Abstract: A defect inspection device configured to measure a surface shape of an inspection target using light applied to the inspection target via a spatial light phase modulator based on an interference state of reflected light from the inspection target obtained via the spatial light phase modulator, to measure magnetic field distribution of a surface of the inspection target magnetized by an excitation device for magnetizing the inspection target using light applied to the inspection target via the spatial light phase modulator based on an interference state of reflected light from the inspection target obtained via the spatial light phase modulator, and to separate data of a magnetic field specific portion which exists on the surface of the inspection target from magnetic field distribution data which is a measurement result of magnetic field distribution of the inspection target based on surface shape data which is a measurement result of the surface shape of the inspection target, to suppress deterioration of me

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for detection of contraband such as concealed explosives, drugs, smuggled goods, etc., through the use of an acoustic frequency detector having a crystalline transducer module and mass comparator. The present invention can be employed in a non-destructive manner for the mobile and stationary inspection of object such as luggage, person, containers, etc., through a combination of computer-aided electron counting and mass analysis techniques combined with a crystalline and oil enhanced transducer that, upon return of a system-generated acoustic signal, are used to screen and confirm explosive threats and/or other contraband.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a dynamic vibration frequency includes the following steps. At least five pairs of vibration measurement elements are selected. A bandwidth range of the vibration measurement elements is determined. The vibration measurement elements in sequence on a first side and a second side, which are geometrically symmetrical to each other, of a main shaft are used to measure vibration displacements in a symmetrical position arranging manner. The vibration displacements measured by the vibration measurement elements of either of the first side and second side are corrected, so as to differentially eliminate an ambient noise. Positions of nodes located on the first side and the second side are calculated. The vibration displacements in the preceding steps are used to deduce dynamic vibration frequencies of main harmonics. A vibration mode of the main shaft is confirmed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes: a substrate in which an opening is formed; a vibration film that is provided on the substrate so as to close the opening; a plurality of vibration elements that are disposed at positions where the vibration film and the opening overlap each other in a plan view along a thickness direction of the vibration film; a sealing plate that is disposed so as to face the vibration film, supports the vibration film, and has a surface facing the vibration film as a flat surface; and a suppressing portion that is provided between the adjacent vibration elements in the plan view, is bonded to both the vibration film and the sealing plate, and is formed of a resin material for suppressing transmission of vibration of the vibration film.

Abstract: The present apparatus is configured to carry an instrument or probe and optionally deploy it against a surface, such as a metal pipeline or storage tank. The apparatus can include a sensor probe for inspecting the integrity of the surface and a first linkage that is operatively coupled to the sensor probe and configured to move the sensor probe according to a first path (in a first direction/first degree of freedom). An actuator can be operatively connected to the first linkage for moving the first linkage so as to move the sensor probe along the first path. A second linkage is operatively connected to the sensor probe and configured to passively move the sensor probe according to a second degree of freedom to cause the sensor probe to become normal to the surface when at least a portion of the apparatus contacts the surface.

Abstract: An acoustic testing system includes at least four control microphones, at least four acoustic transducers, an acoustic enclosure with pre-determined reverberant characteristics which contains the at least four control microphones and the at least four acoustic transducers, a control system configured to produce a predetermined acoustic field as measured by the at least one control microphone. A unit under test is also disposed within the acoustic enclosure. Using an acoustic enclosure with pre-determined reverberant characteristics results of the increased proportion of reflected sounds in the area proximate to the unit under test such that less power is required to achieve a given acoustic test level than in a purely direct field acoustic test.

Abstract: Properties of a medium, such as its particle size distribution, are characterized using a measurement cell containing a medium between walls of the cell, with ultrasound transducers on opposite walls. Ultrasound is transmitted from the ultrasound transducers on both sides and transmission and reflection responses are detected. An ultrasound frequency dependent ratio of a Fourier transform value of a product of signals obtained from transmission responses in opposite directions and a Fourier transform value of a product of signals obtained from reflections at the transducers is computed. Preferably, the first received reflected and transmitted pulses in response to pulse excitation are used to compute the ratio. Ultrasound frequency dependent ultrasound speed and/or attenuation data of ultrasound in the medium are computed as a function of the ultrasound frequency from the ratio. This eliminates the effect of the walls.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods of distinguishing a glycosaminoglycan from one or more other components in a sample by subjecting the sample to size-exclusion chromatography using a mobile phase having a pH of 6.8 or lower. A mobile phase having a pH of 6.8 or lower is found to improve the separation of glycosaminoglycans from proteins during size exclusion chromatography. In some embodiments, improved separation is due to the low pH of the mobile phase causing elution of less dispersed fractions of the protein and/or glycosaminoglycan. In some embodiments, the overlap between protein and/or glycosaminoglycan fractions is reduced.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of liquid column chromatography in which preparative chromatography is performed in-line with analytical chromatography. In particular aspects a monolithic preparative column is used to purify an analyte of interest from a mixture of other substances by applying the mixture to the column, reversing the flow through the column to elute the analyte, which is applied to an analytical column provided in-line with the preparative column. In other aspects, a single monolithic column is used to perform both the preparative chromatography and analytical chromatography steps in succession. In another aspect, a chromatography system is provided to perform preparative and analytical chromatography using a single monolithic column.

Abstract: A data processing system including a sensitivity coefficient holder for holding a value R of a sensitivity coefficient for a wavelength ?1 belonging to one peak in a spectrum of a first component and a second wavelength ?2 belonging to the same peak and having a lower intensity than ?1, the value R defined using the ratio of the peak areas or similar information of two chromatograms respectively obtained at the two wavelengths; a chromatographic detector for spectroscopically analyzing sample components exiting from a component-separating column and for measuring an intensity at the second wavelength ?2 of the spectrum of the first component and an intensity at a wavelength ?3 of a spectrum of a second component at each point in time; and a concentration ratio calculator for calculating the ratio of concentration between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for high performance liquid chromatography. The apparatus includes a preparation loop comprising two linear stepping pumps, a sample loop comprising a sample injector, a chromatography column, and a detector device. The detector device can include a flash lamp, a flow cell, and a light sensor comprising an entrance slit, a grating; and a charge-coupled device array.

Abstract: A chromatograph mass spectrometer has a function that: based on a compound table in which an elution time range and a measurement ion is described for respective compounds, divides an overall measurement time into multiple segments and assigns one or more compounds to each segment; determines an event time for each compound by dividing a previously given measurement loop time in accordance with a number of compounds belonging to the respective segments; and determines a dwell time, which is a data collection time for each ion, based on the event time and the number of ions to be measured for each compound; the chromatograph mass spectrometer allowing an analysis operator to designate whether or not to perform a high-sensitivity analysis for each compound.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring hydrogen peroxide concentration in water to an accuracy of 0.1 ppm comprises a colorimetric assay method to determine hydrogen peroxide concentration. The assay is monitored spectophotometrically at a desired wavelength. Each sample is corrected relative to a control sample and hydrogen peroxide concentration determined with respect to a standard curve.

Abstract: Packaging for electronic components includes provisions to short selected electrodes of the components together. A plastic base portion with a plurality of component receiving cavities carries a flexible, carbonized shorting element which extends between cavities. The cavities include a recess which is adjacent to the shorting element. Components can be inserted into respective cavities, and some of the electrodes will contact the shorting element. Other electrodes will extend into the recess and not be shorted.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for collecting data related to a water quality sample location. Identifying information of a water quality sample container is electronically obtained, and identifying information of a water quality sample location is electronically obtained. There is placed, in the container, a water sample from the water quality sample location. There is stored the identifying information of the water quality sample container and the identifying information of the water quality sample location; such storing includes associating the identifying information of the water quality sample container and the identifying information of the water quality sample location. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein, including methods and arrangements for validating water quality sample data.

Abstract: A liquid monitoring system includes a remote measurement device located at a location of the fire hydrant that is in contact with water provided by a water main. The remote measurement device has sensors that measure characteristics of the water and a communication interface that transmits measured information to a communication network device that may be located elsewhere on the fire hydrant. The communication network device communicates with a communication network.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that can be used to automatically calibrate a fluorescence-measuring instrument capable of continuously measuring the concentration of hardness in process water. The calibration method is used to compensate for drift of instrument and equipment, changes of operational conditions, and contamination of reagents and calibration standards. Calibration of the fluorescence-measuring instrument using the present calibration method improves both accuracy and repeatability for subsequent hardness concentration measurements.

Abstract: A method of measuring nitrate concentration in an aqueous sample includes mixing the aqueous sample with a water-soluble thioether chosen to reduce nitrate in the aqueous sample to nitrite in the presence of a water soluble catalyst, and a water soluble reagent system adapted to interact with nitrite to generate a color; measuring color generation, and correlating the color generation to nitrate concentration.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for detecting a chemical substance. The methods and systems include chemically modifying a sample of a substance of interest through combination with a reagent to increase the volatility of the substance of interest. The systems and methods further include performing an analysis of the substance of interest.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus to diagnose lubrication oil deterioration. In one aspect, a method includes irradiating a lubrication oil sample with a light beam to emit a light-induced fluorescence, detecting and processing the light-induced fluorescence signal to determine a temporal variation of a fluorescence intensity, identifying a steady state of the light-induced fluorescence signal, processing the temporal variation of the fluorescence intensity to determine a lubrication oil parameter, and correlating the oil parameter to a calibration curve to diagnose the lubrication oil deterioration.

Abstract: A system to monitor and analyze a multi-strand rope includes a rope data sensor to collect data regarding the physical state of the rope; one or more usage sensors to collect data regarding the usage of the rope; a position measurement device to measure the position of the rope; and a computer system connected to the rope data sensor, the one or more usage sensors and the position measurement device to correlate the collected data and position measurement to give real-time data on the status of the rope at one or more sections.

Abstract: Devices and methods for recording dynamics of cellular and/or biochemical processes, including a device including one or more dispersive elements configured to receive a pulsed laser beam with a spectrum of different wavelengths and disperse the spectrum of the pulsed laser beam; and one or more first elements configured to receive the dispersed spectrum of the pulsed laser beam, and generate a multiphoton excitation area in a biological sample by re-overlapping in time and space the dispersed spectrum of the pulsed laser beam on an area in the biological sample, wherein the device is configured to record at high speed changes of cellular and biochemical processes of a population of cells of the biological sample based on generation of the multiphoton excitation area in the biological sample.

Abstract: An electro-optical stimulation and recording system is disclosed, including a substrate and a plurality of wells coupled to the substrate. The system also includes at least one electrode set disposed proximate a respective one of the plurality of wells, wherein the electrode set comprises at least one electrode configured to collect an electric signal associated with at least a portion of the respective well. The system also includes a light-emitting element set corresponding to a respective one of the wells and configured to deliver optical stimulation to at least a portion of the respective well.

Abstract: Improved multi-cell nanopore-based sequencing chips and methods can employ formation, characterization, calibration, and/or normalization techniques. For example, various methods may include one or more steps of performing physical checks of cell circuitry, forming and characterizing a lipid layer on the cells, performing a zero point calibration of the cells, forming and characterizing nanopores on the lipid layers of each cell, performing a sequencing operation to accumulate sequencing signals from the cells, normalizing those sequencing signals, and determining bases based on the normalized sequencing signals.

Abstract: Methods for metabolic oligosaccharide engineering that incorporates derivatized alkyne-bearing sugar analogs as “tags” into cellular glycoconjugates are disclosed. Alkynyl derivatized Fuc and alkynyl derivatized ManNAc sugars are incorporated into cellular glycoconjugates. Chemical probes comprising an azide group and a visual or fluorogenic probe and used to label alkyne-derivatized sugar-tagged glycoconjugates are disclosed. Chemical probes bind covalently to the alkynyl group by Cu(I)-catalyzed [3+2] azide-alkyne cycloaddition and are visualized at the cell surface, intracellularly, or in a cellular extract. The labeled glycoconjugate is capable of detection by flow cytometry, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, confocal microscopy, and mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods can provide improved detection of botulinum neurotoxins. In one aspect an isoquinolynyl compound can be used to enhance the sensitivity of both Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and non-FRET cell-based assays. In another aspect, non-FRET assays and constructs utilize a reporter that is not coupled with the second fluorophore in a manner that produces significant FRET. In that subject matter an environment cell can include an enzyme that facilitates degradation of the reporter significantly faster after the cleavage than before the cleavage, and presence of the Botulinum toxin correlates with reduction of the signal from a baseline signal. Where the environment is a cell, the cell can advantageously express both the construct that includes the reporter, and an enzyme that facilitates the degradation.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods that relate ex vivo organoids that contain B cells and stromal cells in a three dimensional material includes a hydrogel. The hydrogel can be formed without exposure to ultraviolet light from an electronic ultraviolet light source. The hydrogel contains silicate nanoparticles (SiNPs) that are ionically bonded to a polyampholytic gelatin. The three dimensional material can be held at a temperature of at least 37 degrees Celsius and does not liquefy. The organoids exhibit mechanical properties that are similar to certain lymphoid tissues, and can include a germinal center. Methods of making the organoids are included, as are high throughput screening approaches that use the organoids for screening a variety of test agents. The organoids can synthesize a variety of compounds that can be recovered from the organoids or the organoid culture medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a peripheral diagnostic method for screening Alzheimer's disease in patients based on quantitatively measured complexity of skin-sampled fibroblast networks.

Abstract: Provided is a microparticle separation system capable of continuously separating microparticles from a solution in a short period of time in which microparticles having different particle diameters are mixed, without the need to use antibodies or the like. The microparticle separation system comprises a microparticle separation chip; a thin plate for a sample liquid; a thin plate for a sheath liquid; and suctioning means and/or a suctioning device for suctioning the sheath liquid; and the microparticle separation chip comprises a single capture site for capturing to-be-captured microparticles being formed using the at least three pillars having one end provided on the substrate and the other end open upward.

Abstract: A sample assembly includes an outer layer with at least one sample trench. The sample trench includes a first set of antibodies that are bonded on a first surface of a base layer. Target antigens are bonded with the first set of antibodies, and a second set of antibodies are bonded to the target antigens. Further, the sample trench includes nanoparticles that are bonded to the second set of antibodies.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sample analyzer includes a detector, a first generator and a second generator. The detector detects a target substance bonded to a magnetic particle collected to a sensing area in the cartridge. The first generator applies a magnetic field for releasing the magnetic particles from the sensing area. The second generator includes a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field for attracting the magnetic particles to the sensing area, a first soft magnetic material, and a second magnetic material. The second generator switches application and shut-off of a magnetic field by moving the permanent magnet relative to the first soft magnetic material and the second soft magnetic material.

Abstract: A multicomponent nanomaterial AuNP(DTDTPA)(Ga), where DTDTPA is an amino-carboxylate ligand (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid, DTPA) linked to the surface of the Au nanoparticle (NP) via dithiol (DT) linkage. Another embodiment is a multicomponent nanomaterial AuNP(DTDTPA)(Ga) with a biomolecule attached. In preferred embodiments, the Ga is Ga-67 or Ga-68. Preferred synthesis methods are conducted at room temperature.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the prediction and treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and other proteinuric renal diseases such as native FSGS, minimal change disease, glomerular nephritis, membrano-proliferative glomerular nephritis (membranous), or IgA glomerular nephritis (membranous).

Abstract: A method for identifying T-cell epitopes which can be used to elicit T cells targeting cells capable of regenerating cancers is disclosed. The method identifies T-cell epitopes with a high curative potential, high potency and high probability of T cell recognition (HP). The method includes: (i) identifying high curative potential tumor protein target i.e., identifying HP-TP; (ii) identifying peptide sequences within the protein sequence of an HP-TP that have a high probability of eliciting T cell killing; and (iii) qualifying the sequence specificity based on the fold difference between the specific target and non-targets. The identified T-cell epitopes include a core sequence of 9 amino acids homologous to a sequence expressed within a qualified HP-TP. The T-cell epitopes can be used in a method for reprogramming T cells to selectively attack tumor cells capable of perpetuating a tumor and treating patients, for example, cancer patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunoassay analyzer capable of discriminating between normal coloring due to a specific immunoreaction and abnormal coloring due to a cause other than the specific immunoreaction in a measurement region of a sample analysis tool. An immunoassay analyzer 1 of the present invention includes an optical detection unit 4 and a determination unit 5. The optical detection unit 4 includes an optical signal measurement unit for measuring an optical signal at each of two or more different wavelengths including a main wavelength for detecting color change due to the specific immunoreaction and a sub-wavelength(s) other than the main wavelength. The determination unit 5 includes a discrimination unit for comparing the respective optical signals at the two or more different wavelengths and discriminating between the color change due to the specific immunoreaction and color change due to a cause other than the specific immunoreaction based on a comparison criterion determined previously.

Abstract: Some embodiments provided herein relate to combined assays. In some embodiments, an assay for identifying influenza type A or influenza type B is combined with an assay for determining the sensitivity of an influenza neuraminidase to an antiviral drug.

Abstract: The use of Akt3 as a biomarker for detecting the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a subject, and the use of Akt3 inhibitors to treat cancer is disclosed herein. Also disclosed are various methods for detecting the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a subject by measuring Akt3 expression and/or activity.

Abstract: A system for detecting rare cells in a fluid is disclosed. The system includes a substrate and a mixture disposed on the substrate and including a carrier and a thermo-responsive polymer for capture and release of the rare cells. Also disclosed is a method for detecting rare cells in a fluid using a system including a substrate and a mixture that is disposed on the substrate. The mixture includes a carrier and a thermo-responsive polymer. The method includes providing the system and introducing a sample of fluid containing the rare cells into the system such that the sample interacts with the carrier for capturing the rare cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosis of cancer and for monitoring the progression of cancer and/or the therapeutic efficacy of an anti-cancer treatment in a sample of a subject by detecting oncogenic proteins in microvesicles, and to the use of an agent blocking exchange of microvesicles for treating cancer.

Abstract: A method for assessment of a number or density of immune cells in tumoral tissues comprising the steps consisting in: a. providing one or more immunostained slices of tissue section obtained by an automated slide-staining system by using antibodies binding specifically to antigens (markers) expressed by immune cells. b. proceeding to digitalization of the slides of step a. by high resolution scan capture, whereby a high definition (4.6 ?m/pixel or better) digital picture of the slide to be analyzed is obtained, c. detecting the slice of tissue section on the digital picture d. analyzing the slice of tissue section for defining (i) the tumor (CT) and (ii) the invasive margin of the tumor (IM), e. providing a size reference grid with uniformly distributed units having a same surface, said grid being adapted to the size of the tumor to be analyzed, e1. checking the quality of immunostaining, f.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the protein O-GlcNAcylation site-specificity of an antibody. A method of detecting or quantitating the expression of site-specific O-GlcNAcylated proteins expressed in cells and biological samples. A method of diagnosing cancer in a host based on the cellular expression of site-specific O-GlcNAcylated proteins. A method of screening anti-cancer compounds according to their ability to increase a level O-GlcNAcylation of oncogene or tumor suppressor proteins. Methods of treating cancer in an animal host by administering compounds that increase a level of O-GlcNAcylated c-myc or p53 in cancer cells. A method of distinguishing subclasses of pancreatic cancer according to the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to an imidazole derivative, and a method of personalized pancreatic cancer treatment delivered according to the sensitivity subclasses.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional chromatographic method for the separation of N-glycans. The method comprises providing a glycan preparation that includes at least one negatively charged N-glycan. The glycan preparation is then separated by anion-exchange chromatography and at least one secondary chromatographic technique.

Abstract: In a mass spectrum of fragment ions obtained by dissociating peptide-derived ions using the technique of irradiating the ions with hydrogen radicals, either pairs of a-type and c-type ions or those of z-type and z-type ions are characteristically observed. Since the mass difference of those ion pairs is previously known, a pair peak searcher 92 searches for pair peaks having a predetermined mass difference in a mass spectrum created by a mass spectrum creator 91, and adds to the detected pair peaks a piece of information indicating that they are pairs of a-type and c-type ions or those of x-type and z-type ions. When estimating the amino acid sequence of the peptide by a database search, a protein identifier 93 uses the ion-pair information in addition to the m/z value of each peak, whereby the accuracy of the estimation or identification the amino acid sequence can be improved.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting the presence of an anti-Zika virus (ZIKV) antibody in a sample, including contacting a sample with a suspension having a plurality of microspheres wherein individual microspheres are conjugated to a peptide and the peptide includes a ZIKV peptide selected from the group including ZIKV NS1, ZIKV NS5, and ZIKV envelope protein, forming a first incubated suspension by incubating said sample with said suspension to permit binding of anti-ZIKV antibodies present in the sample to said microspheres, forming a second incubated suspension by contacting said first incubated suspension with an anti-ZIKV antibody detecting-reagent to permit binding of the anti-ZIKV antibody detecting reagent to said microspheres, removing from the second incubated suspension anti-ZIKV antibody detecting-reagent molecules that are not bound to said microspheres, and detecting the presence of anti-ZIKV antibody detecting-reagent molecules in the second incubated suspension.

Abstract: Methods of assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease in a subject by detecting the level of at least one metabolite in a sample from the subject are disclosed herein. The level of the metabolite is indicative of the risk of cardiovascular disease in the subject. The metabolites may be acylcarnitines, amino acids, ketones, free fatty acids or hydroxybutyrate. The cardiovascular disease may be risk of a cardiovascular event, presence of coronary artery disease or risk of development of coronary artery disease.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the identification of salivary biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring of type 2 diabetes in a subject. Also provided are methods for noninvasively diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes in a subject. More particularly, the expression of salivary biomarkers, including MUC-1, MUC-2, MUC-4, and MUC-5B, are highly associated with A1C level in African American patients with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for the detection of conditions or disorders by detecting altered levels of stress response pathway biomarkers. Also provided are methods and reagents for identifying panels of biomarkers associated with a condition or disorder.

Abstract: Described herein are, inter alia, methods for diagnosing and treating arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) by detecting cardiac intercalated disk proteins, e.g., desmosomal proteins, mechanical and gap junction proteins, in buccal cells. Exemplary desmosomal and gap junction proteins that can be evaluated in the methods described herein include plakoglobin, plakophilin 1, desmoplakin, and Cx43. The methods can also include selecting and/or administering a treatment for ACM to the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating stress-sensitive psychiatric diseases arising from trauma in a subject by enhancing ghrelin signaling in the BLA of the subject. The invention also relates to methods of reversing ghrelin resistance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining an antibody or antibody fragment to a conformational epitope specific for misfolded inactive human parathyroid hormone and fragments thereof. The method includes the steps of a) immunizing an animal with an immunogen which comprises oxidized parathyroid hormone or an oxidized fragment of parathyroid hormone, or both; and b) recovering an antibody, antibody fragments, or single chain antibody. The complementary determining region of the recovered antibody, antibody fragment or single chain antibody is capable of specifically recognizing a conformational epitope (antigenic determinant) which is present on oxidized parathyroid hormone and fragments thereof only but not regular bioactive human parathyroid hormone.