Abstract: An analyzer and diagnostic system can include one or more sensors that are operable to generate combustion condition data relating to the performance of an associated combustion system. An analysis module can be operable to analyze at least a portion of the combustion condition data and determine a state of the associated combustion system. A diagnostic module can be operable to identify one or more recommended corrective actions for a combustion system performance deviation from a plurality of recommended corrective actions using one or more logic algorithms. Handheld instruments and methods of analyzing and diagnosing combustion processes are also included.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to sampling bags having flexible walls. The sampling bags may have agile walls that include a shape memory component. The shape memory component tends to return the sampling bag to its initial shape. Such sampling bags may be used in a variety of sampling methods.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device having a first conduit configured to couple an outlet of a fluid source to a sample inlet port; a second conduit configured to couple a sample outlet port to an inlet of the fluid source; an expansion chamber including an inlet and an outlet coupled to the first and second conduits by a valve assembly; and a pressure relief valve configured to couple the outlet of the expansion chamber to the inlet of the fluid source. The fluid sampling device facilitates acquisition of a fluid sample and subsequent purging of its internal components while inhibiting the release of sample fluid to the surrounding environment, thereby protecting the environment and sampling personnel from harmful chemical release. The fluid sampling device may facilitate a sample acquisition process that provides closed-loop flush and expansion operations for obtaining a representative sample at the appropriate fill density of the sample vessel.

Abstract: A diagnostic module for diagnosing a particulate matter sensor in a vehicle includes a sensor mode selection module, a heater power detector, and a protection tube diagnostic module. The sensor mode selection module selects a regeneration mode for the particulate matter sensor from among a plurality of operation modes. The regeneration mode regenerates the particulate matter sensor. The heater power detector determines a voltage output based on a voltage applied to the particulate matter sensor. The voltage output corresponds to operation of the particulate matter sensor in the selected mode. The protection tube diagnostic module performs a diagnostic of the particulate matter sensor. The protection tube diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the particulate matter sensor based on the voltage output determined during the regeneration mode and a regeneration power threshold.

Abstract: Optical detection system and method for particles. In exemplary embodiments, the system may comprise a channel, a light source configured to generate light, and one or more optical elements configured to focus a beam of the light on an irradiation zone within the channel. The system also may comprise a mask operatively disposed in an optical path between the light source and the channel. The mask may be configured to block a portion of the beam, thereby producing a shadow region. The system further may comprise a detector configured to detect light deflected from the beam into the shadow region by interaction with a particle passing through the irradiation zone.

Abstract: An exterior aircraft lighting device comprises: at least one light source; an optical element having a light entry side facing the at least one light source and a light exit side and being configured for modifying light emitted by the at least one light source; at least one photo detector, which is configured and arranged for detecting a portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source, which is reflected by the light entry side of the at least one optical element, the photo detector providing a detection value, representing the amount of detected light; and a control and evaluation unit which is configured for evaluating the state of wear of the at least one light source based on the detection value provided by the at least one photo detector.

Abstract: An interfacial adhesion strength measuring apparatus of a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of load applying parts that are each adhered to outer surfaces of a substrate configuring the gas diffusion layer of the fuel cell and a micro porous layer coated on the substrate and is configured to apply a tension force in a direction in which the substrate and the micro porous layer are separated from each other. A first adhering part is applied to one of the load applying parts and is adhered to the substrate and a second adhering part is applied to the other of the load applying parts and is adhered to the micro porous layer. In addition, the first and second adhering parts contain materials of which contact angles with the substrate or the micro porous layer are different from each other, respectively.

Abstract: Technology is provided for a fluid transmissometer manifold. The transmissometer manifold includes a manifold body having an upwardly extending bubble diverter passageway with an upper end portion and a lower end portion. A flow restrictor is connected to the upper end portion and an inlet passageway is connected to the diverter passageway between the flow restrictor and the lower end portion. An upwardly extending optical chamber is connected to the lower end portion. At least a portion of a fluid entering the inlet passageway flows downward into the optical chamber and any bubbles contained in the fluid travel upward through the bubble diverter passageway. A light source can be positioned at a first end of the optical chamber and a detector positioned at a second end of the optical chamber opposite the light source and operative to detect light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of chemical and biological sensors and in particular to micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for measuring fluid viscosity and detection of minute amounts of chemicals and biological agents in fluids. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor that will work in disposable cartridges with remote sensing that can measure dynamic changes of the functionalized cantilevers in liquid and gas environment.

Abstract: Methods of determining concentrations and/or amounts of redox-active elements at each valence state in an electrolyte solution of a redox flow battery are provided. Once determined, the concentrations and/or amounts of the redox-active elements at each valence state can be used to determine side-reactions, make chemical adjustments, periodically monitor battery capacity, adjust performance, or to otherwise determine a baseline concentration of the redox-active ions for any purpose.

Abstract: Detector data representative of an intensity of light that impinges on a detector after being emitted from a light source and passing through a gas over a path length can be analyzed using a first analysis method to obtain a first calculation of an analyte concentration in the volume of gas and a second analysis method to obtain a second calculation of the analyte concentration. The second calculation can be promoted as the analyte concentration upon determining that the analyte concentration is out of a first target range for the first analysis method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas measuring method based on photothermal effect in hollow-core optical fiber comprising: filling a target gas into the core of a hollow-core optical fiber; coupling a probe light and a periodically modulated pump light into the hollow-core optical fiber; absorbing the pump light by the target gas resulting in the periodic modulation of the phase of the probe light; demodulating the phase modulation information of the probe light to obtain the concentration of the target gas, wherein the pump laser is wavelength and/or amplitude modulated. In the present invention, two lasers including a pump laser and a probe laser are used for the measurement, this approach is simple and practical.

Abstract: A versatile method(s) capable of reducing the time required for measurement of reflection characteristics and the amount of data indicating measurement results is (are) provided herein. An information processing apparatus may determine a measurement condition to measure reflection characteristics of an object which is to be used to generate a virtual image that can be obtained when a virtual object is observed from a predetermined virtual viewpoint in a virtual space where a virtual light source and virtual object are disposed. The information processing apparatus may include a path acquisition unit configured to acquire a path of light along which light emitted from the virtual light source reaches the virtual viewpoint after being reflected on the virtual object, and a determination unit configured to determine a measurement condition of the reflection characteristics corresponding to the path of light based on the path of light acquired by the path acquisition unit.

Abstract: A light measurement apparatus includes a master laser, a slave laser, an illumination light pulse, and a signal-under-measurement generator. The master laser generates as an output a master laser light pulse, and the slave laser generates as an output a slave laser light pulse having a repetition frequency or a phase different from that of the master laser light pulse. The illumination light pulse generator receives the master laser light pulse and generates as an output an illumination light pulse, and the signal-under-measurement generator, at a point in time when receiving a light pulse under measurement obtained by illuminating the object under measurement with the illumination light pulse and further the slave laser light pulse, generates as an output a signal under measurement according to a power of the light pulse under measurement. The apparatus corrects an error in a measurement of the signal under measurement.

Abstract: A device for multi-photon fluorescence microscopy for obtaining information from biological tissue has a laser unit for generating an excitation radiation, an optical unit implemented for focusing the excitation radiation for generating an optical signal at various locations in or on an object to be investigated, and a detector module for capturing the optical signal from the region of the object. The optical unit is thereby displaceable at least in one direction relative to the object for generating the optical signal at various locations in or on the object. The invention further relates to a method for multi-photon fluorescence microscopy. In said manner, a device and a method for multi-photon fluorescence microscopy are provided for obtaining information from biological tissue, allowing recording of section images in an object with a large field of view, and thereby are simply constructed and reliable in operation.

Abstract: An optical metrology device is capable of detection of any combination of photoluminescence light, specular reflection of broadband light, and scattered light from a line across the width of a sample. The metrology device includes a first light source that produces a first illumination line on the sample. A scanning system may be used to scan an illumination spot across the sample to form the illumination line. A detector collects the photoluminescence light emitted along the illumination line. Additionally, a broadband illumination source may be used to produce a second illumination line on the sample, where the detector collects the broadband illumination reflected along the second illumination line. A signal collecting optic may collect the photoluminescence light and broadband light and focus it into a line, which is received by an optical conduit. The output end of the optical conduit has a shape that matches the entrance of the detector.

Abstract: A surface-enhanced Raman scattering element comprises a substrate having a principal surface; a molded layer including a support part formed on the principal surface and a fine structure part formed on the support part; and a conductor layer, deposited on the fine structure part, constituting an optical functional part for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The fine structure part has a plurality of pillars erected on the support part. The support part is provided with a plurality of opposing parts opposing side faces of the pillars. The opposing parts are located on the substrate side relative to leading end parts of the pillars in a projecting direction of the pillars.

Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.

Abstract: Apparatus, sensor chips and techniques for optical sensing of substances by using optical sensors on sensor chips.

Abstract: Disclosed are a colorimetric detection sensor and colorimetric detection method of a cyanide anion (CN?) by etching of gold nanorods. The colorimetric detection sensor and colorimetric detection method use label-free nanorods having no modifier attached to a surface of gold nanorods (AuNRs), wherein the aspect ratio of nanorods, pH condition and/or amount of a surfactant are controlled to carry out selective etching and to cause a change in color only by CN? so that CN? contained or dissolved in poison, water-contaminated environmental samples and legal evidence samples may be detected with ease, and show excellent selectivity, sensitivity and quantitative analyzability to CN? to provide high usefulness.

Abstract: An inspection system that may include a first detection module, an illumination and collection module, and a processor. The illumination and collection module and the first detection module may be configured to execute one or more illumination and collection iterations. Each inspection iteration may include: illuminating with illuminating radiation multiple points of an object; (ii) directing first collected radiation from the multiple points of the object through one or more first exit pupil regions towards the first detection module; and (iii) generating first detection signals that may be indicative of the first collected radiation. The processor may be configured to process the first detection signals to provide a first mapping between (i) a characteristic of radiation at the first exit pupil, (ii) the multiple points of the object, and (iii) the multiple first exit pupil regions.

Abstract: A method for measuring optical distortion in a contoured glass sheet includes the steps of conveying the glass sheet in a first direction, employing at least one display to project a preselected multi-phase non-repeating contrasting pattern, and employing at least one camera, and uniquely pairing each one of the cameras one of the displays. The method may also include controlling each of the cameras to acquire the desired images, analyzing and combining the data acquired by the cameras to construct a definition of the surface of the glass sheet, and performing one or more optical processing operations on the surface data to analyze the optical characteristics of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A test device for testing an electrical property of a chamber component, such as a ceramic ring, includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor disposed within and electrically isolated from the outer conductor. The outer conductor has a base, a top, and an interior sidewall disposed between the base and the top. The inner conductor has a top portion having a first diameter and a bottom portion having a second diameter, in which the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. A sample area is defined between the base of the outer conductor and the bottom portion of the inner conductor, and is configured to receive a chamber component. The electrical property of the chamber component is measurable based on application of a signal to at least one of the outer conductor or the inner conductor.

Abstract: A motion-based interlock apparatus, system, and method prevent an x-ray source in an x-ray machine from activating if the current relative motion between the x-ray source and an image receptor would compromise the quality of the resulting plain radiograph. The system activates the interlock based on either or both of the velocity and acceleration of the tubehead, as measured by instrumentation corresponding to any of the tubehead, the extension arm, or off board the x-ray machine. The system may preferably compare the measured motion against one or more acceptable motion thresholds. If the measured motion exceeds one or more of the acceptable motion thresholds, exposure may preferably be delayed until the motion of the tubehead subsides. By ensuring that the image is not exposed while the tubehead is moving substantially, the quality of the resultant radiograph is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for performing small angle x-ray scattering metrology. This system includes an x-ray source for generating x-rays and illumination optics for collecting and reflecting or refracting a portion of the generated x-rays towards a particular focus point on a semiconductor sample in the form of a plurality of incident beams at a plurality of different angles of incidence (AOIs). The system further includes a sensor for collecting output x-ray beams that are scattered from the sample in response to the incident beams on the sample at the different AOIs and a controller configured for controlling operation of the x-ray source and illumination optics and receiving the output x-rays beams and generating an image from such output x-rays.

Abstract: Provided are an inspection device that detects with high precision and classifies surface unevenness, step batching, penetrating blade-shaped dislocations, penetrating spiral dislocations, basal plane dislocations, and stacking defects formed in an SiC substrate and an epitaxial layer; and a system. In the inspection device using charged particle beams, a device is used that has an electrode provided between a sample and an objective lens, the device applies a positive or negative voltage to the electrode and obtains images. A secondary electron emission rate is measured and energy EL and EH for the charged particles are found. A first image is obtained using the EH and positive potential conditions. A second image is obtained using the EL and negative potential conditions. A third image is obtained at the same position as the second image, and by using the EL and positive potential conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for spinwave-based metrology in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure involve generating and detecting spinwaves in a sample having a ferromagnetic material; and determining a material thickness, a material integrity measure, a presence of a manufacturing defect, a categorical type of manufacturing defect, and/or a manufacturing process statistic corresponding to spinwave behavior in the sample. In an embodiment, spinwaves are generated by way of concurrent exposure of a target measurement site of the sample to each of a bias magnetic field and radiation (e.g., microwave or radio frequency radiation) produced by a first set of integrated waveguides. A response signal corresponding to a behavior of spinwaves within the target measurement site can be generated by way of a second set of integrated waveguides.

Abstract: A moisture sensor arrangement including a plate-like semiconductor substrate and an integrated signal processing component disposed on a first side of the semiconductor substrate. The moisture sensor arrangement including a capacitive moisture sensor connected electrically conductively to the integrated signal processing component, wherein the capacitive moisture sensor is disposed on either the first side or a second side of the semiconductor substrate that is opposite the first side of the semiconductor substrate. In addition, the plate-like semiconductor substrate includes 1) plated through-holes, by way of which elements on the first side and the second side of the semiconductor substrate are electrically connectable to one another; and 2) a temperature sensor integrated with the integrated signal processing component.

Abstract: Biosensor systems including a measurement device and test sensors including at least three independently addressable electrodes, with at least two of the electrodes being substantially chemically isolated are disclosed. One or more working electrodes may be combined with two or more counter electrodes. The two or more counter electrodes may operate at different potentials to provide for multi-analyte electrochemical analysis. Analysis methods are provided to perform multi-analyte electrochemical analysis and test sensors are provided having resistance to chemical mixing between secondary analysis regions.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods of fabricating and using an electrochemical biosensor for continuous detection of biological analytes. In a specific embodiment, the biosensor detects a given analyte when the analyte binds with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) matrix immobilized atop a sensing substrate eliminating the need for a redox probing agent commonly found in electrochemical biosensors. Furthermore, the detection sensitivity of the biosensor is enhanced by modifying the electrode surface with a plurality of nanoscopic metallic structures. Advantageously, technologies provided herein can be used in a variety of low-power electronics for wearable applications.

Abstract: A broadband lambda probe includes a measurement hollow space. The broadband lambda probe further includes an oxygen pump cell having an outer pump electrode and an inner pump electrode to enable the transfer of oxygen from the measurement hollow space to an external environment of the broadband lambda probe. The broadband lambda probe further includes a Nernst concentration cell. The broadband lambda probe further includes at least one capacitive sensor device. The at least one capacitive sensor device has a capacitance configured to be varied with a change of a concentration of at least one substance. The concentration is present in the respective at least one capacitive sensor device. The at least one capacitive sensor device is positioned in the broadband lambda probe to at least one of directly adjoin the measurement hollow space and partially project into the measurement hollow space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technology for fabricating a nanowire field-effect sensor, in which a bulk silicon substrate is used so that the fabrication cost of the sensor can be reduced while the integration density of the sensor can be increased. In addition, the nanowire field-effect sensor includes a nano-network having a network structure in which pins are vertically arranged on the sidewalls of the network, respectively, and a gate insulating layer is applied to the pins. Due to this nano-network, the detection area of the sensor can be increased to increase its sensitivity, and the structural stability of the sensor can be ensured.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining analyte concentrations, for example glucose concentrations, that utilizes a dynamic determination of the appropriate time for making a glucose measurement, for example when a current versus time curve substantially conforms to a Cottrell decay, or when the current is established in a plateau region. Dynamic determination of the time to take the measurement allows each strip to operate in the shortest appropriate time frame, thereby avoiding using an average measurement time that may be longer than necessary for some strips and too short for others.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for presenting single strands of a double strand molecule to a membrane. The double strand molecule is driven to a first side of the membrane by an electric field. The membrane has a first and second nanopore spaced apart by a nanopore separation distance. The first strand of the double strand molecule is captured in the first nanopore when driven to the first side of the membrane. The second strand is captured in the second nanopore by having the nanopore separation distance between the first nanopore and the second nanopore corresponding to a strand separation distance between the first and second strands, and/or by having captured the first strand to limit diffusion of the second strand. The first and second strands respectively in the first and second nanopores are individually stretched, by the first and second strands recombining on the second side of the membrane.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for presenting single strands of a double strand molecule to a membrane. The double strand molecule is driven to a first side of the membrane by an electric field. The membrane has a first and second nanopore spaced apart by a nanopore separation distance. The first strand of the double strand molecule is captured in the first nanopore when driven to the first side of the membrane. The second strand is captured in the second nanopore by having the nanopore separation distance between the first nanopore and the second nanopore corresponding to a strand separation distance between the first and second strands, and/or by having captured the first strand to limit diffusion of the second strand. The first and second strands respectively in the first and second nanopores are individually stretched, by the first and second strands recombining on the second side of the membrane.

Abstract: A method and system for performing an ion mobility based analysis that ionizes the components of a sample into ions; provides a field asymmetric waveform ion mobility or differential mobility spectrometry ion mobility based filter that comprises at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being spaced apart such that a constant sized gap is formed there between, through which a drift gas flows; introducing said ions into the drift gas, wherein said drift gas also comprises a mixture of liquid modifiers.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a defect of a press panel includes: an acoustic emission sensor unit configured to detect at least one elastic wave signal emitted from the press panel as a detection target during press work, a period measurer configured to measure a period as a section in which there are consecutive signals with a greater voltage than a threshold voltage among the at least one detected signals, and a defect existence determination unit configured to determine that a defect is generated in the press panel when the measured period is greater than a first reference value, and to determine that the press panel is in a normal state when the measured period is smaller than a second reference value which is smaller than the first reference value.

Abstract: Provided are: an ultrasound probe with excellent characteristic stability; and ultrasound equipment that uses the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe has an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving element provided with a substrate, an insulating film formed on the substrate, a cavity formed between the substrate and the insulating film, and a pair of electrodes disposed parallel to the substrate so as to sandwich the cavity. The ultrasound probe is characterized in that the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving element has a beam part with a multilayer structure formed by laminating films made of materials different in stress, the beam part being disposed on the electrode distant from the substrate out of the pair of electrodes, and the beam part is formed by laminating a film that applies tensile stress and a film that applies compressive stress.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydrogen detecting sensor that includes a sulfide-metal catalyst, such that hydrogen gas can be detected visibly with naked eyes. Particularly, the hydrogen detecting sensor includes a substrate, a sulfide layer formed on the substrate and chemically discolored when exposed to hydrogen, and a metal catalytic layer formed on the sulfide layer.

Abstract: Method(s) and a system for predicting the refining characteristics of an oil sample are described. The method of predicting the refining characteristics, such as distillate yield profile, processability, product quality or refinery processing cost, may include development of a prediction model based on regression analysis. The method may further include determining the physical properties of the oil sample and predicting the refining characteristics based on the developed prediction model. The determination of the physical properties of the oil sample includes determining at least one of Conradson Carbon Residue (CCR) content, Ramsbottom Carbon Residue (RCR) and Micro Carbon Residue (MCR).

Abstract: A system, comprising at least one source for irradiating electromagnetic radiation into a sample fluid and a reference fluid resulting in a change in a temperature of the sample fluid and a change in a temperature of the reference fluid, and a processing subsystem that monitors and determines a concentration of a gas of interest dissolved in the sample fluid based upon a difference between the change in the temperature of the sample fluid and the change in the temperature of the reference fluid, wherein the reference fluid does not contain the gas of interest, and the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength range corresponding to a spectral absorption range of the gas of interest.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes determining a current level of a plurality of lubricant parameters present in a portion of lubricant, comparing the current level of each of the plurality of lubricant parameters to a threshold value corresponding to each of the plurality of lubricant parameters, analyzing a priority of each of the lubricant parameters, and determining a health status of the lubricant in response to the comparing and the analyzing.

Abstract: A particle separating apparatus and method are provided, which pass a fluid sample such as blood through a filter to remove foreign matter, and separate target particles by using a MOFF channel, and re-separate the separated target particles through dielectrophoresis. The particle separating apparatus includes a MOFF (Multi Orifice Flow Fractionation) channel including a multi orifice segment through which a fluid sample passes to discharge a primarily separated material that are target particles separated from the fluid sample, through a central passage; a dielectrophoresis channel including a pair of electrodes to which AC power is applied and forming an electric field in a flow channel connected to the central passage of the MOFF channel to re-separate the target particles from the primarily separated material discharged from the central passage of the MOFF channel through dielectrophoresis.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a sample vial for receiving a liquid cell sample, to be used in conjunction with a digital holographic microscope (DHM), said sample vial comprises at least two compartments in fluid connection with one another, said compartments comprising at least one pair of screening surfaces, said screening surfaces are essentially flat; and characterized in that the distance between the pair of screening surfaces of the second compartment is smaller than the distance between the pair of screening surfaces of the first compartment. In a second and third aspect, the current invention pertains to a method and system for analyzing a liquid cell sample by DHM, employing the sample vial of the current invention.

Abstract: The invention is to devices and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature for forming a diluted sample for analysis. The devices and methods also include a dilution verification feature for verifying the degree of dilution of the diluted sample. The devices preferably are capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field is provided.

Abstract: A device for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample uses a substrate shaped to define a plurality of lateral-flow channels and a detection region. Each lateral-flow channel is associated with a load spot. The substrate includes, for each of the lateral-flow channels, a fluid conducting medium, and, for the detection region, a fluid retaining medium. A first load spot receives a sample from the subject. Each of the other load spots uses a dried mixture of silk fibroin with a reagent. The detection region includes a detection reagent including a first immunoreactant. A second load spot includes a secondary detection immunoreactant. A third load spot includes a color reagent. The device implements an ELISA reaction when activated by sequentially placed aliquots of an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a metalloprotein and/or the interaction with its environment comprising the following steps: (a) Providing a medium that enhances the detection of the electromagnetic cross-section signal of metalloproteins, (b) Incorporating a metalloprotein to analyse into said medium, (c) Contacting said medium with electromagnetic radiation, (d) Obtaining the electromagnetic cross-section spectrum of said metalloprotein, (e) Determining from said electromagnetic cross-section spectrum at least one parameter related to one or several analytes of interest.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for extending the dynamic range of assay methods and systems used for determining the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some embodiments, a method comprises spatially segregating a plurality of analyte molecules in a fluid sample into a plurality of locations. At least a portion of the locations may be addressed to determine the percentage of said locations containing at least one analyte molecule. Based at least in part on the percentage, a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in the fluid sample may be determined using an analog, intensity-based detection/analysis method/system and/or a digital detection/analysis method/system. In some cases, the assay may comprise the use of a plurality of capture objects.

Abstract: A method of treatment employing cardiac glycoside is disclosed. A prognostic assay and kit and method of use thereof are provided. The kit and assay are used to determine the likelihood of a diseased cell or tissue having a therapeutic response to treatment with a cardiac glycoside in a disease having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation. The kit and assay are used to determine the ratio of isoforms of the ? subunit of Na, K-ATPase obtained from the diseased cell or tissue. The kit can be used to predict the therapeutic responsiveness of cancer or tumor in a subject to treatment with a cardiac glycoside. The kit and assay can be incorporated in a method of treating a disease or disorder having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation with a composition comprising a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: A repeatable method for detecting circulating tumor cells in vitro is provided. The method involves combining a test sample from a patient suspected of having circulating tumor cells, and a non-lytic adenoviral system, and culture media for the cells. The adenoviral system utilizes (i) a first replication-defective adenoviral particle in which an expression cassette is packaged, said expression cassette comprising an adenoviral 5? and 3? ITRs and a tumor-specific promoter; and (ii) a coding sequence for a reporter protein which is expressed in the presence of circulating tumor cells, and an adenoviral 3? ITR. The test sample and the non-lytic adenoviral system are incubated for a sufficient time to permit expression of the reporter protein, and measuring reporter protein expression in the test samples, whereby presence of reporter expression indicates the presence of circulating tumor cells in the sample.