Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the examination of gemstones including diamonds, both cut/polished and rough, using the technology of Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy. The resonant frequencies are obtained by mechanically causing the stone to vibrate using a swept sine oscillator, sensing the resonance vibrations, and displaying the spectrum to yield a pattern describing the stone. The resonance fingerprints can be used to both track an individual stone to verify its integrity or to grade a rough stone to establish potential value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting corrosion in pipes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) having a ferromagnetic core and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged peripherally around the ferromagnetic core. The permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field through the ferromagnetic core. The apparatus also includes a coil between the ferromagnetic core and the object.

Abstract: In a method of inspecting a structure, a first ultrasonic signal generated from a target structure by a first laser beam is received. The first ultrasonic signal is generated by providing the first laser beam generated from a first excitation unit to the target structure. A second ultrasonic signal generated from the target structure by a second laser beam different from the first laser beam is received. The second ultrasonic signal is generated by providing the second laser beam generated from a second excitation unit to the target structure. A third ultrasonic signal generated from the target structure by the first and second laser beams is received. The third ultrasonic signal is generated by simultaneously providing the first and second laser beams to the target structure. It is determined whether the target structure is damaged based on first, second and third ultrasonic frequency spectra that are obtained by converting the first, second and third ultrasonic signals, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for realigning and re-adhering a hanging tool-equipped crawler vehicle with respect to a non-level surface of a target object. When the cable-suspended crawler vehicle with suction devices is adhered to a non-level surface of a target object, it is possible for the crawler vehicle to detach from the surface and be left hanging from the end of the cable in a state. While hanging from the end of the cable in a misaligned state and not in contact with the target object, the crawler vehicle is unable to carry out a planned maintenance operation. Before the maintenance operation is resumed, the crawler vehicle is realigned with the surface of the target object using a turret, a rotating arm or a cam-shaped roll bar provided as equipment on the crawler vehicle and then re-adhered to the surface by activation of the suction devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing washing of columns in a simulated moving bed chromatography system while separation is being performed in the system.

Abstract: A method for identification of chemicals in a sample using a gas chromatograph and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor coupled with the gas chromatograph to define a gas chromatography (GC)/SAW system. The method includes receiving a temperature profile defining a varying target temperature as a function of time, separating one or more eluted components from a sample with the gas chromatograph, adjusting a temperature of the SAW sensor in accordance with the temperature profile as the one or more eluted components are separated from the sample by the gas chromatograph, generating SAW frequency response data with the SAW sensor, the SAW frequency response data including one or more peaks corresponding respectively to the one or more eluted components separated from the sample, and identifying a set of one or more candidate chemicals for an eluted component of interest based on a corresponding peak of the SAW frequency response data.

Abstract: A method for measuring pollution that includes providing a plurality of analyte sensors arranged in a grid over a sensing area, wherein the analyte sensors measure a pollutant, and positioning at least one current sensor in the sensing area. A pollution source is localized using a pollution source locator including a dispersion model and at least one hardware processor to interpolate a location of a pollution source from variations in current measured from the current sensors and measurements of pollutants from the analyte sensors.

Abstract: The use of volatilization reagents is disclosed for improved detection of inorganic oxidizers such as, but not limited to, chlorates and perchlorates. Detection methods are disclosed whereby a reagent can transfer a proton to the anion (i.e., chlorate, perchlorate, etc.) of an inorganic salt analyte, forming an acid (i.e., chloric acid, perchloric acid) that is easier to detect by a mechanism whereby the acidified reagent is more easily vaporized, and hence, more easily detected. Concurrently, the anion of the acid forms a new salt with the cation released from the salt that was acidified. The reagents can also include acidic salts or cation-donators, more generally. In some embodiments, hydrated reagents or co-reagents that can release water can be employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an estimation device for estimating soil moisture content and water availability, comprising a casing (1) and soil moisture content and water availability estimation means (2, 3), and characterized in that said soil moisture content and water availability estimation means comprise at least a first sensor (2) detecting a first parameter of the water and at least a second sensor (3) detecting a second parameter of the water. It allows the use of very economical materials and the result is a low-cost product. The fact that the production thereof may significantly lower product cost makes it affordable for farmers and allows the use of any number of devices suited to the cropped area.

Abstract: A mobile calorimeter includes a container comprising one or more walls defining a cavity. The container is adapted to hold a concrete mixture within the cavity. The mobile calorimeter also includes one or more heat flow sensors adapted to detect a heat flow generated by the concrete mixture. The heat flow sensors may include a thermoelectric device, a Peltier plate, or a macro fiber composite (MFC) sensor. The one or more heat flow sensors may be attached to the one or more walls, or may be embedded within the one or more walls. Data relating to a heat flow is obtained by the heat flow sensors, and is used to generate a prediction of a characteristic or performance of the concrete mixture.

Abstract: An analysis system and a method for testing a biological sample is provided, wherein the sensitivity of the evaluation electronics of a fluid sensor is specified and/or changed depending on a phase of the test sequence and/or a cartridge identifier of the cartridge, and/or in that the fluid sensor comprises a sensor electrode that is intended for measuring electrical capacitance and is operated in a manner in which it is electrically connected to the evaluation electronics by a single pole and/or by means of a shielded sensor line.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the substantially non-invasive diagnosis of liver disease, especially to enable intervention in the progression of such disease at an early stage. This invention further relates to the use of plasma biomarkers to differentiate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and normal controls. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of free eicosanoids and other polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolite levels in plasma to differentiate NASH from NAFL and non-NAFLD normal controls.

Abstract: Devices that includes a first portion, the first portion including at least one fluid channel; a fluid actuator; an analysis sensor disposed within the fluid channel; a conductivity sensor disposed within the fluid channel; and an introducer; a second portion, the second portion comprising: at least one well, the well containing at least one material, wherein one of the first or second portion is moveable with respect to the other, wherein the introducer is configured to obtain at least a portion of the material from the at least one well and deliver it to the fluid channel, and wherein the fluid actuator is configured to move at least a portion of the material in the fluid channel.

Abstract: An analysis method using a microchip which is provided with a capillary flow path, and a sample reservoir connected to the capillary flow path, in which the capillary flow path is filled with a first liquid for electrophoresis, and a second liquid containing a sample is stored in the sample reservoir, and including a pressurization process in which the first liquid is pressurized into the capillary flow path from a side of the capillary flow path that is opposite from the side connected to the sample reservoir, and a separation process in which a voltage is applied between the sample reservoir storing the second liquid and the capillary flow path filled with the first liquid, such that components in the sample contained in the second liquid move in the capillary flow path and the components are separated in the capillary flow path.

Abstract: A cassette is disclosed that permits, with an instrument, quantitative analysis to be performed at the moment of sample testing without additional steps to the end user. The cassette includes a calibration strip and a sample strip. The calibration strip contains known quantities of analyte, from which a calibration curve can be created and applied to the analysis of the sample strip. The disclosed cassette can utilize light transmission or light reflectance techniques. The cassette may include a separate wash port for rapid washing of a high background sample. The disclosed cassette may perform diagnostic tests for humans, animals, environmental sample, and/or food samples. In some cases, the disclosed devices and techniques may be used to monitor efficacy of drug therapy and patient compliance with respect to physician-prescribed medication in a point of care setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining response of cancer patient for vitamin C treatment, and a method for treating a cancer. Specifically, the present invention can predict response for vitamin C treatment by measuring the SVCT-2 expression of cancer cell of cancer patient, and can determine the optimal vitamin-C treatment concentration for each patient, thereby reducing side effects of the patient and alleviating economic and physical pain.

Abstract: A detection analyzer including a first sample input/output element, a second sample input/output element, a sample compartment, a vibration platform, a vibration generator, a data acquisition system, a laser converter, and a data display. The first sample input/output element and the second sample input/output element are each connected to the sample compartment; the vibration platform is located inside the sample compartment; the vibration generator is located outside the sample compartment, and the vibration platform is connected to the vibration generator; the data acquisition system is located outside the sample compartment, and is connected to the vibration platform; and the data display is connected to the data acquisition system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the isotropy of the skin surface of a subject, and hence the degree of maturation of the said skin surface, by examining various parameters reflecting the cell organization. Methods for identifying active agents, raw materials and formulation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing and treating liver fibrosis or cirrhosis and, more specifically, to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, comprising an expression or activity enhancer of transcriptional intermediary factor 1 gamma (TIF1?) as an active ingredient, and a method for screening the same. The pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, comprising an expression or activity enhancer of TIF1? as an active ingredient, according to the present invention, inhibits the activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and decreases the expression of ?-SMA proteins or the secretion of collagen Type I, thereby ultimately being expected to be developed as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. In addition, the composition of the present invention is expected to be useful in a method for screening an agent for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Abstract: The following discloses a novel model for parasitic worm infection, which is useful for screening for and evaluating the efficacy of antiparasitic agents. In particular, the disclosure provides an immunocompromised mouse model that, for the first time, supports advanced development of Dirofilaria immitis (Di) parasites outside of their definitive hosts. As described herein, early-stage larval forms of Di, the causative agent of Canine Heartworm disease, not only persist in this model, but they develop into mature worms.

Abstract: An incubation system for use in an in vitro diagnostic analyzer utilizes a fixed base and a rotatable ring that holds reaction cuvettes. Thermal regulation is provided by directly mounting a heating element to the rotatable ring and controlling the temperature using a temperature controller and thermal sensor for detecting the temperature of the ring, either of which may be mounted to the ring.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode device for analyzing a biomaterial, which includes: an electrode portion having a plurality of electrodes arranged spaced apart from a plate-shaped substrate and a biomaterial input portion formed on the substrate to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of electrodes; a housing having an electrode accommodation portion having one side open and accommodating the electrode portion; a printed circuit board fixed to the housing; a connector portion formed on one end portion of the printed circuit board and electrically and detachably coupled to an analysis apparatus; connection pillars electrically connected to the connector portion and having one end portion fixed to the printed circuit board and the other end portion formed to be in pressure contact with the electrode portion, wherein the connection pillars includes an electrically conductive material and is arranged to correspond to the plurality of electrodes; and an input hole penetrating through an upper surfac

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane carrier 3 comprising a flow path 2, wherein a microstructure is formed at a bottom of the flow path 2, and a particle to which an antibody or an antigen binds is arranged in at least a part on the flow path, the particle having a diameter of 500 nm or more and 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present teachings provide a sensor for detecting troponin, e.g., cardiac troponin in a patient's blood, that relies on an electronic signature generated via interaction of troponin with an anti-troponin antibody. More specifically, as discussed in more detail below, such a sensor can include a graphene layer disposed on an underlying substrate, where the graphene layer has been functionalized with an anti-troponin antibody. The interaction of troponin in a sample, e.g., a patient's blood, with the anti-troponin antibody coupled, e.g., anchored, to the graphene substrate, can modulate an electronic property of the underlying graphene layer. The modulation of the electronic property of the graphene layer can be measured and used to identify, and in some embodiments quantify, troponin in the sample.

Abstract: In a method of detecting a test substance, a test substance is detected using a sample analysis cartridge supplied with a sample. The sample analysis cartridge includes: a passage part having a gas-phase space; and liquid containers communicating with the passage part through openings. The liquid containers include: a first liquid container containing a first liquid containing magnetic particles; and a second liquid container containing a second liquid containing a labeled substance. The magnetic particles are sequentially transported to the liquid containers through the gas-phase space in the passage part. Thus, the magnetic particles carry a complex of the test substance and the labeled substance. The test substance is detected based on the labeled substance in the complex.

Abstract: An antigen chip is described, the latter comprising a plane substrate surface; and antigen spots, which are applied in a predetermined pattern on the substrate surface and which contain a first fluorescence dye. Further, an apparatus and a method for detecting antibodies in a sample are provided. Even further, the application relates to kit for use in a method for detecting antibodies in a sample.

Abstract: A resonator sensor module is disclosed. The resonator sensor module includes one or more sensing resonators that includes binding sites for an analyte material; one or more reference resonators that lacks any binding sites for the analyte material; a module interface; and one or more switches each including a first position that operatively couples at least one of the one or more sensing resonators and the module interface and a second position that operatively couples at least one of the one or more reference resonators and the module interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a target analyte using a gold nanoparticle, comprising growing a copper crystal specifically on a gold nanoparticle by treating the gold nanoparticle with a solution comprising a copper ion, a polymer having a primary or secondary amine group, and a reducing agent, a composition for amplifying a signal used in the detection method above, and a kit for detecting a target analyte comprising the composition for amplifying a signal above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting basophil cells activation. The inventors showed that fluorescent avidin binds to basophil cell surface upon degranulation and that this probe can be used to monitor basophil degranulation More specifically the present invention relates to methods for monitoring of basophil degranulation using avidin-based probes. The method of the invention described here allows to measure direct basophil degranulation following Fc?RI crosslinking with allergen. This method provides a direct measurement of degranulation by staining exteriorized granules and unambiguously detects activated basophils degranulated. The extent of the degranulation can be directly deduced from the intensity of fluorescence of fluorochrome-labelled avidin measured on basophils. When applied to allergic patient samples the avidin-based method detected efficiently specific basophil responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits to assess an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation and/or the severity of tissue injury from radiation in a patient. The invention also relates to algorithms used to calculate an absorbed dose of radiation based on biomarker measurements of a plurality of biomarkers that are altered relative to a normal control in the event of radiation exposure.

Abstract: Methods for the quantification of influenza HA proteins and anti-influenza antibodies for the fields of vaccine-related protein quantification, potency determination, and efficacy evaluation are provided. According to the technology, quantification is achieved by providing capture agents attached to an array in a series of decreasing concentrations. Serial dilutions of a reference material also may be introduced. The reference material within each solution binds to the capture agents on the array and is labeled with a label agent capable of producing a detectable signal used to construct a calibration curve. A target material of unknown concentration is introduced to a separate identical array, and the target material binds to the capture agents and also is labeled by a label agent to produce a detectable signal. The calibration curve based on the reference material is then utilized to determine the concentration of the target material without the need to perform replicate experiments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting an immune response against a tumor in a patient having the tumor are provided. The relative mass or changes of mass of tumor cells or immune cell in the tumor can be ex vivo observed, and an immune status of the tumor can be determined based on the mass of tumor cells or immune cell. The immune status can provide a guidance to predict the immune response against the tumor in the patient.

Abstract: A method for assessing the presence and/or severity of fibrotic NASH in a subject, including measuring cytokeratin 18 (CK-18), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA) in a sample of the subject. Also, a non-invasive accurate blood test for diagnosing fibrotic NASH including the determination of a score based on the combination of CK-18, AST and HOMA. Further, a method for treating fibrotic NASH and a method for monitoring treatment response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the branch of Biotechnology and Medicine, particularly to a method for the selection and treatment of patients with carcinomas of epithelial origin that co-express the HER1 and HER2 receptors without increased expression of these receptors or with the presence of RAS activating mutations. In particular, this method is based on the application of bivalent vaccine compositions which have as active principle the extracellular domains of the HER1 and HER2 receptors or portions thereof and as an adjuvant the very small proteoliposomes derived from the outer membrane proteins of Neisseria meningitidis and the GM3 ganglioside. This method is useful for the treatment of patients whose expression levels of HER1 and HER2 do not allow the monoclonal antibodies against HER1 and/or HER2 to have a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: This disclosure provides kits and methods for detecting markers in a sample from a subject with unknown status and generating a risk assessment of the presence or absence of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. In embodiments, a kit comprises at least four reagents, each specifically binding to one of at least four polypeptides in a sample from the subject. The polypeptides include GDF15, keratin 1-10, and two or more of hepsin, IL-8, CEA, L1CAM, MCP-1, and OPG. The kit further includes at least one standard comprising a known amount of at least one of the polypeptides. The kit can also include computer readable media comprising instructions to analyze the detected amounts of the at least four polypeptides using a machine learning algorithm to determine whether a subject has an increased risk of the presence of colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing or determining a pancreatic cancer-associated disease state comprising or consisting of the steps of: (a) providing a sample from an individual to be tested; and (b) determining a biomarker signature of the test sample by measuring the presence and/or amount in the test sample of one or more biomarker selected from the group defined in Table A; wherein the presence and/or amount in the test sample of the one or more biomarker selected from the group defined in Table A is indicative of the pancreatic cancer associated disease in the individual; uses and methods of determining a pancreatic cancer-associated disease state, and methods of treating pancreatic cancer, together with arrays and kits for use in the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fecal microbial markers for diagnosing colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma. The present disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma using these intestinal microbial markers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides encoded chromophoric polymer particles that are capable of, for example, optical and/or biomolecular encoding of analytes. The present disclosure also provides suspensions comprising a plurality of encoded chromophoric polymer particles. The present disclosure also provides methods of using the encoded chromophoric polymer particles and systems for performing multiplex analysis with encoded chromophoric polymer particles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for high-throughput Identification of receptor: ligand interactions are provided. Throughout this application various publications are referred to in parentheses. Full citations for these references may be found at the end of the specification. The disclosures of these publications, and all patents, patent application publications and books referred to herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the subject application to more fully describe the art to which the subject invention pertains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique that can simultaneously analyze a plurality of antibody drugs and can be validated. The present invention provides a method of bringing a porous body in which monoclonal antibodies to be measured are immobilized in pores into contact in a liquid with nanoparticles on which proteases are immobilized and performing selective proteolysis of monoclonal antibodies to detect peptide fragments each comprising unique amino acid sequence derived from the Fab region of the monoclonal antibodies via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), wherein peptide fragments of two or more types of monoclonal antibodies in the same biological sample are simultaneously quantified.

Abstract: Microarray compositions suitable for analysis by one or several spectrographic methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a microarray composition includes a three-dimensional solid support and a plurality of reactive microbeads positioned on the solid support in spatially distinct and addressable locations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of screening an anti-NRP1 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof by use of patient-derived tumor spheroids overexpressing NRP1 and an animal model comprising the same, and more particularly to a method of screening an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof through in vitro and in vivo panning by use of a patient-derived tumor spheroid containing NRP1 and an animal model transplanted with the same, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods for assessing prognosis of recovery of DILI in a patient, combining measurement of serum markers through a logistic function that doesn't include bilirubin and transaminases (AST and ALT) markers.

Abstract: Protein biomarkers may be used to rapidly and accurately diagnose stroke. Biomarkers may be utilized in a rapid and inexpensive test that could be used at the bedside or ambulatory setting to definitively indicate the presence or absence of stroke and its severity. Such a test would quickly stratify patients in need of immediate stroke treatment from those who are not having a stroke. The test may aid emergency personnel in the decision for the most appropriate treatment plan and treatment location, thereby minimizing morbidity and mortality of stroke patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining if a subject has a decreased risk of suffering from future memory impairment. The methods comprise analyzing at least one plasma sample from the subject to determine a value of the subject's metabolite profile and comparing the value of the subject's metabolite profile with the value of a normal metabolite profile. A change in the value of the subject's metabolite profile, over normal values is indicative that the subject has a decreased risk of suffering from future memory impairment compared to a normal individual.

Abstract: A method for calculating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is revealed. A circumference of a patent's neck is measured and then is substituted into an exponential formula together with clinical factors and patient's age for estimating GFR. The present method has a better performance compared with methods for evaluating renal function by GFR available now. The methods available now have poor performance in prediction of loss of renal function at early stage. Some patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage so that they miss the opportunity of early treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for analyzing a patient's potential for achieving ongoing pregnancy with respect to a specific fertility treatment. These methods involve conducting one or more tests on the patient to determine a body mass index (BMI) of the patient and obtaining one or more clinical characteristics from the patient. In one aspect, at least one of the clinical characteristics is age, clinical diagnosis, weight, basal antral follicle count, or current medications. The methods further involve comparing the obtained clinical characteristics to a reference set of data obtained from a female reference population for which results of fertility treatments are known, at least some of the reference population having used ovulation induction agents. Based on the results of the comparing step, the patient is then informed of her potential for achieving ongoing pregnancy with respect to the specific fertility treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a blood coagulation testing system can operate as an automated thromboelastometry system that is particularly useful, for example, at a point-of-care site. In some embodiments, the blood coagulation testing system includes a single-use cartridge component configured to measure and mix reagents with blood received from a blood sample reservoir. A mixing chamber in the single-use cartridge includes different reagent beads that, when exposed to a pre-determined volume of blood, dissolve and mix specific reagents with the blood. The assembled blood cartridge further includes configurations that are designed to prevent blood from prematurely mixing with reagent beads in the mixing chamber and to guide blood flow in the mixing chamber to dissolve reagent beads in a desired order. Thus, the mixture obtained from the mixing chamber can be readily utilized to generate results for the blood coagulation testing system.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining the level of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype-(M1 receptor) anticholinergic activity in a blood serum sample, the method comprising the steps of removing protein from the blood serum sample by treatment with perchloric acid (PCA) to produce a PCA-treated serum sample; incubating the PCA-treated serum sample with a membrane preparation from cultured cells expressing the M1 receptor and an M1 receptor ligand; detecting an amount of binding of the M1 receptor ligand to the M1 receptor and comparing the amount of binding to a standard to determine the level of M1 receptor anticholinergic activity in the blood serum sample. Also provided are kits for performing the method.

Abstract: A biochemical analyzer delivery system, comprising a sample feeding track (42), an advancing track (43), a recovery track (44), at least one to-be-tested sub-track (45), at least one emergency sub-track (46) and at least one return sub-track (47); the sample feeding track (42), the advancing track (43) and the recovery track (44) are parallel to each other; the to-be-tested sub-track (45), the emergency sub-track (46) and the return sub-track (47) are disposed between and perpendicular to the sample feeding track (42) and the advancing track (43), an emergency sample may enter the emergency sub-track via the advancing track (43), and then enters the sample feeding track for sample suction. The track-based delivery system can be horizontally disposed in a biochemical analyzer, and can be butt-jointed with a vertical track in the biochemical analyzer, thereby greatly increasing the buffer amount of sample holders without increasing the length of the biochemical analyzer.