Abstract: The invention relates to a general chemical method for the synthesis of biocompatible hybrid nanomaterials which can be used in the development of new-type enzyme based biosensors. A one-step facile method is presented, in which polyethylenimine (PEI) serves as both a reducing agent for the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) into reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and a biological matrix for accommodation of enzymes.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring method using a biosensor, the method including: introducing a sample containing a substance to be measured into an electrochemical measurement cell, wherein the electrochemical measurement cell comprises: an insulating base plate; and an electrode system applying a first voltage to the electrode system; applying a second voltage to the electrode system; obtaining a first signal; obtaining a second signal; and correcting the second signal by the first signal, to determine the concentration of the substance to be measured in the sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a discrete glucose testing and bolus dosage determination including a glucose meter with bolus calculation function are provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes FET having a threshold changing according to a chemical state in a gate portion, a time-varying signal application section configured to apply a time-varying signal to at least one of a source, a drain and a back gate of the FET, and a signal reading section configured to read a change in the threshold of the FET resulting from the application

Abstract: Fuel cell gas sensors using an aperture in a fuel cell gas sensor that allows for determination of a gas proportion in a sample that includes more gas than could otherwise be safely sampled. The aperture is adjustable between an open and a closed state. The amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of time that the aperture is in the open state. Alternatively, the amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the aperture.

Abstract: A method for testing a gas sensor and a gas-measuring device with a testing device for testing the gas sensor provides an improved analysis and evaluation of states of gas sensors. Due to a testing of a gas admission element, by monitoring measuring signals (35, (38) in a time course (400) in conjunction with dispensing (91, 91?, 91?) a quantity of test substance, it is made possible to check whether a gas supply to the gas sensor is possible (to check if the gas diffusion path is open) and given.

Abstract: A gas sensor for detecting one or more contaminants in a refrigerant includes a housing having disposed therein a membrane electrode assembly comprising a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, and a solid polymer electrolyte disposed between the sensing electrode and the counter electrode. The sensing electrode comprises nanoparticles of a first catalyst comprising noble metal. The counter electrode comprises nanoparticles of a second catalyst comprising noble metal. The sensing electrode in the sensor has been preconditioned by exposure under a positive voltage bias to a preconditioning gas comprising the contaminant(s) or their precursors or derivatives.

Abstract: A device (1) for determining a measured variable, that allows an as simple as possible adaptation to the measurement conditions, is achieved in that the device (1) has a sensor unit (2) and a transmitter (3). The sensor unit (2) generates an electric primary signal in dependence on the measured variable, and communicates the primary signal via an analog output interface (4) to the transmitter (3) which processes the primary signal. Furthermore, the sensor unit (2) and transmitter (3) are advantageous by themselves, and the sensor unit (2) preferably allows for offline calibration under constant surrounding conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a method for sensing the translocation of a molecule through a nanopore. In the method, there is directed to an inlet of a nanopore a molecule that is disposed in a first ionic solution of a first ionic concentration. The molecule is caused to translocate through the nanopore from the inlet of the nanopore to an outlet of the nanopore and into a second ionic solution of a second ionic concentration that is different than the first ionic concentration. An electrical potential, local to that ionic solution, of the first and second ionic solutions, which has a lower ionic concentration, is measured while the molecule is caused to translocate through the nanopore.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an electrophoretic measurement method is disclosed that includes providing a vessel that holds a dispersant, providing a first electrode immersed in the dispersant, and providing a second electrode immersed in the dispersant. A sample is placed at a location within the dispersant between the first and second electrodes with the sample being separated from the electrodes, an alternating electric field is applied across the electrodes, and the sample is illuminated with temporally coherent light. A frequency shift is detected in light from the step of illuminating that has interacted with the sample during the step of applying an alternating electric field, and a property of the sample is derived based on results of the step of detecting.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods and kits for high speed, high resolution of analytes by capillary electrophoresis starting with uncoated capillaries. The compositions comprise a sieving component, comprising a non-crosslinked acrylamide polymer, and a surface interaction component, comprising at least one uncharged and non-crosslinked water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymer. Methods for employing the novel compositions in capillary electrophoresis are provided. Kits comprising the novel compositions for use in the novel methods are also provided.

Abstract: A multiple capillary florescent detection system employing optical fiber bundles that each fiber bundle has more than one fiber illuminating each sample vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.

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: Herein are described an instrument and a method for using the same. The instrument comprises a fluid channel fluidly connected to at least a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir; a counter electrode (CE), a reference electrode (RE), and a working electrode (WE); and a potentiostat. The CE, RE, and WE are all disposed within the fluid channel; the potentiostat is isolated from earth ground by at least one isolator and is powered by a floating power supply; and the CE, RE, and WE are each electrically connected to the potentiostat.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for use in obtaining information relating to the presence of metal particles within a sample of a substance to be tested includes a substrate comprising an aperture for receiving a sample of a substance to be tested. The sample may be an extracted or dynamic sample. The substrate has an electrically conductive coil printed thereon, which surrounds the aperture. The coil is arranged to generate a magnetic field for application to a sample received in the aperture in use, and may also sense the result of interaction between the generated magnetic field and the sample. The sensed result of the interaction is usable to determine information relating to the presence of metal particles in the sample.

Abstract: Provided is a test sensor using a magnetostrictively induced guided wave based on an open magnetic circuit, comprising an excitation coil, a receiving coil and a magnetic device, the magnetic device comprises multiple test modules circumferentially and uniformly disposed thereon so as to be absorbed to the outer side of a to-be-tested slender component, each test module comprises a housing, a permanent magnet and a magnetic plate, two adjacent housings are connected to each other via an adjusting device, the excitation coil and the receiving coil are disposed in the vicinity of the test module, and are coaxially fit on the outer side of the to-be-tested slender component, the excitation coil operates to generate induced voltage in the receiving coil after the sinusoidal alternating current is input, and a computer can determine whether a defect occurs in the to-be-tested slender component after receiving the induced voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods and systems for monitoring and/or characterizing multi-component tablets and for monitoring punch and die surfaces and, more particularly, to methods and systems for in-die and out-of-die monitoring and/or characterizing multi-component tablets based on acoustic and vibrational spectroscopy and for detecting and monitoring stiction and tooling material modifications on punch and die surfaces during compaction based on acoustic/ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transducer array with a plurality of CMUT elements. Each of the plurality of CMUT elements includes a first end and a second end. The transducer array further includes a bias network that is electrically connected with the first and second ends of the plurality of CMUT elements. The bias network applies a first bias voltage to the first end of the plurality of CMUT elements and a second bias voltage to the second end of the plurality of CMUT elements. The first and second bias voltages bias the plurality of CMUT elements. A method includes biasing, with bias network, a CMUT element of an transducer array using a bipolar signal that includes a first bias voltage and a second bias voltage, transmitting, by a transmit circuit, a transmit signal to the CMUT element, receiving, by a receive circuit, a receive signal from the CMUT element.

Abstract: An image generation apparatus including a computation processing section that generates an ultrasonic image from a received signal associated with each scanning of an object in which an ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received is provided. The computation processing section sets, for each scanning, a selection range over which the received signal is received and which includes the direction of the scanning, calculates weights used in a beamforming process based on the received signals within the selection range, and carries out the beamforming process based on the weights to generate an image associated with the scanning.

Abstract: A method of preparing a liquid mixture for use in a liquid chromatography system is provided. The mixture comprises one or more acids, one or more bases, one or more solvents and water, and the method comprises the steps of: calculating pH and/or solvent concentration at a particular time t from a user-determined gradient function; and, based on the values obtained, calculating percent acid, percent base, percent solvent and percent water in the liquid mixture at time t. A liquid chromatography system incorporating such method is also provided.

Abstract: A process for selective isolation of high molecular weight (˜1230 Daltons) naphthenic acids (Arn acids). The process includes providing a polymeric resin with a bound a quaternary amino group and applying a crude oil sample containing Arn acids to the polymeric resin. A first wash of an organic solvent is applied to the sample followed by a second wash of a polar organic solvent mixture. The first two washes remove unwanted crude oil compositions while the Arn acids are bound to the quaternary amino groups. A third wash of acidified organic solvent removes the Arn acids from the polymeric resin, thereby forming an elute comprising the Arn acids and the acidified organic solvent. The acidified organic solve is then evaporated isolating the Arn acids from the crude oil sample.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; a metal oxide layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and including a bulk area and a local area; a first insulation film covering the first electrode, the second electrode, and the metal oxide layer and having an opening reaching the second electrode; and a second insulation film being in contact with the second electrode in the opening.

Abstract: A method for testing a gas sensor (30) and a gas-measuring device with a testing device for testing the gas sensor (30) make possible an improved analysis and evaluation of states of gas sensors (30). Due to the testing of a gas admission element (8) by monitoring measured signals (35, 38) in a time course (400) and a comparison with threshold values (350, 351) at predefined times (403, 404), (403?, 404?) in conjunction with the dispensing (91) of a quantity of test substance (5, 6), it is possible to test whether a gas supply (7) to the gas sensor (30, 309) is possible and given.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting presence of a thing, the thing treated with a descenter, one method including in an area in which it is possible that a thing treated with a descenter is present, using a detector to detect a descenter level in the area, producing a detected descenter level, comparing the detected descenter level to a normal descenter level for the area, determining that the detected descenter level is different from the normal descenter level, said determining indicating the possible presence of a thing treated with a descenter; and using a trained service animal to facilitate such a method.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a sensing agent. The sensing agent comprises a quantum dot; and a dye moiety coupled to the quantum dot. The sensing agent is capable of sensing at least one analyte chosen from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and bisulfide. Sensors made from the sensing agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: A core-shell structure (a diameter is about 5 nm) is located on an Al2O3 catalyst support. Platinum (Pt metal) is a core, and a shell that surrounds the core has a solid solution structure (A1-xBxOY) (where X is a composition that composes A and B, and Y is a composition of oxygen (O)) that is composed of platinum, palladium, and oxygen.

Abstract: A portable electronic alcohol-testing device is provided that uses vaporization and sensitive pressure guages to approximate the alcohol content of a solution. The device may be used, for example, to determine the relative alcohol content of a mixed beverage.

Abstract: A gas-equilibrated, volatile-in-water detector comprises a gas-sensing chamber having an orifice closed by a hydrophobic, vapour-porous membrane, typically PTFE, sealed to the periphery of the orifice. Membrane is also sealed to an external wall of a surrounding enclosure and forms an entry point to a second gaseous enclosure external of the gas-sensing chamber. A PID or similar sensor generates a measurable current or voltage in response to the partial pressure of the analyte within the gas-sensing chamber without the sensor significantly altering such equilibrium partial pressure.

Abstract: A lance and a method determine reaction data of the course of a reaction, in which a reaction gas is top-blown by at least one lance onto a metallic melt in a metallurgical vessel and measured data are determined in this way, reaction data for the course of the reaction are determined as a function of these, where the lance for determining measured data blows out a gas which is conveyed separately from the reaction gas through at least one outlet opening of at least one measuring conduit. The lance for determining measured data blows out the gas which is conveyed separately from the reaction gas laterally through at least one outlet opening of at least one measuring conduit and the internal pressure of at least one gas bubble of this gas formed at this outlet opening of the respective measuring conduit is measured.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for determining the composition of gaseous fuel. An initial gaseous fuel stream is provided that includes methane, non-methane hydrocarbons, and inert gases. Air is mixed into the initial fuel stream upstream of a first catalyst. The first catalyst oxidizes only the non-methane hydrocarbons of the initial fuel stream to produce a resultant fuel stream comprising methane and inert gases. Air is mixed into the resultant fuel stream downstream of the first catalyst and upstream of a second catalyst. The second catalyst oxidizes only the methane hydrocarbons of the resultant fuel stream to produce an output fuel stream. Mole ratios of the methane, the non-methane hydrocarbons, and the inert gases of the initial fuel stream are each determined.

Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and treating petroleum in a storage tank is provided. The system and method comprise including a plurality of vertically spaced sensors inside the tank, the plurality of vertically spaced sensors being in communication with a computer. The computer is able to calculate the quantity and quality of the petroleum in the tank based off the readings from the plurality of vertically spaced sensors. As a result, the petroleum in the tank can be optionally treated prior to sale in order to optimize the price received for the petroleum in the tank.

Abstract: A method of determining sulfur content in an aqueous fluid containing spent hydrogen sulfide scavenger from a scrubber or contactor tower is described as is a method of optimizing the hydrogen sulfide scavenger treatment rate in a scrubber or contactor tower. The method includes the steps of providing a sample of an aqueous fluid from the scrubbing tower where the aqueous fluid contains spent hydrogen sulfide scavenger; and using x-ray fluorescence to determine the amount of total sulfur in the sample. The method may also use the total sulfur content in the sample to determine the spent hydrogen sulfide scavenger in the sample and/or determine scavenger uptake. The method may also include the step of adjusting the amount of scavenger introduced into the aqueous fluid in the tower in response to the scavenger uptake, to optimize the scavenger treatment in the scrubber or contactor tower.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable media for utilizing sensor data captured by one or more sensors as well as ground-truth physically sampled data to generate a predictive model that can be used to estimate a measurable parameter without having to obtain additional physically sampled data for the parameter.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting a marker in a liquid, comprising a reaction chamber, provided with a thermosensitive sensor, wherein said reaction chamber comprises an photopolymer capable of releasing or generating a chemical species that is capable of undergoing or initiating an exothermic or endothermic chemical reaction with a marker present in the liquid.

Abstract: The invention discloses a mechanical property tester and testing method of biological soft tissue. The tester comprises a base, a fixture for fixing the biological soft tissue, a transverse force applying device for applying a transverse force, a vertical force applying device for applying a vertical force, a longitudinal pulling force detector for detecting a longitudinal force, a displacement detecting unit for detecting the displacement of the fixture, an acquisition device and a computer. The transverse force applying device comprises a transverse pulling force detector for detecting the transverse force. The vertical force applying device comprises a vertical pulling force detector for detecting the vertical force. The acquisition device is used for collecting the longitudinal force, transverse force, vertical force and the displacement. The computer is connected with the acquisition device via signals to analyze the longitudinal force, transverse force, vertical force, and the displacement.

Abstract: The problem of confirming the presence of an adulterant in a urine sample is solved by the use of a reagent capable of reacting with uric acid and non-urate markers in a urine sample. In one embodiment, a phosphotungtate reagent is used to react with the urine sample to create a blue coloration in the presence of uric acid or uric acid equivalents. A reduction or elimination of the blue coloration, resulting in a reduction in the light absorbance, of the urine sample can be used as an indicator of the historical presence of an adulterant. An Oxidant History test can also be generated using the phosphostungtate reagent, wherein the light absorbance resulting from the blue coloration is measured over time, with a measured reduction in the absorbance being an indication that an adulterant is or has been present in the urine sample and is oxidizing the uric acid and non-urate markers over time.

Abstract: A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells.

Abstract: Methods of treating kidney disease and protecting podocytes from injury are provided. Methods of screening agents for the treatment of kidney disease are also provided. In addition, methods of identifying structural or functional defects in a patient's podocytes and methods of identifying kidney disease causing agents in a patient's biological sample are also provided.

Abstract: This present invention is to provide a method for assessing sensitivity of target drug in vitro and a biomarker used thereof. It is to identify sensitivity of a target drug by analyzing expression levels of CAV-1 and Her-2 in a tissues sample provided by a subject to achieve effect of personal and precise medical treatment.

Abstract: Methods of identifying whether a biologically active agent affects an oncogene addicted pathway within a cancer cell, by introducing a biologically active agent suspected of affecting an oncogene addicted pathway to a first well and a negative control to a second well, and introducing a stimulating agent that stimulates the oncogene addicted pathway to both wells; monitoring cell-substrate impedance of the two wells and optionally determining cell indices from impedance values; generating an impedance based curve for each of the two wells from the impedance values or from the cell indices; comparing the impedance-based curves to determine a degree of similarity; and if significantly different concluding the biologically active agent affects the oncogene addicted pathway within the cancer cells.

Abstract: A family of novel feline bitter taste receptors, referred to as feline TAS2R (fTAS2R), are disclosed herein. Isolated polynucleotides encoding the novel feline bitter taste receptors and chimeric polypeptides are also disclosed, as are expression vectors and host cells for expression of the novel feline bitter taste receptors. Methods of identifying compounds that bind to the novel feline bitter taste receptors and modulate their activity are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for evaluating the anti- or pro-arrhythmic potential, cardiotoxicity and/or modulation capacity of cardiomyocyte function of compound(s). The present invention also relates to compound(s) identified or evaluated in the method of the invention for use in the treatment of a heart disease. The present invention further relates to the use of the density change of cardiac Nav 1.5 sodium channels in intercalated discs of cardiomyocytes as marker and/or diagnostic for the anti- or pro-arrhythmic potential of a compound, the cardiotoxicity of a compound or modulation capacity of cardiomyocyte function by said compound, and/or in preclinical assessment for cardiac liability of compounds and cardio-safety assessment. The present invention further relates to a kit for evaluating the anti- or pro-arrhythmic potential, cardiotoxicity and/or modulation capacity of cardiomyocyte function of compound(s).

Abstract: In vitro methods and kits for modulating and studying mechanical movement of hepatic bile canaliculi lumen through activation or inhibition of the Rho-kinase molecular regulation pathway. In vitro methods and kits for modulating lumen opening and clearing using matrix metalloproteinases, as well as diagnostic methods based upon the same.

Abstract: A skin organ culture model system is provided having a perfusion plate (1), a peristaltic pump (2), and a culture reservoir (3). The skin organ culture model system combines both the dynamic perfusion of culture medium with the use of plasma as culture medium in order to provide, in the model system, culture conditions that are similar to in vivo conditions.

Abstract: Methods, techniques, systems and compositions to reduce or prevent the aggregation and/or epitope masking of control/calibration peptides. The methods described herein may be particularly helpful for calibration and quantifying target proteins from immunoassays such as solid-phase enzyme immunoassays (EIAs).

Abstract: The present invention concerns an in vitro method for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, wherein the potentially interfering compound 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is blocked by a binding agent specifically binding to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and not binding to 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

Abstract: Although limited proteolysis of the histone H3 N-terminal tail (H3NT) is frequently observed during mammalian differentiation, the specific genomic sites targeted for H3NT proteolysis and the functional significance of H3NT cleavage remain largely unknown. Here Applicant reports the first method to identify and examine H3NT-cleaved regions in mammals, called ChIP of acetylated chromatin (ChIPac). By applying ChIPac-Seq to an established cell model of osteoclast differentiation, Applicant discovered that H3NT proteolysis is selectively targeted near transcription start sites of a small group of genes and that most H3NT-cleaved genes displayed significant expression changes during osteoclastogenesis. Applicant also discovered that the principal H3NT protease of osteoclastogenesis is matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). In contrast to other known H3NT proteases, MMP-9 primarily cleaved H3K18-Q19 in vitro and in cells.

Abstract: A bi-epitope compound of formula I: in which: E1 and E2, identical or different, each separately represents a peptide sequence including at least one epitope of an analyte; X and Y, identical or different, each separately represents a linking arm, the carrier molecule is soluble and Z represents an amino acid derivative bearing a thiol function prior to the bonding of same with the carrier molecule. The compound may be contained in a composition, used as a control or standard in an immunoassay and associated method, and/or provided in a kit for implementing an immunoassay.