Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a melt pool monitoring system of an additive manufacturing machine includes installing a calibration system on the machine and performing a calibration process. Specifically, the calibration system includes a calibration platform removably mountable to a build platform of the additive manufacturing machine and having calibrated electromagnetic energy sources mounted thereon for defining a measurement standard. The electromagnetic energy generated is measured by the melt pool monitoring system and compared to the known measurement standard to determine whether system adjustments would improve process tolerances or uniformity.

Abstract: A method for quantitative detection of blood lipid in blood based on terahertz spectroscopy, including: matching the terahertz spectral absorption coefficient curves of blood samples obtained in step 3 with parameters of component concentration and component type of the blood lipid detected by hospital instruments, and establishing a terahertz blood lipid parameter database by combining the time-domain signal data of samples of the triglyceride and cholesterol; determining parameters of a support vector regression (SVR) model; performing a training with the training set as input to the SVR model to obtain a support vector and a corresponding weight; and testing the test set of an unknown blood sample using the trained support vector and the corresponding weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a scale inhibitor concentration in a sample comprising at least a first scale inhibitor, which is a synthetic organic compound comprising at least one ionised group. The method comprises optionally diluting and/or purifying the sample, and allowing the sample to interact with a reagent comprising a lanthanide(III) ion. The sample is excited at a first excitation wavelength and a sample signal deriving from the lanthanide(III) ion is detected at a signal wavelength by using time-resolved luminescence measurement, and the concentration of the at least first scale inhibitor in the sample is determined by using the detected sample signal.

Abstract: A three-channel fluorescence localization super-resolution biological microscope system includes a microscope main body, an illumination module (2), an imaging module (3) and a three-dimensional nanoscale sample locking module (4). The illumination module (2) is used to realize three channels, wide-field and semi-total internal reflection illumination and total internal reflection illumination and is adjustable in an illumination mode. Illumination light generated by the illumination module (2) illuminates a sample through an objective lens. Fluorescent light emitted from the sample is allocated by a light splitter (8) of a fixed ratio after passing through a first multicolor reflector (6) and a front imaging lens (7), one part is allocated into the three-dimensional nanoscale sample locking module (4), and the remaining part is allocated into the imaging module. A three-channel fluorescence localization super-resolution biological microscope method is disclosed.

Abstract: A functional material includes a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) including an organic ligand derived from benzenedicarboxylic acid and a metal ion cluster coordination-bonded with the organic ligand, and a luminescent molecule in pores of the MOF.

Abstract: A hyperspectral Raman imaging system having the ability to focus on excitation laser beam over a relatively wide field of view due to the use of a lens array, in particular a microlens array. Hyperspectral selection is provided in one embodiment through the use of dual-axis controlled dielectric filtration. Methods for analyzing materials with the system are disclosed. The device or system can be used in generally any application where investigation of materials is required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identification and discrimination of bacteria and/or mutant bacterial strains in a biological fluid. The method includes illuminating the biological fluid with a beam of light; obtaining Raman data from light scattered from the illuminated biological fluid; and finding Raman signatures corresponding to each type of bacteria and/or mutant bacterial strains from the obtained Raman data, so as to identify and discriminate each type of bacteria and/or mutant bacterial strains in the biological fluid from the Raman signatures.

Abstract: An in-situ photocatalysis monitoring system based on surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The monitoring system may include a Raman excitation light source, a laser coupling lens, a narrow band filter, a total reflection mirror, a dichroic mirror, a focusing coupling lens, a SERS optical fiber probe, a liquid phase photocatalysis reactor, a photocatalytic light source, a Raman collection lens, and a spectrometer. A first furcation part and a second furcation part each extend from one end of a common detection part of the SERS optical fiber probe; an extending end of the first furcation part is coupled with the focusing coupling lens; an extending end of the second furcation part is coupled with the photocatalytic light source; and the other end of the common detection part is arranged inside the liquid phase photocatalysis reactor. Raman excitation light and photocatalytic light may be transmitted on a common channel.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the integrity of a substrate used in medical device packaging include providing a flexible, porous substrate having a first major surface, and a second major surface, applying a UV absorbent layer over at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the substrate, and placing the substrate over a UV reflective surface. The method includes directing UV light toward the substrate and the UV reflective surface, whereby the UV absorbent layer absorbs light in a spectrum that matches the wavelength of the UV light, and detecting with a UV sensitive camera any UV light that is reflected from the first and second surfaces of the substrate. The substrate is rejected if the reflected UV light that is detected by the UV sensitive camera indicates that the substrate has at least one opening having a size that is greater than or equal to 10 microns.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to an inspection apparatus that includes a stage configured to retain a specimen for inspection, an imaging device having a field of view encompassing at least a portion of the stage to view a specimen retained on the stage, and a plurality of lights disposed on a moveable platform. The inspection apparatus can further include a control module coupled to the imaging device, each of the lights and the moveable platform. The control module is configured to perform operations including: receiving image data from the imaging device, where the image data indicates an illumination landscape of light incident on the speciment; and automatically modifying, based on the image data, an elevation of the moveable platform or an intensity of one or more of the lights to adjust the illumination landscape. Methods and machine-readable media are also contemplated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the optical detection of inner walls includes at least one camera, an optical imaging arrangement, and an illumination arrangement. The apparatus is configured to record in a panoramic view by means of the camera a plurality of regions of an inner wall which are axially offset from one another. The apparatus is distinguished by virtue of the illumination arrangement having at least two different functional states, wherein a first brightness distribution emitted by the illumination arrangement is assigned to a first functional state, the brightness distribution differing from a second brightness distribution in at least one second functional state.

Abstract: An example system includes resonators configured for spatial distribution across a dimension of a target, with the resonators each being configured to transmit signals into the target and to receive signals through the target; and a data processing system to generate, based on the signals transmitted and received, a saturation profile of the target.

Abstract: A phase contrast X-ray imaging system for imaging an object including an X-ray source; and an X-ray detector having a 25 micron or less pixel pitch; wherein a distance between the X-ray source and the object is less than or equal to 10 cm.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a part including obtaining an X-ray tomography image of the part and then a step of correlating the image with a reference wherein the correlation step includes searching among a predefined set of X-ray tomography image transformations for a transformation that minimizes the difference between the image and the reference in order to characterize the inside of the part.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for non-destructive inspection of a fruit (1) having an axis of rotational symmetry (10). The method comprises the step of positioning the fruit (1) in such a way that its axis of rotational symmetry (10) has an orientation that is substantially parallel to a predetermined plane (20) and the step of radiographing the fruit (1), where the direction of emission of X-rays is substantially perpendicular to said predetermined plane (20) and an X-ray image obtained (41) lies on said predetermined plane (20). The X-ray image obtained (41) is processed to calculate, at corresponding points of the X-ray image (41), respective values of attenuation of the X-ray signal through the fruit (1). The X-ray image (41) is divided into a plurality of sections (415) which are perpendicular to the projection (410) of the axis of rotational symmetry (10) on the predetermined plane (20).

Abstract: A method that measures stress of a test subject including a metal includes: detecting, using a two-dimensional detector, a diffraction ring of diffracted X-rays which is formed by causing X-rays from an irradiation unit to be incident on the test subject and to be diffracted by the test subject; and calculating the stress of the test subject based on detection results during the detection step. Therein, the detection step involves causing X-rays from the irradiation unit to be incident on each of a plurality of sites on the test subject with the irradiation unit angled relative to the test subject in a manner such that the angle of incidence on the test subject is within the range of 5-20°, inclusive, and detecting, using a two-dimensional detector, the diffraction ring formed by the diffraction of the X-rays by the test subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a ray transmission and fluorescence CT imaging system and method. The system comprises: a ray source configured to emit a beam of rays; a rotational scanning device configured to perform rotational CT scanning on an object to be inspected; a transmission CT detector configured to receive the beam of rays which has passed through the object; a fluorescence CT detector configured to receive fluorescent photons excited by irradiation of the beam of rays on the object; a data acquisition unit configured to acquire a transmission data signal and a fluorescence data signal respectively; and a control and data processing unit configured to control the ray source to emit the beam of rays, control the rotational scanning device to perform the rotational CT scanning, and obtain a transmission CT image and a fluorescence CT image simultaneously based on the transmission data signal and the fluorescence data signal.

Abstract: An x-ray spectrometer includes: an x-ray plasma source that produces first x-rays; an x-ray optic in optical communication with the x-ray plasma source and that: receives the first x-rays from the x-ray plasma source; focuses the first x-rays to produce second x-rays; and communicates the second x-rays to a sample that produces product x-rays in response to receipt of the second x-rays and second light; and a microcalorimeter array detector in optical communication with the sample and that receives the product x-rays from the sample.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing an accumulation of particles on a filter membrane involve analyzing comprise the particle accumulation in an optical analysis system using a light microscope, and then analyzing the particle accumulation in an SEM-EDX analysis system using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In order to simplify and accelerate the testing of the filter membrane both in the optical analysis system and in the SEM-EDX system, the filter membrane is subject to a preparation which includes: (i) fixing the particles to the filter membrane, (ii) coating the particle accumulation with an electrically conductive coating which is produced from a conductivity solution that contains an ionic liquid, and (iii) holding the filter membrane flat or pulling the filter membrane taut.

Abstract: Provided is a method of suitably judging necessity of a recovering process carried out on a mixed-potential gas sensor based on an extent of reversible deterioration occurring in a sensing electrode. The method includes the steps of: (a) performing impedance measurement between a sensing electrode exposed to a measurement gas and a reference electrode exposed to a reference atmosphere, which are provided in the gas sensor; and (b) judging necessity of a recovering process based on electrode reaction resistance or a diagnosis parameter correlating with the electrode reaction resistance wherein the electrode reaction resistance and the diagnosis parameter are obtained based on a result of the impedance measurement. The two steps are intermittently or periodically repeated during use of the gas sensor, and it is judged that a recovering process is necessary when the judge parameter satisfies a predetermined threshold condition in the step (b).

Abstract: A drilling system includes a roller cone drill bit having a roller cone and at least one antenna loop disposed in the roller cone for detecting magnetic or electromagnetic waves indicative of a target, a resistivity, or a boundary of the subterranean formation, man-made structure, or object. The drilling system may utilize the antenna loop to determine resistivity measurements of a subterranean formation through which the drill bit is being drilled. The location of the antenna in the roller cone may enable increased look-ahead and look-around measurements. In addition, the location of the antenna in the roller cone may facilitate anisotropic resistivity measurements to aid in steering the drill string into a desired portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system that includes a sensor for measuring a resonant impedance spectral response of an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator and correlating the measured response of one or more spectral parameters to one or more characteristics of the fluid. Such characteristics may be the age or health of the fluid and/or the identification of and concentration of components in the fluid.

Abstract: A gas sensor is described that includes a planar carrier membrane; a gas-sensitive layer on the carrier membrane; a first and at least a second electrode, which each lie on the gas-sensitive layer in an electrically conductive manner; and a first electric supply line to the first electrode and a second electric supply line to the second electrode. The second electrode lies radially outside the first electrode, and the first supply line is insulated with respect to the gas-sensitive layer.

Abstract: A single cantilever gas sensor includes a silicon substrate, a supporting film, a heating resistor, a isolation film, and a detecting electrode, which are successively stacked. The gas sensor is T-shaped and has a base structure and a cantilever structure The end portion of the cantilever structure is provided with a gas sensitive material. The present invention further provides a sensor array composed of the single cantilever gas sensors and a method for manufacturing the gas sensor. The method includes (1) selecting a silicon substrate; (2) preparing a supporting film; (3) preparing a heating resistor; (4) preparing an isolation film; (5) preparing a detecting electrode; (6) releasing a membrane; (7) loading a gas sensitive material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed at determining rotor deterioration in a dynamoelectric machine. Various current and voltage measurements are carried out upon an exciter assembly when the dynamoelectric machine is operated at various speeds and at various occasions over an extended period of time. More particularly, a set of current and voltage measurements that are carried out when the dynamoelectric machine is in a slow-roll mode of operation can be used for determining a resistance of a current path through which the exciter assembly provides electrical power to a rotor assembly. A time-domain-to-frequency-domain conversion can be carried out upon this set of resistance measurements in order to generate a spectral signature. The spectral signature can then be evaluated to detect an altered rotor resistance condition and/or a rotor resistance alteration trend.

Abstract: A gas sensor combines two separate measurement methods in one shared structure. By way of the gas sensor, a qualitative or quantitative measurement of gases based on measurement of a variation in electrical conductivity, and a measurement of a change in work function based on a variation in the capacitance or impedance between two electrodes, can be carried out.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention determine intrinsic parameters of stacked nanowires/nanosheets GAA MOSFETs comprising Nw nanowires and/or nanosheets, each nanowire/nanosheet being surrounded in an oxide layer, the oxide layers being embedded in a common gate, wherein the method comprises the following steps: measuring the following parameters of the MOSFET: number of stacked nanowires/nanosheets NW, width WW,i, of the nanowire/nanosheet number i, i being an integer from 1 to NW, thickness of the nanowire/nanosheet HW,i, number i, i being an integer from 1 to NW, corner radius RW,i of the nanowire/nanosheet number i, i being an integer from 1 to NW, RW,i; calculating, using a processor and the measured parameters, a surface potential x normalized by a thermal voltage ?T given by ?T=kBT/q; measuring the total gate capacitance for a plurality of gate voltages; determining, using the measured total gate capacitance and the calculated normalized surface potential, the intrinsic parameter of the stacked nanowire

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device comprising a conjugate pad for receiving a quantity of fluid; and a membrane comprising a test line for determining whether the fluid comprises a target analyte. In a first state of the lateral flow assay device, the lateral flow assay device is configured with a removable gap between the conjugate pad and the membrane which is substantially filled with air and prevents the fluid from flowing from the conjugate pad into the membrane. In a second state of the lateral flow assay device, the removable gap is removed from between the conjugate pad and the membrane causing the conjugate pad to come in contact with the membrane, allowing the fluid to flow from the conjugate pad into the membrane and the test line by capillary action.

Abstract: An electrochemical H2S sensor comprises a housing, an electrolyte disposed within the housing, and a plurality of electrodes in contact with the electrolyte within the housing. The plurality of electrodes comprises a working electrode and a counter electrode. A surface area of the working electrode in contact with the electrolyte is less than a surface area of the counter electrode in contact with the electrolyte.

Abstract: A sensor element includes: a first inner space into which a measurement gas is introduced from outside; a second inner space communicated with the first inner space; a main pump cell constituted by an inner pump electrode facing the first inner space, an external pump electrode on a surface of the sensor element, and a solid electrolyte located therebetween; a measurement electrode facing the second inner space and functioning as a reduction catalyst for NOx; and a measurement pump cell constituted by the measurement electrode, the external pump electrode, and a solid electrolyte located therebetween. The inner pump electrode is a cermet made of an Au—Pt alloy containing Au ranging from 0.6 wt % to 1.4 wt % and ZrO2, and has a thickness ranging from 5 ?m to 30 ?m, a porosity ranging from 5% to 40%, and an area ranging from 5 mm2 to 20 mm2.

Abstract: A reference electrode according to the present invention maintains continuity between an internal solution and measurement sample and measures the electrical potential of the measurement sample even if the measurement sample in a liquid junction of the reference electrode has air bubbles mixed therein. This reference electrode is provided with: a second body provided with a second internal solution chamber in which a second internal solution is housed and a liquid junction portion disposed in the second internal solution chamber such that the second internal solution and measurement sample that is to be measured come into contact; and an internal electrode disposed inside the second internal solution. The liquid junction portion is formed from a conduction component formed from a porous or fibrous component and an aperture adjacent to the conduction component.

Abstract: A method for in-situ generation of microbubbles is disclosed. The method includes preparing an electrochemical apparatus, where the electrochemical apparatus includes a substrate and an integrated three-electrodes array patterned on the substrate. The integrated three-electrodes array includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. The method further includes growing a nano-structured layer on the working electrode of the integrated three-electrodes array, putting the electrochemical apparatus in contact with a medium fluid, electrolyzing the medium fluid by applying an instantaneous electrical potential to the electrochemical apparatus, and generating a plurality of microbubbles around the electrochemical apparatus in contact with the medium fluid responsive to electrolyzing of the medium fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of discriminating defects is provided. The method can include receiving data characterizing a first portion of a magnetic field, a second portion of the magnetic field, and a speed associated with a second sensor that acquired the second portion of the magnetic field. The method can also include discriminating, using the received data, a defect in a pipe as one of internal and external. The method can further include providing data characterizing the defect as one of internal and external.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic bridge for ultrasonic-based wireless communication. For example, there is provided an ultrasonic bridge that includes a microphone configured to transduce an ultrasound into an analog voltage. The ultrasonic bridge further includes hardware configured to convert the analog voltage to digital information. The ultrasonic further includes a transceiver configured to send the digital information wirelessly to a remote device via one of an RF link and a light-based link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a device for monitoring the structural integrity of structures such as beams, plates and shells, made of isotropic, anisotropic and/or laminated material, and to such a device. The method provides to define a asymmetric directivity function D(k1,k2) that has, in the domain of wave numbers, a plurality of maxima arranged on different concentric circumferences having center in the origin of the axes. Then a load distribution in spatial coordinates f(x1,x2) is computed by inverse Fourier transform of the directivity function D(k1,k2). Then therefore the device is made with the electrodes, whose shape is obtained by gathering the values of the load distribution f(x1,x2) in the plane having for coordinates the set of real numbers and imaginary numbers, defining at least two sectors of said plane that comprise at least one real value and one imaginary value.

Abstract: Highly spherical sorbents of porous hydroxyapatite materials and methods of producing these sorbents are disclosed. The sorbents of the present invention have good mechanical stability and are useful as chromatography media for the separation of biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids.

Abstract: This disclosure provides quantitative, rapid, and reliable LC-MS/MS methods for analyzing panels of pesticides and mycotoxins in various samples, including very hydrophobic and chlorinated compounds normally analyzed on a GC-MS/MS system. The methods can be carried out using a single instrument and can detect and quantify levels of the pesticides and mycotoxins that are well below action limits specified by U.S. states (e.g., California) and other countries (e.g., Canada) for these compounds in cannabis products.

Abstract: A system includes a container to enclose vehicles within a chamber, an enclosed structure to house a canine to perform odor detection, and an air duct positioned therebetween. The container includes a first door, a second door, and a raised floor. The raised floor includes a first ramp leading to the first door, a second ramp leading to the second door, and sets of vent ducts defined between an outer wall and a top wall of the raised floor, the sets of vent ducts to direct air flow upwardly into the chamber of the container. The air duct includes a proximal end located proximate to an opening within the top wall of the container, a distal end fed through the enclosed structure to a canine-sniffing location, and one or more fan to pull air out of the chamber and deliver the air to the canine-sniffing location within the enclosed structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis device for determining a measurement variable based on the concentration of one or more contents of a sample, comprising: a digestion reactor with a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a measuring device which is connected to the gas outlet of the digestion reactor; a control and analysis device which is designed to receive and process measurement values that are registered by the measuring device and are based on the measurement variable; an oxygen generating device; and a gas line system which connects the oxygen generating device to the gas inlets of the digestion reactor in order to supply oxygen generated by the oxygen generating device to the digestion reactor, wherein the gas line system comprises a gas storage device which has at least one chamber with a variable volume for receiving an oxygen quantity to be stored.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring particulate matter (PM) mass concentration using relatively low cost devices are described. A computer-implemented method comprises determining, by a device operatively coupled to a processor, relationships between: first PM mass data determined by a monitor station device for a first atmospheric area over a period of time; first PM count data determined by a reference PM count device for the first atmospheric area over the period of time; and first conditional information comprising first values for defined conditional parameters, wherein the first values are associated with the first atmospheric area over the period of time. The method further includes generating an initial conversion model based on the relationships, wherein the conversion model converts a PM count to a PM mass based on one or more conditional parameters of the defined conditional parameters and features for updating the conversion model.

Abstract: A partial pressure detector and methods of detecting a partial pressure are provided, in which a thermal conductivity gauge, such as a Pirani gauge, is configured to sense a pressure of a mixture of gases within a vacuum chamber. An input of the partial pressure detector is configured to receive a total pressure reading from a species-independent pressure sensor of the mixture of gases in the vacuum chamber, and a controller configured to provide an output representing an amount of a species of gas in the vacuum chamber as a function of the pressure as sensed by the thermal conductivity gauge and the received total pressure reading. The controller has a resolution, and a range of the resolution is scaled to a range of expected partial pressures of the species. The output can be a partial pressure or a weighted partial pressure of the gas species.

Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique form-factor, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a tight-fit configuration. This provides a single distal sensing surface and minimal separation distance between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be pie shaped with an interlocking feature to tightly hold the sensors together, with a sensor guard disposed over the outer surface of the interlocked sensors. Sensor-guards disclosed herein may have an integrated sensor storage and sensor guard configuration, thereby avoiding a need for a separate storage cup and that are configured to minimize unwanted biological growth. Also provided are uniquely shaped individual sensors having interlocking features to hold several sensors together in a sonde.

Abstract: A significantly improved version of the ASTM D942 Test Method, with apparatus employable to effect the same, is provided. This is useful in measurement of grease oxidation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method to evaluate the stability of a protein-based formulation including a protein, a peptide and/or a protein derivative and a buffer relative to a lubricant of a lubricated container in which the formulation is intended to be stored, including: a) Evaluating a decrease over time of interfacial tension between the buffer and the lubricant, b) Evaluating a decrease over time of interfacial tension between the protein-based formulation and the lubricant, c) Identifying at least one component of the protein-based formulation interacting with the lubricant by comparing the decrease evaluated in step b) with the decrease evaluated in step a).

Abstract: Methods of characterizing ion-exchanged chemically strengthened Li-containing glasses include: a) measuring a mode spectrum of the glass sample; b) using the mode spectrum, estimating a first contribution to the center tension associated with a spike region and estimating a second contribution to the center tension due to a deep region only, wherein the deep region is assumed to follow a power-law stress profile; and c) determining a total center tension by adding of the first and second contributions to the center tension. The methods can be used for quality control during manufacturing of glass samples by comparing the total center tension to a center tension specification that provides optimum strength and durability.

Abstract: A sensor array for simultaneously measuring electrophysiological responses and contractility responses of a tissue includes: a substrate; a multi-electrode array (MEA) disposed in or on the substrate; and a plurality of interdigitized electrodes (IDEs) disposed in or on the substrate. The MEA and the IDEs are interpenetrating within a plane substantially parallel to an upper surface of the substrate. Systems for measuring such responses using the sensor array may also include contacts and/or connectors for interfacing with external control devices, electrodes, and cell culture components such as a chamber and lid. Fabrication techniques for making such systems include: forming a sensor array comprising an interpenetrating arrangement of IDEs and electrodes of a MEA in or on a substrate surface; forming a plurality of contacts for interfacing the system with one or more external devices in or on the substrate surface; and forming leads between the plurality of contacts and the sensor array.

Abstract: A method for separating particles in a biofluid includes pretreating the biofluid by introducing an additive, flowing the pretreated biofluid through a microfluidic separation channel, and applying acoustic energy to the microfluidic separation channel. A system for microfluidic separation, capable of separating target particles from non-target particles in a biofluid includes at least one microfluidic separation channel, a source of biofluid, a source of additive, and at least one acoustic transducer coupled to the microfluidic separation channel. A kit for microfluidic particle separation includes a microfluidic separation channel connected to an acoustic transducer, a source of an additive, and instructions for use.

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus may include a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items. The apparatus may also include an operation part that can specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items. An information processing unit may also be included.

Abstract: The invention provides a medium additive, medium composition and a culture method and the like, capable of efficiently culturing cells or tissues in a well dispersed state, and further, permitting cell image analysis of the cells or tissues. The medium additive or medium composition contains agar, which preferably is a low molecular weight agar having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000-60,000. Using same, cells or tissues can be cultured in a well-dispersed state in a medium, and a proliferation promoting effect for the cells or tissues can also be obtained. In addition, the cells can be cultured in any of a floating state and a precipitated state by adjusting the concentration of the aforementioned agar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating a protrusion-forming ability of cell spheroids, comprising step (a) of imaging a cell spheroid labeled with a fluorescent substance using a fluorescence microscope at a resolution capable of identifying individual cells, and acquiring a plane tomographic image of a fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance, step (b) of analyzing the plane tomographic image acquired in step (a) to determine a protrusion part of the cell spheroid, and step (c) of evaluating a protrusion-forming ability of the cell spheroid based on the protrusion part determined in step (b).