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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for performing monitoring and/or cultivation of microscopic objects. Microscopic objects are in particular microscopic organisms like bacteria and cell cultures, such as cultivation objects like tissue samples and embryos, providing optimal and safe cultivation conditions for incubation during embryo development and for facilitating the selection of optimal embryos to be used in vitro fertilization (IVF) by facilitating embryo handling for automated digital imaging and time-lapse microscopy.

Abstract: A single- or multi-well chamber assembly comprising nanoparticle exposure chambers with a plurality of wells designed to hold porous membrane inserts, with cell culture media being maintained on the basal (lower) surface to generate the air-liquid interface. The wells may accommodate a variety of sizes of cell culture inserts and may be arranged radially. The chamber assembly comprises an integrated heating-humidifying mechanism so that the internal chamber environment may be heated to 37° C. and maintained at humid conditions to allow for maintenance of cell cultures. The presently disclosed apparatus may be used to investigate the toxicity of airborne nanoparticles to cells or tissue models grown at the air-liquid interface. Aerosolized nanomaterials are drawn into a multi-well chamber assembly and deposited via electrostatic deposition onto cells grown at the air-liquid interface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an in vitro assay that measures cell monolayer permeability. The assay utilizes detection of a binding pair initially separated by the cell monolayer as a qualitative and quantitative measure of the permeability of the monolayer. In certain embodiments, the assay is performed in the presence of a test substance that may or may not affect cell permeability. In particular aspects, the assay is performed on a substrate that is elastic. One can also assay spatial resolution of local changes by visualizing regional variations of the cell monolayers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of endothelial haematopoietic transition (EHT) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and more particularly relates to the use of fish embryo or larva as a model for the study of EHT and EMT.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneous detection of amines and thiols.

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

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for detecting the concurrent presence of at least two targets within a biological sample. The method includes contacting said biological sample with a first binding agent, said first binding agent operably linked to a first sortase molecule, wherein said first binding agent specifically binds to a first target; contacting said biological sample with a second binding agent, said second binding agent operably linked to a first sortase recognition sequence peptide, wherein said second binding agent specifically binds to a second target; adding a sortase substrate under conditions where a first sortase-mediated ligation of the sortase substrate to the first sortase recognition sequence will produce a ligation product, and detecting the ligation product, wherein detection of said ligation product indicates the concurrent presence of the first target and the second target in the biological sample. Also disclosed are kits comprising reagents for performing the methods as claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane sensor having a multi-hole film attached thereto and a method for measuring immunological reactions or enzymatic reactions using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a membrane sensor in which a multi-hole film is joined to the top of a membrane on which receptors are immobilized, and a method for measuring immunological reactions or enzymatic reactions using the same. The present invention makes it possible to adjust the sensitivity of membrane biosensors by adjusting the hole size in the multi-hole film and so makes it possible to measure analytes with a high degree of sensitivity using just a small amount of sample, and makes it possible to simultaneously measure diverse types of analyte by attaching various types of receptor on the membrane sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the detection of target components (102) in a sample with the help of indicator particles (101) distributed in said sample. The distance (d) between indicator particles (101) and a contact surface (112) is determined after the target components could bind to the contact surface and/or the indicator particles. Thus it is possible to detect how many target components (102) are bound without a need for a binding between indicator particles (101) and contact surface (112). Optionally the indicator particles (101) can be affected by a modulated force, e.g. via an electromagnet (141). The determination of the distance (d) between indicator particles (101) and contact surface (112) may for example be achieved by frustrated total internal reflection, measurement of magnetic fields, or FRET.

Abstract: An improved qualitative or semi-quantitative diagnostic test for low levels of any analyte, such as hCG, in a biological sample, such as urine. The test comprises of a test device containing reagents for the detection of the monitored analyte and an electronic reader that measures color development at a detection area of the device. The color development is converted to an electronic or digital signal. Improvements were made to the detection process to optimize the detection of a valid fluid front, increase the detection limit without compromising the reliability and accuracy of the test system, and improve the determination of test result validity.

Abstract: A device for performing immunoassays on analytes is provided. The device includes an immunosorbent membrane, an absorbent material, a piston component located below said absorbent material to draw analytes in a sample through the immunosorbent membrane into the absorbent material, and discrete groups of pressure-sensitive microcapsules located on the immunosorbent membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis and/or risk stratification of neuromyelitis optica (abbreviated NMO), wherein a determination from a body sample of a patient/test subject is performed by means of artificial aquaporin-4 peptides. The invention further relates to a kit and to new artificial aquaporin-4 peptides as such.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a differential diagnostic method using flow cytometry, performed by means of differential fluorescent marking of biological agents, such as cells and pathogens of interest, with fluorescent substances. The diagnostic method generally consists in performing fluorescent marking of biological agents with gradual concentrations of fluorescent substances, and in analyzing the reactivity profile of IgG1 to the biological agents. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic kit.

Abstract: In some cases, the described systems and methods include obtaining a cell sample containing multiple antibody-producing cells. In such cases, the cells can be tagged with a cross-linking reagent having a first portion configured to bind to a marker on the antibody-producing cells and a second portion configured to bind to an antigen of interest. In some instances, the tagged antibody-producing cells are exposed to the antigen of interest such that the antigen becomes bound to the cells. In some such instances, the antibody-producing cells are also allowed to produce an antibody, such that a portion of the antibody-producing cells produce an antigen-specific antibody that binds to the antigen of interest. To identify cells that produce the antigen-specific antibody, the tagged cells can be exposed to a labeled secondary antibody that is configured to bind to the antigen-specific antibody. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed for performing calorimetric assays with plucked human hair using a device adapted for that purpose. This device may include a transparent reaction vessel connected via a capillary tube to a burst pack, and connected via another capillary tube to a funnel, into which a plucked human hair may be placed.

Abstract: Disclosed are increased expression of ERp57, ERp57-STAT3 complex, and ERp57-STAT3-Mcl-1 in laryngeal cancer, especially in radioresistant laryngeal cancer and their regulations on radioresistance of laryngeal cancer. As such, the efficacy of radiotherapy can be enhanced by diagnosing prognosis in laryngeal cancer and radioresistance of laryngeal cancer. Furthermore, provided are a method of screening a therapeutic agent for laryngeal cancer including selecting a candidate drug that inhibits the expression of ERp57 or inactivates ERp57, and a therapeutic method for inhibiting or treating laryngeal cancer or radioresistant laryngeal cancer, thereby being useful in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of determining the aggressiveness or indolence of a ductal carcinoma in situ lesion. Also provided are methods of development treatment plans for subjects with a ductal carcinoma in situ lesion based on the aggressiveness of the lesion.

Abstract: The present inventors have demonstrated that circulating auto-antibodies to cancer antigens hold promise as specific and sensitive biomarkers for the early detection of cancer. The present invention thus relates to methods of detecting cancer in a sample, comprising utilizing a glycopeptide bait derived from human mucins with different cancer-associated O-glycans. Detected antibodies were demonstrated as glycopeptide specific, and it could be discriminated between e.g. colorectal cancer patients and healthy individuals. The inventors have also developed monoclonal antibodies based on the identified glycopeptides epitope baits, and demonstrated differential expression of the relevant target antigens. The invention thus, in a lock and key-based manner includes both glycopeptides and antibody tools for early detection of cancer, as well as methods of using the same for in situ visualization and treatment of specific cancer types.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of treating cancer and modifying a cancer treatment for a cancer with an anti-EGFR drug by creating PRDX6 expression profiles and using the profiles to evaluate and optionally modify treatment. The present disclosure also provides assays and systems for assessing sensitivity of a cancer to an anti-EGFR therapy.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A composition for a colorimetric assay can be prepared that includes an aromatic amine chromogenic substrate and a zwitterionic solubilization reagent that is N,N,N-trimethylglycine (betaine). The zwitterionic solubilization reagent is highly useful as a non-encapsulating solubilization reagent and provided faster kinetics and increased dye content of an aromatic amine chromogenic substrate in an enzymatic reaction. In turn, this can result in improvements in detection of an analyte in a sample and also can increase the sample throughput. The aromatic amine chromogenic substrate and N,N,N-trimethylglycine solubilization reagent can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and faster detection of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: Noble metal nanoparticles and methods of their use are provided. Certain aspects provided solid noble metal nanoparticles tuned to the near infrared. The disclosed nanoparticles can be used in molecular imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods for imaging cells are also provided.

Abstract: A peptide is cleaved at various bonding sites into oligopeptides or similar fragments by digestion using proteinase K (S3). The obtained fragments are separated according to their kinds by reversed-phase chromatography and fractionated (S4), and each fragment is subjected to mass spectrometry to determine its mass (S6). For each peptide fragment, an amino-acid composition is calculated from the measured mass, and amino-acid sequence candidates are deduced from that composition. The amino-acid sequence candidates of the other peptide fragments are searched for a fragment having an overlapping portion available for combining two peptide fragments to obtain amino-acid sequence candidates of the original peptide (S7). The masses of the amino-acid sequence candidates are compared with a measured mass derived from a result of mass spectrometry of the original peptide to select a correct sequence (S6 and S8).

Abstract: Methods are provided for estimating the relative amounts of identifiable compartments, such as different types of cells or cell components, within a biological sample. The methods use mass spectrometric analysis in quantitate compartment-specific molecules and thereby allow calculation of the amount of each compartment that is present in a biological sample. The methods can, for example, provide a measurement of hematocrit from a dried blood sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying biomarker proteins that exhibit differential expression in subjects with a first lung condition versus healthy subjects or subjects with a second lung condition. Also provided are compositions comprising these biomarker proteins and methods of using these biomarker proteins or panels thereof to diagnose, classify, and monitor various lung conditions. The methods and compositions provided herein may be used to diagnose or classify a subject as having lung cancer or a non-cancerous condition, and to distinguish between different types of cancer (e.g., malignant versus benign, SCLC versus NSCLC).

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods for diagnosing a cardiovascular disease in a subject by determining an amount of one or more peptide biomarkers disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject. The presently-disclosed subject matter further provides methods for determining treatment efficacy and/or progression of a cardiovascular disease in a subject by measuring amounts of one or more of the biomarkers in a biological sample from the subject. The presently-disclosed subject matter also provides antibodies and kits for measuring the biomarkers.

Abstract: A method of detecting a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation in a subject is provided, the method comprising (a) contacting leukocytes from the subject with a probe that binds to pathogenic protein aggregates, and (b) detecting the probe bound to the pathogenic protein aggregates, wherein the presence of pathogenic protein aggregates in the leukocytes is indicative that the subject has a disease associated with abnormal protein aggregation. In one embodiment, the disease is Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.

Abstract: A method for identifying a polypeptide a specimen can include (i) treating a specimen suspected of including an insulin with a base; (ii) extracting a first fraction of the treated specimen by solid phase extraction using a mixed mode or polymeric reversed-phase media and a first solvent including an acid; (iii) separating a component of the first fraction by liquid chromatography using a chromatographic surface including a hydrophobic surface group and one or more ionizable modifiers, and a second solvent including an acid; and (iv) analyzing the component of the first fraction by mass spectroscopy, thereby identifying the polypeptide, if present, using a signal corresponding to a sequence fragment ion from the polypeptide. The signal can correspond to an intact multiply charged precursor fragment selected in a first quadrupole and its corresponding sequence fragment ion selected in a final quadrupole.

Abstract: Method for validating the accuracy of automated analyzers by performing an improved dual dye ratio method procedure that uses at least first and second dye solutions in combination with gravimetric measurement of selected test solutions.

Abstract: A method is provided for disposing of a liquid within an automated analytical system for processing a fluid biological sample, wherein a contamination prevention shield including channels for pipets or pipet tips is reversibly docked to a container for liquid waste in order to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. A tip rack assembly is provided for processing a fluid sample, the assembly including a rack for pipet tips and the contamination prevention shield. An analytical system is provided using the tip rack assembly, wherein cross-contamination is avoided.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure provide for a sensor system having a large range between minimum and maximum allowed input quantities. In some embodiments, the sensor system has a nonlinear sensor and a linear sensor. The nonlinear sensor is generates a first nonlinear signal corresponding to a detected physical input quantity. The linear sensor generates a second linear signal corresponding to the detected physical input quantity. A signal processor receives the first nonlinear signal and the second linear signal and generates a composite output signal that corresponds to the detected physical input quantity. The composite output signal is a combination of the first nonlinear signal and the second linear signal that provides for a signal having a high sensitivity to small physical input quantities while avoiding saturation at large physical input quantities.

Abstract: A method and system for fall detection of a user are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises determining whether first or second magnitude thresholds are satisfied. If the first or second magnitude thresholds are satisfied, the method includes determining whether an acceleration vector of the user is at a predetermined angle to a calibration vector or whether the user is at a stooped posture. If the acceleration vector of the user is at the predetermined angle to the calibration vector or if the user is at the stooped posture, the method includes determining whether an activity metric is satisfied.

Abstract: An improved mode of AFM imaging (Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode) uses force as the feedback variable to reduce tip-sample interaction forces while maintaining scan speeds achievable by all existing AFM operating modes. Sample imaging and mechanical property mapping are achieved with improved resolution and high sample throughput, with the mode workable across varying environments, including gaseous, fluidic and vacuum.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to an SSRM method for measuring the local resistivity and carrier concentration of a conductive sample. The method includes contacting the conductive sample at one side with an AFM probe and at another side with a contact electrode, modulating, at a modulation frequency, the force applied to maintain physical contact between the AFM probe and the sample while preserving the physical contact between the AFM probe and the sample, thereby modulating at the modulation frequency the spreading resistance of the sample; measuring the current flowing through the sample between the AFM probe and the contact electrode; and deriving from the measured current the modulated spreading resistance. Deriving the modulated spreading resistance includes measuring the spreading current using a current-to-voltage amplifier, converting the voltage signal into a resistance signal, and filtering out from the resistance signal, the resistance amplitude at the modulation frequency.

Abstract: An electric base, an electric gateway, and an electric gateway body are presented. The electric base includes: an electric base body, where two guide holes for passing cables in an electric grid are arranged in the electric base body, an output end for outputting a voltage of the cables is arranged on the electric base body and protrudes from the electric base body, and a conductor structure is nested in the electric base body to connect the cables and the output end. The foregoing electric base can be electrically connected to an input end of the electric gateway body and output power to enable the electric gateway body to operate.

Abstract: A probe card assembly can comprise a guide plate comprising probe guides for holding probes in predetermined positions. The probe card assembly can also comprise a wiring structure attached to the guide plate so that connection tips of the probes are positioned against and attached to contacts on the wiring structure. The attachment of the guide plate to the wiring structure can allow the wiring structure to expand or contract at a greater rate than the guide plate. The probes can include compliant elements that fail upon high electrical current and thermal stresses located away from the contact tips.

Abstract: An inspection probe 16Ai is formed by subjecting a thin sheet material made of a copper alloy to press working. The inspection probe 16Ai includes: a device side plunger 16A having a contact point which selectively comes into contact with an electrode portion DVb of a semiconductor device DV; a board side plunger 16B having a contact point which selectively comes into contact with a contact pad of a printed wiring board 18; a spring portion 16D which biases the device side plunger 16A and the board side plunger 16B in a direction away from each other; and a cylindrical support stem 16C being disposed inside the spring portion 16D, making the spring portion 16D slidable thereon, and being configured to retain straight advancing property of the spring portion 16D.

Abstract: A probe device includes a spring probe having a spring sleeve with at least a spring section and a connection segment fixed to a needle and having a convex portion protruding over an outer cylinder surface of the spring section, and a probe seat having stacked dies and at least a guiding hole through which the probe is inserted. The dies includes a lower die, a supporting die above the lower die and a non-circular supporting hole at the supporting die. The distance between a supporting surface and a center of the supporting hole is greater than the radius of the outer cylinder surface and smaller than the distance between a guiding surface of the supporting hole and the center, which is greater than the maximum distance between the convex portion and a needle center, thereby preventing the probe receiving external force from exceeding deflection and bending.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device handling apparatus capable of increasing the number of simultaneous measurements while suppressing the increase in cost. An electronic device handling apparatus, which moves bare dies relative to a probe card, includes: a thermal head which includes a plurality of holding regions each of which holds the bare die and has openings; at least one lift unit which is movably held by the thermal head so as to correspond to the holding regions and is able to advance and retreat through the openings; a moving device which moves the thermal head; and a fixed arm which is able to support the one lift unit.

Abstract: Provided is a resistor for detecting current, which includes a voltage terminal member capable of removing an influence of error voltage, formed by tiny amount of self inductance existing in the resistor. The voltage terminal member includes a resistance body (11); a pair of electrodes (12) fixed to each end of the resistance body; and a pair of voltage terminal members (3) for detecting voltage generated in the resistance body and that are connected to each electrode; wherein the voltage terminal member (3) includes a connecting portion (3b) for connecting to the electrode (12), an extending portion (3c1,3c2) extending from the connecting portion toward the other electrode side; and wherein each end of the extending portion reaches to same plane (X) perpendicular to current path between the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method make use of a single shunt and two or more instrumentation amplifiers, switchably measuring voltages at the shunt. This permits current measurement. At times each instrumentation amplifier has its input shorted, which permits zeroing out many sources of offset in the signal path of that amplifier. Dynamic range is several orders of magnitude better than known current measurement approaches, permitting coulometry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electric power management apparatus including: an electric power measurement block configured to measure an electric power consumption amount of an electric power consumer; and an electric power comparison block configured to make a comparison between an electric power consumption amount measured by the electric power measurement block and an electric power demand forecast amount indicative of a forecast amount of an electric power demand of the electric power consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biosignal measurement device and a capacitively-coupled active electrode. The capacitively-coupled active electrode includes an electrode face configured to form capacitive coupling with a subject in a non-contact manner to detect a biosignal, and a pre-amplifier disposed on a rear side of the electrode face and embedded in a porous insulator.

Abstract: An integrator circuit for a current sensor such as a Rogowski coil. The integrator circuit includes an integrator having an input for receiving a signal from a current sensor and having an output providing a voltage signal. A high-pass filter has an input coupled to the output of the integrator and substantially removes the DC content from the voltage signal. A feedback loop has an input coupled to the output of the integrator and to the high-pass filter, and has an output providing the DC content of the voltage signal back to the input of the integrator. The integrator circuit can detect large current steps in the line conductor being monitored and can be used for line fault detection.

Abstract: A transformer for monitoring current in a power cable is magnetically linked with the power cable connected to the electrical device, where the transformer produces a changing transformer signal in response to the presence of a changing current within the power cable. An input circuit located proximate to the transformer and having an output terminal and being electrically connected to the transformer so as to receive the changing transformer signal. The input circuit produces, in response to receiving the changing transformer signal, one of a first signal representative of the changing current, and a first circuit condition at the output terminal of the input circuit representative of the changing current in the power cable. The input circuit includes an impedance set having an effective impedance that comprises a plurality of elements, wherein at least one of the elements is not electrically connected to the remaining the plurality of elements.

Abstract: A current measurement circuit includes an integrator, first and second transformers, and a current measurement unit. The first transformer includes a first winding about a magnetic core. The magnetic core has an opening through which a current to be measured passes. The first winding is configured to generate a first current based on a first flux in the magnetic core. The second transformer includes second and third windings. The second winding is coupled to receive the first current from the first winding. The second winding has a terminal coupled to the third winding. The third winding is coupled to a first input of the integrator circuit. The output of the integrator circuit is operably coupled to provide an error current to the second transformer. The current measurement unit measures the current through the second winding of the second transformer.

Abstract: Current measuring device keeps fluctuation range for the ratio error in output within ±0.5% range and simplified assembly thereof. The measuring device includes at least a light entrance and exit, optical fiber for a sensor, Faraday rotator, first and second ¼-wavelength plates, polarization separator, light source, and signal-processing-circuit including a photoelectric-conversion-element. Optical fiber for a sensor has birefringence and includes one end wherein two circularly polarized light-beams having different rotation enter directions and another end reflects circularly polarized light-beams entered. Phase difference of two linearly polarized light-beams in the round-trip light path between two ¼-wavelength plates is compensated, and the Faraday rotational angle when the Faraday rotator is magnetically saturated set to 22.5°+?° so fluctuation range for ratio error in measured value of the current to be measured is set in range, ±0.5%.

Abstract: A voltage and/or current sensing device for low-, medium- or high voltage switching devices is disclosed as a constructively enhanced measuring device with high performance for use in switching devices. The sensing device can include a first voltage sensing part, a second voltage sensing part and a current sensing part all arranged in a same common single housing separated, from the switching device, in a way that an output wire from the first voltage sensing part, for sensing voltage at an upper terminal of the switching device, is located close to the current sensing part, the output wire being applied with an insulating cover, and mechanically fixed to the current sensor part, and/or the output wire being implemented in an isolation body, and only located near to the current sensing part.

Abstract: An observation is made that the peak voltage value for a rectified AC voltage signal is substantially the same from cycle to cycle. Using this observation, a method of measuring an AC voltage is used to determine a more accurate RMS voltage value under light load conditions. The method includes rectifying the AC voltage signal to form a rectified signal, sampling the rectified signal to obtain a set of sampled values for each half-cycle of the AC voltage signal, searching the sampled values for each half-cycle to determine a local minimum value for each half-cycle, searching the sampled values following the local minimum value to determine a local maximum value for each half-cycle, and calculating a root mean square value from the local maximum value for each half-cycle thereby determining the root mean square value for each half-cycle of the AC voltage signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting over voltage and/or under voltage can include: a reference voltage receiving unit configured to receive a reference voltage; a gradient measuring unit configured to measure a gradient value of a voltage waveform of the reference voltage; and a pulse conversion unit configured to convert the gradient value into a first pulse width and store it. Further, the apparatus can include: an electrical power receiving unit configured to receive an input voltage from an external power source; and a voltage detection unit configured to compare the first pulse width with a second pulse width to detect an over voltage condition or an under voltage condition.