Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensates for oxygen sensor aging determines a correction of by measuring oxygen content above a specified threshold value and measuring current flowing through the sensor over time.

Abstract: A MEMS apparatus for thermal energy control including a sensor and an IC chip is provided. The sensor includes a heating device for heating a sensing element and a detecting device for detecting a physical quantity. The IC chip includes a memory unit for storing a target value of the sensing element and a data processing unit for convert the physical quantity to a converted value, where a gap value is defined by subtracting the converted value from the target value. Besides, a control unit of the IC chip sets a parameter value according to the gap value, and a driving unit adjusts a quantity of thermal energy generated by the heating device according to the parameter value to reduce heating time and frequency of the heating device thereby reducing electrical power consumption. The MEMS apparatus is applicable to MEMS sensors requiring controlled operating temperature, such as a gas sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring inflorescence, seed and/or seed yield phenotype of a plant. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for high throughput analysis of inflorescence, seed and/or seed yield phenotype of a panicle-like bearing plant.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic locating of a fault observed in a defective component related to a forging operation, in which: a processor models a shaping operation of a component by forging, as per a set of successive models of the component; a processor adds a fault plotter to a first model of the set of models, in a zone corresponding to a region of the fault in the defective component to obtain a first plotted model; and a processor tracks the plotter in time from the first plotted model during the modelling to locate an origin of the fault.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for determining the composition of gaseous fuel. An initial gaseous fuel stream is provided that includes methane, non-methane hydrocarbons, and inert gases. Air is mixed into the initial fuel stream upstream of a first catalyst. The first catalyst oxidizes only the non-methane hydrocarbons of the initial fuel stream to produce a resultant fuel stream comprising methane and inert gases. Air is mixed into the resultant fuel stream downstream of the first catalyst and upstream of a second catalyst. The second catalyst oxidizes only the methane hydrocarbons of the resultant fuel stream to produce an output fuel stream. Mole ratios of the methane, the non-methane hydrocarbons, and the inert gases of the initial fuel stream are each determined.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for soil testing. In some embodiments, a soil sample quality criterion is determined and associated with the soil sample. In some embodiments a soil characteristic measurement is additionally taken and associated with the soil sample. In some embodiments, the soil sample and its associated data are associated with a container in which the soil sample is placed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of characterizing metal content and chemical composition of crude oil, including determining at least one respective organometallic class and subclass derived from physical and chemical property data for each organometallic class and crude oil physical and chemical property data and at least one segment type and segment number range of the segment type bound to each organometallic subclass. The method determines a relative ratio of each organometallic class and subclass that forms a chemical composition representative of the given crude oil, such that the determined relative ratio and the determined respective organometallic class and subclass, segment type, and segment number range form a characterization of the metal content and the chemical composition of the given crude oil, resulting in a display, as output to an end-user, of the formed characterization of the metal content and the chemical composition of the given crude oil.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a brake fluid, the method comprising contacting a solvent with the brake fluid to provide a sample; introducing the sample into a first capillary column coated with a first stationary phase and allowing the sample to flow through the first capillary column to produce an effluent stream; and passing the effluent stream through a detector to identify one or more hydrocarbon components and optionally a detectable borate component, wherein the first capillary column is at a temperature effective for a borate ester in the sample, if any, to react with a portion of the solvent to form the detectable borate component.

Abstract: A system and method that images biological samples and uses chromophores to analyze the imaged samples. The chromophore analysis can be done by itself or in conjunction with fluorophore analysis in High Content Imaging systems. To perform chromophore analysis the biological samples can be labeled with different chromophores and imaged using transmitted light that is at least partially absorbed by the chromophores. To also perform fluorophore analysis the samples can also be labeled with fluorophores that are excited by excitation light. The chromophore analysis and fluorophore analysis can be performed separately or concurrently using a High Content Imaging system. The system provides the expanded capability by illuminating the chromophore-labeled samples with transmitted light of different wavelengths and automatically detecting the images which represent the differential absorption of the colored lights by the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that comprises a biomolecular processor and one or more nanotubes. Each biomolecular processor comprises a bioreactor chamber defined by a solid substrate, a plurality of spaced support structures within said bioreactor chamber and attached to the solid substrate, and one or more capture molecules immobilized to some or all of said plurality of spaced support structures, said one or more capture molecules suitable to bind to a portion of a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample. The device also comprises one or more nanotubes defined by the solid substrate and fluidically coupled to the bioreactor chamber.

Abstract: Patch-clamp amplifiers that may be readily manufactured, may be simple to reconfigure for product updates, and can be quickly reconfigured into a different mode during operation. One example may provide patch-clamp amplifiers that may be readily manufactured by implementing some or all of the compensation and other circuits using digital circuitry. These digital circuits may be implemented using discrete or integrated logic circuits, programmable logic such as field-programmable gate arrays or programmable logic arrays, or other fixed or configurable logic circuits or combination thereof. These programmable logic circuits may be reconfigured by a user or by a manufacturer through firmware or software updates when a product update is desired. These circuits may also be quickly reconfigured to allow rapid switching between modes during use.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening maternal urine samples for changes in the pattern of mass spectral fingerprinting which have been found to be characteristic of fetal aneuploidies such as Down's Syndrome and have application for the 5 screening of other fetal abnormalities and disorders of pregnancy including gestational trophoblastic diseases.

Abstract: A method for measuring energy malnutrition in a liver disease test subject, a method for determining whether a liver disease test subject is in an energy malnutrition state, a method for determining the necessity of nutrition therapy for a liver disease test subject having energy malnutrition, a composition usable in these methods, and the like are provided. The method for measuring energy malnutrition in a liver disease test subject includes the steps of collecting expired air containing labeled carbon dioxide that is generated in the body of a liver disease test subject by being converted from a composition containing, as an active ingredient, glucose labeled with at least one isotope C; and determining the ratio of labeled CO2 amount to unlabeled CO2 amount, or the ratio of labeled CO2 amount to total CO2 amount in expired air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell-based methods for determining the biological activity of defibrotide. In particular, the invention provides a method for assessing the potency of defibrotide by assessing the viability of mammalian cells in the presence of at least one cytotoxic agent and one or more concentrations of defibrotide. Such methods are particularly useful for standardizing pharmaceutical compositions comprising defibrotide.

Abstract: The screening method of the present invention is useful for screening drugs such as insulin secretagogues having an insulin secretagogue activity with minimized side effects (hypoglycemia induction, etc.). The transformant in which a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein used for the screening method is introduced, the screening kit comprising the transformant, etc. are also useful for screening excellent drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of predicting cell sensitivity or resistance to a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of a disease comprising contacting a donor tissue section with a liquid capable of extracting an antibody from said donor tissue section and contacting said liquid with an acceptor material comprising an antigen, followed by detection of a complex comprising the antibody and the antigen, and a diagnostically useful carrier comprising a donor tissue section and an acceptor material comprising an antigen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a processing device for the processing of a fluid containing interfering particles (C). Magnetic particles (MP) are added to the fluid in a processing chamber and distributed, in part, using a magnetic field to provide a blocking zone (BZ) within the processing chamber to impede or prevent such migration of the interfering particles (C) through the processing chamber. The blocking zone (BZ) hence acts as a filter element by which interfering particles (C) can for example be kept away from a detection region at the surface of the processing chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to polymer coatings with desirable anti-fouling properties. In certain embodiments, polymers are coated on particles which allow for conjugation with targeting moieties. In certain embodiments, the particles are nanoparticles with targeting moieties that bind with tumor associated antigens.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for a sample assembly with an electrical conductor for detection of the antigens by electromagnetic read heads. In one embodiment, a sample assembly includes: a substrate; one or more base layers above the substrate; an outer layer above the substrate; a plurality of sample trenches formed in the outer layer, each sample trench being characterized by an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis; an electrical conductor disposed in the substrate, the electrical conductor being configured to generate an electromagnetic field in proximity to the plurality of sample trenches to enhance nanoparticle movement toward the bottom surface of the plurality of sample trenches; and at least one alignment trench formed above the substrate, each alignment trench having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of at least one of the sample trenches.

Abstract: The present application discloses a multi-well cuvette for integrating the reaction between a sample and a reagent with the detection of a specific analyte included therein, and the multi-well cuvette comprises: a reaction chamber part having a sample and a reagent placed therein; and a detection part for detecting the reaction between the sample and the reagent, wherein the reaction chamber part comprises: an extraction member standby chamber in which a member for dividing or distributing the sample is on standby; a sample filling chamber; and a reagent filling chamber which is filled with the reagent, and in which the reaction with the sample is carried out, wherein the detection part comprises: a chromatography analysis means for a reactive product between the sample and the reagent; and a detection chamber for accommodating the same.

Abstract: The present invention involves the identification of biomarkers that are predictive of impeding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease flare. Methods for treating patients so identified are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity and/or expression of a calcium-sensing receptor, wherein said compounds can be incorporated into flavor compositions that can be used to modify the kokumi taste and/or palatability of pet food products.

Abstract: Described herein are improved diagnostic tools for veterinary and human use which can be used for serodiagnosing A. platys in mammals, particularly in members of the Canidae family and in humans. The diagnostic tools are a group of outer membrane proteins of A. platys and variants thereof, referred to hereinafter as the “OMP proteins”, a group of outer membrane proteins of A. platys and variants thereof referred to hereinafter as the “P44 proteins”, and antibodies to the OMP proteins and the P44 proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and diagnosing Chlamydia suis infections in a subject, and a diagnostic kit therefor.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for single cell characterization using affinity-oligonucleotide conjugates, including tetramer-oligonucleotide conjugates (e.g., pMHC-oligonucleotide). In some aspects, such methods may comprise the steps of: forming a vessel comprising an affinity-oligonucleotide conjugate and a T cell; attaching a vessel barcoded polynucleotide or complement thereof to: (a) an oligonucleotide portion of a pMHC-oligonucleotide conjugate, and (b) a T cell receptor (TCR) polynucleotide originating from the T cell; and sequencing the oligonucleotide portion or a complement thereof and the TCR polynucleotide or a complement thereof. Additional methods provided herein include determining the binding affinity of a T cell receptor (TCR) to a pMHC-oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Provided is a peptide for targeting colorectal cancer, a composition for diagnosing radioresponsiveness-dependent prognosis of colorectal cancer using the peptide, and a drug delivery use of the peptide, wherein a functional peptide capable of targeting cancer has been discovered so as to implement personalized diagnosis and treatment for individual patients having cancer, in consideration of problems occurring during treatment in which treatment cases of respective patients differ due to different therapeutic responses resulting from genetic differences in the individual patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials for diagnosing cancer in an individual using a tissue, blood or urine sample from the patient. Specifically, the disclosed method comprises determining the level of one or more metabolite selected from the group consisting of creatine riboside, metabolite 561+, Cortisol sulfate and N-acetylneuraminic acid. The present invention also provides a method for determining the prognosis of a cancer patient by determining the level of one or more metabolite selected from the group consisting of creatine riboside, metabolite 561+, Cortisol sulfate and N-acetylneuraminic acid. Also provided are kits for detecting cancer or determining the prognosis of a cancer patient.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of using biomarkers to improve diagnosis of forms of prostate. The method includes testing a biological sample from an individual for a interleukin-8 (IL-8), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) and soluble tumor necrosis factor-? receptor 1 (sTNFR1), and may further include testing for prostate serum antigen (PSA). Use of these markers in combination provides tests that are more sensitive and specific than PSA in differentiating benign versus malignant prostate disease and/or localized CaP versus metastatic CaP and show that the specificity and sensitivity of a PSA-based CaP diagnosis can be significantly enhanced by measuring IL-8, TNF-? and sTNFR1.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gastric cancer diagnosis through the detection of glycan changes, and to a kit for gastric cancer diagnosis. More specifically, based on the fact that in gastric cancer patient-derived haptoglobin, there are changes in N-linked glycosylation of haptoglobin, which are detected through lectin and mass spectrometery, that is, an increase in fucosylation, increases or significant changes in specific glycan structures depending on the classification of antennary structures, or a remarkable decrease in a high mannose structure of the N-glycan as compared to normal persons, N-glycan structures identified using the changes in N-linked glycosylation of haptoglobin may be usefully used as a diagnosis marker in a method for gastric cancer diagnosis using lectin or mass spectrometry, and a kit for gastric cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: A biomarker for predicting and/or monitoring the efficacy of a c-Met inhibitor; a composition for predicting and/or monitoring the efficacy of a c-Met inhibitor, comprising a material detecting the biomarker; a composition for selecting a subject suitable for the application of a c-Met inhibitor, comprising a material detecting the biomarker; a method for predicting and/or monitoring the efficacy of a c-Met inhibitor using the biomarker; a method for selecting a subject suitable for the application of a c-Met inhibitor using the biomarker; and a method for preventing and/or treating cancer comprising administering a c-Met inhibitor to the selected subject.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of identifying a biomarker of renal failure, said biomarker being available from urine or blood, and fluctuating from an early stage than glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine level, and thus developing a technique for diagnosing early stage kidney failure. A method for analyzing the blood, plasma, serum or urine of a renal failure suspected subject comprises a step of measuring the concentration of a pair of D-form and L-form of at least one amino acid selected from the amino acid group consisting of [D-serine] and [L-serine], etc., contained in the blood, plasma, serum or urine of the subject, and calculating, as an pathological index of the subject, the ratio of the D-form concentration to the L-form concentration or the percentage of the D-form concentration relative to the total concentration of the D-form and L-form.

Abstract: One or more cells are labeled with minor stable isotopes, characterized, and preserved for subsequent use as a bio-specimen reference standard. The one or more cells are grown in culture media supplied with minor stable isotopes in concentrations substantially different from normally occurring concentrations, thereby supplanting major stable isotopes that would normally be incorporated into the proteins of the cells. The proteins of the cells are thus labeled by the minor stable isotopes and can be used in protcomic characterization of the cells. The cells are preserved by fixation as a reference standard. Cells of the reference standard are mixed with the sample and subject to mass spectrometry evaluation, whereby the labeled proteins of the reference standard can be used in determining the proteome of the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peptide binders for streptavidin (SA), Taq polymerase and several human proteins: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), thrombin, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF?), and Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA).

Abstract: Provided herein is synthesis of novel mass spectrometry-cleavable cross-linking agents. The novel mass spectrometry-cleavable cross-linking agents can be used in mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry to facilitate structural analysis of intra-protein interactions in proteins and inter-protein interactions in protein complexes. Also provided are methods of mapping intra-protein interactions in proteins and inter-protein interactions in protein complexes.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a biomarker in exhaled breath condensate nanodroplets comprises noninvasively collecting exhaled breath condensate nanodroplets of a subject, and analyzing said nanodroplets utilizing immuno-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect one or more target biomarkers.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel phosphorylation sites in cardiac Troponin I that are associated with the onset of heart failure. The phosphorylation sites, i.e., serine 5, tyrosine 26, threonine 51, serine 166, threonine 181 and/or serine 199, can be used as biomarkers for (i) identifying subjects at risk for the development of heart failure, (ii) treating subjects having a higher than normal level of the biomarker, and (iii) monitoring therapy of a subject at risk for the development of heart failure. Also described are antibodies, reagents, and kits for carrying out a method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but not normal tears.

Abstract: Provided are methods for evaluating the risk of an adverse clinical outcome in a subject, deciding whether to discharge or continue treating a subject (e.g., treatment on an inpatient basis), or to initiate or terminate treatment, selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study, and selecting a therapeutic treatment for a subject that include determining a level of ST2 in a biological sample from the subject and determining a level of galectin-3 in a biological sample from the subject. Kits are also provided that contain an antibody that specifically binds to ST2, an antibody that specifically binds to galectin-3, and instructions for using the kit to evaluate the risk of an adverse clinical outcome in a subject, to decide whether to discharge or continue treating a subject (e.g., treatment on an inpatient basis) or to initiate or terminate treatment, to select a subject for participation in a clinical study, and/or to select treatment for a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for determining Alzheimer's disease, comprising an anti-S38AA antibody, a method of determining Alzheimer's disease in a test animal, comprising detecting an S38AA fragment in a sample collected from said animal, and a method of screening for a substance that treats or prevents Alzheimer's disease, comprising contacting a test substance with a cell permitting measurement of production of a S38AA fragment, measuring the production amount of the S38AA fragment in the cell, and comparing the production amount with that of the S38AA fragment in a control cell free of contact with the test substance, and selecting a test substance that down-regulates the production amount of the S38AA fragment as a substance capable of treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease, based on the comparison results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein and uses thereof in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. The invention also relates to the recombinant protein IFNAR2.3, antibodies, compositions comprising same, and uses thereof. Among the uses thereof, the invention especially relates to a method for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and to the diagnosis kit. The invention further relates to the use of the protein IFNAR2.3 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments, generally relates to methods of determining a treatment protocol for and/or a prognosis of a patient's recovery from a brain injury. In some embodiments, the brain injury results from a hypoxic event. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining a measure of the concentration of tau protein in a patient sample containing or suspected of containing tau protein.

Abstract: Combining presynaptic proteins, neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2) and neurexin 2? (NRXN2?), with respective postsynaptic functional partners GluA4-containing glutamate receptor (AMPA4) and neuroligin 1 (NLGN1), and enhancing excitatory synaptic activities in areas of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. As early damage of such excitatory circuits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) correlates with cognitive losses, plasma neuron-derived exosome (NDE) levels of these two pairs of synaptic proteins are quantified and serve as biomarkers. NDE contents of all four proteins decrease significantly in AD dementia and diminished levels of AMPA4 and NLGN1 correlate with the extent of cognitive losses. Prior to the onset of dementia, NDE levels of all but NPTX2 are significantly lower than those of matched control subjects and levels of all decline significantly with the development of dementia.

Abstract: A blood state evaluation device, blood state evaluation system, blood state evaluation method, and program that enable evaluation of the risk of thrombosis easily and precisely is provided. An electrical characteristic of blood being an evaluation target is chronologically measured in two or more frequencies or two or more frequency bands. On the basis of chronological change data of the measured electrical characteristic of the blood, a state of blood is evaluated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject, a method for identifying whether a subject is in need for a therapy of heart failure or a method for determining whether a heart failure therapy is successful. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: An odor discriminating apparatus includes: a measurement chamber including multiple pieces of odor sensors; a gas introducer for introducing a sample gas into the measurement chamber; concentration adjuster for diluting or condensing the sample gas before introducing the sample gas into the measurement chamber; a vector length computation unit for plotting, in a multidimensional space formed by axes corresponding to detection signals generated by each piece of odor sensors, a measurement point representing a measurement result of the sample gas and for computing a vector length of an odor vector directed from an origin of the multidimensional space to the measurement point; and a controller for feedback-controlling the concentration adjuster so that the vector length computed by the vector length computation unit reaches a predetermined target value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for depositing solid waste into a waste bin in an automated analyzer having a transport mechanism for transporting solid waste to a waste bin. The method includes providing a transport mechanism including a sliding mechanism, a parking position, and an opening that is proximal to the waste bin. The sliding mechanism includes a slider and an extendable ramp and the slider pushes the solid waste along the ramp into the waste bin. The method also includes placing solid waste into the parking position, contacting the solid waste with the slider, and pushing said solid waste towards the waste bin along the ramp until the solid waste moves along the extendable ramp into the waste bin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement apparatus including: a support mechanism configured to support a cartridge in which a chamber is formed, the chamber being configured to store a measurement sample that generates light an intensity of which varies depending on an amount of a test substance; a photodetector configured to detect the light generated from the measurement sample stored in the chamber; and a reflection member provided between the photodetector and the cartridge supported by the support mechanism, the reflection member having an inner face, the reflection member being configured to reflect, at the inner face, the light generated from the measurement sample stored in the chamber, and guide the light to the photodetector, wherein the reflection member is configured to have an area surrounded by the inner face, the area decreasing from a side where the cartridge supported by the support mechanism is provided toward a side where the photodetector is provided.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor includes a housing having an open first end and a closed second end, a heated chassis positioned within the open first end of the housing, a mounting plate positioned on the heated chassis adjacent the open first end of the housing such that an internal chamber is formed between the heated chassis and the mounting plate, a transducer compartment between the heated chassis and the closed second end of the housing, and a water management system located adjacent the internal chamber and the transducer compartment. The water management system includes an annular chamber positioned in the internal chamber, a first tube at a first end of the annular chamber, and a second tube at a second end of the annular chamber. The first tube has a hole such that the first tube is in fluid communication with the annular chamber and the internal chamber, and the second tube is in fluid communication with the annular chamber and the transducer compartment.