine-concentration-measuring composition that can reduce staining by reagents, a measurement method using the chlorine-concentration-measuring composition and a method for reducing staining by chlorine-concentration-measuring composition using an aromatic sulfonic acid-based polymer or the salt thereof. Provided are a chlorine-concentration-measuring composition comprising an aromatic sulfonic acid-based polymer or the salt thereof; a chlorine-concentration-measuring composition comprising component (a) a color reagent for detection of residual chlorine and component (b) an aromatic sulfonic acid-based polymer or the salt thereof; a chlorine-concentration-measuring method comprising using the composition; and a method for reducing or preventing staining by using the chlorine-concentration-measuring composition comprising an aromatic sulfonic acid-based polymer or the salt thereof.

Abstract: An automated sensor calibration system and method provide for calibrating a gas sensor in-situ in a controlled atmosphere workstation. The system comprises a controller for automatically controlling the calibration system; an enclosure member movable between a first position and a second position; and a drive mechanism, operable by the controller, for moving the enclosure member between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the enclosure member is arranged in a spaced relationship from the sensor such that a sensing head of the sensor is exposed to the controlled atmosphere of the workstation. In the second position, the enclosure member is arranged in engagement with at least one surface so as to define a calibration chamber and enclose the sensing head in the calibration chamber.

Abstract: A first wellhead fluid sample is collected from a petroleum well. Multiple geochemical water analysis (GWA) tests are preformed to form GWA water analysis data. The GWA tests determine physical properties of, and one or more geochemical water element (GWE) concentration values associated with, the first wellhead fluid sample. Correlation data associated with the GWA water analysis data is determined. A second wellhead fluid sample is collected from the petroleum well and only a water conductivity analysis is performed on the second wellhead fluid sample to determine water conductivity data.

Abstract: Provided is a hardness-measuring composition that is used for prevention of measurement error of the measurement unit of a water hardness-measuring device by deposition of the staining components contained in sample water. The hardness-measuring composition comprises a colorant containing Eriochrome Black T and/or Calmagite and a sulfate ester-type anionic surfactant.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel system comprises an integrated sensor assembly incorporating a housing. The housing receives a circuit board, a temperature sensor, a point level sensor and a fuel density sensor. A first fuel height sensor is positioned outwardly of the housing.

Abstract: In a sensor device for determining the evaporation pressure of a fluid, in particular of a fluidic fuel, in a vehicle with at least one heating element, the invention provides that the sensor device has a filling level sensor with a circuit carrier and that the heating element is arranged on the circuit carrier of the filling level sensor.

Abstract: A system and a method for characterizing a crude oil sample from the weight and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy of the sample, including calculating and assigning a crude oil ultraviolet visible index and using the assigned index to calculate and assign an API gravity and/or to calculate and assign an aromaticity value of the sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biomolecule sequencing device that includes at least one set of nano-gap electrodes arranged so that a current flows when a biomolecule contained in a sample passes in proximity to the set of nano-gap electrodes, an electrophoresis electrode pair for forming an electric field for moving the biomolecule between the electrodes of the set of nano-gap electrodes, a flow path for flowing the sample in a direction towards the nano-gap electrode pair, a flow path for flowing the sample in a direction away from the nano-gap electrode pair, a measurement unit configured to measure a tunnel current generated when the biomolecule passes between the electrodes of the nano-gap electrode pair with an electric field being formed, and an identification unit configured to sequence the biomolecule.

Abstract: In a single-use handheld diagnostic test device and an associated system and method, a biological and/or environmental test sample is received and reacted with reagents. The test device tests a single sample and includes a sensor to detect test data. The test device mates with, and transmits the test data to, an electronic device. A processor of the electronic device applies algorithms to the test data to generate highly sensitive and accurate quantitative test results. A presentation element of the electronic device presents the test results to a user. The test device is adapted for disposal, or for sterilization and re-use, after the electronic device receives the test data. The electronic device may be, for example, a mobile communications device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a navigation device, a digital audio player, a camera, or a gaming device.

Abstract: In a single-use handheld diagnostic test device and an associated system and method, a biological and/or environmental test sample is received and reacted with reagents. The test device tests a single sample and includes a sensor to detect test data. The test device mates with, and transmits the test data to, an electronic device. A processor of the electronic device applies algorithms to the test data to generate highly sensitive and accurate quantitative test results. A presentation element of the electronic device presents the test results to a user. The test device is adapted for disposal, or for sterilization and re-use, after the electronic device receives the test data. The electronic device may be, for example, a mobile communications device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a navigation device, a digital audio player, a camera, or a gaming device.

Abstract: A method for estimating portal blood flow and hepatic function in a subject is provided. In one example, the STAT test is an in vitro simplified, convenient test intended for screening purposes that can reasonably estimate the portal blood flow from a single blood sample taken 60 minutes after orally administered deuterated-cholate. The test can be administered to a patient having, or suspected of having, Chronic Hepatitis C, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), or any chronic liver disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting the likelihood of acute kidney injury. An input interface is configured to receive a plurality of features derived from the results of a post-surgical metabolic blood panel and either a pre-surgical metabolic blood panel or a perisurgical metabolic blood panel. A predictive model is configured to calculate a parameter representing a likelihood of acute kidney injury from the plurality of features. A user interface is configured to provide the calculated parameter to a user in a human comprehensible form.

Abstract: An exhalation diagnostic devise includes a cell portion, a light source, a detector and a controller. The cell portion includes space into which a sample gas containing first and second substances is introduced. The detector detects an intensity of the light transmitted through the space. The controller, at a time of a first operation, causes the light source to change a wavelength, and calculates a ratio of an amount of the second substance to an amount of the first substance. And the controller, at a time of a second operation performed in one respiration, causes the light source to set the wavelength of the light to a third wavelength, determines whether concentration of at least one of the first substance and the second substance exceeds a set value or not, and starts the first operation when the concentration exceeds the set value.

Abstract: A calibrating device (1) for a breath alcohol measuring device (25) as well as a system including such a calibrating device (1) and a breath alcohol measuring device (25) are shown and described. A test gas container (3), which provides a test gas, which can flow via an outlet (5) into an inlet (11) of a measuring adapter (9), is provided in the calibrating device (1). A measuring adapter (9) forms a flow path (17), in which the test gas is subjected to a dynamic pressure. The measuring adapter (9) is configured for being connected to a breath alcohol measuring device (25), which triggers a measurement when the dynamic pressure of the test gas reaches a pressure threshold value of the breath alcohol measuring device (25).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating or preventing diet-induced obesity in a subject comprising administering an agent in an effective amount so that expression or activity of the P2Y2 receptor is decreased or inhibited in the subject thereby treating or preventing diet-induced obesity in the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for studying an infection process in liver tissue in vitro, the method comprising: seeding hepatocyte cells onto a scaffold in a bioreactor in order to form a liver tissue model;delivering an infectious agent to the liver tissue model, or providing the liver tissue model pre-infected with an infectious agent; and monitoring the infection process; and a method for producing an infectious agent.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment presenting defined physical or mechanical cues that regulate cellular behavior and use of the matrix. The disclosure also provides for devices and methods for screening for optimal combinations of physical and mechanical cues in order to create a microenvironment that can regulate specific cellular behavior such as cell growth, proliferation, migration or differentiation.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional microtissue comprising the reaction of at least two cytocompatible polymer solutions, each polymer comprising complementary reactive groups capable of spontaneous reaction, at least one of which solutions additionally contains cells. The method allows the rapid, efficient production of microtissues useful for purposes such as pharmaceutical screening and tissue reconstruction.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating the risk of infection after transplantation or immunosuppression in a subject are provided. Methods of determining whether a subject should be treated prophylactically with an anti-microbial agent are also provided herein. Kits for performing the methods described herein are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining chirality of a cell. The method includes culturing a cell on a base layer having a cell growth material. The method includes forming a top layer on the base layer after the cell has attached to the base layer, the top layer having a cell growth material. The base layer and the top layer form a graded 3D substrate. The intrinsic bias of the cell is determined from the directionality of spontaneous cell rotation.

Abstract: Methods and kits for predicting infusion reaction risk and antibody-mediated loss of response during intravenous PEGylated uricase therapy in gout patients is provided. Routine SUA monitoring can be used to identify patients receiving PEGylated uricase who may no longer benefit from treatment and who are at greater risk for infusion reactions.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe compound, a preparation method thereof, and a method of imaging and quantifying lysosomal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at a cell or tissue level through one-photon or two-photon fluorescence microscopy using the compound is disclosed. A fluorescence detection system capable of detecting lysosomal ATP is further disclosed. Since the fluorescent probe compound is found to be capable of selectively sensing and quantifying lysosomal ATP in a cell or tissue, it is expected that the disclosed compound or composition can be usefully employed in the study of various biological reactions or diseases associated with ATP in a living body.