Abstract: An optical inspection system inspects points of interest on an item. A two-axis gimbal holds a camera and is controlled to adjust an angle of incidence and angle of approach of a line of sight of the camera with respect to the point of interest. A Y-axis actuator adjusts a position of the camera along a Y-axis of the item, and an X-axis actuator adjusts a position of the camera along an X-axis of the item. A controller controls the gimbal, the Y-axis actuator and the X-axis actuator. Upon selecting a point of interest, angle of incidence, and angle of approach, the camera displays and/or captures an image, and the image can be inspected by a human inspector or automated inspection system.

Abstract: A method of X-ray imaging includes passing an X-ray beam through a pre-sample mask 8 with a plurality of apertures 32, through a sample 10, and then through a detector mask 6 with aligned apertures 34. The beams are detected. The detector mask 6 and pre-sample mask 8 are moved with respect to one another to identify the position of maximum intensity and then moved to two further positions on equal and opposite spacings on either side of the maximum. Images are acquired and a transmission image, refraction image and scattering image calculated.

Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods that compensate for the limited dynamic range of certain X-Ray detector systems, such as CAT-Scan detector systems. In some embodiments, the system alternates between different photon emission flux values and then gives more consideration to an attenuation value associated with a more favorable detection flux. In this manner, different object densities may be accounted for and may be more properly imaged despite the particular characteristics of the X-Ray system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing back-reflection energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction (XRD). This exhibits extremely low sensitivity to the morphology of the sample under investigation. As a consequence of this insensitivity, unprepared samples can be analyzed using this method. For example, in a geological context, whole rock samples become amenable to analysis. A composite diffraction spectrum can be produced using information from different recorded spectra in different energy sub-ranges. The composite spectrum excludes fluorescence signals that would otherwise obscure the diffraction signals.

Abstract: Systems and approaches for silicon germanium thickness and composition determination using combined XPS and XRF technologies are described. In an example, a method for characterizing a silicon germanium film includes generating an X-ray beam. A sample is positioned in a pathway of said X-ray beam. An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) signal generated by bombarding said sample with said X-ray beam is collected. An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) signal generated by bombarding said sample with said X-ray beam is also collected. Thickness or composition, or both, of the silicon germanium film is determined from the XRF signal or the XPS signal, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of compression electrodes and an analysis circuit. The array of compression electrodes includes a pair of outer compression electrodes and a pair of inner compression electrodes. Each of the electrodes includes a contact pad and may be configured to automatically adjust to follow a contour of an object while maintaining contact of the contact pad with a surface of the object. The analysis circuit can be coupled to the array of compression electrodes. The analysis circuit may be configured to automatically make a bioelectrical impedance measurement using the array of compression electrodes and generate a value representing a cell integrity of said object.

Abstract: Provided is an impedance measuring device for biological samples including one or a plurality of biological sample holding units configured to hold a biological sample, an applying unit configured to apply an AC voltage to a pair of electrodes in contact with the biological sample held by the biological sample holding unit, a measuring unit configured to measure an impedance of the biological sample obtained by an AC voltage being applied to the biological sample by the applying unit, and a measurement condition control unit configured to control a measuring time and/or a measuring frequency in the measuring unit.

Abstract: A method of measuring biological sample properties and a biological sample property measuring apparatus is provided. A method of measuring biological sample properties includes disposing a biomaterial to contact a sensing unit, detecting a radio frequency (RF) signal flowing through the sensing unit, and obtaining an RF property indicator of the biomaterial based on the detected RF signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degradation and failures, include types of failures, in a hose assembly are disclosed. One system includes a hose degradation monitoring circuit having a hose assembly including a hose having first and second conductive layers, and a degradation monitoring circuit configured to detect a resistance of the hose across the conductive layers. The degradation monitoring circuit includes a voltage source electrically connected to the first conductive layer, and a resistor electrically connected between the second conductive layer and ground. The degradation monitoring circuit further includes a voltage monitoring circuit electrically connected between the resistor and the second conductive layer, to periodically monitor a voltage at the location and detect a possible failure of the hose assembly upon determining that, based at least in part on a change in the voltage at the location over time, a resistance of the hose assembly has passed a threshold level.

Abstract: A gas sensor package comprises a gas sensor chip with a layer sensitive to a gas, and with a heater for heating the sensitive layer. Contact pads are provided for electrically contacting the gas sensor package and a die pad is provided for mounting the gas sensor chip to. Electrical connections connect the gas sensor chip and the contact pads. A molding compound at least partially encloses the gas sensor chip. An opening in the molding compound provides access to the sensitive layer of the gas sensor chip. One of the contact pads serves as a pin for supplying electrical current to the heater of the gas sensor chip.

Abstract: In some aspects, a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module is provided to permit contaminated modules to be replaced. Some aspects of the present disclosure related to barriers for strip ports or the sealing of strip ports and/or analyte measurement devices to maintain a clean strip port and/or enable the strip port to be cleaned for reuse. Cleaning tools are also provided. Also provided are strip port interfaces that guide fluid away from the strip port opening, as well as absorptive elements that prevent fluid from entering a strip port. Analyte measurement devices with gravity sensors or accelerometers are also provided, along with methods related thereto. Also provided are docking station that serve as an information server and provides storage and recharging capabilities.

Abstract: Copolymers including at least one optionally substituted 2-hydroxy-5-sulfonic aniline as a first constituent unit and at least one optionally substituted phenylenediamine as a second constituent unit are disclosed. Compositions containing the copolymers, and methods of making the copolymers are also disclosed. The compositions can also contain for example an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and/or electrical conducting additives. The compositions can, for example, be used for detecting lead ions in a sample.

Abstract: A magnesium sensing membrane is disclosed for use in a potentiometric ion selective electrode that exhibits improved stability upon exposure to surfactant-containing reagents. Kits containing same are disclosed, along with methods of production and use of the magnesium sensing membrane.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a first layer including copper (I) bromide, and a second layer, which is disposed on the first layer, and is a p-type semiconductor that is different from the copper (I) bromide, wherein one of the first layer and the second layer is more preferentially in contact with detection-target gas than the other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for size selecting nucleic acid molecules having wide range of applications including the production of DNA libraries for sequencing technologies. An automated high throughput system for size selection of multiple nucleic acid samples that uses imaging technique to detect the progress of a target fraction and feedback from the imaging to control electrophoresis. Predictive algorithms for timed nucleic acid extractions are generated to provide size selected nucleic acid molecules of required size ranges.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a droplet actuator device and methods for integrating gel electrophoresis analysis with pre or post-analytical sample handling as well as other molecular analysis processes. Using digital microfluidics technology, the droplet actuator device and methods of the invention provide the ability to perform gel electrophoresis and liquid handling operations on a single integrated device. The integrated liquid handling operations may be used to prepare and deliver samples to the electrophoresis gel, capture and subsequently process products of the electrophoresis gel or perform additional assays on the same sample materials which are analyzed by gel electrophoresis. In one embodiment, one or more molecular assays, such as nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) quantification by real-time PCR, and one or more sample processing operations such as sample dilution is performed on a droplet actuator integrated with an electrophoresis gel.

Abstract: A closed and open contact method to predict a usable life of vacuum interrupters in the field can include using computer instructions in the data storage to instruct the processor to position a calculated amp or calculated pressure on an ionic or current versus pressure calibration curve for the installed vacuum interrupter and identify trend data from a library of trend data corresponding to the installed vacuum interrupter and to the calculated pressure or calculated amp of the installed vacuum interrupter; thereby determining the anticipated life expectancy.

Abstract: A dual source ionizer includes a first ionization source and a second ionization source. The first ionization source is configured to generate a first electric field. The first electric field has a first field strength that is insufficient to form NOx? ions. The second ionization source is configured to generate a second electric field. The second electric field has a second field strength that is sufficient to form ozone and the NOx? ions.

Abstract: A composite component comprising a plurality of plies and a plurality of pins extending transversely to the plies, wherein the pins comprise a magnetic material. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field through a thickness direction of the component; and a sensor is provided for detecting a change in magnetic flux indicative of delamination of the plies.

Abstract: A device for testing a stiffener of an aircraft structure made from composite materials. At least one ultrasound sensor is configured to provide measurements relative to a material health state of the stiffener. The device includes a protective enclosure for housing the ultrasound sensor and a mobile gantry configured to move along the stiffener. The protective enclosure with the ultrasound sensor is mounted inside the mobile gantry. A driver is configured to drive the mobile gantry along the stiffener. A clamper is rigidly connected to the protective enclosure and configured to hold the ultrasound sensor pressed against the surface of the stiffener to be controlled. A locator to synchronize each area of the surface of the stiffener with the measurement of the ultrasound sensor.

Abstract: A computer with a proper program generates a phased array sequence of signals. In a pulser with delays, the signals are fed through a multiplexor into multiple water wedges that are attached to a lift-type check valve being tested. For a sequential operation of the lift-type check valves from the open to the closed position, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the fluid contained in the valve and reflected back through piezo-electric crystals to the multiplexor. By summation and merger of the signals, an image can be developed of the operation of the lift-type check valve to determine if the lift-type check valve is operating properly. By comparing the signals received with a known standard for that lift-type check valve, proper operation, or lack thereof, of the lift-type check valve under test can be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite focusing wedge for ultrasonic non-destructive testing/inspection. The composite wedge comprises a base made of machined or cast material, and a lens made of a material which is cast in liquid form and subsequently solidifies. The acoustic velocity in the base material is less than that in the lens material. The castable lens material conforms exactly to a convex machined or cast surface of the base, thereby forming a concave lower surface of the lens. A flat ultrasonic probe is coupled to a planar upper surface of the lens. The minimum distance between the lower concave and upper planar surfaces of the lens is less than one acoustic wavelength in the lens material. The ringdown time of reverberations between the two surfaces is then sufficiently short that there is no interference between the reverberations and signals from sub-surface flaws in the object being tested.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide an electrical connection sensor comprising at least one transducer configured to be coupled to a power distribution block, to generate ultrasonic pulses in the power distribution block, and to receive ultrasonic signals based on the ultrasonic pulses, and a controller coupled to the at least one transducer and configured to determine a status of at least one electrical connection in the power distribution block based on at least one characteristic of the ultrasonic signals received by the at least one transducer.

Abstract: The method of validating a calibration of a phased-array inspection instrument uses a calibration block having two reflectors located below an inspection surface at two different depths.

Abstract: Flow through pressure sensors for use in fluid chromatography systems include a planar device formed from diffusion bonding of a plurality of metallic sheets and at least one sensing element. The planar device has a top surface, a bottom surface and a flow through channel. A diaphragm formed from a portion of one of the top or bottom surfaces is located adjacent to a sensing region of the flow through channel and is attached to the sensing element. The diaphragm is sized to deflect a distance in response to fluid pressure in the sensing region, which has an internal volume of less than about 25 microliters. The diaphragm and attached sensing element form a pressure sensor that measures strain or deflection of the diaphragm to calculate a pressure within the sensing region.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor element, comprising indicators, selected from luminescence-active means that are of the same type or different, and indicator protectors, and to a sensor, comprising at least one such sensor element, an energy source that excites the luminescence emission of the indicators, and a detector unit, wherein the sensor element or sensor is suitable for detecting molecular oxygen in a gaseous or liquid medium and/or for determining the molecular oxygen content of a gaseous or liquid medium and at least one layer of the sensor element bearing the indicator protectors is designed in such a way that the diffusion rate of the molecular oxygen formed on the indicator protectors by means of the reduction of strong oxidants back into the medium is greater than the diffusion rate of molecular oxygen from the medium in the direction of the at-least-one layer bearing the indicator molecules.

Abstract: In a measuring method for measuring an atmospheric concentration of a compound, such as a volatile organic compound (VOC), an adsorptive element is provided within a target atmosphere for a period of time to allow adsorption of a compound of interest, and then removed from the target atmosphere, and placed within a closed measuring space. The adsorptive element is heated within the measuring space to cause de-adsorption of the compound into the closed measuring space, and a concentration of the de-adsorbed compound is measured. A concentration of the compound in the target atmosphere is determined based on the concentration of the compound within the closed measuring space. The adsorptive element may be formed of an adsorptive material such as carbon fibers, cellulose or other adsorptive materials, and a binder. The adsorptive element may be optimized for adsorption of a specific compound.

Abstract: An automated method of detecting measurement inaccuracy in an air quality detection system includes: receiving an air quality measurement from at least two sensors; determining a difference among the received air quality measurements; and comparing the difference to a threshold value. A system that detects measurement inaccuracy in an air quality detection includes: multiple smart residue avoidance and inaccuracy detection (SRAID) devices; and a server. An SRAID device includes: a plurality of air quality detection sensors; a controller able to: receive measurements from the plurality of air quality detection sensors; calculate a difference among the received measurements; and generate a notification if the difference exceeds a threshold value; and a communication module able to communicate with at least one of a server and an air flow controller device.

Abstract: A method for localizing the source of air pollution that includes receiving pollution data from a network in communication with at least one air pollution sensor that is connected to at least one motor vehicle in a stationary position. Each stationary motor vehicle of the network is positioned at a different air pollution measurement location. The method may further include determining from the pollution data an origin of an air pollutant using an air pollution model provided by a pollutant source localization device including at least one hardware processor.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of ranking a characteristic of a liquid sample by providing a test container [11] having a viewing port [16] to liquid contained therein and through which electronic image data of a defined body of liquid sample [20] in the container can be captured. This data is compared with an electronic data model containing comparison data with which the captured electronic image data can be compared to provide a ranking. The image is captured and the image data is electronically compared with the comparison data to provide a characteristic ranking of the sample.

Abstract: Probe for producing signals indicative of a local phase composition of a fluid flowing in a well, comprising a body of electrically insulating material having a tip adapted for contact with the fluid, at least two electrodes of conductive material located in the body on opposite sides relatively to a central axis of the body and insulated from each other, the electrodes having ends exposed to the fluid located on either side of the tip.

Abstract: A test strip device exhibits visual changes, such as color changes, when there is a only slight difference in the composition of liquids such as gasoline, oil, ethanol and water. Such a slight liquid composition difference usually requires a sophisticated and expensive instrument to differentiate. The test strip consists of one and more than one inverse opal films deposited on a substrate and achieves this goal of differentiation in a simple, fast and energy-free manner.

Abstract: The present invention covers the integration and utility of accelerometer features into a clinical analysis system. For example, measurement of dynamic acceleration and orientation of a blood-testing instrument with respect to Earth's gravitational field may be used to determine reliability of a test procedure and optionally to provide corrective elements thereof.

Abstract: The present application is directed, at least in part, to a process for forming droplet interface blayers (DIBs). In one or more embodiments, a housing is produced wherein the housing includes at least one aperture that comprises a cis portion and a trans portion, at least one cis electrode receptacle and at least one trans electrode receptacle, wherein the cis electrode receptacle is operatively connected to the cis portion, and the trans electrode receptacle is operatively connected to the trans portion. In at least one embodiment, the number of cis and trans electrode receptacles equals the number of apertures. Electrodes are treated with a buffer and then inserted into each of the cis and trans electrode receptacles.

Abstract: A method for detecting albumin based on a colorimetric assay and a system thereof are disclosed. Gold nanoparticles are added into the sample preparing device having a sample without spectroscopic tags, wherein the sample without spectroscopic tags is formed as the alkaline solution to avoid the interference substances adhering on the gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles are concentrated by using the microfluidic concentrator with the circular ion exchange membrane by applying an external electric field across two electrodes. The image of the concentrated gold nanoparticles is captured by the image capturing device for measuring the saturation intensities of the image, wherein there is a relation between the saturation intensities and the concentration of the albumin in the sample without spectroscopic tags. The concentration of the albumin of the sample without spectroscopic tags is obtained by the relation and the measured saturation intensities.

Abstract: Provided is a method for measuring the concentration of a substance in a blood sample, comprising: supplying the blood sample to a biosensor comprising a hematocrit electrode for measuring a hematocrit value on the surface of which electrode an electrically conductive polymer is covalently immobilized; and calculating the concentration of the substance from the measured value of a first current resulting from application of a first voltage; and correcting the concentration of the substance with the value of a second current resulting from application of a second voltage or the hematocrit value calculated from the value of the second current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, systems and devices, for analyzing the molecules. For example, in some embodiments, a system is provided which includes a first volume of conducting fluid, a second volume of conducting fluid, an orifice in communication with the first and second volumes of fluid, and means for applying an electric potential difference between the first and second volumes of fluid. In some embodiments, a conjugate product is provided which includes charged polymers each having attached thereto at least one first molecule for analysis, where the product carries a predetermined charge greater than the charge on the first molecule, and upon dissolving a product in the first volume of fluid, the product is directed into the orifice.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bio-sensor capable of measuring the total concentration of one or a plurality of ammonia or ammonium ions with the use of indophenol reagents in the presence of an ionomer. In some embodiments, the biosensor comprises a perflurinated membrane that comprises an ionomer in contact with an alkaline buffer in a vessel configured to receive a sample, such as whole blood. The disclosure also relates to a method of detecting or quantifying the ammonia or ammonium ion concentration in whole blood in a point of care biosensor without reliance on gas chromatography or any measurement that takes more than about twenty minutes.

Abstract: A method for determining the translation initiation inhibitory potency of a composition having an unknown level of translation initiation inhibitory activity which comprises contacting an eI-F2?-WT cell with said composition for a time and at a temperature effective to inhibit proliferation of said cell, measuring the level of inhibition of proliferation of said eIF2?-WT cells induced by said sample and comparing the level of inhibition of proliferation induced by said sample with the level of inhibition of proliferation induced by a standard having a known amount of said activity, the amount of said translation initiation inhibitory activity in said sample being proportional to the level of inhibition of proliferation of said eIF2?-WT cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to in vitro methods for testing formulations or active ingredients for preventing the harmful effects of UV on children's skin, in particular children aged three or less. The inventors have developed methods for evaluating the in vitro efficacy of formulations in preventing the harmful effects of UV on the skin of children aged three or less, using a skin model specifically capable of reproducing the characteristics of the skin of children of this age.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for identifying agents useful in the treatment of fibrotic diseases, in particular diseases related to fibroblast migration and differentiation. The invention provides polypeptide and nucleic acid TARGETs, siRNA sequences based on these TARGETs and antibodies against the TARGETs. The invention is further related to pharmaceutical composition comprising siRNA sequences based on the TARGETs and antibodies against the TARGETs for use in the treatment of fibrotic disease. The invention further provides in vitro methods for inhibition of fibroblast migration and differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new binder molecule useful e.g. as an immune suppressor. In particular, it has been recognized that the UL11 protein of human the cytomegalovirus, binds to the CD45 molecule, potentially altering the immune system of an individual. In addition, the present invention relates to binder molecules, in particular, fusion molecules containing the CD45 binding domain of the UL11 protein in combination with a second molecule of interest for delivery of said molecule to cells expressing the CD45 molecule. Moreover, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the UL11 protein of human cytomegalovirus, or derivatives or homologs thereof, or a nucleic acid sequence encoding the same.

Abstract: A method for forming neuromuscular junctions includes forming functional neuromuscular junctions between motoneurons and muscle cells by co-culturing one or more human motoneurons and one or more rat muscle cells in a substantially serum-free medium. A synthetic mammalian neuromuscular junction includes a human motoneuron functionally linked to a rat muscle cell in a substantially serum-free medium. An artificial substrate may be used to support the one or more neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and non-transitory computer-accessible mediums are provided for generating a mosaic image of a large area of tissue with microscopic resolution by acquiring a plurality of rectangular-shaped long strips of images of the tissue and stitching the strips together along their lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of drug detection and describes antibody-based components methods and kits for the detection and quantification of alkaloids of the plant kratom. The invention is underpinned by novel antibodies which specifically bind to mitragynine alkaloids found in the kratom plant and their metabolites.

Abstract: When an immunochromatography reagent composition containing a nonionic surfactant, an N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine buffer, and casein is used as a specimen treatment solution or developing solution in detecting a detection object in a specimen according to an immunochromatographic method, an immunochromatography reagent composition which suppresses a non-specific reaction; does not cause aggregation of antibody-immobilized colloidal gold; and has a high developing rate, in comparison with conventional technology which detects a detection object by using an immunochromatographic device; and a high-performance and highly-sensitivity immunochromatographic method and a detection kit capable of rapid, simple and easy virus detection, which use the immunochromatography reagent composition are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of in vitro detection methods using luminescence. Provided is a sensor molecule for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), the sensor molecule comprising a proteinaceous moiety tethered to a synthetic regulatory molecule. Also provided is an analytical device comprising a sensor and methods using the sensor molecule.

Abstract: Magnetic-optical iron oxide-gold core-shell nanoparticles are disclosed. Methods for making and using the nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microchip solution sending system may include a flow passage assembly that is at least provided with a fine flow passage that is provided with a detection region including a formed reaction field to which an antibody that reacts with a specific antigen is fixed; and a micro pump that is connected to the flow passage assembly and that is configured to send a specimen material solution that includes the specific antigen in a reciprocating manner. The specimen material solution that has been sent may pass through the detection region in a repetitive manner in the case in which the micro pump sends the specimen material solution in a reciprocating manner.

Abstract: A capturing device (20) and method for use in capturing a substance in a liquid, by feeding the liquid through a capturing device (20) including: a lateral capillary flow matrix (13) and a capturing matrix (26) in fluid communication with the lateral capillary flow matrix (13) such as to produce a lateral capillary flow in the capturing matrix having a lower velocity than that in the lateral capillary flow matrix. This produces by the Bernoulli effect, a lower pressure with respect to the two lateral flows sufficient to impart transverse oscillations to the lateral flow in the capturing matrix, such oscillations driving the liquid into the interior of the capturing matrix thereby exposing its interior, rather than merely a surface thereof, to the liquid. In the described preferred embodiments, the capturing device is a biological assay device, and each substance in the liquid to be captured in the capture zone of the capturing matrix is a biological substance.