Abstract: A sensor system (1, 1S) including a current DA converter (42) outputting a control current (Ip) of a sensor element (3S), a control unit (4C) generating a control current instruction value (Ipcmd) corresponding to magnitude of the control current and inputting this instruction value to the current DAC, an instruction value sequence generating unit (47) generating, instead of the control current instruction value, an inspection instruction value sequence (RChcmd) in which predetermined inspection current instruction values (Chcmd) inputted to the current DAC are arranged in order and by which failure of the current DAC can be detected, an inspection current detection unit (71) detecting an inspection current value (Ichv) of an inspection current (Ich) outputted from the current DAC, and a failure detection unit (8) detecting failure of the current DAC from an inspection current value sequence (RIchv) in which the inspection current values are arranged in order of detection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protein electrophoresis are described herein. In various embodiments, the compositions and methods of the disclosure provide for reduced protein fragmentation relative to the protein fragmentation caused by alternative compositions and methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a trapped ion mobility separator (TIMS) and methods to operate it wherein an ion region of the TIMS, through which ions travel along an axis from an entrance to an exit, has an elongate cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the axis with a long dimension and a short dimension. First and second counteracting forces on the ions along the axis are provided, wherein at least one of the first and second forces has an effect on the ions that is ion mobility dependent, and wherein at least one of the first and second forces varies spatially along the axis such that ions are trapped and separated by ion mobility. Different embodiments provide the first and second forces using different combinations of gas flow and electric field potential, and employ various electrode structures that provide the system with different advantageous characteristics.

Abstract: A system for separating ions includes first and second surfaces extending along first and second perpendicular directions, an ion channel defined between the surfaces and configured to receive a stream of ions, first and second electrode arrays each including a plurality of electrodes extending in a third direction and respectively associated with the first and second surfaces, means for causing gas to flow across the ion channel in a fourth direction substantially opposite the first direction, and a controller configured to apply a DC voltage gradient to the electrode arrays. The electrode arrays are configured to generate an electric field based on the DC voltage gradient. The electric field and the flow of gas are configured to direct ions having mobilities in a first mobility range along a first path and ions having mobilities in a second mobility range along a second path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are detection methods that use magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to allow molecules to be identified. Embodiments of this disclosure include methods of using magnetic sensors (e.g., magnetoresistive sensors) to detect temperature-dependent magnetic fields (or changes in magnetic fields) emitted by MNPs, and, specifically to distinguish between the presence and absence of magnetic fields emitted, or not emitted, by MNPs at different temperatures selected to take advantage of knowledge of how the MNPs' magnetic properties change with temperature. Embodiments disclosed herein may be used for nucleic acid sequencing, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting flaws in objects comprised of ferromagnetic materials are disclosed. A wireless energizing unit is disclosed that includes an array of permanent magnets is used to induce a magnetic field into the objects and transducers are configured to detect a magnetic flux property in the presence of a flaw in the object. Embodiments that are configured to be clamped over the object are also disclosed. In addition, methods for retrofitting EMI detection systems with a wireless energizing unit are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for enhancing operation of an ultrasonic sensing device for determining the status of an object near such ultrasonic sensing device. From the ultrasonic sensing device, an emission signal having a current frequency or band in an ultrasonic frequency range is emitted. Ultrasonic signals are received and analyzed to detect an object. After a trigger occurs, a background noise signal emitted, reflected, or diffracted from the object in an environment outside of the ultrasonic sensing device is detected and background noise metrics are estimated based on the background noise signal after halting the emitting of the emission signal. It is then determined whether the current frequency of the emission signal is optimized based on the background noise metrics. A next frequency or band is selected and the emission signal is emitted at the next frequency or band if the current frequency or band is not optimum.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing apparatus structured to perform an ultrasonic inspection on a workpiece. The ultrasonic testing apparatus comprises an ultrasonic testing probe structured to generate an ultrasonic output directed toward the workpiece and to receive an ultrasonic input from the workpiece that is responsive to the output; a couplant delivery system comprising a couplant supply, the couplant delivery system further comprising an actuator which, when operated, is structured to apply from the couplant supply an amount of a couplant to at least one of the workpiece and the ultrasonic testing probe; and a control apparatus electrically connected with the ultrasonic testing probe and with the couplant delivery system, the control apparatus being structured to receive the ultrasonic input and being further structured to operate the actuator. A couplant delivery system that is operable with an ultrasonic testing apparatus that is structured to perform an ultrasonic inspection on a workpiece.

Abstract: A device for estimating a mechanical property of a sample is disclosed herein. The device may include a chamber configured to hold the sample; a transmitter configured to transmit a plurality of waveforms, including at least one forcing waveform; and a transducer assembly operatively connected to the transmitter and configured to transform the transmit waveforms into ultrasound waveforms. The transducer assembly can also transmit and receive ultrasound waveforms into and out of the chamber, as well as transform at least two received ultrasound waveforms into received electrical waveforms.

Abstract: A sound inspection apparatus that includes at least three microphones, a removing unit, and an estimation unit. The removing unit calculates an impulse response based on a sound pressure of a radiation sound collected via a reference microphone and a first microphone, calculates an impulse response based on the sound pressure of the radiation sound collected via the reference microphone and a second microphone, and removes a component corresponding to the vibration sound from the calculated impulse response. The intensity calculation unit calculates an intensity of the radiation sound based on the impulse response from which the vibration sound is removed, and the estimation unit estimates, based on the calculated intensity, a site where an abnormality in the inspection target object has occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas fitting pressure test device in one example having a test plate with a first side configured to seal to a gas fitting. The gas fitting having a surface defining a void therein. The test device also having a gas conduit through the first side of the test plate, the gas conduit configured to be in fluid communication with an inner void of the gas fitting. The test device also having an electromagnet adjacent the second side of the test plate, configured to provide magnetic force on the gas fitting greater than the force exerted on the gas fitting. The test device having or connected to a source of positive gas pressure in fluid communication with the gas conduit.

Abstract: A detection device includes a frame body and a main pipe positioning assembly, a branch pipe positioning assembly, and a first driving assembly disposed on the frame body. One side of the frame body is provided with an opening. The branch pipe positioning assembly is disposed inside the opening. The first driving assembly adjusts the branch pipe positioning assembly, so that the branch pipe positioning assembly is adapted to positions of the two branch pipes. During detection, the branch pipes are located in the opening, the main pipe positioning assembly connects two ends of the main pipe, and the branch pipe positioning assembly connects the two branch pipes. Two limiting members are slidably disposed on the frame body to open and close the opening, and the limiting members abut against an outer wall of the main pipe, such that the main pipe is located inside or outside the opening.

Abstract: A noncontact vibration measurement enables detection of acoustic emissions from fracture events in soft materials experimentally determined to be highly correlated to fracture energies, the latter revealing the toughness of the material.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects pertain to surface analysis based on wearable sensor data. Sensor data can be acquired from pressure-sensitive wearable sensors, such as shoe insole sensors, based on interaction with a surface. A location can also be determined for the sensor data with respect to a surface utilizing a positioning system. The sensor data can be utilized to determine surface properties at a particular location. Further, a graphical representation of the surface properties and location can be generated and conveyed for display on a display. Furthermore, movement instructions can be provided to aid in analysis of an entire surface, and recommendations can be made regarding surface maintenance based on collected sensor data.

Abstract: A fluid modulator includes a fluid manifold, fluid valve, and pressure/flow controller. The manifold may include a primary tee, exhaust tee, secondary tee, loop conduit, and joining tube. The valve may include a common port, normally-open output port connected to the secondary tee, and normally-closed output port connected to the primary tee. The controller may be configured to provide auxiliary fluid to the common port. In embodiments, the primary tee, exhaust tee, and secondary tee are configured with the primary tee and secondary tee situated at ends of the fluid manifold and the exhaust tee disposed therebetween. In other embodiments, the exhaust tee, the primary tee, and the secondary tee are distributed in a linear fashion with the exhaust tee and secondary tee situated at ends of the fluid manifold and the primary tee disposed therebetween. An embodiment with a single, unitary 5-port fluid manifold is also disclosed.

Abstract: A configurable injector for injecting a fluidic sample in a separation path of a sample separation apparatus includes a sample accommodation volume for accommodating the fluidic sample to be injected into the separation path, a valve arrangement fluidically couplable with the separation path, fluidically coupled with the sample accommodation volume, and being controllable for injecting the fluidic sample into the separation path, an input interface configured for receiving input data indicative of an injection profile of an injector to be emulated by the configurable injector, and a control unit configured for controlling the configurable injector, in particular the valve arrangement, so that the configurable injector is operated in accordance with the injection profile to thereby emulate the injector to be emulated.

Abstract: Liquid chromatography systems described herein are smaller in size and with a reduced extra-column volume due to direct connection of a liquid chromatography column and/or detector to an injector valve and due to eliminating the need for a column oven by relying on heating of the liquid chromatography column and detector by a preheater. The size of the liquid chromatography systems are enough that the liquid chromatography systems may be deployed adjacent to automated sample preparation robotics, adjacent to a process stream, or adjacent to the inlet of a mass spectrometer. In addition, the extra-column volume of the liquid chromatography systems may be reduced by eliminating many of the connection tubes and by situating components of the liquid chromatography system in closer proximity.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments may provide a collective insulating sleeve for a plurality of chromatography columns or may provide separate insulating sleeve for each of the chromatography columns in a plurality. As a result, column ovens are not needed, and pre-heaters may not be required for each chromatography column in some exemplary embodiments. Thus, parallel column arrangements in the exemplary embodiments may be more compact than conventional arrangements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysing hydrocarbons, with the implementation of a gas chromatography separation according to a first controlled temperature profile, to separate a sample into a plurality of analytes and the detection of at least one of said analytes by measurement of a variation of the resonance frequency of at least one resonator of nano-electromechanical system (NEMS) type covered with a functional layer made to vibrate at the resonance frequency thereof, under the effect of an adsorption or desorption of the analyte by the functional layer, the resonator being subjected to a second controlled temperature profile, lower than the first profile.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide methods, mediums, and systems for analyzing spectrometry and/or chromatography data, and in particular to techniques to improve the reproducibility of results of spectrographic and/or chromatographic experiments. For example, some embodiments provide techniques for normalizing mass spectrometry (MS) and/or liquid chromatography (LC) data across different experimental devices, allowing data from different cohorts to be directly compared. To this end, exemplary embodiments provide a reliable, reproducible target library usable across different platforms, laboratories, and users. One embodiment leverages statistical techniques to select experimental parameters configured to reduce or minimize the chance of misidentifying a target molecule. Another embodiment leverages the law of large numbers to produce a composite product ion spectrum usable across different experiments.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for deriving an amount of PFAS substances from a total organic fluoride measurement in a sample, including: removing inorganic fluoride from the sample using one or more of an ion exchange cartridge and an exclusion apparatus; preconcentrating, using a solid phase extraction, at least one PFAS substance in the sample; digesting, using a working electrode and a counter electrode, the at least one PFAS substance to an amount of total organic fluoride; and determining, using an analyzer, the amount of total organic fluoride in the sample. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: Novel integrated circuit environmental and temperature sensors in combination with measurement circuitry fully integrated as part of an ASIC die, which may be co-packaged with a pressure sensor integrated circuit to create a compact yet sensitive environment monitoring product. Embodiments may include one or more integrated local heating elements and control circuitry that are power supply independent, make efficient use of battery power, include an accurate in-built temperature detection capability, and provide digital close-loop control of the heating elements.

Abstract: A gas leak detection system that combines sensor units having an array of sensors that detect natural gas and the volatile organic compounds and variable atmospheric conditions that confound existing gas leak detection methods, a specially designed sensor housing that limits the variability of those atmospheric conditions, and a machine learning-enabled process that uses the wide array of sensor data to differentiate between natural gas leaks and other confounding factors. Multiple low-cost sensor units can be used to monitor gas concentrations at multiple locations across a site (e.g., a well pad or other oil or natural gas facility), enabling the gas leak detection system to model gas leak emission rates in two- or three-dimensional space to reveal the most likely origin of the gas leak.

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed that includes a plurality of sensors, a deployment system for deploying the sensors, a control and charging system for receiving sensor data and optionally charging the batteries within the sensors, and one or more algorithms employed by the sensor system for processing, analyzing, and otherwise using data received by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring comprehensive growth condition of potted lettuce consists of a polarized hyperspectral imaging system and a 3D laser scanning system. The polarized hyperspectral imaging system includes a control system, a dual-coordinate sample holder, an image acquisition system, and a light source system, and the polarized hyperspectral imaging system detects water and fertilizer stress in lettuce by polarized hyperspectral multi-dimensional reflection imaging of characteristics on a canopy/leaf scale. The 3D laser scanning system detects morphological characteristics such as the biomass, stem diameter, plant height, and leaf area of lettuce.

Abstract: Provided are a crop growth information monitoring method and device and a method for manufacturing a crop growth information monitoring device. The crop growth information monitoring device includes an air exchange channel support, a crop information sensing sensitive layer, an electrode, and a substrate. The air exchange channel support is disposed on the substrate, and in a case where the air exchange channel support is in contact with a monitoring point on a surface of a crop, a gas exchange channel is formed between the crop information sensing sensitive layer and the surface of the crop. The crop information sensing sensitive layer is configured to sense information about molecules emitted through crop transpiration so as to generate a molecule concentration capture signal. The electrode is plated on an upper surface of the substrate, and the crop information sensing sensitive layer is coated on the electrode.

Abstract: A plant biosensor includes a solar radiation sensor that measures a solar radiation amount with which the plant is irradiated, a sap flow sensor that measures a flow rate of sap flowing in a body of the plant, and an absorbed nutrient sensor that measures a nutritional state of the plant.

Abstract: A multi-functional sensor assembly includes an electrically non-conductive substrate defining at least a distal region, intermediary region, and proximal region that are each covered with electrically conductive traces. The proximal region is configured to be exposed to a media to be sensed and the distal and intermediary regions are configured to be protected from the media. The electrically conductive traces are connected to one or more electrodes to sense one or more of alkalinity, cyanuric acid concentration, or oxidant concentration of the media.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid conduit, a fluid chamber in communication with the fluid conduit, a rheology sensor in communication with the fluid chamber, and an electric temperature controller in communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is cooled or heated in response to a first control signal from the electric temperature controller.

Abstract: An assessment device (1) according to the present disclosure includes a determination unit (10) that determines a first period corresponding to a shortest period until deterioration of a concrete structure due to an aging-induced deterioration cause appears and a second period shorter than the first period and corresponding to a longest period until deterioration of the concrete structure due to a material-induced deterioration cause appears and an assessment unit (20) that assesses that a deterioration causing material is used in a concrete structure having, in a checking result indicating a period elapsed from construction of the concrete structure and the presence or absence of deterioration in the concrete structure, the deterioration and the period elapsed from the construction which is not shorter than the second period and is shorter than the first period.

Abstract: A method for characterizing undebarked wooden logs and computing optimal debarking parameters in real time is provided. The method comprises a scanning device upstream of a debarker for providing data, usually in the form of images, to a deep learning algorithm model. The model may be trained with human assistance or not to detect and identify, with an acceptable amount of certainty, characteristics of undebarked logs. The characteristics are used in an optimization software and classified in an index table. The index table is used to determine optimized parameters for debarking the log.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses used for evaluating a protein in a sample using proteolysis and translocation. An example method includes isolating a single protein from a sample in a chamber having at least a first well and a second well separated from the first well by a membrane with a nanopore, the nanopore providing fluidic communication between the first and second wells. The single protein is cleaved into a plurality of peptide fragments via exposure to a protease in the first well, and translocated through the nanopore by applying an electric potential to the nanopore in the chamber after cleavage of the single protein by the protease. The method further includes detecting events indicative of the translocations of the plurality of peptide fragments through the nanopore and to the second well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel synthetic odorant receptors capable of cell surface localization upon cellular expression. Specifically, the present invention provides synthetic odorant receptors having a consensus amino acid sequence deduced from a plurality of odorant receptors within an odorant receptor family, wherein the consensus amino acid sequence represents the mostly frequently present amino acid residues for each amino acid position deduced from a plurality of odorant receptors within an odorant receptor family. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of use, methods of synthesis, and cell lines expressing one or more of such novel synthetic odorant receptors.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating rheumatoid arthritis by determining whether a subject having rheumatoid arthritis will respond to an anti-TNF-alpha therapy based on the number of innate and adaptive immune cells in a sample from the subject prior to treatment.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for use in connection with cell therapy involving the administration of one or more doses of a therapeutic T cell composition. The cells of the T cell composition express recombinant receptors such as chimeric receptors, e.g. chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or other transgenic receptors such as T cell receptors (TCRs). Features of the provided embodiments, including the numbers of cells or units of cells administered and/or the potency of administered cells, provide various advantages, such as lower risk of toxicity in subjects administered the T cell compositions.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to p-phenylene ethynylene compounds as bioactive and detection agents. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of inducing germination of microbial spores including contacting the microbial spores with a p-phenylene ethynylene compound. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for detecting an enzyme, a method of protein analysis, or a method of detecting a chemical agent, including introducing a p-phenylene ethylylene compound to a composition including an enzyme substrate, and analyzing the fluorescence of the p-phenylene ethynylene compound. Various embodiments provide sensors that include a p-phenylene ethynylene compound and an enzyme substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving assay specificity and performance in binding assays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antibodies that specifically bind to a methotrexate analyte. Such antibodies can be used to detect a methotrexate analyte in a sample, such as in a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay method. Hapten structures to elicit such antibodies and conjugates useful in immunoassays are also described.

Abstract: A device for detecting and/or quantifying functional C1-esterase inhibitor (fC1-INH), the device comprising: (i) a conjugate pad comprising a first zone and a second zone, on which a first agent and a second agent are immobilized, respectively, and (ii) a membrane, which is in communication with the conjugate pad, wherein the membrane comprises a third zone, on which a third agent is immobilized. The conjugate pad may further comprise a fourth zone for placing a biological sample, which flows through the device in the order of the first zone, the second zone, and the third zone.

Abstract: Methods for detecting His-tagged proteins using metal ion-chelating nitrilotriacetate (NTA) probes and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes using a metal ion-loaded NTA probe coupled to a UV-excitable fluorophore with visible emission and the presence of His-tagged proteins in the sample is determined by exposing the gel following PAGE, to a UV-light source with naked human eye or bench camera visualization. The metal ion-loaded NTA-containing chelator head can be coupled to a fluorophore that is not UV-excitable (i.e., with the majority of emission and excitation in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method includes separating proteins in a sample using PAGE, contacting the gel following electrophoresis with a composition containing a metal ion-loaded NTA probe coupled to the fluorophore, to allow binding of the probe to the His-tagged proteins, and detecting the presence of the probe and therefore of the His-tagged proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of a human subject that has sustained or may have sustained an injury to the head, such as mild or moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), using an early biomarker, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1). Also disclosed here are methods that aid in determining whether a human subject that has sustained an injury or may have sustained to the head would benefit from and thus receive a head computerized tomography (CT) scan based on the levels of UCH-L1. These methods involve detecting levels and changes in levels of UCH-L1 in one or more samples taken from a human subject at time points within 24 hours after the subject has sustained or may have sustained an injury to the head.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating cancer patients and identifying patients with a malignancy that are likely to respond to treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and other anti-cancer and immune-modulating therapeutics.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to quantify VCP phosphorylation at specific amino acid residue to predict responsiveness of a subject having a cancer or tumor to a genotoxic treatment, guide treatment decisions, select subjects for clinical trials, and evaluate the clinical efficacy of certain therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: A kit or composition for in situ simultaneously derivatization of 14 phenol and carboxylic acid metabolites of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) in a urine sample is disclosed. The derivatization imparts a positive charge to phenol and carboxylic acid for subsequent LC-MS analysis. Limit of detection reached part-per-trillion levels for o-Cresol and part-per-billion levels for the remaining BTEX metabolites. BTEX metabolites can be detected in less than 35 mins according to one embodiment of the invention. Methods, kits and compositions disclosed herein can be used for in situ simultaneous derivatization of phenol and carboxylic acid in aqueous solution in general.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a reagent kit, a measurement kit, and a measurement method for measuring serum amyloid A, which enable measurement having a high correlation of an increase in signal with respect to the concentration of serum amyloid A. According to the present invention, provided is a reagent kit for measuring serum amyloid A, including first particles having a label and modified with a first binding substance having a property of specifically binding to serum amyloid A, and at least one nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 17 to 20, which is defined by (inorganicity value/organicity value)×10 and a molecular weight of 1000 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and 2D-LC-MS/MS) for the proteomic analysis of genotypes. In certain embodiments, samples used in the analysis comprise dried bodily fluids.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the detection or quantitation of amyloid beta. In a particular aspect, provided herein are methods for detecting amyloid beta or fragments thereof by mass spectrometry. In another aspect, provided herein are methods for determining the ratio of amyloid beta 42 (A?42) to amyloid beta 40 (A?40). In another aspect, provided herein are methods for diagnosis or prognosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of culturing and characterizing antibody secreting cells. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to methods of isolating antibody secreting cells, e.g., long lived plasma cells, replicating the isolated cells in growth media disclosed herein, and determining the nucleic acids sequences in the cells that encode the produced antibodies.

Abstract: A method is provided, comprising feeding a cat a foodstuff comprising a protein to fat ratio of 1:0.27 to 1:0.63 on a gram:gram as fed or dry matter basis, and measuring the level of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in a blood sample from the cat before and after feeding the foodstuff. A reduction in GIP levels and/or maintaining low levels of GIP post-prandially is indicative of a foodstuff useful in preventing accumulation of and/or reducing body fat in a cat and therefore controlling the body weight of a cat.

Abstract: Blood typing systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying a sample to a surface of a substrate having one or more binding agents immobilized thereon, wherein the one or more binding agents are capable of binding to one or more substances in the sample; substantially removing unbound material from at least a portion of the substrate having immobilized binding agent; and detecting substances bound to the one or more binding agents immobilized on the substrate; wherein the applying the sample to the surface of the substrate step is concurrent with the removing unbound material from at least a portion of the substrate step. Systems and other methods are also described and illustrated.