Abstract: A capillary ionic transistor and method of using is disclosed. The method including providing a capillary pipette (100) having an inner surface defining a channel, and a conductive layer disposed (102) about electrode the channel; filling at least a portion of the channel with an ionic solution (110) such that an electrical double layer forms on the inner surface of the pipette; inducing an electric potential within the ionic solution sufficient to generate a longitudinal flow of ions within the channel; and inducing an electric potential in the conductive layer sufficient to alter the zeta potential of the electrical double layer and adjust the flow of ions within the ionic solution.

Abstract: Embodiments provide silver detection systems and methods for detecting the presence of silver ions in one or more samples. In a detection method, a sample and TPEA2 molecules are introduced into a channel. A first potential difference is applied across the length of the channel in a first direction, and a first electrical property value is detected. Subsequently, a second potential difference is applied across the length of the channel in a second opposite direction, and a second electrical property value is detected. Presence or absence of silver ions in the channel is determined based on a comparison between the first and second electrical property values.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to separate ions temporally according to a physico-chemical property comprising an ion guide comprising a plurality of electrodes and a first device arranged and adapted to remove undesired ions remaining within the ion guide after ions of interest have exited the ion guide.

Abstract: Particulate measurement processing executed by a sensor control section of a particulate measurement system includes a step of stopping voltage conversion by a first isolation transformer and a second isolation transformer, a step of obtaining correction information B, and a step of correcting ion current A through use of the correction information B. The correction information B reflects improper current generated through particulates, etc. (soot or the like) adhering to a particulate sensor. The ion current A (signal current Iesc) is corrected through use of the correction information B, and the amount of soot S is computed through use of the corrected ion current A?. As a result, it is possible to measure the amount of the soot S (the amount of particulates) while suppressing the influence of the improper current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs to determine presence of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines or portions thereof such as pipeline joints by utilizing pattern recognition in pipeline data such as magnetic flux leakage data. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded such as in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs can be used to screen for potential locations of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines so that site excavation can occur for confirmation and validation of the output results.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a material includes adding tagging particles to the material, sensing the tagging particles in the material for an even distribution throughout the material, forming a part from the material if the tagging particles are evenly distributed throughout the material, sensing the tagging particles in the part to determine a physical characteristic of the part, placing the part in operation if the determined physical characteristic is within a predetermined specification, sensing the tagging particles in the part during operation to detect at least one of wear and damage to the part, and generating an indication to a user upon detection of the at least one of wear or damage to the part.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes a top side electrode overlaid with an interface layer including a material having a surface (e.g., gold or other noble metal, or a hydroxylated oxide) that may be functionalized with a functionalization (e.g., specific binding or non-specific binding) material. The interface layer and/or an overlying blocking material layer are precisely patterned to control locations of the interface layer available to receive a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), thereby addressing issues of misalignment and oversizing of a functionalization zone that would arise by relying solely on microarray spotting. Atomic layer deposition may be used for deposition of the interface layer and/or an optional hermeticity layer. Sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement is provided for measuring the tightness of a core composed of laminated sheets used in an electric machine. The method for measuring the tightness of a core of an electric machine composed of sheets, includes supplying a sound wave to the core, measuring the speed of the sound wave in the core, and deducing the tightness of the core from the measured data. The arrangement to measure the tightness of a core of an electric machine composed of sheets, includes a hammering system to pound at the core for generating a sound wave in the core, at least two accelerometers arranged at the core at an axial distance for measuring the speed of the sound wave, and a computer to deduce the tightness of the core from the measured data.

Abstract: A testing apparatus, inspection system, and method for through-transmission ultrasonic testing. The testing apparatus includes a yoke having a support member with a pair of hinge joints, each hinge joint located on an end of the support member; a pair of arms extending from the support member having a hinge end and a pivotable transducer end, each arm being coupled to the hinge joint at the hinge end and extending to the pivotable transducer end; a pair of transducer support members disposed on each of the pivotal transducer ends; and a tension member connected to the pair of arms for aligning the pair of transducer support members during testing.

Abstract: A compact, rugged and portable measurement cell design for the determination of sound speed in fluids at temperatures up to 250° C. and pressures up to 3,000 psi is described. Swept Frequency Acoustic Interferometry measurement for liquid sound speed determinations in liquids up to 250° C. is of both fundamental interest, as in the case of basic equations of state, and applied interest, such as for characterizing geothermal or petroleum down hole environments. Representative sound speeds for water, as a function of temperature and pressure, are in agreement with an internationally accepted standard for the sound speed of water.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring a speed of sound in a fluid in a well bore may include a frame adapted to receive the fluid there through are provided. The apparatus includes an acoustic source mounted on the frame; an acoustic detector to measure a signal propagating through the fluid, the acoustic detector disposed proximate the frame at a known distance from the acoustic source; and a test circuit adapted to synchronize the acoustic detector with a signal propagating through the frame. A method to determine physical properties of a fluid in a geological formation including a shear wave anisotropy in the geological formation and the formation composition using the fluid density and the fluid speed of sound is also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of magnetostrictive transducers (MsTs) for detecting defects in a tubular structure comprise one or more AC coils and one or more magnets. The transducer has a pair of coils (or two coil elements), which are spaced 180 degrees apart relative to the circumference of the tubular structure. Each MsT is selectively operable or configurable so that it may generate either torsional or flexural guided waves.

Abstract: A gas analyzer is provided. The gas analyzer may include: a tubular housing having a housing wall extending along an axial direction of the tubular housing and surrounding a gas chamber configured to receive a gas to be analyzed therein, an excitation element positioned at a first axial end of the tubular housing and configured to selectively excite gas molecules of a specific type that is to be detected in the gas received in the gas chamber in a time-varying fashion, thereby generating acoustic waves, and a sensor positioned at a second axial end of the tubular housing and configured to detect acoustic waves generated by the excitation element.

Abstract: The Invention refers to an airborne ultrasound testing system for a test object (3) containing an ultrasound generator (1; 9) and an ultrasound receiver (2) and a control to control both and a computer assisted test result interface to display an image of the tested test object (3). The ultrasound generator (1) is a resonance-free thermo-acoustic ultrasound generator which does not rely on mechanically deformable or oscillating parts and the ultrasound receiver (2) is a membrane-free and resonance-free optical microphone in an air or gas coupled pulse echo arrangement or in an air or gas coupled transmission mode arrangement. With this testing system, it is possible to test objects with high precision and without liquids and disturbing ringing effects.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a structure evaluation system has a plurality of sensors, a signal processor, and an evaluator. The sensors detect an elastic wave generated from a structure. The signal processor acquires a reliability from a source of the elastic wave to the plurality of sensors by performing signal processing on the elastic wave detected by the plurality of sensors. The evaluator evaluates the soundness of the structure on the basis of the acquired reliability.

Abstract: In a GC×GC data processor (23), a modulation time estimation unit (24) creates a one-dimensional chromatogram from chromatogram data items collected by a comprehensive two-dimensional GC, and retrieves a shift time on which a peak position after an entire curve of the chromatogram being shifted in a temporal axis direction coincides with a peak position of the peak on the original chromatogram. Since the resolution of a primary column (12) is low, the same compound is introduced into a secondary column (14) in consecutive modulation times. Accordingly, on the one-dimensional chromatogram, peaks originating from the same compound appear in the respective consecutive modulation times. The interval between the peaks substantially coincides with the modulation time. Therefore, the shift time retrieved as described above is regarded as the modulation time.

Abstract: An environmental stimulus sensor includes a substrate, a p-type material, and a conductive contact. In some aspects the conductive contact couples an electrode to the p-type material for supplying a current through the p-type material. The p-type material includes a nanotile structure for responding to an environmental stimulus by changing resistance.

Abstract: A system for detection of a potentially irradiated object utilizing oxygen-17 (17O) quantities in a local atmosphere contacting the potentially irradiated object. The local atmosphere comprises nitrogen-14 (14N) and is typically air. The 17O quantity in the local atmosphere is determined through sampling using mass spectroscopy, nuclear resonance magnetic imaging, gas chromatography, or some other method. The 17O quantity in the local atmosphere is compared to a baseline quantity of 17O and deviations are treated as an indicator that a nuclear reaction converting 14N to 17O has occurred or is occurring. Typically the local atmosphere is isolated to some degree from an external atmosphere via some type of enclosure or container, and the external atmosphere provides the baseline quantity of 17O used for the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for accurate, field-ready, non-destructive, and three-dimensional plant root characterization using acoustic signals. The system is portable, fast, precise, and can be used in field conditions, including moist soil, to visualize root structure or mass distribution, without damaging growing crops. The system may also be applied to characterize other underground objects, such as pipes, building foundations, archaeological artifacts, or mineral ores. During operation, the system generates a source acoustic signal. The system sends the source acoustic signal to an actuator acoustically coupled directly to a plant. The system obtains a response acoustic signal from an underground transducer monitoring a root of the plant. The system analyzes the response acoustic signal according to a model and based on the source acoustic signal. The system then determines, based on the analyzed response acoustic signal, a physical configuration of the plant root.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carboxylate-bridged binuclear iron-sulfur clusters fluorescent probe having the structure of Formula I. The preparation method comprises the following steps: anthracenylmethanamine and p-methoxycarbonylphenyl isocyanate have an addition reaction to get a substitutional methyl benzoate, which is hydrolyzed to get a corresponding carboxylic acid; react the resulting carboxylic acid with alkali to get carboxylate, and then coordinate with binuclear iron precursor to obtain the fluorescent probe. Compared with the prior art, the invention firstly provides the carboxylate-bridged binuclear iron-sulfur clusters of metal complex which similar to the central structure of bio-enzyme. The metal complex, as a fluorescent probe, has good selectivity to the fluorinion detection. The fluorescence titration experiment is simple and easy to operate and the fluorescence changes are sensitive.

Abstract: This invention is test equipment for determining a concrete's compressive strength class and characteristic equivalent cube compressive strength value while the concrete is in its fresh concrete period.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a level indicator assembly for measuring the level of solids in a vessel. The level indicator may desirably comprise a solid shaft extending into a vessel. The shaft may have paddle connected to an interior end of the shaft and an external sensor attached to an exterior end of the shaft. A support structure may engage the sensor to prevent at least a portion of the sensor from moving. By keeping a portion of the sensor stationary, the sensor may measure the change in torsional force exerted on the shaft. By locating the sensor external to the vessel, operators may remove and replace sensors without accessing either the vessel interior or the portions of the level indicator assembly that extend into the vessel.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring and adjusting a physiological state of a subject. The methods include (1) providing a subject having one or more physiological parameters defined by one or more biometrics, (2) monitoring a selected biometric analyte associated with a selected biometric to define a state of the selected biometric, (3) based on the results of the monitoring, adjusting the state of the selected biometric by administering to the subject a supplement selected to affect the state of the selected biometric.

Abstract: An integrated blood glucose measuring device is described that has blood glucose metering device, a glucose metering test strip storage mechanism attachable to the metering device, a test strip feeding mechanism for feeding a single test strip from the storage mechanism for blood intake. The metering device, the test strip storage mechanism and the test strip feeding mechanism are integrated into a single device for blood glucose measurement. In another embodiment, a lancet mechanism is attachable to a side of the metering device and thus the metering device, the storage mechanism, the test strip feeding mechanism, and the lancet mechanism are integrated into a single device for blood glucose measurement.

Abstract: A system for measuring hematocrit in a whole blood sample is provided. An absorbent substrate is adapted to receive a whole blood sample. At least one light source is positioned to illuminate the sample on the substrate at first and second wavelengths. The first and second wavelengths are different from each other. A spectral sensor is positioned to measure a first intensity and a second intensity of light diffusely reflected from the sample at the first and second wavelengths, respectively. The diffusely reflected first and second intensities of light are compared to reference values to generate first and second reflectance values. A controller, coupled to the spectral sensor, is configured to determine a first differential reflectance between the first and second reflectances. The hematocrit level of the sample is determined based on a first stored relationship between hematocrit and a differential reflectance corresponding to the first and second wavelengths.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring intoxication of a user, comprising: prompting the user to provide a breath sample at a time point; at a breath sample acquisition device, generating a breath sample signal upon reception of the breath sample from the user, and broadcasting a unique signature proximal in time to the time point; using a sensor of a mobile computing device, generating an authentication signal derived from detection of the unique signature; at a processing system in communication with the mobile computing device and the sample acquisition device, receiving the breath sample signal and the authentication signal; generating a verification assessment that validates provision of the breath sample by the user; determining a value of an intoxication metric for the user based upon the breath sample signal; and transforming the verification assessment and the value of the intoxication metric into an analysis of intoxication of the user.

Abstract: Nanofibrous hydrogel microarray systems that act as facile, high throughput platforms for in vitro drug discovery and investigation and screening of combinatorial effects of physical and biochemical cues on maturation and differentiation of mammalian cells.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatable method for the identification, quantification and discrimination of specific signals in relation to non-specific signals in detection methods by means of a detector emitting or generating signals, in which at least one control approach is carried out in parallel to the actual test approach, which contains all the components of the actual test approach but in which the binding domain(s) of the detector is/are blocked. The analytical measurements of the signals of the control approach and of the actual test approach are compared with each other and the signal of the specifically bound detector in the test approach is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: It is intended to develop and provide a method for detecting a particular glycan-isoform rapidly and specifically by a small number of steps. The present invention provides a glycan-isoform detection method comprising quantifying an immune complex formed by the mixing of a test sample with a sugar chain non-reducing terminal residue-binding lectin and an antibody specifically binding to the protein moiety of the glycan-isoform, etc., comparing the obtained amount of the immune complex with the amount of a control immune complex obtained when a control sample is not mixed with the sugar chain non-reducing terminal residue-binding lectin or is mixed with a control protein, and determining the presence or absence of the glycan-isoform of interest in the test sample on the basis of the difference between these amounts.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides target detection and quantification systems as well as related methods based on the use of steric hindrance (either created by the target itself or a macromolecular entity used to bind to the target) to prevent or limit the hybridizing between an anchoring oligonucleotide (associated to a substrate) and a signaling oligonucleotide or a combination of signaling oligonucleotides (capable of specifically binding the target or the macromolecular entity).

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds that specifically bind a T1R1/T1R3 or T1R2/T1R3 receptor or fragments or sub-units thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric and chimeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions. The use of these cells lines in cell-based assays to identify umami and sweet taste modulatory compounds is also provided, particularly high throughput screening assays that detect receptor activity by use of fluorometric imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunoassay leading to the rapid and simultaneous detection of antibodies to a wide range of infectious pathogens in biological fluids of infected patients. This immunoassay involves the covalent and oriented coupling of fusion proteins comprising an AGT enzyme and a viral antigen on an identifiable solid support (e.g. fluorescent microspheres). The thus obtained antigen-coupled microspheres show enhanced capture of specific antibodies as compared to antigen-coupled microspheres produced by standard amine coupling procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic device allowing highly specific and efficient in vivo and/or in vitro detection of a bio marker in a broad range of bodily fluids or tissues. The diagnostic device is composed of a binding agent that specifically binds a bio marker present in the bodily fluid linked by a linker compound or layer to the substrate, which includes a metallic, a semiconductor, or a polymeric carrier. The present invention further provides methods using said device for the detection of bio markers, as well as kits comprising said device and suitable ingredients for the detections of bio markers in a bodily fluid. Furthermore, the invention provides suitable in vivo and in vitro applications of said binding agent for the detection of specific disease-related target structures.

Abstract: In one aspect, presence and/or level of an analyte within a sample is determined by use of a construct comprising a magnetic moiety and a fluorescent moiety. In one embodiment, the construct is magnetically migrated to a transparent surface and then dragged along the surface. In one aspect, an evanescent field is applied and changes in the diffusional or rotational properties of the fluorescent moiety as it migrates in and out of the evanescent field are measured by changes in its fluorescent emission, providing a measure of the interaction between the construct and a component of the sample.

Abstract: Detection and quantification of microbial colonization and biofilm formation on orthopedic explants would be important for deciding treatment interventions at the time of surgery. Methods and Systems for such treatments are shown that utilize various steps and kits to quickly generate confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) images to allow for the detection and quantification. The explants are prepared by applying antibodies of both gram-positive and grain-negative for at least one period of time.

Abstract: A test substrate for detecting a LAL-reactive substance, wherein at least a portion of said test substrate has been preloaded with at least one LAL reagent and/or at least one LAL-reactive standard. Methods of use of the test substrate are disclosed. Methods of depositing test reagents on a test substrate are also disclosed.

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 and cancer related proteins in microvesicles, and to the use of an agent blocking exchange of microvesicles for treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for using expression levels of Fas to select individuals or subpopulation of individuals who can benefit from an anti-cancer therapy and for assessing whether an individual suspected of having or developing cancerous tumors will beneficially respond to an anticancer therapy. The invention additionally provides methods of treatment for individuals selected as likely to benefit from anti-cancer therapy based on Fas expression levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment method of a sample for detecting HBs antigen, which is a surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus, and a method for detecting HBs antigen utilizing the pretreatment method. The present invention also relates to a pretreatment reagent kit for detecting HBs antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of macrocyclic compounds as well as complexes formed between a metal (e.g., lanthanide) ion and the compounds of the invention. Preferred complexes exhibit high stability as well as high quantum yields of lanthanide ion luminescence in aqueous media without the need for secondary activating agents. Preferred compounds comprise hydroxypyridinonyl moieties within their macrocyclic structure and are characterized by surprisingly low, non-specific binding to a variety of polypeptides such as antibodies and proteins as well as high kinetic stability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the quantitative measurement of halide ion concentration and pH using novel fluorescent polypeptides. One embodiment of the invention provides a polypeptide containing at least one amino acid sequence selected from a group consisting of: Sequence ID No. 3, Sequence ID No. 4, Sequence ID No. 5, and Sequence ID No. 6.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for analyzing acetone in breath. One such method comprises disposing a reactant in a reaction zone within the breath analysis device, wherein the reactant comprises a primary amine disposed on a surface, and wherein the reaction zone has an optical characteristic that is at a reference level. It also comprises pre-storing a liquid nitroprusside solution within the breath analysis device separately from the reactant. The method further comprises using the breath analysis device to cause the breath to contact the reactant in the reaction zone so that the acetone in the breath reacts with the reactant to form a reaction product and, after the reaction product has been formed, using the breath analysis device to cause the nitroprusside solution to contact and react with the reaction product and to facilitate a change in the optical characteristic of the reaction zone relative to the reference level.

Abstract: Methods of covalently attaching heparin to a membrane comprising plasma treating the membrane to produce an amino-functionalized membrane; and reacting the amino-functionalized membrane with heparin under conditions in which heparin becomes covalently attached to the amino-functionalized membrane, wherein said heparin is indirectly attached via a spacer to said amino-functionalized membrane and/or said heparin is attached from a single site in said heparin to a single site on said amino-functionalized membrane or to said spacer. Also disclosed are analyte sensors.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for identifying signature peptides for quantifying a polypeptide of interest in a sample. The methods include cleaving the polypeptide into peptides; detecting a multiplicity of the peptides with a quantitative analytical instrument; comparing the linearity of signals attributable to pairs of the peptides in a multiplicity of samples; and selecting signature peptides from a group of peptides with more highly correlated signals.

Abstract: This invention describes a new analytical method to determine the quantity and distribution of fucose per Fc within an antibody preparation.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods, assays, and systems of diagnosing, selecting and treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on a subject's level of anti-vinculin and anti-CdtB antibodies. IBS can be distinguished from inflammatory bowel (IBD) disease using the methods, assays, and systems described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, cells and constructs for optical measurement of membrane potential. These methods can be used in cells that are not accessible to presently available methods using electrodes. The methods can be directed to, for example, high-throughput drug screening assays to determine agents that can affect membrane potential of a target cell.

Abstract: An improved qualitative or semi-quantitative diagnostic test for low levels of any analyte, such as hCG, in a biological sample, such as urine. The test comprises of a test device containing reagents for the detection of the monitored analyte and an electronic reader that measures color development at a detection area of the device. The color development is converted to an electronic or digital signal. Improvements were made to the detection process to optimize the detection of a valid fluid front, increase the detection limit without compromising the reliability and accuracy of the test system, and improve the determination of test result validity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular disease, and for monitoring of the treatment of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and cardiomyopathy. The invention further provides methods for identifying an agent for treating cardiomyopathy or heart failure, for identifying a cardiotoxic agent, and for identifying a rescue agent to reduce or prevent drug-induced toxicity, by using one or more biomarkers selelcted from the group consisting of CCDC47, HMOX1, PTX3, PAI1, IL27, IGFBP7, Emmprin, CFL2, EDIL3, NUCB1, PE D18:0-20:3/D18:1-20:2/D16:0-22:3; PE D18:0-22:5/D18:1-22:4; PE D16:1-22:6; PE P18:1-18:1/P18:0-18:2/P16:0-20:2; LPC 20:3; and PC-LI-183-D18:22-22:6, or any of the other biomarkers provided herein. The invention further provides kits for practicing the methods of the invention.