Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography method for identifying an analyte of interest utilizing as retention index standards a homologous series of neutrally charged compounds having at least one functional group bearing a positive charge and at least one functional group bearing a negative charge. The method is especially useful for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, more especially for LC-MS methods employing electrospray (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ionization systems.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of lacosamide in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing lacosamide in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of lacosamide in the sample.

Abstract: Environmental monitoring devices for detecting and warning users of unhealthy levels of a given substance are disclosed having more than one sensor for each substance to be detected. A processing unit, wirelessly coupled to the sensors in the devices can be configured to receive each of the output signals from the sensors, determine a detection signal for the substance based on the output signals, determine a gain of a majority of the sensors, and generate a calibration action responsive to the output signals deviating by a threshold amount, wherein the calibration action comprises adjusting a gain of a deviating sensor to correspond with the gain of the majority of sensors.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for determining at least one measurand of a measuring medium includes a first measuring device including a first measuring sensor structured to contact the measuring medium and configured to detect measured values of the at least one measurand, the first measuring device embodied to determine a first measured value that is dependent on the at least one measurand of the measuring medium, a sampling device structured to remove a sample from the measuring medium, a second measuring device including a second measuring sensor and embodied to determine a second measured value that is dependent on the least one measurand of the sample, and an electronic control apparatus configured to receive and process the first and second measured value and to perform a verification, calibration and/or adjustment of the first measuring device using the second measured value.

Abstract: To provide to a reagent composition used in quantitative measurement of lithium in aqueous solutions such as biological specimens and environmental liquid samples by a simple colorimeter or ultraviolet-visible light spectrophotometer immediately, a reagent composition which permits to measure a concentration of lithium by visual observation, and a method and apparatus for measuring lithium ion by using the reagent. A reagent composition for measuring lithium comprising F28 tetraphenylporphyrin compound as chelating agent, including further a water-soluble organic solvent, a pH modifier and a stabilizer, and a method and apparatus for measuring lithium ion by using the reagent.

Abstract: Compositions comprising electrospun fibers and colorimetric detection encapsulated thereto are provided. Further, methods of use of said composition, including, but not limited to in-situ detection of molecules of interest, such as explosive compounds, are provided.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods to control the curing of a CO2 Composite Material (CCM) and processes that use such equipment to cure the CCM. The method provides a way to compute the expected water distribution in an uncured porous concrete product based on a set of environmental conditions on.

Abstract: A method of observing live microorganisms in an animal tissue sample over an extended duration of time which enables the detection and identification of multiple different microbes present in the sample is performed using a phase contrast microscope and begins with the preparation of a sample containing animal tissue for viewing with the microscope. Once the sample is prepared, an initial, baseline observation of the sample is performed using the microscope. Following the initial observation of the sample and after at least one selected time interval which allows objects in the sample to naturally undergo changes in morphology, at least one subsequent observation is performed with the microscope so as to analysis of the activity of selected objects in the sample. Through the analysis, microorganisms in the animal tissue may be detected and identified based on observed changes in morphology and biofilm characteristic.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for subjecting a hematopoetic cell to a JAK/STAT inhibitor, determining the activity of gain-of-function mutations of a Jak family kinase, determining the expression levels and activity of JAK/STAT regulatory proteins, correlating the expression levels and the activity of JAK/STAT regulatory proteins with the activity of gain-of-function mutations of a Jak family kinase and with a response to the JAK/STAT inhibitor, and then classifying the cells. A further embodiment of the invention includes determining the clinical outcome based on the cell classification, determining a method of treatment, determining dosing and scheduling of at least one of the JAK/STAT inhibitors or other compounds.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for evaluating viability of oocytes and embryos comprising imaging an oocyte or embryo using motility contrast imaging; generating temporal contrast and spatial contrast data for the cells; generating a cell viability value as a function of the temporal and spatial contrast data; and comparing the cell viability value to a predetermined value indicative of a cell suitable for use in an in vitro fertilization program.

Abstract: The non-invasive method of assessing the reducing potential of culture medium of in vitro cultured embryos as part of an ART procedure serves as an alternative or supportive method to assess the viability of in vitro cultured embryos without doing any ham to the embryos.

Abstract: A stand-alone assay system for POC IVD that is fast, easy to use, inexpensive and delivers laboratory quality results for one or more target analytes from a small volume of unprocessed aqueous sample is disclosed. The stand-alone assay system is a disposable digital device. The stand-alone assay system integrates a sampling system that relies on users swiping a lanced finger containing, an unprocessed aqueous sample such as whole blood across a sample inlet to transfer or deposit the unprocessed aqueous sample on to a membrane filter or into a capillary. The stand-alone assays system may have one or more wireless modules for wirelessly transmitting assay information. The wireless modules can receive or transmit user information like patient ID or assay information like time, location or calibration values. The stand-alone assay system can display and transmit the assay information simultaneously.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an immunochromatographic test strip and a detection method using immunochromatography avoiding aggregation of colloidal gold conjugates while red blood cells in whole blood are agglutinated and then separated and removed in the case of using polybrene as a blood-agglutinating agent and the colloidal gold conjugates as a detection reagent. To solve the problem, the present inventers reviewed a past reagent configuration itself from a completely different viewpoint rather than selecting type and amount of polyanions and, as a result of extensive study on each element, the inventers surprisingly found that aggregation of colloidal gold can be suppressed by using a certain buffer solution without using neutralization by polyanions.

Abstract: The immobilization of biomolecules on a non-functionalized carrier by irradiating the biomolecule-impregnated carrier with a light of a wavelength of at least 340 nm.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, comprising the steps of: a) compartmentalising the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsule; and b) identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target; wherein at least one step is performed under microfluidic control. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a sample, e.g., a saliva sample, for the presence of an analyte, e.g., glucose, are provided. Aspects of the methods include: placing a sample onto a sample receiving location of a test strip device, where the test strip device includes analyte detection reagents; and then obtaining a signal from the test strip assay device to evaluate the sample for the presence of the analyte; where the methods include contacting the sample with an antibacterial agent at some point during the assay. Also provided are test strips and kits configured for use in the methods.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a valve configured to adjust a fluid flow in a first direction of a flow path. The fluidic device includes: a diaphragm of the valve; a first substrate having a groove that constitutes the flow path and a protrusion part at a position facing the diaphragm in the groove; and a second substrate to which the diaphragm is fixed at a first fixation part and a second fixation part, wherein a length from a first end part of the protrusion part to a second end part of the protrusion part seen in the first direction is greater than a length from the first fixation part to the second fixation part.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to conducting assays with an apparatus including a substantially transparent assay cartridge loaded with magnetic beads, and a magnet carrier base positioned below a scanning platform holding the assay cartridge. The assay cartridge includes magnetic beads, sample and control solutions in some wells, and assay reagents in others. A microcomputer controls a DC motor which controls movement of the magnet carrier base, and causes the magnetic beads to travel from one well to another. An electromagnetic coil-spring assembly induces mixing of well contents with the magnetic beads on actuation. The assay cartridge is authenticated by sending its encoding to a server or website, and assay instructions are provided remotely to the microcomputer. Following assay completion, the cartridge can have color change or other assay indication detected, and the results sent to the server or website or another recipient.

Abstract: Assays for detecting anti-streptococcal antibodies in biological samples using one or more streptococcal antigens are described herein. Various combinations of antigens may be used in the assays. For example, one or more of Ply, PhtD, PhtE, LytB and PcpA may be utilized. Additional streptococcal antigens may also be used. The assays may also be used in combination with assays that detect streptococcal nucleic acids.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of identifying or separating activated regulatory T cells that have a demethylated Foxp3 TSDR region from a mixture of activated T cells. The mixture is depleted of cells bearing the CD154 molecule (CD40 ligand). The desired cells can be recovered using a Treg marker such as CD25, GITR, CTLA4, CD137, latent TGF-beta (LAP), GARP (LRRC32) or CD121a/b. The Treg cells having a demethylated Foxp3 TSDR region can be used, for example for preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for use in treatment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of drug resistant pathogens and treatment against infections thereof are provided. Methods for detection of oseltamivir-resistant influenza viruses by competitive binding assays utilizing non-oseltamivir influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitors and oseltamivir carboxylate are provided. Influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitors coupled to sensors and useful for employment in the methods of the invention are disclosed. Novel phosphonate compounds active as neuraminidase inhibitors against wild-type and oseltamivir-resistant influenza strains of H1N1, H5N1 and H3N2 viruses are disclosed. An enantioselective synthetic route to preparation of these phosphonate compounds via sialic acid is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and means for detecting cancer or of predicting a patient developing cancer or of determining the rate of progression of cancer in a patient suffering from cancer, comprising determining RANKL activity and/or the amount of OPG in a sample of said patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the survival time of a patient suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprising i) determining in a sample obtained from the patient the expression level of NKp46 ii) comparing the expression level determined at step i) with its predetermined reference value and iii) providing a good prognosis when the expression level determined at step i) is higher than its predetermined reference value, or providing a bad prognosis when the expression level determined at step i) is lower than its predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A concentrated sample having enhanced concentration of the one or more different populations of target rare molecules is incubated with, for each different population of target rare molecules, a particulate or non-particulate affinity agent that comprises a specific binding partner that is specific for and binds to a target rare molecule. The affinity agent comprises a mass spectrometry (MS) label precursor or a first alteration agent, which either facilitates the formation of an MS label from the MS label precursor or releases an entity that comprises the MS label precursor from the affinity agent. The MS label corresponds to one of the populations of target rare molecules. A second alteration agent is employed if the first alteration agent does not facilitate the formation of an MS label from the MS label precursor. MS analysis is used to determine each different MS label.

Abstract: A self-shielded, bench-top radiochemistry system, including a radioactive isotope dispensing module configured to draw an isotope out of a vial and dispense one or more metered doses of the isotope to a concentration module that concentrates the metered dose into a droplet amount of isotope and a synthesizer module that delivers the droplet amount of isotope along with one or more reagents to an electrowetting on dielectrics (EWOD) chip to produce a radiolabeled molecule.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and assay that assists in the diagnosis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis by analyzing drug-responsiveness of an interferon signal in a hematological sample (e.g., blood) obtained from a human subject. The assay involves comparing the interferon signal in a control aliquot of the sample with the same interferon sample in an aliquot that has been exposed to a therapeutic modality (e.g., combined with a drug) that is known to be efficacious to treat the disorder. A significant difference between the interferon signals of the control and treated aliquots that corresponds to a characteristic interferon signature for the disorder indicates that the subject is afflicted with, or is likely to develop, the disorder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using biomarkers to assess treatment of gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders with beta7 antagonists. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of using the level of gut-homing lymphocytes in peripheral blood, the level of drug occupancy on gut-homing lymphocytes, and/or the level of beta7 integrin receptors on gut-homing lymphocytes as indicators (or biomarkers) of the effect, efficacy, safety, prognosis, and/or dosing of therapeutic agents, such as beta7 integrin antagonists, for the treatment of gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of personalized therapy and, in particular, to a method for classifying a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as a responder or as a non-responder patient to a treatment based on a biological drug.

Abstract: The present invention is related to novel methods for diagnosing and treating acute pulmonary exacerbation in subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for assessing an increased risk for mortality comprising the determination of biochemical markers. It also relates to the use of the biochemical markers or marker panels for the assessment of an increased risk for mortality and to kits for performing the methods of the invention as well as to the therapeutic use of insulin analogues for reducing morality.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for enriching CNS-derived exosomes from a biological fluid such as blood, serum, plasma, or saliva. The method comprises: contacting a biological fluid containing CNS-derived exosomes with an anti-L1CAM antibody to form an immunocomplex, binding CNS-derived exosomes in the biological fluid to a solid phase through the immunocomplex; and separating the solid phase bound exosomes from the biological fluid to enrich the CNS-derived exosomes. Biomarkers from the CNS-derived exosomes can be measured for detecting a neurological disease, differentiating among different neurological diseases, monitoring disease progression or objectively assessing existing and future medical treatments.

Abstract: Materials and methods for predicting cognitive decline based on total or active/inactive levels of markers such as GSK-3 are provided. Materials and methods for preventing or delaying the onset of cognitive decline in individuals identified as being in need thereof also are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting, transporting, and analyzing dried bodily fluid samples using a sample collection device incorporating extraction markers, an imaging device to take images of dried samples on the collection device, and a computing device to analyze data points from the images so as to measure various properties of the collected sample such as the volume of blood initially collected, and the portion of that volume containing plasma and erythrocytes.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a vitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a vitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more vitamin D metabolites in a single assay.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to optimized affinity reagent compositions, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, and antibody derivatives, for binding paclitaxel, and related methods of use.

Abstract: A test piece analyzer capable of easily washing a transport device to which the sample (urine sample) has adhered is provided. A test piece analyzer is provided with a transport unit having a transport device to transport a test piece, a drive part to drive the transport device, an imaging unit to image the test piece, and a casing to house the transport unit, imaging unit, and drive part. The transport unit is removable relative to the casing.

Abstract: The present application relates to an actuation device for a piston of a syringe. The actuation device comprises a holder for a barrel of the syringe, a coupling which is linearly movable relative to the holder and has a seat into which the piston of the syringe can be inserted, at least one securing element with which the piston can be secured releasably in the seat, and a linear drive for the coupling. The coupling has at least two electrically conductive contact elements which are arranged inside the seat in order to come into contact with corresponding electrically conductive contact faces of the piston when the piston is inserted into the seat. The present application further relates to a sampling system with an actuation device and with at least one syringe, and also to a syringe suitable for the sampling system.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluidics devices and assemblies allowing for fluid flow between a plurality of wells. The fluidics devices and assemblies that are provided mimic in vivo tissue environments by allowing for initially segregated tissue cultures that can then be linked through fluid flow to measure integrated tissue response. The fluidics devices and assemblies provide a pumpless system using surface tension, gravity, and channel geometries. By linking human tissue functional systems to better simulate in vivo feedback and response signals between the tissues, the need for testing in animals can be minimized.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring running state of an electronic device includes a fan, a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) register, a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC), a temperature sensor, and a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) chipset. The PWM register is coupled to the fan and stores a pulse width value of a driven voltage which drives the fan to rotate. The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) is coupled to the PWM register. The temperature sensor is coupled to the BMC and senses an inner temperature of an electronic device. The BIOS chipset is coupled to the BMC and adjusts the pulse width value of the driven voltage based on the inner temperature sensed by the temperature sensor to vary a rotation speed of the fan.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and a program for initializing an attachment location of a measurement sensor. The method of initializing an attachment location of at least one measurement sensor includes requesting selection of the measurement sensor that is attached to a specific body unit (S100); recognizing identification information of the measurement sensor, which agrees with a selection manipulation of the measurement sensor (S200); matching the identification information with the body unit (S300); and determining sensing data received from the measurement sensor, which corresponds to the identification information, as motion data of the body unit. According to the inventive concept, because attachment locations of a plurality of measurement sensors are initialized, a terminal may accurately calculate a posture or motion of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning probe microscope, having: (a) a scanning device for scanning a measurement tip over a surface; (b) a cantilever for the measurement tip, wherein the cantilever has a torsion region; (c) wherein the torsion region is configured such that it undergoes torsion when a control signal is applied and thereby pivots the measurement tip; and (d) a control device for outputting the control signal when the measurement tip scans a region of the surface that can be examined more closely with a pivoted measurement tip than with-out pivoting the measurement tip.

Abstract: Unique methods and systems are introduced herein that is directed to a new class of Scanning Tunneling Microscope(s) (STM) for Solid Solution (SS) interface studies in which all mechanical components of the STM system are contained in a controlled-temperature and controlled-atmosphere chamber. This new design allows a user to do temperature dependent studies at the SS interface with non-conducting volatile solvents.

Abstract: A test system includes a test socket assembly for capturing low energy electromagnetic emissions from radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits (ICs). The test socket assembly is structured to direct electromagnetic radiation from the device under test (DUT) to a socket port coupled to one end of a waveguide for transmission to a tester. The combination of the materials comprising the socket assembly is selected to more efficiently couple electromagnetic emissions from the DUT into the waveguide. For example, a reflective plane with an adjustable position may be located below the DUT in order to increase coupling of electromagnetic radiation from the DUT into the waveguide.

Abstract: A probe position inspection apparatus capable of inspecting the position of contact portions of respective probe tips easily and accurately, an apparatus for inspecting a semiconductor device, and a method of inspecting a semiconductor device are provided. The probe position inspection apparatus includes a transparent plate, a camera for taking an image of one surface of the transparent plate, and a pressure passive member covering the other surface of the transparent plate. The tip of a probe for use in evaluation of a semiconductor device is pressed against the other surface of the transparent plate, with the pressure passive member therebetween. The probe position inspection apparatus further includes an image processor for processing the image taken by the camera to detect the position of the probe in the plane of the transparent plate.

Abstract: A clamp meter includes a meter body and a clamp jaw assembly mounted to the meter body. The clamp jaw assembly includes a first clamp jaw and a second clamp jaw which are movable in relation to each other between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, distal ends of the first and second clamp jaws meet to define an enclosed area between the first and second clamp jaws, and in the open position, the distal ends of the first and second clamp jaws are separate from each other to define a gap allowing a wire under test to pass therethrough. The clamp meter further includes a locking member mounted within the meter body. The locking member is operable to releasably lock the first and second clamp jaws in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, a measurement probe and a method for measuring an electrical property of an electrical circuit, comprising measuring the electrical property by means of a measurement probe connected to the electrical circuit, converting the measured electrical property of the electrical circuit to an optical signal. The method further comprises sending the optical signal, and receiving the optical signal by means of an image sensor configured to record images comprising the measurement probe that transmits the optical signal. The method further comprises processing the recorded images in order to decode the measurement data from the received optical signal.

Abstract: A system can provide current detection in an integrated circuit (IC) chip while compensating for variations in circuit components resulting from process, voltage supply, temperature, or combinations thereof. The system can include the IC chip that has a power switch circuit that includes a power circuit path including a first transistor connected to a power source through a first conductive trace that has a first resistance value, and to a load by a second conductive trace having a second resistance value. A current detection circuit is configured to compensate for the variations in the power switch circuit using a sense circuit path that is configured to match process, voltage supply, and temperature variations in the power circuit path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for tracking energy consumption. An energy tracking system comprises at least one switching element, at least one inductor and a control block to keep the output voltage at a pre-selected level. The switching elements are configured to apply the source of energy to the inductors. The control block compares the output voltage of the energy tracking system to a reference value and controls the switching of the switched elements in order to transfer energy for the primary voltage into a secondary voltage at the output of the energy tracking system. The electronic device further comprises an ON-time and OFF-time generator and an accumulator wherein the control block is coupled to receive a signal from the ON-time and OFF-time generator and generates switching signals for the at least one switching element in the form of ON-time pulses with a constant width ON-time.

Abstract: A method for detecting an electrical current longitudinal variation in a power transmission system including a power cable. Electric losses and their location along the cable length can be detected. Current variation in a grounded metallic layer of a power cable is measured from Faraday rotation of polarised light travelling in a single-mode optical fibre wound in a radially external position with respect to the grounded metallic layer. Measurements of the Faraday rotation are carried out by means of polarization-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (POTDR) or by polarization-sensitive optical frequency domain reflectometry (POFDR) while a direct current is injected in the metallic layer.