Abstract: A testing apparatus, inspection system, and method for through-transmission ultrasonic testing. The testing apparatus includes a yoke having a support member with a pair of hinge joints, each hinge joint located on an end of the support member; a pair of arms extending from the support member having a hinge end and a pivotable transducer end, each arm being coupled to the hinge joint at the hinge end and extending to the pivotable transducer end; a pair of transducer support members disposed on each of the pivotal transducer ends; and a tension member connected to the pair of arms for aligning the pair of transducer support members during testing.

Abstract: Various aspects include methods of inspecting a substantially round hole in a material. One method can include: feeding a probe axially into the substantially round hole until the probe completely passes through the substantially round hole while the probe is activated; rotating the probe at least ninety degrees around a primary axis of the substantially round hole after feeding the probe completely through the substantially round hole; removing the probe axially from the substantially round hole after rotating the probe at least ninety degrees while the probe is activated; and compiling at least one of eddy current data or ultrasound data about the hole from the feeding of the probe axially into the substantially round hole and the removing of the probe axially from the substantially round hole.

Abstract: An acoustic microscope for scanning a sample, comprising: a pulse transmitter for generating and propagating first acoustic pulses along a propagation direction; a rotatable mirror for deflecting the first acoustic pulses, the rotatable mirror being rotatable about a rotation axis being substantially orthogonal to the propagation direction; an acoustic lens for focusing the deflected first acoustic pulses in the sample and propagating second acoustic pulses reflected by the sample towards the rotatable mirror, the second acoustic pulses being deflected by the rotatable mirror; a pulse detector for detecting the deflected second acoustic pulses; a transmitter controller for controlling the pulse emitter and emitting each one of the first acoustic pulses as a function of a respective angular position of the rotatable mirror; and a mirror controller for rotating the rotatable mirror in order to scan the sample along a scan direction.

Abstract: Methods, systems and components made according to the methods and systems, are disclosed relating to making inspection reference standards for the non-invasive inspection of composite materials.

Abstract: We disclose a microfabricated device for both extracting and preconcentrating samples for gas chromatography analysis. The device includes a conduit with at least two sections and multiple ports which may be connected to multiple gas chromatography columns. The inner surface of the conduit may be coated with multiple sorbents which bind volatile analytes with different affinities. The sections of the conduit may be divided by a thermal barrier which inhibits heat transfer between sections. Consequently, each section may be independently heated to encourage desorption of volatile analytes. The disclosed device separates and concentrates volatile analytes into different pools according to their chemical and physical properties before they enter a gas chromatography column that is optimized for that pool. The device reduces the amount of heat and time needed to perform gas chromatography analysis as well as avoids the need for purified gas sources typically used for the moving phase.

Abstract: We disclose a device that both extracts and preconcentrates volatile analytes in preparation for separation by gas chromatography. The device includes a conduit that may include two, and sometimes three, separate sections that are connected end-to-end, but which may be separated prior to inserting into a gas chromatograph port. The inner surface of each section is coated with one or more sorbents, each with a different affinity for volatile analytes. The sorbents may be positioned along the sections of the column in order of relative affinity for volatile analytes. The sections may be heated independently of each other to release the volatile analytes from the sorbents more quickly. This device reduces the time and the temperature required to achieve separation by gas chromatography. The device may be used to perform gas chromatography in ubiquitous environments such as the home or a mobile situation.

Abstract: A temperature gradient chromatography, and apparatus for the same, said method comprising the following: a) dissolving a composition comprising at least one polymer in at least one solvent, to form a polymer solution; b) injecting at least a portion of the polymer solution onto a support material and wherein the support material has a CI from 0.70 to 1.50; c) cooling the support material at a rate greater than, or equal to, 0.2° C./min; d) increasing the temperature of the support material to elute at least some of the polymer; e) generating the chromatogram.

Abstract: A pH monitoring device includes a chamber for containing a solution; and a polymer immersed in the solution. The physical state of the polymer is changeable in dependence on whether the pH of the solution exceeds a threshold value. The pH monitoring device includes further includes a detector configured to detect the change of the physical state of the polymer and thus determine the pH of the solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to adsorption devices for use in substance detection systems and methods of using same. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to adsorption devices that allow for both the optional refilling of adsorption material and the optional regeneration of a dryer.

Abstract: A composition, method and kit for quantifying the concentration of one peracid or the total concentration of two or more peracids in a water source are disclosed. In particular, an oxidation sensitive or peroxycarboxylic acid selective leuco dye is used to react only with one or more peroxycarboxylic acids in a water source but not with peroxide usually co-existing in the water source. Not only does the oxidation sensitive or peroxycarboxylic acid selective leuco dye react with peracid(s) but also the reaction generates a color species that can be used visually or through absorbance measurement to quantify the peracid concentration. The method disclosed here is not a titration method, it involves a simple mixing step. The kit or composition disclosed here does not utilize a catalyst, such as iodine.

Abstract: An apparatus including an oxidation cell configured to oxidize carbon monoxide to produce carbon dioxide; and a sensor configured to detect carbon dioxide produced by the oxidation cell.

Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating a gas component analyzing apparatus for analyzing by detecting a component of a sample gas by a detector, which is separated as a single component through a separation unit, wherein the separation unit is connected to a supply tube providing a gas thereto, and a plurality of calibration gases that are adjusted to have different concentrations from each other through adjustment of a volume ratio of a calibration gas having one concentration are sequentially provided to the separation unit through the supply tube.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method may include controlling a relative humidity in a sample chamber by circulating air sequentially from the sample chamber through a humidity control chamber and back to the sample chamber, and controlling a pollutant concentration in the sample chamber by circulating air sequentially from the sample chamber to a pollutant control chamber and back to the sample chamber.

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: 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: An egg identification system for determining viability of an avian egg is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined wavelength toward an egg. A detector assembly is spaced-apart from the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg. A light controlling assembly is positioned proximate to the emitter assembly. The light controlling assembly includes an absorbing layer configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation at the predetermined wavelength. The absorbing layer defines an opening through which electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter assembly is capable of passing therethrough toward the egg. A processor is configured to process an output signal of the detector assembly to determine viability of the egg. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A plant-integrated measurement and monitoring system includes one or more sampling ports disposed throughout to provide fuel samples at key locations in the plant. Additional sampling ports are included to provide samples of water, lube oil or other fluids. Each fuel sample is analyzed in an automated analyzer that determines a presence of contaminants. Results of the analysis are interpreted by the plant control system to determine quality attributes of the fuel samples and identify locations and/or causes of identified anomalies. The control system further issues alerts or actions to limit an impact of the identified anomalies.

Abstract: This description relates to a predictive model for estimating the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) performed on the soil samples. The soil texture prediction model is trained using benchmark NIRS test data and collected spectra of soil samples for which the benchmark test data has been collected. The estimates produced by the model can be used to determinate a variety of properties of the soil sample, such as hydrological properties and soil quality. Knowledge of these properties are useful for informing decisions that agronomists, producers, or farm managers make throughout the year. For example, agronomists use the determined properties to infer how the soil will perform under any given treatment or application, for example applying seeds, fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate generally to subterranean formation operations and, more particularly, to enhancing aging testing to characterize settling of particulates in treatment fluids for use in subterranean formation operations. The embodiments use a test cell apparatus comprising a test cell body having an open end for receiving a treatment fluid into an interior of the test cell body, the interior having a floating piston for separating the treatment fluid from a pressurization fluid; a sampling port extending from the open end and having a sample valve for receiving samples of the treatment fluid from the sampling port; a pressure input for pressurizing the interior; and a sealing assembly adapted to be inserted into the test cell body in contact with the interior to fluidly seal the open end and through which the sampling port extends, the sealing assembly comprising a retainable test cell cap.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing degradation of a machine fluid is disclosed. The sensing system may comprise a capsule including a dissolvable element. The dissolvable element may be configured to at least partially dissolve when placed in contact with the machine fluid having an acid content indicative of degradation of the machine fluid. The sensing system may further comprise a tracer encapsulated by the capsule. The tracer may be at least partially released from the capsule when the dissolvable element at least partially dissolves.

Abstract: System and method for processing images of concrete are provided. Image data captured from a construction site may be obtained. The image data may be analyzed to identify regions of the image data that depict concrete. The image data may be analyzed to determine quality indications associated with concrete depicted in the image data, for example in a region identified above. In some examples, the quality indications may comprise an indication of the durability of the concrete, of the strength of the concrete, and so forth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro thrombelastograph micro TEG which can be used in clinic, research and POC (point of care) settings. The present disclosure relates to a miniaturization method of traditional thrombelastograph assay based on the micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology platform. In addition, this disclosure can be applied to general viscosity/rheology measurement.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided that allow for enhanced performance, power efficiency, interoperability, data security and user privacy for in vivo analyte monitoring systems that utilize wireless communications. The in vivo analyte monitoring systems can include a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy enabled handheld relay device for wirelessly relaying analyte data between a sensor unit device and one or more reader devices. The in vivo analyte monitoring systems can employ advertisement and encryption schemes for wirelessly transmitting data in a manner that allows for improved security, efficiency and privacy.

Abstract: A method carried out by a system configured to analyze blood. The method includes causing a ferromagnetic object to move in a chamber housing blood after clot initiation has been implicated. Movement of the object in the chamber is detected. The detected movement of the object is correlated with clot retraction of the blood. In some embodiments, the stop of detecting movement includes allowing the object to drop from a raised position and detecting a drop distance of the object. In related embodiments, the step of correlating detected movement with clot retraction includes reviewing a trace generated by a plurality of drop distances over time. In yet other embodiments, methods of the present disclosure can further including evaluating platelet function of the blood based upon assessed clot retraction.

Abstract: Provided are a hydrogel-based microfluidic chip for cell co-culture and a use thereof, wherein the microfluidic chip allows the co-culture of cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells; can be widely applied in various studies associated with cancer; is suitable in studies on the photothermal therapy effect on, especially, cancer cells; and has excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and economical feasibility.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting cardiotoxicity of molecular parameters of a compound. A computer can provide as input to a machine learning algorithm the molecular parameters of the compound. The molecular parameters can include at least structural information about the compound. The machine learning algorithm can have been trained using respective molecular parameters of compounds known to have cardiotoxicity and of compounds known not to have cardiotoxicity. The computer can receive as output from the machine learning algorithm a representation of the predicted cardiotoxicity of each molecular parameter of at least a subset of the molecular parameters of the compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides co-cultures of a population of hepatocytes, at least one non-parenchymal cell population, and a population of hepatic stellate cells in vitro, methods of preparing the co-cultures, and methods of using the co-cultures for high throughput screening and evaluation of drug candidates. The hepatocytes co-culture system provides an in vitro model in which both cell viability and phenotype are maintained for extended periods relative to conventional monoculture.

Abstract: Provided is a cell line deposited under the number of CGMCC11091 and preparation method thereof. The method comprises: using a critical downstream gene of the BMP signal, the Id1 gene, as a target, then designing dual reporter gene elements to insert in an Id1 genome, so as to construct a recombination vector, and transcribing the same in a human embryonic stem cell line. A novel compound upregulating expression of Id1 and obtained by screening with the cell line has an application in preparing a pharmaceutical treating pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Abstract: A method of assaying metastasis can include: providing a device of one of the embodiments; introducing the at least one cancer cell into the at least one internal chamber or at least one fluid channel; and studying metastasis of the at least one cancer cell. Optionally: introducing cancer cells into a first internal chamber; detecting escape of the cancer cell from the first internal chamber into the fluid channel; detecting migration of the cancer cell through the fluid channel; detecting adhesion of the cancer cell to a coating on the fluid channel; detecting invasion of the cancer cell into a second internal chamber from the fluid channel; or visualizing metastasis of the cancer cell with a visualization device.

Abstract: A composition comprising a novel Ca2+-activated, [ATP]i-sensitive nonspecific cation (NCCa-ATP) channel is described. The channel is found in mammalian neural cells and exhibits a different sensitivity to block by various adenine nucleotides, and is activated by submicromolar [Ca]i. The NCCa-ATP channel is activated under conditions of ATP depletion, which causes severe cell depolarization, followed by cell swelling. The NCCa-ATP channel is regulated by a sulfonylurea receptor and is inhibited by sulfonylurea compounds glibenclamide and tolbutamide. Methods employing compositions comprising the NCCa-ATP channel to screen for compounds that block the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described. In addition, methods employing compositions comprising the Kir2.3 channel to screen for compounds that open the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for use in these assays.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to profiling peptides, compositions, and kits, as well as methods of use thereof. The profiling peptides comprise an Mcl-1 binding domain, and optionally a cellular uptake moiety. The methods of using such profiling peptides include predicting sensitivity of a cancer, selecting a treatment, treating a cancer, producing a sensitivity profile, and the like.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to evaluating and identifying cells by recording and interpreting a time-dependent signal produced by unique cell respiration and permeability attributes of isolated viable cells.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to evaluating and identifying cells by recording and interpreting a time-dependent signal produced by unique cell respiration and permeability attributes of isolated viable cells.

Abstract: An automated microscope apparatus, comprises an outer housing having an external wall; optionally but preferably an internal wall in said housing, and configured to form a first compartment and a separate second compartment in said outer housing; a microscope assembly in said housing, preferably in said first compartment; and a microprocessor in said housing, preferably in said second compartment; and optionally but preferably a heat sink mounted on said housing external wall, preferably adjacent said second compartment, with said microprocessor thermally coupled to said heat sink and operatively associated with said microscope assembly.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes azetidine-substituted fluorescent compounds, where the compounds may be used as probes, dyes, tags, and the like. The presently-disclosed subject matter also includes kits comprising the same as well as methods for using the same to detect a target substance.

Abstract: Methods, systems and nanoprobes for identifying sequence-specific transcription factor DNA interactions for drug and/or disease screening are provided. The method includes homogeneously mixing plasmonic metal nanoparticle probes with protein samples as an assay in multi-well plates. The plasmonic metal nanoparticle probes comprise a plurality of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and a specific DNA response element and the protein samples bind with the specific response elements to form an assembly of the plasmonic metal nanoparticle probes. The method further includes measuring particle size distribution of the assembly of the plasmonic metal nanoparticle probes in the solution by dynamic light scattering and determining one or more sequence-specific transcription factor DNA interactions from a curve of the particle size distribution determined from light scattered by the dynamic light scattering. The nanoprobe includes a plurality of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and a DNA linker.

Abstract: Provided is a testing device including: a porous flow path member in which a flow path for flowing a sample is formed; and a resin layer provided at at least one position over the flow path member, wherein the resin layer is a porous body formed of a hydrophobic material, and wherein a reagent reactive with the sample is formed as a solid phase over a surface of the resin layer facing the flow path member and inside voids of the resin layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measurement of an analyte in a microparticle-based analyte-specific binding assay, wherein the microparticles are coated with the first partner of a binding pair, the method involving mixing the coated microparticles, an analyte-specific binding agent conjugated to the second partner of the binding pair, and a sample suspected of containing or containing the analyte, wherein the second partner of the binding pair is bound to the analyte-specific binding agent via a linker having from 12 to 30 ethylene glycol units (PEG 12 to 30), thereby binding the analyte via the conjugated analyte-specific binding agent to the coated microparticles, separating the microparticles having the analyte bound via the binding pair and the analyte-specific binding agent from the mixture and measuring the analyte bound to the microparticles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low-cost point-of-care immunoassay are provided. The system comprises an emitter, two optical interference filters, a microscope slide, a photodiode detector, a circuit, and a measuring unit. The detector is placed upon the second filter, the slide, the first filter, and then the emitter. The emitter comprises non-organic light emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) that emits light of a first color. The slide is spotted with biofluid from a patient. Biomarkers in the biofluid is bound with immobilized fluorophores that emit light of a second color when stimulated by the light of the first color. The first and second filters band-pass the light of the first and second colors, respectively. The detector detects light of the second color. The current outputted from the detector is converted into a relatively-large output voltage by a circuit. A measuring unit measures the ramp time of the output voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an immunochromatographic test strip by which the influences by the interfering substances in the immunochromatography method, contained in test samples, are reduced, so that it enables to accurately and specifically measure a test substance in a test sample irrespective of the amount of the test sample supplied to the assay, and to provide an immunochromatography method using the immunochromatographic test strip. The immunochromatographic test strip includes, in the order from upstream, a sample pad, a labeled substance region, a detection region and an absorption band, wherein a polymer(s) in which hydrophobic cyclic monomer(s) having an ionic functional group(s) is/are polymerized is impregnated at a region(s) upstream of the labeled substance region.

Abstract: Provided is a method for simultaneously determining both [L]0 and Kd values of a ligand for a target protein. In one embodiment, the present technology involves performing quantitative equilibrium immunoassays at two different concentrations of the target and fitting the data to simultaneously determine Kd and [L]0. Also provided is a method for determining binding affinity of a pool of candidate ligands in a high-throughput manner. In another embodiment, the present technology method combines high-throughput nucleic acid sequencing with a display technology to obtain kinetic on-rates and off-rates, and thus Kd values, for the candidate ligands.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an immunochromatographic analyzer that enables a quick and easy, high-sensitivity detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and thus more reliable and faster diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumonia. The immunochromatographic analyzer according to the present invention is for detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and includes a sample adding section, a label-substance retaining section, a chromatographic medium section having a detection section, and an absorbing section. The label-substance retaining section and the detection section contain an antibody that strongly recognizes domain III of P30 protein of Mycoplasma pneumoniae consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: A cell processing system includes a first processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, a second processor, and a controller coupled to the processors. The first processor includes a separator configured to separate the biological fluid into at least two streams of material, and a first container configured to receive one of the streams. The second processor includes a magnetic separator configured to select target cells, the target cells being associated with magnetic particles, a second, pass-through container associated with the magnetic separator, the second container connected at a first end to the first container, and a third container connected to a second end of the pass-through container. One of the processors includes at least one pump configured to transfer material between the separator and the first container, and between the first container and the second container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing the infection status of a subject and in particular to a method for assessing the infection status of a subject by analysing the cellular and/or humoral composition of breastmilk from said subject. The invention has been developed primarily for use as a method for detecting infection in a breastfeeding mother and/or infant.

Abstract: Provided herein are multiplex assays for determining whether an individual is or has been infected with Hepatitis B virus, and the stage of infection or resolution. In addition, the multiplex system can discriminate between vaccinated subjects and subjects susceptible to Hepatitis B infection.

Abstract: An in vitro method for diagnosing a brain tumour in a human test subject comprising: determining the concentration of at least two metabolites comprised in a biofluid sample obtained from the human test subject; comparing the concentration of the at least two metabolites in the biofluid sample with the concentration of the same at least two metabolites in at least one reference standard obtained from a non-tumour bearing subject and/or a tumour bearing subject; and identifying a concentration difference for each of the at least two metabolites in the biofluid sample relative to the reference standard; wherein the concentration difference for each of the at least two metabolites in the biofluid sample correlates with the presence of a brain tumour. The invention also relates to a data-storage medium comprising data obtained by a method of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis of bladder cancer are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to the use of urinary biomarkers for aiding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of bladder cancer, and to a panel of biomarkers that can be used to distinguish high-grade bladder cancer from low-grade bladder cancer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the diagnosis of whether a liver mass is a benign hepatocellular adenoma or a pre-malignant hepatocellular dysplastic nodule and/or a malignant hepatocellular carcinoma. Specific protein fragment peptides are precisely detected and quantitated by SRM-mass spectrometry directly in liver mass cells collected from liver mass tissue that was obtained from a patient suffering from the liver mass and compared to reference levels in order to determine if the liver mass is a benign growth or a pre-cancer and/or cancer.

Abstract: The invention generally features compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of neoplasia in a subject, as well as methods of treatment selection.