Abstract: The present invention generally relates to doped, metal oxide-based sensors, wherein the doped-metal oxide is a monolayer, and platforms and integrated chemical sensors incorporating the same, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A flame rod analysis system, methods for determining a condition of a flame and a flame rod, and circuits for determining a condition of a flame and a flame rod. The flame rod analysis system comprises energy storage connectable to a flame rod, a pulsed source connected to the energy storage and providing a voltage pulse or a current pulse, and a buffer to allow a processor to measure a buffered voltage at various time points. Flame rod analysis systems can distinguish between various flame conditions (no flame, low flame, etc.) while simultaneously characterizing the condition of the flame rod (shorted to ground, contaminated, etc.). Some flame rod analysis systems can directly measure the resistance of the flame rod.

Abstract: An apparatus including a circuit substrate including a contact in a metal layer; and a transducer including a first electrode deposited on and coupled to a sidewall of the contact and a second electrode coupled to a conductor through which voltage can be applied, wherein the second electrode includes a profile aligned to the sidewall of the contact and separated from the first electrode by a gap. A method including forming a transducer adjacent a contact in a metal layer on a substrate, the transducer including a first electrode disposed on a sidewall of the contact and a second electrode coupled to a conductor through which voltage can be applied, wherein the second electrode includes a profile aligned to the sidewall of the contact and separated from the first electrode by a gap.

Abstract: A sensor element, in particular for detection of a physical property of a gas, in particular for detection of the concentration of a gas component or of the temperature or of a solid constituent or of a liquid constituent of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, the sensor element including, a solid electrolyte film and including, located oppositely from one another in its longitudinal direction, first and second end regions, the sensor element including outside the second end region, in particular in the first end region, a functional element electrically conductively connected to a contact surface disposed in the second end region on the outer surface of the sensor element, the contact surface having a rounding, which is a radius, on its side facing away from the first end region. The contact surfaces each include three sub-regions: head region, neck region, and body region.

Abstract: Specific ionic interactions with a sensing material that is electrically coupled with the floating gate of a floating gate-based ion sensitive field effect transistor (FGISFET) may be used to sense a target material. For example, an FGISFET can use (e.g., previously demonstrated) ionic interaction-based sensing techniques with the floating gate of floating gate field effect transistors. The floating gate can serves as a probe and an interface to convert chemical and/or biological signals to electrical signals, which can be measured by monitoring the change in the device's threshold voltage, VT.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus (3) includes first current detection means for detecting a first pump current flowing between second electrodes (19, 20) in a state in which an object gas has become a prescribed gas supply state, the temperature of a sensor section (10f) has become a first target temperature, and the voltage between first electrodes (21, 22) has become a first target voltage; second current detection means for detecting a second pump current flowing between the second electrodes in a state in which the object gas has become the prescribed gas supply state, the temperature of the sensor section has become a second target temperature, and the voltage between the first electrodes has become a second target voltage; and H2O gas concentration detection means for detecting the H2O gas concentration of the object gas on the basis of the first and second pump currents.

Abstract: Techniques for enhanced isotachophoresis assays using additives with spatial gradients include forming a concentration gradient of an additive along a channel from an input port to an output port. The channel is used for isotachophoresis with ions of a leading electrolyte having a first mobility greater than a mobility of an analyte, and ions of a trailing electrolyte having a second mobility less than the mobility of the analyte. The additive is different from both the leading electrolyte and the trailing electrolyte; and the additive has a third mobility that assures the analyte will encounter the additive. The method further comprises introducing a mixture of the trailing electrolyte and a sample including the analyte. The method further comprises applying an electric field to the channel; and, measuring the analyte.

Abstract: A specified proton concentration in a volume (80) is produced by passing a controlled electrophoresis current through an adjacent electrophoresis volume (28) between a working electrode (26) and a counter electrode (24). An array of such volumes with specified proton concentration is used to provide the pH gradient for isoelectric focusing.

Abstract: The methods herein provide for analysis of ion populations. Certain aspects include: obtaining a first data set that includes: a first binary On-OFF frequency sweep across a range of frequencies resulting in a first raw data in the time domain and obtaining a second data set that includes: a second binary On-OFF frequency sweep 180° out of phase from the first binary On-OFF frequency sweep so as to result in a second raw data in the time domain from received ion current resulting from the second binary On-OFF frequency sweep. Thereafter the two data sets are combined to provide for raw mobility signals of the ion populations in the time domain for each m/z over a range of selected m/z values. Additional aspects include a hybrid system for performing the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A pair of electrodes is connected to a test specimen in order to apply an electric current to the test specimen in the direction of a conductive fiber of each conductive fiber woven fabric of a plurality of prepregs as targets for verification of the presence or absence of waviness, among a plurality of prepregs constituting the test specimen composed of a conductive composite material, and then a magnetic field sensor is relatively scanned over the test specimen, while applying an electric current between the pair of electrodes, to determine a portion of the test specimen where a magnetic field variation is detected by the scanning of the magnetic field sensor as a portion where waviness of the conductive fibers of the conductive fiber woven fabric of the plurality of prepregs as targets for verification of the presence or absence of waviness is present. Thus, it is possible to grasp, for example, the condition of fibers of the conductive composite material in the test specimen as a whole.

Abstract: To realize an object of providing an eddy current inspection device which is able to control a sensitivity decrease, and is able to reliably detect a defect.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting a defect in a workpiece with a broadband transducer (10), a driving circuit connected to the transducer to operate the transducer in a actuator mode, a signal output circuit connectable to operate in a sensor mode, a control for selectively connecting the transducer to the driving circuit or signal output circuit wherein the driving circuit includes at least a pair of oscillators for generating signals of at least frequencies F1 and F2 and a summer for summing the signals to provide a driving circuit for the transducer.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system for interrogating a battery in order to determine one or more of: (i) its state of charge (SOC), (ii) its state of health (SOH), (iii) physical state of one or more internal components or parts, which utilizes at least one sound source for transmitting a signal (e.g., a sound wave or sound pulse through or across the battery, and at least one sound receiver for receiving a signal from the battery, which received signal is representative of the physical state of the battery being interrogated. The interrogation method is noninvasive, namely does not require the depletion of a portion of the charge of the battery being tested or settlement or the destruction of the battery in order to evaluate one or more of (i), (ii) and (iii).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for field-flow fractionation and to a method for separating samples by means of field-flow fractionation using this apparatus. The apparatuses of the invention comprise a separation channel which, in addition to a first outlet for sample-containing solvent, comprises a second outlet for sample-free solvent, wherein the second outlet is arranged in a region of the separation channel from which sample-free solvent may be removed during elution and a flow volume control device is arranged downstream of the second outlet. They are characterized in that the flow volume control device is a mass flow controller.

Abstract: A method is presented for fabricating a fluidic system for a gas chromatograph. The method includes: microfabricating a portion of a fluidic system of a gas chromatograph on a substrate using a first mask; microfabricating a portion of the fluidic system of the gas chromatograph using a second mask; and microfabricating a portion of the fluidic system of the gas chromatograph using a third mask, such that the first mask, the second mask and the third mask are different from each other and the microfabricating of the fluidic system of the gas chromatograph is completed using only the first, second and third masks. A gas chromatograph wherein a microfabricated Knudsen pump is arranged to operate in a first direction to draw carrier gas into a preconcentrator and in a second direction to draw gas out of the preconcentrator.

Abstract: An automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature, a multi-range concentration feature, a single calibration feature and a barrier circuit feature. The automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature includes a transmitter having a transmitter microprocessor that provides an initial voltage to a sensor having a sensor microprocessor. As the voltage changes a correction signal is relayed from the sensor microprocessor to the transmitter microprocessor. The correction signal is used to adjust the voltage applied to the sensor. The multi-range concentration sensor feature includes an amplifier associated with the sensor/microprocessor to create gain settings used to optimize sensor resolution by changing a gain value for the sensor. This enables use of a single sensor for a variety of different concentration ranges.

Abstract: In a gas analysis apparatus including analyzers that need ignition, such as FIDs, in order to make it possible to surely ignite the analyzers while downsizing the entire apparatus, the apparatus includes first and second analyzers to accept a sample gas, a first gas line provided with the first analyzer, a second gas line provided with the second analyzer and joined downstream of the first analyzer in the first gas line. At least one of the first analyzer and the second analyzer is configured to cause pressure fluctuations in the gas line including the analyzer when analyzing the sample gas. A first backflow prevention mechanism is disposed between another of the analyzers and a junction of the gas lines. The first backflow prevention mechanism is configured to prevent a fluid from flowing backward from the one of the analyzers through the junction toward the another of the analyzers.

Abstract: A method for testing a gas sensor (30) and a gas-measuring device with a testing device for testing the gas sensor (30) make possible an improved analysis and evaluation of states of gas sensors (30). Due to the testing of a gas admission element (8) by monitoring measured signals (35, 38) in a time course (400) and a comparison with threshold values (350, 351) at predefined times (403, 404), (403?, 404?) in conjunction with the dispensing (91) of a quantity of test substance (5, 6), it is possible to test whether a gas supply (7) to the gas sensor (30, 309) is possible and given.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for optically determining a concentration of alcohol and carbohydrates in a liquid sample. The device includes at least a first and a second light source arranged for exposing the liquid sample in a wavelength range between 750 nm and 1000 nm, a spectrometer arranged to determine a first and a second light intensity by measuring the light from the first and the second light source, a processing unit which is connected to the spectrometer and which is arranged to determine an absorption value of the liquid sample from a comparison of the first and the second light intensity with a reference value. In certain aspects, the device may further include a processing unit that calculates concentrations of alcohol and/or carbohydrates and at least two polarization filters.

Abstract: Various methods for separating a metal from its metal oxide for analysis are provided. For example, exemplary methods include approaches for providing a process for separating a metal from its water-soluble metal oxide in a pyrotechnic composition. Exemplary embodiments include a method of separation that allows for analysis of both metal and metal oxide using an elemental analysis technique, (e.g., inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)) and determination of the relative amount of elemental metal and its oxide known as speciation.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for detecting gas (4) in a high-voltage device (3) filled with an insulating medium (2) comprises an inlet (5) for introducing a carrier gas (16) and an outlet (6) for discharging a carrier gas (16); at least one gas sensor (12) for detecting a gas (4); a first pump (9) for conveying the carrier gas (16) in the apparatus (1); a membrane (13) which at least consists of at least one semipermeable material, is at least partially surrounded by the insulating medium (2) and is at least partially subjected to a flow of the carrier gas (16); a second pump (10) for conveying the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) and for conveying the carrier gas (16) out of the apparatus (1); wherein there is no valve which can be used to convey the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) or out of the apparatus (1).

Abstract: A method for receiving data and providing calculated adjustments to a paint application process can comprise receiving at the server a first operating parameter associated with a first paint processing machine at a first painting facility. The method can also comprise receiving at the server a first quality control measurement from an analysis of a finished first paint product. Additionally, the method can comprise accessing from a database a set of historical operating parameters associated with the first painting processing machine. Further, the method can comprise automatically identifying a deficiency in the finished first paint product based upon the first quality control measurement. Further still, the method can comprise transmitting to a mobile computing device screen a proposed adjustment to the first operating parameter that will correct the deficiency.

Abstract: A device and system for automatic handling of a sensor strip by a part of a meter that includes a sensor strip having a first section, a second section, and an intermediate section. The sensor strip includes at least a first opening about a first end thereof and a second opening about a second end thereof. A meter part includes a pair of pivoting catches configured to engage and grasp a sensor strip from a container containing a plurality of sensor strips. The sensor strip may thus be removed from a container for testing without need for manual handling of the strip by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable diagnostic measurement devices for determining at least one analysis parameter of a bodily fluid, in particular for determining an analyte concentration in a bodily fluid as can occur in blood glucose determinations. Also disclosed are analysis systems including the measurement device and at least one disposable test element. The test element can be designed as a carrier strip and can contact a receiving surface of the measurement device at least partially in a flat manner, where the receiving surface is arranged on a narrow side of the housing of the measurement device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for identifying dropouts in analyte monitoring system sensor data including segmenting sensor data into a plurality of time series wherein each time series is associated with a different instance of a repeating event, selecting a first time series to analyze for dropouts from the plurality of time series; comparing the selected first time series to a second time series among the plurality of time series, determining whether the selected first time series includes a portion that is more than a predefined threshold lower than a corresponding portion of the second time series, and displaying, on a computer system display, an indication that the selected first time series includes a dropout if the selected first time series includes a portion that is more than the predefined threshold lower than the corresponding portion of the second time series.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to collecting a small amount of a vapor condensate sample (e.g. the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from a subject of a volume as small as 10 fL (femto-Liter) in a single drop), preventing or significantly reducing an evaporation of the collected vapor condensate sample, analyzing the sample, analyzing the sample by mobile-phone, and performing such collection and analysis by a person without any professionals.

Abstract: A method for evaluating or selecting an agent for suppressing GIP level elevation, comprising the following steps (A) to (D): (A) contacting a test substance with a mammal-derived tissue or cell capable of expressing an FABP4 gene or FABP5 gene, or an FABP4 protein or FABP5 protein; (B) measuring an expression level of the FABP4 gene or FABP5 gene, an expression level of the FABP4 protein or FABP5 protein, or an activity of the FABP4 protein or FABP5 protein in the mammal-derived tissue or cell; (C) comparing the expression level or activity measured in the above (B) with an expression level of an FABP4 gene or FABP5 gene, an expression level of an FABP4 protein or FABP5 protein, or an activity of an FABP4 protein or FABP5 protein in a control group; and (D) evaluating or selecting a test substance which reduces the expression level of the FABP4 gene or FABP5 gene, the expression level of the FABP4 protein or FABP5 protein, or the activity of the FABP4 protein or FABP5 protein as an agent suppressing GIP leve

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a dilution range of at least one standard molecule for a tissue, whereby a tissue homogenate is used, to which the standard molecule is added, the resulting mixture being conditioned and sliced before the analysis of a slice of said tissue. The invention also relates to a method for detecting and quantifying at least one target molecule in at least one tissue using a standard range according to the invention.

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: The present invention relates to a microcolumn device for selecting nucleic acid aptamers for single and multiple target molecules, as well as a method for making the microcolumn device. The present invention also relates to a system for selecting nucleic acid aptamers for single and multiple target molecules. The present invention further relates to methods of using the microcolumn device for selecting nucleic acid aptamers for multiple target molecules. Kits that include one or more microcolumn device and/or system of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the functionalization of immunoglobulins through the use of transglutaminase, including methods for screening functionalized antibodies for characteristics of interest, antibody compositions comprising a plurality of functionalized antibodies, and functionalized antibodies with rodent constant regions.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte amount in a whole blood sample, including: measuring the haematocrit level of the whole blood sample; measuring an analyte amount directly in the whole blood sample; and calculating a corrected analyte amount according to relation: DP=Pa(DST, DH) where DP is the corrected analyte amount, DST is the measured analyte amount, DH is the measured haematocrit level, and Pa is a non-constant polynomial of a degree greater than or equal to 1 having as indeterminate values the measured analyte amount, DST, and the measured haematocrit level, DH, and having its polynomial coefficients depending on the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening a substance inhibiting protein-protein interactions, and more particularly to a method for screening a substance inhibiting protein-protein interactions, the method comprising using a protein chip having immobilized thereon spots comprising a mixture of a sol-gel material and a protein. According to the invention, a protein chip can be easily manufactured in a 96-well plate using a sol-gel material, whereby an inhibitor that inhibits protein-protein interactions can be easily screened from a library of natural substances.

Abstract: Assay cassettes and testing devices that can be used to provide rapid, accurate, affordable, laboratory-quality testing at the point of care. Such assay cassettes and testing devices are designed to provide rapid, quantitative test results in a point-of-care setting or the like. Likewise, such assay cassettes and testing devices may eliminate or replace expensive, centralized clinical testing equipment and technical personnel. Such testing device may include automated data reporting and decision support. Methods for performing point of care diagnostic tests are also disclosed.

Abstract: A toner composite material includes toner particles that include a sulfonated polyester and a wax and metal nanoparticles disposed on the surface of the toner particles. A method includes providing such toner composite materials, fusing the material to a substrate and covalently linking a ligand to the surface of the silver nanoparticles via a thiol, carboxylate, or amine functional group. Detection strips include a substrate and such toner composite materials fused on the substrate.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for a sample assembly with an electrical conductor for detection of the antigens by electromagnetic read heads. In one embodiment, a sample assembly includes: a substrate; one or more base layers above the substrate; an outer layer above the one or more base layers; a plurality of sample trenches formed in the outer layer and/or the one or more base layers, each sample trench being characterized by an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis; an electrical conductor disposed in the substrate, the electrical conductor being configured to generate an electromagnetic field in proximity to the plurality of sample trenches to enhance nanoparticle movement toward the bottom surface of the plurality of sample trenches; and at least one alignment trench formed above the substrate, each alignment trench having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of at least one of the sample trenches.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of specific analyte of a sample which may show interferences by photometric assays, wherein the analyte is quantified from the change in the optical signal of the reaction mixture after the interaction of the analyte with analyte specific reagents. Multiple calibration curves are generated for multiple wavelengths for the specific analyte. An interference test is performed simultaneously to the determination of the specific analyte, for quantifying the amount of interfering substances present in the sample. The amount of each interfering substances is compared to predetermined cut-off values. The optical signal for the specific analyte is measured in the reaction mixture at multiple wavelengths over the complete reaction time, and a calibration curve is selected depending on the interfering substances. The amount of specific analyte is quantified by comparison with the selected calibration curve for the chosen wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides citrullinated 14-3-3? peptides and antibodies thereto and methods of using same to evaluate arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Provided are methods for aiding in diagnosing autoimmune diseases in a mammal, comprising contacting a biological sample that is not a tear sample from the mammal with an antibody that specifically binds to a first polypeptide selected from the group Ctss, Ctsh, Ctsr, Ctsw, Ctsz, Ifng, IL-6ra, IL-10, IL-10ra, IL-15, Tnfa, Apo-F, or Lcn-2 or a second polypeptide selected from the group lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin or lysozyme under conditions favoring the formation of an antibody-polypeptide complex, and determining the amount of complex formed, wherein an increased formation of antibody-first-polypeptide complex or a decreased formation of antibody-second-polypeptide complex as compared to a suitable control, indicates a likely positive diagnosis of an autoimmune disease for the mammal, thereby aiding in the diagnosis. Methods of treating the autoimmune diseases are also provided.

Abstract: A method uses flow cytometry to prepare surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for obtaining SERS spectra of bacteria. The method involves using a flow cytometer to sort bacterial cells into populations of bacterial cells based upon their biophysical characteristics. The cells may then be washed with a borate buffer to remove any chemical species that degrade the SERS response. A colloid-coated bacteria suspension is then created by mixing one of the populations of bacterial cells with SERS-active colloidal particles. The colloid-coated bacteria suspension is incubated until the SERS-active colloidal particles partition through the capsule and bind to the cell wall for each bacterial cell in the colloid-coated bacteria suspension. The colloid-coated bacteria suspension is then disposed onto a filter and a SERS spectra of the colloid-coated bacteria suspension is obtained using a Raman spectrometer.

Abstract: A method is described for diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis by studying the levels of expression of novel markers, including ALOX15 or metabolites thereof, TNFAIP6, FLG, SLURP1, or CRISP3. Also described are methods for treating eosinophilic esophagitis.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an individual suffering from a cancer such as breast cancer by administering to the individual a long-acting topoisomerase I inhibitor such as SN-38 or irinotecan, and correlating the level of at least one tumor marker such as CA27.29 in the individual with response of the cancer to treatment with the long-acting topoisomerase I inhibitor, to thereby provide a method for predicting and assessing the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of pancreatic cancer biomarkers for the detection of early pancreatic cancer. The present invention also provides methods of diagnosing pancreatic cancer and distinguishing between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. The present invention additionally provides kits that find use in the practice of the methods of the invention.

Abstract: To provide means for reducing reaction interference observed when AT III is subjected to limulus test, whereby the limulus test of antithrombin III can be carried out at high accuracy. Reaction interference observed when AT III is subjected to limulus test can be reduced by subjecting AT III to a protein inactivation treatment in the co-presence of a divalent metal salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing and monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for distinguishing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. The methods and systems can utilize the detection of anti-vinculin antibodies and anti-CdtB antibodies to distinguish IBS from IBD and celiac disease. Further described are methods for selecting a therapy to treat IBS, IBD or celiac disease.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment and monitoring of diabetic retinopathy are provided. More specifically, the method for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy comprises administering to an individual suspected of having diabetic retinopathy a composition comprising an agent that inhibits the activity or expression of EMAPII or CXCR3. Methods for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of diabetic retinopathy in an individual, or monitoring the efficacy of a therapy for diabetic retinopathy are provided. More specifically, the method comprises determining the levels of EMAPII in a biological sample from an individual and comparing them to a control or reference sample, or a chronological sample from the individual.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods of monitoring the fructose response of a subject by determining the level of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) gene expression product in a biological sample (such as a serum sample) from the subject, where the subject was previously administered a fructose bolus. The invention also provides methods of monitoring the response of a subject to a treatment for a disorder of metabolism, for discriminating fructose intolerance from other gastrointestinal disorders not associated with fructose intolerance, for identifying a subject at risk for developing a disorder of metabolism, as well as methods of treatment for a disorder of metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnostic biomarkers, for the diagnosis of AD, for the identification of a subject at risk for developing AD, and for the generation of patient-specific AD diagnostic biomarker profiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibody-based probes (including single domain antibody fragment, scFv molecules, antibodies, antibody fragments, diabodies, and the epitope-binding domains thereof) that are capable of immunospecifically and selectively binding to a phospho-serine-containing epitope of Tau, such as, for example, Tau-phospho-serine 396/404 peptide. Such imaging ligands are useful to detect pathological Tau protein conformer if present in a biological sample, especially in conjunction with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other tauopathy, and thus provide a diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease and other Tau pathologies. The scFv molecules of the present invention have utility as diagnostic markers for, Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies and as pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such conditions.