Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining the effectiveness of one or more asphaltene dispersant additives for inhibiting or preventing asphaltene precipitation in a hydrocarbon-containing material subjected to elevated temperature and pressure conditions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable-medium with instructions for receiving data and providing calculated adjustments to a paint application process can comprise receiving at the server a first operating parameter associated with a first paint processing machine at a first painting facility. The method can also comprise receiving at the server a first quality control measurement from an analysis of a finished first paint product. Additionally, the method can comprise accessing from a database a set of historical operating parameters associated with the first painting processing machine. Further, the method can comprise automatically identifying a deficiency in the finished first paint product based upon the first quality control measurement. Further still, the method can comprise transmitting to a mobile computing device screen a proposed adjustment to the first operating parameter that will correct the deficiency.

Abstract: A method for examining wear of a connector contact using atom transfer radical polymerization. Metals in the connector contact are involved in atom transfer radical polymerization. In the method, polymers are formed via atom transfer radical polymerization. An average molecular weight and a polydispersity index of the polymers are determined. The exposure of underlying metal layers of the connector contact is determined based on the average molecular weight and atom transfer radical polymerization.

Abstract: A biosensor meter (10a) is provided for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid, such as glucose in blood. The biosensor meter includes a USB port (14a) having a first data signal port terminal (32d?), and a detection circuit (50a) including a first input terminal and an output terminal. The first input terminal of the detection circuit (50a) is coupled to the first data signal port terminal (32d?). The detection circuit (50a) provides at the output terminal a first output signal when a current sensed at the first input terminal is greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount, and a second output signal when the current sensed at the first input terminal is less than the first predetermined amount.

Abstract: A breath acetone meter is provided. The blood glucose meter includes a receiver comprising a first polymer and a second plurality of layers arranged in an alternating arrangement. The receiver is configured to receive a breath sample from a user. The first plurality of layers and second plurality of layers being configured to interact in response to the level of acetone in the breath sample. The breath acetone meter further including a light source arranged to emit a light onto the receiver. A sensor is arranged to receive the light and output a voltage in response to receiving the light, wherein the voltage is proportional to an amount of acetone in the breath sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions related to high mannose glycans are described.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, methods, a system, and kits for detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in samples, such as samples of water including but not limited to waste water treatment plant effluent, using a live-cell fluorescence-based nuclear translocation reporter system. Upon binding of a ligand to a fluorescent-labeled reporter protein, the protein (and therefore the fluorescence) is translocated in a ligand level-dependent manner from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of live mammalian cells; this translocation is detectable as diffuse (cytoplasmic) fluorescence converting to localized, brightly fluorescent nuclei. The described kits can be used to reliably detect very low levels of EDC contamination, including in high throughput analysis systems as described.

Abstract: A method of screening for a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia and a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia are provided. The following are provided: a method of screening for a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia, comprising a step of culturing chondroprogenitor cells under conditions in which the cells are brought into contact with a test substance and conditions in which the cells are not brought into contact with the test substance and a step of determining the SOX9 promoter activity, cAMP level, or degree of phosphorylation of CREB in the cells or the extracellular matrix volume in a culture; and a therapeutic and/or preventive drug for cartilaginous hyperplasia, comprising as an active ingredient an adenylate cyclase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rapid diagnosis method of citrus huanglongbing. In the present invention, the accuracy of diagnosis of citrus huanglongbing is significantly improved in the following manners: eliminating the interference of residual starch by effectively removing the residual starch contained in the leaf; eliminating the interference of chlorophyll by effectively removing chlorophyll; and directly developing the color on the leaf rather than mixing and grinding the leaf in water, so as to avoid the problem that the accuracy of color development reaction conducted by mixing the leaf with water is liable to be interfered since the starch is insoluble in water. Therefore a rapid diagnosis of the citrus huanglongbing with much higher accuracy is achieved, which provides effective detection means for the control of the citrus huanglongbing and is beneficial for the control of the citrus huanglongbing.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for performing a biochemical analysis, especially in outer space, wherein at least one analyte in a sample is determined qualitatively and/or quantitatively by means of selective binding of an analyte-specific pair composed of a binding substance and a detection substance to the analyte and by labeling by a labeling substance, and wherein the sample, the binding substance, the detection substance and the labeling substance are mixed in a reaction vessel in one method step. It is proposed that the mixing be brought about by means of mixing bodies.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for detecting ligand using a biosensor applied the FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) phenomenon. More particularly, the method may be used for simply detecting a ligand in a sample by measuring the FRET of a biosensor under the conditions in which a specific critical temperature is maintained. The method may use a phenomenon in which a ligand-binding protein in a biosensor shows reversible unfolding at a temperature higher than the specific critical temperature and the level of the unfolding changes depending on the concentration of a ligand. The method can be widely applied to a variety of kinds of FRET biosensors using the ligand-binding protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for determining the presence of a specific compound in solution. The device includes a nanosensor having an electrically conducting pathway between at least a first and second contact. The device also includes a first receptor, suitable for binding a specific compound in the solution, attached to the nanosensor, and a second receptor also suitable for binding the specific compound while the specific compound is bound to the first receptor. The second receptor is attached to an enzyme added to the solution. When the solution having the second receptor is added to the device, and a second compound that is a substrate for the enzyme is subsequently added to the solution, a measured difference in an electrical property in the device before and after the application of the second compound is indicative of the presence of the specific compound in the solution.

Abstract: A test device uses driven flow technology in a simplified testing format, such as dip format, to provide a rapid diagnostic test device that shortens the interpretation time of the test result to less than one minute and minimizes manufacturing costs. The test device shortens the distance between the opening on the front side housing and the conjugate pad without squeezing the sample pad and without requiring a separate component, such as a cap, to squeeze the sample pad. The test device utilizes a single, integral housing made from, for example, a flexible transparent material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that integrates the traditional base and top, or inner and outer tubes, into one to save the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, compositions (e.g., capture complexes), and kits useful for enhancing the detection of antibodies in a test sample. The methods, devices, and compositions utilize detectable Fc-binding molecules such as Protein A, Protein G, and/or an Fc-specific antibody to amplify the signal of a detected antibody in immunoassays, such as lateral flow assays.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting a microorganism in a sample includes a polymer matrix and an immobilized layer of bacteriophages on the surface of the polymer matrix, wherein interaction of the bacteriophage with the microorganism causes a detectable physicochemical change in the polymer matrix. A method of detecting a microorganism in a sample using the biosensor includes the steps of contacting the sample with the biosensor; allowing the bacteriophage to bind to the microorganism in the sample; and detecting a physicochemical change in the polymer matrix, the change being indicative of the presence of the microorganism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell wall C-polysaccharide antigen of Streptococcus pneumoniae which contains not more than 10% by weight of protein, and preferably less which has been purified with 0.1N Na OH prior to deproteinizing. Also disclosed are polyvalent antibodies raised against Streptococcus pneumoniae which have been affinity purified by passing them over a chromatographic affinity matrix to which is coupled the purified and at least partially deproteinized antigen to render them antigen-specific.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosing, predicting risk of and/or treating diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the treatment of lung cancer patients, especially NSCLC with SCC or PLC using a drug against EGFR, such as an anti-EGFR antibody treatment, e.g., cetuximab. In addition, the present invention provides methods for identification or selection of lung cancer patients for the treatment with a drug against EGFR, such as an anti-EGFR antibody treatment, e.g., cetuximab based on histological determinations.

Abstract: The present invention provides that exosomes from human body fluid samples contain double stranded genomic DNA that spans all chromosomes and may be used to determine the mutation status of genes of interest in diseases, such as cancer. Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of exosomes to produce therapeutic proteins and for their use in therapy as well as the detection of cancer cell-derived exosomes to diagnose cancer and monitor therapeutic response.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying a subject with cancer for treatment with a Psap peptides. The subject is identified based on a level of CD36. Also provided herein are compositions and methods for treatment of a subject with cancer based on a level of CD36.

Abstract: Novel phenyl-glyoxal based anti-citrulline probes and methods of synthesis are provided. Methods of use, such as, the development of methods for monitoring substrate citrullination over time; for identifying citrullinated proteins from cells are described.

Abstract: An interchangeable sensor system is described, including: a microcantilever including a beam anchored at a first end, the beam being free to vibrate on another end, wherein a piezoelectric layer is deposited on a surface of the beam; an input configured to receive a voltage from a voltage source for applying voltage to the piezoelectric layer; and a resonating circuit including: the piezoelectric layer, configured as a capacitor of the resonant circuit; and one or more additional electrical elements; wherein the voltage source is configured to apply a first AC voltage under a first condition for actuating the microcantilever at a first mechanical resonating frequency of the microcantilever and a second AC voltage under a second condition for actuating the microcantilever at a second electrical resonating frequency of the resonating circuit. Method of using the sensor system is also described.

Abstract: Biological sample measurement device includes biological sample measuring instrument, and temperature information supply instrument which supplies temperature information regarding a measurement environment to biological sample measuring instrument and has holding portion of biological sample measuring instrument on the upper surface thereof. Biological sample measuring instrument has main body case, measurement unit provided inside main body case, a control unit connected to the measurement unit, and temperature information reception unit connected to the control unit. Holder has temperature sensor, and temperature information transmission unit which is connected to temperature sensor and transmits the temperature information to temperature information reception unit.

Abstract: A lateral test flow arrangement for a test molecule is disclosed, comprising: a test strip for transporting an analyte away from a sampling region and towards an absorbing region, the test strip having therein and remote from the sampling region, a test region for functionalization with a molecule which binds to the test molecule or to a conjugate of the test molecule; a sensing test capacitor having electrodes extending across the test strip at least partially aligned with the test region and being physically isolated therefrom; a reference test capacitor having electrodes extending across the test strip and being physically isolated therefrom; and an electronic circuit configured to measure a time-dependant capacitance difference between the sensing test capacitor and the reference test capacitor. A method for carrying out that lateral flow tests is also disclosed, as are test systems and in particular pregnancy test systems.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device, methods and kits for determining the presence or quantity of an analyte in a test sample are provided. The immunochromatographic device comprises a membrane having a capture antibody bound thereto at a test zone, wherein the capture antibody is capable of binding with an analyte, in particular a Z-AAT protein present in a sample from a PiZ gene carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating concussion/mTBI.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the amount of one or more CAH panel analytes (i.e., pregnenolone, 17-OH pregnenolone, progesterone, 17-OH progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, testosterone, deoxycorticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisol) in a sample by mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing one or more CAH panel analytes in a sample and quantifying the generated ions to determine the amount of one or more CAH panel analytes in the sample. In methods where amounts of multiple CAH panel analytes are detected, the amounts of multiple analytes are detected in the same sample injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ellagic acid formulations for performing coagulation assays that are highly stable for long term storage and reduce assay time. Particularly, aspects of the present invention are directed to a composition and method of preparing ellagic acid in a highly soluble format for use in a coagulation assay. For example, the ellagic acid may be solubilized in one or more of sodium hydroxide, methanol, a polyether compound, particularly polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, or polyoxyethylene, and a cyclodextrin guest-host complex.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to mass spectral analysis. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve analyzing a lipid containing sample using a mass spectrometry technique, in which the technique utilizes a liquid phase that does not destroy native tissue morphology during analysis.

Abstract: Chemical compositions and methods provide labeling, detection and measurement of target substances in exhaled human breath, and can be implemented in connection with a handheld device—much like a Breathalyzer portable breath testing unit for alcohol—to support rapid quantification of levels of cannabinoid compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), of suspected users at the roadside.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer capable of avoiding carry-over between samples, and a sample dispensing method, are provided. To that end, an automatic analyzer (1) for performing analysis of both assay menu with a high carry-over avoiding level and assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level, includes: a first sample dispensing apparatus (6) loaded with a disposable tip (60a) for sample dispensing for assay menu with a high carry-over avoiding level, and for subdividing and dispensing a sample for assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level; an aliquot container (9) for subdividing and containing a sample for assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level, subdivided and dispensed by the first sample dispensing apparatus (6); and a second sample dispensing apparatus (5) loaded with a reusable probe (50), for sample dispensing for assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level.

Abstract: A sensor device for speed measurement on a wheel of a vehicle includes a sensor carrier with an integrated sensor to sense the rotation of a pole wheel that rotates along with the wheel. The sensor device has a clamping mechanism integrated into the sensor carrier by which the sensor carrier can be displaceably clamped into a holding opening in the region of the wheel and/or in any orientation with respect to rotations about the longitudinal axis of the sensor carrier. The sensor arrangement can be mounted with less effort and more cost-efficiently than with the current international standard of combining a clamping bush and subsequently mounted rod sensor. Spring-loaded clamps can be fastened as terminal blocks in longitudinal grooves in the sensor, and the spring-loaded elements thereof can protrude over the circumference of the sensor prior to mounting.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for detecting a wheel speed of a vehicle has a rod-shaped sensor carrier and a sensor, which is introduced into the sensor carrier and, in order to detect the wheel speed, senses the rotation of a rotor rotating together with the wheel. The sensor apparatus has a carrier structure for accommodating the sensor and a potting compound for filling the sensor carrier. The surface, in particular the lateral surface, of the sensor carrier is formed by a plurality of interrupted, metal surface areas of the carrier structure and areas filled with the potting compound, wherein at least two metal surface areas are in the form of contact surfaces.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, a first fixed electrode arranged on the substrate, a movable electrode arranged above the first fixed electrode and being movable non-parallely, a second fixed electrode arranged above the movable electrode. The sensor further includes a detector to detect a difference between a first capacitance between the first fixed electrode and the movable electrode and a second capacitance between the movable electrode and the second fixed electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system that includes a sensor and a signal conditioner coupled to the sensor. The signal conditioner includes signal processing circuitry coupled to the sensor and offset cancellation circuitry. The offset cancellation circuitry includes a sign detector configured to output a high signal or a low signal based on a sign of an output signal from the signal processing circuitry, an integrator coupled to the sign detector, and a divider coupled to the integrator and to an input of the signal processing circuitry.

Abstract: A probe actuation system has a detection system arranged to measure a position or angle of a probe to generate a detection signal. An illumination system is arranged to illuminate the probe. Varying the illumination of the probe causes the probe to deform which in turn causes the detection signal to vary. A probe controller is arranged to generate a desired value which varies with time. A feedback controller is arranged to vary the illumination of the probe according to the detection signal and the desired value so that the detection signal is driven towards the desired value. The probe controller receives as its inputs a detection signal and a desired value, but unlike conventional feedback systems this desired value varies with time. Such a time-varying desired value enables the probe to be driven so that it follows a trajectory with a predetermined speed. A position or angle of the probe is measured to generate the detection signal and the desired value represents a desired position or angle of the probe.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope has a cantilever having: a probe that is to be contacted or approached on a surface of a sample; and a processor that operates to perform a process including: calculating a measurement width MW and an offset value OV from a minimum value Smin and a maximum value Smax of a signal indicating a displacement of the cantilever with the following Equations (1) and (2) when a prescanning operation is performed before the measurement data is acquired by the probe microscope controller; and adjusting at least one of the offset value OV and the measurement width MW based on a temporal variation of the signal at the same position on the surface of the sample when the prescanning operation is performed.

Abstract: Improvements for rapidly calibrating and automatically operating a scanning probe microscope are disclosed. A central component of the SPM is the force transducer, typically a consumable cantilever element. By automatically calibrating transducer characteristics along with other instrumental parameters, scanning parameters can be rapidly and easily optimized, resulting in high-throughput, repeatable and accurate measurements. In contrast to dynamic optimization schemes, this can be accomplished before the surface is contacted, avoiding tip or sample damage from the beginning of the measurement process.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes a radio frequency output stage configured to output at least one radio frequency waveform and a current sensor coupled to the output stage and configured to output a first differentiated signal corresponding to a current of the at least one radio frequency waveform, the current sensor coupled to a first conditioning circuit configured to integrate the first differentiated signal to output a processed current signal indicative of the current. The system further includes a voltage sensor coupled to the output stage and configured to output a second differentiated signal corresponding to a voltage of the at least one radio frequency waveform, the voltage sensor coupled to a second conditioning circuit configured to integrate the second differentiated signal to output a processed voltage signal indicative of the voltage, wherein the first and second conditioning circuits have a substantially similar bandpass and phase response.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present utilize a specialized modular load board in combination with previously-tested daughter boards to yield a final design for generating a new printed circuit board (PCB) for testing. Since the electrical characteristics of the daughter board are already known by the client and well established during previous testing procedures, similar test programs can be used for production-level testing that were used in client prototyping processes that involved the use of the previously-tested daughter board. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can use the features of the specialized modular load board and a client's tested daughter board to develop more reliable, production-ready circuits.

Abstract: An improved meter base assembly supports the various meter forms used in modern electrical energy distribution systems. The disclosed assembly combines a customized design for each meter form with a universal base used in a plurality of meter forms to create a meter base assembly that is optimized for best performance while maintaining a reduced part cost. In addition, the concept allows the meter terminals to be attached to the meter base assembly without any hardware, may reduce assembly errors, allows for simplified assembly that may be automated, and speeds up the creation of future meter designs.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor to sense an electric field has a shield tube that extends axially along its own axis and has a first open end, an electric field sensor positioned within the shield tube, a source electrode, and a mass of dielectric insulating material positioned within the shield tube and around the shield tube. The shield tube is formed by a jacket having a plurality of first through openings that each have an area comprised between a minimum of 0.1 mm2 and a maximum of 3 mm2.

Abstract: A microcomputer section operates by use of electric power from a power supply section. The microcomputer section carries out control so that any one of a plurality of switching circuits is selected, the selected one of the plurality of switching circuits causes an electric current from a corresponding current transformer of a plurality of current transformers to flow to the microcomputer section, whereas the other unselected switching circuits cause electric currents from respective current transformers of the plurality of current transformers to flow to the power supply section, and the selection is carried out successively with respect to each of the plurality of switching circuits.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluctuations in electric fields is disclosed, the method comprising the step of: placing a Liquid Crystal Device in communication with the electric field, the device having disparate orthogonal polarization sensitivity to an external electric field; utilizing an optical probe beam having a known polarization state to interrogate the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal device to produce a response beam; and analyzing the polarization state of the response beam to provide an indicator of the corresponding fluctuations in the electric field.

Abstract: A multi voltage sensor system includes one or more charge pumps, a sensor bridge and readout circuitry. The one or more charge pumps are configured to provide a high voltage. The sensor bridge is biased by the high voltage and is configured to provide sensor values. The readout circuitry includes only low voltage components. The readout circuitry is configured to receive the sensor values.

Abstract: A structure of mounting a current sensor to a battery cable includes a battery cable, a thermal fusion bonding tape wound around an outer circumference of the battery cable, and a current sensor. The current sensor includes a housing including a current detecting part configured to detect a current flowing through the battery cable, and a holder configured to hold and compress a thermal fusion bonding tape mounting portion in cooperation with the housing to deform a cross-sectional shape of the thermal fusion bonding tape mounting portion into an elliptical shape. The thermal fusion bonding tape mounting portion is a portion where the thermal fusion bonding tape is wound around the battery cable. Upon a compression between the housing and the holder being released, the elliptical shape of the cross-sectional shape of the thermal fusion bonding tape mounting portion is maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radio frequency (RF) power calorimeter having a load electrically coupled to a RF input, a variable low-frequency power source electrically coupled to the load and configured to apply low-frequency bias to the load. The RF power calorimeter includes a thermal medium thermally coupled to the load. Additionally, the RF power calorimeter includes an outlet temperature sensor thermally coupled to the thermal medium, the outlet temperature sensor being positioned to measure the temperature of the thermal medium due to heating by the load. The RF power calorimeter also has circuitry configured to use temperature measurements of the thermal medium in thermal contact with an RF load in combination with the low-frequency bias to measure average power of an RF source electrically coupled to the RF input. Also disclosed in a method of measuring RF power using the RF power calorimeter.

Abstract: The isolation resistance value is determined by measuring the voltage across a set of high resistance resistor networks placed between the high voltage battery pack (both the positive and negative terminals) and the chassis ground and then modifying the resistance networks by switching in an additional high resistance network and repeating the measurements. This results in a system that can be assembled using low cost components to determine with a high degree of accuracy the value of the isolation resistance. The implementation of this system does not require expensive solid state relays, as the small amount of resistance through the switching device is negligible when determining the isolation resistance of the high voltage system. The system is not dependent on high precision devices to give accurate isolation resistance detection in a range that is appropriate for high voltage applications.

Abstract: A method and test setup for reducing the RF power requirement m active load pull uses impedance tuners between the output of the test transistor and the active RF power injection network. The active network uses either a closed loop (active load) configuration or an open loop network employing split or synchronized signal sources. The impedance tuners are wideband (fundamental) tuners, harmonic rejection tuners or multi-harmonic tuners. A 7:1 transforming ratio of the tuners represents the best compromise between power matching and tuner loss, yielding a reduction of 11 dB in power requirements from the active load or the synchronized source(s); if only the fundamental signal is injected at the output of the DUT, a multi-harmonic tuner or a harmonic rejection tuner is used for independent harmonic tuning; if multiple harmonic signals are injected, a multi-harmonic tuner is used and creates passive harmonic loads while reducing at the same time the power requirements from the harmonic injection sources.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring a bandwidth of an amplifier includes a switch-capacitor circuit and a controller. The switch-capacitor circuit is coupled to an output and an input of the amplifier. The switch-capacitor circuit is switchable between a sampling mode and an amplification mode. The controller is coupled to the switch-capacitor circuit and the output of the amplifier. The controller is configured to switch the switch-capacitor circuit between the sampling mode and the amplification mode, control the amplification mode to have various durations, and determine the bandwidth of the amplifier based on the various durations of the amplification mode and corresponding voltages at the output of the amplifier.