Abstract: An electrode for use in instruments capable of measuring the electrophoretic mobility of particles in solution is disclosed. The electrode is comprised of an inexpensive support member, generally made of titanium, onto a flat surface of which has been connected, generally by microwelding, a flat electrically conductive but chemically inert foil member, preferably platinum. A uniform texture can be generated on the exposed surfaces of the electrode by various means including tumbling the electrode with an abrasive. An oxide layer can be generated on the support member by soaking the composite electrode in an appropriate medium, protecting the exposed surface of the support member from fluid contact with the sample solution, while the foil member, unaffected by the oxidation process, is able to contact the sample solution.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanogap includes forming a knockoff feature on a dielectric layer and forming a trench in the dielectric layer on opposite sides of the knockoff feature. A noble metal is deposited in the trenches and over the knockoff feature. A top surface is polished to level the noble metal in the trenches with a top of the dielectric layer to form electrodes in the trenches and to remove the noble metal from the knockoff feature. A nanochannel is etched into the dielectric layer such that the knockoff feature is positioned within the nanochannel. The knockoff feature is removed to form a nanogap between the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrostatic force detector (“EFD”) for measuring electrostatic force of a surface under test (“SUT”) includes a force detector comprising a cantilevered arm and a probe. The EFD has a shield with a hole through which the probe extends and is positioned to prevent electromagnetic energy from the SUT from reaching the cantilevered arm and most of the probe, and preventing light from reaching the SUT. A method for selecting a voltage range for an EFD measuring a charge on an SUT includes measuring with the EFD two voltages at or near the end-points of an estimated voltage-range, and then comparing the polarities. If the polarities differ, the estimated voltage-range is selected. However, if the polarities are the same, then the estimated voltage range is adjusted to provide a new estimated voltage-range, which is then tested for purposes of determining whether the charge on the SUT is within the range.

Abstract: An electric-charge generating element that generates electric charges by gaseous discharge includes a dielectric layer, a discharge electrode disposed on one surface of the dielectric layer, a ground electrode disposed on the other surface or inside of the dielectric layer and a nozzle that is disposed in the dielectric layer at a position such that the nozzle does not interfere with the discharge electrode and the ground electrode so as to penetrate through the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for inspecting an electroconductive composite material including disposing a detection magnetic field measurement unit, disposing a correction magnetic field measurement unit, applying a current, acquiring a detection magnetic field strength, acquiring a correction magnetic field strength, and detecting a portion in which arrangement of carbon fibers is disordered. The operation includes calculating a correction coefficient using the correction magnetic field strength and correcting the detection magnetic field strength using the correction coefficient.

Abstract: An in-line inspection device and methods of operation thereof for identifying and characterizing features of a metallic pipe structure are disclosed. An in-line inspection device with a central body supports an instrument apparatus which includes a plurality of magnetic members to magnetically saturate the pipe, and a plurality of magnetic sensor assemblies to detect magnetic flux leakage signals caused by pipe features. The plurality of magnetic sensor assemblies are positioned such that some are as close as practicable to the internal surface of the pipe, and others are at a predetermined offset distance from the internal surface of the pipe. By analyzing and comparing the outputs of the magnetic sensor assemblies, pipeline features can be identified and characterized.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises at least one transducer and a sensing material (e.g., a metal-organic framework) disposed on the transducer. The sensing material has a temperature-dependent gas sorption behavior. A detector is arranged to detect responses of the transducer to sorption and/or desorption of a target gas in the sensing material and to output transducer measurement signals indicative of the transducer responses. At least one thermal element changes the temperature of the sensing material by heating and/or cooling, and at least one temperature sensor (which may be integral with the thermal element) is arranged to measure a temperature of the sensing material. At least one processor determines the quantity (e.g., concentration, partial pressure, or mass) of the target gas according to the temperature of the sensing material at which the transducer measurement signals satisfy a signal value condition.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about a radiation impedance of a piston vibrating a process medium, including a fluid or slurry; and determine a speed of sound or density measurement related to the process medium, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module may determine a speed of sound measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the density of the process medium, including where the density of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module, or determine a density measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the speed at which sound travels in the process medium, including where the speed of sound of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module.

Abstract: A sensor device includes: a probe body having a first end and a second end, the probe body defining a probe cavity within the probe body; a sensor located at the first end of the probe body, the sensor having a sensor surface in sensory communication with the probe cavity defined within the probe body; a permanent magnet located adjacent the second end of the probe body and at least partially circumscribing the probe cavity defined within the probe body; an isolating boundary portion located between the permanent magnet and a surface of the object of interest and having a passage formed therethrough, the passage in communication with the probe cavity defined within the probe body.

Abstract: There is provided, for example, an ultrasonic probe capable of improving the accuracy of testing of a curved-surface structure. An array sensor (ultrasonic array sensor) includes multiple elements (oscillators) to generate an ultrasonic wave. Water (propagation member) is disposed between the array sensor and steel (test target) to propagate the ultrasonic wave. At least one reflection section reflects the ultrasonic wave reflected and returned from the surface of or the inside of the steel, and causes the ultrasonic wave to fall on any of the elements.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, program product, and method are disclosed for a compact immersion scanning system. An apparatus includes an XY scanning mechanism, a first transducer configured to transmit a sound wave, a second transducer configured to receive the sound wave, and a tray configured to hold a material. The tray is coupled to the XY scanning mechanism and located beneath the first transducer and the second transducer is located on a bottom side of the tray below the material. The tray is moved in an XY pattern along an X axis and a Y axis in response to an XY scanning mechanism controller mechanically moving the XY scanning mechanism while the first transducer is positioned in a stationary location along a vertical axis perpendicular to the tray. The first transducer transmits sound waves into the material and the second transmitter receives the transmitted sound waves at each XY position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, program product, and method are disclosed for determining the microstructure and properties of materials using acoustic signal processing. An apparatus includes a one or more sensors for sensing information describing a multiphase material using sound waves. The apparatus includes a processor operably coupled to the one or more sensors and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to receive sound-wave input from the one or more sensors, perform one or more quantitative analyses on the received sound-wave input in the frequency domain, and determine a microstructure of the multiphase material based on results from the one or more quantitative analyses.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for cannabis analysis, such as a system that has a cannabis analysis data server and a plurality of mobile cannabis analysis devices that are communicatively coupled to a network. The mobile devices perform physical analyses of a physical sample and communicate resulting data to the cannabis analysis data server with a unique identifier. The mobile cannabis analysis devices may also monitor device and external environmental conditions that affect the performance and communicate these to the cannabis analysis data server. The cannabis analysis data server performs analyses on the received data from the mobile devices. Based on the sample analyses, the cannabis analysis data server generates sample analysis reports and communicates them to a user. The cannabis analysis data server may also generate data to control the operation of the mobile cannabis analysis devices based on the operation and environmental data received from the devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon dioxide sensing compounds. In particular, the present invention relates to said sensing compounds comprising a phathalocyanine or a metal phthalocyanine. Furthermore, the invention relates to the tuning sensitivity of the phathalocyanine or the metal phthalocyanine by incorporation of amine groups and spacers. The sensing layers can be integrated on various transducers like a chemiresistor, a capacitor, a field effect transistor (FET), an optical-based sensor, or a mass-based sensor.

Abstract: A breath alcohol device calibration system includes a computerized calibration module operable to calibrate a candidate breath alcohol device using a reference gas of known alcohol concentration, and a reference gas tank identification module operable to identify a reference gas tank that is coupled to the breath alcohol device calibration system. Identification is performed using at least one distinguishing characteristic of the coupled tank, the distinguishing characteristic providing reference gas tank information including at least the known alcohol concentration of gas in the reference gas tank. The reference gas tank identification module is further operable to read a temperature history of the tank from an electronic device coupled to the tank, and to indicate an error condition if the temperature history of the tank indicates temperatures below a first temperature threshold over the tank's recent temperature history to potentially result in incomplete mixing of the reference gas.

Abstract: A system for use in wirelessly monitoring a pipeline such as a natural gas pipe. The system includes a locator configured to wirelessly transmit power and a subsoil sensor marker located adjacent the pipe and configured to wirelessly communicate with the locator. The sensor marker includes a microcontroller, a memory module, a sensor configured to sense the presence of a gas, and a power module. The power module is configured to harvest a sufficient amount of the power wirelessly transmitted from the locator in order to operate the microcontroller to take a measurement via the sensor, save the measurement in the memory module, and wirelessly transmit the measurement to the locator.

Abstract: An aquatic robotic assembly for testing and monitoring water quality parameters including a waterproof base with a remote-controlled motor assembly, a propulsion assembly, a power source, and a flotation assembly. The aquatic robotic assembly also includes at least one waterproof upper module that detachably connects to the base and includes a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising at least one sensor for use in testing and monitoring a water quality parameter, a micro-computer interconnected with the at least one sensor for reading input from the at least one sensor and converting the data to a format readable by a user, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the converted data to the user, and a power source. Alternative upper modules can be used with different sensor assemblies.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention may include, or take the form of, a total organic carbon analyzer, featuring an injector, a reactor, condensation components and two three-way valves. The injector may be configured to provide a sample. The reactor may be configured to vaporize the sample received. The condensation components may be configured to condense and trap the sample vaporized by the reactor. The two three-way valves may be arranged between the reactor and the condensation components and configured to allow flow to either bypass or pass through the reactor and the condensation components, while in the bypass mode, the sample being injected at an appropriate rate so as to allow the sample to condense at or near the same rate as the sample is being injected.

Abstract: Incendivity test systems and methods are disclosed. Incendivity test systems include a non-flammable gas mixture and a test article. The non-flammable gas mixture includes a thermally reactive reagent that is formulated to thermally react to produce a reaction product. Incendivity test systems also include an energy source configured to apply an energy discharge such as a simulated lightning strike to the test article. Incendivity test systems also include a detection device configured to measure an indicator species in the non-flammable gas mixture (e.g., the thermally reactive reagent and/or the reaction product). Incendivity test methods include contacting the test article with the non-flammable gas mixture, applying the energy discharge to the test article, and then measuring the amount of the indicator species and determining the incendivity of the test article in response to the energy discharge based upon the amount of the indicator species.

Abstract: There is described herein methods and systems for evaluating a condition of an engine. Fluid sample data obtained from an engine is received and weights are assigned to different data sets of the fluid sample data. The data sets correspond to one or more classes of materials into which particles of the fluid sample are sorted. A characterizing sample signature of the engine is generated based on the data sets. The sample signature is compared to a plurality of reference signatures obtained from reference engines belonging to a common family with the engine. A selection is made from the reference engines for those having a difference between a corresponding signature and the sample signature below a threshold. Historical engine data of the selected reference engines is output as a basis for evaluating the condition of the engine.

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: 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 invention relates to an arrangement for collection and separation of a body fluid, e.g. whole blood, for purposes of analysis of a component, e.g. plasma, of a sample of the body fluid. It comprises means for receiving a body fluid, a filter arrangement (50) comprising a separation filter arrangement for separation of the component(s) to be analysed and a detection filter in communication with the separation filter arrangement. The filter arrangement comprises a pre-filter (6) having a filter volume adapted to be capable to receive a volume of body fluid exceeding a volume of a sample to be analysed, which comprises a first portion defining a sample zone volume arranged to form a sample zone and at least one second portion defining an excess removal zone volume, forming an excess fluid removal zone the volume of which exceeds said sample zone volume.

Abstract: The main purpose of the present technology is to provide a technology capable of reducing the risk of erroneous determination while ensuring real-time properties in the measurement of electrical characteristics of a biological sample. In this regard, the present technology provides an electrical characteristics measurement apparatus including: at least a measurement unit that measures electrical characteristics of a biological sample over time; an analysis unit that reviews, in real time during the measurement, data related to a temporal change in the electrical characteristics and analyzes a change in state of the biological sample; and a notification unit that issues notification of an analysis result in the analysis unit at a specific time point, in which the analysis unit detects a predetermined feature point from the data related to the temporal change in the electrical characteristics to use data related to the temporal change in a period before and/or after the predetermined feature point.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to biomarkers allowing for improved diagnosis and prognosis of alopecia areata as well as effective treatments for the disease, including methods that incorporate biomarkers capable of identifying patient sub-populations that will respond to such treatments and methods that incorporate biomarkers capable of tracking the progress of such treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for monitoring physiological status of an organ in a subject by monitoring morphological changes over time in transplanted tissue on an eye of the subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying tumor antigens of human lymphocytes, and for identifying subjects for cancer therapy, are provided herein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a sample metering device, comprising a sample holding chamber oriented between a sample entry port and a sample isolation unit and having a diluent introduction port disposed therebetween for introduction of a diluent into the sample holding chamber. The volume within the sample holding chamber between the diluent introduction port and the sample isolation unit defines a metered volume of a sample for analysis. In another embodiment, the invention is to an apparatus and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature, preferably suitable for low range sample dilution, and preferably capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field.

Abstract: The presence of biomarkers or other analytes can be detected in the bodily fluid using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) or Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy (ECS) in devices, such as handheld point-of-care devices. The devices, as well as systems and methods, utilize using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) or Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with an antibody or other target-capturing molecule on a working electrode. Imaginary impedance or phase shift, as well as background subtraction, also may be utilized.

Abstract: Bead arrays suitable for analysis by mass spectrometry are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bead array includes multiple reactive sites, each of the reactive sites being capable of binding multiple distinct target analytes.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a sample loading chamber configured to receive a sample, a detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber configured to receive a first portion of the sample, one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers configured to receive a second portion of the sample, and one or more reaction chambers connected to the detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber and the one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that extend the range of biological assays, such as immunoassays. In one embodiment a plurality of discrete test sites are used. Data for the proportion of test sites that indicate the presence of the analyte of interest and data that provides a statistical value for a signal generated by the population of discrete test sites is gathered. The results of these digital and statistical approaches are aggregated to provide an extended dynamic range. In another embodiment two or more reagent additions are provided in a serial fashion to a single test site or vessel. Such additions present different reagent sets with different dilutions of the same sample, and permit simultaneous characterization of both high and low abundance analytes in a single multiplexed assay while avoiding the high dose hook effect observed for high abundance analytes at low sample dilutions. These approaches can be combined to provide further improvements in dynamic range.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for registering and interpreting the results of lateral flow assay determination by using electric, magnetic, and RF sensors incorporated within the test strip, attached to the inside of the enclosure for same and/or contained in a test fixture; instead of relying on optical inspection techniques. This method features high reliability, low cost, and ability for quantitative and dynamic measurements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of biomarkers to determine responsiveness of an individual with wet AMD to treatment with a VEGF antagonist, to diagnose and distinguish dry and wet AMD and to determine the risk of conversion of a dry AMD disease to a wet AMD disease.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods for detecting in vitro the presence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and in serum or plasma, of antibodies reactive to and of lymphocytes that are responsive to CNS antigens associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These CNS antigens include, but are not limited to whole brain lysate and the myelin antigens myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), MOG peptides (MOGps), proteolipid protein (PLP), and PLP peptides (PLPps). PBMCs obtained from patients with active MS produce antibodies specific for CNS antigen, and causes T-lymphocytes to produce T-lymphocyte-specific cytokines, including interferon gamma (IFN-?), interleukin-2 (IL-2), or interleukin-17 (IL-17). In contrast, PBMCs from subjects without MS do not produce such responses.

Abstract: An assay device and method are described. The assay may involve immobilizing a binding partner (e.g., an antigen or antibody) for an analyte to be detected (e.g., an antibody or antigen) on a portion of a surface of a microfluidic chamber; passing a fluid sample over the surface and allowing the analyte to bind to the binding partner; allowing a metal colloid, e.g., a gold-conjugated antibody, to associate with the bound analyte; flowing a metal solution, e.g., a silver solution, over the surface such as to form an opaque metallic layer; and detecting the presence of said metallic layer, e.g., by visual inspection or by measuring light transmission through the layer, conductivity or resistance of the layer, or metal concentration in the metal solution after flowing the metal solution over the surface.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and assays are provided for the testing and monitoring of hemoglobin, anemia, glucose-6-phoshate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in an individual.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers useful in diagnosing lung diseases such as non-small cell lung cancer or reactive airway disease. Measurements of these biomarkers are inputted into a classification system such as a support vector machine or AdaBoost to assist in determining the likelihood that an individual has a lung disease. Kits comprising agents for detecting the biomarkers and combination of biomarkers, as well as systems that assist in diagnosing lung diseases are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to improved assay systems for measuring certain markers (e.g., kallikrein proteins) and determining their presence and/or level in a sample. Further, aspects of the disclosure related to improved methods are provided for determining the probability of an event associated with prostate cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of cancer, such as early or late stage ovarian cancer, in a subject by detecting Bcl-2 in a biological sample from the subject, preferably a urine or blood sample. Bcl-2 may be measured using an agent that detects or binds to Bcl-2 protein or an agent that detects or binds to encoding nucleic acids, such as antibodies specifically reactive with Bcl-2 protein or a portion thereof. The invention further relates to kits for carrying out the methods of the invention. The invention further relates to a device for the rapid detection of Bcl-2 in a bodily fluid and methods for rapidly measuring Bcl-2 in a bodily fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are biomarkers for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, and uses thereof, such as in methods for detecting the presence, and monitoring progression, of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Also disclosed are methods for treating and methods of monitoring the treatment of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, as well as kits and compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method of detecting and determining stress in poultry based on expression of HSP70 in growing feathers. More particularly, the invention relates to a non-invasive and accurate process to evaluate stress levels, such as from environmental heat or cold, transport, and/or feed restriction, in poultry species, such as broiler chickens, layers, turkeys, breeders, and/or quail. The method uses feather HSP70 expression as a non-invasive marker for stress in poultry species, and also provides for a method to rapidly evaluate and continuously monitor dynamic change and time-course stress induced by stress load in the same individual poultry.

Abstract: An automated method and system for determining the risk of developing a cancer in a subject, the method comprising preparing a tissue sample obtained from the subject for visually identifying at least one biological marker associated with the cancer, digitally scanning the prepared tissue sample, analyzing the scanned image of the tissue sample to identify regions of interest, quantifying at least one parameter associated with the marker, and executing an algorithm using the quantified parameter to calculate a risk score, wherein the risk score is representative of the risk of the individual developing the cancer.

Abstract: The presence of biomarkers or other analytes can be detected in the bodily fluid using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) or Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy (ECS) in devices, such as handheld point-of-care devices. The devices, as well as systems and methods, utilize using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) or Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with an antibody or other target-capturing molecule on a working electrode. Imaginary impedance or phase shift, as well as background subtraction, also may be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits, and compositions for detecting and/or diagnosing metastatic potential of cancer cells or for evaluating prognosis in a patient with cancer by detection of the protein expression level of an HLA class I molecule and/or the copy number variation of a polynucleotide encoding the HLA class I molecule. The present invention also relates to the use of the protein expression level of an HLA class I molecule and/or the copy number variation of a polynucleotide encoding the HLA class I molecule as a prognosis biomarker and metastasis predictive biomarker of cancer.

Abstract: A multiphoton fluorescence anisotropy microscopy live cell imaging system and method to measure and map drug-target interaction in real time at subcellular resolution. Proposed modality enables a direct measurement of drug/target binding in vivo, high-resolution spatial and temporal mapping of bound and unbound drug distribution, and presents an versatile tool to enhance understanding of drug activity. Application of the system to measurement of intracellular target engagement of the chemotherapeutic Olaparib, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, in live cells and within a tumor in vivo.

Abstract: A method for early diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a subject, which measures a level of at least one specific circulating biomarker using immunomagnetic reduction, e.g. FABP4, in the subject within a certain time period after onset of at least one symptom of ACS and administers guideline recommended therapies including early reperfusion therapy and effective drugs to the subject who is observed to have significant dynamic changes in the level of the at least one specific biomarker.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions of matter for predicting the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in a subject and administering interventions to subjects at elevated risk of PTB. The inventions provide a convenient, non-invasive, and accurate means of assessing PTB risk in a subject, and further provide a means of treating subjects in need of treatment and selecting appropriate interventions to reduce such risk. The diagnostic tools include novel panels of biomarkers and other factors which can be used to accurately predict risk of PTB across a population, wherein elevated risk is due to a variety of underlying physiological pathways and processes. In another aspect, the scope of the invention encompasses assay kits which are useful in the fast, accurate, and inexpensive prediction of PTB risk by multiplexed measurement of PTB risk factors.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of protein preparation and mass spectrometry analysis. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods for simplifying mass spectrometry analysis by reducing methionine oxidation of protein samples.

Abstract: Applications of ion-ion reaction chemistry are disclosed in which proton transfer reactions (PTR) and real-time data analysis methods are used to (1) simplify complex mixture analysis of samples introduced into a mass spectrometer, and (2) improve resolution and sensitivity for the analysis of large proteins in excess of 50 kDa by removing charge and reducing the collisional cross section.