Abstract: A system and method for thermal gradient gas chromatography wherein a front or injection end of a column is heated to a higher temperature than a back or detector end to thereby create a thermal gradient having a profile that is substantially monotonically non-increasing and has a positive second derivative, and then providing a heat source to raise the thermal gradient and cause it to remain stationary or to travel through the column while maintaining a desired profile.

Abstract: Dye compositions comprising rhodizonate dye particles encapsulated within a shearable hydrophobic organic encapsulant composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of evaluating a final equilibrium pH of a contaminated soil on site by using a paste pH. The method includes measuring the paste pH by adding a solution to the contaminated soil, and evaluating the final equilibrium pH according to an initial pH by applying the paste pH to Final ? ? equilibrium ? ? pH = ( paste ? ? pH + 1 ) × exp ? ( - 1 initial ? ? pH ) - exp ? ( - 1 ? ( paste ? ? pH + 1 ) initital ? ? pH ) , Equation ? ? 1 in which the initial pH is a predetermined integer in a range of 1 to 10.

Abstract: A method for processing measured values two nitrogen oxide sensors, one of which is arranged upstream of a nitrogen oxide reduction catalytic converter in the exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle and the other of which is arranged downstream of the nitrogen oxide reduction catalytic converter, involves recording and comparing measured values from the two nitrogen oxide sensors at least approximately at the same time. A sensitivity of the first nitrogen oxide sensor and/or of the second nitrogen oxide sensor is changed depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Multi-functional piezo-actuated flow control systems and methods for use in gas exchange analysis systems such as photosynthesis measurement systems. A fluid valve assembly module includes a housing structure including a plurality of ports and a plurality of fluid passageways interconnecting the ports, and a plurality of piezo-actuated valves in fluid communication with the fluid passageways, each valve including a piezo element that controls flow along a passageway, wherein the passageways and valves are arranged within the housing structure so as to define a fluid control module, which includes a flow swapping component, a flow splitting component and a flow pressurization component.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for distinguishing, classifying and measuring soft and hard inclusions in a liquid metal that includes obtaining a flow through cell disposed on a tube with a top to allow the liquid metal to flow through the flow through cell and into the tube. There is also a mounting and a vacuum system disposed on top of the tube to draw the liquid metal through the flow through cell and into the tube that utilizes a pair of electrodes set inside and outside of the tube to apply an electric current to the liquid metal passing through the flow through cell. An electric resistance change is then measured and an electric resistance pulse is applied to the liquid metal to measure deformed behavior of the inclusions. The resistance pulse method can be used with liquid droplets, steel slag, bubbles and other deformable inclusions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tracking material through a production chain or operational process chain in which the material is transferred via a plurality of spatially distinct lumped masses of material (12, 14, 16, 18). A dynamic state space (430) is maintained descriptive of the plurality of spatially distinct lumped masses of material, wherein a quantity of entries in the dynamic state space is augmented or diminished dependent on a quantity of spatially distinct lumped masses being tracked. Measurements relating to an observed lumped mass of material are fused into the dynamic state space and a dynamic covariance matrix to provide an updated estimate of material in the plurality of spatially distinct lumped masses of material.

Abstract: A liquid sensor may comprise a first electrode, a second electrode disposed inside the first electrode, and a partition wall comprising a surface defining a storage space with a first opposing surface of the first electrode and a second opposing surface of the second electrode. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the partition wall may comprise a first communication opening communicating an inside of the storage space and an outside of the storage space and disposed at an upper portion of the storage space. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the partition wall may comprise a second communication opening communicating the inside of the storage space and the outside of the storage space and disposed lower than the first communication opening. An opening direction of the first communication opening may be different from an opening direction of the second communication opening.

Abstract: Method of marking a hydrocarbon liquid includes adding to the liquid, a tracer compound of Formula I or II: wherein at least one of R1-R6 in Formula I and at least one of R7-R14 in Formula II is selected from: i. a bromine or fluorine atom; ii. a partially or fully halogenated alkyl group; iii. a branched or cyclic C4-C20 alkyl group; iv. an aliphatic substituent linking two positions selected from R1-R6 in Formula I to one another or two positions selected from R7-R14 in Formula II to one another; or v. a phenyl group substituted with a halogen atom, an aliphatic group or halogenated aliphatic group ?and none of R1-R6 and none of R7-R14 being a sulphonate group or COOR15, where R15 represents H, C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, C3-C15 cycloalkyl or aryl.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanopore in a lipid bilayer is disclosed. A nanopore forming solution is deposited over a lipid bilayer. The nanopore forming solution has a concentration level and a corresponding activity level of pore molecules such that nanopores are substantially not formed un-stimulated in the lipid bilayer. Formation of a nanopore in the lipid bilayer is initiated by applying an agitation stimulus level to the lipid bilayer. In some embodiments, the concentration level and the corresponding activity level of pore molecules are at levels such that less than 30 percent of a plurality of available lipid bilayers have nanopores formed un-stimulated therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for nanopore sequencing. Methods for controlling translocation of through the nanopore are disclosed. The rate of transport of the template nucleic acids through the nanopore can be controlled using a translocating enzyme having two slow kinetic steps. The translocating enzyme and reaction conditions can be selected such that the translocating enzyme exhibits two kinetic steps wherein each of the kinetic steps has a rate constant, and the ratio of the rate constants of the kinetic steps is from 10:1 to 1:10. The invention also provides for using the signals from n-mers to provide sequence information, for example where the system has less than single base resolution. The invention includes arrays of nanopores having incorporated electronic circuits, for example, in CMOS.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for dispensing measurement strips is presented having a strip cartridge with an enclosure for retaining a plurality of measurement strips and a dispensing slot for dispensing one measurement strip at a time, a spring rotatably arranged with respect to the strip cartridge, the spring comprising at least one engagement section adapted to engage one of the measurement strips at a time and move it out of the dispensing slot when the spring is rotated, and a guide slot arranged in the strip cartridge for guiding the engagement section of the spring as the spring is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method and breath-testing device for the diagnosis of Celiac Disease or other gastrointestinal malabsorption in adults and children, and uses a hydrogen selective sensor in the form of a ZnO nanowire-based sensor fabricated using a focused ion beam (FIB/SEM) instrument or a thin film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting and grading benign and malignant tumors using at least one sensor of conductive nanoparticles capped with an organic coating in conjunction with a learning and pattern recognition algorithm. The method utilizes a plurality of response induced parameters to obtain improved sensitivity and selectivity for diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and staging various types of cancers, or for identifying or grading benign or malignant tumors.

Abstract: Methods are provided for screening a test compound for anti-neoplastic activity by providing a test compound to a cancer cell and measuring the acetylation of Lysine 16 of the N-terminal tail of histone H4. Methods are also provided for using a test compound for staging a cancer tissue and for measuring the degree of the test compound's anti-neoplastic activity upon a cancer tissue by providing a test compound to a cancer tissue sample and measuring the degree of methylation of nucleotides within the 5? region in the cancer tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a target antigen of T cells comprising (a) contacting (aa) cells expressing (i) a functional T cell receptor complex comprising predefined matching T cell receptor ? and ? chains; and (ii) a read-out system for T cell activation; with (ab) antigen-presenting cells carrying (iii) peptide libraries encoded by randomised nucleic acid sequences; and (iv) MHC molecules recognised by the T cell receptor of (i); (b) assessing T cell activation using said read-out system; (c) isolating antigen-presenting cells that are in contact with the cells in which the read-out system indicates T cell activation; (d) identifying the target antigen or the nucleic acid molecule encoding said target antigen.

Abstract: Methods of expanding FCs or stem cells are provided herein, as are methods of screening for compounds that increase expression of DOCK2 or decrease expression of Arhgap18, either of which improves engraftment.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a novel use of a nematode in the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of bacteriophage preparations used in, or capable of being used in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic bacteria in humans or animals.

Abstract: An assay apparatus having an assay strip. The assay strip has a first area with a plurality of magnetic particles bonded thereto. The assay strip also has a microfluidic (or nanofluidic) channel or chamber, having a sensing area including one or more magnetic particle traps and a magnetic field source provided adjacent to the sensing area. Introduction of a fluid causes the magnetic particles to become attached to or displaced by a substance of interest, travel along the microfluidic channel to the sensing area and become concentrated in the one or more traps thus providing an indication of the presence or absence of a substance of interest in the fluid. There may be a plurality of traps.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for analyzing a liquid sample. A micro-fluidic device to perform an assay of a liquid sample is described that includes a sample application site and a vent outlet in fluid communication with the capillary channel. A cap is provided that is configured to seal both the vent outlet and the sample application site in a shared volume and separate from an outside environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring interaction between a first and a second molecule, for example a protein and an antibody, by conjugation of one of these molecules with nanoparticles, and measuring the interaction between the first and second molecule via changes in the optical properties of the nanoparticles. The present invention further relates to methods of coating nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods for extending light-emitting time of a solution of a calcium-binding photoprotein that instantaneously emits light by binding to calcium ions are provided. In the light-emitting reaction system of a solution of a calcium-binding photoprotein, a light-emitting reaction is performed in the presence of an anion capable of binding to the calcium ion or the cation that can be substituted for the calcium ion and/or a cation that can bind to the calcium-binding site of the calcium-binding photoprotein with a lower affinity than the calcium ion or the cation that can be substituted for the calcium ion without activating the calcium-binding photoprotein.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the detection of and/or determination of a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some cases, the systems and methods employ techniques to reduce or limit the negative effects associated with non-specific binding events. Certain methods of the present invention involve associating the analyte molecules at least a first type of binding ligand and at least a second type of binding ligand, and spatially segregating the analyte molecules into a plurality of locations on a surface. The presence of an analyte molecule at or in a location may be determined by determining the presence of both the first type of binding ligand and the second type of binding ligand.

Abstract: A sample collection device for a fluid sample includes: a body including a capillary channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw the fluid into the channel by capillary action; an air vent located in the vicinity of the second end and in fluid communication with the capillary channel; a barrier positioned within the capillary channel to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross; and features on opposing sides of the body to form an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of the capillary channel from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the sample collection device is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation within a cartridge having a sample manipulation device to bring the first end into position with the sample manipulation device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for the electrochemical detection and/or quantitation of an analyte in a sample, wherein the device comprises a substrate and a detector, wherein the substrate comprises a labeled binding agent, wherein the label is an enteric material particle that encapsulates a ferrocene methanol redox species.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to identifying mammals having a LTBI. For example, methods and materials for using ELISpot assays to identify mammals (e.g., humans) having a LTBI are provided.

Abstract: Synthetic ligand compounds and methods of differentiating between Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2 are disclosed herein. Another embodiment includes a kit for differentiating between Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2. Assay systems and methods for providing an assay are also provided for herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for labeling intracellular and extracellular targets of leukocytes, as well as to kits for performing said methods.

Abstract: The invention is related to identification of an interferon-analog (IFNL4) protein and genetic association with spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and response to treatment for HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of cancer prediction. Specifically, it relates to a method for predicting the risk of recurrence of bladder cancer in a subject after treatment of bladder cancer comprising the steps of determining the amount of at least one biomarker selected from the biomarkers shown in Table, and comparing the amount of said at least one biomarker with a reference amount for said at least one biomarker, whereby the risk of recurrence of bladder cancer is to be predicted. The present invention also contemplates a method for identifying a subject being in need of a further bladder cancer therapy. Encompassed are, furthermore, diagnostic devices and kits for carrying out said methods.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and devices for determining a disease state in a patient. In some embodiments, human serum albumin may be analyzed for associated molecules, wherein the associated molecules are related to a disease such as cancer. Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices and methods for determining a disease state as a function of the three-dimensional structure of a blood protein, human serum albumin (HSA) or its complex with other ligands, e.g., due to binding to disease-specific ligands. HSA interacts with biomolecules associated with a disease presence, and liganded HSA may differentially partition between aqueous phases of a predetermined partitioning system, wherein the partitioning behavior differs between HSA from healthy individuals and HSA from people harboring the predetermined disease, such as breast cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a triple immunostaining assay (ERG/TFF3/HMWCK) for sensitive and specific detection of prostate cancer. Positive staining for at least one of ERG or TFF3 combined with negative staining of HMWCK in a sample such as prostate tissue sample is indicative of cancer.

Abstract: Methods, devices, reagent, systems and kits for the detection, diagnosis of ovarian cancer as well as for the monitoring of ovarian cancer progression and for monitoring the progress of ovarian cancer treatments using BNP as a biomarker.

Abstract: A microfluidic testing cartridge for testing LAL-reactive substances in fluid samples is provided. The cartridge may include at least two (2) testing modules, wherein each testing module includes at least one inlet port for receiving one of the fluid samples, and at least four (4) testing channels in fluid communication with the inlet port. Each of the testing channels may include a metering portion for metering an aliquot of the fluid sample, an analyzing portion, and a mixing portion, wherein a valve is positioned between the metering portion and the analyzing portion to selectively fluidly separate the metering portion from the analyzing portion. The cartridge is insertable into an optical reader which performs optical measurements of the fluid sample within each testing channel during a testing process.

Abstract: Multi-biotinylated reactants are provided which can be used in divalent complexes for various applications such as colocalization, labeling, immobilization, and purification. Methods for constructing, purifying, and using the bis-biotinylated reactants are also provided. In certain embodiments, two bis-biotinylated reactants are bound to a single streptavidin tetramer to provide a complex having a 1:1 stoichiometry with respect to the bis-biotinylated reactants.

Abstract: The chromatography method includes a step of forming a composite with a test substance and a labeling substance containing a metal modified by a first binding substance of the test substance and then developing the composite on an insoluble carrier; a step of capturing the test substance and the labeling substance in a detection site on the insoluble carrier including a second binding substance of the test substance or a substance having a binding property to the first binding substance of the test substance; and a step of amplifying the captured labeling substance using a first amplification reagent and a second amplification reagent to detect the test substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of traceless labeling glycoproteins on a surface and an application thereof. A test glycoprotein can be immobilized on a surface using a BA-tosyl probe and the BA-tosyl probe is then released using a releasing agent, so as to expose a glycan residue of the test glycoprotein. The exposed glycan residue of the test glycoprotein can be detected without altering native glycan structures. Moreover, the present invention further provides a detection kit of traceless labeling glycoproteins on a surface in the study of glycoprotein-protein interactions, which is suitable for using the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards novel amino acid based compounds, which may be isotopically enriched, and methods of use of such compounds for characterizing one or more molecules of a sample by mass spectrometry, the method comprising: (a) reacting the one or more molecules with the compound; and (b) characterizing the one or more molecules by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to diagnosis of ear infections and acute otitis media.

Abstract: Ligands that bind to prion proteins and methods for using the ligands for detecting or removing a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The ligands are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), and recombinant prion protein (PrPr). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the ligands. Also provided is a method of treating or retarding the development of a prion-associated pathology in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD). More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful in diagnosing and assessing AD. In another embodiment, a method for diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in a patient comprises the steps of (a) obtaining CSF sample from the patient; (b) adding to the sample isotopically labeled peptides identical to a portion of one or more biomarker proteins, wherein the one or more biomarker proteins comprise total APP, APP isoform 751, APP isoform 770, amyloid beta 40 peptide, APOE, and Clusterin; and (c) measuring the one or more biomarker proteins in the sample using mass spectrometry, wherein the level of one or more biomarker proteins compared to a control correlates with AD in the patient.

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

Abstract: An aqueous multi-phase system for diagnosis of sickle cell disease is described, including two or more phase-separated phases including: a first aqueous phase including a first phase component and having a first density between about 1.025 g/cm3 and about 1.095 g/cm3; and a second aqueous phase including a second phase component and having a second density between about 1.100 g/cm3 and about 1.140 g/cm3; wherein the first density is lower than the second density; and each of the first and second phase components include at least one polymer.

Abstract: Methods and kits for measuring levels of von Willebrand factor function in a sample without using a platelet aggregation agonist, such as ristocetin, comprising recombinant glycoprotein Ib? having a combination of G233V, D235Y and M239V mutations and an agent to detect a complex between the recombinant glycoprotein Ib? and von Willebrand factor.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a system comprising a data processor, a gas conducting device, and a sensor. The gas conducting device is submerged and transports a gas. The sensor is connected to the gas conducting device, is also submerged, and is operative to determine a characteristic of the gas conducting device or the gas. The sensor is further operative to transmit data representing the characteristic to the data processor. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the system comprises a wastewater treatment system, and the gas conducting device comprises a pipe or a diffuser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of isolating and analyzing an analyte using an analytical apparatus which comprises modules of different types, wherein any one module of one type has a specific, pre-defined timing for carrying out its workflow.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer provided with a roller and a reagent container shoulder presser at the position where an operator inserts a reagent container into the automatic analyzer. The reagent container is pushed while the lid of the reagent container is made to touch the upper side of the roller and the shoulder presser is made to touch the shoulder of the reagent container, and the application of upward force to the lid causes the lid of the reagent container to be half open, after which the reagent container is inserted in the analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for determining the position of an automatically displaceable gauge. The apparatus comprises the gauge, a first device for displacing the gauge in the spatial X-direction, a second device for displacing the gauge in a spatial Z-direction, a sensor for identifying the abutment of the gauge on, or the approach thereof to, an article, an at least partly bordered receptacle position, into which the gauge is at least partly insertable by displacing the gauge in the spatial X- and/or Z-direction, and a movable assembly, wherein the receptacle position for the gauge is arranged on the movable assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting device (1) for an automatic analysis appliance, wherein the pipetting device (1) comprises a pipetting needle (2) with a longitudinal axis (3), and a device (4) for moving the pipetting needle (2). The pipetting device (1) further comprises a holder (5) for the pipetting needle (2), which holder (5) is mounted on the movable device (4) and to which holder the pipetting needle (2) is releasably connected, and a vibration generator which can set at least the tip of the pipetting needle (2) in vibration, wherein the vibration generator is mounted on the movable device (4).

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor capable of preventing moisture from infiltrating the inside and a wire harness that is connected to the wheel speed sensor, which has a configuration in which a waterproofing member mounted on electric wires that are connected to a Hall IC and a covering member that covers the waterproofing member are embedded in an outer jacket portion. The covering member is formed of a material easily fused to the outer jacket portion. A groove is formed in the outer circumferential face of the waterproofing member, a protrusion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the covering member, and the waterproofing member is prevented from moving in the axial direction by engaging the groove and the protrusion.