Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for fixing tissue for cytologic, histomorphologic, and/or molecular analysis (e.g., DNA, RNA, and/or protein analysis). In some embodiments, the fixatives are aldehyde-free fixatives, for example, formaldehyde- or formalin-free fixatives. Particular disclosed compositions include buffered ethanol. The buffer is a phosphate buffer or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in some examples. In further embodiments, the fixative includes additional components, such as glycerol and/or acetic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides stabilized hematoxylin formulations having a pH of less than 2.4. The present disclosure also provides methods of using such stabilized hematoxylin formulations to stain biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides recovering an extracellular vesicle(s) having high purity from an extracellular vesicle-containing sample. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of recovering an extracellular vesicle(s), comprising: (1) treating an extracellular vesicle-containing sample with a chelating agent; and (2) separating the extracellular vesicle(s) from the extracellular vesicle-containing sample treated with the chelating agent.

Abstract: The present exemplary embodiments provide a sample separation device which applies an electric field to a selective ion permeable layer based on origami to concentrate a target material in a specific area and concentrates a target material and separates a non-target material through a filter layer in which a paper is compressed to adjust a size of micro pore.

Abstract: A method for concentrating at least one analyte including the following steps: preparing a first phase including at least one analyte; depositing a drop of the first phase on a substrate; depositing on the drop of first phase a drop of a second liquid phase including at least one surfactant, the second phase being non-miscible with the first phase; evaporating the drop of the second phase; and evaporating the drop of the first phase. Also relates to a method for detecting at least one analyte using the concentration method; and a system using the detection method.

Abstract: A rigidity measurement apparatus is a rigidity measurement apparatus that measures rigidity of an object to be measured and includes a load estimator, a displacement calculator, and a rigidity calculator. The load estimator estimates a load applied to a measurement point set on the object to be measured by using a captured image of the object to be measured. The displacement calculator calculates a displacement of the measurement point by using the captured image. The rigidity calculator calculates the rigidity of the object to be measured by using the load and the displacement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for determining at least one fluid property that includes obtaining electrical admittance data from a downhole tool, the admittance data being associated with a fluid in a wellbore. The method also includes obtaining reference electrical admittance data for air. The method further includes comparing the admittance data to the reference admittance data. The method also includes determining an offset between a first peak of the admittance data and a second peak of the reference admittance data. The method includes determining the at least one fluid property based at least in part on the determined resonance frequency offset.

Abstract: The viscosity of a fluid may be determined using a flow rate determination. The flow rate may be determined based on fluid presence determinations within a capillary channel. Also, a temperature of an environment surrounding a capillary channel may be determined and signals may be transmitted to a thermal element responsive to the determined temperature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of monitoring fluid flow includes mounting at least one probe including at least two electrodes to a conduit having a mixture including at least oil and water flowing therethrough and exciting the at least two electrodes with an AC voltage and a predetermined frequency. The method also includes measuring an impedance between the at least two electrodes and detecting a water layer based on the measured impedance. The mixture may also include gas. In another embodiment, a method of detecting phase wetting in a pipe includes measuring a high frequency impedance response of a two concentric electrode probe flush mounted in the pipe.

Abstract: A particle-measuring system for determining particle mass concentrations in aerosols has a laser diode serving as a radiation source and projecting a beam of laser light through a flowing stream of the aerosol. A receiver for receiving the light from the diode after passing through the stream and converting the received light into a measurement. A frequency radiation output of the laser diode is modulated such that the frequency is substantially greater than a cutoff frequency of the receiver so that a specifiable radiation output of the laser diode is achieved on average over a duration of a measurement signal of the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods capable of identifying, tracking, and sorting particles or droplets flowing in a channel, for example, a microfluidic channel having a fluid medium. The channel and the fluid medium can have a similar refractive index such that they appear translucent or transparent when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation. The particles or droplets can have a refractive index substantially different from that of the channel and the medium, such that the particles or droplets interfere with the electromagnetic radiation. A sensor can be disposed adjacent to the channel to record the electromagnetic radiation. The sensor can be attached to a system for identifying, tracking, and sorting the droplets.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure are directed to ultrasound-based concentration measurement techniques in which both scatterer count and image volume are measured concurrently to provide absolute concentration measurements. In particular, through the techniques of the present disclosure, the effective thickness of an ultrasound beam can be determined based on the spreading of individual scatterers within ultrasound images. Based on the effective thickness of the ultrasound beam, the volume of the image and, thus, the concentration of particles in the image can be determined directly, without the need for estimation, approximation, or use of a reference sample.

Abstract: In an example, a flow cell includes a substrate, a selectively removable porous molecular network on the substrate and defining exposed substrate regions, and sequencing surface chemistry on at least some of the exposed regions. The sequencing surface chemistry is selected from the group consisting of i) an activated pad, a polymer layer attached to the activated pad, and a primer attached to the polymer layer; or ii) a nanostructure and an enzyme attached to the nanostructure.

Abstract: A cell capture system including an array, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. The array includes a plurality of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber and a pore channel, an inlet channel fluidly connected to the chambers of the pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to the pore channels of the pores. The inlet manifold is fluidly connected to the inlet channel, and the outlet channel is fluidly connected to the outlet channel. A cell removal tool is also disclosed, wherein the cell removal tool is configured to remove a captured cell from a pore chamber.

Abstract: A method of detecting a locally generated corrosion of a first metal element when exposing the first metal element (2) to a corrosive environment. A first surface of the first metal element (2) is exposed to the corrosive environment. A sponge (3) is sandwiched between the first metal element (2) and a second metal element (4). The sponge (3) constituting in dry state an electrical insulator and constituting an electrical conductor when wetted in the corrosive environment. An electrical insulator together with the first metal element (2) encapsulates the second metal element (4) and the sponge (3) for preventing the second metal element (4) and the sponge (3) from being directly exposed to the corrosive environment. An impedance between the second metal element (4) and a ground electrode is measured, and a decrease in the impedance from an infinite impedance to a finite impedance caused by a pinhole being generated in the first metal element (2) is monitored.

Abstract: A device for torque measurement of friction and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The device includes a cylindrical core and a cap with a central cavity for receiving the cylindrical core. The cap includes at least one protrusion or indent on an inner surface, and the cylindrical core includes at least one protrusion or indent on an exterior surface. The device includes at least one first protrusion on either of the cylindrical core or cap that provides a pulsed interference contact with at least one of a second protrusion or indent on the other of the cylindrical core or cap as the at least one first protrusion moves into and out of contact with the at least one second protrusion or indent when the cap is rotated about the cylindrical core. The device may be connected to a test apparatus configured to measure rotational torque between the cap and cylindrical core as they rotate with respect to one another.

Abstract: An optical spectrometer module for analysing samples. The optical spectrometer module comprises two or more sample holders. Each sample holder is adapted to receive and reproducibly position a sample in fixed locations within the optical spectrometer module. Each sample holder is also adapted to receive a light beam to thereby enable a sample contained in the sample holder to be exposed to the received light beam. Each sample holder is further adapted to enable light transmitted through the sample holder to exit the sample holder. The optical spectrometer module also comprises two or more electro-thermal components. Each electro-thermal component is thermally coupled to a respective sample holder to control the temperature of the sample holder.

Abstract: An image-processing device, for gas detection that performs image processing on infrared images of a subject being taken at plurality of times a day, includes a hardware processor that generates physical-quantity-change data indicating chronological change in physical quantity determined based on pixel data of pixels constituting the infrared image. The hardware processor selects, from the pixels constituting the infrared image, a reference pixel used as a reference and a comparison pixel to be compared with the reference pixel, and calculates a degree of phase similarity indicating a degree of similarity in phase between a waveform of the physical-quantity-change data of the reference pixel and a waveform of the physical-quantity-change data of the comparison pixel. The hardware processor determines, based on the degree of phase similarity, that an image including the reference pixel and the comparison pixel is not a gas image.

Abstract: Systems and methods used to deliver a processing gas having a desired diborane concentration to a processing volume of a processing chamber are provided herein. In one embodiment a system includes a borane concentration sensor. The borane concentration sensor includes a body and a plurality of windows. Here, individual ones of the plurality of windows are disposed at opposite ends of the body and the body and the plurality of windows collectively define a cell volume. The borane concentration sensor further includes a radiation source disposed outside of the cell volume proximate to a first window of the plurality of windows, and a radiation detector disposed outside the cell volume proximate to a second window of the plurality of windows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a total reflection prism that can be used in multiple reflection method and that can make the contact area with the sample small. A total reflection prism is made of a plate-shaped optical member, has a leading-in part and a leading-out part of a measurement light provided at positions deviated from the center of either of the front and back surfaces, and has a plurality of plane parts that are formed perpendicularly to the front and back surfaces respectively on an outer periphery of the prism excluding the front and back surfaces of the prism. The leading-in part is provided to irradiate the measurement light that is guided inside at an angle of incidence of total reflection toward either of the front and back surfaces. The front and back surfaces are provided so that the measurement light travels while totally reflected alternately.

Abstract: Differential, plasmonic, non-dispersive infrared gas sensors are provided. In one aspect, a gas sensor includes: a plasmonic resonance detector including a differential plasmon resonator array that is resonant at different wavelengths of light; and a light source incident on the plasmonic resonance detector. The differential plasmon resonator array can include: at least one first set of plasmonic resonators interwoven with at least one second set of plasmonic resonators, wherein the at least one first set of plasmonic resonators is configured to be resonant with light at a first wavelength, and wherein the at least one second set of plasmonic resonators is configured to be resonant with light at a second wavelength. A method for analyzing a target gas and a method for forming a plasmonic resonance detector are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting material within a sample includes a light emitting unit for directing at least one light beam through the sample. The at least one light beam has a unique signature combination associated therewith responsive to passing through the sample. A Raman spectroscopic unit receives the at least one light beam that has passed through the sample and performs a Raman spectroscopic analysis to detect a first signature associated with the sample. An infrared spectroscopic unit receives the at least one light beam that has passed through the sample and performs an infrared spectroscopic analysis to detect a second signature associated with the sample. A database includes a plurality of unique combinations of the first signature and the second signature. Each of the plurality of unique combinations of the first signature and the second signature are associated with a particular material.

Abstract: In a measurement requiring a high space resolution using S-BOTDR, a pulse train composed of a plurality of pulses having the interval between the pulses longer than the phonon lifetime is interpulse-code-modulated. A Golay code is used for the interpulse code modulation to eliminate the sidelobes of the correlation in using a technique of correlation. In a technique without using correlation, an Hadamard matrix is used for the interpulse code modulation and the resultant matrix is inverted in the signal processing.

Abstract: A sensor membrane for an optical sensor, wherein the outer layer in contact with the medium and/or a layer adjacent thereto has a graft copolymer to form an omniphobic surface in contact with the medium, as well as a sensor cap and/or an optical sensor and a method for manufacturing the sensor membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure features portable wide field fluorimeter systems, e.g., in the form of low-cost mobile platforms, and methods to perform fluorometric assays to detect a change in fluorescence intensity in liquid samples, e.g., caused by the presence of a target analyte, e.g., a protein, e.g., an enzyme (e.g., ?-lactamase) expressed by a target pathogen in a liquid sample in a point-of-care setting. In some implementations, a portable system for detecting a change in fluorescence intensity in a liquid sample includes a microfluidic device, an optical assembly including an emission filter and one or more lenses, and an analyzer device that collects and processes a fluorescent signal for the detection of a target analyte produced by the target pathogen present in the liquid sample.

Abstract: A fluorescence lifetime sensor module comprises an opaque housing having a first chamber and a second chamber which are separated by a light barrier. An optical emitter is arranged in the first chamber and configured to emit through a first aperture. Emission of pulses of light of a specified wavelength is arranged to optically excite a fluorescent probe to be positioned in front of the sensor module. A detector is arranged in the second chamber and configured to detect through a second aperture received photons from the fluorescent probe. A measurement block is configured to determine respective difference values representative of an arrival time of one of the received photons with respect to the emission pulses. A histogram block is configured to accumulate the difference values in a histogram.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system including a non-confocal microscope with an attached imaging fiber optic for direct and real time in-situ visualization of mammalian microscopic structures for diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Disclosed are calibration apparatuses for fluorescent microscopy instruments and methods of making and using them. Specifically, disclosed are calibration apparatuses with a fluorescent layer, such as photoresist, deposited on a substrate, with an optional layer of a reflective material, such as chrome. Illumination of the fluorescent and/or reflective layers, and detection and analysis of the resulting emissions allows evaluation of the instrument with respect to both reflective and fluorescent channels. Selection of appropriate fluorescent materials for the one or more fluorescent layers allows the evaluation of an instrument with respect to different fluorophores, as would be used with an instrument capable of two color detection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring short wave infrared fluorescence and autofluorescent signals are disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method to detect analytes, the method including contacting a sample on a substrate, where the substrate is a nanoplasmonic paper, performing surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection with paper chromatography separation on the substrate, and identifying at least one analyte in the sample. In a further embodiment, an apparatus to detect analytes, the apparatus including a vacuum pump coupled to a filtration unit operable to collect solid particles off an object and the filtration unit including a filter substrate, where the filter substrate includes nanoplasmonic paper.

Abstract: Ring attributes may be predicted using a predictive model. A diamond selection system determines predicted ring attributes by obtaining and analyzing data related to a recipient, such as social media activity. The diamond selection system may determine search parameters based on predicted ring attributes and present a curated selection or list of candidate stones and/or settings that match the determined search parameters, for example, in a user interface of a mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a composite material structure for defects includes a) an inspection apparatus having a heating device for heating a surface of the structure, an infrared camera for receiving radiation from the surface in response to heating, a controller configured to generate thermal images from the infrared radiation, b) a training system includes an arrangement for obtaining thermal images from a known composite material sample including a plurality of heating elements positioned to apply heat to an entire surface of the sample, an infrared camera for capturing thermal images of the sample, and a processing system for recording the thermal images in a training database, and c) a computer system coupled to the training system and the inspection apparatus adapted to receive thermal images from the inspection apparatus and detect parameters of defects in the structure using the training database.

Abstract: A straw inspection apparatus for inspecting whether or not a straw sheet is defective comprises: a main body for guiding the transfer of a straw sheet; a driving unit for transferring the straw sheet; a first inspection module for inspecting whether or not foreign materials are present in the straw sheet moving in the main body; a second inspection module for inspecting the exterior of the straw sheet; a controller for determining whether or not the straw sheet is defective based on the inspection results of the first inspection module and the second inspection module; and a cutting unit for separating the straw sheet which is determined to be defective.

Abstract: An artificial faecal composition including: i) simulated digested-food matter, and ii) an n-acetylated polysaccharide.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus with is configured to suppress the incidence of anomalies in inspection results caused by the X-ray inspection apparatus being used while an unsuitable setting is in effect. The X-ray inspection apparatus is provided with an inspection unit, a setting unit a storage unit, an assessment unit, and a notification unit. The inspection unit inspects an article using detection data obtained by detecting X-rays with which the article has been irradiated. The setting unit sets a setting value used in inspection of the article by the inspection unit. The storage unit stores a detection value based on the detection data. The assessment unit assesses on the basis of the detection value stored in the storage unit, whether or not the setting value set by the setting unit is suitable. When the assessment unit has assessed that the setting value is not suitable, the notification unit issues a notification to indicate that the setting value is not suitable.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus capable of covering outer peripheral portions of a fixed supporting column and a moving supporting column by a cover even when an SID is set to be large in a configuration in which an imaging system is rotated about an axis extending in a horizontal direction. The supporting column mechanism 17 is provided with a fixed supporting column 34, a moving supporting column 35 movable relative to the fixed supporting column 34, and a moving mechanism for moving the moving supporting column 35. A fixed cover 33 is arranged at the outer peripheral portion of the fixed supporting column 34. Further, at the outer peripheral portion of the moving supporting column 35, a moving cover 31 which moves together with the moving supporting column 35 is arranged. An intermediate cover 32 movable in the same direction as the moving cover 31 is arranged between the fixed cover 33 and the moving cover 31.

Abstract: An X-ray transmission inspection apparatus includes an X-ray source for irradiating a sample with X-rays, a two-dimensional sensor for detecting transmission X-rays passing through the sample, a sample moving mechanism for moving the sample, a calculation unit for processing an image of the transmission X-rays detected by the two-dimensional sensor, and a display unit for displaying a cross-sectional image. When V1 is a speed at which the sample moves, F is a frame rate of the two-dimensional sensor, A is a sample pitch of the two-dimensional sensor, and LS is a distance between the X-ray source and the two-dimensional sensor, the calculation unit creates a cross-sectional image taken at a distance L from the X-ray source by adding the images of the pixels positioned at an interval of [(LS×V2)/(L×F×A)] in a direction in which the sample moves.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for characterizing high aspect ratio (HAR) structures of fabricated or partially fabricated semiconductor devices. The methods involve using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to determine average parameters of an array of HAR structures. In some implementations, SAXS is used to analyze symmetry of HAR structures in a sample and may be referred to as tilted structural symmetry analysis-SAXS (TSSA-SAXS) or TSSA. Analysis of parameters such as tilt, sidewall angle, bowing, and the presence of multiple tilts in HAR structures may be performed.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost system for the detection of counterfeit or sub-potency pharmaceuticals is implemented by use of a low power X-ray source, an incident collimator containing a series of concentric, non-parallel slits, receiving collimators containing a series of concentric, non-parallel slits, additional collimators to limit tangential divergence and a single, near room temperature energy dispersive detector that sums the plurality of diffracted x-ray beams. In this system, the tradeoff between spectral resolving power and the diffracted intensity is eliminated. Also provided are methods to determine the optimal diffraction angle for a given test material, determine the instrument geometry and design parameters, and assess the system performance and sensitivity to alignment errors.

Abstract: An x-ray source and an x-ray interferometry system utilizing the x-ray source are provided. The x-ray source includes a target that includes a substrate and a plurality of structures. The substrate includes a thermally conductive first material and a first surface. The plurality of structures is on or embedded in at least a portion of the first surface. The structures are separate from one another and are in thermal communication with the substrate. The structures include at least one second material different from the first material, the at least one second material configured to generate x-rays upon irradiation by electrons having energies in an energy range of 0.5 keV to 160 keV. The x-ray source further includes an electron source configured to generate the electrons and to direct the electrons to impinge the target and to irradiate at least some of the structures along a direction that is at a non-zero angle relative to a surface normal of the portion of the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nondestructive inspection apparatus and method for micro defect inspection, and more particularly, to a nondestructive inspection apparatus and method, which is capable of magnifying and observing a nondestructive inspection result while maintaining a resolution of the same when micro defect inspection is performed through a nondestructive inspection using beams. The nondestructive inspection apparatus for micro defect inspection includes a light source unit configured to project a beam to an object, a light detection unit having at least one surface contacting the object to generate light by detecting the beam that is transmitted through the object and arrived, an optical unit configured to form an image by using the light generated from the light detection unit, and a defect detector configured to determine whether a defect is generated by using the image.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for using them to monitor therapeutic cooling of blood perfused tissues or organs such as the brain. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a device for evaluating tissue cooling comprising a container that contains a polymer-fluid matrix having a thermal cooling property that is substantially similar to a tissue or organ such as a human brain. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system for evaluating tissue cooling comprising: (a) a device for evaluating tissue cooling as described above and (b) a warm loop. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a method for evaluating a technique for cooling a tissue or organ comprising (a) providing a device comprising a container that contains a polymer-fluid matrix having a thermal cooling property that is substantially similar to a tissue or organ such as human brain, and (b) perfusing the polymer-fluid matrix with a fluid.

Abstract: A photonic quantum dew point sensor determines a dew point of an analyte and includes a common substrate; a photonic dew sensor on the common substrate and exposed for direct contact with the analyte; a photonic temperature sensor on the common substrate; an optomechanical temperature sensor on the common substrate; a dew sensor substrate interposed between the photonic dew sensor and the common substrate; a heater on the dew sensor substrate proximate to the photonic dew sensor; a temperature sensor substrate interposed between the common substrate and each of the photonic temperature sensor and the optomechanical temperature sensor; and a sensor cover on the photonic temperature sensor, the optomechanical temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor substrate to cover the photonic temperature sensor and the optomechanical temperature sensor to prevent direct contact between the analyte and each of the photonic temperature sensor and the optomechanical temperature sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser stimulated lock-in thermography (LLT) crack detection are provided. The system includes a spatial light modulator and a controller. The spatial light modulator reflects a laser beam to focus the laser beam onto a sample for detection of a crack, hole or scratch. The controller is coupled to the spatial light modulator and controls operation of the spatial light modulator to switch focus of the laser beam onto the sample between a plurality of LLT focus configurations for detection of the crack, hole or scratch on the sample. The method includes using a first one of the plurality of LLT configurations for coarse scanning of the sample to detect a crack, hole or scratch on the sample and, when a crack, hole or scratch is detected on the sample, switching to a second one of the plurality of LLT configurations for fine scanning of the crack, hole or scratch on the sample to determine one or more parameters of the crack, hole or scratch on the sample.

Abstract: A system includes a slurry pipe and a pipe liner disposed within an inner diameter of the slurry pipe. At least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor is disposed within the pipe liner. A computer controller is operatively coupled to the at least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor via a flexible ribbon cable. A radio-wave transmitter is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A radio-wave receiver is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A power source is operatively coupled to the radio-wave transmitter and to the radio-wave receiver.

Abstract: A functional device has a functional sensor, which includes a sensor part and interdigitated electrode arrays. The sensor part includes a sensing material, and the interdigitated electrode arrays are printed electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid sample measuring system includes a measuring device including a measuring section which measures biological information from liquid sample of a living subject within a housing in which a biosensor, on which the liquid sample of the biological body is deposited, is detachably mounted and a movement measuring section which measures movement information of the housing within the housing, and an administrating device including a movement determining section which determines whether or not a degree of the movement of the housing is within an allowable range by analyzing the movement information received from the measuring device.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided for use in a wearable device for measuring analytes in a pH-variable biofluid. The sensor includes a plurality of aptamer sensing elements which have biorecognition elements, such as aptamers, that experience a conformational change on interaction with a target analyte in the biofluid. Each aptamer sensing element forms a first configuration before target analyte capture and a second configuration after target analyte capture. A redox moiety is paired with each aptamer sensing element. The redox moiety has a reaction potential that is at least partially independent of a pH value of the biofluid. The EAB sensor further includes an electrode operative in conjunction with the plurality of aptamer sensing elements to produce a variable signal depending upon the configuration of the aptamer sensing elements.

Abstract: A first leading-end protective layer surrounding a first range at least including a leading end surface of an element base is included on a side of one end portion. A single heat insulating space is interposed between the first layer and the element base in the first range. The element base further includes a second leading-end protective layer having a larger porosity than the first layer, and located on a whole side surface at least in the first range. An end portion of the first layer opposite the one end portion is a fixed portion to the second layer. A portion where the fixed portion is in contact with the second layer is 10% to 50%, in area, of the first range. The fixed portion and the second layer make an end portion angle of 5° to 15° in an end portion of the heat insulating space.