Abstract: A method for measuring the component and calorific value of goal gas. The method includes measuring a volume concentration of H2 (TH2) using a thermal conductivity detector (TCD), measuring a volume concentration of O2 using an electrochemical detector (ECD), measuring volume concentrations of CO, CO2, CH4, and CnHm in the coal gas, revising an interference of CH4 in CnHm, revising a measured volume concentration of H2, and calculating the calorific value of the coal gas.

Abstract: The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip.

Abstract: A device for signal processing. The device includes a signal generator, a signal detector, and a processor. The signal generator generates an original waveform. The signal detector detects an affected waveform. The processor is coupled to the signal detector. The processor receives the affected waveform from the signal detector. The processor also compares at least one portion of the affected waveform with the original waveform. The processor also determines a difference between the affected waveform and the original waveform. The processor also determines a value corresponding to a unique portion of the determined difference between the original and affected waveforms. The processor also outputs the determined value.

Abstract: A method for analysis of a gas stream. The method includes identifying an affected region of an affected waveform signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of the gas stream. The method also includes calculating a voltage-current time differential between the affected region of the affected waveform signal and a corresponding region of an original waveform signal. The affected region and the corresponding region of the waveform signals have a sensitivity specific to the at least one characteristic of the gas stream. The method also includes generating a value for the at least one characteristic of the gas stream based on the calculated voltage-current time differential.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor, used with a measuring medium, has a sensor head (1), a sensor chip (6, 606) with a sensitive region (632), a sensor body (2) with an end piece (3, 503), a sealing means (10, 510, 610) and a pressing element (18, 618). The sensor body is connected to the sensor head. The end piece is hollow with a closed end region and a measuring opening (4, 504) that allows the measuring medium to contact the sensitive region, which is inside the end piece during operation. The sealing means surrounds the measuring opening, other than the sensitive region, and seals the inside of the end piece from the measuring medium during operation. The pressing element biases the sensor chip against the sealing means and the edge of the measuring opening. The end piece has an integral, gap-free design in the region that contacts the measuring medium during operation.

Abstract: This invention concerns chemically-sensitive field effect transistors (FETs) are preferably fabricated using semiconductor fabrication methods on a semiconductor wafer, and in preferred embodiments, on top of an integrated circuit structure made using semiconductor fabrication methods. The instant chemically-sensitive FETs typically comprise a conductive source, a conductive drain, and a channel composed of a one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) transistor material, which channel extends from the source to the drain and is fabricated using semiconductor fabrication techniques on top of a wafer. Such chemically-sensitive FETs, preferably configured in independently addressable arrays, may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in chemical and/or biological samples, including nucleic acid hybridization and/or sequencing reactions.

Abstract: Protected sensor field effect transistors (SFETs). The SFETs include a semiconductor substrate, a field effect transistor, and a sense electrode. The SFETs further include an analyte-receiving region that is supported by the semiconductor substrate, is in contact with the sense electrode, and is configured to receive an analyte fluid. The analyte-receiving region is at least partially enclosed. In some embodiments, the analyte-receiving region can be an enclosed analyte channel that extends between an analyte inlet and an analyte outlet. In these embodiments, the enclosed analyte channel extends such that the analyte inlet and the analyte outlet are spaced apart from the sense electrode. In some embodiments, the SFETs include a cover structure that at least partially encloses the analyte-receiving region and is formed from a cover material that is soluble within the analyte fluid. The methods include methods of manufacturing the SFETs.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing a reference channel of a broadband lambda probe that is used to determine an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas, at least one sensor element having a pump cell and a Nernst cell being used; in one measurement mode, a regulated pumping current flowing through the pump cell to determine the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas, and thus an exchange of oxygen ions between a measuring cell and the exhaust gas being achieved, and a lambda value in the measuring cell being regulated to a value of 1; the lambda value in the measuring cell being monitored through the Nernst cell, and the value of the pumping current required for that purpose being dependent on the oxygen concentration and thus on the lambda value of the exhaust gas to be determined.

Abstract: A laser microdissection includes a microscope having an incident-light device, a microscope objective, and a laser unit operable to produce a laser beam having a beam path extending through the incident-light device and through the microscope objective and intersecting an object plane of the microscope objective at an adjustable intersection point. The laser microdissection systems further includes an electrophoresis unit located below the object plane and containing an electrophoresis gel including one or more gel pockets, and a positioning device operable to position the electrophoresis gel in parallel with the object plane of the microscope objective and relative to a defined reference position such that dissectates of a sample that can be arranged in the object plane can be collected in the one or more gel pockets. The electrophoresis unit is operable to be attached by a coupling device. The dissectates are obtained via the laser beam.

Abstract: A liquid droplet manipulation system has a substrate with at least one electrode array and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes of the electrode array and for providing the electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets by electrowetting. A working film is placed on top of the electrodes for manipulating samples in liquid droplets with the electrode array. At least one selected individual electrode of the electrode array is configured to be penetrated by light of an optical detection system for the optical inspection or analysis of samples in liquid droplets that are located on the working film. Also disclosed is working film that is to be placed on the electrode array and a cartridge that includes such a working film for manipulating samples in liquid droplets.

Abstract: Individual biological micro-objects can be deterministically selected and moved into holding pens in a micro-fluidic device. A flow of a first liquid medium can be provided to the pens. Physical pens can be structured to impede a direct flow of the first medium into a second medium in the pens while allowing diffusive mixing of the first medium and the second medium. Virtual pens can allow a common flow of medium to multiple ones of the pens.

Abstract: A method of separating ions comprises causing ions to separate according to their ion mobility or differential ion mobility by virtue of their interactions with a buffer gas within an ion mobility or differential ion mobility separation device. The buffer gas comprises one or more organic, organosilicon or silicon-based compounds.

Abstract: There is provided a method of separating ions comprising operating an ion mobility spectrometer or separator at a reduced pressure and at an operating temperature less than 40° C., and providing a drift gas within said ion mobility spectrometer or separator, wherein said drift gas comprises one or more substances that exist as a liquid at atmospheric pressure (optionally about 1013 mbar) and room temperature (optionally about 20° C.) and wherein said one or more substances have a boiling or sublimation point less than said operating temperature of said ion mobility spectrometer or separator, at said reduced pressure.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer includes a drift tube, a plurality of sensors arranged at one end of the drift tube that provide signals corresponding to ions impinging on the sensors, and a multi-channel data acquisition system, coupled to each of the sensors, that compensates for delays experienced by ions that are farther from a main axis of drift tube prior to combining the signals from the sensors. The sensors may be electrically biased so that a particular one of the sensors that attracts ions is adjacent to one or more of the sensors that do not attract ions. Signals from adjacent sensors may be subtracted to reduce signal values corresponding to mirror current. The plurality of sensors may be arranged as a honeycomb or as a plurality of concentric circles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessment of a sealed package. Light is emitted from a narrow-band laser source towards said package from outside of said package. An absorption signal of said light scattered in said package is measured, wherein said absorption is caused by said at least one gas when said light is scattered and travels in said sealed package. Measuring is made outside of said package, whereby said assessment is non-intrusive with regard to said package. It is determined if a deviation exists from a predetermined, expected gas composition and/or concentration of said at least one gas within said sealed package based on said measured absorption signal. Thus sealing of said package for said gas is detected.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope comprises a structure including a loading portion and a scanning portion, a transducer disposed in the scanning portion and operable to develop ultrasonic energy, and a controller. A driver is responsive to the controller and is capable of moving the transducer along a scan path with respect to a first plurality of parts disposed in the scanning portion as a second plurality of parts are being loaded into the loading portion.

Abstract: Automated sampling and reaction systems and methods of using the same are provided. The automated sampling and reaction system has a microreactor in fluidic communication with an external sampling valve. The external sampling valve is connected to a priming valve and can be configured to draw sample from a reactor or a reactor stream. The microreactor is connected to a reagent valve and an injection valve. The reagent valve can be configured to draw reagent from a reagent reservoir and discharge reagent to the microreactor to react with sample. The priming valve can be configured to draw wash from a wash reservoir and discharge wash to the external sampling valve to move sample from the external sampling valve to the microreactor. The injection valve is in fluidic communication with a column or detector and discharges the secondary sample into a solvent composition stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting mercury in air includes passing a substantial quantity of air through a concentrator column containing gold film whereby a gold-mercury amalgam is formed, purging the concentrator column with nitrogen gas for a predefined period of time to remove oxygen and other organics from the concentrator column, quickly heating the concentrator column to a substantial temperature to decompose the gold-mercury amalgam forming mercury gas, and injecting the mercury gas into a photoionization detector system. The apparatus includes a quartz housing having a quartz body defining an internal volume, a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a heater end, and a concentrator element sealingly disposed within the quartz housing, the concentrator element having a first element portion and a second element portion, a film of gold deposited on at least a first element portion disposed in the quartz body.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a fingerprint module for at least receiving fingerprint information and a chemical analysis module for analyzing the fingerprint information for chemical features to derive distinguishing characteristics therefrom used for formulating at least one response. The distinguishing characteristics are identified by selecting a number of molecules and/or organic compounds from the fingerprint information analyzed for the chemical features. The distinguishing characteristics include at least age, gender, race, dietary information, and lifestyle information or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A device to adjust concentration of a first gas in a fluid to a target concentration (Cf) is provided. The device includes a container, having a first opening, the container is configured to receive a first volume (VL) of the fluid through the first opening.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a protective cover having a resin cylindrical cover portion at a rear end thereof, that can be airtightly attached to an attachment hole, and that can prevent a decrease in quality and a molding defect. A plurality of vertical ribs, which extend substantially parallel to an axis of a cylindrical cover portion, are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical cover portion so that protrusions and recesses are provided in a circumferential direction. Due to the presence of the vertical ribs, as compared with an existing cylindrical cover portion that has a smooth outer peripheral surface without the vertical ribs, defects of the outer peripheral surface are not likely to occur in a molding process. Moreover, because slipping is not likely to occur when an operator holds and twists the cylindrical cover portion with his/her fingers, an attachment operation can be smoothly performed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a gas detection sensor, a display panel, and a display device. The gas detection sensor comprises: a gas sensitive part; two detection electrodes electrically connected with each other through the gas sensitive part; and a protective layer enclosing the gas sensitive part and the detection electrodes. When one of the detection electrodes is applied with a detecting signal, the detecting signal is output from the other detection electrode after being modulated by the gas sensitive part, and a voltage signal output by the other detection electrode is related to a nature of the outside air to which the gas sensitive part is exposed, thereby a detection on air quality may be achieved through detecting the voltage signal output from the other detection electrode, such that a simply structured and portable gas detection sensor can be realized.

Abstract: A method for measuring, from a thermal device, temperature, molecular number density, and/or pressure of a gaseous compound as function of distance, the gaseous compound absorbing at least some light. The method comprises generating, for a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band, a pulse sequence comprising a light pulse or light pulses, guiding the pulse sequence into the thermal device, and measuring, as function of time, the intensity of the scattered light at the first wavelength band and at the second wavelength band. The method further comprises determining information indicative of the differential absorption between the two wavelengths bands using measured intensities and determining the temperature, the molecular number density, and/or the pressure of the gaseous compound using the information indicative of the differential absorption between the two wavelengths bands. A thermal system arranged to carry out the method.

Abstract: A urea water supply guidance output device for a working vehicle includes: a urea water residual amount detection unit configured to detect a urea water residual amount in a urea water tank; an operation time measurement unit configured to measure an operation time of the working vehicle; a unit urea water consumption amount calculation unit configured to calculate a unit urea water consumption amount for each predetermined unit operation time; a urea water remaining time calculation unit configured to calculate an average urea water consumption amount and to calculate a urea water remaining time indicating a time to generation of urea water supply alarm; and an output processing unit configured to output guidance including the urea water remaining time when the urea water remaining time is a predetermined time or less.

Abstract: An automated dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method of detecting and quantifying N-nitrosamines in an aqueous sample. The method includes (a) extracting an aqueous solution including the N-nitrosamines by mixing an extraction solvent and a dispersive solvent with the aqueous solution, such that the N-nitrosamines, or a portion thereof, re-distribute from the aqueous solution to the extraction solvent, (b) permitting the resulting mixture in (a) to form a two-phase mixture containing an aqueous phase containing the aqueous solution with reduced amounts of the N-nitrosamines and an organic phase including the extraction solvent with the N-nitrosamines extracted from the aqueous solution, (c) injecting the organic phase, or a portion thereof, into an injection port of a gas chromatograph coupled with at least one mass spectrometer, and (d) analyzing the N-nitrosamines by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to detect and quantify the concentration of the N-nitrosamines in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneous online assay of nitrites and nitrates in water samples with improved sensitivity and accuracy, enhanced capacity of anti-interference against salinity, reduced assay costs, and simplified operation.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring a content of hydrogen absorbed by a metal workpiece by permeation in the form of hydrogen atoms are described. The device includes a probe with a mixing chamber accessible to an amount of hydrogen emanating from the workpiece, and communicating with an inlet port of a measurement gas. The device further includes a solid-state hydrogen concentration sensor pneumatically connected with the mixing chamber, a gas transfer means for forming a flow of a measurement gas from the inlet port to the sensor, and a processor means for processing a concentration signal of the sensor and for producing a parameter related to the interaction between the metal workpiece and the absorbed hydrogen.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the compatibility of coals used in coke production and to produce cokes with desired strength by blending coals in consideration of the compatibility, the invention provides a technique which evaluates the adhesion strength obtained when two kinds of coals are carbonized based on properties of the coals. Surface tensions of two kinds of semicokes obtained by heat treating two kinds of coals are measured. Based on the difference between the two measured values of surface tension, the quality of the adhesiveness between the two kinds of coals is evaluated.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcement assembly including a first hollow metal sleeve, an anchor bar that is nested concentrically within the first hollow metal sleeve, and a second hollow metal sleeve. The first hollow metal sleeve is nested concentrically within the second hollow metal sleeve and an infill material is disposed in between the first hollow metal sleeve and the anchor bar, and in between the first hollow metal sleeve and the second hollow metal sleeve. The infill material dampens energy transfer to and from the concrete reinforcement assembly when employed for structural stability in a concrete structure. A method for repairing a damaged concrete anchor with the concrete reinforcement assembly. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute a method of determining a cyclic response factor of a concrete reinforcement assembly in a concrete structure.

Abstract: An automated platelet function analyzer includes a sampling vessel, a preparation vessel, an analysis vessel, a sampling needle, a blood sample syringe, an analysis solution syringe, and a blood mixing device. A method for platelet analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit for separating a sample comprising one or more biological analytes of interest using a multi-phase system comprising: a) two or more phase components selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a surfactant, and combinations thereof; b) optionally a tag molecule capable of binding the one or more biological analytes of interest; and c) instructions for: (i) combining the two or more phase-separated solutions with a common solvent to create a multi-phase system; (ii) optionally, combining the biological analyte of interest and tag molecule, and (iii) separating the biological analyte of interest from the sample.

Abstract: A protocol for assessing the prognosis for a patient diagnosed with a neoplasm or suspected of having a neoplasm is provided herein. The protocol involves the steps of determining a mitotic cells to proliferating cells ratio (M:P ratio) in a neoplastic tissue sample obtained from the patient and producing a prognosis for the neoplasm based on the M:P ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological method for assaying peptidoglycans (PGN) in a sample, particularly a sample of glucose polymers. The PGN assay includes: a) treating the glucose polymer sample by sonication, heating, and/or alkalizing; b) placing the treated sample or a dilution thereof in contact with a recombinant cell expressing an exogenous TLR2 (toll-like receptor 2) and a reporter gene directly dependent on the signaling pathway associated with the TLR2. The reporter gene codes for a colored or fluorescent protein or for a protein the activity of which is measurable with or without a substrate; c) measuring the reporter gene signal; and d) determining the amount of PGN in the sample using a standard curve of the correlation between the amount or PGN and the strength of the reporter gene signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for these assays.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of screening a modulator of Xkr8, comprising the steps of: (1) contacting Xkr8-expressing cells with a candidate of the modulator, and (2) selecting the candidate when the candidate alters distribution of a phospholipid in plasma membrane of the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates a simple method for evaluating free eukaryotic cell nuclei for biomarkers of DNA damage and/or transcription factor activation, activity, or expression levels and/or epigenetic modifications to chromatin or chromatin-associated factors. The invention also teaches useful strategies for combining nuclear biomarkers into a matrix of endpoints that are capable of elucidating genotoxicants' primary mode of DNA-damaging activity. Kits for conducting methods according to the invention are also described.

Abstract: Use of cereblon-associated proteins as biomarkers for clinical sensitivity to cancer, inflammatory diseases, and patient response to drug treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides for detecting target subpopulations of cells that have high proliferative and renewal properties in animals, including circulating tumor cells, cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. The invention utilizes a defined substrate and media of known property to enrich target cell subpopulations which can be used for future genetic, proteomic and morphological analyses. The method can use image-capture and analysis software to characterize cells based on physical properties, such as size, morphology and kinetic properties.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. A particle imaging system or analyzer can include a flowcell through which a urine sample containing particles is caused to flow, and a high optical resolution imaging device which captures images for image analysis. A contrast pattern for autofocusing is provided on the flowcell. The image processor assesses focus accuracy from pixel data contrast. A positioning motor moves the microscope and/or flowcell along the optical axis for autofocusing on the contrast pattern target. The processor then displaces microscope and flowcell by a known distance between the contrast pattern and the sample stream, thus focusing on the sample stream. Cell or particle images are collected from that position until autofocus is reinitiated, periodically, by input signal, or when detecting temperature changes or focus inaccuracy in the image data.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop and provide a method for efficiently and conveniently producing a nucleic acid aptamer, particularly, a DNA aptamer, having high specificity for and high binding activity against a target substance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a membrane sensor capable of changing a reaction condition by a single sample injection and a method for measuring a reaction using the same, and more specifically, a membrane sensor designed so that a bio reaction having two or more reaction conditions is sequentially generated by a single sample injection, by forming an asymmetric membrane between a reactant storing part and a reaction membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detection of binding or interaction events between a binding agent and its corresponding analyte (such as an antibody and an antigen) in which a signal is detected which is substantially more amplified and thus easier to detect than in prior art systems. The method comprises simultaneous but separate addition of a first enhancement reagent having affinity for said analyte and a second enhancement reagent having affinity for the first enhancement reagent wherein the first enhancement reagent binds to the analyte and the second enhancement reagent binds to the first enhancement reagent, and, wherein the first and second enhancement reagents have more than one binding site so that they are able to bind to each other to thereby amplify a detectable signal from the binding event.

Abstract: Described are immunoassay kits having a conjugate structure separate from an immunochromatographic strip in which the conjugate structure is freeze-dried with uniform droplet size, and related compositions and methods. The unique structure of the kits described here permits sample containing analyte to be reacted uniformly with the conjugate structure before being subjected to immunochromatography by application to the strip. This results in improved performance of the assay. In addition, the freeze-dried conjugate structure can be stored without contamination and is easy to carry. In addition, the freeze-dried conjugate structure can be rapidly and uniformly dissolved so that it is immediately allowed to react with a mixture of a buffer and a sample, the reaction product then being analyzed by immunochromatography, making it suitable for use in point-of-care testing.

Abstract: Physical changes resulting from an association between a template molecule and a target molecule are detected by monitoring changes in the template molecule. Exemplary changes include a change in a physical dimension or stiffness of the template molecule, a change in electrical conductivity of the template molecule and a change in the energy required to dissociate the target molecule and the template molecule. The magnitude of the change is indicative of the specific identity of the target molecule.

Abstract: A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices or apparatus and methods for membrane-, bead- or cell-based biomolecule analysis, where a detectable signal can be measured after affinity binding and/or enzymatic reaction occurs on the membranes, beads or cells. The apparatus or device can rapidly separate the beads or cells from the liquid solution without using centrifugation, vacuum, or magnetic force. The apparatus or device includes a sample well for receiving a sample containing cells or beads, as well as other aqueous solutions, a porous filter membrane at the bottom of the well which is capable of retaining the cells or beads on its upper surface by size exclusion, and an absorbing plug in touch with the filter membrane for removing the liquid solution. Multiple devices can be arranged in a multi-well array in a plate so that signals from multiple assays can be directly analyzed in a plate reader or an imaging instrument.

Abstract: A substrate for biochips which has a high probe loading amounts and a uniform immobilization density, and which further has a high detection sensitivity and a high reproducibility by preventing a non-specific adsorption of proteins, when used as a substrate for biochips for immobilizing probes composed of biologically relevant substances such as proteins and nucleic acids, is disclosed. Amino groups can be bound to the surface of the substrate uniformly, at a high density and stably by covalently immobilizing an amino group-containing polymer on the surface of the substrate. The probe immobilization rate is high and immobilizing density was uniform by immobilizing a probe composed of a biologically relevant substance such as a protein or nucleic acid by utilizing the amino groups. Further, detection sensitivity and reproducibility are high by inhibiting non-specific adsorption of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to methods and apparatuses for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. In some examples, the microculture apparatus includes a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.

Abstract: A biomimetic system is provided for use in modeling cell-cell adhesion mechanisms comprising functionalized emulsion droplets. Further, a cell culture medium and a drug delivery system using said biomimetic system are provided.

Abstract: A system for providing immunoassay test results for multiple medical conditions, comprising a testing device having thereon an alignment target and having a plurality of immunoassay test strips, the plurality of immunoassay test strips each including a sample pad capable of receiving a biologic sample, a conjugate pad containing particles for conjugating with antibodies or antigens present in the biologic sample, and a membrane strip having a test line and a control line, wherein the test line and the control line are viewable, and a mobile device having a camera, a viewing screen, and a software application stored thereon, wherein the software application provides executable instructions to capture an image of the testing device, process an image to determine pixel count and line intensity of the test line of each of the plurality of immunoassay test strips, and present test results on the viewing screen.