Abstract: An amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte includes: a solid configured as an insulator without being contacted by the analyte and configured for diffusion of the analyte therethrough, the solid including a non-conductive polymer, the solid further configured to increase in electrical conductivity when in contact with the analyte; a working electrode positioned on and in contact with the solid; and a reference electrode positioned on and in contact with the solid, the reference electrode spaced apart and insulated from the working electrode without the solid being contacted by the analyte, the working electrode and the reference electrode configured to measure electrical conductivity of the solid when the solid is in contact with the analyte.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating and/or quantifying peptides using differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the applicant's teachings, the methods and systems can provide for the separation of one or more peptides, for example, peptides that may be difficult to separate with conventional techniques, such as mass spectrometry (MS), by complexing the peptides with a metal cation (e.g., Ca2+) prior to DMS. In some aspects, the present teachings can prevent proton stripping from ionized peptides that can occur in DMS to prevent unintended and/or undesirable alterations to the peptide's charge state distribution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing performance curve generation, damage monitoring, and improving non-destructive testing performance. Damage standards used for performance curve generation are monitored using a non-destructive testing (NDT) sensor during a damage evolution test performed with the standard. The evolution test may be intermittently paused to permit ground truth data to be collected in addition to the NDT sensor data. A damage evolution model may be used to estimate ground truth data during the intervening periods of the damage evolution test. The NDT sensor data and ground truth data are used to generate performance curves for the NDT system. Multiple sensors may be monitored at multiple locations on the damage standard and multiple damage evolution tests may be performed with multiple damage standards.

Abstract: There is provided an eddy current flaw detection technique capable of, even when inspecting an object having a narrow portion with a small curvature radius, recognizing detection sensitivity change due to change of attitude of a probe.

Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound measurement probe. The ultrasound measurement probe includes a lower portion. The lower portion includes a delay block, an array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the delay block, and a first circuit board. The first circuit board further includes a first plurality of pins coupled to the array of ultrasound transducers. The ultrasound measurement probe also includes an upper portion removably coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a second circuit board. The second circuit board further includes a second plurality of pins configured to couple with the first plurality of pins when the upper portion is removably coupled to the lower portion.

Abstract: A phasing adder and an ultrasound probe are disclosed. According to one implementation, the phasing adder includes a delay charge transferring unit and a delay adding unit. The delay charge transferring unit obtains signal charge in an amount obtained without amplifying according to charge generated in each of a plurality of piezoelectric elements. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements includes a piezoelectric body to generate charge according to sound pressure of input ultrasound. The delay charge transferring unit holds the signal charge for a predetermined amount of time. The delay adding unit executes phasing adding of an amount of the signal charge held for the predetermined amount of time in the delay charge transferring unit.

Abstract: A crystal self-test circuit is used to self-test either an acoustic emission crystal or a vibration crystal installed onto one of a bearing, a bearing housing, and a machine. A crystal self-test circuit includes a multiplexer IC, which toggles between a pulse injection configuration and a signal collection configuration. In the pulse injection configuration, the multiplexer IC provides signal communication between a crystal self-test input and the sensing emission crystal. In the signal collection configuration, the multiplexer IC provides signal communication between the sensing emission crystal and a signal analyzer. In operation, the multiplexer IC applies a waveform (preferably a square wave) to the sensing emission crystal over a predetermined time period. The multiplexer IC then toggles to collect the output waveform from the sensing emission crystal and forwards the output waveform to the signal analyzer. The output signal can be amplified by a signal amplifier.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting pesticide residue in agricultural products. The system includes a chromatographic and mass-spectrometric system and a computer. The system inspects first and second sample solutions prepared from two identical extracts of an agricultural product. The first sample solution includes no additives while the second sample is added with a pesticide standard which is intended to be detected by the system for comparison. The computer compares the mass chromatograms of the first and second sample solutions, and calculate an increased integral area by which the peak of the second sample solution in the second mass chromatogram exceeds the peak of the first sample solution in the first mass chromatogram at the same retention time. As such, the concentration of pesticide residue in the sample can be determined by a ratio between the increased integral area and the concentration of the pesticide standard.

Abstract: Described is a dispensing needle for a fraction collector. The dispensing needle includes a conduit having a fluid channel to conduct a chromatographic flow, an interior wall that defines the fluid channel, an exterior surface and an endface through which the chromatographic flow is dispensed. The dispensing needle also includes a coating of a hydrocarbon material or a fluorocarbon material that is bonded to the endface. The coating is also bonded to at least a portion of the exterior surface that is adjacent to the endface and at least a portion of the interior wall that is adjacent to the endface. The coating operates to reduce a droplet volume of a liquid dispensed from the endface that may remain at the tip of the dispensing needle. Consequently, the concentration variation in a collected fraction due to a missing droplet or extra droplet is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus including a screen capable of separating solids from a liquid-solid mixture and a first probe disposed beneath the screen. The first probe is provided to determine a position of a beach between the liquid-solid mixture and separated solids. The apparatus may measure a property of a local volume of a probe disposed beneath a first separator deck. The probe may then send a first signal to database. Based on the signal a location of a beach may be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for measuring the gas content in drilling fluids in real time using optical computing devices. One system includes a flow path circulating a drilling fluid into and out of a borehole during drilling operations, a first optical computing device arranged at or near an outlet of the borehole and having a first integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid as it exits the borehole and generate a first output signal corresponding to a concentration of a gas present in the drilling fluid at the outlet of the borehole, and a signal processor communicably coupled to the first optical computing device and configured to receive the first output signal and determine the concentration of the gas present in the drilling fluid at the outlet of the borehole.

Abstract: A magnifying device for jewelry and system for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the magnifying device, a securing ring is coupled to a body to selectively attach in a snap-fit engagement with a gem tester. A hinge assembly is also coupled to the body and a support frame is pivotally coupled thereto. A seat within the support frame defines a circular opening securing a magnifying lens therein. The support frame also includes a pivot blade extending therefrom that accepts rotational bearing force to cause the support frame and therefore the magnifying lens to rotate relative to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting microbes use laser speckles. The apparatus includes a light source configured to irradiate light into a sample to detect microbes, and a measuring part configured to measure laser speckles, which are formed due to a multiple scattering of the light which is incident into the sample, every reference time and to measure concentration of the microbes contained in the sample based on temporal correlation of the measured laser speckles.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers and a method for differentiating between NASH and NAFLD in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide having antagonist activity against SP, pain control activity, anti-inflammation activity, and anti-pruritic activity. The present invention further provides a method for searching for a therapeutic agent for pain, a therapeutic agent for inflammation, and a therapeutic agent for pruritus using G protein coupled receptor (GPR) 83, which is an HK-1 specific receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and composition for screening drug candidates for cardiotoxicity and for novel drugs that effect cardiomyocyte contractility and function. The invention provides an efficient and reliable screening assay to detect the effect of new and potential drug candidates on cardiomyocyte calcium flux, membrane depolarization, and/or the propagation of action potentials.

Abstract: A kit and method for evaluating in vitro the effect of a xenobiotic (e.g., a biologic drug) on drug metabolism in hepatocytes. The kit comprises a first culture of hepatocytes, a portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and instructions for incubating the first culture of hepatocytes with the portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and analyzing the activity, expression, or a combination thereof of a biomarker in the hepatocytes to evaluate the effect of the xenobiotic on drug metabolism in the hepatocytes.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining chirality of a cell. The method includes culturing a cell on a base layer having a cell growth material. The method includes forming a top layer on the base layer after the cell has attached to the base layer, the top layer having a cell growth material. The base layer and the top layer form a graded 3D substrate. The intrinsic bias of the cell is determined from the directionality of spontaneous cell rotation.

Abstract: Light harvesting luminescent multichromophores that are configured upon excitation to transfer energy to, and amplify the emission from, an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith are provided. Also provided are compositions for labelling a target. The labelling composition may include a donor light harvesting multichromophore and an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity to the donor light harvesting multichromophore. Also provided is an aqueous composition for labelling a target, including: a donor light harvesting multichromophore; an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith; and a sensor biomolecule. Methods for using the subject compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Fluorogenic semiconductor nanocrystals and compositions thereof are provided herein, including kits, assay systems and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Light harvesting luminescent multichromophores that are configured upon excitation to transfer energy to, and amplify the emission from, an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith are provided. Also provided are compositions for labelling a target. The labelling composition may include a donor light harvesting multichromophore and an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity to the donor light harvesting multichromophore. Also provided is an aqueous composition for labelling a target, including: a donor light harvesting multichromophore; an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith; and a sensor biomolecule. Methods for using the subject compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention, depending on aspect and embodiment, relates to capture probe controls, and capture and signal probe configurations and combinations of configurations that can facilitate accurate and efficient multiplex analyte detection, especially in electrochemical detection schemes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a use of a protein nanoparticle-based hydrogel, and more particularly, to a use of a protein nanoparticle-based hydrogel capable of highly sensitive and simultaneous multi-detection of disease markers by using a hydrogel within which protein nanoparticles presenting multiple copies of disease marker detection probes are immobilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcarrier comprising at least a detection surface for performing an assay, said detection surface comprising a first area being functionalized with a first functional group for detecting at least a chemical and/or biological interaction, said first area being designed for providing a first signal. The microcarrier is characterized in that the detection surface further comprises a second area being designed for providing a second signal different from the first signal, said second signal being emitted during the assay. Thus, information about the presence of the at least a chemical and/or biological interaction is provided by a comparison of the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: Analytical cartridges, systems and methods of processing a sample for analysis using capillary flows. Vertical gradient sample filtration provides filtrate to an incubation chamber for a time controlled by a flow modulator at the outlet of the incubation chamber. The flow modulator can include a serpentine capillary flow path without side walls. Incubated filtrate can flow from the incubation chamber to a detection channel after a predetermined time. The detection chamber can include one or more analytical regions in a porous substrate for detection of two or more analytes on the same cartridge from the same sample.

Abstract: A photo-electrochemical bio-sensor uses a semiconductor heterostructure located in an etching solution. An outer layer of the heterostructure is functionalized, such as with a self-assembled monolayer, to provide adherence of a charged molecule of interest. When contacted by a test solution, the functionalization immobilizes a quantity of the molecule that corresponds to its concentration in the test solution. The heterostructure undergoes photocorrosion when illuminated by a laser at a rate corresponding to the quantity of immobilized charged molecules. The rate of photocorrosion is monitored to determine the concentration of the molecule in the test solution. The monitoring may make use of a photoluminescent material in the heterostructure that emits photoluminescence in response to the laser illumination. The photoluminescence changes with the advancement of the photocorrosion, and the change is therefore indicative of the concentration of the molecule in the test solution.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) disease and distinguishing between active TB and latent TB infection in a subject is described herein. A sample from the subject is stimulated with at least one Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection phase-dependent antigen selected from Rv0081, Rv2032, Rv1737c, Rv2389c, Rv0867c, TB18.2, Rv2099c, Rv1733c, M.tb PPD, PHA and ESAT-6/CFP-10 and the presence of at least one host marker in the sample is detected, the host marker being selected from EGF, TGF-?, TNF-?, VEGF, RANTES, IL-12(p40), IL-12(p70), IL-10, IP-10, IFN-?2, fractalkine, IFN-?, IL-13, IL-1Ra, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, MIP-1?, ENA-78, BCA-1, TARC, X6-Ckine, eotaxin, eotaxin-2, SCF, APOA-1, APOE, HPALBN, HCF, Serum amyloid protein A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid protein P (SAP), TIMP-1, MIP-1?, IL-6, GM-CSF, IL-1?, MMP-9, MMP-2, MCP-1, TRAIL, IL-15, IL-17F, IL-22, TNF-?, MCP-2 and MCP-4. Additional host markers may also be detected in an unstimulated sample from the subject.

Abstract: More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for the detection of a target, e.g. pathogen in a human body fluid wherein a body fluid sample is collected with a swab member.

Abstract: Provided herein are uses of gene and protein biomarkers as a predictor of clinical sensitivity of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) induced lymphoma and patient response to treatment with an immunomodulatory compound. Further provided herein are methods for the treatment or management of Kaposi's sarcoma or KSHV-induced lymphoma with an immunomodulatory compound, alone or in combination with doxorubicin.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including reagents for detecting human autoantibodies against at least two proteins selected from the group consisting of ANGTPL4, DKK1, EPHA2, LAMC2, SPON2, SSR2, GAL1, GFRA1, LRRC15, CD147, CD320, CDH3, LRP10, SPINT2, SUSD2, and CST2, and their use in detecting breast cancer or disease recurrence.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for determining the self-renewal potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC), or for predicting the drugability (susceptibility to a drug) of a CSC, and/or for predicting the progression of a cancer that corresponds to the CSC. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for determining whether a CSC in a niche is more pro-apoptotic or more anti-apoptotic in relation to a normal stem cell or a CSC from another niche. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for determining the prognosis or malignant potential of a cancer. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods determining the anti-apoptotic versus a pro-apoptotic potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC).

Abstract: A method to calibrate measurements of a test analyte in a test sample including measuring at least one test-light level responsive to reactions of at least one reagent group and at least one reactive test analyte in the test sample and measuring at least one control-light level responsive to reactions of at least one reagent group and at least one control analyte in a control sample. Each control analyte is a known amount of at least one reactive test analyte. The method further includes determining a presence of the reactive test analyte in the test sample based on the measured test-light levels and control-light levels. The reagent group and the reactive test analyte react by attaching to each other.

Abstract: Provided is a glucose derivative, which is taken into cells via a membrane sugar transport system and is represented by formula (1). Also provided are an imaging agent and an imaging method for a cell or intracellular molecule using said glucose derivative. Further provided are a method for detecting cancer cells with good accuracy using said glucose derivative and an imaging agent to be used in said method. More specifically provided are D-glucose derivatives and L-glucose derivatives in which glucose is bound to the 7-position of a fluorescent molecular group with a coumarin backbone or a quinolone backbone. Also provided are a cell imaging agent and imaging method using the derivative. A cancer cell imaging agent and imaging method using the L-glucose derivative is also provided. G is a group selected from formulas (G1)-(G4) below.

Abstract: Isotopically-labelled glycans and their synthesis and use as internal standards in the analysis by mass spectrometry of glycan mixtures is described. The methods of synthesis described herein may be used conveniently to prepare libraries of heavy glycans for use in the qualitative and quantitative identification of glycans in natural samples.

Abstract: An affinity ligand peptide library of IgG constructed on the basis of Protein A affinity model and the application of a design method thereof. According to the Molecular Mechanics—Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) method and on the basis of the known human IgG-Protein A complex structure, the hot spots of Protein A that have high affinity for human IgG are obtained analytically, and a Protein A simplified affinity model is built thereof. An affinity peptide library of IgG is constructed including heptapeptide and octapeptide structural modes. On the basis of the peptide structural modes, the types of inserted amino acids that ‘X’ residues represent are further identified using amino acid location method. Then, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation methods are used to screen the candidate peptides successively. Finally, the affinity peptide ligands that can effectively purify IgG are identified using affinity chromatography.

Abstract: Provided is a method of bioassay for the quantification of peptide fragments elevated in lung diseases such as COPD, SCC, or IPF. The peptide fragments comprise a neo-epitope formed at a cleavage site by cleavage in vivo of elastin by a proteinase. In the method a sample is contacted with an antibody having specific binding affinity for the neo-epitope amino acid sequence and determining the level of binding is determined where the antibody binds one of the following terminal sequences: . . . FGPGVV, . . . VPGLGV or IKAPKL . . . . Also provided are antibodies and immunoassay kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro determination of the radiosensitivity of a subject. More particularly, the invention relates to a method comprising a step of inducing an exogenous stress on a biological sample from a subject, followed by the comparison of the presence or level of at least one compound chosen in a group of defined compounds, in said biological sample and in a reference sample. The present invention also relates to the use of said at least one compound as predictive biomarker of the radio-sensitivity of a subject. The invention also relates to a kit for the detection of the presence or level of at least one of said compounds, usable in a method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the method comprising determining the concentration of at least one IBD-specific biomarker in a sample of the colonic mucocellular layer obtained from a subject.

Abstract: There is provided protein biomarkers and methods for their use in diagnosing and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) as well as methods for assessing the severity of the diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic fecal occult blood detector for detecting a sample kit, comprising: a feed passage and a discharging passage which are provided in parallel and convey a sample kit separately; a transfer platform configured between the feed passage and the discharging passage; a push rod configured to push the sample kit on the feed passage onto the discharging passage through the transfer platform; and an image capturing device provided on one side of the discharging passage to acquire the color band information presented on a test strip. In the present invention, the parallel arrangement of the feed passage and the discharging passage shortens the whole length of the automatic detector, meeting the requirement that the color band information of the test strip is automatically acquired after the sample kit is left in the device a certain time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating subject having a bleeding disorder. The disclosed methods comprise contacting a sample, e.g., a blood or plasma sample obtained from the patient, with an activation mixture comprising an activated coagulation factor and a phospholipid mixture, wherein the activation mixture is dried onto a solid substrate. Also provided is a global hemostasis test based on the integration of clotting time (Ct) and pharmacokinetics data. The methods and compositions presented can be applied to point-of-care diagnostic systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods that may be used for the detection of allergens. In some embodiments, a system includes circuitry for processing one or more samples with one or more microfluidic chips configured for analysis of one or more allergen indicators; circuitry for detecting the one or more allergen indicators; and circuitry for comparing one or more detected concentration levels of the one or more allergen indicators to one or more concentration levels of the one or more allergen indicators that results in one or more allergic responses.

Abstract: Diagnostic analyzers with pretreatment carousels and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first carousel that includes a first annular array of slots to receive a first vessel. The example first carousel also includes a first track of rotation about the first carousel having a first diameter and a second track of rotation about the first carousel having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The example apparatus includes a first diverter to move the first vessel from the first track to the second track. In addition, the example apparatus includes a second carousel coaxial with the first carousel. The example second carousel includes a second annular array of slots to receive a second vessel.

Abstract: A sample sorting apparatus used in a sample processing system comprises a sample supplying apparatus, a sample processing apparatus, and a transporting apparatus connected to the sample processing apparatus. The sample sorting apparatus comprises a first entrance for receiving a sample rack from the sample supplying apparatus, a container conveyor configured to take out a sample container from the sample rack received through the first entrance and configured to set the taken out sample container on a sample rack, a first exit for sending the sample rack on which the sample container is set to the transporting apparatus, a second entrance for receiving the sample rack from the transporting apparatus, a second exit for sending the sample rack received through the second entrance to the sample supplying apparatus, and a transporter configured to transport the sample rack from the second entrance to the second exit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a work-flow, which may be in an IVD environment. A plurality of workcells can be used to perform tasks, while vessels can be automatically transported between the workcells using bulk transport trays along an inter-cell track, allowing each workcell to be independently adapted to one or more tasks in the work-flow.

Abstract: A pipetting arrangement includes at least two sets of pipettes (9a; 9b; 9c; 9d). Each set of pipettes (9a; 9b; 9c; 9d) is operationally connected, via a controllable ON/OFF valve (11a; 11b; 11e; 11d) to a common aspiration port (7). Latter is connectable to a pumping arrangement. The valves (11a; 11b; 11e; 11d) are controlled by a timing-control unit (15) conceived to establish, by control of the valves (11a; 11b; 11e; 11d), the operational connections of the at least two sets of pipettes (9a; 9b; 9c; 9d) to the aspiration port (7) in a time-multiplexed manner.

Abstract: Described herein are automated and customizable sample preparation and analysis systems for detection and quantification of biomarkers (e.g., metabolites and/or lipids) in biological samples (e.g., blood, serum, or plasma) in a clinical setting. The automated systems are controlled by scripts that integrate communication between the components of the sample preparation system. Also described herein are mass spectrometry-based analytical methods featuring efficient system calibration and sample analysis that provide for accurate quantification of a set of markers in biological samples. The methods are capable of automatic high sample throughput in a clinical setting for detection and quantification using a mass spectrometry system and high performance liquid chromatography column.

Abstract: A fastening device for an electronic component, in particular an acceleration sensor for airbag systems, in which the electronic component is fixable in a motor vehicle with the aid of fastening elements, a first connection pair being present both on the motor vehicle and on the housing of the electronic component, which interlocks in a form-locked and/or force-fit manner for a pre-mounting of the electronic component and a second connection pair is present on the housing of the electronic component and on the motor vehicle, with the aid of which the electronic component may be fastened and positioned on the vehicle. The second connection pair is made up of a clip connection.

Abstract: A rotation sensor has a magnetoelectric conversion unit that converts change of magnetic flux whose direction changes periodically with rotation of a rotator into an electric signal and a processing unit that processes the electric signal. The magnetoelectric conversion unit outputs a first detection signal and a second detection signal. The processing unit has a first comparison unit that compares a detection threshold and the first detection signal and a second comparison unit that compares a reference threshold and the second detection signal. The first comparison unit changes a voltage level of the detection threshold when the first detection signal exceeds or falls below the detection threshold and then restores the voltage level of the detection threshold based on the second detection signal and the reference threshold, and the first comparison unit converts the first detection signal into a pulse signal based on the detection threshold of the same voltage level.

Abstract: There is provided an acceleration detecting device capable of using a flat plate-like packaging substrate having no recess portion as a packaging substrate and reducing the height thereof. In an acceleration detecting device, an acceleration detecting element is held by first and second holding members therebetween so as to configure a plate-like structure. In the plate-like structure, at least one of a third surface and a fourth surface of the acceleration detecting element is located at the inner side relative to first holding member surfaces or second holding member surfaces of the first and second holding members in the thickness direction connecting the third surface and the fourth surface.