Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing fluids on a macro- or micro-scale are described. In various aspects, a fluid may have a plurality of elongated (i.e., substantially rod-shaped) magnetic elements disposed therein within a fluid container. An illustrative fluid container is an actuator electrode or a processing vial of a microfluidic device, such as a digital microfluidic device. A magnet component may be configured to generate a magnetic force sufficient to influence the movement of the plurality of elongated magnetic elements within the fluid to be processed. For example, the magnetic force (or magnetic force gradient) may influence the plurality of elongated magnetic elements to rotate, spin, and/or move laterally side-to-side. The shape and movements of the plurality of elongated magnetic elements facilitate the rapid and efficient processing of the fluid, such as fluid mixing and/or fluid separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfabricated device and methods for high throughput single cell screening of a heterogeneous population. The present invention is partly based upon but not limited to sorting by monitoring cell secreted factors that accumulate in time (hours, days, weeks) as cells are cultured in the microbubble well niche the architecture of which facilitate the accumulation. In certain embodiments, the device and method comprises a means to identify effective drugs for personalize therapeutics such as but not limited to discovery of monoclonal antibody therapeutics.

Abstract: Differing from conventional lateral flow immunoassay test strips, the present invention provides an immunoassay kit comprising a release strip and a reaction strip. When using this immunoassay kit to complete a competitive-type immunochromatographic test or a sandwich-type immunochromatographic test for a test sample, it needs to firstly put the release strip into the test sample for releasing a specific antibody (or antigen) conjugating with a marker into the test sample, so as to make the first antibody connect to a target object in the test sample; after that, the reaction strip is eventually put into the test sample after the release strip is removed out of the test sample. Therefore, the qualitative analysis result of the competitive/sandwich-type immunochromatographic test can be easily obtained by determining whether the test line shows the color reaction or not.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to lateral flow immunoassay systems, devices and methods, for detecting analytes in biological samples. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to synthetic thread based lateral flow immunofluorescent assay systems, devices and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying markers for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to the markers identified with the aid of this method, which can differentiate between SLE and other autoimmune diseases on the one hand and between different SLE subgroups on the other hand. The invention also relates to panels, diagnostic devices and test kits which comprise these markers, and to the use and application thereof, for example for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy control in SLE. The invention also relates to methods for screening and validating active substances for application in SLE subgroups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing lupus in a subject, said method comprising the step of detecting in a biological sample obtained from the subject the autoantibody recognizing the protein biomarker THEX1. More, the invention relates to kits and array useful for carrying out diagnosis methods according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) and/or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and/or radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) or a predisposition for either condition in a subject, the method comprising determining the presence of an anti-KIR4.1 antibody rat anti-KIR4.1 in a sample obtained from said subject by (a) contacting said sample with a protein; and (b) detecting the formation of a protein-anti-KIR4.1 antibody complex; wherein said protein is KIR4.1, wherein glycosylation of the large extracellular domain of said KIR4.1 is as in human oligodendrocytes or glycosylation of the large extracellular domain is absent; and wherein the formation of said complex is indicative of MS, CIS, RIS or a predisposition therefore. Furthermore provided is an antibody or fragment or derivative thereof competing with the anti-KIR4.1 antibody in a sample obtained from a patient having MS.

Abstract: Biomarkers useful for diagnosing and assessing inflammatory disease are provided, along with kits for measuring their expression. The invention also provides predictive models, based on the biomarkers, as well as computer systems, and software embodiments of the models for scoring and optionally classifying samples. The biomarkers include at least two biomarkers selected from the DAIMRK group and the score is a disease activity index (DAI).

Abstract: A rapid test for a qualitative and/or quantitative assay of antibodies present in body fluid against human papilloma viruses (HPV) includes mixing a specimen of body fluid with a reagent which essentially comprises a predetermined quantity of physiologically acting liquid and a predetermined quantity of at least one HPV-specific antigen. The mixture is fed to an analysis which utilizes a change that is at least one of measurable or perceivable by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of aiding in the prognosis of a subject with oesophageal and/or gastro-oesophageal junctional (GOJ) adenocarcinoma, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample from the subject, (b) determining the expression level of biomarkers TRIM44 and SIRT2 in said sample, and either (i) determining the expression level of biomarker PAPPS2 in said sample; or (ii) determining the expression level of biomarkers WT1 and EGFR in said sample; (c) comparing the expression level of each of said biomarkers to a corresponding reference standard, (d) determining the biomarkers of (b) whose expression is dysregulated compared to the reference standard, (e) inferring from the dysregulated biomarkers identified in (d) the prognosis of 5-year survival, wherein the greater the number of said biomarkers which are dysregulated, the greater the reduction in prognosis of 5-year survival. The invention also relates to kits, uses and devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns some methods for diagnosing cancer of the uterine cervix (or extra-uterine) which integrate or surrogate the field of action of cytology with that of molecular biology, and provide a system for diagnosis, prognosis and management of HPV-induced cervical lesions (or extra-uterine) which exploit, in particular, the analytical methods of Western Blot and Sandwich ELISA in order to detect those cases where the transformation towards a neoplastic lesion has become irreversible. The methods consist in detecting, in samples of cells taken from the squamous-columnar junction of the uterine cervix of a patient under examination, the proteins encoded by viral oncogenes E6 and E7 and those encoded by the tumor suppressor genes of the host cell p53 and pRB, and in detecting by Western Blot and/or by Sandwich ELISA the possible interaction between proteins E6 and p53, and between proteins E7 and pRb, as an index of irreversible transformation towards a neoplastic lesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oligopeptide specific to colorectal cancer cells, which are selected from a group of peptide sequences consisting of Seq ID: NO. 1 to Seq ID: NO. 3.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to identifying novel therapeutic targets and/or diagnostic and/or prognostic markers by correcting abnormal RhoH expression in a hematopoietic cell.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the field of immunoassays. In particular, the invention relates to use of a calibrator material to calibrate immunoassays for autoantibodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for detecting biological print(s) or biological fluid(s) or target low molecular weight analyte(s) therein comprising contacting the suspected print(s) or fluid(s) with porous semiconductor substrates or microparticles (MPs) under conditions to allow said semiconductor substrates or microparticles to adhere to the print(s) or fluid(s) or analyte(s) therein, and analysing the adhered porous semiconductor substrates or MPs to detect the print(s), fluid(s) or analytes when present. The disclosure also includes method for making porous semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: Provided are: a phosphor-integrated nanoparticle labeling agent which is capable of yielding a sufficient signal intensity even when its final concentration in an immunofluorescent staining reaction system is low (e.g., 0.02 nM) and enables to obtain an immunofluorescently stained image with reduced noise by inhibiting non-specific adsorption of a probe biological substance and a label to substances other than a detection subject; and an immunostaining method using the same. The phosphor-integrated nanoparticle labeling agent is a set which includes: a probe biological substance 3, which is linked to a first binding group substance A via a first hydrophilic polymer-derived spacer 1 having a length of 30 ? to 1,000 ? and specifically binds to a biomolecule 2; and a phosphor-integrated nanoparticle 5, which has a second binding group substance B capable of specifically binding to the first binding group substance A.

Abstract: Multimenic lectins having a ?-propeller architecture, formed from monomer modules of approximately 30 to 60 amino acids, in which the binding sites to the glycans are situated on a given side of the proteins and the O-terminus and N-terminus ends of the peptide chains on the other side of the proteins, characterized in that they are formed from 4 to 7 monomer modules, a single, or a plurality of, or all of the adjacent modules being linked to one another by the linkers linking the N-terminus end of one module to the C-terminus end of the adjacent module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identification and quantification of carboxyethylated valine modified haemoglobin to assess the extent of diabetic complications.

Abstract: Systems, methods, libraries, kits, and computer software tools are provided for designing and producing engineered cells. Such engineered cells can be used for cell state quantification, such as genome, transcriptome and/or proteome quantification. In one aspect, an engineered cell having a plurality of artificially designed oligonucleotides introduced into the genome of the cell is provided. The oligonucleotides are each located in proximity of a gene of interest encoding a protein of interest, and are different from one another. The oligonucleotides can each encode a unique peptide tag for each protein of interest, wherein each peptide tag has a unique quantitatively measurable value such as mass-to-charge ratio which can be quantified by a mass spectrometer. The engineered cell is capable of expressing a plurality of proteins of interest each fused to its corresponding unique peptide tag, wherein each peptide tag is capable of being released therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the characterization and production of biologics.

Abstract: The present invention stems from the finding that the extracellular domain of CD31 proteins present on blood leukocytes is shed and released in the circulation as a soluble form of CD31. A method for detecting shed CD31 is further disclosed. The invention therefore relates to a method for detecting a shed ectodomain of a transmembrane protein such as CD31 and to the use of such a method as a diagnostic tool. The invention further provides methods for determining whether a candidate protein is part of a molecular complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a recent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The method is based on the determination of the at least one marker selected from the group consisting of a cardiac Troponin, NT-proBNP (N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide), hsCRP, IL-6 (Interleukin-6) and IGFBP7 (Insulin like growth factor binding protein 7) in a sample from the subject, and on the comparison of the, thus, determined amount(s) with a reference amount (reference amounts). Further, the present invention relates to a method for identifying a subject being treatable with anticoagulation therapy. Further envisaged are systems, reagents and kits used in performing the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for analyzing blood coagulation in a blood sample. The device (10) includes a housing (12) having an analytical membrane (14) partially enclosed in a housing. The analytical membrane (14) includes a porous hydrophilic sample portion (34), a porous hydrophilic analytical portion (36), and a porous hydrophilic wicking portion (38). The porosity of the analytical portion (36) differs from the porosity of the sample portion (34). The method utilizes the device to analyze blood coagulation in a whole blood sample from the distance travelled by the red blood cell leading edge (50) in a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Provided is a sample analyzing apparatus with which multiple analyses can be performed at the same time in a rapid and accurate manner using a small quantity of a liquid to be measured. This biochemical analyzing apparatus (50) is provided with a chip holder (53) into which an analysis chip (10) can be installed, a chip holder rotation unit (54) for rotating the chip holder (53), a pipetting unit (90) for injecting a candidate liquid into injection ports (22) in the analysis chip (10), and a measurement unit (80) capable of collectively measuring the respective reactions of the candidate liquid and multiple types of antigens (30). The chip holder (53) is rotated by the chip holder rotation unit (54), and injection of the candidate liquid is performed by the pipetting unit (90).

Abstract: A sample analyzer is configured to execute a liquid surface detection of detecting a liquid surface in a container by a liquid surface detector prior to a lowering operation of an aspirating tube for aspirating the liquid if a liquid level information is not stored in a memory, and store a liquid level information of a container in the memory based on a detection result by the liquid surface detection. Also, a liquid aspirating method by a sample analyzer.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor according to the invention includes a first movable electrode portion having a portion that is opposed to a first fixed electrode portion, and a second movable electrode portion having a portion that is opposed to a second fixed electrode portion. The physical quantity sensor further includes a movable mass portion that has a shape surrounding a first fixed electrode side fixing portion and a second fixed electrode side fixing portion in a plan view, and a first movable electrode side fixing portion and a second movable electrode side fixing portion that support the movable mass portion via a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion and are disposed at the outside of the movable mass portion in a plan view.

Abstract: Improved techniques and systems are disclosed for determining the components of resistance experienced by a wearer of a wearable device engaged in an activity such as bicycling or running. By monitoring data using the wearable device, improved estimates can be derived for various factors contributing to the resistance experienced by the user in the course of the activity. Using these improved estimates, data sampling rates may be reduced for some or all of the monitored data.

Abstract: A free-space force feedback system that can be mounted to an input/output device so as to enable its operator complete ambulatory movement is provided. The input/output device may determine operator position, motion and torque (input) so that said device can interactively impart a command torque vector force (output) so as to provide from one to six degrees of freedom and highly realistic force feedback to an operator of the input/output device. The force feedback may be imparted by at least one orthogonally oriented MACSD (Multiple Axis Counter Spinning Disk), wherein MACSD may be mounted to the input/output device, thereby coupling reaction forces to the operator so that only the desired forces (command torque vectors) are felt without the need for connection to a fixed frame.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device installed in a machine where there is a possibility in occurrence of vibration or impact, including: an acceleration detecting unit detecting acceleration in a predetermined time interval; an impact determining unit, in a case where it is determined that an acceleration value of acceleration detected by the acceleration detecting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold value, calculating a second threshold value based on a maximum value among acceleration values of plural accelerations detected by the acceleration detecting unit for a predetermined time interval after the determination, in a case where the number of accelerations where acceleration values exceeds the second threshold value among the plural accelerations is a predetermined number or less, determining the impact as a single-type impact, and in a case where the number exceeds the predetermined number, determining the impact as a multiple-type impact; and an output unit outputting a signal in a case where the

Abstract: A temperature gradient calculation unit calculates a temperature gradient based on the temperature from the temperature sensor and calculates an average temperature based on the temperature gradient. An offset gradient calculation unit calculates an offset value gradient based on the temperature gradient, the average temperature, and the temporary offset value of the angular speed sensor. A correction value calculation unit calculates the offset value of the angular speed sensor based on the offset value gradient and the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A probe actuation system has a detection system arranged to measure a position or angle of a probe to generate a detection signal. An illumination system is arranged to illuminate the probe. Varying the illumination of the probe causes the probe to deform which in turn causes the detection signal to vary. A probe controller is arranged to generate a desired value which varies with time. A feedback controller is arranged to vary the illumination of the probe according to the detection signal and the desired value so that the detection signal is driven towards the desired value. The probe controller receives as its inputs a detection signal and a desired value, but unlike conventional feedback systems this desired value varies with time. Such a time-varying desired value enables the probe to be driven so that it follows a trajectory with a predetermined speed. A position or angle of the probe is measured to generate the detection signal and the desired value represents a desired position or angle of the probe.

Abstract: A contact unit which is to be detachably attached to a body of an inspection jig, includes: a flexible board which is provided with a contact part to be in contact with an object to be inspected, on one face thereof; a support member which is configured to support the flexible board; and a block which is provided on a side of the other face of the flexible board. A first ground pattern is provided on the one face of the flexible board, a signal pattern is provided on the other face of the flexible board, a through hole for electrically connecting the signal pattern to the contact part is formed in the flexible board, and the first ground pattern covers the signal pattern with the flexible board interposed between the first ground pattern and the signal pattern.

Abstract: In a probe pin including a coil spring, and first and second plungers, when the first and second plungers are respectively inserted from both ends of the coil spring toward an inside thereof, the first and second plungers are disposed in a reciprocable manner along an axis center of the coil spring while slide contact surfaces thereof are in slide contact with each other, and the first and second plungers are formed so that the coil spring can be held between a body portion of the first plunger and a body portion of the second plunger. The first and second plungers are formed so that the first and second plungers are close to each other and a contact area where the slide contact surface of the first plunger is in contact with the slide contact surface of the second plunger is tilted with respect to the axis center.

Abstract: Nanospike contactors suitable for semiconductor device test, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative apparatus includes a package having a wafer side positioned to face toward a device under test and an inquiry side facing away from the wafer side. A plurality of wafer side sites are carried at the wafer side of the package. The nanospikes can be attached to nanospike sites on a wafer side of the package. Because of their small size, multiple nanospikes make contact with a single pad/solderball on the semiconductor device. In some embodiments, after detecting that the device under test passes the test, the device under the test can be packaged to create a known good die in a package.

Abstract: An electrical activity sensor is attachable to a power cable of an electrical device and includes a magnetometer for detecting a variation of magnetic field caused by current in the power cable when the electrical device is powered. A processor is configured to determine electrical activity of the electrical device based on the detected variation of magnetic field. An antenna is provided for transmitting a signal representative of the electrical activity to a reader device.

Abstract: A non-contact, current sensor includes a gapped magnetic core configured to circumscribe a current carrying conductor. A magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled to the gapped magnetic core. Current flowing in the current carrying conductor induces a magnetic field in the magnetic core that flows through the magnetostrictive element. The gapped magnetic core is provided with mounting sections to which the magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled. The mounting sections have a geometry that increases magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive element. A strain gauge is mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive element to measure displacement in the element induced by the magnetic flux.

Abstract: A sensor of electric current including a fiber (1) from a soft magnetic material with a uniform cross-sectional area and uniform magnetic properties along its whole length, equipped with an excitation coil (2) wound on said fiber (1) with a uniform winding density along the substantially whole length and possibly equipped with a sensing coil (3) wound on said fiber (1) with uniform winding density along the substantially whole length, where said fiber (1) ends are mechanically joined to form a loop enclosing the measured current carrying conductor (4) by said fiber (1), wherein said excitation coil (2) is connected to the current output of a current source (5) through a current transducer (6) generating a current signal corresponding to the excitation current flowing through said excitation coil (2) wherein the sensor is equipped with a voltage transducer (7) generating a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage on the possibly present sensing coil (3) or on the excitation coil (2) wherein said voltage sig

Abstract: A current sensor may include a sense element disposed proximate a conductor. The current sensor may be configured to couple to a first magnetic field generated at the conductor when current flows in the conductor. An output electrically connected to the sense element can produce a signal that is representative of the flow of current in the conductor. The sense element may be oriented in a plane parallel to magnetic field lines of a second magnetic field generated by a load connected to the conductor.

Abstract: A method of safe to mate testing includes providing a file of netlist signals where each signal defines a first connection to one or more components of a unit under test, connecting a first terminal of a measuring device to a first netlist signal and connecting a second terminal of the measuring device to a second netlist signal, performing a plurality of first resistive measurements by applying power having a first polarity between the first and second netlist signals, performing at least one second resistive measurement by applying power having a second polarity to the first and second netlist signals, and recording an average of the first resistive measurements and, if the second polarity measurement yields a negative result, an indication that a reactive load is connected between the first and second netlist signals.

Abstract: A high-voltage power transmission system is used as an extremely large antenna to extract spatiotemporal space, physical, and geological information from geomagnetically induced currents (GIC). A differential magnetometer method is used to measure GIC and involves acquiring line measurements from a first fluxgate magnetometer under a high-voltage transmission line, acquiring natural field measurements from a reference magnetometer nearby but not under the transmission line, subtracting the natural field measurements from the line measurements, and determining the GIC-related Biot-Savart field from the difference. NASA warning and alarm systems can be triggered based on determinations of GIC amplitude levels that exceed a set threshold value.

Abstract: A method for determining an electric voltage u(t) and/or an electric current i(t) of an HF signal in an electrical cable on a calibration plane by measuring in the time domain. Using a directional coupler, a first portion v3(t) of a first HF signal is decoupled, fed to a time domain measuring device, and a second portion v4(t) of a second HF signal is decoupled. The signal portions v3(t), v4(t) are converted into the frequency domain, then absolute wave frequencies in the frequency domain are determined and converted into the electric voltage u(t) and/or the electric current i(t). In a previous calibration step, the calibration parameters are determined, and the absolute wave frequencies on the calibration plane are determined using the calibration parameters (e00,r(?3, ?4), e01,r(?3, ?4), e10,r(?3, ?4), e11,r(?3, ?4)), wherein ?3, ?4 are the reflection factors of the inputs of the time domain measuring device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shunt resistor is provided, comprising two terminals, a semiconductor substrate embodying at least one temperature sensor comprising at least a temperature sensitive element comprising at least one pn-junction, and at least two metal layers above the semiconductor substrate, at least the upper of the metal layer comprising a path that electrically connects the two terminals, whereby the temperature sensor is below and within the periphery of the upper metal layer.

Abstract: A device includes an electric power usage measurement unit, a time variation calculation unit, an electrical-appliance type identification unit, a corresponding likelihood estimation unit, and an operation-status estimation unit. The calculation unit calculates jump electric power. The identification unit judges, from the jump electric power, whether a new electrical appliance is added to or an extra type is deleted from a type list. The corresponding likelihood estimation unit estimates the likelihood of events to which electrical appliance up and down jumps correspond.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inductive/LC sensor device includes: an energy storage device for accumulating excitation energy, an LC sensor configured to oscillate using energy accumulated in the energy storage device and transferred to the LC sensor, an energy detector for detecting the energy accumulated in the energy storage device reaching a charge threshold, and at least one switch coupled with the energy detector for terminating accumulating excitation energy in the energy storage device when the charge threshold is detected having been reached by the energy detector.

Abstract: A difference measurement circuit including a first port and a second port for connection to a first set of nodes and a second set of nodes of a sensor unit. The circuit further includes switching units for switching excitation signals emanating from excitation nodes from being applied to the first set of nodes via the first port to being applied to the second set of nodes via the second port and for switching differential measurement signals measured at sensing nodes from being obtained from the second set of nodes via the second port to being obtained from the first set of nodes via the first port. A corresponding method is described. The circuit further includes redundancy testing circuitry for evaluating the similarity or deviation between measurement signals obtained in different states of the switching units.

Abstract: A dark current excess prevention method in a telematics terminal installed in a vehicle includes: calculating a current consumption amount up to a present time upon sensing a transmission operation in a sleep mode; determining whether the calculated current consumption amount exceeds a predetermined dark current reference value; and determining that a dark current is exceeded when the calculated current consumption amount exceeds the dark current reference value.

Abstract: The monitoring device for an electrical line conductor and including a protective housing, an attachment mechanism, an electronic monitoring circuit and a voltage measurement sensor including a measurement electrode. The monitoring device also includes a protection device surrounding the voltage measurement electrode and extending outside the housing to prevent rainwater from completely covering the voltage measurement electrode and/or the housing containing said electrode. The protection device includes an electrical shielding for stabilizing, around the voltage measurement electrode, the electric field variations due to external conditions. The electrical installation includes at least one line conductor and at least one monitoring device communicating with a communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a presence of a short circuit in a battery pack. A fault-detection apparatus for a charging system that rapidly charges a collection of interconnected lithium ion battery cells, the safety system includes a data-acquisition system for receiving a set of data parameters from the collection while the charging system is actively charging the collection; a monitoring system evaluating the set of data parameters to identify a set of anomalous conditions; and a controller comparing the set of anomalous conditions against a set of predetermined profiles indicative of an internal short in one or more cells of the collection, the controller establishing an internal-short state for the collection when the comparing has a predetermined relationship to the set of predetermined profiles.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for fault protection in a DC power transmission network or grid that aid in determining the location of a fault in the network. The method involves, in the event of a fault, controlling at least one current limiting element of the network so as to limit a fault current flowing to below a first current level which is within the expected current operating range of the network in normal operation, i.e. a safe level. The fault current is then controlled to maintain a non-zero level of fault current flow and the characteristics of the fault current flow at different parts of the network are determined by fault current detection modules. The location of the fault is then determined based on the determined characteristics.

Abstract: A partial discharge detecting device includes an electric field sensor including: a first electrode configured to detect by capacitive coupling a partial discharge signal generated by an electrical object and to provide a corresponding first electrical signal, and a second electrode isolated from the first electrode and structured to detect an environmental noise and to provide a corresponding second electrical signal. The detecting device further includes a transmission line structured to propagate an output signal obtained from the electric field sensor toward an external analysis apparatus and an electronic module connected to the first and second electrodes and structured to process the first and second electrical signals and to provide the output signal to the transmission line. The electronic module is structured to decouple the electric field sensor from the transmission line and avoid resonance of the electric field sensor with the transmission line.