Abstract: The invention provides populations of molecules that are prepared as, or treated to become, homogeneous for one or more molecular characteristics. In an aspect, the invention relates to molecular weight standards that may be used to determine the molecular weight or apparent molecular weight of uncharacterized molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, as well as in other applications. In one aspect, the molecular weight standards are pre-stained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for assessing the fidelity of a synthetic peptide population including interrogating a population of peptide features in the presence of a receptor having an affinity for a plurality of binder sequences. A first amino acid is at a defined position within a first one of the binder sequences, and the population of peptide features includes a first control peptide feature synthesized to have an amino acid sequence including the first one of the binder sequences. The system and method further includes detecting a signal output characteristic of an interaction of the receptor with the first control peptide feature. The signal output is indicative of the fidelity of incorporation of the first amino acid into the first control peptide at the defined position within the first one of the binder sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a method of pretreating a serum or plasma sample for detection of a protein or a plurality of proteins of interest in a serum or plasma sample via mass spectrometry and a method of detecting such a protein or proteins, wherein proteins such as albumin present in abundance in a sample are removed in a convenient manner, thereby making it possible to collect digested peptides from the protein of interest. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of pretreating a sample for detecting proteins in a serum or plasma sample via mass spectrometry, comprising a step of adding a protease to the sample under non-denaturing conditions to digest proteins and a step of separating the obtained peptides from undigested proteins, and a method of detecting proteins, comprising subjecting the obtained peptides to mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present novel systems, devices and methods for an automated biological sample analysis using mass-spectrometry. The time from sample introduction to the reporting of data, in some embodiments, takes a relatively short amount of time (e.g., several minutes). In some embodiments, a biological sample to be analyzed is a blood sample. For many applications, only a single drop of blood may be sufficient. Through the use of a mixture of standards with unique molecular mass, a quantitative analysis of the target analyte can be performed in a single MS run (for example), eliminating the need to create and analyze standard curves. One advantage of such embodiments may be that the system, devices, and methods can eliminate the need for batch creation since the requirement to amortize the time and effort of creating and analyzing standard curves can be eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of inflammatory bowel disease. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of cytokines to detect, diagnose, and assess inflammatory bowel disease. In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing Crohn's Disease (CD) in a patient comprises the steps of (a) collecting a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the levels of at least one cytokine in the sample collected from the patient; and (c) comparing the levels of the at least one cytokine with predefined cytokine levels, wherein a correlation between the cytokine levels in the patient sample and predefined cytokine levels indicates that the patient has CD. In a specific embodiment, the at least one cytokine comprises Interferon (IFN)-gamma, Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17 and CXCL10.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, kits, and methods for measuring circulating cytokines and chemokines in a subject that has or is suspected of having Celiac disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of infections or chronic diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs, particularly lower respiratory tract infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In said method, provasopressin (proAVP) or fragments or partial peptides thereof, especially copeptin or neurophysin II, is/are determined. The invention further relates to suitable biomarker combinations for in-vitro diagnosis.

Abstract: Method of diagnosis and prognosis of contrast media induced nephropathy (CIN) comprising the steps of i) taking a urine sample from a patient exposed to the application of contrast media, notably patients subjected to coronary angiography; ii) assessing the level of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in the urine sample obtained in step (i); iii) relating the urinary vitamin D binding protein level determined in step (ii) to a pre-selected threshold level, wherein a urinary vitamin D binding level higher than said pre-selected threshold level indicates that the patient is at risk of renal failure and in need of a dialysis treatment.

Abstract: A method of screening a blood sample for the presence of prions. The method includes the steps of collecting the blood sample in heparin, contacting the sample with a solution comprising recombinant prion protein (rPrP) and Thioflavin T (ThT), and measuring the resulting ThT fluorescence in the sample. The method can further include the step of freezing and thawing the sample prior to contacting the sample with a solution comprising recombinant prion protein (rPrP) and Thioflavin T (ThT). The method can also include the step of precipitating the prions in sodium phosphotungstic acid (NaPTA) prior to contacting the sample with a solution comprising recombinant prion protein (rPrP) and Thioflavin T (ThT).

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for detecting C9ORF72 hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) (SEQ ID NO: 3) repeat expansion positive (C9+) frontotemporal lobar degeneration or C9+ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For example, methods and materials related to using anti-(GP)8 (SEQ ID NO: 2) antibodies to identify mammals (e.g., humans) having C9+ FTLD or C9+ ALS are provided.

Abstract: The method for diagnosing sleep apnea includes measuring concentrations of biomarkers in a patient's bodily sample. To determine whether a patient suffers from sleep apnea, or has a predisposition for developing sleep apnea, a sample from the patient is analyzed. If one or more of the following biomarker concentrations are found in the patient's sample, then the patient may be diagnosed as suffering from sleep apnea or having a predisposition for developing sleep apnea: between approximately 992.8 pg/mL and approximately 1309.6 pg/mL of adipsin; between approximately 1,640 pg/mL and approximately 2,900 pg/mL of betatrophin; between approximately 8,090.82 pg/mL and approximately 11,829.07 pg/mL of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); between approximately 11.82 pg/mL and approximately 88.26 pg/mL of interleukin-13 (IL-13); between approximately 49.45 pg/mL and approximately 103.29 pg/mL of tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?); and between approximately 16.55 pg/mL and approximately 29.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining hemoglobin concentration is provided. A method aspect includes the steps of: a) depositing an unlysed, substantially undiluted blood sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis; b) imaging the sample in a region of the analysis chamber where the height of the chamber is no more than about twenty microns (20?) or no less than about two microns (2?), to produce image signals representative of the optical density of the imaged region; c) determining a sample representative optical density value using the image signals representative of the optical density of the imaged region; and d) determining the hemoglobin concentration of the sample using the sample representative optical density value.

Abstract: An object is to provide an immunochromatographic analysis kit, with which detection with high sensitivity is realized even in the case of a blood analyte containing saliva collected from the inside of an oral cavity, and an immunochromatographic analysis can be performed without pain or stress. The above object was achieved by an immunochromatographic analysis kit wherein an alkyl glucoside and an anionic surfactant are included in at least one of an analyte dilution solution and a part upstream in the development direction of a detection part.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for dispensing a particle-laden fluid from a fluid holding and dispensing micro-feature. In some implementations, the apparatus includes: a chamber having one or more surfaces that define a volume to receive fluid containing particulate matter, and an outlet port to dispense at least a portion of the fluid from the chamber. The outlet port may have a normal vector that, when the apparatus is positioned to dispense the fluid, is substantially perpendicular to gravity. The apparatus may be used to measure a number of individual particles from the fluid that flow through the outlet port over a period of them, measure a total volume of the fluid dispensed through the outlet port over the period of time, and calculate a concentration of the particulate matter within the chamber. In some implementations, the particle-laden fluid may be whole blood.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that red blood cell antigens can be exploited as a means to detect red blood cells/erythrocytes. Specifically, by identifying red blood cell antigens which are expressed by substantially all red blood cell types, it is possible to provide a method which achieves the reliable detection of red blood cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood analyzing method including: a step of preparing a measurement sample from blood, a fluorescent dye represented by the following formula 1, and a diluent, a concentration of the fluorescent dye in the measurement sample being greater than or equal to 0.15 ?M and smaller than or equal to 1.0 ?M; a step of acquiring fluorescence information obtained by irradiating the measurement sample with light; and a step of detecting a red blood cell infected with a malaria parasite in the blood based on the fluorescence information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood sample analyzing method including preparing a measurement specimen by mixing a blood sample with a measuring reagent of fibrin and a fibrinogen degradation product (FDP); acquiring, based on a time-dependent change in optical information obtained by optically measuring the measurement specimen, first information indicating an FDP concentration and second information indicating a curving degree of a time course curve showing the time-dependent change of the optical information; and determining an enhanced fibrinolytic state of the blood sample or acquiring a value related to a D dimer of the blood sample based on the first information and the second information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reagent for activated partial thromboplastin time measurement including an ellagic acid compound, a phospholipid, and a polyvinyl alcohol compound.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a new, robust fluorometric cell-free biochemical assay that measures HDL redox activity (HRA) is provided. In certain embodiments the assay is based on the oxidation of the fluorochrome AMPLEX® RED in the presence of HRP. HRA correlated with previously validated cell-based (r=0.47, p<0.001) and cell-free assays (r=0.46, p<0.001). HRA measurement identified samples with dysfunctional HDL in established animal models of atherosclerosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. Using an immunoaffinity method for capturing HDL the utility of this novel assay for measuring HRA in a high throughput format was demonstrated. HRA measurements correlated significantly with measures of cardiovascular disease such as carotid intima media thickness (r=0.35, p<0.01) and subendocardial viability ratio (r=?0.21, p=0.05) and physiological parameters such as metabolic and anthropometric parameters (p<0.05).

Abstract: A system for detecting an analyte with a reagentless dry test strip includes a collector for collecting a blood sample from a user. The system additionally includes a mixer for receiving the collector and mixing the blood sample. The system additionally includes reagents, located in the mixer, for mixing with the blood sample. The system additionally includes a dry test strip for receiving the blood sample mixed with the reagents.

Abstract: A device for loading an automated analysis system is presented. The device comprises a chassis, a movable loading element movably coupled to the chassis and configured to move between a first and a second position, a holding structure, the holding structure being floatingly coupled to the movable loading element, the holding structure being configured to hold a receptacle for material to be loaded into the automated analysis system, a first alignment element attached to the chassis and a second alignment element attached to the holding structure. The first alignment element is configured to engage with the second alignment element to align the holding structure in a predetermined position relative to the chassis when the movable loading element is in the second position.

Abstract: A managing method for a sample processing apparatus involving the sample processing apparatus and a management apparatus. The method includes requesting an approval of self-adjustment to the management apparatus from the sample processing apparatus before performing a self-adjustment. Informing the sample processing apparatus of approval of request from the management apparatus, when approving the sample processing apparatus to perform the self-adjustment, and performing a self-adjustment by the sample processing apparatus when the sample processing apparatus is informed that the request has been approved.

Abstract: A laboratory cargo distribution system is presented. The laboratory cargo distribution system comprises a number of transport carriers, a transport plane, a number of electro-magnetic actuators, a storage device and a control device. The storage device is adapted to store at least one of the number of transport carriers. A laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory cargo distribution system and a method of operating such a laboratory cargo distribution system are also presented.

Abstract: The sample dispensing device sucks a liquid sample from a predetermined container and then discharges the sample to another container. The sample dispensing device includes a nozzle tip that sucks and holds the sample; a dispensing nozzle to which the nozzle tip can be detachably attached via a fitting part; a dispensing nozzle position control means that controls the position of the dispensing nozzle with respect to the predetermined container and the other container; a nozzle tip removing means that removes the nozzle tip from the dispensing nozzle; and a discarding box into which water can be supplied, and in which the nozzle tip removed from the dispensing nozzle is discarded. The nozzle tip is made of a water-soluble material, and after being removed from the dispensing nozzle by the nozzle tip removing means, the nozzle tip is dissolved by water in the discarding box.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for device state estimation with body-fixed assumption. In some implementations, a method comprises: determining, by a device, a rotational velocity of a user of the device based on a sensor signal; determining, by the device, user speed; determining, by the device, user acceleration based on the user speed and the rotational velocity of the user; and updating a user state estimator based on the user acceleration.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for device state estimation under pedestrian motion with swinging limb. In some implementations, a method comprises: determining, by a device, that the device is attached to a swinging limb based on a sensor signal; determining, by the device, a rotational velocity component due to the swinging limb based on the sensor signal and limb parameters; estimating, by the device, device velocity; and determining, by the device, user velocity based on the device velocity and the rotational velocity component.

Abstract: A method for measuring the rotation speed of a wheel including the steps of: acquiring an analogue measurement signal (Sma) generated by a magnetic tachometer and containing a useful signal the frequency of which is representative of the rotation speed of the wheel; digitizing in real-time the analogue measurement signal (Sma) in order to obtain a time-dependent digital measurement signal (Smnt); calculating a Fourier transform of the time-dependent digital measurement signal (Smnt) in order to obtain a frequency-dependent digital measurement signal (Smnf); and carrying out a frequency analysis in order to identify by a search for peaks a useful spectral line (16) so as to obtain the frequency of the useful signal and therefore the rotation speed of the wheel.

Abstract: An improved instrument for measuring low indicated air speed greatly reduces variation with one or more of time, temperature, and ambient pressure change. This is accomplished by periodically re-zeroing the transducer using only a single electronically controlled valve. Re-zeroing may be initiated in response to a change in the internal temperature of the transducer.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes: a sensor device including an inertial sensor; a substrate to which the sensor device is bonded; a case member accommodating at least the sensor device; and an adhesive member provided to cover, in a plan view of the substrate as viewed from the case member side, an outer periphery of the sensor device and so as to connect the sensor device with the case member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical accelerometer, comprising a seismic mass, equipped with a mobile reflective surface, according to a rotating axis, an emitting optical fiber, coupled with a light source, intended to emit a light beam, through one of its edges, in the direction of the reflective surface, and a receiving optical fiber, coupled with an optical detector, intended to receive, through one of its edges-, the light beam sent back by the reflective surface. The arrangement of the ensemble is such that a rotating movement of the reflective surface leads to a deflection of the light beam and a variation in the light intensity received by the receiving fiber. According to the invention, a convergent lens is interposed, on the optical path of the light beam, between the optical fibers and the seismic mass.

Abstract: A MEMS acceleration detection device including a housing having a cavity and a spring mass system assembled into the cavity of the housing. A lid enclosing the spring mass system in the cavity and contacting a top surface of the housing.

Abstract: An insulated accelerometer assembly for a vibrated component in a high voltage environment may include: an accelerometer; a high dielectric strength potting compound encapsulating the accelerometer; a structurally supporting insulator layer such as a glass epoxy layer or mica layer(s) surrounding at least a portion of the high dielectric strength potting compound; and a conductive layer over at least a portion of the glass epoxy layer.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope includes: a cantilever; a cantilever supporting portion; a movement mechanism that moves a position of the cantilever; a light source that emits detection light; a detector that receives the detection light reflected on a reflecting surface of the cantilever; an objective lens; and a controller that controls the movement mechanism to perform a process including: detecting a spot position of a spot light of the detection light; detecting a position of the cantilever from an image captured by the imaging device; and controlling the movement mechanism based on the spot position, the position of the cantilever, an incident angle of the detection light, and the attachment angle such that the detection light is reflected on the reflecting surface when the cantilever is attached to the cantilever supporting portion.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to easily and efficiently observe a specimen contained in a fluid without using a filtration device separate from a scanning probe microscope by attaching a filter holding part holding a filter to a fluid cell of a specimen support. Therefore, a specimen support 10, for holding a specimen subject to observation by the scanning probe microscope, comprises a fluid cell 11, into which fluid including the specimen is introduced, and a filter unit including a filter 15, which allows the fluid passage and at least a part of the specimen is adhered to. The fluid cell 11 includes a fluid entrance, the filter unit includes a fluid exit opening, and the filter unit is attached to one side of the fluid cell 11.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for integrating full-coaxial signal pins in an integrated circuit (IC) test socket. The socket can be made of a conductive metal (e.g., aluminum), and can be drilled with a large number of holes for conductive pins to interface between a printed circuit board (on which the socket is mounted) and an IC being tested. The pins can include ground pins, low-speed signal (and/or power) pins, and coaxial pin assemblies for high-speed signals (HSS). Each coaxial pin assembly can include a conductive HSS pin, having a HSS probe disposed in a spring-loaded HSS barrel, and an insulative bushing. The HSS pin is surrounded by the insulative bushing, which is disposed in a hole of the conductive socket body, thereby forming a full coaxial pin with controlled impedance characteristics.

Abstract: A contact probe of a testing head of a testing apparatus of electronic devices comprises respective end portions adapted to contact respective contact pads and a body essentially extended in a longitudinal direction between the end portions, at least one end portion comprising an insert made of a first conductive material having a hardness being greater than a second conductive material making the contact probe which is supported by a section of the end portion, the section being made of the second conductive material and being shaped in a complementary way with respect to the insert and having respective abutting surfaces facing and adhering to respective abutting surfaces of the insert.

Abstract: A probe card which is capable of transmitting high-frequency signals provided by a DUT, and the DUT includes an output pin group and an input pin group for sending and receiving the high-frequency signals respectively. The probe card includes a first signal pin group, a second signal pin group, and a band circuit. The first signal pin group is made of a conductive material, and is used to contact the output pin group; the second signal pin group is made of a conductive material too, and is used to contact the input pin group; the band circuit is electrically connected to the first signal pin group and the second signal pin group to allow signals within a first bandwidth and a second bandwidth to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A test lead assembly includes a first test lead having a first cable extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a first test probe attached to the distal end and a first plug attached to the proximal end; a second test lead having a second cable extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a second test probe attached to the distal end, and a second plug attached to the proximal end; and a fastener member for repeatedly releasably engaging at least a portion of the first cable with at least a portion of the second cable along a length of the first and second cables. The test lead assembly and a measurement device incorporating the test lead assembly can avoid or at least reduce knotting of the test leads.

Abstract: A probe head includes a first guiding board, a second guiding board, a spacer, a positioning assembly and probes. The second guiding board is stacked over the first guiding board, in which an accommodating space is formed between the first guiding board and the second guiding board. The spacer is disposed on the second guiding board and is located in the accommodating space. The positioning assembly is disposed aid supported on the second guiding board and is movably retained between the spacer and the first guiding board, and the positioning assembly includes a supporting frame and a film. The supporting frame includes at least one rib portion. The film is fixed to the supporting frame. The probes pass through the first guiding board, the second guiding board, and the film.

Abstract: The test system provides an array of test probes. The probes pass through a first or upper probe guide retainer which has a plurality of slot sized to receive the probes in a way that they cannot rotate. A plurality of flex circuits at the different heights engage bottom probe ends at their respective height levels and flex circuits continue the electrical connection from the probes to a load board. The test probes are bonded to the flex circuits by ring shaped flowable conductive material. The flex circuits are biased against a load board by an elastomeric pad of spaced part conical projections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for investigating signal parameters in an electrical measuring device with a display element with the method steps: display of a detected signal on the display element, manual masking of at least one signal component of the signal by a user by means of a masking element of the measuring device and investigation of signal parameters from the masked signal component or from the unmasked signal component of the signal by the measuring device. At least one further signal parameter is also investigated alongside the time duration and the bandwidth of the masked signal component. According to the invention, a corresponding measuring device is also provided.

Abstract: A wireless handheld oscilloscope includes a casing and oscilloscope circuitry within the casing. The wireless handheld oscilloscope processes an electronic signal and wireless transmits digital waveform data representative of the electronic signal for display on the electronic device. The wireless handheld oscilloscope optionally includes circuitry configured to transmit an external trigger signal to a second wireless oscilloscope to synchronize with the second wireless oscilloscope.

Abstract: There is provided a non-contact voltage measurement device which can precisely measure a measurement target voltage by suppressing a flow of a leakage current via a parasitic capacitance produced between an electric field shield and an electric circuit. A drive voltage applying unit applies a voltage generated from an output voltage of a low impedance unit of the electric circuit and equal to an input voltage of a high impedance unit, to a first electric field shield coated on the high impedance unit.

Abstract: A coil that includes one or more sensors.

Abstract: A coil that includes an elongate conductor.

Abstract: A coil that includes compensation.

Abstract: A coil that includes a current and a voltage sensor.

Abstract: A coil that includes an alarm.

Abstract: A coil that includes a coupled mobile device.

Abstract: A portable measurement device includes an elongated body, a stationary portion fixedly mounted to a distal end, and a movable jaw movably mounted to the distal end and movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the movable jaw and the stationary portion form a closed loop with an inner diameter of less than or equal to 10 mm. Alternatively, at least one of the movable jaw and the stationary portion has a cross-sectional diameter of less than or equal to 5 mm. In the open position, the movable jaw and the stationary portion define a gap allowing a wire under test to pass therethrough into the loop. A switch drives the movable jaw between the closed and open positions. A measurement circuit electrically coupled to the stationary portion and the movable jaw to receive and measure a sensing current generated by the closed loop.