Abstract: Embodiments provide an odor identification system including an operation array unit including at least two or more sensors which interact with odor causative substances included in an odor factor of a gas sample, a sensor data processing unit processing data obtained by interaction with the odor factor in the operation array unit, an odor factor information storing unit storing information of the odor factor and the interaction pattern information of the odor factor in advance, and a pattern identification unit identifying the odor factor on the basis of an interaction pattern while referring to the pattern processed by the sensor data processing unit and the information of the odor factor information storing unit, and collating the interaction pattern with the known odor information, wherein the odor of the object to be measured is contained.

Abstract: A method of non-destructive testing includes locating an ultrasonic transducer with respect to a component having a visually-inaccessible structure to collect B-scan data from at least one B-scan of the component and to collect C-scan data from at least one C-scan of the component. The method also includes filtering the B-scan data and the C-scan data to remove random noise and coherent noise based on predetermined geometric information about the visually-inaccessible structure to obtain filtered data. The method further includes performing linear signal processing and nonlinear signal processing to determine a damage index for a plurality of voxels representing the visually-inaccessible structure from the filtered B-scan data and the filtered C-scan data to generate a V-scan image. A method of non-destructive testing of a wind turbine blade and an ultrasound system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to test acoustic emission sensors are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a process control device, an acoustic emission sensor coupled to the process control device, where the acoustic emission sensor detects an operational condition of the process control device, and a piezoelectric tuning fork acoustically coupled to the acoustic emission sensor to test the operational condition of the acoustic emission sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus verify operation of acoustic emission sensors are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes an acoustic source acoustically coupled to a device, where the acoustic source is to generate an acoustic signal, and a processor to determine an operational condition of an acoustic emission sensor associated with the device based on measuring the generated acoustic signal at the acoustic emission sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a signal having a multi-band frequency. The method for monitoring a signal having a multi-band frequency detected in a target to be monitored includes: dividing the multi-band frequency into at least two regions; setting update periods to be different from each other for each of the divided frequency bands; and displaying monitoring states of the divided frequency bands depending on the update periods set to be different from each other.

Abstract: A malfunction diagnosing apparatus includes circuitry that collects vibration data generated when a diagnosed apparatus operates in a predetermined operating sequence, analyzes the collected vibration data and calculate a feature quantity, determines, based on the calculated feature quantity, whether or not something is wrong with the diagnosed apparatus, controls, if it is determined that something wrong with the diagnosed apparatus, the diagnosed apparatus to repeat the operating sequence that it is determined that something is wrong with the diagnosed apparatus for a predetermined number of times, and determines that malfunction occurs in the diagnosed apparatus if it is determined that something is wrong with the diagnosed apparatus in the operating sequence repeated for the predetermined number of times.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to find a method in which a result of liquid chromatography can be predicted with high accuracy for a wide range of a mixing ratio of solvents by utilizing a result of thin-layer chromatography. A liquid chromatography method for separating a mixture of two or more kinds of compounds, comprising the following steps: (1) performing thin-layer chromatography or column chromatography in a mixed solvent of two or more kinds of solvents having a different mixing ratio from each other or a single solvent; (2) creating a relational expression between a mixing ratio and an elution degree of a solvent for each compound in a sample based on a result of the step (1); and (3) determining an optimum condition based on the relational expression, and performing liquid chromatography.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining relative response factors for liquid chromatography using both molar concentration-based detection and mass concentration-based detection are described herein. A method includes determining a relative response factor for a compound based on the ratio of a molar-based peak area for the compound to the logarithm of the mass-based peak area for the compound and based on the ratio of a molar-based peak area for a reference compound divided by the logarithm of the mass-based peak area for the reference compound.

Abstract: A permeative amine/acid introduction device (PAID) is placed after a conventional KOH eluent suppressed conductometric anion chromatography (SCAC) system. The PAID converts the suppressed eluites from the acid form to the corresponding salt. For example, when the analytes are acids, they are converted to the corresponding ammonium salt (NR2H+HX?NR2H2++X?) and allows very weak acids HX (pKa?7.0) that cannot normally be detected by SCAC to be measured by a second conductivity detector following the PAID. Permeative reagent introduction is dilutionless, can be operated without pumps and provides good mixing with low band dispersion (as small as 30 ?L). An exemplary amine is diethylamine (DEA), which was chosen as the amine source due to its low pKb value (pKb 3.0), high vapor pressure, and low toxicity and low odor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include integrated systems and methods of evaluating cannabis and cannabinoid products for public safety, quality control and quality assurance purposes for research and public use purposes. Embodiments of the invention facilitate suppliers and consumers of a cannabis and/or cannabinoid product to evaluate the origin, efficacy, potency, and quality of the product. Embodiments of the invention also include cannabis processing center where samples of the products are analyzed for research studies to test and set parameters for third parties. Embodiments of the invention include, for example, analyzing cannabis products to determine quality and quantity of desired components and undesired components, determining concentrations of cannabinoids in the product, and comparing measures of components in the product against regulations.

Abstract: An affordable, low-power, low-profile water contamination detection and/or filtration device that can be installed directly onto a home faucet or other water line. The contamination detection part uses photometric and other sensors to collect data pertaining to levels of Total Organic Carbon, Total Dissolved Solids, heavy metals, turbidity, harmful bacteria, and other contaminants. The device uses efficient circuit design so that parts of the sensor, LED, and calculation circuit are only activated when the faucet is turned on and water fills a measurement chamber. The filtration part of the device can be switched on and off using simple twist interface, such that filtered water can flow directly into the contamination detection part for testing.

Abstract: The method for diagnosing the oil-filled electrical apparatus in the present invention is a method for diagnosing whether or not discharge has occurred inside the oil-filled electrical apparatus. The diagnosing method includes: an in-oil gases analyzing step of analyzing hydrogen gas and a gas selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, hydrocarbon having a carbon number of 3 or 4, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen, contained in an insulating oil used inside the oil-filled electrical apparatus; a step of analyzing a causative substance serving as a cause of generation of hydrogen in the insulating oil irrespective of whether or not the discharge has occurred; and a step of diagnosing whether or not the discharge has occurred based on an analysis result of the in-oil gases analyzing step and an analysis result of the step of analyzing the causative substance.

Abstract: An observation apparatus includes: an area calculation unit that calculates a colony area based on an image in which a cell colony is captured; a cell number calculation unit that calculates, based on the image, the number of cells included in a target colony of which an area is calculated by the area calculation unit; and a density calculation unit that calculates, based on the area of the target colony calculated by the area calculation unit and the number of the cells included in the target colony calculated by the cell number calculation unit, a density of the cells included in the target colony.

Abstract: A method for measuring energy malnutrition in a liver disease test subject, a method for determining whether a liver disease test subject is in an energy malnutrition state, a method for determining the necessity of nutrition therapy for a liver disease test subject having energy malnutrition, a composition usable in these methods, and the like are provided. The method for measuring energy malnutrition in a liver disease test subject includes the steps of collecting expired air containing labeled carbon dioxide that is generated in the body of a liver disease test subject by being converted from a composition containing, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope C; and determining the ratio of labeled CO2 amount to unlabeled CO2 amount, or the ratio of labeled CO2 amount to total CO2 amount in expired air.

Abstract: A microfluidic device provides high throughput generation and analysis of defined three-dimensional cell spheroids with controlled geometry, size, and cell composition. The cell spheroids of the invention mimic tumor microenvironments, including pathophysiological gradients, cell composition, and heterogeneity of the tumor mass mimicking the resistance to drug penetration providing more realistic drug response. The device is used to test the effects of antitumor agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting apoptosis using a phosphatidylinositol phosphate-binding material, a method for screening anticancer agents, a method for screening apoptosis-inhibiting materials, and a method for inhibiting phagocytosis.

Abstract: A method for assessing cell contraction includes adhering contractile cells to an oxidized and cellular adhesion activated surface of a biocompatible silicone elastomer film. The biocompatible silicone elastomer film allows the cells to contract and wrinkles when the cells contract. Wrinkles in the biocompatible silicone elastomer film formed by contraction of the contractile cells are analyzed to assess cell contraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for determining the proclivity of immune cells to polarize to one or more immune cell subpopulations (e.g., Th17 population) and/or to produce one or more intracellular substances (e.g., after stimulation).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strip for an improved lateral flow assay of a biological sample on a single plane and a lateral flow chromatography assay using a test device containing the same. The strip of the present invention consists of a single-pad, which can improve lateral flow assay by providing an easy and simple procedure and clear visual reading. The strip of the present invention is consisted of sample application (sample) zone and reactant-resultant zone where the reaction mixture is deposited (reactant) are all on a same plane. In addition, the present invention provides a chromatographic method wherein hemoglobin is separated from analyte by a differential chromatography on the solid phase. Any interference of detection of the result by hemoglobin is removed by the present invention. The present invention provides advantages including an easy and simple procedure with a quick and clear response.

Abstract: The invention provides for the labeling of antibodies with a fluorescent label, using a solid support comprising an affinity for an Fc portion of an antibody. Thus, the invention provides a method for labeling an antibody or fragment thereof with a fluorescent label, comprising the steps of immobilizing an antibody on the solid support and covalently coupling a fluorescent label to the immobilized antibody, as well as a kit for performing such method.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of catalyzing oxidation reactions by an oxidizing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The methods include contacting a substrate with an oxidizing agent and a nanoparticle in a reaction mixture, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a Pd core at least partially surrounded by a coating comprising Ir. In addition, disclosed herein are kits for catalyzing the oxidation of a substrate by an oxidizing agent. The kits include a substrate, an oxidizing agent, and a nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a Pd core at least partially surrounded by a coating comprising Ir. The kits also include instructions describing how to contact the substrate, the oxidizing agent and the nanoparticle so as to catalyze the oxidation of the substrate.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus capable of measuring an analyte with excellent sensitivity is provided. A sensor apparatus includes an element substrate; a detecting section disposed on an upper surface of the element substrate, the detecting element including a reaction section having an immobilization film to detect an analyte, a first IDT electrode configured to generate an acoustic wave which propagates toward the reaction section, and a second IDT electrode configured to receive the acoustic wave which has passed through the reaction section; and a protective film which covers the first IDT electrode and the second IDT electrode. The element substrate is configured so that a region where the reaction section is located is at a lower level than a region where the first IDT electrode is located and a region where the second IDT electrode is located.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for amending undiluted and partially diluted urine samples in a manner suitable for performing immunoassays for target analytes, for example NGAL. Generally, the urine sample is treated with reagents including at least one of buffer materials, water soluble proteins, urease, and other interferent mitigants. These reagents control the pH of the urine sample in a manner suitable for immuno-binding reactions and ameliorate interferences, particularly during the detection step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay device and a method for using such for the quantitative determination of an analyte, based on a test strip, which contains a porous test membrane allowing for capillary flow of the analyte and complexes of the analyte, a porous upstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane and a porous downstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane, wherein the test membrane contains a test site having immobilized thereon a ligand capable of reacting with the analyte and binding such to the test site, and two standard band sites having immobilized thereon known high and low concentrations of a calibrator agent capable of reacting with a label conjugate and binding such to the standard sites, wherein the upstream membrane has a site for the application of a sample to be analyzed, and has a site downstream from the sample application site for depositing label conjugates capable of reacting with the analyte and label conjugates capable of reacting with the

Abstract: An assay test strip includes a flow path, a sample receiving zone, a label, a detection zone that includes a region of interest, and at least one position marker. The at least one position marker is aligned with respect to the region of interest such that location of the at least one position marker indicates a position of the region of interest. A diagnostic test system includes a reader that obtains light intensity measurement from exposed regions of the test strip, and a data analyzer that performs at least one of (a) identifying ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the test region based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature, and (b) generating a control signal modifying at least one operational parameter of the reader based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surface coating for capture circulating rare cells, comprising a nonfouling composition to prevent the binding of non-specific cells and adsorption of serum components; a bioactive composition for binding the biological substance, such as circulating tumor cells; with or without a linker composition that binds the nonfouling and bioactive compositions. The invention also provide a surface coating for capture and purification of a biological substance, comprising a releasable composition to release the non-specific cells and other serum components; a bioactive composition for binding the biological substance, such as circulating tumor cells; with or without a linker composition that binds the releasable and bioactive compositions. The present invention also discloses a novel microfluidic chip, with specific patterned microstructures to create a flow disturbance and increase the capture rate of the biological substance.

Abstract: A stable suspension of gold-coated silver nanoplates which is applicable to detection of various substances and able to accommodate various detection means and with which high detection sensitivity is attained in the detection of substances. This suspension of gold-coated silver nanoplates is characterized by containing 0-50 ?M water-soluble polymer and having a pH of 10 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing autoimmune disease, predicting suitable treatments of autoimmune disease or identifying autoantigens of autoimmune disease using a population of immunogenic HLA-DR+ T cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of molecular biology and immunology. More specifically, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for detecting anti-Th/To autoantibodies in the serum of subject with a systemic autoimmune disease, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method of performing electropolymerized electrochemically active poly-films as a current signal to detect bacteremia. The method comprises conjugating an electrochemical redox-active molecular monomer and a specific antibody with a gold nanoparticle to form a modified gold nanoparticle, and the modified gold nanoparticles are conjugated to the surface of bacteria via a specific antibody to form an electrochemically active poly-film by electropolymerization. When applying a voltage, a redox-active current signal of the electropolymerized electrochemically active poly-films can be detected by a usual electrochemical detection system typically in the range between nA and mA.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing global wellness and developing a maintenance/treatment program are provided, wherein a plurality of data sources are compiled, including, at minimum (a) a subject's medical, dental and family histories, and (b) a body fluid sample (e.g. an oral swab or saliva) for detecting and determining levels of one or more biomarkers, and wherein these data are used to assess the subject's global health and wellness landscape, which is then compared to a reference/ideal wellness landscape, and the comparison used to design a maintenance therapy/treatment plan.

Abstract: A method of selecting retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells from a mixed population of cells is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) analyzing the cells of the mixed population of cells for at least one of the following parameters: (i) cells which autofluorescence above a predetermined threshold; (ii) cells which express CD81 above a predetermined threshold; and (iii) cells which scatter light perpendicular to a laser beam above a predetermined threshold; and (b) selecting cells which are positive for at least one of the parameters, thereby sorting RPE cells from a mixed population of cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of diagnosing and treating a subject with active or inactive eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The methods may include the steps of detecting whether a level of eosinophil lineage-committed progenitor (EoP) is elevated in a blood sample obtained from a subject, diagnosing the subject with active EoE when an EoP level in the sample is elevated above a pre-determined cut-off value and diagnosing the subject with inactive EoE when the EoP level in the sample is below a pre-determined cut-off value; and treating the subject diagnosed with active EoE. Kits related to same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal array for multiplexed quantification of variable hemagglutinin such as subcomponents of multivalent annual influenza vaccines that is robust to variations in proteins such as mutations and is capable of quantifying degradation of proteins. Universal capture array (100) comprises one or more substrates (102) and a low-density microarray (104) of sub-arrays (108) comprising spots (106a-c). The microarray (104) is contacted with one or more targets (202) at one or more unknown concentrations, and bound complexes (203) are formed and subsequently quantified with a suitable method. Quantified signals are compared to calibration curves to obtain one or more un-known concentrations and/or quantify degradation of the one or more targets (202). Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject having cancer who is likely to be responsive to a treatment compound, comprising administering the treatment compound to the subject having the cancer; obtaining a sample from the subject; determining the level of a biomarker in the sample from the subject; and diagnosing the subject as being likely to be responsive to the treatment compound if the level of the biomarker in the sample of the subject changes as compared to a reference level of the biomarker; wherein the treatment compound is a compound of Formula I:

Abstract: A simple and accurate method for characterizing biomarkers in a biological sample using multiple rounds of fluorescent staining is described. The method involves the steps of quenching underrivatizing, amine stripping and regaining (QUAS-R) of cells, tissue or any biological sample.

Abstract: A method of identifying cancer stem cell markers in a human primary tumor is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) in vivo passaging the primary tumor; and (b) comparing a level of at least one antigen in a first population of passaged tumor cells of the primary tumor with a second population of tumor cells of the primary tumor, wherein an increase in the amount of the antigen in the first population of tumor cells as compared to the amount of the antigen in the second population of tumor cells is indicative of a cancer stem cell marker in the human primary tumor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for screening for colorectal cancer, the method comprising: screening a biological sample from an individual for one or more biomarkers selected from the group defined in Table 1 and/or Table 6, wherein the presence of or increased expression of the one or more biomarkers relative to a control sample is indicative that the individual is at risk of suffering from or is suffering from colorectal cancer. The invention also provides an array and kit suitable for use in the methods of the invention, methods of treating colorectal cancer and therapeutic agents for use in methods of treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing cancer and use thereof, in particular for providing profiles and use thereof.

Abstract: A method of detecting tumor cells in a sample containing cells. In the method, a sample is encapsulated to produce a capsule with the sample encapsulated therein. The capsule containing the sample encapsulated therein is incubated under cell culture conditions suitable for supporting cell activity and growth of tumor cells and the encapsulated sample from the incubated capsule is contacted with a conditionally active antibody that has a higher binding affinity to a cell surface protein of a tumor cell under a first value of a condition of a tumor microenvironment, in comparison with the binding affinity of the conditionally active antibody to the same cell surface protein under a second value of the condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions for regulating glucose metabolism. The compositions provide for reduced levels of p75NTR and/or reduced binding of p75NTR to a GTPase such as Rab31 or Rab5. The compositions are useful in methods of regulating glucose metabolism, which methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting cardiovascular oxidative stress in an individual, comprising detecting in a blood sample from the individual modification of a cysteine at position 45 of the ?1-subunit of the human erythrocyte ATP-dependent Na+K+ pump protein or of an equivalent cysteine in a homologue or variant thereof. The invention further relates to a kit for detecting cardiovascular oxidative stress in an individual, the kit comprising at least one agent for detecting the presence of a modification in a cysteine at position 45 of the ?1-subunit of the human erythrocyte ATP-dependent Na+K+ pump protein or of an equivalent cysteine in a homologue or variant thereof, wherein said modification is a result of oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that are surrogates of post-translationally modified proteins and uses thereof. Numerous diseases are associated with post-translationally modified proteins that are difficult to obtain in homogenous form and in quantities needed for immunization and use as convenient standards, calibrators, and/or reference compounds that facilitate the detection and analysis of endogenous post-translationally modified proteins. The surrogate compounds of the invention typically comprise antigenic epitopes (one of which carries a post-translational modification) that are tethered by a flexible and hydrophilic linker. The resulting compound behaves like a surrogate of the post-translationally modified protein because it preserves the character of the included antigens and allows recognition by specific antibodies targeting the individual antigens.

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

Abstract: A novel method of diagnosing cystic fibrosis in a human subject is provided. The method includes the steps of: i) determining in a biological sample from the subject the level of one or more metabolic biomarkers; ii) comparing the level of the biomarker to a control level and determining the difference between the biomarker level and the control level; and iii) determining that the subject has cystic fibrosis or a related disorder when the difference in the level of the biomarker in the sample is statistically different from the control level.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The treatment of kidney disease may be tailored depending upon the need for, or expectation of, renal recovery. For example, renal recovery can be determined by monitoring urine biomarkers related to the development of chronic kidney disease. For example, a normalized time course of approximately fourteen Days measuring urinary proteins can be used to establish the risk of recovery versus non-recovery in patient's having suffered an acute kidney injury. Alternatively, the invention describes signature protein expression profiles to establish the probability of renal recovery and/or renal non-recovery.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining blood brain barrier (BBB)damage and treating patients who may have suffered from BBB damage due to an ischemic event are provided. The methods and apparatus involve detecting the presence of cleaved occludin fragments in a sample of blood. According to some embodiments, the method further provides determining the degree of BBB damage based on the concentration of occludin fragments in the sample. In further embodiments the present disclosure provides kits for detecting the presence of occludin fragments in a blood sample.

Abstract: Methods and kits for sampling mucous from within a sinus to determine if a single sample includes one or more bacterial types indicating bacterial sinusitis.

Abstract: A method for predicting myocardial damage in a subject having or at risk of cardiac disease includes determining a level of apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) and a level of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the subject and comparing the determined levels of ApoA1 and CoQ10 to control levels.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions, including antibodies or fragments or derivatives thereof, and related devices and methods effective for detecting and quantifying olmesartan in a sample. The compositions, devices, and methods can be applied to improve the effectiveness of hypertension therapy by monitoring a subject's compliance by determining one or more pharmacokinetic parameters of the subject with a point-of-care device after antihypertensive drug administration. In one embodiment, the antihypertensive drug is olmesartan and the pharmacokinetic parameter is AUC.