Abstract: A building structure includes a block of building material and a magnetic circuit buried in the block of building material. The structure also includes a plurality of sensing devices buried in the block of building material. Each sensing device may include a contactless power supplying circuit magnetically coupled with the magnetic circuit to generate a supply voltage when the magnetic circuit is subject to a variable magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for discovering, identifying, and monitoring of mechanical defects in a ferromagnetic underground or underwater structure. A magnetic scanner portable device is used to inspect the ferromagnetic underground structure and identify at least one portion with a magnetic field anomaly. Sets of permanent magnetic scanner sensors to monitor the magnetic field anomaly are placed adjacent to the at least one portion of the underground structure. A calculation unit, coupled to the sets of permanent magnetic scanner sensors is used to collect and process data. A stress-deformed state (SDS) and a risk-factor (RF) of the at least one portion with the magnetic field anomaly is presented on a display unit, which is coupled to the calculation unit.

Abstract: Lateral boundaries of a fluidic passage of a fluidic device incorporating at least one BAW resonator structure are fabricated with photosensitive materials (e.g., photo definable epoxy, solder mask resist, or other photoresist), allowing for high aspect ratio, precisely dimensioned walls. Resistance to delamination and peeling between a wall structure and a base structure is enhanced by providing a wall structure that includes a thin footer portion having a width that exceeds a width of an upper wall portion extending upward from the footer portion, and/or by providing a wall structure arranged over at least one anchoring region of a base structure. Anchoring features may include recesses and/or protrusions.

Abstract: A fluidic device incorporating at least one BAW resonator structure (e.g., a biosensing device) and a fluidic passage includes one or more features that provide filtration capability. Certain embodiments include at least one group of pillars extending into the fluidic passage which are arranged between an active region of the at least one BAW resonator structure and at least one fluidic port. Individual pillars are separated from one another by inter-pillar spaces that provide redundant fluid flow paths while preventing passage of obstruction media such as particulate matter, cells, and/or bubbles. Certain embodiments provide porous material arranged in fluid communication with at least one fluidic port and configured to filter contents of fluid supplied thereto. Porous material (e.g., porous membranes) may be provided in a cover structure of a fluidic device or within a filtration cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting measurements of relative humidity using an ultrasonic sensor. In one example, a plurality of ultrasonic signals having different frequencies are transmitted from a single sensor, and attenuation values of reflected signals are determined only for those signals determined to have the same transit time from transmission to receipt, and where frequency of the plurality of ultrasonic signals may be changed responsive to an indication that the signals may be below a signal-to-noise threshold. In this way, by determining a difference between attenuation values between pairs of signals, where the signals comprise different frequencies and where the signals comprise the same transit times, relative humidity may be accurately determined.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining crack propagation length using a technique based on acoustic signature are disclosed. An acoustic signature is measured and recorded at a first location via acoustic wave generated by structural vibrations caused by a harmonic loading with predefined magnitude acted at a second location on the structure. Structure contains an unknown length of crack propagation inside. Unknown length is determined by comparing the measured and recorded acoustic signature with numerically-computed acoustic signatures stored in a database, which contains at least one relationship of the numerically-computed acoustic signatures versus respective crack propagation lengths at various stages of numerically-simulated crack propagation trajectory.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a structure evaluation system includes a plurality of AE sensors, a signal processor, a position locator, a velocity calculator, and an evaluator. The AE sensors detect an elastic wave generated from a structure. The signal processor extracts an AE signal including information on the elastic wave by performing signal processing on the elastic wave detected by the AE sensor. The position locator derives a wave source distribution indicating a distribution of sources of the elastic waves generated in the structure on the basis of the AE signals. The velocity calculator derives a propagation velocity of the elastic wave generated in the structure on the basis of the AE signal. The evaluator evaluates the soundness of the structure on the basis of the wave source distributions and the propagation velocity of the elastic waves.

Abstract: A method for automatic diagnosis of a mechanical system of a group of mechanical systems sharing mechanical characteristics includes obtaining data relating to a vibration. The vibration-related data is acquired by a portable communications device configured to communicate with a remote processor. The processor automatically diagnoses the mechanical system by applying a relationship to the obtained vibration-related data. The relationship is based on sets of vibration-related data previously obtained from the mechanical systems. Each set of vibration-related data relates to vibrations of a mechanical system. The relationship is further based on sets of operation data previously obtained for mechanical systems of the group. Each set of operation data indicates a previous state of operation of a mechanical system. Each of the previous states of operation is associated with at least one of the previously obtained sets of vibration-related data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for acoustically detecting at least one malfunction (DYS) of a motor, the motor generating a primary noise Po that is treated by an active noise control system emitting, at the noise reduction targets, an acoustic signal Pc produced by at least one actuator and connected by a transfer function H to a signal Y produced by said active noise control system, said malfunction (DYS) having an acoustic signature identifiable in the primary noise Po at the noise reduction targets, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: acquisition of said signal Y produced by the active control system; identification of the appearance, if any, of a malfunction by a monitoring means that uses the knowledge of Y and H and emits an alert message if warranted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high performance liquid chromatography method for polypeptide mixtures. Specifically, the method including the following steps: step (1): preparing a solution of the glatiramer acetate to be tested; step (2): performing gradient elution on a sample to be tested with an anion exchange liquid chromatography, a cation exchange liquid chromatography, or a reversed-phase liquid chromatography; step (3): determining a peak area corresponding to each component of the glatiramer acetate, comparing the peak area with to a peak area of a reference substance to determine whether the content of each component of the sample to be tested is in a qualified range.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector that causes a fluid to come into contact with the surface of a heated temperature sensing element, that causes the temperature of the temperature sensing element to change according to the thermal conductivity of the fluid, and that detects the fluid based on a change in the electrical resistance of the temperature sensing element at that time or on a change in the value of a current to be applied to the temperature sensing element is provided. The thermal conductivity detector includes a cell space where the temperature sensing element is accommodated and to which a fluid is introduced and from which the fluid is discharged, a buffer space that is connected to a fluid outlet of the cell space, and a discharge channel that is connected to a fluid outlet of the buffer space.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic analysis method, an automatic analysis apparatus, and a program for the automatic analysis apparatus capable of discriminating a number of components included in a sample more accurately and easily. Components are discriminated based on respective pieces of resolution spectral data obtained by multivariate curve resolution (MCR) using a provisional number of components k, and the number of components included in the sample is determined based on a discriminated result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for determining unknown concentration of constituents of any known mixture. The said techniques comprising: obtaining a plurality of chromatograms relating to known concentration of known mixtures and at least one chromatogram relating to unknown concentration of the known mixture; converting each of the chromatograms into signal vectors; condensing the dimensions of each of the signal vectors for obtaining low dimensional signal vectors; processing the low dimensional signal vectors representing the chromatograms relating to known concentrations to obtain output values; and processing the at least one low dimensional signal vector representing the chromatogram relating to unknown concentration by utilizing the obtained output values for determining the unknown concentration of each of the constitutes of the known mixture.

Abstract: In one aspect, disclosed herein is a method for determining sulfate concentration in a sample, comprising: a) providing a liquid sample comprising urea and at least one impurity; b) concentrating the liquid sample under conditions effective to reduce the liquid volume; c) forming a dilute sample solution by diluting the concentrated liquid sample of step b) in water; and d) analyzing the dilute sample solution of step c) with ion chromatography to determine if a concentration of sulfate is present in the provided liquid sample of step a); wherein the analyzing of step d) is capable of determining the presence of a sulfate concentration present in an amount less than about 1 ppm.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method of forecasting air quality is provided. The method includes determining weather pattern classifications based on global atmospheric information from a global weather model and determining a synoptic scale correction factor in response to the determination of the weather pattern classifications. The method also includes blending the global atmospheric information the synoptic scale correction factor to produce a data set and blending the data set with regional atmospheric information from a regional weather model to generate weather fields. The method further includes blending chemical information from a global chemical model and the synoptic scale correction factor to produce a second data set and blending the second data set into a regional chemical model based on the weather fields to forecast the air quality.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus for determining a measured value in a liquid medium, comprising at least a light transmitter, at least one light receiver assigned to the transmitter, a measuring chamber that can be filled with the medium, wherein an optical path runs through the measuring chamber from the transmitter to the receiver. The apparatus includes a dosing apparatus for dosing at least one reagent and/or the medium, and for inserting the dosed reagent and/or the medium into the measuring chamber. The dosing apparatus is designed as a tube, and the tube includes at least a first control point, wherein the volume in the tube from a starting point to a first control point defines the amount of reagent or medium to be inserted into the measuring chamber. The disclosure further includes the use of the apparatus and a method for dosing the reagent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating conductivity of clay mineral systems, and for applying the estimates in larger-scale analysis. Conductivity of the clay may be estimated by constructing a molecular model of an anhydrous charge-neutral clay, and then assigning a charge density by substitution of ions in the model of the clay structure. Counterions are inserted for charge neutrality, and water molecules are added to the model to reflect a selected level of hydration. Following assignment of force-field coefficients, molecular dynamics simulation provides data from which diffusion coefficients can be estimated. Application of the Nernst-Einstein relationship to the diffusion coefficients of the counterions provides the ion conductivity of the clay system. This conductivity can be used to derive a formation factor, and can be applied in direct numerical simulation analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to analyze sediment and sedimentary rock properties. Example systems and methods transform data representing physical particles and burial histories into a three-dimensional representation of solids and pores in sediments and sedimentary rocks by analyzing effects of deposition, grain rearrangement, compaction, and chemical reactions. Resulting output may include three-dimensional representations which may be the basis of physical objects or media for laboratory tests. In an example, output may provide a basis for evaluating present-day properties for areas where sample material is unavailable, reconstructing properties for times in the geologic past, and forecasting the effects of engineering and industrial activities on properties.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining for determining a presence, type, quality and/or volume of a subsurface hydrocarbon accumulation from a sample related thereto. The method may include determining a noble gas signature of a sample and at least one or more of determining a clumped isotope signature of the sample and characterizing the ecology signature of the sample. Then, the method integrates signatures to determine information about the subsurface accumulation, such as the location, fluid type and quality, and volume of a subsurface hydrocarbon accumulation.

Abstract: A Wireless Subterranean Soil Monitoring System. The system measures the complex permittivity around a subterranean antenna, and then responsively adjusts the antenna's tuning circuit according to the measured permittivity. Once tuned, the system will then execute the transmission of the probe data. Furthermore, the antenna design is adapted for subterranean use to further reduce the de-tuning effect of the adjacent soil.

Abstract: In order to achieve highly accurate prediction across a wide area for disasters caused by rainfall, this disaster prediction system includes: soil moisture acquisition means that acquires amount of moisture in soil at a specified site, ground surface moisture acquisition means that acquires amount of moisture at a ground surface within a given range that includes the specified site, and estimation means estimates amount of moisture in soil at a freely-selected site in the given range or a parameter that indicates a property of soil at the freely-selected site in the given range, based on the amount of moisture in the soil at the specified site and the amount of moisture at the ground surface within the given range.

Abstract: A method of screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method includes dissolving petroleum hydrocarbons in a selected solvent to form a first solution, adding an ionic liquid to the first solution and blending to form a second solution and measuring absorbance of the second solution using spectroscopic techniques. The solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons in the solvent is then determined based on the difference between the measured absorbance of the first and second solution. A system for screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is also disclosed. The system can be used in removal of wax deposition in refinery process equipment, process flow lines, during piping operations, upgradation of wax, prevention of clogging of pipelines, processing of sludge or for removing sludge from petroleum tank installations and enhancing the crude oil flow.

Abstract: System and method relates to measuring separation rate of water from water-in-crude oil emulsions at elevated temperature. The system includes an electrolytic interface (conductivity) cell comprising a plurality of capacitance/conductance probes disposed at different heights in a fluid stream disposed within the interface cell and an analyzer. Logic of the analyzer determines the separation rate based on signals received from the plurality of capacitance/conductance probes in the interface cell that are coupled to monitor the fluid stream. Methods for making and using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is described herein methods and systems relating to the use of the interaction of different materials to perform early detection of component failure. In particular, when the debris in a fluid sample comes from more than one source, a “level of interaction” is determined in order to monitor the degradation of the parts or components associated with the debris, as a function of the composition of the particles found in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Upper and lower asphaltene weight fractions of fluid proximate ends of an oil column are obtained based on measured OD. Upper and lower maltene partial densities are obtained based on the asphaltene weight fractions. A maltene partial density distribution is obtained utilizing the maltene partial densities and a predetermined diffusion model. An asphaltene partial density distribution is obtained based on the maltene partial density distribution and an estimated mass density gradient. An asphaltene weight percentage is obtained based on the asphaltene partial density distribution and the mass density gradient. The asphaltene weight percentage distribution is converted to an OD distribution utilizing a predetermined correlation. An optimization then reduces differences between the OD distribution and the measured OD data to within a predetermined range to refine a biodegradation time of the predetermined diffusion model. A viscosity distribution may be obtained based on the optimized OD distribution.

Abstract: A test sensor (100) for determining an analyte concentration in a biological fluid comprises a strip including a fluid receiving area (128) and a port-insertion region (126). A first row of optically transparent (132) and non-transparent positions forms a calibration code pattern (130) disposed within a first area of the port-insertion region (126). A second row of optically transparent (142) and non-transparent positions forms a synchronization code pattern (140) disposed within a second area of the port-insertion region (126). The second area is different from the first area. The synchronization code pattern (140) corresponds to the calibration code pattern (130) such that the synchronization code pattern (140) provides synchronization of the serial calibration code pattern (130) during insertion of the port-insertion region (126) into the receiving port of the analyte meter.

Abstract: A method is disclosed involving monitoring the concentration of at least one target analyte in a sample of body fluid using a meter, the meter including a user interface, the method including: obtaining a sample of body fluid; testing the sample to determine the concentration of the at least one target analyte contained therein; and presenting the user with a reminder to associate the test with an appropriate time corresponding to before or after a particular meal using the user interface. Associated devices, systems and arrangements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods determines post-transfusion survival of platelets and the suitability of platelet units for transfusion by measuring the levels of one or more markers in a platelet sample. A method determines post-transfusion survival of platelets (PL T) prior to transfusion, the method comprising the steps of: a) measuring the levels of one or more markers in a PL T sample selected from the group consisting of adenine, 13-HODE/9-HODE, Caprylate, Laurate, C-glycosyltryptophan, andro steroid monsulfate 2, and Unelucidated Compounds (UC) 1-4; b) comparing the level of the one or more markers in the PLT sample with the level of the one or more markers present in a control sample, wherein a higher or lower level of the one or more markers in the PL T sample is indicative of post-transfusion survival of platelets.

Abstract: Herein is reported a cell analytical technology based on a three-dimensional spheroid/aggregate co-culture assay, wherein the spheroid or aggregate is formed of tumor and natural killer cells. This method is useful for the in vitro functional analysis of antibodies in single and high-throughput format.

Abstract: Provided are a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that is suited to the pathogenic mechanism of ROP and a method of testing for ROP. The therapeutic or prophylactic agent for ROP uses at least one substance from the group consisting of inhibitors against tryptase derived from mast cells and/or mast cell stabilizers as an active ingredient. The testing method for ROP includes detecting a marker substance that can be released by degranulation of mast cells in a biological sample originating from a patient and determining the presence or absence of ROP on the basis of the detected amount of the marker.

Abstract: C1q is shown to be expressed in neurons, where it acts as a signal for synapse elimination. Methods are provided for protecting or treating an individual suffering from adverse effects of synapse loss. These findings have broad implications for a variety of clinical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening an activator of mitochondrial activity by using gypenoside-treated cells, to a composition for screening an activator of mitochondrial activity, comprising the gypenoside, and to a kit comprising the composition. By using the method for screening an activator of mitochondrial activity of the present invention, it is possible to effectively discover a preparation which can substantially promote the mitochondrial activity, and thus the method is expected to be widely used in developing a therapeutic agent for diseases caused by mitochondrial activity inhibition.

Abstract: The invention is provides for a variety of fluorescence sensing compounds characterized generally as having a coumarin-3-aldehyde scaffold with a pendant aryl moiety at the C4-position of the scaffold. The further provides a method for detecting primary amines in a biological sample using said compounds. Especially, for the selective labeling and imaging of catecholamines in live and fixed secretory cells.

Abstract: A programmable modular protein architecture for RNA binding comprises a set of modules, derived from RNA-binding protein Pumilio, that can be concatenated into chains of varying composition and length. When bound into a chain, each module has a preferred affinity for a specific RNA base. The chains can bind arbitrary RNA sequences with high specificity and fidelity by varying the sequence of modules within the chains. Each module contains at least 6 amino acids, with the amino acids in positions 1 and 5 providing the preferred affinity for the specific base, and the amino acid at position 2 serving as a stacking unit between concatenated modules. The modules may have four canonic forms, each having a preferred affinity for a different base and characterized by the base with which it has affinity, the two amino acids that provide the affinity, and the amino acid that serves as a stacking unit.

Abstract: Immunoblotting systems and method are provided. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying an antibody solution to a surface of a membrane having an optically detectable protein and a target protein transferred thereon, wherein the application of the antibody solution is guided by a signal emitted from the optically detectable protein; and detecting the target protein. Systems and other methods are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: A target analyte in a matrix is sensed using a sensor device having protrusions [500] such as e.g. nanorods, containing free charge carriers. Conformational molecules [504, 506] are bound at a first end to the protrusions, and bound at a second end to a label [502] e.g. a nanoparticle, that is free to move relative to the protrusions. The conformational molecule changes its conformation when bound to the analyte, thereby changing the distance and/or the relative orientation of the label to the protrusion. Energy [510] is used to excite free electrons in the protrusion near a plasmon resonance and resulting optical radiation [514] at wavelengths near the plasmon resonance wavelength is detected [516] and analyzed [518] to determined the presence/concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: This invention provides:—an aptamer-based electrochemical sensor, wherein said aptamer is covalently bonded to or chemisorbed on an electrode, said aptamer forming a complex with a target molecule and is encapsulated by a gelatin B matrix;—a method of manufacturing said aptamer-based electrochemical sensor;—the use of the aptamer-based electrochemical sensor for the electrochemical determination of a concentration of a target molecule; and—a composite electrode combining a polymeric material and electrically conducting particles for selective analyte detection, wherein said electrode is coated with gelatin type B.

Abstract: Provided herein are bitter taste receptor ligands, related agents, combinations, compositions, methods and systems for modulating release of a metabolic hormone in vitro and in vivo from cells of the GI tract of an individual.

Abstract: In this application is described a method for rapidly and accurately identifying B. anthracis in a sample by simultaneously detecting the presence of cell wall antigen and capsule antigen in the same sample culture grown under capsule inducing conditions. Other uses and advantages of the method of the invention are described herein.

Abstract: Methods of isolating and assaying fetal extravillous trophoblast cells, including assays of RNA of the fetal extravillous trophoblast cells according to aspects of the disclosure include obtaining a maternal endocervical sample containing fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from a pregnant subject; fixing the maternal endocervical sample in an aldehyde fixative, removing fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from the maternal endocervical sample thereby producing isolated extravillous trophoblast cells, isolating and assaying RNA from the fetal extravillous trophoblast cells.

Abstract: MMP-8 activation products are disclosed that have a MMP-8 middle-part activation product having a size between 20-35 kDa. Methods of detecting the MMP-8 activation product or activated MMP-8 fragments in a biological sample derived from a subject are also disclosed. The MMP-8 activation product or activated MMP-8 fragments diagnose diseases based on abnormal or elevated levels of activated MMP-8.

Abstract: A composition, for diagnosing the possibility of onset of pancreatic cancer including an agent measuring the expression level of marker protein of diagnosing the possibility of onset of pancreatic cancer, or mRNA expression level of a gene encoding the protein, a kit including the composition, and a method of diagnosing pancreatic cancer using the maker are provided. The diagnostic markers of pancreatic cancer in accordance with the present disclosure are useful for predicting or diagnosing the onset, the possibility of onset, and the severity of pancreatic cancer in an early stage, and are also applied to a study on the tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer. In addition, the diagnosis method of the present invention allows for the convenient detection of pancreatic cancer in a non-invasive manner in a sample such as blood.

Abstract: The emergence of mutations in tyrosine kinases following treatment of cancer patients with molecular-targeted therapy represents a major mechanism of acquired drug resistance. Here, mutations in the serpentine receptor, Smoothened (SMO) are described, which result in resistance to a Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor, such as in medulloblastoma. Amino acid substitutions in conserved residues of SMO maintain Hh signaling, but result in the inability of the Hh pathway inhibitor, GDC-0449, to bind SMO and suppress the pathway. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides for novel mutant SMO proteins and nucleic acids and for screening methods to detect SMO mutations and methods to screen for drugs that specifically modulate mutant SMO exhibiting drug resistance.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to detection and, in particular, to detecting objects within a sample or fraction thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to treatment of sepsis and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods for predicting a response of a sepsis patient to treatment with L-carnitine.

Abstract: An assay method for detecting antipolyvinyl alcohol (anti-PVAL) antibodies in test samples, such as serum, is described. The method comprises combining a sample to be tested for an anti-PVAL antibody with polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL) to form a binary complex of the PVAL with an anti-PVAL antibody in the sample, followed by reacting an indicator reagent with the binary complex to form a labeled ternary complex, and then detecting the presence or absence of the ternary complex in the sample. Kits for performing the test are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides populations of isolated peptides useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Anaplasma antigens. The peptide populations comprise peptides derived from immunogenic fragments of the Anaplasma Outer Membrane Protein proteins. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising the populations of isolated peptides useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Anaplasma antigens and the diagnosis of anaplasmosis. Methods of identifying the particular Anaplasma species infecting a subject using the peptide populations of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and biomarkers for diagnosing autism by identifying cellular metabolites differentially produced in autistic patient samples versus non-autistic controls. Methods for identifying a unique profile of metabolites present or secreted in brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, or biofluids of autistic samples are described herein. The individual metabolites or a pattern of secreted metabolites provides metabolic signatures of autism, which can be used to provide a diagnosis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention identifies biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.

Abstract: The application describes methods for determining the concentration and/or particle number of a lipoprotein(a) subform in a biological sample using capillary isotachophoresis laser induced fluorescence (CE-ITP-LIF) and compositional analysis of lipoprotein(a) particles. The ability to measure the concentration and/or particle number of a lipoprotein(a) subform in a biological sample provides a useful diagnostic tool for assessing cardiovascular risk in a subject.