Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems, apparatus, and kits for diagnosing the condition of a restrictor element in a chromatography system based on flow rate measurements, or pressure measurements, or both.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a type I pyrethroid in an object comprising the steps of (a) contacting the object with a solvent and an absorbent substrate, (b) separating the absorbent substrate from the object, (c) evaporating the solvent from the absorbent substrate, (d) treating the absorbent substrate with a solution comprising a nitrite salt in concentrated sulfuric acid, and (e) observing the absorbent substrate for a color change indicating the presence of the type I pyrethroid in the object. The invention also provides a kit for detecting the presence of the type I pyrethroid in an object.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to secure a memory polymer component in a flow path. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a memory component in a rest state, performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state, inserting the component into a flow path defined by interior side walls of a structure, and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the side walls to secure the component in the flow path. Additional devices, systems, and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting gas with a photoionization detector (PID) system. The method includes powering on a photoionization detector, turning off an ultraviolet lamp of the photoionization detector by a controller of the PID system and keeping it turned off during the zero calibration procedure, flowing ambient air from a surrounding environment by a fan of the photoionization detector system past a detector electrode of the photoionization detector, processing an output of the detector electrode by the controller to determine a zero level of the photoionization detector, and storing the zero level in a memory of the photoionization detector system. The photoionization detector system in a detecting mode compares an output of the detector electrode to the zero level to determine if a threshold concentration of a gas is present.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for communicating, storing, and accessing a calibration and test certificate for a gas detector. A calibration and test certificate may verify that the gas detector has been tested and/or calibrated and can be operated in compliance with specific regulations. Embodiments of the disclosure include integrating the calibration certificate into the individual device, where it may be readily viewed by the user, a supervisor, or inspector to verify the compliance of the device. The certificate may be required to be verified when a user takes the gas detector to a worksite before work can begin. Therefore, storing the certificate on the device may simplify the process of accessing the certificate for the user and supervisor.

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: The present detector comprises a detection level and an electronic level. The detection level comprises at least one of a smoke detection sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor and a temperature sensor. The at least one smoke detection sensor, carbon monoxide sensor and temperature sensor generate a detected measure. The electronic level includes an alarm module, a communication module and a processor. The alarm module generates at least one of an audible alarm signal or a visual alarm signal. The communication module wirelessly communicates with a monitoring central station. The processor receives the detected measure, compares the detected measure with a predetermined threshold, actuates the alarm module when the detected measure is above the predetermined threshold and generates a message to be wirelessly communicated to the monitoring central station by the communication module, the message including the detected measure and a unique identifier of the detector.

Abstract: A remote control and monitoring apparatus and method for plant growth has an apparatus for planting and monitoring the growth of various plants, and an accompanying method lays out steps for the operation thereof. A planter body provides a plant receptacle, as well as an irrigation mechanism for watering the plants on a schedule or as otherwise defined, a plurality of sensors for monitoring the environmental conditions of for the plants and alerting the user is any parameters fall out of an acceptable range, and at least one camera to view the plant at any time as well as capture images and timelapses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a landslide experimental device for remotely controlling and simulating a constant seepage flow and weight load and an experimental method thereof in centrifuge test. The landslide experimental device includes a model box, a landslide device, a near-constant water flow control box, remote control devices and a water outlet pipe. The landslide device comprises a landslide model, a load balancing device, a weight storage device, an angle control panel and a tension bar. The remote control devices are arranged at the control box water outlet, at the control box water inlet, on the tension bar, on telescoping control sensors and on the weight storage device, respectively. With the present invention, the influences on the stability of landslide model with different landslide angles under the condition of the seepage flow and weight load can be simulated.

Abstract: An image processing device (2A) comprises: an input means for inputting a brightfield image representing cell morphology in a tissue section, and a fluorescence image representing, by fluorescent bright spots, the expression of a specific protein in the same range of the tissue section; a first generation means for generating a cell image obtained by extracting a specific site of a cell from the brightfield image; a second generation means for generating an image obtained by extracting bright spot regions from the fluorescence image, creating a brightness profile for each bright spot region, and generating a fluorescent particle image obtained by extracting the fluorescent particles in the bright spot regions on the basis of the fluorescence profile for one fluorescent particle, which serves as a fluorescence bright spot source; and a calculation means for superimposing the cell image and the fluorescent particle image on one another.

Abstract: A method for obtaining information encoded on an electrochemical test strip is provided. The test strip has two electrodes disposed within a sample space and the information is encoded on the test strip prior to introduction of liquid sample. The method includes the step of introducing sample to the sample space so that the sample is in contact with the two electrodes within the sample space. In another step a value is determined that is representative of the double layer capacitance of the test strip and/or the equivalent capacitance of the test strip. The determined value is then translated into information reflecting a characteristic of the test strip prior to introduction of sample.

Abstract: A bracket, a thrombelastography device, and a support system are disclosed. The bracket comprises: a fixed support part (101), a movable support part (102), and a connection part (103). The connection part comprises a first fixing connection member (1031) and a second fixing connection member (1032). The first fixing connection member is fixedly connected to the fixed support part; the second fixing connection member is fixedly connected to the movable support part; the first fixing connection member is connected to the second fixing connection member in point contact fashion, such that the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member can rotate relative to each other; the movable support part is fixedly connected to a supported object; when driven by the supported object, the movable support part rotates relative to the fixed support part by means of the point contact between the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a blood coagulation testing system include an analyzer console device and a single-use cartridge component configured to releasably install into the console device. In some embodiments, the blood coagulation testing system can operate as an automated thromboelastometry system that is particularly useful, for example, at a point-of-care site.

Abstract: Breath sensor apparatus and methods of use are described herein where a flow control apparatus may generally comprise a sampling chamber defining a volume and one or more openings into the sampling chamber, at least one sensor in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect the analyte. The sampling chamber may also be configured to receive the breath sample into the sampling chamber and into contact with the at least one sensor via diffusion into the sampling chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments include breath intoxicant monitoring systems and methods of operating a breath intoxicant monitoring system. In an embodiment, a breath intoxicant monitoring system, includes a first detection element, a second detection element, and a control module. The first detection element can be operable to detect a level of an intoxicant in a user's breath and to provide a continuous signal indicating the level of intoxicant. The second detection element can be operable to detect a level of the intoxicant. The second detection element includes a different type of element than the first detection element. The second detection element can have greater accuracy than the first detection element. The control module to selectively operate the second detection element based on the signal received from the first detection element, and to indicate whether the level of intoxicant in the user's breath exceeds a threshold. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Indicator stem cell line/transgenic (non-human) living organism for non-destructive, self-signalizing visualization of nuclear structures, which allows the identification of nuclear and chromosome anomalies—including micronuclei—as consequence of exposure to genotoxic compounds, wherein the stem cell line is a transgenic stem cell line from a (non-human) animal with nuclei labelled with a fluorescent protein fused to a chromatin-associated protein and/or the living organism is a transgenic (non-human) living organism in which a cell lineage has nuclei labelled with a fluorescent protein fused to a chromatin-associated protein.

Abstract: Primary skin fibroblasts obtained from individuals diagnosed with late-onset sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD), were compared to healthy age-matched controls. Fibroblasts from PD subjects had higher growth rates, and appeared distinctly different in terms of morphology and spatial organization in culture, compared to control cells. The PD fibroblasts also exhibited significantly compromised mitochondrial structure and function when assessed via morphological and oxidative phosphorylation assays. Additionally, an increase in baseline macroautophagy levels was seen in cells from PD subjects. Exposure of the skin fibroblasts to physiologically relevant stress, specifically ultraviolet irradiation (UVA), further exaggerated the autophagic dysfunction in the PD cells. Moreover, the PD fibroblasts accumulated higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) coupled with lower cell viability upon UVA treatment.

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: The present invention relates to a detector matrix for detecting at least one analyte in a sample, preferably a sample of a body fluid, comprising at least one enzyme active in the presence of said at least one analyte and at least one indicator reagent changing at least one optical property dependent on the activity of said enzyme, wherein said detector matrix further comprises up-converting phosphor particles, preferably UV-emitting up-converting phosphor particles. The invention further relates to a test element and a test device for detecting at least one analyte in a sample comprising the detector matrix of the invention, as well as to a method for the manufacture of a detector matrix, a method for the manufacture of a test element, and to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising contacting a detector matrix according to the invention with a sample suspected to comprise said analyte.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting a target gene according to the present invention comprises a plurality of capillary tubes which are partially immersed in a sample container containing sample solution and in which the sample solution flows by capillary phenomenon, and microbead packings arranged at one part in each capillary tube to be arranged on a flow path of the sample solution, wherein each of the microbead packings comprises: a packing tube arranged at the capillary tube so as to partially constitute the flow path of the sample solution, a plurality of microbeads contained in the packing tube and being in close contact with each other to form voids between the microbeads, and probe linkers formed on a surface of each microbead, wherein the probe linkers are configured to amplify a target gene in the sample solution by complementary bonding with the target gene, thereby detecting the target gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions of binding moiety-nanoparticle conjugates, aggregates of these conjugates, and novel methods of using these conjugates, and aggregates. The nanoparticles in these conjugates can be magnetic metal oxides, either monodisperse or polydisperse. Binding moieties can be, e.g., oligonucleotides, polypeptides, or polysaccharides. Oligonucleotide sequences are linked to either non-polymer surface functionalized metal oxides or with functionalized polymers associated with the metal oxides. The novel compositions can be used in assays for detecting target molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, in vitro or as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents to detect target molecules in living organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for capturing a molecular target present in the aqueous phase of a water-in-oil emulsion, said method being based on the use of a binding system comprising (a) a surfactant bearing a functional moiety on its hydrophilic head group and (b) a chemoprobe that acts as a molecular staple between the functionalized surfactant and the molecular target and comprises at least two distinct domains namely (i) at least one capture moiety which is able to specifically bind the molecular target and (ii) at least one binding domain which is able to interact with the functional group of the surfactant through covalent or non-covalent interactions, directly or through a binding intermediary.

Abstract: Provided are simplified and miniaturized cell analysis device and cell culture vessel for capturing a biological material such as a DNA or a cell two-dimensionally and further analyzing the biological material at high throughput with high sensitivity in a short time. A biological material analysis device or the cell culture vessel includes: a solid-state image sensor; and a molecule capable of bonding to a biological material, immobilized on a light-receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor via a stimulus-degradable linker.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of identifying a peptide antigen, including: contacting an antibody-comprising composition to a peptide microarray having an array surface and a plurality of feature pairs disposed thereon. Each of the feature pairs includes a first feature of wild-type peptides having a defined sequence and a second feature of mutant peptides having the defined sequence with a single amino acid mutation. Each of the wild-type peptides and the mutant peptides has an array-coupled terminus coupled to the array surface and an opposing free terminus, and the position of the amino acid mutation in the mutant peptides is located closer to the array-coupled terminus of the mutant peptides than tire free terminus. The method further includes detecting binding of an antibody in the antibody-comprising composition to at least one of the feature pairs on the peptide microarray, and identifying feature pairs exhibiting differential binding.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to proteins comprising a target-binding domain for detection of a target of interest, methods, compositions and kits thereof.

Abstract: A method and a kit are provided for predicting a favorable or a non-favorable response of a cancer patient to treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor by determining in a biological sample obtained from the cancer patient, before and after the treatment, the changes of the levels of factors/biomarkers generated by the cancer patient in response to said treatment, and a method for treatment of a cancer patient with an immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Abstract: A pyrogenicity test assay and method of pyrogen testing that allows for rapid and ultrahigh sensitivity testing of parenteral pharmaceuticals or medical devices that contact blood or cerebrospinal fluid by employing a Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay utilizing a photonic-crystal biosensor. The photonic-crystal biosensor is capable of determining the presence of endotoxins in a test sample by monitoring shifts in the resonant wavelength of an open microcavity affected by the changes in the refractive index of the analyte solutions used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a treatment procedure for breast cancer, a method of predicting a likelihood of success in treating breast cancer, and a method for selecting an endocrine therapy agent for treating breast cancer. In particular, methods of the present invention rely on the amount of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in a tissue sample.

Abstract: A method for therapy control of HPV16 positive carcinoma, an antibody for use in the corresponding diagnostic method as well as a test for performing the method. In particular, a serologic method for monitoring the development of the amount of antibodies in samples, which were taken from a patient before and after the treatment of a HPV16 positive carcinoma over a predetermined period of time. In addition, an immunologic test in the form of a kit, with which the method can be performed.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits are described for identifying biomolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) expressed in a biological sample that are associated with the presence, development, or progression of a disease (such as cancer), or more generally determination of the etiology or risk factors associated with a disease. Sample types analyzed by the disclosed methods include but are not limited to archival tissue blocks that have been preserved in a fixative, tissue biopsy samples, tissue microarrays, and so forth. The methods disclosed herein correlate expression profiles of biomolecules with various disease types, and allow for the determination of relative survival rates; in some embodiments, the methods permit determination of survival rates for a subject with cancer. In other embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods for evaluating therapeutic regimes for the treatment, such as treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic methods and medical uses comprising the identification and use of cancer marker surrogates for increased polyamine expression. These markers may be used to identify patients who may be treated for diseases and disorders that are susceptible to polyamine synthesis inhibitors, and they can also be used to monitor therapeutic responses when such agents are used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing pharmacokinetic properties of a variant of human serum albumin using a non-primate animal species where the native albumin of the animal provides minimal competition for HSA binding to the FcRn receptor in said animal. In the non-primate animal species, the binding affinity of wild type HSA to the native FcRn of said animal is the same as or higher than the binding affinity of the native albumin of said animal to the native FcRn. The present invention also relate to animal models which are particularly suitable for assessing pharmacokinetics of human serum albumin variants.

Abstract: Databases methods and reagents are disclosed for the generation of large amounts of biomarker data from readily obtained sample such as dried plasma spots, and for uses of such databases in the development of patient categorization or detection of changes in a patient's health status over time.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, kits, and compositions for use in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Peptoids recognized by Alzheimer s disease specific antibodies are identified.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, chemical library and simulation system for performing in situ patterned chemistry. Methods, systems and assays comprising the use of the synthesized chemical libraries, which increase explored protein space in a knowledge-based manner, are also provided for characterizing antibody-target interactions including: identifying target proteins of antibodies, characterizing antibody-binding regions in target proteins, identifying linear and structural epitopes in target proteins, and determining the propensity of antibody binding to target proteins.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide methods for identifying antibody glycosylation profiles which correlate with antibody effector functions. These profiles are antibody signatures for the respective correlated antibody effector functions, and are incorporated into engineered antibody for antibody-mediated treatments of infections, diseases, and medical conditions.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a biomarker for diabetes, which is not affected by a meal or the like, and is hardly metabolized during storage after blood collection. In addition, it is an object to provide a method of detecting the presence or absence of activation of immunoglobulin-producing cells in a diabetic patient. The concentrations of a kappa chain and a lambda chain, which are included in free immunoglobulin light chains, are measured, and when the ratio of the concentration of the kappa chain to the concentration of the lambda chain, or the absolute value of a difference between the concentration of the kappa chain and the concentration of the lambda chain is lower than a threshold value, it is determined that diabetes is present and immunoglobulin-producing cells are activated.

Abstract: A method for measuring autophagosome flux is provided. The autophagosome pool size in a single cell is quantified, where the pool size is the total number of autophagosomes in the cell. Fusion between the autophagosomes and lysosomes in the cell is then inhibited. The autophagosome pool size is quantified over one or more time points after fusion has been inhibited, and the autophagosome flux is calculated as the initial rate of change of the autophagosome pool size at the time point after fusion has been inhibited. The method can be used to determine basal autophagosome flux, whether a cell is diseased or dysfunctional, or to diagnose a subject with a disease, disorder or dysfunction. The transition time, the time required to clear an autophagosome pool, can also be derived from the autophagosome flux. A molecule can also be characterized according to its ability to modulate autophagosome flux in a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining if a subject is at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Abstract: A diagnostically useful carrier can include a means for capturing Neurogranin, a means for capturing BACE1 and preferably a means for capturing one or more additional biomarkers. The diagnostically useful carrier can be part of a kit. The kit or the carrier can be used in contacting a sample from a subject with a means for capturing Neurogranin, isolating the means for capturing Neurogranin from the sample, contacting a sample from a subject with a means for capturing BACE1, and isolating the means for capturing BACE1 from the sample. The diagnosis aims to distinguish a neurodegenerative disease, preferably mild Alzheimer's disease, and depression with or without cognitive impairment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a biomarker for discriminating dementia, particularly, Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment which can progress to Alzheimer's disease, from other central nervous system diseases, or capable of determining a pathological condition of dementia, and provide a method for diagnosing dementia early and a method for determining a pathological condition of dementia, using the biomarker. A transferrin glycoprotein containing a glycan having at least one mannose at a non-reducing end or a transferrin fragment containing the glycan is used as a diagnostic marker for Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A diagnostic biological array, for determining quantitative and measurable blood quality and/or maximum storage period of a blood unit at the day of donation and/or survivability period (after transfusion) of 75% of the RBCs of an individual blood unit and/or comparing a blood unit quality level to the recipient blood quality prior to transfusion and/or detecting impact on blood flow and correlation to specific diseases, by using parameters which are correlated to the red blood cell flow properties (FP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) in a patient, a method of monitoring the course of pulmonary hypertension in a patient, a method of determining the severity of pulmonary hypertension in a patient, and a method of differentiating between pulmonary hypertension and at least one condition selected from a group consisting of a disease associated with a risk of developing pulmonary hypertension and metabolic syndrome. In addition, the present invention relates to a kit comprising means for carrying out the above methods.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia provides a method, and use thereof, of predicting CV complications such as AMI, ACS, stroke, and CV death by determining the concentrations of at least one ceramide of Group A and at least one ceramide of Group B in a biological sample and comparing those concentrations to a control. Finding a decreased concentration of at least one Group A ceramide and an increased concentration of at least one Group B ceramide indicates that the subject has an increased risk of developing one or more CV complications. Also provided are a newly identified subset of ceramide molecules, labelled versions thereof, and kits and compositions comprising the same for use in predicting and/or diagnosing CV complications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cartridge assembly tray for conducting automated biochemical tests, such as immunoassay tests. The tray comprises a base member, a hinged frame and a locking mechanism. The base member includes a plurality of slots within the base member. Each of the plurality of slots is to receive a test cartridge. The hinged frame is coupled to the base member. The hinged frame is capable to rotate to an opened position or a closed position. The hinged frame includes a horizontal push bar configured to apply a downward force to test cartridges received in the plurality of slots when the hinged frame is in the closed position. The locking mechanism is to lock the hinged frame in the closed position when the hinged frame rotates to the closed position.

Abstract: A method to store sample tubes in a laboratory storage and retrieval system is presented. The laboratory storage and retrieval system comprises a storage section, a database comprising a sample tube inventory of the storage section, a control device, and at least one sample tube transport system. The storage section comprises at least two storage subsections. In a first step of the method, the control device identifies at least two sample tubes with at least one substantially identical sample tube attribute and distributed over the at least two storage subsections. In a second step of the method, the at least one sample tube transport system consolidates the at least two sample tubes in at least one storage subsection, wherein the control device further determines in which of the at least two storage subsections the identified sample tubes are consolidated.

Abstract: A container supply unit is provided with a container retaining unit, a container discharge unit, and a container alignment unit. The container alignment unit is provided with an alignment rail. The alignment rail includes a conveying speed ensuring area and an orientation stabilizing area. The conveying speed ensuring area is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction. The orientation stabilizing area is provided continuously on a downstream side in a conveying direction of the conveying speed ensuring area in which an inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction is set to be smaller than that in the conveying speed ensuring area. Then, the transfer position is provided on a downstream side in the conveying direction of the orientation stabilizing area, and is arranged so as to be parallel to the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method for pre-positioning a coaxial sample and sheath combination includes calculating a load shape profile including a plurality of layers of substantially equal volume. The calculated load shape profile is incrementally divided into cross-sectional slices at a first set of distance coordinates along a first axis. Each cross-sectional slice transects the plurality of layers. A sample includes a number of objects residing in solution. A sample chamber is loaded with the sample by incrementally dispensing the sample in a plurality of portions along a vertical axis divided into a second set of distance coordinates proportional to the first set of distance coordinates, where each portion has a volume proportional to the cross-sectional slice at the first distance coordinate nearest in value to the second distance coordinate.

Abstract: A crane device comprising: a crane body; and a fluid velocity measurement device comprising a plurality of beam sources arranged such that beams from the beam sources intersect at a measurement point, wherein the measurement device is adapted to measure the velocity of a fluid field approaching the crane body.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes detecting a change in a spatial configuration of a plurality of sensors coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on a first set of sensor data from a plurality of sensors, generating one or more calibration instructions to cause the UAV to move along a predetermined pattern in response to detecting the change in the spatial configuration, and determining a subsequent spatial configuration of the plurality of sensors based at least in part on a second set of sensor data from the plurality of sensors. The second set of sensor data is collected by the plurality of sensors when the UAV is moving along the predetermined pattern.