Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device and a method for alignment. The alignment device provides optical architecture to align the alignment device to an analyte and measure the optical properties of an analyte. The method for alignment provides steps for aligning an optical measurement device to an analyte.

Abstract: An image processing method of two-photon structured illumination point scanning microscopy is disclosed. The image processing method includes the following steps: providing a laser light source; performing scanning and recording; and performing image reconstruction. The laser light source, which has photon energy that is half of the energy needed to let a molecule of a sample make a transition from ground state to a first excited state, is focused onto a focal plane of the sample. Then, the laser light source is accompanied with an image recording system to perform a plurality of segmented scanning and image recordings on the sample to generate a plurality of structured illumination images. Those structured illumination images are reconstructed to generate microscopic image of the sample. With the implementation of the present invention, the interference from image signal on the non-focal plane can be effectively reduced, thereby enhancing the resolution of microscopic image.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plasmon resonance-based method for H2 sensing in a gas stream utilizing a hydrogen sensing material. The hydrogen sensing material is comprises Pd-based or Pt-based nanoparticles having an average nanoparticle diameter of less than about 100 nanometers dispersed in an inert matrix having a bandgap greater than or equal to 5 eV, and an oxygen ion conductivity less than approximately 10?7 S/cm at a temperature of 700° C. Exemplary inert matrix materials include SiO2, Al2O3, and Si3N4 as well as modifications to modify the effective refractive indices through combinations and/or doping of such materials. The hydrogen sensing material utilized in the method of this disclosure may be prepared using means known in the art for the production of nanoparticles dispersed within a supporting matrix including sol-gel based wet chemistry techniques, impregnation techniques, implantation techniques, sputtering techniques, and others.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated method and apparatus for automatically setting a drop delay period by detecting calibration particles in a waste stream. The drop delay is incremented over a series of drop delays and the number of calibration particles in the waste stream is detected for each drop delay. The drop delay is selected which has the least number of calibration particles in the waste stream.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a photodetection region configured to receive incident photons. The photodetection region is configured to produce a plurality of charge carriers in response to the incident photons. The integrated circuit also includes at least one charge carrier storage region. The integrated circuit also includes a charge carrier segregation structure configured to selectively direct charge carriers of the plurality of charge carriers into the at least one charge carrier storage region based upon times at which the charge carriers are produced.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a measurement of a species of interest. The system includes one or more reference regions, a sensor region, an exciter unit, a detector unit and a processing unit. The exciter unit exposes first and second chemical transducers in the reference and sensor regions, respectively, to an excitation light while they are exposed to reference environments and an analyte, respectively. The detector unit measures responses of the first and the second chemical transducers to the excitation light. The processing unit determines a compensation for aging of the first chemical transducer from a discrepancy between the measurements of the responses of the first chemical transducer and reference responses. The processing unit applies the compensation for aging to the measurement of the response of the second chemical transducer to obtain the measurement of the species of interest in the analyte.

Abstract: An installation for spectroscopic measurement includes a focusing system (2) for focusing a laser beam (3) on a sample (4) for analysis and a system (17) for collecting and spectroscopically analyzing light rays emitted by the plasma (15), this system (17) including, in particular, an optical fiber (18) for collecting light. The installation also includes a motor-driven system (23) for moving the optical fiber (18), an optical imaging system (25) for imaging the plasma in the form of an image, and a processor and control unit (24). The unit (24) is capable of analyzing the image formed by the optical imaging system in order to select a zone of interest and controlling the motor-driven system (23) in order to place the optical fiber in a position enabling it to collect light coming from the selected zone of interest in the plasma.

Abstract: A multi-channel device includes up to three channels for optical testing of liquid samples. The liquid sample(s) may include surface water, drinking water, processed water or the like. The multi-channel device may include a turbidity channel and a color channel that measure turbidity and color, respectively, of a liquid sample using spectrographic analysis. The multi-channel device may also include a colorimetric channel that measures the concentration of various analytes in a liquid sample, such as free chlorine, total chlorine, copper and phosphate.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a load port into which the transport container is carried; a detecting unit that detects storage condition of the substrates which are contained in the transport container, which has been carried into the load port and the lid of which has been removed; a processing unit that processes the substrates removed from the transport container having been carried into the load port; and a control unit.

Abstract: A borescope calibration device is provided that includes a base having a planar surface and a plurality of reference surfaces on a side of the base opposing the planar surface, each of the plurality of reference surfaces having a height that decreases along a length of the base, a fixture that positions an optical head along a reference line that is parallel to the planar surface and providing a fixed distance between the reference surfaces and the optical head, the fixture being movable along a length of the base, and a target pattern formed on each of the reference surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for inspecting a vertical semiconductor stack of a plurality of layers is disclosed. The method includes (a) on a confocal tool, repeatedly focusing an illumination beam at a plurality of focus planes at a plurality of different depths of a first vertical stack, wherein a defect is located at an unknown one of the different depths and the illumination beam has a wavelength range between about 700 nm and about 950 nm, (b) generating a plurality of in-focus images for the different depths based on in-focus output light detected from the first vertical stack at the different depths, wherein out-of-focus output light is inhibited from reaching the detector of the confocal system and inhibited from contributing to generation of the in-focus images, and (c) determining which one of the different depths at which the defect is located in the first vertical stack based on the in-focus images.

Abstract: A method for designing a filter to image a feature on a surface, comprising: acquiring an image of said feature, with said image of feature comprising information from multiple points of said feature; generating a structural model of said feature by extracting predetermined properties of said feature from said image of feature; computing a scattering model for said feature from said structural model of said feature, with said scattering model for feature having information on scattered electromagnetic field from feature propagating in a plurality of scattering angles, wherein said scattered electromagnetic field from feature is generated by scattering of an electromagnetic radiation by said feature; acquiring an image of said surface, with said image of surface comprising information from multiple points of said surface; generating a structural model of said surface by extracting predetermined properties of said surface from said image of surface; computing a scattering model for said surface from said struct

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection device 1 comprises an X-ray indicator 20, a low-energy detector 32, a high-energy detector 42, a low-energy transmittance calculation unit 72, a high-energy transmittance calculation unit 74, a detection unit 76, and a correction unit 78. The calculation unit 72 calculates a value indicating the transmittance of transmission X-rays in a low energy range. The calculation unit 74 calculates a value indicating the transmittance of transmission X-rays in a high energy range. The detection unit 76 detects a positional deviation detail of the X-ray indicator 20 according to a ratio between the transmittances calculated by both of the calculation units 72, 74. When the positional deviation detail of the X-ray indicator 20 is detected by the detection unit 76, according to the positional deviation detail, the correction unit 78 corrects X-ray luminance data detected by the detectors 32, 42.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of a sample is programmed to execute instructions including: removing uncorrelated noise in said 3D reconstruction with COMET or other regularization techniques; and removing correlated noise in said 3D reconstruction by applying an Extended Field Iterative Reconstruction Technique (EFIRT) procedure.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method for automated review of defects detected in a defective die on the target substrate. The method includes: performing an automated review of the defects using an secondary electron microscope (SEM) so as to obtain electron-beam images of the defects; performing an automated classification of the defects into types based on morphology of the defects as determined from the electron-beam images; selecting defects of a specific type for automated energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) review; and performing the automated EDX review on the defects of the specific type. In addition, automated techniques are disclosed for obtaining an accurate reference so as to improve the usefulness of the EDX results. Furthermore, an automated method of classifying the defects based on the EDX results is disclosed which provides a final pareto that combines both morphological and elemental information. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for NMR analysis of a plurality of core samples includes a core holder (11) that holds a core sample under pressurized conditions. A radio frequency coil (51) disposed about the core holder (11) generates a pulsed-mode magnetic field component over a sample volume occupied by the core sample. A support structure is removably secured to the respective core holder. A permanent magnet (65A, 65B) has an open configuration such that it is removably disposed into a position within the support structure about the radio frequency coil and the core holder. The open configuration allows the same permanent magnet to be used for NMR analysis of a plurality of core samples without the need for depressurizing the respective core holder and disassembling the core holder and corresponding load frame for each core sample. It also allows multiple core samples to be prepared for NMR analysis while separated from the NMR measurement apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal conductance measurement includes a first heater assembly having a beam, a platen disposed at an end of the beam, and a heating element and a Resistance Temperature Device (RDT) disposed on the platen. The embodiment further includes a second heater assembly having a second beam, a second platen disposed at an end of the second beam, and a second heating element and a second Resistance Temperature Device (RDT) disposed on the platen. A test rig is also included, and the first heater and second heater assembly are mated to the test rig and separated by a gap length.

Abstract: A sensor, especially a conductive conductivity sensor, to determine a measurand, especially the conductivity, of a medium, including: a process interface shaped as a hollow cylinder and made of a metal, with the process interface having at least two internal segments; a mainly cylinder-shaped sensor element that is mainly made of a ceramic, with a first section to introduce the sensor element into the process interface and a second section with which the sensor element protrudes from the process interface. The first section of the sensor element has at least two segments, wherein the respective first segment of the process interface and the sensor element are designed as a press fit, and the respective second segment of the process interface and the sensor element create a gap and a method to manufacture such a sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be implemented to improve accuracy of relative humidity (RH) determination from dielectric sensing material-based RH sensors, e.g., by decreasing shift and drift effects and compensating for dielectric material aging to improve RH sensor accuracy. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to improve RH sensing accuracy by correcting humidity-sensitive electrical parameters (e.g., capacitance, effective resistance, etc.) based on other other measured sensor electrical operating characteristics (e.g., such as real time sensor circuit phase angle) and/or selection of sensor electrical parameters (e.g., such as optimized operating frequency) that are employed for sensing changes in dielectric constant of a dielectric material-based RH sensor.

Abstract: A reference half-cell for application in an electrochemical sensor, comprising a housing, in which a chamber containing a reference electrolyte is formed, wherein the reference electrolyte (5, 105) is in contact with a medium surrounding the housing via a liquid junction arranged in a wall of the housing, wherein the liquid junction comprises a porous diaphragm, especially a porous ceramic diaphragm, and wherein the diaphragm has, at least partially, a coating, which comprises at least one metal.

Abstract: A gas sensor element of an air/fuel ratio sensor has a structure in which at least a part of an end portion of a porous electrode is sandwiched between a porous member and a solid electrolyte member. Therefore, it is possible to restrain shrinkage of the porous electrode during manufacture of the gas sensor element, which shrinkage would otherwise occur at the time of heating in a debindering step or at the beginning of a firing step, whereby occurrence of green breakage in the solid electrolyte member is restrained. Thus, cracking due to green breakage is restrained from occurring in the solid electrolyte member produced through firing. Since the end portion of the porous electrode can receive oxygen through the porous member, blackening of the solid electrolyte member can be prevented.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for performing measurements of electrical signals in a multi-compartmented fluidic array format where the signal to noise ratio is improved are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for separation of biomolecules via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, methods and apparatus for immunoblotting separated biomolecules, and methods for the use of biomolecules processed via the methods and apparatus of the present invention, including use in a clinical setting. The methods and apparatus for separation of biomolecules via two-dimensional gel comprises vertical agarose gel electrophoresis in the first dimension, and the electrophoresis of a novel non-denaturing 3-35% concave gradient polyacrylamide gel in the second dimension. This novel gel can be cast in a modified gel caster that can facilitate the pouring of multiple gels simultaneously. The methods and apparatus for immunoblotting are useful with any type of immunoblotting, including Western blot, Northern blot, and Southern blot analyzes.

Abstract: Provided is a device comprising a channel through and defined by a plurality of layers surrounding the channel, the channel connecting a first and a second chambers separated by the plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers comprise a first layer, a second layer; and a conductive middle layer disposed between the first and second layers, wherein the channel comprises (a) a first region defined by the first layer, denoted as an inlet, that is about 0.5 nm to about 100 nm in diameter and (b) a second region defined by the second layer, denoted as an outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet are about 10 nm to about 1000 nm apart from each other, and wherein the first and second chambers and the middle layer are connected to a power supply. Also provided are methods of preparing and using the device, in particular for nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: A portable rapid detection device for heavy metal ions includes a card electrode and a thin-layer flow cell, wherein a three-electrode system of the card electrode is inserted in a micro-channel of the thin-layer flow cell; and heavy metal ions are detected by using an anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), a solution to be detected flows by the surface of a working electrode in the micro-channel, and heavy metals are enriched and stripped on the surface thereof.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a detector system for detecting magnetic bodies in the human organism, which comprises at least two sensor assemblies, wherein each sensor assembly has one, two or three anisotropic magnetic resistance sensors, of which the axes of weak magnetization point in different directions in pairs, and each sensor assembly has a spacing of 0.5 to 50 cm from the sensor assembly or the other sensor assemblies, and at least two sensor assemblies are tilted at an angle of 0 to 45° with respect to one another, and in addition a method for detecting the magnetic flux produced by a magnetic body in the human organism, and the use of the detector system according to the invention for detecting swallowed magnetic bodies and the disintegration of the same in the digestive system.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device and a method for inspecting aluminum cables with a steel core (ASCRs), installed in energized electrical energy lines, which use the ECT (Eddy Current Testing) technique for evaluating the remaining thickness of the zinc layer which covers the steel wires of the cables inspected, where the readings of the tension of the detection solenoid and the current of the excitation solenoid are taken as the current of the conductor reaches zero, the electrical parameters of the conductor are corrected for the average temperature during the inspection and the signal from the detection solenoid is filtered through a hybrid circuit which is designed to increase the sensitivity of the measurement.

Abstract: An inspection head of an eddy current non-destructive testing sensor with separate transmitting and receiving functions includes a support whereon is arranged at least one transmitting/receiving element. Each element includes a circuit transmitting a local electromagnetic field, by circulating a predefined alternating current in the circuit, and an electromagnetic receiver sensitive to the locally transmitted electromagnetic field. The transmitting circuit is a portion of conductive sheet extending over a layer of the support layer in a predefined main direction of flow of the alternating current. The electromagnetic receiver is disposed facing the transmitting circuit relative to an axis normal to the layer of the support on which the portion of sheet extends to have an electromagnetic detection axis orthogonal to this normal axis and orthogonal to the predefined main direction of flow of the alternating current in the portion of conductive sheet.

Abstract: A method measuring elastic properties using ultrasound of a part made of a material having a curved surface, includes: emission of bundles of ultrasound waves in a direction of a point of impact on the part's surface to generate waves within the part; knowing a thickness d of the part at the point of impact in a first direction D1 and a thickness d2 in a second direction forming an angle determined with respect to the first direction, taking a first measurement t1 of time taken by the longitudinal waves transmitted to travel d1 from the point of impact, and taking a second measurement t2 of the time taken by the transverse waves to travel d2 from the point of impact; and determining the Young's modulus and/or Poisson's ratio of the material based on the longitudinal velocity VL=d1/t1 and transverse velocity VT=d2/t.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a photoacoustic effect measurement instrument for measuring a species (e.g., a species of PM) in a gas employs a pair of differential acoustic cells including a sample cell that receives sample gas including the species, and a reference cell that receives a filtered version of the sample gas from which the species has been substantially removed. An excitation light source provides an amplitude modulated beam to each of the acoustic cells. An array of multiple microphones is mounted to each of the differential acoustic cells, and measures an acoustic wave generated in the respective acoustic cell by absorption of light by sample gas therein to produce a respective signal. The microphones are isolated from sample gas internal to the acoustic cell by a film. A preamplifier determines a differential signal and a controller calculates concentration of the species based on the differential signal.

Abstract: Described are extraction columns and systems that include extraction columns. The extraction column includes a column body that has a reservoir portion, an extraction media portion, and a collar portion. The reservoir portion includes an inlet and a reservoir. The extraction media portion includes an elongated sleeve having an inner surface defining a cavity. The extraction media portion has an inlet end in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outlet end. An extraction medium is disposed in the cavity of the elongated sleeve. The collar portion extends axially in a common direction with the elongated sleeve. The collar portion has a terminal end which is spaced apart from the outlet end of the elongated sleeve and which extends axially at least to a plane defined by the outlet end of the elongated sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas analysis system comprising, from upstream to downstream: a module (SEP) for separating at least a portion of the species contained in the gas to be analysed, comprising at least one microcapillary column (GC) for gas phase chromatography, and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) coupled to said separation module, said spectrometer comprising a ion source (MS1, MS2) adapted to ionise at least a portion of said species and to emit a ion beam, and a free-flight zone (MS4) for said ions, said mass spectrometer (TOFMS) being arranged in the volume of at least one substrate and comprising a micro-reflectron (R) arranged between the source (MS1, MS2) and the free-flight zone (MS4), a wall (R1) of said micro-reflectron comprising a layer made from a resistive material designed to be polarised between at least two regions so as to create a continuous electrostatic field gradient in said reflectron.

Abstract: An efficient absorption spectroscopy system is provided. The spectroscopy system may be configured to measure solid, liquid or gaseous samples. Vacuum ultra-violet wavelengths may be utilized. Some of the disclosed techniques can be used for detecting the presence of trace concentrations of gaseous species. A preferable gas flow cell is disclosed. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used with a gas chromatography system so as to detect and identify species eluted from the column. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an electrospray interface and a liquid chromatography system so as to detect and identify gas phase ions of macromolecules produced from solution. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used to characterize chemical reactions. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an ultra short-path length sample cell to measure liquids.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile apparatus which replicates the evaluation of scents, fragrances, aromas and odors in controlled and home environments. The apparatus simulates various stages of the consumer experience and has adjustable settings for dosing, air flow, and room size. The scented compound sample is placed within a cabinet having an enclosed sample chamber which is connected to an upward facing sample tube. An air fan is mounted within the sample chamber which circulates and controls sample air flow upward to a testing station wherein the sample air flow is tested for the identification and the concentration of the scent contained therein. A return air chamber and filter are mounted below the testing station. The filtered return air is controlled downward by a return air blower to provide an exhaust out through the bottom of the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a technique to identify a sample substance attached to an inspection target easily and precisely, while improving the rate of operation and reducing the number of persons required for inspection. A trace detecting system includes detection means to detect the size (vertical and horizontal dimensions) of an inspection target, and selects an air nozzle capable of spraying air jet at 15 m/s or more to the surface of the inspection target for air jet spraying.

Abstract: A method is described for compensating for a voltage offset in a voltage-lambda characteristic curve of a two-point lambda sensor in relation to a reference voltage-lambda characteristic curve of the two-point lambda sensor, the two-point lambda sensor being situated in an exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine. It is provided that the slope of the voltage-lambda characteristic curve is determined for an output voltage of the two-point lambda sensor and is compared to the slope of a reference voltage-lambda characteristic curve at equal output voltage, and the voltage offset is determined from a deviation of the determined slope of the voltage-lambda characteristic curve from the slope of the reference voltage-lambda characteristic curve. Also described is a control unit for carrying out the method. The method and the control unit enable the determination of and compensation for a voltage offset of a two-point lambda sensor caused by aging or manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: The interior of a fractionating tool for fractionating dioxins is packed with a purification layer and an adsorption layer. The adsorption layer includes a first adsorption layer including an activated carbon-containing silica gel layer and a graphite-containing silica gel layer, and a second adsorption layer including an alumina layer. When a solution of dioxins is injected into the purification layer and is supplied with an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, the solvent dissolves dioxins in the solution of dioxins and passes through the purification layer and the adsorption layer. In this process, non-ortho PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs among dioxins are adsorbed to the first adsorption layer, and mono-ortho PCBs among dioxins are adsorbed to the second adsorption layer. As a result, dioxins are fractionated into a group including non-ortho PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs, and mono-ortho PCBs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new and fast device for determination of freshness of the food of animal origin, specifically to the electronic nose, to a method for determination of freshness of the food by using a portable electronic nose which analyses volatile compounds and gases in the meat headspace, and to a system that includes the electronic nose and the tool for shielding extraneous odors and forming the defined headspace. The invention describes a fast and simple method for determination of the meat freshness, which is easy to use and the results get by it are objective and reliable.

Abstract: New time-domain response system calibration techniques are described for determining dry density and water content of soil based on electromagnetic wave propagation through it. For example, one disclosed technique use the ratio between V1, the voltage difference between the peak and trough of the response signal, and Vf, the long-term (i.e., steady-state) response of the system to the input pulse. These values are measurable, even for highly conductive soils, and calibration done in a laboratory can be applied to measurements taken in an uncontrolled field environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the determination of the aggregation rate of red blood cells. More specifically, the subject technology is used to determine the aggregation rate of red blood cells, and other parameters related to these, such as viscosity, deformability, elasticity, density, in the field of in vitro medical analyses, using optical systems after or during vibration for red blood cell disruption and redistribution. Once the detected light variation stops decreasing (e.g., a minimum is reached), complete disruption is accomplished for evaluation of the blood sample.

Abstract: A breath alcohol testing device has a removable tamper-resistant sampling chamber assembly that provides a disposable interface between the test subject and the alcohol sensor, other sensors and electronics of the testing device. Hydrophobic membranes prevent bodily fluids and other liquids from entering the alcohol sensor and other sensitive components of the testing device. A set of chambers with one-way valves direct the gas flow within the sample chamber assembly to ensure the breath sample delivered to the alcohol sensor is not diluted by the subject inhaling, and is a deep-lung breath sample.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a method for rapidly designing pharmaceutical preparations for preventing viral infection that have adapted to growth in various culturing systems but maintain antigenic similarity to the original virus. The method may include serial passaging a plurality of instances of a targeted virus strain from an infected first animal in respective droplets in second animal cells, in parallel synthesizing antibodies that neutralize the targeted virus strain in a third animal, and selecting the second animal cell-adapted viral lineages that are neutralized by the antibodies to identify second animal cell-adapted viral lineages having antigenic similarity to the targeted virus strain.

Abstract: Serine 350 has been identified as the site of O-GlycNAcylation of c-Rel. Methods are provided for identifying compositions capable of blocking c-Rel activation. The methods generally involve identifying compounds that inhibit O-GlcNAcylation of c-Rel at the serine 350 residue, thereby preventing c-Rel activation and production of c-Rel-dependent cytokines.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions useful in treating neurological disorders.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising an analyte bound covalently or through a first binding pair to a polymer. In this composition, the analyte is less than about 2000 MW; the polymer further comprises more than one signal or first member of a second binding pair; and the analyte is not a member of the first binding pair or the second binding pair. Also provided is an assay for an analyte. The assay comprises: combining a sample suspected of containing the analyte with the above-described composition and a binding agent that binds to the analyte; and detecting the signal or the first member of the second binding pair that is bound to the binding agent. Additionally provided is a multisignal labeling reagent comprising a first polymer covalently bound to (a) a reactive group or a first member of a first binding pair, and (b) more than one digoxigenin molecule.

Abstract: The integrated modular and interchangeable unit of the present invention comprises an analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device having four entrance-exit ports identified as connection areas to a transport capillary for sample and buffer introduction, and to a separation capillary of a cartridge-cassette filled with an appropriate separation fluid for optimal separation of the analytes of interest. Affinity ligand groups are immobilized to microstructures contained within the main inner cavity or channel of the device or directly to the wall of the main inner channel for capturing one or more analytes. The inlet and outlet ends of the transport capillary are connected through a parallel design option to the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device to facilitate the path of sample and buffers through the inner cavity or channel of the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens. The peptide compositions and mixtures comprise polypeptide sequences based on an immunogenic fragment of the Ehrlichia Outer Membrane Protein 1 (OMP-1) protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and the diagnosis of monocytic and/or granulocytic ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating nanoparticles and analyzing a biological substance using a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip of the present invention is effective in more sensitively and precisely detecting an analyte. According to the present invention, the use of the microfluidic chip enables the separation of nanoparticles through separation holes on the basis of size, achieving highly reliable analysis of a biological substance. In conclusion, the microfluidic chip of the present invention uses separation holes adapted to the size of nanoparticles to greatly increase the reliability of analysis of a biological substance, which will contribute to a marked improvement in the reliability of analysis based on microfluidics and a microfluidic system.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: An assay device (1) for determining the presence and/or amount of an analyte present or potentially present in a liquid sample comprises: (i) a capillary tube (2) having an upstream region (3) into which the sample to be assayed is introduced for transfer by capillary action along the capillary tube to a downstream region thereof; (ii) a collection of first binding partners (5) immobilized within the capillary tube (2), said first binding partners (5) being capable of specifically binding to the analyte; (iii) a collection of second binding partners (6) displaceabley bound to a fraction of said first binding partners (5) whereby there are free first binding partners (5) immobilized within the capillary tube, said second binding partners (6) having a label and being displaceable from the first binding partners (5) by the analyte to be detected; and (iv) a detection region (4) for sample that has transferred to said downstream region of said capillary tube, said detection region being adapted to generate a dete