Abstract: A couplant and an arrangement of a couplant include a transducer and a construction component. The couplant is adapted to couple the transducer to a surface of the construction component. The couplant comprises basically 15% to 75% mass portion of hard metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to poly-amide bonded hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) stationary phases and novel HILIC methods for use in the characterization of large biological molecules modified with polar groups, known to those skilled in the art as glycans. The invention particularly provides novel, poly-amide bonded materials designed for efficient separation of large biomolecules, e.g. materials having a large percentage of larger pores (i.e. wide pores). Furthermore, the invention advantageously provides novel HILIC methods that can be used in combination with the stationary phase materials described herein to effectively separate protein and peptide glycoforms by eliminating previously unsolved problems, such as on-column aggregation of protein samples, low sensitivity of chromatographic detection of the glycan moieties, and low resolution of peaks due to restricted pore diffusion and long intra/inter-particle diffusion distances.

Abstract: The objects of embodiments in the present disclosure are to provide a method capable of recovering two or more amine compounds at the same time from a gas or solution, and also to provide a method capable of analyzing the recovered amines. The amine-recovering method comprises the steps (A) and (B). In the step (A), the gas or solution is brought into contact with a solid adsorbent so that the adsorbent may retain the amines. In the step (B), the amines retained by the adsorbent in the step (A) are eluted out by use of a basic compound-containing organic solvent. The solid adsorbent has a substituent group represented by —SO3M (M is H or an alkali metal).

Abstract: A compact sterilization indicator includes a wicking element having at least two different wicking rates across the length of the wicking element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the organoleptic quality of a protein-rich microalgal biomass composition, comprising the determination of the content of 11 volatile organic compounds, wherein the 11 volatile organic compounds are pentanal, hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-pentylfuran, octanal, 3,5-octadien-2-ol (or 3-octen-2-one), 3,5-octadien-2-one, nonanal, 2-no-nenal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal and hexanoic acid.

Abstract: This present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for collecting small amounts, sub mg levels, of elemental sulfur (or other trace elements such as mercury) deposited from the ppm levels of elemental sulfur (or other trace elements such as mercury) contained in gases found in typical oil production environments or gas streams with anticipated sulfur deposition problems, as well as in industries other than oil and gas. An analytical chemistry technique for determining the amount of sulfur collected is used and from this result, the solubility of sulfur in a gas at a fixed temperature, pressure and gas composition can be calculated.

Abstract: A tool for measuring and quantifying defects in produce includes a template; at least one graphic indicia printed on the template, the graphic indicia providing a pictorial sample of a specific tolerance for a specific quality defect in the produce; and at least one textual description printed on the template proximate to the graphic indicia, the at least one textual description providing a written description of the specific tolerance.

Abstract: An egg identification system for determining egg viability is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly for emitting electromagnetic radiation toward a plurality of eggs positioned proximate thereto. A detector assembly is positioned proximate to the emitter assembly. The detector assembly has a plurality of detectors fixedly positioned with respect to the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the eggs. An optical shielding assembly is configured to move with respect to the detectors. A processor is in communication with detector assembly and is configured to determine viability of the eggs using the detected electromagnetic radiation. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A wet chemistry analyzer is provided. The wet chemistry analyzer comprises a reaction chamber configured to receive a reactant solution from a sample inlet and facilitate a process reaction. The wet chemistry analyzer also includes a detection chamber configured to receive a portion of a reaction mixture from the reaction chamber and measure a concentration of a chemical within the reaction mixture. The reaction chamber and the detection chamber are fluidically coupleable such that a portion of the reaction mixture can be directed to flow into the detection chamber to pre-condition a surface inside the detection chamber.

Abstract: An affordable, low-power, low-profile water contamination detection and/or filtration device that can be installed directly onto a home faucet or other water line. The contamination detection part uses photometric and other sensors to collect data pertaining to levels of Total Organic Carbon, Total Dissolved Solids, heavy metals, turbidity, harmful bacteria, and other contaminants. The device uses efficient circuit design so that parts of the sensor, LED, and calculation circuit are only activated when the faucet is turned on and water fills a measurement chamber. The filtration part of the device can be switched on and off using simple twist interface, such that filtered water can flow directly into the contamination detection part for testing.

Abstract: The synthesis of AgInS2 based quantum dots and their use as fluorometric probes for the selective detection of nitroaromatic explosive chemicals, without the use of ligands specific to nitroaromatic explosive chemicals. These quantum dots allow the detection of nitroaromatic explosive molecules by eye. The present invention also represents a simple patterning method for quantum dots on substrates, including low cost filter paper. The ease of fabrication, use of less toxic materials, and the selectivity to nitroaromatic explosive chemicals results in a practical solution to the development of a portable fluorescent probe based on quantum dots for the detection of nitroaromatic explosive chemicals.

Abstract: A gas monitoring apparatus and system that provides for reliable and accurate monitoring of gaseous hydrogen and other compounds in dielectric oil. The apparatus provides an environment for and is used in conjunction with metal oxide semiconductor sensors. Thermal conditioning zones for oil provide an environment in which variations in oil temperature and ambient temperature are eliminated to insure that analytical data are not affected by these environmental conditions.

Abstract: A solid state molecular sensor having an aperture extending through a thickness of a sensing material is configured with a continuous electrically-conducting path extending in the sensing material around the aperture. A supply reservoir is connected to provide a molecular species, having a molecular length, from the supply reservoir to an input port of the aperture. A collection reservoir is connected to collect the molecular species from an output port of the aperture after translocation of the molecular species from the supply reservoir through the sensing aperture. The sensing aperture has a length between the input and output ports, in the sensing material, that is substantially no greater than the molecular length of the molecular species from the supply reservoir. An electrical connection to the sensing material measures a change in an electrical characteristic of the sensing material during the molecular species translocation through the aperture.

Abstract: Methods for data processing and control for a medical communication system are provided, including determining a sensitivity value for each sensor of a batch of in vivo analyte sensors; determining a sensitivity variation for each sensor of the batch; determining a mean sensitivity based on the sensitivity value determined for each sensor of the batch when it is determined that the determined sensitivity variation does not exceed a tolerance threshold level; associating a sensor code with each sensor of the batch of in vivo analyte sensors when the mean sensitivity is within a predetermined sensitivity range, wherein the sensor code associated with each sensor is based on a characteristic of the associated sensor; and storing the sensor code associated with at least one sensor of the batch configured to generate signals corresponding to monitored analyte level in a memory of a data processing device associated with the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-metabolite platform using one or more metabolite selected from a group consisting of tryptophan, homoserine, fatty acid (16:1), fatty acid (18:0), fatty acid (18:1), fatty acid (18:2), fatty acid (22:6), phosphatidylcholine (PC) (34:2), PC (34:3), lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) (16:0), lysoPC (18:0), lysoPC (20:3), lysoPC (20:4), lysoPC (22:6), monoglyceride (18:1/0:0/0:0) and sphingomyelin (d18:2/16:0) as a biomarker, which can diagnose acute coronary syndrome as well as the symptoms occurring prior to the onset of the disease simply and accurately through in-vivo level analysis.

Abstract: Guided cell patterning arrays for single cell patterning are disclosed. The arrays include a plurality of cell adhesion sites that are individually isolated on an inert surface. Each cell adhesion site has one or more cell adhesion peptides having affinity to a cell surface receptor. The inert surface is resistant to cell adhesion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide diagnostic markers of immunosenescence and methods of identifying individuals with impaired immune function based on a combination of such markers obtained from various analyzes, primarily from blood, testing immune function including the analysis of immune cell subset frequencies, gene expression, cytokine and chemokine levels, and signaling responses to stimulation with cytokines (‘cytokine response’). Particular combinations of markers can predict with high accuracy whether an individual will respond to active vaccination and become protected against recurring diseases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing cancer screening assays are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods use a thin film comprising cross-linked polysiloxane. At least a portion of a biological sample to be assayed is contacted with the thin film, along with a cell culture media. After a subsequent incubation period, the thin film is visualized to detect a wrinkle pattern (or lack thereof). The presence of one or more wrinkles and/or a higher degree of wrinkling in the thin film indicates the presence of cancer cells in the biological sample. The disclosed systems and methods can be incorporated into improved assays and kits for cancer screening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of protein quantification and normalization using haloalkylated tryptophan fluorescence. Complex protein samples, i.e., samples that each contain 1,000 or more distinct proteins, from diverse sources that do not have common protein profiles are treated with a halo-substituted organic compound (i.e. haloalkane) that reacts with tryptophan residues to form fluorescent products. Irradiation of the samples with ultraviolet light and the detection and quantification of the resultant fluorescent emissions from all proteins in each sample are then used to obtain comparative values for total protein content among the various samples.

Abstract: A recessed portion and a protruding portion arranged periodically are formed on a base portion. In the recessed portion, an antibody that binds to an antigen existing on a surface of each exosome to be detected is immobilized and then caused to bind to the exosomes. The width of the protruding portion is smaller than the average particle diameter of the exosomes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the simple and highly accurate assay of PSA by a one-step reaction that does not use carriers having different average grain sizes. Also provided is a reagent therefor. The PSA assay method comprises sensitizing insoluble carriers having the same average grain size within a range of greater than 0.20 ?m but 0.40 ?m or less using two types of anti-PSA monoclonal antibodies having different epitopes that are anti-PSA monoclonal antibodies that will react with both free PSA and PSA-ACT, which is a complex of free PSA and ?1-antichymotrypsin, and bringing the carriers into contact with a sample in the presence of an aggregation promoter.

Abstract: A device termed the MobileArray™ device and methods, which form the MobileArray™ system, are disclosed for performing multiplex assays, target enrichment or purification. The device and methods disclosed enable the performing of multiplex assays, target enrichment or purification in a simplified manner. The MobileArray™ device gains the advantages and applications of the advanced multiplexing platforms, but does not require the special expensive equipment, reagents, software or dedicated operators. In addition, the MobileArray™ system can also be utilized in immunoprecipitation and target enrichment or purification in a multiplex manner. Furthermore, the MobileArray™ system can be integrated in an automated procedure. The MobileArray™ system makes it possible to apply multiplexing protocols in routine clinical practice, food safety inspection and general life science research laboratories.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for conducting microorganism or toxin detection. More particularly, the invention relates to portable, pre-packaged devices that are suitable for culturing microorganisms, aliquoting predetermined volumes of testing samples, and conducting microorganism or toxin detection based on immunological reactions using samples of considerable size collected at remote sites away from testing laboratories.

Abstract: Peptides useful in determining the presence of autoantibodies in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits and assay methods for the early detection of pathogens, precise identification of the etiologic agent, and improved disease surveillance. More specifically, the present invention discloses an immunoassay leading to the rapid and simultaneous detection of antibodies to a wide range of infectious pathogens in biological fluids of infected patients. This immunoassay involves the covalent and oriented coupling of fusion proteins comprising an AGT enzyme and a viral antigen on an identifiable solid support (e.g. fluorescent microspheres), said support being previously coated with an AGT substrate. This coupling is mediated by the irreversible reaction of the AGT enzyme on its substrate. The thus obtained antigen-coupled microspheres show enhanced capture of specific antibodies as compared to antigen-coupled microspheres produced by standard amine coupling procedures.

Abstract: A test unit collects and analyzes biological specimens on-site. It has one or more openings that allow reagent capsules to be inserted and guided into a testing chamber. Reagent capsules are pre-loaded with chemicals for screening and are configured as blister packs. A button mechanism allows projection(s) to open the blister packs to allow chemicals within the capsules to mix inside the testing chamber. A medical swab is affixed to a pop top dispenser cap and can be pressed to allow the swab to be inserted into the mixed chemicals. A visible test strip mount attached to the testing chamber has a lever to manipulate a test strip in and out of the testing chamber. This test strip may be slid through a uni-directional seal on a capsule and into a chemical for testing. The test strip will test for the presence of an infectious disease.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for identification and/or quantitation of particles through detection of fluorescence labeled particles in an apparatus for differential charged particle mobility analysis and fluorescence detection.

Abstract: Provided are azido-BODIPY compounds of formula (I), cyclooctyne-based fluorogenic probes of formula (IV), and activity-based probes of formula (VI). These compounds undergo azide-alkyne cycloadditions (AAC) with to form triazolyl products. The provided compounds are useful for detection and imaging of alkyne-, or azide-containing molecules. Methods for detection and imaging biomolecules using compounds of the present disclosure are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiplex microarrays and methods for the quantification of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods which standardize a target analyte concentration in a test sample against a reference standardization curve derived from validated, approved and recognized reference standards for the target analyte of known concentrations. The present invention also relates to methods and checks for simultaneous measurement of confidence confirming normalization standards and controls.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of tagging peptides and other molecules using novel isobaric tandem mass tagging reagents, including novel N, N-dimethylated amino acid 8-plex and 16-plex isobaric tandem mass tagging reagents. The tagging reagents comprise: a) a reporter group having at least one atom that is optionally isotopically labeled; b) a balancing group, also having at least one atom that is optionally isotopically labeled, and c) an amine reactive group. The tagging reagents disclosed herein serve as attractive alternatives for isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and tandem mass tags (TMTs) due to their synthetic simplicity, labeling efficiency and improved fragmentation efficiency.

Abstract: Systems, methods, libraries, kits, and computer software tools are provided for designing and producing engineered cells. Such engineered cells can be used for cell state quantification, such as genome, transcriptome and/or proteome quantification. In one aspect, an engineered cell having a plurality of artificially designed oligonucleotides introduced into the genome of the cell is provided. The oligonucleotides are each located in proximity of a gene of interest encoding a protein of interest, and are different from one another. The oligonucleotides can each encode a unique peptide tag for each protein of interest, wherein each peptide tag has a unique quantitatively measurable value such as mass-to-charge ratio which can be quantified by a mass spectrometer. The engineered cell is capable of expressing a plurality of proteins of interest each fused to its corresponding unique peptide tag, wherein each peptide tag is capable of being released therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of assessing a patient's risk of developing Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of autism. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The present invention also provides methods for predicting a likelihood of ASD. In one embodiment, a method for treating a female patient having a high risk factor of having children with ASD comprises the steps of (a) identifying in a sample taken from the female patient the presence of AT-1 antibodies; and (b) administering an effective amount of an AT-1 inhibitor or inhibitor of AT-1 antibodies to the female patient.

Abstract: A method for predicting risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a pregnant individual includes measuring one or more biochemical markers in a blood sample obtained from the pregnant individual to determine one or more biomarker levels, where the one or more measured biochemical markers includes at least one of PAI-2 and sTNFR1, identifying, for each of the one or more measured biochemical markers, a difference between the measured biomarker level and a corresponding predetermined control level, and, responsive to the identifying, determining a prediction corresponding to a relative risk of the pregnant individual having or developing GDM.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating stroke are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection of a basic peptide by mixing a sample suspected to contain the basic peptide and a reagent containing denatured albumin and detecting turbidness due to a complex of the basic peptide and denatured albumin.

Abstract: A multilayer Paper Analytical Device (PAD) and method for detection of a low quality pharmaceutical or dietary supplement product. The multilayer PAD includes one or more assay regions, one or more reagent vessels in registry with the assay region(s), and a non-chemically interfering binder agent disposed between the assay regions and vessels, so that rupture of the vessels enables the reagents to wet the assaying regions and contact a sample of a suspected low quality pharmaceutical product or dietary supplement for testing thereof. A kit is also provided for detection of a low quality pharmaceutical or dietary supplement product, the kit including a multilayer PAD and instructions for using the kit.

Abstract: A transport carrier for a laboratory cargo distribution system with a transport plane is disclosed. The transport carrier can be rotationally moved in an easily controllable manner on the transport plane. A laboratory cargo distribution system with a transport plane comprising such a transport carrier and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory cargo distribution system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are sample manipulation devices, for removing lids from and/or for placing lids onto sample containers. Such devices include a sample unit including a sample carrier receptacle for receiving at least one sample carrier for holding one or more sample containers, and a manipulation unit having at least one manipulation tool, where the sample unit and the manipulation unit are movable relative to each other along a movement direction. The sample unit is also movable between a first orientation in which a longitudinal direction of a sample carrier in the sample carrier receptacle is parallel to the movement direction between sample unit and manipulation unit, and a second orientation in which a transverse direction, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, of a sample carrier in the sample carrier receptacle is parallel to the movement direction between sample unit and manipulation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and recording accelerations experienced by a structure and a method for operating the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes an accelerometer, processor, and non-volatile computer memory device. The method includes operating the apparatus in a reduced power state, detecting an acceleration having a magnitude that is greater than a first preselected threshold magnitude, switching each of the accelerometer, processor, and non-volatile computer memory device to a fully operational state, storing accelerometer data in a buffer, switching the processor and computer memory device to a reduced power state until the accelerometer signals that further data is available, storing any further accelerometer data in the buffer, and repeating the steps until a predetermined time has elapsed since the accelerometer last detected an acceleration having a magnitude which is greater than a second preselected threshold magnitude.

Abstract: A smart sensor system and method for a vehicle are described. The smart sensor includes at least one sensing element installed on a suspension of the vehicle and coupled with a wheel of the vehicle, and a digital signal processing circuitry configured to receive signal from the at least one sensing element in the form of a digital signal, correlate the digital signal to an air gap data, and determine a vehicle speed, a vehicle acceleration, a suspension condition, a tire condition, a brake condition, a wheel condition, and a road condition.

Abstract: A system for counting steps comprising a 3-D accelerometer is disclosed. The system also includes a pre-processor module coupled to the 3-D accelerometer and a dominant component computation unit coupled to the pre-processor module. The dominant component computation unit is configured to identify a dominant component in an output of the 3-D accelerometer. The system further includes a step counter for counting a number of steps using the output of the dominant component computation unit. The step counter includes a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module and a direct current (DC) remover module to remove a static component from the output of the FFT module. The step counter also includes a derivative filter and a zero crossing detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring acceleration includes: a reference cavity having a first fixed reflecting surface and a second fixed reflecting surface; a sense cavity having a fixed reflecting surface and a non-fixed reflecting surface, the non-fixed reflecting surface being configured to be displaced when subject to an acceleration force; a light source to illuminate the reference and sense cavities; a controller to vary a wavelength of light emitted by the light source and/or an index of refraction of an optical medium of the cavities; a photodetector to detect light emitted by the reference and sense cavities; an interferometer sensor to measure using the detected light, for each variation of the wavelength of light and/or the index of refraction a reference displacement of the reference cavity and a sense displacement of the sense cavity; and a processor to calculate the acceleration using each of the reference displacements and the sense displacements.

Abstract: An MLU-based accelerometer including: at least one MLU including a tunnel barrier layer between a first magnetic layer having a fixed first magnetization direction and a second magnetic layer having a second magnetization direction that can be varied. A proof-mass includes a ferromagnetic material having a proof-mass magnetization inducing a proof-mass field, the proof-mass being elastically suspended such as to be deflected in at least one direction when subjected to an acceleration vector. The proof-mass is magnetically coupled to the MLU cell via the proof-mass field. A read module is configured for determining a magnetoresistance of each MLU cell such as to determine an acceleration vector from the deflection of the proof-mass relative to any one of the at least one MLU cell.

Abstract: A method of processing signals from an accelerometer/gyroscopic-based input device includes providing the input device within a vehicle. An accelerometer/gyroscopic-based second device is also provided within the vehicle. The input device is manually actuated while the vehicle is in motion. First signals are transmitted from the input device in response to the manually actuating step. Second signals are transmitted from the second device in response to the motion of the vehicle. The first signals are adjusted dependent upon the second signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning probe microscope, having: (a) a scanning device for scanning a measurement tip over a surface; (b) a cantilever for the measurement tip, wherein the cantilever has a torsion region; (c) wherein the torsion region is configured such that it undergoes torsion when a control signal is applied and thereby pivots the measurement tip; and (d) a control device for outputting the control signal when the measurement tip scans a region of the surface that can be examined more closely with a pivoted measurement tip than without pivoting the measurement tip.

Abstract: A vertical probe device includes a lower die having engaging holes and needle holes, a positioning film having limiting holes and needle holes, probe needles inserted through the needle holes, and supporters having at least an upper stopping surface and at least a lower stopping surface for moveably limiting the positioning film therebetween. Each supporter has a head, a neck passing through the limiting hole and having a length longer than the thickness of the positioning film, a body, and a tail inserted into the engaging hole, which are connected in order, and at least one of the upper and lower stopping surfaces. The supporters can prevent the positioning film from being lifted and flipped over and enables the positioning film to move so that the probe needles are reliable.

Abstract: A test probe tip can include a compliance member or force deflecting assembly and a tip component. The compliance member or force deflecting assembly can include a plunger component and a barrel component to receive the plunger component, wherein the plunger component is configured to slide axially inside the barrel component. The test probe tip can also include a spring mechanism within the barrel component to act on the plunger component, and a resistive/impedance element coupled with the plunger component at one end and with the tip component at the opposite end, the resistive/impedance element including at least one rod having a semi-cylindrical form and a resistive material situated thereon.