Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a computer program product for inspecting at least side faces of a semiconductor device are disclosed. A frame construction is provided, which holds a camera, defining an imaging beam path. The semiconductor device is inserted into a mirror block. The mirror block has a first mirror, a second mirror, a third mirror and a fourth mirror, wherein the mirrors are arranged such that they surround a free space in the form of a rectangle. The opposing first mirror and third mirror are fixedly mounted and the opposing second mirror and fourth mirror movably mounted. A tilted mirror directs an image of the side faces of the semiconductor substrate generated by the mirror block to the camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a fluid sample that includes loading the sample in a sample space in a sensor with an input and an output, applying an electromagnetic input signal to the input, measuring at the output a response signal that includes an output signal produced by the sensor while the sensor is contacted by the sample and the electromagnetic input signal is applied to the input, comparing the response signal against the electromagnetic input signal to generate a comparison, and matching the comparison against a set of comparisons for known substances.

Abstract: An XY shift mechanism can shift a rotary table in a two-dimensional direction (XY direction) orthogonal to a rotation axis of the rotary table. By collaborative control of the shift position of the rotary table in the two-dimensional direction in synchronization with the rotation of the rotary table, rotation is made possible about a virtual rotation center that is set at an arbitrary position on the rotary table. The collaborative control of the shift position of the rotary table in the two-dimensional direction also corrects rotation eccentricity owing to the eccentricity of the rotary table. Thus, the virtual rotation center can be set at an arbitrary position on the rotary table, thus enabling obtainment of high resolution tomographic images of a plurality of regions of interest of an object, without the need for repositioning of the object.

Abstract: There is provided an X-ray device irradiating a measuring object with X-ray and detecting transmission X-ray transmitted through the measuring object, the X-ray device including: a first information generation portion configured to generate first information in which a value according to an absorption coefficient is allocated to each of a plurality of divided sections into which there is divided a predetermined space including at least part of the measuring object; a frequency generation portion configured to generate frequency information of the allocated value to indicate a number of the divided sections according to magnitude of the allocated value in the first information; a ratio acquirement portion configured to acquire ratio information indicating a ratio between a first substance and a second substance constituting the measuring object; and a second information generation portion configured to change the first information into second information, by using the frequency information and the ratio inform

Abstract: A method is disclosed for evaluating and predicting a shale oil enrichment area of a fault lacustrine basin, comprising: obtaining materials and key data; determining a source-reservoir configuration relationship according to a longitudinal superposition relationship of different types of rock in a lithology profile and establishing a single-well lithofacies model; in the single-well lithofacies model, using a dolomite-to-formation ratio and a TOC average value to form a dolomite-to-formation ratio contour map and a TOC contour map, and superposing the dolomite-to-formation ratio contour map, the TOC contour map and a source-reservoir configuration relationship plane distribution map to form a lithofacies plane distribution map; on the basis of the lithofacies plane distribution map, superposing a vitrinite reflectance contour map and a dolomite thickness contour map to obtain a corresponding evaluation and prediction map of the shale oil enrichment area of the fault lacustrine basin.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments are systems and methods for determining characteristics of a hydrocarbon reservoir. Embodiments include conducting a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging operation of a targeted reservoir section of a wellbore extending into a hydrocarbon reservoir to generate a NMR log of the targeted reservoir section, conducting a resistivity logging of the targeted reservoir section to generate an uninvaded water saturation (Sw) log of the targeted reservoir section, determining for each of a plurality of depths in the section, a T2 cutoff point based on values of the NMR and Sw logs, identifying a subset of the T2 cutoff points that exhibit a hyperbolic trend, determining a theoretical cutoff curve corresponding to the subset of the T2 cutoff points, determining a free water level (FWL) of the reservoir based on the theoretical cutoff curve, and determining a rock type of the reservoir based on the theoretical cutoff curve.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and a sensing system for sensing various conditions on a conveyor belt. The belt includes an array of sensing elements embedded in the belt to measure belt conditions. The sensing elements form parts of passive resonant circuits that each include a capacitor and an inductive coil. The capacitor or the inductive coil can be a sensing element. Measuring circuits external to the belt are inductively or capacitively coupled to the resonant circuits in the belt as they pass closely by. The sensing elements change the resonant frequency of their resonant circuits as a function of the sensed conditions. Frequency detectors in the measuring circuits measure that frequency change and convert it into a functionally related value used to determine a belt condition. Exemplary conditions include temperature, pressure, humidity, spillage, and product weight.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for gas sensing. A gas sensor includes a sensing element comprising at least an ionic liquid. The gas sensor also includes a set of electrodes for polarizing the sensing element and an electric power source for powering the set of electrodes, thus generating an impedimetric response signal from the sensing element. The gas sensor additionally includes readout circuitry for separately analyzing resistive and capacitive components in the impedimetric response signal. A method includes exposing a gas sensor to a gas. The gas sensor includes a sensing element including at least an ionic liquid. The method also includes polarizing the sensing element with an electrical signal at a first frequency, measuring an impedimetric response signal of the sensing element, separating the signal into resistive and capacitive components, and determining the composition of the gas based at least on the resistive and capacitive components.

Abstract: A system for detecting the spread of a liquid. The system detects the position of a first portion of the liquid and a second portion of the liquid to detect the spread.

Abstract: Microcantilevers and systems incorporating the microcantilevers are described that can be utilized to perform selective detection of VOCs. The systems can detect VOCs at temperatures below the auto-ignition temperature of the VOCs and the microcantilevers need not be functionalized with any reactive groups particularly designed for the VOCs to be detected. The microcantilevers are triangular microcantilevers that can be formed of high bandgap semiconductors such as AlGaN/GaN heterojunction semiconductors.

Abstract: An electrical device includes at least one graphene quantum capacitance varactor. In some examples, the graphene quantum capacitance varactor includes an insulator layer, a graphene layer disposed on the insulator layer, a dielectric layer disposed on the graphene layer, a gate electrode formed on the dielectric layer, and at least one contact electrode disposed on the graphene layer and making electrical contact with the graphene layer. In other examples, the graphene quantum capacitance varactor includes an insulator layer, a gate electrode recessed in the insulator layer, a dielectric layer formed on the gate electrode, a graphene layer formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the graphene layer comprises an exposed surface opposite the dielectric layer, and at least one contact electrode formed on the graphene layer and making electrical contact with the graphene layer.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes an insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes arranged on the insulating film so that each first electrode is adjacent to four of the second electrodes in four directions of up, down, right, and left when viewed in plan view, while each second electrode is adjacent to four of the first electrodes in four directions of up, down, right, and left when viewed in plan view. Metal wiring embedded in the insulating film electrically connects one of the first electrodes to another of the first electrodes, and electrically connects one of the second electrodes to another of the second electrodes. The humidity sensor has increased capacitance per unit area and improved adhesiveness and can be made using normal semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The sulfur oxides detection system includes a device part comprising a first electrochemical cell having a first solid electrolyte layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode; and a diffusion regulating layer. A power supply supplying voltage is provided between the electrodes as well as a detector detecting a first current correlation parameter, and a control part controlling the power supply and acquiring the first current correlation parameter. The control part controls the power supply so that a first voltage is applied between the electrodes and calculates a concentration of sulfur oxides in the measured gas based on the first current correlation parameter detected by the detector when the first voltage is applied between the electrodes, but it does not calculate the concentration of sulfur oxides in the measured gas when it judges that a concentration of water in the measured gas is not stable.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a gas sensing electrode, a counter electrode disposed within a housing, and respective conductors that connect the gas sensing electrode to the counter electrode via a sensing circuit is disclosed. The housing includes a solid electrolyte in communication with the gas sensing electrode and counter electrode wherein the solid electrolyte further comprises one or more coatings or layers. The one or more coatings or layers have a lower water vapor transport rate than that of the electrolyte, such that, in use, water vapor transport between the electrolyte and atmosphere is reduced.

Abstract: Methods and sensing instruments are provided which perform automated electrochemical sensing and determination of metals in a liquid sample, such as drinking water or waste water. With use of microelectrode arrays, concentrations of metal are determined through a double potential step variation on anodic stripping coulometry, and the ability to generate these results provides for compact sensor networks that can be remotely deployed for determination of metals in samples, for real-time, decentralized sample monitoring.

Abstract: A transfer-membrane retaining jig (2) that retains a transfer membrane (1) in a separation-transfer device (100) includes: a fixing part (20, 21) that fixes at least one end in a movement direction of the transfer membrane (1), in which the fixing part (20, 21) includes an elastic body (20a, 21a) that abuts the transfer membrane (1) from an opposite side to a dispensing part (50a), and a pressing member (20b, 21b) that presses the transfer membrane (1) against the elastic body (20a, 21a).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.

Abstract: A method for monitoring local defects in a rotating engine component such as a gear uses one or more eddy current sensor(s) arranged to interact with the engine component as it is rotating during service. The eddy current sensor(s) may be carried by one or more teeth of a monitoring gear. A device is arranged to measure an output signal from the eddy current sensor(s) resulting from interaction with the rotating engine component. The output signal is processed so as to detect a change in shape of the output signal indicative of a local defect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementation of the heterodyne effect in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are provided. A system or method can include propagating a first signal with a first frequency and a second signal with a second frequency through a subject structure, and analyzing the output response to determine if a third frequency has been created, according to the heterodyne effect.

Abstract: A system for nondestructive evaluation of a test object includes a platform, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) to create acoustic vibrations that travel along the test object; an infrared detector positioned to record thermal images of a plurality of test areas on the test object to detect flaws in the test object as the platform and the test object move relative to each other; and a control connected to actuate the EMAT and the infrared detector, synchronize the creation of vibrations with the recording of thermal images, receive a signal from the infrared detector indicative of the thermal image of the surface of the test object, and record locations of the flaws appearing on the thermal images of the test areas, all as the platform and the test object move relative to each other.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used, which includes: an irradiation unit for irradiating an object with a laser beam; a restriction unit for restricting an output of the laser beam from the irradiation unit; a control unit for controlling an irradiation of the laser beam and an activation of the restriction unit; a probe for receiving acoustic waves that are generated from the object irradiated with the laser beam; and a construction unit for generating characteristic information relating to the object in use of the acoustic waves, wherein the control unit performs irradiation control of not irradiating the laser beam when the restriction unit is being activated.

Abstract: A method and system for passively detecting, localizing, and/or characterizing a mechanical wave source at one or more spatial points of interest on a structure using ultrasonic guided waves are provided. The method includes estimating the spatial channel impulse response at one or more spatial points of interest using a movable transducer. Collected data recorded in response to transient mechanical waves is then combined with the spatial channel impulse response estimates to detect, localize, and/or characterize the source. A direct path from the mechanical wave source to each transducer is not required. Anisotropies and variations between transducer transfer functions may be accounted for and all propagation paths may be used to perform source localization. The method and system may leverage structural complexity rather than ignore it.

Abstract: A dynamic characteristic calculation apparatus for a machine tool calculates dynamic characteristic of the machine tool executing an interrupted machining by moving a rotational tool relative to a workpiece. The apparatus includes a detector detecting acoustic wave generated by vibration of the rotational tool or detecting magnetic property being variable by the vibration of the rotational tool where said rotational tool is excited to vibrate, and a calculation division calculating a natural frequency f of the one or plural tool tips in a vibration system, in which the one or plural tool tips of said rotational tool is a vibration body, on a basis of a value detected by the detector.

Abstract: A dual online liquid chromatography device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first pump for injecting a first solvent or a mixed solution containing the first solvent and a second solvent; a second pump for injecting the first solvent or the mixed solution containing the first and second solvents; a specimen intake valve connected to the first pump and a specimen injector for injecting a specimen; a column selection valve connected to the second pump and the specimen intake valve; and a dual column valve including a plurality of ports, one side of which is connected to the column selection valve and an opposite side of which is connected to a first column and a second column.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted in-needle capillary adsorption trap (VA-INCAT) device for sampling and delivering materials to an analytical device is disclosed. A sorbent is multiwall carbon nanotube/polyaniline (PANI/MWCNT) nanocomposite and is coated within an interior space of the needle between the second end and the side aperture to entrap an analyte within a sample. The VA-INCAT device also includes a vacuum device configured to vacuum the vacuum flask to improve the extraction of the analytes vapors from the sample matrix to the sorbent bed.

Abstract: Burner assemblies are configured to deliver decompressed mobile phase of supercritical fluid chromatography systems to the flame of a flame-based detector while providing for improved optimization of analyte response as well as enhanced flame stability during operation.

Abstract: A detector measures turn-off voltage change with respect to change in time between a collector and emitter of a transistor and peak voltage of the transistor at the collector. An electronic data processor determines intermediate parameters of turn-off current, the turn-on current and on-state voltage drop based on the turn-off voltage change and the peak voltage. The data processor determines the power or energy loss for one switching cycle of the transistor based on the turn-off current, the turn-on current and on-state voltage drop between the collector and emitter of the transistor. The data processor estimates an associated average die temperature for the transistor over the switching cycle.

Abstract: A spectral radiation gas detector has at least one lenslet with a circular blazed grating for diffraction of radiation to a focal plane. A detector is located at the focal plane receiving radiation passing through the at least one lenslet for detection at a predetermined diffraction order. A plurality of order filters are associated with the at least one lenslet to pass radiation at wavelengths corresponding to the predetermined diffraction order, each filter blocking a selected set of higher orders. A controller is adapted to compare intensity at pixels in the detector associated with each of the plurality of order filters and further adapted to determine a change in intensity exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A sensor unit (10) for detecting a gas is configured with a pressure-tight measuring channel (11), with a gas inlet (12) for introducing the gas into the measuring channel, with a gas outlet (13) for removing the gas from the measuring channel, and with a pump unit (14) for evacuating the measuring channel. The measuring channel has a gas sensor (15) for detecting the gas and a heating unit (16) for heating the gas sensor. The sensor unit (10) is configured to be operated in a measuring mode and in a regeneration mode. The measuring channel (11) is evacuated and the gas sensor (15) is heated in the regeneration mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing power consumption of a sensor. The method includes determining if a predetermined condition has been met to change at least one of a sensing rate or a sensor resolution, and changing at least one of the sensing rate or sensor resolution if it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device to provide an alert of the potential detection of a disease in an infrastructure having a chamber of air and a geographic location, the device comprising: one or more sample ports of known sub-location within the infrastructure, the one or more sample ports being open to a designated part of the infrastructure and a sample of air from the air chamber being operable to pass through the one or more sample ports; a detector to receive the sample of air from a specific one of the one or more sample ports and being operable to generate molecular characteristic data for identifying diseases from the sample of air; a processor operable to analyze the molecular characteristic data from the sample of air; and an alert module operable to issue an alert output in response to the detection of particular molecular characteristic data from the sample of air.

Abstract: A fruit and vegetable sugar content detector is provided, which includes a measurement electrode unit including two measurement electrodes capable of being inserted into a to-be-detected fruit or vegetable, one end of one of the two measurement electrodes being connected to one end of the other one of the two measurement electrodes, a resistance detection circuit connected to the measurement electrode unit and configured to detect a resistance between the two measurement electrodes, and a processor connected to the resistance detection circuit and configured to determine, in accordance with the detected resistance between the two measurement electrodes, a sugar content of the to-be-detected fruit or vegetable, and generate sugar content indication information.

Abstract: This invention concerns methods of determining properties of oil, especially crude oil with a spectrometer. This invention also concerns a crude oil analytical and single or multi-stream sampling device which is particularly suitable for the online measurement of crude oil properties with a spectrometer (8). This invention further concerns a crude oil sampling procedure which is particularly suitable for the online measurement of crude oil properties with a spectrometer.

Abstract: A new type of matrices for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionization technique based on derivatized carbon clusters, which will be suitable for the analysis of peptides, proteins and other biomolecules by mass spectrometry which has several advantages over conventional matrices, such as optical sensitivity in a broad spectrum, low interference in the wide mass range and high analyte ionization efficiency.

Abstract: A method to quantify kinetics of voltage gated membrane channels by inversion of a Hodgkin Huxley formalism includes the steps of: providing an electrophysiology apparatus configured to provide a constant voltage difference across a cell membrane of a cell and to measure a current through the cell membrane and a computer configured to run at least one or more protocols; bounding R based on data generated by a T-step protocol or a G-step protocol; estimating a steady state based on data generated by a C-step protocol or a H step protocol; extracting a time constant based on the data generated by the T-step protocol or the G-step protocol as bounded by R; and assessing a range of time constants that can reproduce the data generated by the C-step protocol or the H step protocol and by the T-step protocol or the G-step protocol within and experimental error.

Abstract: System and method for determining a viscoelastic modulus of a sample with the use of optical data and an average size of light-scattering particles, of such sample, that has been derived from the optical data in reliance of angular dependence of a radiant flux profile determined from laser speckles formed by the sample and, in required, on a refractive index mismatch between light-scattering particles and sample medium hosting such particles. The determination is optionally carried out by taking into account at least one of absorption coefficient and reduced scattering coefficient of the sample, which are also determined from the same optical data. Laser speckle may be formed for different combinations of polarization states of sample-illuminating light and detected light and/or different wavelengths to account for polydisperse nature of the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of or likelihood of a patient of developing occult pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, and a method for detecting the presence of or likelihood of a patient of developing clinically significant post-prandial hyperglycemia. The methods involve (a) measuring a level of alpha-hydroxybutyrate (AHB) in a single fasting baseline biological sample of the patient; (b) comparing the level of AHB in the single fasting baseline biological sample to a reference AHB level; and (c) determining the presence of or likelihood of developing the disorder in the patient based on the comparison in step (b). An increased AHB level at fasting baseline indicates that a normoglycemic, normo-insulinemic and/or non-dyslipidemic patient has developed or has an increased likelihood of developing occult pancreatic beta cell dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention provides markers indicative of pre-cachexia, compositions and methods for identifying patients with a molecular signature indicative of pre-cachexia; a culture system that reproduces the cachetic process in cells in vitro, which facilitates the screening and identification of therapeutic agents useful for disrupting (slowing, reducing, reversing, or preventing) the progression of pre-cachexia to refractory cachexia; as well as therapeutic agents identified using the culture system of the invention.

Abstract: A method for assessing the risk of potential adverse effects for a human patient receiving a CD19×CD3 bispecific antibody is provided. The method comprises determining the total B count in the patient, and identifying a B cell number indicative of a patient at risk of potential adverse effects from the antibody. The method further provides a dosing schedule for administering the antibody to the patient identified as at risk of potential adverse effects. Also provided is a pharmaceutical package or kit comprising a first dose and a second dose, and optionally a third dose, of the CD19×CD3 bispecific antibody as defined in the methods/dosage regimen of the disclosure.

Abstract: There is provided a method for introducing a temperature-sensitive probe comprising a copolymer, which comprises a thermoresponsive unit and a fluorescent unit, into a cell, and the method using the copolymer further comprising a cationic unit as the temperature-sensitive probe, and the method comprising the step of mixing the copolymer with the cell in a solvent. The copolymer can be preferably used as a fluorescence temperature sensor which measures intracellular temperature since the copolymer has a cationic group and thus enters into a cell without using a special method.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that comprises a detector module adapted to detect the presence of one or more biological analytes in a fluid. The module includes one or more pairs of microcantilever sensors, where each pair is comprised of a reference sensor and a detection sensor. The detection sensor cantilever is coated with a polymerized receptor that has an affinity with a biological analyte in the fluid. A capture manifold is also provided to receive the fluid downstream of the detector module and comprising the same polymerized receptor such that the biological analytes are removed from the fluid as it courses through the manifold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improved detection sensitivity of assays. The systems include an upper plate that is inserted into a well of testing well, such as a base microtiter plate. For bottom detection, a coating, including polymer coatings or membrane coatings, is applied to an insert portion of the upper plate, and the base plate includes transparent windows. In bottom detection, a detector will image from below the base plate. Alternatively, for top detection, the coating is applied to the well of the base plate, and the upper plate includes transparent windows. In top detection, a detector will image from above the upper plate. Analysis features, including capture antibody features or antigen features, can be printed on the coating surface for forward-phase assays or reverse-phase assays, respectively. Methods for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: In a known method of measuring a target substance, comprising: providing a sample solution containing the target substance, a first reaction solution, and a second reaction solution; sequentially aspirating the sample solution and the first reaction solution, using a measuring apparatus equipped with a dispensing unit, into the dispensing unit; discharging them at a time from the dispensing unit, to bring them into contact with the second reaction solution, and to form a complex of the target substance and a first partner which is contained in at least one of the first reaction solution or the second reaction solution and reacts specifically with the target substance; and analyzing the resulting complex, an improved method capable of inhibiting a reaction which adversely affects measurement results is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful for normalizing the amount of signal detected in an assay, such as an immunoassay. The compositions and methods are useful for improving the accuracy of immunoassays, such as immunoassays that detect whether a subject is infected with a retrovirus such as HIV.

Abstract: Multiplex immunoassays utilize the differential affinities among the conjugation pairs between the capture ligands and target analytes are proposed. Window magnetic-assisted rapid aptamer selection (window-MARAS) methods for selecting aptamers with desirable affinity toward the target analytes and methods for generating reagents for multiplex immunoassays or multiplex detection in one assay by utilizing the selected aptamers as capture ligands in reagents are described and used to demonstrate the feasibility of multiplex immunoassays based on the differential affinity of conjugation pairs between the capture ligands and target analytes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting Chemical Species, Biomolecules and Biotargets (Analytes) using receptor functionalized metal nanoparticles and Dynamic Light Scattering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward core-shell nanoparticles, each comprising a ligand-capped metal shell surrounding a plurality of discrete, nonconcentric, metal-containing cores. Methods of making and using these nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assay test strip includes a flow path, a sample receiving zone, a label, a detection zone that includes a region of interest, and at least one position marker. The at least one position marker is aligned with respect to the region of interest such that location of the at least one position marker indicates a position of the region of interest. A diagnostic test system includes a reader that obtains light intensity measurement from exposed regions of the test strip, and a data analyzer that performs at least one of (a) identifying ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the test region based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature, and (b) generating a control signal modifying at least one operational parameter of the reader based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature.

Abstract: We disclose a novel diagnostic test strip which may be used to conduct biochemical assays for analytes in liquid samples. The disclosed test strip may be loaded with much smaller volumes of sample than traditional test strips. The disclosed test strip may be loaded with a precision dispenser instead of submersing the test strip into a larger volume of liquid sample. In addition, the disclosed test strip dissolves in aqueous fluid so it may be flushed into the sewer system. Consequently, it is not necessary to dispose of the disclosed test strip in biological waste containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening a sol composition for sol-gel biochips, which is used to immobilize a probe on a surface-untreated substrate, also relates to a sol composition screened by said method and a sol-gel biochip comprising said sol composition immobilized thereon. The sol composition screened by the disclosed method can be mixed with a probe, and the sol mixture can be integrated on 96-well plates, which are widely used in existing bioassays, without surface treatment. Also, the biochip can provide a sensitive and specific good analysis results because this immobilization methods of probe maintain the nature of probes without modification.