Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein relate to an electrochemical gas sensor. The electrochemical gas sensor can include a sensor cap having one or more solid features disposed on a surface of the sensor cap. The electrochemical gas sensor can include a counter electrode configured to generate a gas during use of the electrochemical gas sensor. The electrochemical gas sensor can include a vent assembly adapted to release at least a portion of the gas generated at the counter electrode out from the electrochemical gas sensor. The vent assembly can include a vent conduit and a vent membrane that defines a passage for the gas to flow from an extended portion of the counter electrode, to the vent conduit, via the vent membrane, so as to be vented from the electrochemical gas sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensor element includes a solid electrolyte body having oxygen ion conductivity, a measurement electrode provided on one surface of the solid electrolyte body and exposed to a measurement gas, and a reference electrode provided on the other surface of the solid electrolyte body and exposed to a reference gas. Both the measurement electrode and the reference electrode include noble metal particles, solid electrolyte particles having oxygen ion conductivity, and pores. The measurement electrode comprises a surface measurement electrode layer comprising a surface serving as a contact surface with the measurement gas and an intermediate measurement electrode layer disposed in contact with a surface at solid electrolyte body side of the surface measurement electrode layer. The surface measurement electrode layer has a higher porosity than the intermediate measurement electrode layer has. The gas sensor comprises the gas sensor element.

Abstract: A sensor element includes: an element base including: a ceramic body made of an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte, and having an inlet at one end portion thereof; at least one internal chamber located inside the ceramic body, and communicating with the gas inlet; and an electrochemical pump cell including an outer electrode, an inner electrode facing the chamber, and a solid electrolyte therebetween, and a porous leading-end protective layer covering a leading end surface and four side surfaces in a predetermined range of the element base on the one end portion, wherein the protective layer has an extension extending into the gas inlet and fixed to an inner wall surface of the ceramic body demarcating the gas inlet, and a gap communicating with the gas inlet is located in the protective layer, with demarcated by a portion of the protective layer continuous with the extension.

Abstract: A gas sensing device comprises a housing, a cover, and a gas sensing module. The housing has an accommodating space. The cover is disposed on the housing. The cover has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a gas passage. The bottom surface faces the accommodating space. The gas passage is communicated with the accommodating space. The gas passage has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located on the top surface. The second opening is located on the bottom surface. The area of the first opening is larger than the area of the second opening. A gas sensing system comprises two aforementioned gas sensing devices, and one of the gas sensing devices is provided with a filter module.

Abstract: A gas sensor with instantaneous electrical response and thus detection of gas which meets it includes a substrate, a bottom gate electrode on a surface of the substrate, an insulating layer on the surface of the substrate carrying the bottom gate electrode and completely covering the bottom gate electrode. A semiconductor layer is on a surface of the insulating layer away from the substrate. Both the source electrode and the drain electrode, spaced apart, are located on a side of the semiconductor layer away from the substrate each being coupled to the semiconductor layer. The gas sensor further includes a passivation layer covering the semiconductor layer and a top gate electrode on the passivation layer, the top gate electrode being spaced from both the source and drain electrodes. The top gate electrode is made of electrically-conductive and gas-sensitive material. A method for making same is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of black phosphorus nanoflakes in humidity sensing and transistor applications. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to humidity sensing devices comprising black phosphorus nanoflakes, to methods for sensing humidity with such devices, to transistors comprising black phosphorus nanoflakes, and to methods for switching the gate of such transistors. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a device for sensing moisture, the device including a substrate; and a surface including at least one atomic layer of black phosphorus nanoflakes disposed on the substrate, wherein the sensing device is specific to sensing humidity, exhibiting a selective response against water vapor.

Abstract: A sensing method is described. The sensing method comprises providing a time-dependent electrical signal across a conductive connection between first and second terminals of a sensor, the conductive connection capacitively coupled to an environment via a mesoscopic probe element having an electroactive surface for exposure to the environment, the conductive connection having an associated relaxation time. The method further comprises receiving a time-dependent response signal from the sensor. The method further comprises analysing the time-dependent response signal with respect to the time-dependent electrical signal. The method further comprises determining, based on the analysis, a change in the relaxation time, the change in the relaxation time being correlated with an interaction between the electroactive surface and a measurand of the environment. A computer-readable medium, a sensing system and a sensor are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improved devices, systems and methods for detecting and measuring oxidizing compounds in test fluids. Certain embodiments include a measurement device configured to apply a constant current to the test fluid and measure a reference voltage indicating an electrochemical potential at which electrolysis occurs in the test fluid. The measurement device is further configured to measure a second voltage indicating an oxidizing potential of the test fluid, and to calculate an oxidizer concentration measurement indicating the concentration of the oxidizing compound in the test fluid based on a voltage difference between the reference voltage and the second voltage.

Abstract: A remote detector detects the presence of dielectric materials, including energetic materials. The remote detector includes a center beam secured in a pivot mount, at least one collector secured to the center beam at a proximal end via the pivot mount, and an analog matching filter coupled with the center beam via a circuit. The analog matching filter contains a replicate matching material configured to match a dipole field of a target material. In the presence of a target material, the replicate matching material causes displacement of the center beam via a dielectrokinesis (phoresis) force.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an ion mobility spectrometer device. The ion mobility spectrometer device includes: an ion mobility tube, a sampling device, and a sampling and circulating gas path. The sampling device includes a solid sample desorption device and a gas sampling device. The solid sample desorption device is configured to process the solid sample into a first mixed gas containing the solid sample, and the gas sampling device is configured to process the gas sample into a second mixed gas containing the gas sample. The sampling and circulating gas path is configured to transfer the first mixed gas and/or the second mixed gas into the ion mobility tube for detection.

Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis device includes a piezoelectric helm resonator, a spectroscopy sensor positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least one direction, and a circuit comprising a first terminal and a second terminal electrically coupled to a power supply. The piezoelectric helm resonator and the spectroscopy sensor are electrically coupled in parallel between the first and second terminals. The power supply drives the piezoelectric helm resonator with a voltage of a first polarity and the spectroscopy sensor with a voltage of a second polarity. The circuit includes at least one current flow control device in the circuit configured to prevent both the piezoelectric helm resonator and the spectroscopy sensor from being powered simultaneously.

Abstract: A concentration measuring instrument includes a piezoelectric vibrator transmitting an ultrasonic wave into a solution contained in a cavity and detecting the ultrasonic wave reflected, a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the solution, a drive circuit generating a drive signal driving the piezoelectric vibrator, a phase comparator performing a phase comparison between the drive signal and a detection signal, a frequency setting circuit making the drive circuit generate drive signals having sequentially different frequencies and monitoring a phase comparison result to detect a resonant frequency, and a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuit making a frequency of the drive signal follow the detected resonant frequency. A microcomputer determines a concentration of a solute in the solution on a basis of the frequency of the drive signal while the PLL circuit is being operated and a result of a temperature measurement by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection method and device identifies echoes appearing in flaw detection images. By selecting and controlling combinations of transmitting elements and receiving elements, plural waveform signals c are recorded. For each position in an inspection object, intensities of plural waveform signals are extracted based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves and are totalized. A flaw detection image showing distribution of totalized intensities is generated. By selectively using at least three sound velocities for calculating propagation time of ultrasonic waves, at least three flaw detection images are generated. The areas of at least three echoes respectively appearing in the flaw detection images are calculated and the echo area which is the smallest is identified according to whether or not the flaw detection image showing the echo is one generated using one of a longitudinal sound velocity, a transverse sound velocity and a medium sound velocity.

Abstract: A sound source device and a signal receiver are disposed at first and second ports of a target object, respectively. A sound of a specific frequency of the sound source device is introduced into the target object to generate a resonant sound wave. A computer simulates a signal generated when the resonant sound wave is received by the signal receiver and regarding the signal as reference information. The reference information comprises first data having characteristics of the resonant sound wave, and data having features of an imaginary defect formed on the target object. The features of the imaginary defect correspond to the characteristics of the resonant sound wave. When the target object has a real defect, the sound of the specific frequency of the sound source device is introduced into the target object. Features of the real defect are derived by comparing the first data with the second data.

Abstract: A holding arrangement for holding an acoustic transmitter in place in relation to a container. The arrangement comprises: a body comprising a cavity for holding an acoustic transmitter, the cavity comprising an opening arranged to face said container when said arrangement is attached to a container, wherein the body comprises acoustic damping material, and wherein the cavity is configured to permit movement of an acoustic transmitter in a direction perpendicular to a container surface and to restrict movement of the acoustic transmitter in directions not perpendicular to the container surface when an acoustic transmitter is arranged in said cavity and when said arrangement is attached to a container. There is also provided a measurement arrangement comprising such a holding arrangement.

Abstract: There is provided a pig for inspecting a tubular object. The pig is configured for travel along an interior of the tubular object. The pig comprises a transducer body. The transducer body includes at least one transducer for detecting a condition of the tubular object. The or each transducer is configured to, in use, move in a plane that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the pig along the interior of the tubular object.

Abstract: Provided is a supercritical fluid apparatus including: an analysis flow path through which a mobile phase flows; a back-pressure control valve provided at a downstream end of the analysis flow path to adjust pressure in the analysis flow path to a predetermined pressure; a small-diameter pipe connected to the outlet of the back-pressure control valve, having an inner diameter allowing internal pressure to be maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure; a large-diameter pipe connected to a downstream end of the small-diameter pipe, having a larger inner diameter than the small-diameter pipe; and a large-diameter pipe heating part for heating the large-diameter pipe.

Abstract: A column oven includes a substantially sealed space surrounded by wall surfaces made of a heat conductive material to accommodate an analytical column, a heater for heating the wall surfaces made of the heat conductive material, and a heat insulating material surrounding an outside of the wall surfaces made of the heat conductive material. That is, a space inside the column oven in which the analytical column is accommodated is formed as a substantially sealed structure surrounded by the heat conductive wall surfaces, and the wall surfaces surrounding the substantially sealed space are heated by the heater, thereby heating the substantially sealed space uniformly from circumferential directions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices comprising: a sample conduit providing a path for fluid flow extending from a sample inlet to a sample outlet; a thermal housing enclosing the sample conduit, wherein the thermal housing comprises a plurality of measurement regions; and a motorized stage translatable along the thermal housing from a first location to a second location so as to align a detector with one or more of the plurality of measurement regions. Also disclosed are methods of use of the devices described herein.

Abstract: An electrical conductivity detector includes a cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage application part, an amplification circuit, a phase adjustment value holding part, and a signal processing circuit. The amplification circuit has multiple gains, and amplifies a current flowing between the pair of electrodes using any one of the gains to obtain an amplified signal. The phase adjustment value holding part holds a phase adjustment value determined in advance for each of the gains for canceling a phase difference between amplified signals determined using each of the gains of the amplification circuit. The signal processing circuit calculates electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the cell using an amplified signal obtained by being amplified by the amplification circuit and the phase adjustment value which is for the gain used to obtain the amplified signal and is held in the phase adjustment value holding part.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, kits, and methods for purification and analysis of analytes having a broad range of hydrophobicities by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Using one set of liquid chromatography columns, one set of mobile phase buffers, and, optionally, a single ionization method (e.g., electrospray ionization), a wide range of analytes can be purified and analyzed on a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system. LC-MS purification and analysis of analytes having a broad range of partition coefficients is accomplished by selecting LC run parameters and MS system parameters that are particular to different classes of analytes without having to make column or buffer changes or any other hardware configuration changes to the LC-MS system.

Abstract: A treatment indicator, a method for indicating a level of treatment in a treatment apparatus, and a method of preparing a treatment indicator are provided. The treatment indicator comprises a first body comprising a biological material, a fluid porous body in fluid communication with the first body in a fluid path, and a cleaning test soil disposed in at least a portion of interstitial spaces of the fluid porous body to inhibit traversal of a fluid through the fluid porous body to the first body via the fluid path.

Abstract: Methods and systems for failure prediction using analysis of oil or other lubricant. Raw data about feature(s) of each of a plurality of particles filtered from a fluid sample are used to categorize each particle into one of a plurality of categories, each category being defined by one or more of: chemical composition, size and morphology. Particle physical characteristics in each category are quantified to obtain a set of categorized data. The categorized data are compared with historical data. Results of the comparing are evaluated to generate a prediction of any failure or mechanism of failure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas sensor for detecting xylene is provided. A method of manufacturing a gas sensor includes reacting a mixed material including a first material containing a cobalt (Co) element and a second material containing a chromium (Cr) element to form a CoCr2O4 hollow structure having a hollow shape.

Abstract: An egg identification system for determining viability of an avian egg is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined wavelength toward an egg. A detector assembly is spaced-apart from the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg. A light controlling assembly is positioned proximate to the emitter assembly. The light controlling assembly includes an absorbing layer configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation at the predetermined wavelength. The absorbing layer defines an opening through which electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter assembly is capable of passing therethrough toward the egg. A processor is configured to process an output signal of the detector assembly to determine viability of the egg. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite LED module comprising a 230±10 nm deep-ultraviolet light LED, a 275±10 nm deep-ultraviolet light LED, and 0 to 3 visible light LED(s), packed in a same substrate. Also disclosed are a water quality monitoring device and a water quality monitoring probe containing the composite LED module.

Abstract: A device for measuring strain and volume of a soil sample including an enclosure adapted to receive a soil sample within another enclosure. A base adapted to hold the sample enclosure. The device also has a plurality of moveable arms located between the enclosures which may be a spaced distance apart and adapted to move around the sample. Cameras as included on the arms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a deep soil water percolation monitor and a monitoring method therefor. The monitor includes a soil water balance portion, a flow collection portion, a measurement portion, a water collection portion, a rainfall collecting portion and a control device, wherein the control device includes a central controller, a water inlet pipe, a plugging trough, a drive mechanism, a water level sensor and a humidity sensor. The monitor and monitoring method provided by the present invention can increase the measurement sensitivity of the percolation monitor and increase the measurement accuracy.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for performing downhole optical fluid analysis including positioning an optical analysis tool in a downhole environment. The method also includes regulating a flow of a fluid sample into a reaction chamber of the optical analysis tool. The method further includes providing a catalyst within the reaction chamber that reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample to emit light. The method includes detecting the emitted light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile fluid analysis system (1). System (1) is mobile so that it can be moved to the sampling site. To carry out the analysis, the system notably comprises at least two piston cells (3), PVT analysis means and geochemical analysis means (GEO). Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such a mobile system (1) for analysing a fluid sample taken from an underground formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for the evaluation of samples of a distillate fraction by spectroscopic analysis, followed by the application of chemometrics software to determine physical characteristics of the fraction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a urinalysis home testing kit are provided. In one implementation, a system may include a container configured to contain a urine sample, a dipstick including a plurality of test reagent pads thereon for measuring differing urinary properties, a blot pad, and a colorized surface containing a dipstick placement region and a plurality of colored reference elements greater than a number of the plurality of test reagent pads. The blot pad may be for removing excess urine from the dipstick after being dipped in urine, to thereby enable non-distorted image capture of the plurality of reagent pads by an image sensor. The colorized surface may be for enabling color normalization of the plurality of test reagent pads using the plurality of colored reference elements.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for separating blood serum or blood plasma that can inhibit bubbling during sterilization, and can inhibit the occurrence of phase separation during storage. The composition for separating blood serum or blood plasma according to the present invention comprises a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based polymer, a silica fine powder, and a silicone oil, wherein the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based polymer has fluidity at room temperature, and has a weight average molecular weight of 15000 or more and 100000 or less.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for separating/collecting components from a multi-component fluid such as whole blood. Some embodiments provide for controlling the amount of a component, such as platelets, introduced into a separation chamber to ensure that the density of fluid in the separation chamber does not exceed a particular value. This may provide for collecting purer components. Other embodiments may provide for determining a chamber flow rate based on a concentration of a component in the multi-component fluid, which may then be used to determine a centrifuge speed, to collect purer concentrated components.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for separating/collecting components from a multi-component fluid such as whole blood. Some embodiments provide for controlling the amount of a component, such as platelets, introduced into a separation chamber to ensure that the density of fluid in the separation chamber does not exceed a particular value. This may provide for collecting purer components. Other embodiments may provide for determining a chamber flow rate based on a concentration of a component in the multi-component fluid, which may then be used to determine a centrifuge speed, to collect purer concentrated components.

Abstract: An alarming method for a platelet aggregation sample can include providing a blood sample, preparing a first test sample from the blood sample under a first reaction condition, acquiring a test signal of the first test sample, and obtaining first platelet test data. The method can also include preparing a second test sample from the blood sample under a second reaction condition, acquiring a test signal of the second test sample, and obtaining second platelet test data. The method can further include obtaining an evaluation result based on the first platelet test data and the second platelet test data, determining whether the evaluation result meets a predetermined condition, and alarming that the blood sample may be the platelet aggregation sample if the evaluation result meets the predetermined condition. The second reaction condition may include a reaction condition for reducing the platelet aggregation degree of the blood sample.

Abstract: There is described herein a system for determining the interaction between a test atmosphere and a simulated respiratory tract, said system comprising: (a) a first pump comprising: (i) a chamber configured for containing a first volume of gas comprising a test atmosphere; (ii) a first port adapted for receiving and outputting gas and comprising a valve for regulating the flow of gas through the first port, said valve being moveable between open and closed positions, wherein in the open position said valve is openable towards a test atmosphere or surrounding air; (iii) a second port adapted for outputting and receiving gas and comprising a valve for regulating the flow of gas through the second port, said valve being moveable between open and closed positions; (iv) a piston plate in the chamber, said piston plate comprising one or more apertures for the uptake or inflow of gas into the chamber wherein one or more, or each, of the apertures include a valve that is movable between open and closed positions and i

Abstract: The disclosure relates to biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis, e.g., PTPN22, PFKFB3, ATM, IL-17A, and IL-17F, and methods of using these biomarkers for selecting an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is method and system for evaluating semen quality. Plurality of images of stained semen sample are captured and analyzed for eliminating unusable images. Further, visible objects in the images are extracted and classified into sperm objects and non-sperm objects. The sperm objects are further classified into normal/abnormal sperm objects based on morphological characteristics of sperm objects, and a differential count of normal/abnormal sperm objects is determined. Subsequently, an aggregate count of the non-sperm objects is determined. Finally, a sperm quality index, indicative of quality of the semen sample, is computed based on morphological characteristics of sperm objects, differential count of normal/abnormal sperm objects, aggregate count of non-sperm objects and total motility estimate of semen sample.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A high throughput system and method for analyzing the effects of a plurality of agents on planaria is disclosed. Multiple test zones are provided, where each test zone contains at least a portion of one planarian. The planaria in each test zone are then exposed to at least one agent, the test zones are sealed, and at various times, the test zones are moved automatically between a storage location and at least one assay station. At each assay station, the test zones are exposed to a set of conditions, and an image or video of the planaria in the test zones are captured. Automated image or video analysis is used to are evaluate and determine whether the agent has an effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of medical technology, which provides methods and apparatuses for identifying red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The methods may include: obtaining a forward-scattered light signal, a side-scattered light signal and an optional fluorescence signal from cells in a blood sample; obtaining a first two-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal and the side-scattered light signal, or obtaining a three-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal, the side-scattered light signal and the fluorescence signal; and identifying cells located in a predetermined area of the first two-dimensional scattergram or the three-dimensional scattergram as the red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The apparatuses perform the methods. The methods and apparatuses can have better identification accuracy.

Abstract: Provided are methods for imaging a biospecimen, which involves the use of electrochemical pH modulation in combination with pH-sensitive labels to achieve localized imaging with a high vertical axial resolution.

Abstract: A labeled complex, the preparation method thereof, a kit, containing the same, the application of the kit and a detection system comprising the kit are provided. The labeled complex comprises: an antigen; a marker protein coupled with the antigen to form a labeled-complex intermediate; and a signal generation substance coupled with the labeled-complex intermediate to form the labeled complex.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the free solution measurement of molecular interactions by refractive index sensing other than backscattering interferometry. The disclosed methods can have very low detection limits and/or very low sample volume requirements. Also disclosed are various biosensor applications of the disclosed techniques. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of detecting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in cells, tissues or organisms, comprising the use of oligonucleotides comprising locked nucleic acid (LNA)-nucleotide analogues in the sequence thereof.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for sequential multiplex detection of target analytes in a sample. The method comprises contacting the sample comprising analytes immobilized on a solid support with binding agents that specifically bind an analyte in the sample, wherein each of the binding agents binds a different analyte and is attached to a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule comprising a unique sequence. The sample is then contacted with a labeled complementary nucleic acid molecule that binds the single-stranded nucleic acid molecule attached to one binding agent. The signal from the label is detected, and then reduced or eliminated. The sample can be simultaneously contacted with a second labeled complementary nucleic acid molecule that binds a different binding agent, and the signal from the second label is detected. The process is repeated for each additional analyte in the sample, thereby sequentially detecting the presence of the analytes in the sample.

Abstract: Kits and methods according to aspects of the present invention relate to the detection and quantitation of small molecule analytes including 8-hydroxyguanosine, 8-hydroxyguanosine, and 8-hydroxy-2?-deoxyguanosine.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separating magnetically responsive beads from a droplet in a droplet actuator. Droplet operations electrodes and a magnet are arranged in a droplet actuator to manipulate a bead-containing droplet and position it relative to a magnetic field region that attracts the magnetically responsive beads. The droplet operations electrodes are operated to control the droplet shape and transport it away from the magnetic field region to form a concentration of beads in the droplet. The continued transport of the droplet away from the magnetic field causes the concentration of beads to break away from the droplet to yield a small, concentrated bead-containing droplet immobilized by the magnet.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip for detecting paclitaxel drugs as well as a preparation method and application thereof. In some embodiments, the test strip includes a test paper and a sample diluent. The test paper includes a bottom plate, a sample absorption pad, a fluorescent microsphere pad, a bonding pad, and an absorbent pad. The sample absorption pad, the fluorescent microsphere pad, the bonding pad, and the absorbent pad are sequentially overlapped on the bottom plate. The fluorescent microsphere pad is sprayed with a fluorescent microsphere-labeled anti-paclitaxel monoclonal antibody. A detection area and a quality control area are immobilized on the bonding pad. The detection area is sprayed with a paclitaxel hapten-carrier protein conjugate. The quality control area is sprayed with a goat anti mouse antibody.