Abstract: A wash solution for remediating lubricant contamination in cytological specimens includes a Tris-based alkaline buffer solution. The buffer solution may be prepared in methanol, and may include a proton-rich protein, or a basic amino acid, such as arginine, lysine, or guanidine. A method for remediating a specimen contaminated with lubricant includes using the wash solution and/or adding a salt to the final vial prior to preparing the microscope slide. The method may include adding the wash solution to the specimen, centrifuging the specimen and wash solution to form a supernatant and cell pellet, decanting the supernatant, and adding a preservative solution to the cell pellet. The method may further include adding salt to a vial containing the preservative solution and cell pellet.

Abstract: A portable resilience testing apparatus for lost circulation materials (LCMs) is provided. The portable resilience testing apparatus includes a test cell and a probe that moves and applies a force to a sample of LCM contained in the test cell. The portable resilience testing apparatus may be used to perform a compression cycle and decompression cycle on the LCM sample. A coefficient of resilience of the LCM sample is determined from the desorbed strain energy released during the decompression and the absorbed strain energy stored during the compression cycle. A method of determining the coefficient of resilience is also provided.

Abstract: A device for performing a mechanical four-point bending test on a test piece and to a method for using one such device. The device comprises: a) structure for holding a first end of the test piece (27; 127; 28; 128) and structure for holding a second end of the test piece (30, 31); b) traction wire (25) and converting structure (16, 116) for converting a translational movement of said traction means into a rotational movement; c) conversion structure (26; 27; 126; 127) for converting said rotational movement into bending deformation of the test piece. Said conversion structure comprises at least one first Cardan joint (26; 126), connected to the structure for holding the first end of the test piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring nozzle for determining the extensional viscosity of polymer melts during their processing, comprising a flow channel which has a rectangular cross-section and which has a transitional section (3) between an inlet section (1) and an outlet section (2) with respective constant cross-section, which transitional section tapers hyperbolically in the flow direction (8) between two mutually opposite channel walls (6 and 7).

Abstract: An apparatus for trapping and sensing nanoparticles using plasmonic nanopores, comprising a conductive transparent layer, a conductive film layer mounted to a substrate, the film layer comprising a plurality of nanopores for trapping nanoparticles contained in a fluid situated between the conductive transparent layer and the conductive film layer, and an electric field source connected between the transparent layer and the film layer.

Abstract: A particle sensor uses an electrostatic particle charging section in the form of an ionization chamber. A flow sensor arrangement is used to produce a signal which is representative of the amount of gas flow between the outside of the ionization chamber and the inside of the ionization chamber. This information is indicative of the flow conditions, and can be used to determine when adverse flow conditions are present which may adversely affect the performance or lifetime of the particle sensor.

Abstract: A method for counting blood cells in a sample of whole blood. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a sample of whole blood; (b) depositing the sample of whole blood onto a slide, e.g., a microscope slide; (c) employing a spreader to create a blood smear; (d) allowing the blood smear to dry on the slide; (e) measuring absorption or reflectance of light attributable to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells in the blood smear on the slide; (f) recording a magnified two-dimensional digital image of the area of analysis identified by the measurement in step (e) as being of suitable thickness for analysis; and (g) collecting, analyzing, and storing data from the magnified two-dimensional digital image. Optionally, steps of fixing and staining of blood cells on the slide can be employed in the method.

Abstract: An in-liquid state of a mobile device is detected by processing color components indicative of an intensity of the ambient light at different wavelengths and a pressure data indicative of ambient pressure. A first plausibility index indicates a likelihood of an air/liquid transition as a function of variations of at least two color components. A second plausibility index indicates a likelihood of an air/liquid transition as a function of variations of said ambient pressure. If both the first and the second plausibility indices indicate a likely air/liquid transition event, an in-liquid state signal is generated.

Abstract: Pump-probe spectroscopy systems are provided. In an embodiment, such a system comprises an optical subsystem configured to generate a pulsed pump beam and a pulsed probe beam, the pulsed probe beam having a probe pulse frequency ? of at least 20 kHz; a detector subsystem configured to detect a sample signal induced by the pulsed pump beam and the pulsed probe beam; a chopper configured to adjust the frequency of the pump beam to ?/2, wherein the chopper is synchronized with a detector of the detector subsystem but is unsynchronized with the pulsed probe beam; and a data acquisition subsystem configured to initiate acquisition of image data by the detector based on a trigger signal derived from the pulsed pump beam.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging device associated with an autonomous vehicle scans through a scanning zone while emitting light pulses and receives reflected signals corresponding to the light pulses. The reflected signals indicate a three-dimensional point map of the distribution of reflective points in the scanning zone. A hyperspectral sensor images a region of the scanning zone corresponding to a reflective feature indicated by the three-dimensional point map. The output from the hyperspectral sensor includes spectral information characterizing a spectral distribution of radiation received from the reflective feature. The spectral characteristics of the reflective feature allow for distinguishing solid objects from non-solid reflective features, and a map of solid objects is provided to inform real time navigation decisions.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for analyzing the performance of an irradiance sensor of a photovoltaic system. More specifically, a remote calibration system may receive irradiance data from an irradiance sensor of a PV system. The remote calibration system may then filter the irradiance data using one or more of a threshold filter, a curve fit filter, and a correlation filter. The filtered irradiance data is then compared to an estimated irradiance to generate an irradiance weighted average which may be used to adjust subsequent irradiance data provided by the irradiance sensor. A report system can be adjusted with the irradiance weighted average to prevent generation of a report for the irradiance sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensor is used for determining a concentration of a predetermined gas in a measurement volume. The gas sensor comprises a light source and a detector arranged to receive light that has passed through the measurement volume. During a first measurement period, the detector is used to make a first measurement of an amount of light received in at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas. The first measurement is compared to a predetermined threshold value. If the threshold is crossed, during a second measurement period the detector is used to make a second measurement of an amount of light received in at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas. The concentration of said gas in said measurement volume is calculated using the first and/or second measurement.

Abstract: An optical chemical analyser comprises a source of a first amount of radiation (46), an optics module configured to direct the first amount of radiation such that it is incident on or passes through a target (14) at a target location, the optics module further being configured to receive a second amount of Raman scattered radiation from the target and direct the second amount of radiation (206) to a Spatial Interference Fourier Transform (SIFT) module, the SIFT module including a first dispersive element (216) and a second dispersive element (218), the SIFT module being configured such that a portion of the second amount of radiation is received by the first dispersive element and interferes with a portion of the second amount of radiation received by the second dispersive element to form an interference pattern; the SIFT module further comprising a detector (48) configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the interference pattern and produce a detector signal (226) based on the captured image; an

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated method and apparatus for automatically setting a drop delay period by detecting calibration particles in a waste stream. The drop delay is incremented over a series of drop delays and the number of calibration particles in the waste stream is detected for each drop delay. The drop delay is selected which has the least number of calibration particles in the waste stream.

Abstract: A polarization analysis apparatus includes: a light source that radiates light to a sample; a liquid crystal panel that outputs polarized light in a specific direction from light radiated from an excited state sample; an image sensor that measures a luminance of polarized light; and a controller that controls the liquid crystal panel and the image sensor. The controller calculates a reference voltage of a rectangular wave; calculates a corrected reference voltage by correcting the reference voltage in the rectangular wave where an absolute value of the reference voltage changes in response to a phase change; applies the reference voltage and the corrected reference voltage to the liquid crystal panel; operates the image sensor in accordance with a light exposure time to measure luminance of polarized light; and calculates a degree of polarization of the sample based on results of the measurement.

Abstract: The invention is based on the use of photoluminescent probes for intracellular sensing of oxygen, especially assaying intracellular oxygen concentration. The photoluminescent probe comprises a suspension of polymeric particles having an average diameter in the 20 nm to 100 nm range, formed from an amphiphilic cationic co-polymer which is oriented in the formed particle to provide a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell. The probe includes a hydrophobic oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye such as Pt-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphine, PtPFPP embedded in the hydrophobic core of the particle, and the co-polymer includes quaternary ammonium groups which provide hydrophilic and cationic character to the particle shell. The photoluminescent probe, which in use is provided in the form of an aqueous suspension of probe, is incubated with live mammalian cells in a suitable growth medium for a period of time to allow the probe particles passively load into the cells.

Abstract: A bio-chip package comprises a substrate a first layer over the substrate comprising an image sensor. The bio-chip package also comprises a second layer over the first layer. The second layer comprises a waveguide system a grating coupler. The bio-chip package also comprises a third layer arranged to accommodate a fluid between a first-third layer portion and a second-third layer portion, and to allow the fluid to pass from a first side of the third layer to a second side of the third layer. The third layer comprises a material having a predetermined transparency with respect to a wavelength of a received source light, the waveguide system is configured to direct the received source light to the grating coupler, and the image sensor is configured to determine a change in the wavelength of the source light caused by a coupling between the source light and the fluid.

Abstract: An image inspection apparatus includes an illuminating section for irradiating illumination light, a line camera in which a plurality of imaging elements are arrayed to be linearly arranged, the line camera receiving the light irradiated from the illuminating section and reflected on the inspection target object, a display section for displaying an image captured by the line camera, an optical axis adjusting section for adjusting an optical axis of the line camera, a trigger setting section for specifying a trigger that specifies timing when the inspection target object is imaged by the line camera, an aspect ratio adjusting section for adjusting longitudinal and lateral pixel resolutions of the image captured by the line camera, and a display control section for displaying the optical axis adjusting section, the trigger setting section, and the aspect ratio adjusting section on the display section in order.

Abstract: The three-dimensional image inspection device includes a composed image generation part configured to compose first three-dimensional data and second three-dimensional data, and generate a three-dimensional composed image having information in a height direction, a composition mode selection part configured to enable a first composition mode and a second composition mode to be selected, the first composition mode being a mode in which the three-dimensional composed image is generated, based on the three-dimensional data measured by both a first light projecting/receiving part and a second light projecting/receiving part with respect to respective pixels configuring the three-dimensional composed image, and the second composition mode being a mode in which the three-dimensional composed image is generated, based on the three-dimensional data measured by any one or both of the first light projecting/receiving part and the second light projecting/receiving part with respect to the respective pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting an integrated circuit is an apparatus for inspecting an integrated circuit having a semiconductor substrate and a circuit portion formed on a front face a side of the semiconductor substrate. The apparatus comprises a light generation unit for generating light L for irradiating the integrated circuit, a wavelength width adjustment unit, for adjusting the wavelength width of the light irradiating the integrated circuit, an irradiation position adjustment unit for adjusting the irradiation position of the light irradiating the integrated circuit, and a light detection unit for detecting the light from the integrated circuit when the light from the light generation unit irradiates the circuit portion through a rear face of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method of analyzing fines migration in a multiphase flow in a sediment layer using X-ray computed tomography (CT) image includes, preparing an X-ray CT image analysis sample; analyzing an X-ray CT image during a depressurization process; calibrating and calculating a fines content; and estimating a fines migration analysis result.

Abstract: High-contrast, subtraction, x-ray images of an object are produced via scanned illumination by a laser-Compton x-ray source. The spectral-angle correlation of the laser-Compton scattering process and a specially designed aperture and/or detector are utilized to produce/record a narrow beam of x-rays whose spectral content consists of an on-axis region of high-energy x-rays surrounded by a region of slightly lower-energy x-rays. The end point energy of the laser-Compton source is set so that the high-energy x-ray region contains photons that are above the k-shell absorption edge (k-edge) of a specific contrast agent or specific material within the object to be imaged while the outer region consists of photons whose energy is below the k-edge of the same contrast agent or specific material. Scanning the illumination and of the object by this beam will simultaneously record and map the above edge and below k-edge absorption response of the object.

Abstract: When conducting an analysis of a sample using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, a user allows a sample holder to hold the sample such that the sample is sandwiched between a first film and a second film, and mounts the sample holder in this state to the spectrometer. When conducting an analysis of the sample using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, the user allows the sample holder to hold the sample such that the sample is not sandwiched between the first film and the second film, and mounts the sample holder in this state to the spectrometer.

Abstract: A handheld XRF device having a shutter including a calibration material. An automatic calibration sequence may be performed with the shutter in the closed position.

Abstract: A device for analyzing substances in a sample on the basis of a measurement of nuclear magnetic resonances including a magnetic field device configured to generate a magnetic field. The device is configured such that, in order to detect magnetic resonances induced in the sample by the generation of the magnetic field, provision is made of at least one magnetic field sensor which comprises at least one sensitive component with diamond structures. The diamond structures have nitrogen vacancy centers.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature an RF hydration sensor in an assembly, comprises a substrate; an antenna disposed on the substrate; an RF circuit electrically coupled to the antenna; a thermal source electrically coupled to the RF circuit for changing a thermal condition of a target area; and a sensing element thermally coupled to the thermal source for sensing a temperature of the thermal source. The RF hydration sensor wirelessly receives a power from a remote transceiver and provides at least part of the power to the thermal source.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of a liquid medium having at least a first coil, a current source and a control and evaluation unit, the current source being connected to the first coil. The conductivity sensor has the ability to determine a particularly large range of electric conductivity by at least a first electrode and a second electrode and at least one voltage measuring unit being provided, the voltage measuring unit being connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, the control and evaluation unit being connected to the current source and to the voltage measuring unit, and the first electrode and the second electrode being out of electrical contact with the first coil.

Abstract: Sensor elements are disclosed for the electrochemically analyzing a body fluid, as well as methods of producing and using the same. The sensor elements include an electrically conductive layer structure applied to a non-conductive carrier substrate, where the layer structure includes a continuous base layer of tantalum, niobium or an alloy thereof, and a metallic cover layer formed on the base layer that covers the base layer either over the entire surface or in some regions. The metallic cover layer includes a more noble metal when compared to the base layer.

Abstract: Provided is a blood component measuring device or the like that can further suppress the measurement error of a blood component. The device detects an oxidation-reduction current generated by oxidation-reduction when a first voltage is applied to a first electrode pair 21, 22 of a biosensor 1, and converts the oxidation-reduction current (glucose response value) into a glucose conversion value. The device detects a current generated when a second voltage is applied to a second electrode pair 23, 24 of the biosensor 1, and converts the detected current (blood cell amount response value) into a blood cell amount conversion value. The glucose response value is measured more than once and the blood cell amount response value is also measured more than once within a predetermined period after the introduction of the blood into the biosensor 1.

Abstract: Devices for use in determining properties of biochemicals and macromolecules derived from a biological sample include a fluid control unit and a macromolecule measurement unit integrated on a monolithic platform. Devices and methods of measuring the properties of macromolecules using immobilized magnetic particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Interference signals from other gases in an air sample are eliminated by flowing an air sample directly to an electrochemical gas sensor and subsequently flowing an air sample through a selective scrubber and removing the target gas of interest before flowing the sample to the electrochemical gas sensor. The difference in responses of the electrochemical gas sensor is directly proportional to the concentration of the target gas of interest in the air sample.

Abstract: A biological device includes a substrate, a gate electrode, and a sensing well. The substrate includes a source region, a drain region, a channel region, a body region, and a sensing region. The channel region is disposed between the source region and the drain region. The sensing region is at least disposed between the channel region and the body region. The gate electrode is at least disposed on or above the channel region of the substrate. The sensing well is at least disposed adjacent to the sensing region.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus for a gas sensor which detects a particular gas component contained in a gas under measurement. In the case where humidity detection is performed using an electromotive-force-type gas sensor, a sensor control apparatus changes a target voltage of an electromotive force cell to a second target voltage for humidity detection and then to a third target voltage which is lower than a first target voltage which is a target voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component. In the case where humidity detection is performed using a limiting-current-type gas sensor, the sensor control apparatus changes the voltage applied to a pump cell to a second application voltage for humidity detection and then to a third application voltage which is lower than a first application voltage which is an application voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus 1 includes a processing chamber 3 that can bring an inside of the processing chamber into a vacuum state, a load lock chamber 2 that is coupled to the processing chamber 3 and that is switchable between an atmospheric state and the vacuum state, a communication unit 10 configured to communicate the processing chamber 3 and the load lock chamber 2, a stage 5 on which a processing object 9 is placed, the stage being movable between the processing chamber 3 and the load lock chamber 2 through the communication unit 10, and a sealing unit 6 fixed to the stage 5, the sealing unit being larger than an opening 300 of the communication unit 10 on a side of the processing chamber 3.

Abstract: Ion modification An ion mobility spectrometer (100) comprising a sample inlet (108) comprising an aperture arranged to allow a sample of gaseous fluid to flow from an ambient pressure region to a low pressure region of the ion mobility spectrometer to be ionised; a controller (200) arranged to control gas pressure in the low pressure region to be lower than ambient pressure; and an ion modifier (126, 127, 202) configured to modify ions in the low pressure region, wherein the ions are obtained from the sample of gas.

Abstract: Examples of collecting and analyzing acoustic data for condition assessment within a fluid distribution system are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a method for collecting and analyzing acoustic data for condition assessment within a fluid distribution system includes: receiving pipe segment criteria for a pipe segment, the pipe segment including a length of a pipe between a first computing node and a second computing node; determining a predicted parameter based on the received pipe segment criteria for the pipe segment; utilizing the predicted parameter to measure an actual speed of sound for the pipe segment between the first computing node and the second computing node; and comparing the actual speed of sound and a theoretical speed of sound to calculate a predicted pipe degradation for the pipe segment.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for fabricating layered structures, such as capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers, as well as the structures themselves. The layered structure has a membrane that includes a polymer-based layer and a top electrode on the polymer-based layer. The membrane is suspended over a closed cavity and may be actuated by applying a voltage between the top electrode and a bottom electrode that may be positioned along or be a bottom of the closed cavity. The layered structure may be fabricated using a wafer bonding process.

Abstract: There is provided a device for testing ultrasound probes comprising a plurality of transducing elements, said device comprising a plurality of ultrasound transmitter/receiver circuits, a computing device and a control device arranged to control the transmitter/receiver circuits and the computing device arranged to select an interrogation protocol from a plurality of different interrogation protocols, where each interrogation protocol comprises instructions for the order in which the plurality of transmitter/receiver circuits shall send voltage pulses to the transducers of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Vibration data indicative of the health of a machine is collected using a vibration sensor connected to a vibration data collector. After the vibration sensor has been attached to a measurement point on the machine, vibration data is collected that includes a bin of data having a begin time and an end time, and the vibration data is stored in memory of the vibration data collector. First and second average amplitudes of the bin of vibration data collected during first and second time windows in the measurement time period are determined. The slope of the vibration data is calculated based on the ratio of the amplitude difference between the first and second average amplitudes and the time difference between the first and second time windows. The vibration data is either retained in the memory or discarded based on the comparison of the slope to a threshold level.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of lacosamide in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing lacosamide in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of lacosamide in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: The method for determining soil moisture includes the following steps: measuring an initial electrical conductivity and an initial dielectric constant of a training sample of a soil, adjusting the training sample's water content by adding a fixed amount of water and obtaining a plurality of adjusted electrical conductivities and dielectric constants from the adjusted training sample, entering the initial and adjusted electrical conductivities and dielectric constants into a computing device, obtaining a regression value from the initial and adjusted electrical conductivities and dielectric constants of the training sample, measuring a final electrical conductivity and a final dielectric constant from a real sample of the soil, and determining the soil moisture of the soil using the regression value and the final electrical conductivity and dielectric constant of the real sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, and systems for identifying marked hydrocarbon fluids. These compositions, methods, and systems utilize a gas chromatography marker including a pyrrolidinone. The methods and systems can identify the presence or absence of the gas chromatography marker and/or the pyrrolidinone. The compositions, methods, and systems can optionally utilize a spectroscopic marker.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnosing device for an on-load tap changing apparatus of a transformer, which can diagnose the degradation degree of insulating oil at high accuracy by a relatively simple device configuration. A diagnosing device for an on-load tap changing apparatus has an insulating oil tank in which insulating oil is sealed, a changeover switching device that is disposed within the insulating oil tank and performs the tap changing operation of a tap winding, a tap selector that selects the tap position of the tap winding, and a polarity (transposition) changer that inverts the polarity of the tap winding or a winding connected to the tap winding. The diagnosing device includes an arc discharge light detector that detects arc discharge light that is emitted at changing the tap position of the tap selector. The degradation degree of the insulating oil is diagnosed based on the arc discharge light detected by the arc discharge light detector.

Abstract: A system for imaging captured cells comprising: an illumination module configured to illuminate a target object; a platform configured to position the target object in relation to the illumination module; a filter module configured to filter light transmitted to the target object and/or to filter light received from the target object, an optical sensor configured to receive light from the target object and to generate image data; and a focusing and optics module configured to manipulate light transmitted to the optical sensor. The system can further comprise one or more of: a control system configured to control at least one of the illumination module, the platform, the focusing and optics module, the filter module, and the optical sensor; a tag identifying system configured to identify and communicate tag information from system elements; a thermal control module configured to adjust temperature parameters of the system; and an image stabilization module.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus contains an input unit to input a fluorescent image and a morphological image of a tissue. A biological substance expressed at a first structure of a cell in the tissue is stained by a fluorescent substance. The fluorescent image illustrates a fluorescent bright point which represents expression of the biological substance. The morphological image illustrates a morphology of a second structure of a cell in the tissue and contains the same range of the tissue as the fluorescent image. The apparatus further contains a feature amount extraction unit to extract a feature amount of the second structure from the morphological image, a bright point extraction unit to extract the fluorescent bright point from the fluorescent image, and a region of interest determination unit to determine a region of interest based on the feature amount of the second structure and a distribution of the fluorescent bright point.

Abstract: A method for measuring concentrations of blood cell components is provided. The method comprises: obtaining a blood sample from a subject, the blood sample comprising red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (PLTs); mixing the blood sample with a non-lysing aqueous solution to form a sample mixture comprising a predetermined tonicity; passing the sample mixture through a flow cell; emitting light towards the flow cell; measuring an amount of light absorbed by the RBCs; measuring an amount of light scattered by WBCs, and PLTs; determining a concentration of each of the RBCs, WBCs, and PLTs present in the sample mixture from the measured amount of light absorbed by the RBCs and scattered by the WBCs and PLTs.

Abstract: The invention provides a poor physical condition determination device, method, and program enabling simple determination of a physical condition level. A poor physical condition determination device 10 acquires a ketone concentration measurement measuring ketone excreted from a user, determines a physical condition level related to the physical condition of the user based on the acquired ketone concentration measurement, and outputs a determination result.

Abstract: Genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) polypeptides and the nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides are provided. In addition, methods of using such nucleic acids and polypeptides in methods of screening for agonists or antagonists of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) or ion channels and methods of monitoring neural activity also are provided.

Abstract: A urine sample analyzer is disclosed. A measurement specimen containing a urine sample flows through flow cell, and light is applied to the measurement specimen flowing through flow cell. Then, a signal corresponding to light received from particles contained in the urine sample is acquired. Thereafter, presence of sperms in the urine sample is analyzed based on parameters reflecting the waveform of the acquired signal.