Abstract: Water-soluble polymers may be added to an aqueous system to inhibit or decrease scale deposition within the aqueous system. In a non-limiting embodiment, the water-soluble polymer(s) may be or include polymaleates, polyacrylates, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The treated aqueous system may include a decreased amount of scale deposition as compared to an otherwise identical aqueous system absent the water-soluble polymer(s).

Abstract: A system and method for determining fluorescence decay in a biological sample is provided. The method includes acquiring optical signal data from at least a part of a biological sample undergoing fluorescence, assembling the optical signal data into a set of spatial time-series data, and converting the set of spatial time-series data into a set of spatial frequency time-series data. The method also includes applying a spatial filter to the set of spatial frequency time-series data to yield a set of filtered frequency-series data, the spatial filter configured to separate, from the set of frequency-series data, fluorescence signals consistent with a non-diffuse component and converting the set of filtered frequency-series data into a set of filtered time-series data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining an isotopic property of a sample mass including placing a sample mass on a solid state detector exposing the solid state detector to a neutron flux. The solid state detector is configured to receive fluorescence damage in response to interaction with a fission product produced from fission of at least a portion of the sample mass. The method also including exposing the solid state detector to a light source, measuring the light emissions of the fluorescence damage, and determining an isotopic property of the sample mass based on the light emissions of the fluorescence damage.

Abstract: A spliced detection apparatus for simultaneous wide-range in-situ detection of dissolved oxygen in a sludge-water interface of the present invention comprises a dissolved oxygen shimmer host, several detection probes, a casing and detection kits, several vertically through seat chambers being disposed in the casing, the detection kits can be placed and fixed in the seat chambers, the detection kits may be placed on the sludge-water interface, and each detection kit is provided with a vertically through water passage chamber, while the front side face and the back side face of the detection kit are respectively provided with several front slots and rear slots horizontally extending into the detection kit respectively, the detection apparatus further comprises tabs, with probe grooves being provided on the tabs, each detection probe can be put into the probe groove of the corresponding tab and fixed therein, the tabs may be inserted either into the front slots or the rear slots and can enable the probe tips of

Abstract: A laser beam 6 irradiated from a side face of a microchip 1 in which plural channels 2 fill ed with a member of a refractive index n2 in an inner portion of a member of a refractive index n1 (n2<n1) are arranged in parallel with the same plane, along the same plane is refracted in a direction of being directed from an upper base to a lower base in a case where a section of the channel 2 is configured by a trapezoidal shape of upper base>lower base, and is deviated swiftly from a channel array. Hence, the laser beam 6 is made to be deviated gradually from the channel array by irradiating the laser beam 6 from the side face of the microchip 1 by being inclined relative to the same plane in a direction of being directed from the lower base to the upper base. As a result, a larger number of the channels 2 can efficiently be subjected to laser beam irradiation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating locations of sub-wavelength-sized emitters, which may be sparsely arrayed among inactive emitters, in one or more dimensions to synthesize a super-resolved image. The emitter emits light in response to structured illumination, which may be acousto-optically generated. The structured illumination is translated, and a detector, such as a camera pixel, senses the emitted linear or nonlinear response, producing a periodic signal. A processor computes a phase of the signal using phase shifting interferometry and uses it to estimate the emitter location with resolution finer than a quarter of the illumination wavelength. Modulation depth and/or amplitude of the signal may be used to estimate emitter size and/or evaluate location fidelity. Optical sectioning or extended depth of field may be provided by controlling spatial coherence of the illumination. Encoding and decoding emitter locations with non-periodic patterns is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a fungal infection of a plant—The method comprises: emitting excitation radiation by one or more radiation sources to the plant, said radiation comprising first excitation wavelengths being within the absorption band of a compound whose content in the plant is affected by a fungal infection, in particular a phenolic compound, and second excitation wavelengths being outside the absorption band of said compound, thereby inducing chlorophyll fluorescence; detecting chlorophyll fluorescence radiation from the plant; and obtaining a value being indicative for the fungal infection of the plant, said value is dependent from the detected chlorophyll fluorescence radiation induced by excitation radiation of the first excitation wavelengths and the detected chlorophyll fluorescence radiation induced by excitation radiation of the second excitation wavelengths.

Abstract: A method (200) for determining a concentration of an analyte in a fluid or fluid sample, comprises: providing (201) a SERS substrate comprising receptor molecules (107) capable of binding competitor molecules (106); contacting (202) the SERS substrate (102) with a fluid (sample) comprising analyte (108) and such competitor molecules (106); radiating (203) the SERS substrate (102) with a light source while measuring a SERS signal; and determining (205) a concentration of the analyte (108) based on the measured signal level. A corresponding device and system are also provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for optical sensing of single molecule or molecules in various concentrations are provided. The optical sensor system comprises a first fiber, a second fiber, a light source and a detection device. The first fiber and the second fiber are fused together to form an optical coupler. The first fiber serves as the passageway for the analyte, while the second fiber serves as the waveguide for the light that will interact with the said analyte. One end of the second fiber is connected to the light source (e.g. laser), and the opposite end is connected to the detection device (e.g. spectrometer). The analyte is introduced into the first fiber through one of its ends, and is allowed to flow through inside the hollow core of the said first fiber. When light is delivered through the input end of the second fiber, the evanescent light is formed in the optical coupler and is allowed to interact with the analyte in the first fiber.

Abstract: Various embodiments are drawn to systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample including an optical sensor, a capture probe attached to a surface of the optical sensor wherein the capture probe is capable of binding to the analyte to form a duplex or complex, and an antibody capable of binding to the analyte, duplex, or complex. In several embodiments, systems and methods further include a particle attached to the antibody or capable of binding to the antibody. In several embodiments, systems and methods for analyte detection feature one or more of the following: high detection sensitivity and specificity, scalability and multiplex capacity, ability to analyze large analytes, and ability to detect or measure multiple individual binding events in real-time.

Abstract: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.

Abstract: An optical sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, the optical sensor comprising a perfluorosulfonate ionomer membrane comprising a solution, wherein the solution comprises a transition metal-free dye component, wherein exposure of the optical sensor to a specific environmental condition produces a color shift on the optical sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure is a method and system for monitoring the condition of an optical protective component in a laser system associated with a data processor. In one embodiment, the method begins with directing light from the process head of a laser through the optical protective component onto a workpiece. A return light via the workpiece causes light signals coupled through the protective component and into to a fiber which extends proximate the protective component and thereafter flexibly to a sensor. The sensed signals allow monitoring the condition of the protective component during use. The method and system is operative for use with optical protective elements downstream of the process head.

Abstract: A method for detecting defects includes directing a scanning beam to a location on a surface of a transparent sample, measuring top and bottom surface specular reflection intensity, and storing coordinate values of the first location and the top and bottom surface specular reflection intensity in a memory. The method may further include comparing the top surface specular reflection intensity measured at each location with a first threshold value, comparing the bottom surface specular reflection intensity measured at each location with a second threshold value, and determining if a defect is present at each location and on which surface the defect is present. The method may further include comparing the top surface specular reflection intensity measured at each location with a first intensity range, comparing the bottom surface specular reflection intensity measured at each location with a second intensity range, and determining on which surface the defect is present.

Abstract: Examples herein include apparatus and techniques that can be used to perform rotational spectroscopy on gas-phase samples. Such techniques can include using a spectrometer providing frequency synthesis and pulse modulation to provide excitation (e.g., pump or probe pulses) of a gas-phase sample at mm-wave frequencies. Synthesis of such mm-wave frequencies can include use of a frequency multiplier, such as an active multiplier chain (AMC). A free induction decay (FID) elicited by the excitation or other time-domain information can be obtained from the sample, such as down-converted and digitized. A frequency domain representation of the digitized information, such as a Fourier transformed representation, can be used to provide a rotational spectrum.

Abstract: An X-ray computer-tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray detector, a reading unit, and a read control unit. The X-ray detector has a first region and a second region at least a part of which is aligned with the first region along a channel direction, the first region in which a plurality of first detection devices that detect X-rays are arranged, the second region in which a plurality of second detection devices having a width smaller in a slice direction than that of the first detection device are arranged. The reading unit reads a signal of the X-rays detected. The read control unit adjusts timing of reading signals from the first detection device and the second detection device according to difference between the size of the first and the second detection device in such a manner that time difference in the reading signals in the slice direction decreases.

Abstract: A nuclear level sensing gauge for measuring the level of product in a bin utilizes a plurality of scintillators arranged in a serial fashion. A source of nuclear radiation is positioned adjacent the bin, and the scintillators, which may be bundles of one or more scintillating fibers or scintillating crystals, are positioned in a serial fashion adjacent the bin opposite the source of nuclear radiation, such that nuclear radiation passing through the bin impinges upon the bundles. Light guides carry photons emitted by the scintillators—which are indicative of radiation passing through the bin—to a common photomultiplier tube. The tube is connected to electronics which convert counts of photons from the PMT into a measure of the level of radiation-absorbing product in the bin.

Abstract: A sample (106) is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation such as X-Rays and diffraction data is sampled at inner and outer caustic rims formed at a sensor surface (108) and defined by a continuum of Debye cones (130, 132) formed by diffraction of the incident radiation. Intensities of the inner and outer rims while translating and rotating the sample are converted using a tomographic technique into X-ray diffraction images and material discrimination is also possible.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of small volumes such as yoctoliter volumes, are described. The systems include one or more plasmonic nanostructures attached at or near a nanopore. Upon excitation of the plasmonic nanostructures, such as for example by exposure to laser light, the nanoparticles are rapidly heated thereby causing a change in the ionic conductance along the nanopore. The temperature change is determined from the ionic conductance. These temperature changes can be used to control rapid thermodynamic changes in molecular analytes as they interact with the nanopore.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a sensor (10) having a layer arrangement (12), wherein the layer arrangement (12) comprises at least a base layer (14), a middle layer (16) and an outer layer (18), wherein the middle layer (16) is arranged at least partly upon and in contact with the base layer (14) and wherein the outer layer (18) is arranged at least partly upon and in contact with the middle layer (16), wherein the base layer (14) comprises a metal, wherein the middle layer (16) comprises a metal oxide, and wherein the outer layer (18) is porous and comprises a material selected from the group comprising electrically conductive carbon compounds such as, more particularly, graphite or carbon nanotubes (CNTs), organic electrical conductors and base metals, and wherein electrical contacts can be formed with the base layer (14) and outer layer (18) for a conductivity measurement and/or a resistance measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple analyte analysis are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes determining concentrations of first and second analytes in a sample. The first and second analytes may be, for example, glucose and hydroxybutyrate. In this form, an indication related to the measured concentration of hydroxybutyrate is provided in response to determining that the concentration of hydroxybutyrate is above a predetermined value. In a further aspect of this form, a quantitative indication representative of the measured glucose concentration is automatically provided regardless of the value of the measured glucose concentration. In another embodiment, a system includes a meter configured to interact with a test element to assess first and second analytes in a sample. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the description and drawings.

Abstract: Monitoring of conductivity within a steam generating system may proceed in real time and without interruption of the steam generating system by use of a boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor placed within the steam generating system. The boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor has a diamond body and a plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes disposed within the diamond body. At least a portion of each of the plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes is doped with boron to provide metallic conduction.

Abstract: There is presented an electrochemical sensor (100) for sensing nitrous oxide (N2O) in an associated volume (106), the sensor comprising a primary chamber (110), a secondary chamber (120) being placed adjacent the primary chamber (110), the secondary chamber (120) comprising electrodes for performing electrochemical measurements and furthermore an electrolyte comprising an aprotic solvent. A first membrane (114) and a secondary membrane (124) are permeable to nitrous oxide and may be arranged so as to separate the associated volume (106) from a primary volume (116) within the primary chamber (110), and the primary volume (116) from a secondary volume (126) within the secondary chamber (120), where the primary chamber (110) comprises means for hindering oxygen in passing into the secondary volume (126), and wherein the working electrode (104) comprises indium (In).

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the properties of the fuel of an internal combustion engine includes at least one pair of internal electrodes (12, 13), extending in an axial direction relative to a further or third external electrode (14) which surrounds them. The invention also relates to a fuel rail (2) to which the sensor may be mounted, and a method for detecting the properties of the fluid.

Abstract: A gas sensor system (1) includes a gas sensor (2) having a cell (14) electrically communicating with a first terminal T1 and a second terminal T2, and a cell (24) electrically communicating with T2 and a third terminal T3; and a sensor control section (40) including detection circuits (41, 43) for detecting the terminal potentials V1, V3. The sensor control section includes circuit (44) for bringing T2 to an examination potential Vex; constant current circuits (47, 48) for supplying examination currents Ipoc, Icp; terminal potential detection means S5 for detecting V1, V3 before the gas sensor detects the gas concentration in an activated state, and in a state in which T2 is brought to examination potential Vex and Ipoc, Icp are supplied to the cells (14, 24); and wire breakage determination means S6, S10 for determining a wire breakage anomaly and its location based on the V1, V3.

Abstract: Translocation events are sensed using composite nanopore assemblies including nanopores formed in graphene sheets. Single molecule detection and characterization and multi-molecule characterization and identification are provided using such assemblies. Multiple electrodes associated with nanofluidic sensors facilitate detection of ionic current through a nanopore as well as tunneling currents. Current signals of individual molecules are estimated from the combination of an ionic current signal through the nanopore and tunneling current signals obtained at specific locations within the nanopore.

Abstract: Embodiments provide mercury detection systems and methods for detecting the presence of mercury ions in one or more samples. In a detection method, a sample and TPET2 molecules are introduced into a channel. A first potential difference is applied across the length of the channel in a first direction, and a first electrical property value is detected. Subsequently, a second potential difference is applied across the length of the channel in a second opposite direction, and a second electrical property value is detected. Presence or absence of mercury ions in the channel is determined based on a comparison between the first and second electrical property values.

Abstract: Differential mobility spectrometry is performed under vacuum. Ions generated in a high pressure region are received from the inlet orifice of a vacuum chamber using a first ion guide located in the vacuum chamber. The first ion guide focuses the generated ions on a DMS device inlet end using a plurality of tapered electrodes. The DMS device is coaxial and adjacent to the first ion guide. The DMS device separates the focused ions using a plurality of electrodes. The inscribed diameter at the DMS device inlet end is larger than the inscribed diameter at the first ion guide exit end to maximize ion transfer. The separated ions are received from the DMS device using a second ion guide coaxial and adjacent to the DMS device. The second ion guide focuses the separated ions on an exit orifice of the vacuum chamber using a plurality of tapered electrodes.

Abstract: Sodium-cesium detection systems and methods for the simultaneous detection of both sodium (Na) and cesium (Cs) in gas are provided. The detection systems include two non-identical ionization chambers each having an anode and a cathode that ionize Na and Cs in gas. Each ionization chamber generates a current proportional to the Na and Cs concentration and based on the current, Na concentration and Cs concentration in the gas is determined.

Abstract: The invention concerns structural integrity assessment apparatus for determining stress concentration zones in a structure, such as a pipeline. The apparatus allows particularly to detect defects in buried pipelines using magnetometric surveying where anomalies in the magnetic field around the pipelines are detected. The apparatus has a plurality of triaxial magnetic field sensors, each sensor being arranged to measure magnetic field components in a plurality of directions. A support is provided to maintain said sensors in a predetermined relative spacing and orientation. The support is moveable relative to a structure under assessment in use and may be portable. Three or more magnetic field sensors are provided which may be arranged in a linear, two-dimensional or three-dimensional array. The apparatus may include position determining means, such as a global positioning system (GPS), so that stress concentration zones can be located on the structure.

Abstract: A method and a device for the non-destructive inspection of a rotationally symmetric workpiece having sections with different diameters by a non-destructive inspection technique, such as ultrasound, are provided. Within the context of the method, a test data set characterizing the material properties of the workpiece is generated by the inspection technique. An azimuth angle-dependent indicated value set is generated therefrom. Subsequently, a representation of the workpiece is generated, wherein the elements of the indicated value set are depicted in the representation in a spatially resolved manner. In particular, a graphic representation of the surface of the workpiece can be generated in which flaw signals are displayed that may have been found.

Abstract: A non-contact testing system and method using acoustic sensors and a mobile sensing system using this system and method is disclosed. The leaky surface wave is recorded with directional microphones. A fast inversion analysis algorithm is introduced to estimate the shear velocity profile and elastic modulus for the subsurface layers of pavement structures, using the dispersion curves obtained from the acoustic signals. An electrical hammer is used to produce impact impulses automatically. A mobile sensing system is integrated on a mobile cart to perform the mobile subsurface sensing for pavement structures.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a detection system includes a plurality of sensor nodes and a sensor module. The plurality of sensor nodes detects sound waves generated from a prestressed concrete and converts the detected sound waves into detection signals. The sensor module is connected to the plurality of sensor nodes and receives the detection signals. The plurality of sensor nodes includes the sensor nodes in an operating state and the sensor nodes in a dormant state in which power consumption is held down as compared to the operating state. When magnitude of the detection signals is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the sensor module switches the sensor node in the dormant state to the operating state.

Abstract: A sensor unit for inducing and indicating ultra sonic sound waves in at least one threaded fastener by physical contact with an end surface thereof, wherein the sensor unit includes: a support casing, a sensor element with forward contact surface for engaging the fastener end surface and movable relative to the support casing between rest and active positions, and a bias spring between the support casing and the sensor element to urge the sensor element into the rest position as the sensor element is out of contact with the fastener end surface and to bias the contact surface of the sensor element into physical contact with the fastener end surface in the active position. The support casing includes a positioning socket, engaged by the sensor element in the rest position, having a non-cylindrical and non-circular cross sectional inner shape and congruent with an outer shape of the sensor element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing real time measurement of capacitance for a plurality of transducing elements in an acoustic probe during repair are disclosed. An example method includes determining, at a second time, a capacitance of a transducing element of the plurality of transducing elements; when the capacitance of the transducing element is (A) outside an acceptable range and (B) different than an initial capacitance of the transducing element, triggering an alert, the initial capacitance determined at a first time prior to the second time and continuing to determine the capacitance of the transducing element; and when the capacitance of the transducing element is within the acceptable range, continuing to determine the capacitance of the transducing element.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic (GC) unit or module may include one or more microfluidic devices, a GC column, and a flow controller (FC) comprising an FC input port for controlling fluid flows and pressures. The GC unit may be reconfigurable to provide different functionalities. The GC unit may be fluidly coupled to various other fluidic devices, such as other GC units, sample inlets, GC detectors, and the like. Multiple GC units and other fluidic devices may be utilized to build GC devices and associated systems of flexible, reconfigurable, and scalable architecture, thereby enabling a variety of modes of operation useful for present and future GC method development.

Abstract: The disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus including a first gas chromatograph including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a first temperature control. A controller is coupled to the first temperature control and includes logic to apply a first temperature profile to the first temperature control to heat, cool, or both heat and cool the first gas chromatograph. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A container assembly for use with a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument is disclosed, in which the container assembly, when coupled to a source of pressurized gas, provides fluid medium to the HPLC instrument at positive pressure. The container assembly has an external exterior container shell, an internal fluid container for holding fluid medium, an interstitial volume between the external exterior container shell and the internal fluid container, a port for fluidly connecting the volume to a pressurized gas source, and a port for fluidly connecting the internal fluid container to the HPLC instrument. As a pressurized gas in the interstitial volume increases, fluid medium flows out of the port connected to the internal fluid bag and container assembly at a positive pressure. A system incorporating the container assembly, and method of use of the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wavy micro gas chromatography column includes a silicon substrate and a bonded glass cover. A micro channel having a rectangular cross section is etched on the silicon substrate and coated with a stationary phase film. A projection figure of the micro channel on the silicon substrate includes multiple regular wavy curves. Each wavy curve is formed through alternately connecting first upper arcs with first lower arcs. Because the groove has a curving structure, the carrier gas velocity is decreased as the increase of the arc angle, resulting in an improvement of the flow uniformity at the zones between two adjacent bends but also an enlarging nonsymmetric distribution at the bends. Thus, an optimal curving structure can make the overall flow more even, and in turn achieve a better separation performance compared to the straight channel columns. Meanwhile, a wavy channel realizes a longer column length on a given area.

Abstract: This invention improves the sensitivity of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry device by reducing the number of neutral particles that are not ionized during ionization and the number of low-molecular ions from a solvent used in the liquid chromatography. Said liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry device is provided with ion sources, a mass spectrometry unit, a detector, and three electrodes laid out so as to be parallel to each other. The first electrode and the second electrode have openings that allow ions to pass therethrough. The trajectories of said ions are deflected between the second electrode and the third electrode, thereby directing ions generated by the ion sources towards the mass spectrometry unit.

Abstract: A method in which a sample of a gas mixture to be analyzed via gas chromatography is conducted through a chromatographic separating device via a carrier gas, separated components of the gas mixture are subsequently quantitatively determined in an absorption spectrometer having a wavelength-adaptable light source, and in order to increase the speed of analysis and to be able to also determine components that cannot be measured via absorption spectroscopy, the wavelength of the light source can be adapted to an absorption line of the carrier gas, where the individual components of the gas mixture are determined indirectly via a concentration reduction of the carrier gas.

Abstract: A both ultraviolet-visible and double monochromatic fluorescence dual detector has a small inner-casing, which combines both ultraviolet-visible and double monochromatic fluorescence dual detector widely used in the high performance liquid chromatography by taking the first to use deuterium lamp as the individual light source of the dual detectors, the individual sample detection cell and the individual electrical circuit, the device comprises a detection optical member, which including a first monochromatic spectroscopic device—raster G1, a second monochromatic spectroscopic device—raster G2, a light source, four groups of lens needed for processing the light paths; and a detection electromechanical member, which includes: a central controller, a proposed amplifying module, an auto gain module, a noise processing module and a logarithm amplifying module. The dual detector realizes the sensitivity and stability, also the elimination of noise and drift.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of crocetin and its derivative amounts and the derivative composition from gardenia yellow. The method mainly comprises of following steps: the absorbance measurement of a gardenia yellow aqueous solution at known concentration by UV-VIS, the absorption coefficient measurement of total crocetin derivative, the total crocetin derivative amount calculation according to Lambert-Beer law, the relative amount calculation of each crocetin derivative from its absorption coefficient and peak area on HPLC, the amount calculation of each crocetin derivative from the total amount of crocetin derivative and the relative amount of each crocetin derivative, and finally total crocetin amount calculation.

Abstract: Compositions that include bis(glyoxime)-transition metal complexes bound to metal oxide solid supports are provided. In some embodiments the compositions include nickel dimethylglyoxime and the metal oxide supports can be alumina or silica. These compositions can be used to make a colorimetric moisture-indicating sensor that changes visible reflection spectrum quantitatively and reversibly according to the amount of moisture in contact with the sensor. Also provided is a method of detecting moisture using the provided compositions.

Abstract: An oxygen detecting multilayer body allows easy detection of a color change of an oxygen detecting layer, and prevention of crazing of an oxygen detecting layer. The oxygen detecting multilayer body includes a transparent resin layer, a heat seal layer, and an oxygen detecting layer containing an oxygen detecting component, placed occupying a part of a space between the transparent resin layer and the heat seal layer, wherein a spacer is placed to occupy at least a part of a space between the transparent resin layer and the heat seal layer, where the oxygen detecting layer is not provided, so as to make up a missing thickness of the oxygen detecting multilayer body, wherein the thickness of the oxygen detecting layer is from 0.5 to 40 ?m, and the ratio of the thickness of the oxygen detecting layer to the thickness of the spacer is from 15:1 to 1:10.

Abstract: A calibration curve creating method includes: (a) acquiring observation data of a plurality of samples of a test object; (b) acquiring content of a target component of each sample; (c) estimating a plurality of independent components when the observation data of each sample is separated into the plurality of independent components, and acquiring a mixing coefficient corresponding to the target component for each sample; and (d) acquiring a regression equation of a calibration curve. (c) includes acquiring an independent component matrix by performing a first preprocessing including normalization of the observation data, a second preprocessing including whitening, and an independent component analysis process in this order. ? divergence is used as an independence index of the independent component analysis process, and a robust regression method is used in (d).

Abstract: An integrated experimental system of hydrofracturing, water jet slotting, seepage and gas displacement under true triaxial stress, including: a true triaxial stress loading experimental frame, a loading system and a monitoring system. The true triaxial stress loading experimental frame and the loading system are connected by oil pipes; the monitoring system is connected to the true triaxial stress loading experimental frame and the loading system by signal lines; the true triaxial stress loading experimental frame comprises a main experimental bench and six flat jacks; a loading cavity for test block is equipped in the main experimental bench; the six flat jacks are set in the loading cavity; and a space of regular hexahedron is formed by the six flat jacks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of predicting sediment content of a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon product. The method involves: (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; (d) determining asphaltene content of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; (e) determining one or more asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; and (f) correlating the asphaltene content and one of the asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample with at least two operation conditions associated with a refinery to predict sediment content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting fluid composition in a reservoir formation are disclosed. To accurately and efficiently predict the composition of a sample fluid, an absorption spectrum is obtained over a prefixed set of wavelength channels and a set of basis spectra is received for all constituents of interest in the sample fluid. A set of a-priori constraints on the obtained absorption spectrum and constituent properties to be determined is then obtained, before calculating a joint probability distribution of all constituents of interest based on the obtained spectrum, basis spectra and a-priori constraints. In one embodiment, qualitative states are also computed for all constituents of interest based on the obtained spectrum, basis spectra and a-priori constraints.