Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices that employ microfluidic technology to generate molecular melt curves. In particular, the devices and methods in accordance with the invention are useful in providing for the analysis of PCR amplification products.

Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit assembly for operating a probe (10) for determining the oxygen concentration in a gas mixture, in particular a Lambda probe for determining the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, comprising two electrodes (11, 15) which act as an outer and an inner pump electrode and form a pump cell, two electrodes which act as a Nernst electrode (15) and a reference electrode (19) and form a Nernst cell, and a pump current controller (210), which controls a pump current that is applied to the pump cell such that a predeterminable Nernst voltage (UN) that can be tapped at the Nernst cell is controlled to a predeterminable value, characterized in that the predeterminable value of the Nernst voltage can be varied.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for sensing at least one parameter in water, which apparatus comprises: (i) a conductivity sensor (6) for sensing conductivity in the water; (ii) a dissolved oxygen sensor (4) for sensing dissolved oxygen in the water; (iii) a glass substrate (14); and (iv) the conductivity sensor (6) and the dissolved oxygen sensor (4) are fabricated on the glass substrate (14) using photolithography and etching.

Abstract: A method of detecting delamination of a composite component, the composite component having a plurality of plies and a plurality of z-pins extending through the composite component in a direction transverse to the plies. The method includes measuring one or more material properties of one or more of the z-pins. The measured material properties are compared to reference material properties. An estimation of whether delamination has occurred is performed based upon the comparison of the measured material properties and the reference material properties.

Abstract: An electrode array for the cyclic reduction and oxidation of a redox species in an electrolyte, wherein both electrodes are disposed on an insulating substrate and connected to a counter electrode for the application of a voltage, comprising: 1) a control electrode for reacting the redox species for cyclic electron transport between the electrodes: and b) a collector electrode disposed opposite the control electrode, wherein a layer structure composed of a second insulator and a charge transfer mediator disposed thereon is additionally disposed on the side of the collector electrode located opposite the insulating substrate for reacting the redox species. Two methods for operating the electrode array are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample fluid. In certain embodiments, the sensors include conductive particles and exhibit improved uniformity of distribution of one or more sensing chemistry components, increased effective working electrode surface area, and/or reduced entry of interfering components into a sample chamber of the sensor. Methods of using and manufacturing the sensors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochemical sensor involving an electrode and a coating that surrounds the electrode, the coating comprising a structural component, a water immiscible solvent, a resistance decreasing component, and an ion exchange component, wherein the coating selectively partitions an electrochemically active drug from a fluid or vapor sample whereby an electrochemical signal within the coating can be measured using the electrode. Devices and methods for using this electrochemical sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biosensor pixel for measuring current that flows through the electrode surface in response to electrochemical interactions and a biosensor array architecture that includes such biosensor pixels. The biosensor pixel includes an electrode transducer configured to measure a current generated by electrochemical interactions occurring at a recognition layer placed directly on top of it in response to an electrical voltage placed across an electrode transducer-electrolyte interface. The biosensor pixel further includes a trans-impedance amplifier connected to the electrode transducer, where the trans-impedance amplifier is configured to convert the current into a voltage signal as the electrochemical interactions occur.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor assembly is disclosed. In some implementations, the electrochemical sensor assembly comprises at least one electrochemical sensor/cell including a substrate with a cavity formed on a first side of the substrate, an ionic conductor is disposed within the cavity, and a lid assembly positioned over the cavity. The lid assembly may include a plurality of electrodes and a gas permeable region positioned over the plurality of electrodes, where the plurality of electrodes include a working electrode configured to react a molecular species when the molecular species is received through the gas permeable region. The lid assembly may be sealed to the substrate with a bonding layer disposed between the lid assembly and the substrate. The bonding layer may be curable with light or thermally curable at a suitably low temperature to avoid thermal damage to the ionic conductor.

Abstract: The present teaching rekates to providing a NOx decomposition agent having an excellent NOx decomposition rate. The NOx decomposition agent containing a perovskite oxide represented by ABx-1MxO3, wherein A represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of La, Sr, Mg, Ca and Ba, B represents Mn, M represents a combination of one or more first metal elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W and Ce, and one or two second metal elements selected from the group consisting of Ca and Mg, and x represents a number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1.

Abstract: The present specification provides a NOx responsive element suitable for directly sensing NOx. The NOx responsive element an oxygen ion conductive layer has a first electrode layer having a nitrogen oxide decomposition catalyst phase composed of perovskite-type oxide, being in contact with the oxygen ion conductive layer, and being exposed to NOx, and a second electrode layer opposing the first electrode layer across the oxygen ion conductive layer. The nitrogen oxide decomposition catalyst phase has a nitrogen oxide adsorption stabilizing surface on its surface exposed to nitrogen oxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure outlines a device having a multi-channel potentiostat circuit and a microcontroller for controlling the multi-channel potentiostat circuit. The multi-channel potentiostat circuit includes a counter electrode, a reference electrode, and a first switch between the counter electrode and the reference electrode. The multi-channel potentiostat circuit also includes a plurality of measurement circuits coupled to respective second switches. The microcontroller can configured to provide a first signal to the multi-channel potentiostat circuit to control the first switch, wherein a state of the first switch changes an operating mode of the multi-channel potentiostat circuit. The microcontroller is also configured to provide a second signal to the multi-channel potentiostat circuit to control at least one of the second switches to couple at least one of the plurality of measurement circuits to a working electrode.

Abstract: A precast gel and membrane combination unit for use in gel electrophoresis and membrane transfer for protein analysis, and method of use. Transparent electrically conductive polymer plate(s) house an electrophoresis gel and immunoblotting membrane. The gel and membrane are positioned between two plates of conductive polymers or plates having an electrically conductive layer or film. During the electrophoresis step, electric current moves proteins through the gel allowing for protein separation. Then, without removing or reorienting the gel or apparatus, the electrical contacts are switched to allow the flow of electricity to run perpendicularly through the gel via the conductive polymers, which will allow the proteins to transfer to the membrane housed in the same precast gel and membrane combination unit. The apparatus allows the user to visualize the steps of protein separation and protein transfer without transferring the gel between electrophoresis and transfer steps.

Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit has a supporting surface that carries a first fluid to be moved at a first functional region; a dielectric structure, defining the supporting surface; and an electrode structure, coupled to the dielectric structure for generating an electric field at the first functional region, such as to modify electrowetting properties of the interface between the first fluid and the supporting surface. The dielectric structure has a first spatially variable dielectric profile at the first functional region, thus determining a corresponding spatially variable profile of the electric field, and, consequently, of the electrowetting properties of the interface between the first fluid and the supporting surface. The integrated fluidic circuit may achieve mixing between the first fluid and a second fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing a sample using capillary electrophoresis. According to the method, an electrophoretic liquid filling step is performed for filling a capillary tube with an electrophoretic liquid. In an introducing step, a predetermined amount of sample is introduced to an introducing tank linked to the capillary tube. In a flow step, performed after the introducing step, the sample is caused to flow in the introducing tank, thereby generating a shear flow at a link portion between the capillary tube and the introducing tank. In an electrophoresis step, electrophoresis is performed in the capillary tube while the sample is continuously supplied.

Abstract: A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more moisture sensors to monitor moisture penetration to monitor performance of the moisture barrier. At least one of the moisture sensors includes a dielectric between and in electrical contact with two electrically conductive electrodes. Alternating electrical current is applied to the electrodes to measure the complex impedance (ohms) of the dielectric to determine the amount of moisture within the laminated windshield in the area of the moisture sensor. With the information provided by the moisture sensors performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: providing an algorithm or relationship that relates the ion mobilities of an analyte ion through three gases of different polarizability to the mass of the analyte ion; measuring the ion mobilities of an analyte ion through first, second and third different drift gases; and using the measured ion mobilities and said algorithm or relationship to determine the mass of the analyte ion. Embodiments of the invention enable the mass of an analyte to be determined without having to know the specific properties of the analyte ion.

Abstract: A group of inventions related to geophysical well logging, in particular to magnetic imaging defectoscopy of well casings including magnetized ones, that can be used to identify and classify defects in production and intermediate casing and tubing strings in oil and gas wells. An electromagnetic multi-sensor defectoscope for surveying casing pipes containing a source of the electromagnetic field in the form of a central exciter coil designed to transmit current pulses from a current pulse generator, a system of measuring elements placed on bow springs to be forced against the inner surface of a casing pipe, and a unit for signal recording, control and data processing connected to the system of measuring elements through communication lines. A method of multi-sensor electromagnetic defectoscopy for surveying casing pipes.

Abstract: A method and assembly for verification of the calibration of a system for non-destructive testing of pieces. The assembly includes an ultrasound probe, a perfect reflector having reference defects, and recording and data processing units. The ultrasound probe scans the perfect reflector and ultrasonic reflections from the reflector are measured by the non-destructive testing system, a recording unit records the measurements, and a data processing unit forms a virtual map of the perfect reflector based on the amplitude and time of flight of the reflections and based on predetermined characteristics of the material of the reflector.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements.

Abstract: A matrix array transducer probe has a two dimensional array of transducer elements coupled to adjustable delays for each element. A controllable switch matrix combines a plurality of differently delayed element signals to form a patch signal and produces a plurality of patch signals in this manner. The switch matrix determines the patch configuration in consideration of the number of channels of a system beamformer which completes the beamformation, and the element delays are set in consideration of the configuration of the elements to be used in each patch. Patch signal formation may be done in two stages, including a stage which includes a hard-wired signal combiner. The matrix array probe can be operated with differently sized system beamformers or the same transducer stack used in different probes configured for specific beamformer configurations.

Abstract: An autosampler according to an embodiment includes a sampling channel including a movable needle at a tip, and a switching valve, including a plurality of ports, for switching the connection state between the ports by switching the position of a rotor by rotating the rotor. The rotor of the switching valve includes an injecting position in which a delivery port and a sampling port are communicated and an injection port and an analysis port are communicated, a purging position in which the delivery port and the sampling port are communicated and the injection port and a drain port are communicated, and a loading position in which the delivery port and the analysis port are communicated.

Abstract: Described is a chromatography column assembly that includes a permanently deformable outer tube, an intermediate tube, an inner tube and a sorbent bed disposed within the inner tube. The sorbent bed may be in the form of packed chromatographic particles or a porous monolithic structure. A radial seal is provided by one or more uniform radial crimps at longitudinal locations on the assembly. The uniform radial crimp compresses the outer tube and underlying intermediate tube onto the inner tube to achieve a high pressure liquid tight seal between the three tubes. The length and depth of each crimp is accurately formed to accommodate the requirements of the particular application. Leakage along the tubing assembly is prevented and void volume is reduced or eliminated. No external ferrule or ferrule swaging mechanism is needed; therefore the chromatography column assembly is easily adapted for use in various chromatographic column configurations.

Abstract: In order to provide a gas chromatograph in which any adverse effects on a reduction reaction unit that are caused by the degradation of a reduction catalyst, and any adverse effects on an analyzing unit are prevented, a gas chromatograph is provided with: a column that, by causing a sample gas to pass through itself, is able to separate constituents for measurement that are contained in the sample gas; an oxidation reaction unit that uses an oxidizing gas to oxidize the sample gas that has passed through the column so as to create an oxidation sample gas; a reduction reaction unit that uses a reducing gas to reduce the oxidation sample gas created by the oxidation reaction unit so as to create an oxidation reduction sample gas; and an analyzing unit that analyzes the sample gas.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry method includes: creating a plurality of measurement conditions corresponding to all combinations of precursor-ion candidates generated from the target compound and collision-energy-value candidates; performing a product-ion scan measurement using each of the plurality of measurement conditions and performing a plurality of reference measurements for detecting a predetermined kind of ion generated from the target compound under the same condition, within an introduction time during which the target compound is introduced; creating a peak function, which is a function representing a change in the amount of introduction of the target compound into the mass spectrometer within the introduction time, based on the result of the reference measurement; creating a normalization function for normalizing the amount of introduction of the target compound within the introduction time, based on the peak function; and normalizing the intensity of product-ion spectra obtained by the product-ion scan meas

Abstract: Control logic, device and method including same configured to receive a measured carbon dioxide (CO2) related parameter of a patient, to obtain a patient specific baseline for said CO2 related parameter, the patient specific baseline determined based on a characteristic of the patient; to compute a deviation of the measured CO2 related parameter from the patient specific baseline; and to trigger an alarm when the deviation crosses a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sampling and detection device for detecting volatile organic content in water, comprising a hollow sampler (3) and a gas detector (2) connected to the sampler (3). A side wall of a lower half of the sampler (3) is provided with more than one water inlet channel (1), and a lower end is provided with a gas bubbler (10). Said detection device ensures measurement accuracy and continuity while facilitating in-situ detection.

Abstract: A nanostructure sensing device comprises a semiconductor nanostructure having an outer surface, and at least one of metal or metal-oxide nanoparticle clusters functionalizing the outer surface of the nanostructure and forming a photoconductive nanostructure/nanocluster hybrid sensor enabling light-assisted sensing of a target analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the cutting-time of coagulating milk based upon time parameters generated from fluorescence measurements. The method includes the steps of (a) measuring a change in the fluorescence response of coagulating milk, (b) generating time parameters from the fluorescence response, and (c) using time parameters and a cutting time prediction equation to predict cutting time. Additionally, an additional method is provided for determining a cutting time prediction equation by regression analysis.

Abstract: A chemosensing hydrogel is provided that undergoes a colorimetric reaction in response to the detection of a biogenic amine vapor, such as a biogenic amine vapor that is a by-product resulting from food spoilage. In an embodiment, an apparatus for detection of biogenic amines, is provided that includes a hydrogel having a bimetallic iron(II)-iron(III) complex disposed within the hydrogel, wherein the hydrogel is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to exposure to a biogenic amine.

Abstract: An optical computing device including a detector having a non-planar semiconductor structure is provided. The detector may include one or more structures having structure characteristics that may be optimized to respond to and weight predetermined wavelengths of light radiated from a sample that are related to characteristics of the sample. The detector may include an array of the one or more structures, wherein each of the structure units may be individually addressable to program or tune the detector to respond to and weight a spectra of light and generate an output signal based on the weighted spectra of light that is proportional to the characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for the extraction and quantification of tetraprotic naphthenic acids present in oils, precursors of the formation of calcium naphthenates, which are potential formers of deposits, causing of damage to pieces of equipment used in the oil production industry.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the rate of Cu2S formation in power transformers comprising a sealable transformer vessel and a sealable lid with at least four sealable ports, and an internal apparatus configuration involving a copper metal sheet, a power transformer, a temperature sensor, and a weighing device providing real-time feedback data, whereby these components are submerged in an effective amount of a reactive sulfur-containing transformer oil and sealed. An inert gas atmosphere is provided within the transformer vessel by a gas bubbler. The transformer oil is heated with a heating bath to a reactive temperature for Cu2S production. A method of measuring the rate of Cu2S formation whereby the apparatus is purged with an inert gas, heated to a reactive temperature, examined for Cu2S formation, the Cu2S produced is quantified and the rate of formation of Cu2S is calculated.

Abstract: There is described an oil contamination detection system and method. The system comprises a forward sensor package, a rearward sensor package, a catalytic chamber, and a computing device. The method comprises obtaining sensor measurements from the forward sensor package and the rearward sensor package, and detecting the presence of oil in the air flow from the sensor measurements.

Abstract: A device for passing a biopolymer molecule includes a nanochannel formed between a surface relief structure, a patterned layer forming sidewalls of the nanochannel and a sealing layer formed over the patterned layer to encapsulate the nanochannel. The surface relief structure includes a three-dimensionally rounded surface that reduces a channel dimension of the nanochannel at a portion of nanochannel and gradually increases the dimension along the nanochannel toward an opening position, which is configured to receive a biopolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for detection of target small molecules in a mixed sample by performing a competition assay between the target and a surrogate and subsequently detecting the complex types in a nanopore device. Disclosed herein are competition assays for detection of small molecules using a nanopore. Target molecules of a sufficient size (>20 kDa) when passed through a solid-state nanopore cause a change in the current impedance, translocation time, or other measurable parameter. In the event the target molecule is not sufficiently big, and thus does not cause a noticeable change, an additional molecule/reagent can be used to aid in detection. This detection reagent would bind to the small molecule or to the “capture ligand-molecule complex” (e.g. peptide detection is aided by a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes a peptide/aptamer complex).

Abstract: A device and method for assigning a blood plasma sample to a class from a predetermined set of classes are presented. The set of classes comprises a good class, a lipemic class, a hemolytic class and an icteric class. For assignment to one of the classes, the blood plasma sample is exposed to light and measurement values dependent on transmitted or scattered light power are evaluated in order to carry out an assignment.

Abstract: A drive system for aligning a detection zone of a cartridge with an image capture device is provided. The drive system can include a first motor configured for the purpose of spinning the cartridge to drive centrifugal flow of a liquid in the cartridge. The drive system can further include a second motor coupled to a cartridge-aligning member, configured for the purpose of aligning the detection zone with the image capture device. Advantageously, each motor can be adapted for its specific purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting both proliferation and survival of cancer cells and for treating a subject having cancer. The present invention is further directed to methods of diagnosing cancer in a subject and identifying cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: Described are three-dimensional, engineered, biological breast tissues, adipose tissues, and tumor models, including breast cancer models.

Abstract: Methods to determine drug hydrophobicity and to quantify changes in drug hydrophobicity that optimize drug function by means of differential scanning calorimetry of an endothermic phase transition of a base protein-based polymer, specifically of an elastic-contractile model protein, to which is attached the drug to be evaluated for its hydrophobicity in terms of the change in Gibbs free energy for hydrophobic association, ?GHA have been developed. Also described herein is the preparation of nanoparticles comprised of protein-based polymers, specifically of elastic-contractile model proteins, designed for the binding and desired release rate of a specific drug or class of drugs. Further described herein is a means of targeting the drug-laden nanoparticle to a cell by means of decorating the nanoparticle surface with a molecular entity that selectively binds to the diseased cell or disease causing organism, e.g.

Abstract: Low-cost and portable microfluidic systems are needed for cell migration research and Point of Care (POC) testing. This study introduces a low-cost and portable USB Microscope Microfluidic Chemotaxis Analysis System (UMCAS) for rapid analysis of cell chemotaxis studies. A standalone microfluidic gradient generator is also developed for rapid generation of chemical gradient in microfluidic device without need of any peripheral perfusion apparatus. A smart phone based application program was developed for the real-time remote monitoring of the migration data. This system is validated by observing the neutrophil migration in three different conditions: 1) medium control, 2) uniform IL-8 control, and 3) IL-8 gradient. The results show that neutrophils exhibit random migration in both medium and uniform IL-8 control experiments, while they show strong directional migration to the IL-8 gradient. These results successfully validated the developed UMCAS system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for assessing electrically active cell cultures. Optionally, the data can be collected using a microelectrode array (MEA). For example, electrically active cells, such as cardiomyocytes, are cultured such that they are in electrical communication with at least a portion of the electrodes of a well of the MEA. The assessments derived from the disclosed methods may be used to reduce the effects of confounding variables in data obtained from an electrically active cell culture. The methods may also be used to determine a quantitative measure of arrhythmia burden. The methods may also be used to decide if a particular culture or set of data is suitable for inclusion in scientific and characterization studies. Also disclosed is a method of finding the global conduction velocity of an electrically active cell culture.

Abstract: The following invention relates to a device for visual detection of hemolysis in a whole blood sample from a pierceable container, said device comprising at least one visible detection compartment and a transfer passage connected to said visible detection compartment, said device further comprising means for passing through the container to the interior of said container for accessing the whole blood and permitting transfer of a volume of plasma from said sample to said detection compartment via said transfer passage, wherein said device further is arranged with a separation device for separating plasma from blood cells within said whole blood sample before said plasma reaches the detection compartment, said device further being arranged with means providing a capillary action for generating a capillary force urging said volume of plasma to be transferred through the separation device to said detection compartment.

Abstract: The present invention features diagnostic compositions and methods for predicting the age of onset of a lysosomal storage disease or a disease associated with a lysosomal defect in subject.

Abstract: [Technical Problem] It is an object to provide a microchip solution sending system that is provided with the high reaction efficiency and the high detection accuracy. [Solution of Problem] A microchip solution sending system comprises a fine flow passage that is provided with a reaction field to which an antibody that reacts with a specific antigen is fixed and a solution sending pump that is configured to send a specimen material solution that includes the specific antigen, wherein a specimen material solution passes through a reaction field of a fine flow passage in a repetitive manner in the case in which the solution sending pump sends the specimen material solution, and a flow rate of a specimen material solution that is sent by the solution sending pump is in the range of 1,000 ?l/min to 50,000 ?l/min.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of synthesizing a polymeric fluorescent tracer for signal amplification, including (a) subjecting a streptavidin-fluorophore conjugate (SA-FL) and a spacer-attached biotin-conjugated antibody (b-Ab) to reaction at least two times; (b) treating a dual biotin oligomer spacer (db-oN); and (c) performing a homogenization process.

Abstract: Provided are methods for protein analysis in which proteins to be analyzed are displayed on a population of discrete and dispersible structures, such as beads or other particles, for subsequent affinity reactions and analysis/detection. The proteins to be analyzed may be provided as denatured protein samples in the presence of a denaturing agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microarray having base cleavable linkers and a process of making the microarray. The microarray has a solid surface with known locations, each having reactive hydroxyl groups. The density of the known locations is greater than approximately 100 locations per square centimeter. Optionally, oligomers are synthesized in situ onto the cleavable linkers and subsequently cleaved using a cleaving base. Optionally, the oligomers are cleaved and recovered as a pool of oligomers.