Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating a gas component analyzing apparatus for analyzing by detecting a component of a sample gas by a detector, which is separated as a single component through a separation unit, wherein the separation unit is connected to a supply tube providing a gas thereto, and a plurality of calibration gases that are adjusted to have different concentrations from each other through adjustment of a volume ratio of a calibration gas having one concentration are sequentially provided to the separation unit through the supply tube.

Abstract: An olfactometer or “electronic nose” is able to vary a plurality of operating parameters during a test cycle in parallel, in accordance with a measurement protocol. This measurement protocol, and correspondingly the operating parameters to be varied, the values to be set for those parameters, and the timing of the variation in these values is tailored to most effectively distinguish between likely candidates in a particular testing scenario. A characterisation library is then used to match the results of the measurement protocol to the best target in the characterisation library. Test protocols and/or characterisation libraries may be downloaded from a remote server on demand, and certain activities may be carried out either locally or remotely.

Abstract: A gas detection device includes a substrate having a main surface and a movable film structure located on, and including a portion thereof spaced from, the main surface of the substrate. The portion of the movable film structure located over and spaced from the substrate includes a first film formed of an insulating material, a patterned second film which deforms as a result of absorbing or adsorbing a predetermined gas, and a patterned third film comprising a resistive heater, at least a portion of the movable film structure spaced from the substrate being movable with respect to the substrate. From the perspective of a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate, at least a portion of a pattern of the second film overlaps at least a portion of a pattern of the third film.

Abstract: An ultra-deep reservoir stratified water sample and sediment core integrated artificial intelligence sampling device, comprising a sampling device main chamber, an attitude balance sensor, a propeller, a balance base, and a sampler body, wherein the attitude balance sensor and the sampler body are disposed inside the sampling device main chamber; the propeller is disposed outside the sampling device main chamber; and the balance base is located at a bottom end of the sampling device main chamber. The sampling device of the present invention is an intelligent sampling device integrating high-definition underwater topography observation, undisturbed sediment core collection, vertical stratified accurate sampling of water bodies, and real-time in-situ monitoring of key physical and chemical parameters, and can be flexibly applied to deep and shallow water environments under complicated conditions.

Abstract: A hyperspectral sensing device may include an optical collector configured to collect light and to transfer the collected light to a sensor having spectral resolution sufficient for sensing hyperspectral data. In some examples, the sensor comprises a compact spectrometer. The device further comprises a power supply, an electronics module, and an input/output hub enabling the device to transmit acquired data (e.g., to a remote server). In some examples, a plurality of hyperspectral sensing devices are deployed as a network to acquire data over a relatively large area.

Abstract: Imaging techniques are provided to determine the presence of trace chemicals corresponding to various materials of interest. In one example, a method includes receiving a test sample and capturing a plurality of infrared images of the test sample. Each infrared image corresponds to a different range of infrared radiation wavelengths. The method also includes determining a spectral profile of the test sample using the infrared images, comparing the determined spectral profile to a known spectral profile of a material of interest, and determining whether the material is present in the test sample based on the comparing. Additional methods and related devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring asphaltene content of a crude oil is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring an optical density of a live crude oil within a well and calculating a formation volume factor of the live crude oil based on the measured optical density. The method also includes determining asphaltene content of the live crude oil based on the measured optical density and the calculated formation volume factor of the live crude oil. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for predicting the critical solvent power of a visbroken residue stream of interest, CSPVisRes(OI) comprises predicting CSPVisRes(OI) from the critical percentage titrant of an atmospheric residue stream, CPTAR, the atmospheric residue stream being derived from the same crude oil as the visbroken residue stream of interest. A method for predicting the solvent power of a visbroken residue stream of interest, SPVisRes(OI), comprises predicting SPVisRes(OI) from the critical solvent power of the visbroken residue stream, CSPVisRes, and the critical percentage titrant of the visbroken residue stream, CPTVisRes. CPTVisRes is derived from the critical percentage cetane of the visbroken residue stream, CPCVisRes, which, in turn, is calculated from the P-value of the visbroken residue stream. The methods may be used to predict the stability of a fuel oil containing the visbroken residue.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for estimating abrasion resistance and fracture resistance by highly accurately analyzing aggregation (dispersion) of sulfur-based materials in polymer composite materials. The present invention relates to a method for estimating abrasion resistance and fracture resistance, the method including: irradiating a polymer composite material containing at least one sulfur-based material selected from the group consisting of sulfur and sulfur compounds with high intensity X-rays; measuring X-ray absorption of a measurement region of the polymer composite material while varying the energy of the X-rays; calculating areas of spots having a high sulfur concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined level in a two-dimensional mapping image of sulfur concentration of the measurement region; and estimating abrasion resistance and fracture resistance based on the areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for an integrated dielectrophoretic (DEP) and surface plasmonic platform to quantify as little as 1 femptomolar to 1 picomolar of fluorescent molecules in low conductivity buffers.

Abstract: A nanopore sensor is provided, including a nanopore disposed in a support structure. A fluidic passage is disposed between a first fluidic reservoir and the nanopore to fluidically connect the first fluidic reservoir to the nanopore through the fluidic passage. The fluidic passage has a passage length that is greater than the passage width. A second fluidic reservoir is fluidically connected to the nanopore, with the nanopore providing fluidic communication between the fluidic passage the second reservoir. Electrodes are connected to impose an electrical potential difference across the nanopore. At least one electrical transduction element is disposed in the nanopore sensor with a connection to measure the electrical potential that is local to the fluidic passage.

Abstract: Disclosed are a blood coagulation system examination module, a blood coagulation system examination system, and a blood coagulation system examination method, all of which enable to simply and easily measure thrombin potential with a whole blood sample. The blood coagulation system examination module includes a thrombin potential examination unit configured to examine thrombin potential on the basis of an electrical property of blood as measured at a specific frequency and predetermined time intervals in a predetermined period after reversal of an anticoagulation action working on the blood.

Abstract: A drug-induced risk prediction system and associated methods are disclosed for predicting at least one of a drug-induced inotropic risk and a pro-arrhythmia risk in connection with an at least one drug, based on a select at least one contractility parameter associated with an at least one heart.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a compound that alters fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) of a protein. The methods include use of a genetically engineered cell that includes a target protein. The target protein includes one or more heterologous domains. In one embodiment, a target protein includes two heterologous domains, and in another embodiment, the target protein includes a heterologous domain and the cell further includes a second protein that includes a heterologous domain. A heterologous domain may include a chromophore or an amino acid to which a fluorescent dye attaches. The fluorescence lifetime of one or more chromophore, one or more fluorescent dye, or the combination thereof, is measured after contacting the cell with a compound A difference between the fluorescence lifetime in the presence of the test compound and the fluorescence lifetime in the absence of the test compound indicates that the test compound alters the FRET of the target protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a carrier and a method for obtaining, removing, or detecting extracellular membrane vesicle or virus present in a sample. In particular, the invention provides (a) a carrier (a Tim carrier) on which a protein (a Tim protein), selected from a T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule-4 (a Tim-4) protein, a Tim-3 protein, and a Tim-1 protein, is bound; (b) a method for obtaining the extracellular membrane vesicle or the virus in the sample; (c) a method for removing the extracellular membrane vesicle or the virus in the sample; (d) a method for detecting the extracellular membrane vesicle or the virus in the sample; (e) a kit for capturing the extracellular membrane vesicle or the virus, comprising the Tim carrier; and f) a kit for capturing the extracellular membrane vesicle or the virus, comprising a reagent containing the Tim protein and a reagent containing the carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. A particle imaging system or analyzer can include a flowcell through which a urine sample containing particles is caused to flow, and a high optical resolution imaging device which captures images for image analysis. A contrast pattern for autofocusing is provided on the flowcell. The image processor assesses focus accuracy from pixel data contrast. A positioning motor moves the microscope and/or flowcell along the optical axis for autofocusing on the contrast pattern target. The processor then displaces microscope and flowcell by a known distance between the contrast pattern and the sample stream, thus focusing on the sample stream. Cell or particle images are collected from that position until autofocus is reinitiated, periodically, by input signal, or when detecting temperature changes or focus inaccuracy in the image data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for developing novel anti-angiogenic therapies. This invention discovers secretogranin III (Scg3) not only as a novel disease-selective angiogenic factor but also as a target for anti-angiogenic therapy of vascular diseases. Inhibitors against Scg3 can treat diabetic retinopathy, wet age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, retinal vein occlusion, neovascular glaucoma, corneal neovascularization, and cancers.

Abstract: An assay system and method for use in the field of chemical testing is disclosed. The assay system can be used for filtering whole blood for testing on an integrated circuit containing digital control functionality.

Abstract: A method for controlling the movement of magnetic or magnetizable objects (10) in a biosensor cartridge. The method comprises the step of providing a biosensor cartridge with a laterally extending sensor surface (A) and at least a magnetic field generating means (20, 30, 30?) for generating a magnetic field with a field gradient substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface (A). The magnetic field generating means (20, 30, 30?) are alternatingly actuated such that the generated magnetic field directs alternatingly the magnetic or magnetizable objects (10) substantially perpendicular to the sensor surface (A) away and toward the sensor surface, wherein pulse lengths of the alternating actuation are adjusted such that a lateral movement of magnetizable objects along the laterally extending sensor surface is substantially avoided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sensing apparatus comprising, at least one LSPR light source, at least one detector, and at least one sensor for LSPR detection of a target chemical. The sensor comprises a substantially transparent, porous membrane having nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of its pores, the nanoparticles being functionalized with one or more capture molecules. There is further provided a self-referencing sensor for distinguishing non-specific signals from analyte binding signals. The self-referencing sensor comprising one or more nanoparticles having at least two distinct LSPR signals.

Abstract: A method of making a fluid flow device comprises providing a substrate of porous material, depositing a radiation-sensitive substance onto the substrate in a pattern defining one or more regions intended to receive and contain fluid during use of the device or occupying an area within such a region, such that the radiation-sensitive substance extends at least partly through the thickness of the substrate below the pattern, and exposing radiation onto the substrate thereby delivering energy to the radiation-sensitive substance in at least part of the pattern to change the radiation-sensitive substance from a first state to a second state through at least part of the thickness of the substrate. One of the first state and the second state may be less permeable than the other.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays for detecting and measuring the presence or level of neutralizing and non-neutralizing autoantibodies to biologics such as anti-TNF? drug therapeutics in a sample. The present invention is useful for monitoring the formation of neutralizing and/or non-neutralizing anti-drug antibodies over time while a subject is on biologic therapy. The present invention is also useful for predicting and/or determining the cross-reactivity of neutralizing anti-drug antibodies in a subject's sample with alternative biologic therapies. As such, the present invention provides information for guiding treatment decisions for those subjects receiving therapy with a biologic agent and improves the accuracy of optimizing therapy, reducing toxicity, and/or monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic treatment to biologic therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic agent for treating a cellular immune disease, comprising as an active ingredient a substance that inhibits binding between Sema3A and a Neuropilin-1/Plexin-A1 heteroreceptor. The substance includes, for example, a Sema3A neutralizing antibody, a Neuropilin-1 neutralizing antibody, or a soluble Neuropilin-1 or derivative thereof. Also disclosed is a method for screening a therapeutic agent for treating a cellular immune disease utilizing a signal generated by the interactions of Neuropilin-1, Plexin-A1 and Sema3A as a marker.

Abstract: The present invention discloses functionalized nanomembranes, a method for preparation and their use. The functionalized nanomembrane comprises a) a first layer comprising a nanomaterial, b) a second layer comprising a biorepulsive material, the second layer being attached to at least one side of the first layer, and c) affinity groups, attached to the second layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic method which may be used to determine the likelihood that a subject with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) will respond to treatment with an IBS intervention diet or faecal microbiota transplant (FMT). In particular, the method may be used to predict, or determine the likelihood of, a positive response of the subject with IBS to treatment with an IBS intervention diet or FMT, especially to determine the likelihood that the dietary intervention or FMT may have a positive (i.e. beneficial) effect on the subject's GI tract, specifically the GI tract microbiota, or other symptoms or complications of IBS (e.g. reducing severity thereof). The method of the present invention is based on analysing the abundance of certain bacteria in GI tract samples, e.g. by nucleic acid analysis.

Abstract: There are provided methods, and devices for assaying for a binding interaction between a protein, such as a monoclonal antibody, produced by a cell, and a biomolecule. The method may include retaining the cell within a chamber having an aperture; exposing the protein produced by the cell to a capture substrate, wherein the capture substrate is in fluid communication with the protein produced by the cell and wherein the capture substrate is operable to bind the protein produced by the cell; flowing a fluid volume comprising the biomolecule through the chamber via said aperture, wherein the fluid volume is in fluid communication with the capture substrate; and determining a binding interaction between the protein produced by the cell and the biomolecule.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting status of a health condition in a single-step process includes: a signal output device including a) a loading zone; b) a reaction zone fluidly coupled to the loading zone and including one or more reaction substances conjugated to labels, configured to enable detection of target material associated with the health condition; c) a testing zone fluidly coupled to the reaction zone and including one or more testing substances corresponding to the target material; and d) a control zone including a control substance retained at the control zone. The system and methods can be adapted for assessment of sexual health of one or more subjects, in relation to pregnancy, fertility, and/or sexually transmitted infections caused by one or more agents including, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Treponema pallidum, Gardnerella vaginitis, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus infection, Hepatitis B, and herpes simplex virus.

Abstract: An immunoadsorbent for purifying fumonisin B1, aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and sterigmatocystin; a complex affinity column and its preparation method; and a method for detecting the mycotoxins using the same are provided. The immunoadsorbent comprises a solid-phase support, and an anti-fumonisin B1 monoclonal antibody, an anti-aflatoxin B1 monoclonal antibody, an anti-ochratoxin A monoclonal antibody, an anti-zearalenone monoclonal antibody and an anti-sterigmatocystin monoclonal antibody which are coupled to the solid-phase support, wherein the anti-fumonisin B1 monoclonal antibody is secreted by a hybridoma cell strain Fm7A11. The complex affinity column can be used for purification and detection of a fumonisin B1 sample, an aflatoxin B1 sample, an ochratoxin A sample, a zearalenone sample and a sterigmatocystin sample at the same time.

Abstract: A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.

Abstract: We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

Abstract: Isolated truncated and mutated sensor proteins derived from flavoproteins that are 12-20 KDa or less, genetically encoded for detection and imaging of protein complexes having long fluorescent lifetimes that can be 4.0 ns or greater.

Abstract: Characterization and production of protein preparations, e.g., therapeutic glycoprotein preparations, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in appendicitis patients and in patients at risk for appendicitis. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker assays in such patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a diagnostic marker for intracerebral hemorrhage. The invention especially relates to methods for the early detection of intracerebral hemorrhage. Such early and rapid detection can be performed rapidly e.g. by a test strip format assay. GFAP can be used as a stand-alone marker or in combination with one or more other markers.

Abstract: A sealed bag containing a reference fluid for the calibration and/or quality control of a creatine and/or creatinine sensor, the bag comprising: an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer; and an aluminium oxide gas barrier layer there between; and wherein the inner polymer layer is in contact with the reference fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test device to detect pregnancy In a human female subject, the test device comprising: an assay means to measure the absolute or relative amount of hCG m a sample from the subject; an assay means to measure the absolute or relative amount of FSH in a sample from the subject; and m assay means to measure the absolute or relative amount of one or mere progesterone metabolites I>> a sample from the subject.

Abstract: Photonic devices, systems, and methods for detecting an analyte in a biological solution (e.g., whole blood) are provided. Representative photonic devices are optical ring resonators having nanoscale features and micron-sized diameters. Due to the compact size of these devices, many resonators can be disposed on a single substrate and tested simultaneously as a sample is passed over the devices. Typical analytes include blood cells, antibodies, and pathogens, as well as compounds indicative of the presence of blood cells or pathogens (e.g., serology). In certain embodiments, blood type can be determined through photonic sensing using a combination of direct detection of blood cells and serology. By combining the detection signals of multiple devices, the type of blood can be determined.

Abstract: A device for agitating and collecting biological liquid samples comprises an agitator of racks of tubes and a sampling apparatus capable of collecting a biological liquid sample in a tube. The device also comprises a scheduler arranged to specify an order of sampling from the tubes independently of the order in which the tubes are positioned in the respective racks and the order in which the racks are inserted into the device. The scheduler is arranged to control the agitator and the sampling apparatus to process the tubes in accordance with the sampling order.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wiping-type sample sampling and feeding device, a card reading apparatus, and a gate machine apparatus. The wiping-type sample sampling and feeding device comprises a thermally desorbing portion for analyzing a substance; a wiping-type sampling portion for wiping the substance on a card or certificate and includes a first wheel, a second wheel and a wiping conveyor belt that travels between the first and second wheels along a first direction; and a card/certificate conveyor portion including a card carrying belt configured to convey a card or certificate along a second direction so that the card or certificate can contact with the wiping conveyor belt during conveyance of the card or certificate, thereby the wiping conveyor belt wipes a surface of the card or certificate, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices and system that can be used to fill a sample cell. In some examples, the system can be configured with a pressure device configured to provide a negative pressure to accelerate filling of the cell with the sample. In some embodiments, the negative pressure can be used to fill a flow cell at a selected fill rate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for discretizing and analyzing fluidic samples are provided. In one aspect, a microfluidic array for discretizing a fluidic sample comprises one or more flow channels and a plurality of fluidic compartments in fluidic communication with the one or more flow channels. In another aspect, a system for discretizing and analyzing fluidic samples comprises a rotor assembly shaped to receive a microfluidic device.

Abstract: Radiation detection arrangement and method for detection of external radiation using TADF material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a rotational speed sensor of a motor vehicle with a signal encoder ring having a plurality of magnet elements arranged uniformly over its circumference with alternating orientation, and with a signal receiver having at least two sensor elements arranged uniformly apart from one another for sensing magnetic fields of the magnets. Information bits are generated based on magnetic field strengths detected by the sensor elements and made available as a rotational speed information signal. At a low rotational speed, an additional rotational speed information signal is generated and added to the rotational speed information signal. The additional signal comprises additional rotational speed pulses inserted between two normal rotational speed pulses. As a result, a plurality of rotational speed pulses are available per period of the encoder ring and a higher resolution of determination of the speed becomes possible.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical component including, vertically at a distance from one another, a substrate device, a first, a second, and a third functional layer, a vertical stop being formed between the second and third functional layer, the vertical stop having a stop area on a surface of the second functional layer facing the third functional layer, wherein the second functional layer is connected to the first functional layer in a connecting area allocated to the stop area.

Abstract: A vibration sensor for construction projects has a housing, a low range accelerometer and a high range accelerometer disposed in the housing, and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit connected to the low and high range accelerometers. The low range accelerometer may have a noise floor below 0.0248 g across frequencies up to 1 kHz, especially between 1 Hz and 315 Hz. The high range accelerometer has a maximum acceleration equal to or greater than 50 g across frequencies up to 1 kHz, especially between 1 Hz and 315 Hz.

Abstract: An AFM that suppress parasitic deflection signals is described. In particular, the AFM may use a cantilever with a probe tip that is offset along a lateral direction from a longitudinal axis of torsion of the cantilever. During AFM measurements, an actuator may vary a distance between the sample and the probe tip along a direction approximately perpendicular to a plane of the sample stage in an intermittent contact mode. Then, a measurement circuit may measure a lateral signal associated with a torsional mode of the cantilever during the AFM measurements. This lateral signal may correspond to a force between the sample and the probe tip. Moreover, a feedback circuit may maintain, relative to a threshold value: the force between the sample and the probe tip; and/or a deflection of the cantilever corresponding to the force. Next, the AFM may determine information about the sample based on the lateral signal.

Abstract: When a liquid surface is detected based on a detection signal from a photodetector during the approaching operation, a photodetector movement processor moves the photodetector to a position where reflected light from a cantilever is incident with the cantilever being in liquid. When the reflected light from the cantilever is incident on the photodetector during the approaching operation continued after the movement of the photodetector by the photodetector movement processor, an optical axis adjustment processor adjusts an optical axis of the reflected light incident on the photodetector. When a surface of a solid sample is detected based on a detection signal from the photodetector during the approaching operation continued after the adjustment of the optical axis by the optical axis adjustment processor, an approaching processor stops the approaching operation.

Abstract: A substrate for the detection of a biological target by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) is provided. The substrate includes: a conductive surface; a probe area provided on the conductive surface, the probe area comprising receptors responsive to the biological target; and a background area provided on the conductive surface, the background area being disposed around the probe area and comprising electroactive compounds providing imaging contrast between the background area and the probe area.

Abstract: A test socket for a device under test (DUT) is disclosed in several embodiments. One embodiment shows a test socket base (16) with apertures (30) for insertion of test pin insert blocks (28). The blocks are inserted top—in or bottom—in and are provided with registration bosses 80 and teeth 92 or other means for maintaining registration. Blocks are provided with dielectric constants to achieve different frequency response relative to other pins. To achieve great EMI and cross talk isolation, the socket may be made of aluminum with hard anodize coating to insulate test pins (32) from the housing.