Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation-induced radical species characterized in that it has, when measuring a biological nail, hair, or stratum corneum tissue sample by continuous wave EPR spectroscopy at ambient temperature: a Lande factor of 2.004; during Q band measurements at ambient temperature, a minimum signal intensity and a maximum signal intensity, said intensities being reached for magnetic field values separated by 1.8 mT; during X band measurements, a signal forming a singlet; and at the highest frequency, a signal having Lande factor anisotropy. The invention also relates to methods suitable for the identified radical species and intended for preparing a sample, analyzing the measured signal, and estimating a received dose.

Abstract: A method for predicting temperatures tolerable by a component, a piece of equipment or a vehicle structure. This method includes the steps of determining, for each piece of equipment, component or structure of the vehicle, such as an airplane, a temperature spectrum depending on a plurality of extrinsic parameters measured during a full operating cycle of the airplane, by taking into account, for each piece of equipment, component or structure, possible combinations of the extrinsic parameters and setting aside unlikely combinations of the extrinsic parameters, determining, for each piece of equipment, component or structure, the probability of occurrence of the spectrum during the full airplane operating cycle, and defining a database including the temperature spectra so as to predict the lifetimes of the piece of equipment, component or structure and redefine weather and operational standards indicating extreme temperatures and their probability of occurrence obtained with the measured extrinsic parameters.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative analysis of the composition of a gas mixture is specifically suited for the analysis of the atmosphere of a containment in a nuclear installation. Even under difficult conditions, this method enables the simple, reliable and as direct as possible determination of physical parameters, thereby permitting the characteristic definition of the ignition field and the combustion behavior of the gas mixture. A measuring device is provided with a thermal conductivity detector with a first measuring bridge, a thermal tonality detector with a second measuring bridge, and a common evaluation unit. With reference to bridge voltages present on the two measuring bridges, the hydrogen content and the oxygen content are simultaneously determined in the evaluation unit.

Abstract: A system for performing acoustic thermography inspection of a turbine blade while the blade is in place in an assembled turbine. The system includes an acoustic thermography stack with a cap and a frame that the acoustic thermography stack is slidably mounted to, said frame including an end frame portion that allows the blade to be clamped between the cap and the end frame portion. The system also includes an air cylinder that provides force to move the acoustic thermography stack up and down a rail of the frame such that the turbine blade may be clamped between the cap and the end frame portion and then excited using the acoustic thermography stack, and a casing that encases the air cylinder, a portion of the acoustic thermography stack and a portion of the frame.

Abstract: A device produces an electrical signal in response to a stimulus. The device is formed of a flexible substrate including a layer of fibers, for example, paper, and a solution of dispersed carbon nanotubes coated onto and within the fibers, the solution evaporated to leave carbon nanotubes intertwined within the layer of fibers. The carbon nanotubes are functionalized to be optimized for producing an electrical signal for a particular stimulus, where the stimulus includes exposure of the device to a particular gas or vapor. A number of such devices, some or all of which can be different, are housed together, for producing a complex electronic signal, or for sensing any of a wide variety of stimulus.

Abstract: A water sensor for a fuel filtration apparatus includes a main body with at least one electrical contact disposed proximate the first end of the main body. The electrical contact(s) is operatively connectable to an electronic control unit. Multiple sensor contacts are disposed proximate a second end of the main body. The sensor contacts are configured to detect multiple water levels and provide an output on each water level detected. The electrical contact is configured to send the output to an electronic control unit. The water level information provided by the water sensor can be tracked by a control device to determine if the fill rate of water meets an alarm value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to planar electrochemical sensors with membrane coatings used to perform chemical analyses. The object of this invention is to provide unit-use disposable sensors of very simple and inexpensive construction, preferably with only a single membrane coating on an electrode. The invented devices are potentiometric salt-bridge reference electrodes and dissolved gas sensors constructed with a heterogeneous membrane coating of a conductor. The heterogeneous membrane, which is an intimate admixture of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic compartment, concurrently supports constrained transport of non-volatile species through its hydrophilic compartment and rapid gas and water vapor transport through its hydrophobic compartment.

Abstract: Lateral flow assay devices for determining the concentration of a biomolecular analyte in a sample and methods for measuring analyte concentration in sample using such lateral flow assay devices.

Abstract: An ion sensor is configured such that part of a P well on which part a sensing section is provided is different, in dopant concentration, from the other part of the P well so that electric charges are injected merely to the sensing section in a state where a voltage is applied to an N-type substrate.

Abstract: A single-walled carbon nanotube-based micron scale multiplex biosensor is provided that enables the detection of glucose, lactate, and urea. The sensor is based on modification of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes using a linker that non-covalently associates with the nanotubes and covalently couples to an enzyme. Reaction of a physiological substrate with the enzyme results in increased resistance of the nanotubes within the sensor. The sensor is suitable for use in patient monitoring, particularly in a clinical setting. Incorporation of read out electronics and an RF signal generator into the sensor device enables it to communicate to a relay station or remote receiver. Methods are also provided for fabricating the biosensor device and using the device for detection.

Abstract: A method of determining a concentration of phenol and/or a phenol derivative in a first solution. The method includes (a) subjecting a graphite pencil electrode system comprising a graphite pencil working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode to cyclic voltammetry in a second solution such that a surface of the graphite pencil working electrode is charged by the cyclic voltammetry to form a charged surface, (b) contacting the charged surface of the graphite pencil working electrode with the first solution for sufficient time to electropolymerize the phenol and/or the phenol derivative on the charged surface in open circuit fashion, and (c) determining the concentration of the phenol and/or the phenol derivative in the first solution, wherein the amount of the electropolymerized phenol and/or the electropolymerized phenol derivative formed on the charged surface correlates with the concentration of the phenol and/or the phenol derivative in the first solution.

Abstract: A micro-lab includes one or more electrophoresis devices each optically coupled to respective spectrometers and electronic signal processing, analysis and control, with fluids transported via a system of valves, tubes and pumps. The spectrograms are captured by a respective digital cameras, and chemical characteristics including molecular mobility, particle (molecular) charge, molecular weight, particle (molecular) pH, particle (molecular) dielectric, particle (molecular) conductivity, Raman spectrum of each chemical species, IR spectrum of particle (molecular) is determined, and principal component analysis is performed to identify and quantify chemical constituents.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the total organic content of an aqueous stream. The apparatus comprises a platinum electrode for measuring CO2 in an aqueous stream. Methods for measuring the total organic content of an aqueous stream are also disclosed. The methods comprise providing an aqueous stream with oxidized organics therein; providing a platinum electrode, contacting the aqueous stream with the platinum electrode; applying cathodic potential followed by an anodic voltammetric sweep to the platinum electrode, and measuring the amperometric response of the platinum electrode. An apparatus for oxidizing organics in aqueous stream in an aqueous stream is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring an amount of superparamagnetic material in an object, the method including a) applying a magnetic field having a first component alternating with a first period to the object and a magnetic field strength lower than a magnetic field strength at which the superparamagnetic material is driven in saturation; b) measuring a first magnetic susceptibility of the object with a detection coil; c) applying a static second component to the magnetic field for a second period being equal or larger than the first period, the strength of the magnetic field during the second period is such that the superparamagnetic material is driven towards saturation; d) measuring a second magnetic susceptibility of the object with the detection coil during the application of the static second component; and e) determining the amount of superparamagnetic material from a difference between the measured first and second susceptibility of the object.

Abstract: A method for the non-destructive testing of a test component made of an electrically conductive material is described. The method employs movably mounted permanent magnets, which provides a means for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component, and eddy current probes to provide a means for performing a partial saturation eddy current test upon the test component. The eddy current probe preferably comprises an integrated magnetic field sensor which increases the accuracy and flexibility of the modes of operation of the described methods. The described methods are particularly suited for the inspection of tubular components that are often remotely located within the oil and gas exploration and production industries.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for inspecting a section of piping are disclosed. In one example embodiment, an apparatus includes first and second excitation coils, a plurality of magnetometers, and a data acquisition system. The first excitation coils are disposed at a first axial location and are energized and the second excitation coils are disposed at a second axial location and are energized. The plurality of magnetometers are disposed at an axial location between the first and second axial locations and are positioned to detect magnetic fields generated by eddy currents induced in the section of piping by the first and second excitation coils. The data acquisition system is operatively connected to receive output data from the plurality of magnetometers.

Abstract: An inspection device is provided which comprises a receiving member defining an open cell for receiving a target therein. An optical excitation input is in optical communication with the cell for exciting the target. At least one acoustic pickup is in acoustic communication with the cell for picking up acoustic energy resultant from excitation of the target. A recorder is provided for recording the acoustic energy picked up from the at least one acoustic pickup for facilitating structural analysis of the target.

Abstract: A method for monitoring transportation of a package, as well as the apparatus for monitoring transportation, that uses an environmental monitoring device electrically connected to a vibration-to-electricity converter. The vibration-to-electricity converter is electrically attached to the environmental monitoring device.

Abstract: A method of machining an object, the method comprising: receiving a signal from an ultrasonic transducer; determining at least a first external surface of the object and a second internal surface of the object in the received signal; determining a thickness between the first external surface and the second internal surface of the object, the object comprising a first material between the first external surface and the second internal surface, and a second material between the second internal surface and a third surface, the determination of the thickness using a database including a plurality of materials and a plurality of associated acoustic wave velocities; and controlling machining of the first external surface using the determined thickness.

Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.

Abstract: An HPLC apparatus includes a heat exchanger formed from diffusion-bonded first and second titanium substrates. At least two conduits for counterflow are defined between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: Described herein are liquid-free traps for trace levels of an acidic or basic airborne molecular contaminant in a gas. In one version of the invention described herein, the liquid-free trap comprises a housing, comprising an inlet and an outlet; a flow path between the inlet and the outlet; and a rigid sintered hydrophilic material situated in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet and sealed in the housing. The rigid sintered hydrophilic material is functionalized with from about 0.05 molar milliequivalents to about 10 molar milliequivalents of a basic species for trapping an acidic airborne molecular contaminant in the gas or from about 0.05 molar milliequivalents to about 10 molar milliequivalents of an acidic species for trapping a basic airborne molecular contaminant in the gas. Methods of using the liquid-free traps to detect or measure trace levels of an acidic or basic airborne molecular contaminant are also described.

Abstract: In this system, the carbon component of atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) is measured by: heating a sample in a first oven under such conditions as to fractionate the carbon component into carbon fractions; completely converting each carbon fraction into carbon dioxide gas in a second oven; and then measuring the amount of carbon dioxide gas in the carbon fraction precisely. In the system, the problem that a TCD detector cannot measure a low-concentration fraction is solved by using a combustion gas in a non-diluted state, though a combustion gas diluted 150-fold is used in a conventional elemental analyzer. Thus, the present invention develops an international standard instrument in which one standard sample is used and which enables simple standardized measuring acceptable to The International System of Units (SI).

Abstract: A method for genetic evaluation of an inbred plant includes construction of a phenotypic trait database incorporating at least two numerically representable phenotypic traits in a first plant population. Methods for selecting an inbred plant or hybrid plant based on genetic values can be obtained using a multivariate mixed model analysis of such a relationship matrix comprising at least two numerically representable phenotypic traits.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for screening individual plants for increased tolerance or sensitivity to various conditions are provided.

Abstract: A method of determining and evaluating quality of peanut raw material suitable for processing protein. The method includes the following step: determining fruit shape score, total protein content, leucine content, arginine content, conarachin I content and the mass percentage of the subunit with molecular weight of 23.5 kDa to total protein in the peanut sample to be tested; putting the determined values into formula (1) to obtain the protein powder quality of the peanut sample. The disclosure reduces the analysis step. The disclosure establishes the model of evaluating raw material quality for peanut protein processing, and the peanut protein powder quality can be determined by 6 peanut quality characteristics. The determination of indexes in the model can be predicted by the near infrared analyzer. Through the near infrared analysis of peanut kernel, the indexes in the model can be simultaneously predicted without any damage to the peanut kernel.

Abstract: Colorimetric explosive detection kits comprising compact and flexible packaging with an explosive collection assembly and detection reagents disposed thereon in a single-easy-to use system.

Abstract: A wipe for detecting the presence of an explosive substance is composed of an absorbent or adsorbent substrate and a chemical detection solution impregnated within the substrate. The chemical detection solution includes a redox color indicating agent that is operable to exhibit a color change upon reacting with the explosive substance.

Abstract: A system and a method for characterizing a crude oil sample from the weight and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy of the sample, including calculating and assigning a crude oil ultraviolet visible index and using the assigned index to calculate and assign an API gravity and/or to calculate and assign an aromaticity value of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing solubility of asphaltenes of a hydrocarbon fluid sample involves a sequence of operations including: i) performing microfluidic mixing operations that form a mixture that includes the hydrocarbon fluid sample, a solvent that dissolves asphaltenes and a precipitant that precipitates asphaltenes; ii) using microfluidic processes that result in precipitation of asphaltenes from the mixture resulting from i); iii) performing microfluidic filtering operations that remove precipitated asphaltenes resulting from ii) and passes permeate; and iv) performing optical spectroscopy on the permeate resulting from iii). The operations of i)-iv) can be repeated over iterations that vary the amount of solvent relative to the precipitant in the mixture. These iterations can cause varying fractional precipitation of asphaltenes in each given iteration.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the determination of the viability of a mammalian embryo or a potential embryo generated from a mammalian oocyte, comprising applying a mechanical stimulus to the embryo or oocyte, detecting a temporal response of the embryo or oocyte to the mechanical stimulus, and deriving measurements for one or more parameters from the temporal response, the measurements being indicative of viability. Also provided are methods for selecting an embryo for transfer and methods for enhancing the viability of an embryo or oocyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a contamination resistant sensor port which includes one or more sealing members positioned so as to limit and/or prevent internal contamination of the sensor port with fluids and/or particles present in the environment outside the sensor port.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) are described. The methods can include detecting the presence of one or more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath of subjects suspected of having IA.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an exhaled breath of a subject is described. A breath collector can be configured to receive exhaled breath from a subject. One or more sensors can be configured to output a concentration of a first gas compound in the received exhaled breath, and to output a concentration of a second gas compound in the received exhaled breath. The second gas compound is used to normalize the concentration of the first gas based on different physiological states of the subject. A processor operably coupled to the one or more sensors is configured to calculate a ratio of the first gas compound to the second gas compound based on the determined concentrations, and to determine a normalized concentration of the first gas compound. This ratio may be monitored to evaluate an inflammatory state of the subject.

Abstract: An ex vivo malignant tumor tissue sample is cleaned, comminuted, suspended in culture medium, subjected to a treatment with collagenase and the collagenase decomposition product is centrifuged. The pellet obtained is re-suspended in culture medium by an absorption instrument, is absorbed and returned several times and transferred to a culture vessel. The re-suspension thus obtained is analyzed under a microscope with phase optics for cell aggregates, which, due to the phenotypic appearance thereof, are identifiable as an aggregate of malignant cells or as an aggregate of endothelial cells or as an aggregate of fibroblasts, and the identified cell aggregates are separated.

Abstract: A screening method evaluates influence of a cytotoxic factor on lymphoid cells. The method includes administering or irradiating lymphoid cells with the cytotoxic factor that injures the lymphoid cells; incubating the lymphoid cells to which the cytotoxic factor is administered or irradiated for a selected time; measuring a cell size of the lymphoid cells after the incubation; and determining influence of the cytotoxic factor on the lymphoid cells based on a change of the cell size. According to this method, influence of radiation or a drug, or efficacy of radiation, a radiation-protecting agent, an antioxidant, a radiation-sensitizing agent, a drug, or ultraviolet rays can be evaluated economically and objectively in a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for high-throughput detection, screening and disease management of cervical disease. The device is comprised of a solid support featuring multiple well-separated areas, each accommodating a patient sample, leading to simultaneous evaluation of patient samples. The device enables cytological staining, cervical Pap staining, and immunochemical staining using antibodies or combination of antibodies which are capable of binding to biomarkers that are overexpressed in cancer including in cervical carcinoma and dysplasia, as compared to normal controls. The device can be used in either manual or automated mode, and applied to any biological fluid or cell suspension from any biological specimen in view of a variety of cell biology assays, and in view of detection and screening of cervical and other diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the detection of magnetic particles (1) in a sample chamber (112). After introduction of the sample into said sample chamber (112), the magnetic particles (1) are first retained within the sample chamber (112) and kept away from the sensing surface (111) by an appropriate magnetic field (B) to allow for an incubation of the sample with reagents. A reference measurement may be made during this incubation period (TI), preferably at the end thereof. After incubation, the magnetic particles (1) are allowed to contact the sensing surface (111) where a target measurement can be conducted.

Abstract: Implementations herein relates to a biological sample signal amplification method using terahertz metamaterials and gold nanoparticles. A plurality of biological sample solutions and a plurality of gold nanoparticles-labeled avidin solutions are dropped on surfaces of metamaterials and dried at room temperature. Terahertz time-domain signals of sample points and reference sample points on the surfaces of metamaterials are acquired, transmission or reflectance of the sample points and the reference sample points are calculated using terahertz time-domain signals, and the frequency shift of transmission or reflection peaks are calculated according to the lowest point of transmission or reflectance. The effect of local electric field enhancement of metamaterials is used for sample signal amplification, gold nanoparticles are used to change a distribution of electric fields, and a sample signal is further enhanced by gold nanoparticles modification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antibody-nanoparticle conjugates that include two or more nanoparticles (such as gold, palladium, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, cobalt, iridium, or an alloy of two or more thereof) directly linked to an antibody or fragment thereof through a metal-thiol bond. Methods of making the antibody-nanoparticle conjugates disclosed herein include reacting an arylphosphine-nanoparticle composite with a reduced antibody to produce an antibody-nanoparticle conjugate. Also disclosed herein are methods for detecting a target molecule in a sample that include using an antibody-nanoparticle conjugate (such as the antibody-nanoparticle conjugates described herein) and kits for detecting target molecules utilizing the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Viruses and other bioagents are of high medical and biodefense concern and their detection at concentrations well below the threshold necessary to cause health hazards continues to be a challenge with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity. Ideally, assays for accurate and real time detection of viral agents and other bioagents would not necessitate any pre-processing of the analyte, which would make them applicable for example to bodily fluids (blood, sputum) and man-made as well as naturally occurring bodies of water (pools, rivers). We describe herein a robust biosensor that combines the sensitivity of surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated at a frequency of 325 MHz with the specificity provided by antibodies and other ligands for the detection of viral agents.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing a target analyte in advance of performing spectroscopic analysis to determine the existence of the target analyte from a source contacted with a collection substrate. The collection substrate is fabricated of a material selected to have an affinity for the target analyte, sufficiently transparent in a spectral region of interest and capable of immobilizing the target analyte thereon in a manner that limits scattering sufficient to obscure spectral analysis. The collection substrate may be coated with a material selected to react with, bind to, or absorb the target analyte. The method optionally includes the step of transferring the captured target analyte to a second substrate, which may be an optical substrate. The target analyte may be captured to the collection substrate by one or more of wiping, dabbing or swabbing a target analyte carrier with the collection substrate.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device includes: a sample loading region, an imaging window, a well, and an absorbent pad. The sample loading region is in fluid communication with the well. The well is in fluid communication with the absorbent pad, such that when a fluid sample comprising solid support structures and a liquid carrier are applied to the sample loading region, the fluid sample travels to the well and at least part of the liquid carrier is absorbed into the absorbent pad.

Abstract: Hierarchical films with structurally regulated functionalities through the integration of two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures to achieve ultra low nonspecific binding and high loading of molecular recognition elements, and methods for making and using the films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staining method in which the fluorescent staining properties in a fluorescently-immunostained specimen are not reduced even when an oil-based mounting medium is used. The present invention also provides a method of preventing deterioration of a fluorescent label caused by irradiation with excitation light and improving the light resistance in a fluorescently-immunostained specimen obtained by the staining method. The biological substance detection method according to the present invention is a biological substance detection method for specifically detecting a biological substance from a pathological specimen, which includes the steps of: immunostaining the specimen with a fluorescent label; immobilizing the thus stained specimen; and mounting the thus immobilized specimen using a mounting medium including an organic solvent not freely miscible with water.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in removing non-specific binding in a bioassay are disclosed. A substrate can be used with input and output transducers to output surface acoustic waves. The surface acoustic waves can be transmitted through a medium. One of the input and output transducers can be formed on the surface of the substrate aligned with an x-axis of the substrate. These input and output transducers can excite a Rayleigh surface acoustic wave through the medium. Another one of the input and output transducers can be formed orthogonal to the x-axis. These input and output transducers can excite a shear wave.

Abstract: Methods for determining whether a patient in at particular risk of hypertension associated with anti-VEGF treatment or has a greater likelihood of benefiting from anti-VEGF therapy by screening a sample isolated from the patient for specific genomic polymorphisms.

Abstract: Methods for generating a chemiluminescent enzyme substrate in situ, in aqueous or other assay conditions. Also disclosed are methods to use the substrates to generate light, detect and/or quantify enzymes, antigens, and/or nucleic acids. Kits relating to these methods are also disclosed.