Abstract: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in a patient's bloodstream or other biological sample can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and other pathologies. Antibody-sandwich ELISA methods and kits for VEGF as an antigen are provided to detect types of VEGF levels in biological samples from animal models and human patients and can be used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: A method which can isolate plasma cells and plasmablasts efficiently and with high purity, from mammals and birds, without using a cell surface marker is provided. Further disclosed is a fluorescent probe wherein the staining selectivity for the endoplasmic reticulum of cells is higher than the staining selectivity for cell organelles other than the endoplasmic reticulum. Also disclosed is a method for identifying plasma cells and plasmablasts which includes staining cells derived from lymph node tissue or similar by using this probe, and identifying plasma cells and plasmablasts on the basis of the fluorescence intensity from the stained cells. Also disclosed is a fluorescent probe wherein the staining selectivity for cell nuclei is higher than the staining selectivity for cell organelles other than the cell nuclei.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided herein that includes an instrument comprising an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detector, and a cartridge configured to fit within a portion of the instrument, wherein the cartridge includes at least one reagent including an ECL label and a blood collection holder. Also provided herein is a system that includes a diagnostic instrument, which includes a pump, an ECL detector, an incubator, a magnet, and an output device, and a cartridge configured to fit within a portion of the diagnostic instrument, a sample holder configured to fit within the cartridge, and a closed fluidic loop between the diagnostic instrument and the cartridge when the cartridge is fit within a portion of the diagnostic instrument, wherein the cartridge is configured to accept a sample from the sample holder and place the sample in fluidic communication with the diagnostic instrument via the closed fluidic loop.

Abstract: The present invention describes the synthesis of biological samples that can be used for the purpose of enhancing the signal-to-noise ratios achievable during the imaging of protein synthesis, amino acid transport and neurotransmitter transport, particularly in applications where single-molecule resolution is demanded. The present invention provides quencher-labeled elongation factor (EF-Tu) and fluorophore-labeled tRNA. When these molecules are present in a ternary complex with GTP, the fluorescently-labeled tRNA is quantitatively quenched. Once the tRNA is incorporated into an actively translating ribosome, however, a burst of fluorescence is released and can be detected by a variety of techniques, including smFRET imaging.

Abstract: A method and related agent for detecting novel post-translational modification. This novel post-translational modification is in the form of crotonylation of lysine residues in proteins. The method includes the steps of (a) preparing a mixture of polypeptides from a protein sample; (b) separating the polypeptides by molecular weight; (c) contacting the separated polypeptides with a binding affinity reagent which binds specifically to a polypeptide containing a crotonyllysine residue; and (d) detecting presence of a binding complex between the affinity reagent and one or more of the polypeptides. An example of the binding agent is an antibody, which may be prepared from animal serums, or is a monoclonal antibody or single-chain variable fragment.

Abstract: A method for isolating derivatives of general O-linked amino acids including derivatives of O-tyrosine linked kappa casein di-O-sulfo tetrasaccharide and of O-di-phospho serine linked bovine submaxillary mucin disaccharide is provided. These derivatives are isolated and analyzed by further enzymatically separating the N-linked oligosaccharides from the O-linked oligosaccharides and then cleave O-linked oligosaccharides by decreasing the pH levels such that de-amidations are allowed. This de-amidation results in individual O-linked glycan amino acid components removed from the original glycoprotein. The O-linked glycan amino acid components are thus isolated from the glycoprotein, and can be individually analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying amino acids in peptides. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates labeling the N-terminal amino acid with a first label and labeling an internal amino acid with a second label. In some embodiments, the labels are fluorescent labels. In other embodiments, the internal amino acid is lysine. In other embodiments, amino acids in peptides are identified based on the fluorescent signature for each peptide at the single molecule level.

Abstract: A method of identifying a related peak set from MS1 spectra data is provided. An intensity peak is selected from MS1 spectra data generated for a sample by a tandem mass spectrometer. A peak location is identified for the selected intensity peak. An intensity score is calculated from the MS1 spectra data for each of a plurality of possible related peak locations based on an intensity value associated with each of the plurality of possible related peak locations. Whether or not any of the plurality of possible related peak locations forms a related peak set is determined based on the calculated intensity score for each of the plurality of possible related peak locations.

Abstract: A method of detecting and sequencing post translationally modified peptides is disclosed wherein a negative ion precursor scan is performed. A negative ion high resolution MS scan is then performed and then MRM channels in positive ion mode are determined and monitored. A positive ion MS/MS scan is then performed.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. In some preferred aspects, the assays are designed to investigate the affects of compounds on cells, such as cytotoxicity assays.

Abstract: A method for treating a human subject afflicted with multiple sclerosis or a single clinical attack consistent with multiple sclerosis with a pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, comprising the steps of determining whether the human subject is a glatiramer acetate responder by evaluating a biomarker selected from the group consisting of IL-17 concentration, TNF-? concentration, IL-2 concentration and IFN-? concentration, or a combination thereof, in the blood of the human subject and administering the pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the human subject only if the human subject is identified as a glatiramer acetate responder.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence, or monitoring the severity of a condition characterized by the presence of fragments of a marker protein in the brain of a patient. The method comprises: (i) providing a sample comprising macrophages obtained from the patient; and (ii) detecting the presence of the marker protein or fragments thereof in the macrophages. The presence of abnormal levels of the marker protein and/or fragments thereof in the macrophages is indicative of the presence of the condition in the patient. The condition and the marker proteins can be: Alzheimer's Disease and the Abeta peptide, Parkinson's Disease and ubiquitin, Multiple Sclerosis and myelin basic protein, FrontoTemporal Dementia and tau, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and tau, Parkinson's disease, Lewy Body dementia or Alzheimer's Disease and alpha-synuclein.

Abstract: The present application relates to indole and indoline derivatives of formula (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), or (VI) wherein a, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating disease conditions using such compounds and compositions, and methods for identifying such compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an epitope protection assay for use in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic intervention in diseases, for example, involving polypeptide aggregation, such as prion infections. The methods of the invention first block accessible polypeptide target epitope with a blocking agent. After denaturation of the polypeptide, a detecting agent is used to detect protein with target epitope that was inaccessible during contact with the blocking agent. The invention also relates to novel amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-specific epitopes and their uses to make antibodies, and to the novel antibodies and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated automated slide processing system, especially to stain, to cover and to digitize one or more microscope slides (49) in one turn.

Abstract: A preservative efficacy test for determining efficiency of at least one preservative material that is present in a consumable product to reduce or eliminate living microorganisms that includes challenging the preservative material with at least one microorganism derived from a pure culture by inoculating a sample of the product with a quantity of at least one challenge microorganism and allowing the microorganisms to grow for an predetermined interval after which the preservative is neutralized and a portion of the resulting sample is cultured in a testing system that includes at least one testing container, wherein the testing container contains liquid growth media and sensor means capable of monitoring microorganism growth by sensing the metabolic by-products generated by growth of microorganisms present in the liquid growth media and producing an output signal that can be measured and analyzed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a linkage control device and a blood gas analyzer adopting the linkage control device. The linkage control device comprises a power unit and a rotating component (4) provided with bosses (41, 42). The power unit generates power to drive the rotating component (4) to rotate. The linkage control device further comprises valve components (5, 6, 7, 8), a signal control unit, sensing switches, and sensing pins (43, 44, 45, 46). The valve components (5, 6, 7, 8) are matched with the bosses (41, 42) of the rotating component (4) in a pushing manner. The signal control unit controls the start or stop of the power unit. The sensing switches are connected to the signal control unit via signals. The sensing pins (43, 44, 45, 46) are arranged in pair with the sensing switches and are arranged on the rotating component (4).

Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. The intelligent carriers can include one or more image sensors to observe the relative motion of the track as the carrier traverses it. The carriers can also observe position marks on the track surface to provide absolute position information, which can include additional data, such as routing instructions. Synchronization marks may be provided to correct errors in the observed trajectory.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprises a container setting part on which a liquid container is to be set, a liquid supplying part configured to supply a liquid to the liquid container, an aspiration tube configured to aspirate a sample or a reagent, a movement mechanism configured to move the aspiration tube, a liquid surface sensor configured to detect contact of the aspiration tube with a liquid surface, and a controller configured to execute an aspiration tube adjustment operation. The aspiration tube adjustment operation comprises supplying the liquid to the liquid container by the liquid supplying part, lowering the aspiration tube by the movement mechanism toward the liquid container set on the container setting part, and obtaining information regarding a position in a height direction of the aspiration tube at a time when the aspiration tube has come into contact with the liquid surface.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor comprises a mass body part including a first mass body and a second mass body, an internal frame supporting the first mass body and the second mass body, one or more first flexible parts connecting the first mass body or the second mass body to the internal frame, one or more second flexible parts connecting the first mass body or the second mass body to the internal frame, an external frame supporting the internal frame, at least one third flexible part connecting the internal frame to the external frame, and at least one fourth flexible part connecting the internal frame to the external frame. At least one of the second flexible parts is connected to the first mass body in line with the center of gravity of the first mass body. At least one other of the second flexible parts is connected to an eccentric portion of the second mass body.

Abstract: A sports electronic training system, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner.

Abstract: A MEMS acceleration sensor comprising: a frame, a plurality of proofmasses; a plurality of flexures; a plurality of hinges and a plurality of gauges. The frame, proofmasses, flexures, hinges and gauges designed to measure acceleration in a direction perpendicular to the device plane while being generally resistant to motions parallel to the device plane. The measurement of the acceleration is accomplished through the piezoresistive effect of the strain in the gauges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive acceleration sensor with a bending elastic beam and a preparation method. The sensor at least includes a first electrode structural layer, a middle structural layer and a second electrode structural layer; wherein the first electrode structural layer and the second electrode structural layer are provided with an electrode lead via-hole, respectively; the middle structural layer includes: a frame formed on a SOI silicon substrate with a double device layers, a seismic mass whose double sides are symmetrical and a bending elastic beam with one end connected to the frame and the other end connected to the seismic mass, wherein anti-overloading bumps and damping grooves are symmetrically provided on two sides of the seismic mass, and the bending elastic beams at different planes are staggered distributed and are not overlapped with each other in space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable area capacitive lateral acceleration sensor and a preparation method. The acceleration sensor at least includes: three-layer stack structure bonded by a first substrate, a second substrate and a third substrate which are electrically isolated with each other, wherein, the second substrate includes a movable seismic mass, a frame surrounded the movable seismic mass, a elastic beam connected to the movable seismic mass and the frame, a plurality of bar structure electrodes positioned on two surfaces of the movable seismic mass, an anti-overloading structure arranged on the movable seismic mass, etc.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor is provided which includes a substrate having a main plane of extension and a rocker structure which is connected to the substrate via a torsion means. The torsion means extends primarily along a torsion axis, and the torsion axis is situated essentially in parallel to the main plane of extension of the substrate. The rocker structure is pivotable about the torsion axis from a neutral position into a deflected position, and the rocker structure has a mass distribution which is asymmetrical with respect to the torsion axis. The mass distribution is designed in such a way that a torsional motion of the rocker structure about the torsion axis is effected as a function of an inertial force which is oriented along a Z direction which is essentially perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to mitigating the effect of a sudden change in sensor calibration parameters. An embodiment of the disclosure retrieves a current calibration parameter value for the sensor, determines a new calibration parameter value for the sensor, and generates transitional calibration parameter values based at least on the current calibration parameter value and the new calibration parameter value using an interpolation function configured to prevent a sudden change in the sensor calibration parameter values.

Abstract: A scanning mechanism includes a movable portion to which a scanning target object is attached, and an X-Y actuator to scan the movable portion in an X direction and a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. The X-Y actuator is symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the Y direction and asymmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the X direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contact probe pin in which a carbon film having both of conductivity and durability is formed on a base material with a tip divided, wherein Sn adherence can be reduced as much as possible to be able to maintain stable electrical contact over a long period of time, even under such circumstances that the temperature of a usage environment becomes high. The present invention relates to a contact probe pin, including a tip divided into 2 or more projections and repeatedly coming into contact with a test surface at the projection, wherein a carbon film containing a metal element is formed at least on a surface of the projection, and a radius of curvature at an apex part of the projection is 30 ?m or more.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biosensor device wafer testing and processing methods, system and apparatus. The biosensor device wafer includes device areas separated by scribe lines. A number of test areas that allow fluidic electrical testing are embedded in scribe lines or in device areas. An integrated electro-microfluidic probe card includes a fluidic mount that may be transparent, a microfluidic channels in the fluidic mount in a testing portion, at least one microfluidic probe and a number of electronic probe tips at the bottom of the fluidic mount, fluidic and electronic input and output ports on the sides of the fluidic mount, and at least one handle lug on the fluidic mount. The method includes aligning a wafer, mounting the integrated electro-microfluidic probe card, flowing one or more test fluids in series, and measuring and analyzing electrical properties to determine process qualities and an acceptance level of the wafer.

Abstract: Provided is a current detection resistor that is small and that inhibits influence of the skin effect due to high frequency current. The resistor includes a resistor body (11) and at least a pair of electrodes (12), wherein the resistor body (11) is configured in a pillar-shape having diameter of 4 mm or less disposed between the electrodes. Each of the electrodes (12) is made to be longer in the direction in which the electrodes are placed and longer than twice the distance between the electrodes, which sandwich the resistor body. Further, each of electrodes (12) is square pillar-shaped, and the resistor body is fixed to roughly to center of the electrode in cross-section.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a probe for use with a test and measurement instrument. The probe includes a digital multimeter or voltmeter with an analog-to-digital converter configured to measure a signal from a device under test and determine a digital measurement from the signal, a controller connected to the multimeter or voltmeter configured to receive the digital measurement from the multimeter or voltmeter, a digital communication interface connected to the controller configured to communicate with the controller, and a communication link connected to the digital communication interface and the analog signal interface to communicate with the test and measurement instrument.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a magnetic detection element, and a correcting section to correct an output voltage of the magnetic detection element and output the corrected output voltage. The correcting section is configured to compute a magnetic flux density from the output voltage of the magnetic detection element, compute and output the corrected output voltage having a linear relationship to the computed magnetic flux density.

Abstract: Prediction techniques are presented for predicting a current value of a performance measurement using historic performance measurement data and recent performance measurement data, which may not reflect the current conditions. A daily trend in a series of performance measurements is obtained. The daily trend comprises a set of data points at different times of day, wherein each data point represents an average value of the performance measurements at a corresponding time of day over a plurality of days. One or more recent performance measurements over a recent time interval are also obtained. A current value of the performance measurements is predicted, based on the daily trend and the recent performance measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are power detectors and methods for detecting the average power level of an RF input signal and the voltage envelope of the RF input signal. Also disclosed herein are linear envelope detectors and methods for detecting the voltage envelope of an RF input signal.

Abstract: A smart receptacle is for a number of loads. The smart receptacle includes separable contacts; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and a number of current sensors structured to sense current flowing through the separable contacts to one of the number of loads. A number of indicators indicate a relative level of the sensed current or corresponding energy. A processor inputs the sensed current, determines the relative level of the sensed current or the corresponding energy, and controls the number of indicators to indicate the relative level of the sensed current or the corresponding energy.

Abstract: An A/D converter has an analog input terminal, an analog output terminal, a digital output terminal, a first resistance comprising one end connected to the analog input terminal or a reference voltage line and another end connected to a first node, a second resistance comprising one end connected to the first node and another end connected to the analog output terminal, an operational amplifier comprising a first input terminal connected to the first node, a second input terminal connected to the reference voltage line or the analog input terminal, and an output terminal connected to the analog output terminal, a quantizer comprising an input terminal connected to the analog input terminal and an output terminal connected to the digital output terminal, and a DA converter comprising an input terminal connected to the digital output terminal and an output terminal connected to the first node.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method of calculating power loss in an inductive power transfer system comprising a power transmitter (112) for transmitting power inductively to a power receiver (110) via transmitter coil (114) and receiver coil (104), the method comprising a step of obtaining, by power transmitter, time information for time alignment to enable the power transmitter to align the time of calculating the power loss with the power receiver; and a step of calculating power loss during power transfer according to the obtained time information and received power parameter communicated from the power receiver.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided in connection with a photovoltaic power generator composed of series-connected photovoltaic modules. The method includes determining a maximum power point voltage (UMPP) and a maximum power point current (IMPP). The method also includes determining the ambient temperature (Tamb), calculating an estimated maximum power point voltage (Uest) by using maximum power point current (IMPP) and the determined ambient temperature (Tamb), comparing the estimated maximum power point voltage with the determined maximum power point (UMPP), and determining on the basis of the comparison whether the generator is operating under uniform conditions or in conditions with two maximum power points.

Abstract: A method for analyzing quality of electrical energy in a three-phase electric network, the method including: measuring a set of electrical magnitudes, the set including one electrical magnitude per phase; forming a space vector from an instantaneous three-dimensional transformation of the set of measured electrical magnitudes; and determining a set including at least one parameter representative of the quality of the electrical energy in the three-phase electric network, according to the space vector.

Abstract: To determine a consumption in a group of branches of individual distribution of electrical energy, a method includes: a) detecting a change in electrical consumption in the branches, b) reading information relating to an electric current in a specific branch, then c) using the information, establishing an indication according to which the change took place in the specific branch, then d) determining, using measurements taken of an overall power supply of the group of branches before the change and measurements taken of the overall power supply after the change, in addition to the indication, an individual energy consumption of the specific branch.

Abstract: A line frequency detector receives an input signal representing a power source and detects a line frequency of the power source based on the input signal. The line frequency detector includes a first band pass filter having a pass band centered at an upper end of an expected frequency range of the power source and a second band pass filter having a pass band centered at a lower end of the expected frequency range. The input signal is filtered by the first and second band pass filters, generating a first characteristic signal and a second characteristic signal. The line frequency detector determines a characteristic ratio between the first characteristic signal and the second characteristic signal, and maps the characteristic ratio to the line frequency of the power source.

Abstract: A resistance is measured without physical contact/connection to the resistance. A resistive element to be measured is provided, physically connected as part of a passive electrical circuit. Without physically contacting the resistive element, an electromagnetic field is used to produce an excitation in the passive electrical circuit. The resistance of the resistive element is determined based on an effect of the excitation on the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A system includes a signal generator and a correlator. The signal generator outputs a first signal to a first end of a capacitance to be measured. The correlator is connected to an output of the signal generator that outputs the first signal and to a second end of the capacitance. The correlator receives the first signal from the output of the signal generator and receives a second signal from the second end of the capacitance. The correlator correlates the first signal and the second signal and generates an output signal based on a correlation between the first signal and the second signal. The output signal is proportional to a capacitance value of the capacitance.

Abstract: A vector network analyzer (VNA) for analyzing the response of a device under test (DUT), the VNA comprising a plurality of VNA ports configured to be connected to the DUT; a plurality of source ports configured to be connected to the VNA ports; a plurality of couplers for coupling a plurality of coupled signals, wherein said plurality of coupled signals are combined to provide a sum signal; and a receiver configured to receive said forward sum signal.

Abstract: A system for determining structural characteristics of an electromagnetic energy shielding material during a manufacturing process includes a transmitting antenna device mounted for a reciprocal linear movement across a width thereof, the transmitting antenna device being connected to a source of the electromagnetic energy and operable to transmit waves of the electromagnetic energy through the thickness of the electromagnetic energy shielding material during the reciprocal linear movement. A receiving antenna device is also mounted for the reciprocal linear movement in an alignment with the transmitting antenna device and operable to receive, during the reciprocal linear movement, the waves of electromagnetic energy being absorbed and attenuated by the electromagnetic energy shielding material.

Abstract: In an example of a method for performing vehicle antenna diagnostics, a transmitting and receiving (TX/RX) antenna of a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna assembly of a vehicle is electronically caused to emit a check signal. A response of a receiving only (RX) antenna of the MIMO antenna assembly is electronically detected in response to the check signal. A received signal strength indictor output is generated in response to the response of the RX antenna. The received signal strength indictor output is converted to a digital signal. The integrity of the MIMO antenna is determined after comparing the digital signal with an expected power level of the RX antenna.

Abstract: A power distribution unit including a base, at least one socket, at least one detecting unit and a management unit is provided. The socket is disposed at the base and has at least one power end and a ground end. The detecting unit is disposed at the base. When a plug is disposed at the socket, the detecting unit outputs an alarm signal if the plug is electrically connected to the power end of the socket but the plug is not electrically connected to the ground end of the socket. The management unit is electrically connected to the detecting unit and performs a predetermined operation in response to the alarm signal.

Abstract: A technique and system for detecting a location of a ground fault in an electrical system are provided. The technique and system include steps or components for determining a ground fault voltage, receiving a gate control signal associated with an electric load, comparing the ground fault voltage to the gate control signal, and determining whether the ground fault is located at the electric load based on the comparison of the ground fault voltage to the gate control signal.