Abstract: A method of calibrating a biological detector can include training a biological detector to detect a calibration compound, wherein the calibration compound comprises an odor that is detectable by the biological detector and is not used in an environment for which the biological detector is trained to detect odors, presenting the biological detector with a device comprising the calibration compound, and determining whether the biological detector will alert to the calibration compound.

Abstract: An indicating desiccant comprises a silica-based material having impregnated thereon a source of iron and a source of bromide, the source of iron being present in an amount up to 2.0 percent by weight, calculated as Fe with respect to weight of the silica-based material, and the source of bromide being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of Br to Fe is at least 0.1:1.

Abstract: Described is a self-indicating instant radiation dosimeter (1001) for monitoring high energy radiations, such as X-ray. The dosimeter contains a radiation sensitive, color changing, indicating composition (10), e.g., a diacetylene (R—C?C—C?C—R?, where R and R? are substituents groups) or a radiochromic dye, a polymeric binder (20) and optionally a shelf life extender (50) or an activator (40). The radiation sensitive composition (10) changes color instantly when exposed to high energy radiation. The dose is estimated by comparing the color with a color reference chart or more accurately with a spectrophotometer or an optical densitometer. The radiation sensitive composition (10) is protected from low energy radiation such as UV light, by a layer of low energy absorbing materials, such as UV absorbers.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for calibrating a mass spectrometer using two or more recombinant proteins and one or more energy-absorbing molecules. The recombinant proteins of the invention display high purities, making them suitable for use in mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Biomarkers of pancreatic cancer are described, as well as methods using these compounds for detecting pancreatic cancer. The methods can be used to diagnose a patient's health state, or change in health state, or for diagnosing risk of developing or the presence of pancreatic cancer. The method comprises analyzing a sample from a patient to obtain quantifying data for one or more than one of the metabolite markers; comparing the quantifying data to corresponding data obtained for one or more than one reference sample to identify abnormalities in the level of the metabolite marker(s) in the sample; and making a diagnosis if an abnormality is observed. Standards and kits for carrying out the method are also described.

Abstract: A phantom for medical imaging instrumentation, the phantom including a first hydrogel matrix, said matrix containing additives for simulating the optical and acoustic properties of a living organ or tissue. In the phantom, the additives include Indian ink or haemoglobin, silica powder and titanium dioxide powder. The phantom may contain a tumor simulator in solid or liquid form. It may also comprise several hydrogel matrices, each matrix including additives in different concentrations depending on the organ or tissue simulated. A method of producing the phantom includes one or more freeze-thaw cycles for optimizing the characteristics of the phantom.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of absorbent, self-coalescing materials, in particular hydratable polymeric materials, such as cartboxyrmethylchitosan, for use as ultrasound couplants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoded microparticle for labeling an isolated cell or an isolated embryo characterized in that it is made of a biocompatible material and its external shape comprises a code by which it can be identified. The use of an encoded microparticle for labeling and/or tracking isolated biological material. A method of tracking an encoded microparticle in or attached to an isolated cell or embryo using an optical microscope, preferably an inverted optical microscope with an objective substantially between 20×-100×.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism, and to a method for using the filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism, and more particularly, to filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism, the filler containing a polymer micelle formed by dispersing a sandwich-block copolymer comprising (Hydrophilic group)-(Hydrophobic group)-(Hydrophilic group) in an aqueous medium, and to a method for using the filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of one or more amplicons as temperature calibrators. In some embodiments, the calibrators may be used to calibrate the temperature of a microfluidic channel in which amplification and/or melt analysis is performed. In some embodiments, the amplicons may be genomic, ultra conserved elements and/or synthetic. The amplicon(s) may have a known or expected melt temperature(s). The calibrators may be added to primers of study or may follow or lead the primers of study in the channel. The amplicon(s) may be amplified and melted, and the temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) melted may be determined. The measured temperature(s) may be compared to the known temperature(s) at which the amplicon(s) was expected to melt. The difference(s) between the measured and expected temperatures may be used to calibrate/adjust one or more temperature control elements used to control and/or detect the temperature of the channel.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry method that makes it possible to perform high-sensitivity detection of a desorbed/ionized object substance to be measured in mass spectrometry in which the object substance to be measured is desorbed and ionized. The method includes placing at least an ionizing agent having two or more functional groups represented by Formula (1) below in a molecule: —(CF2)COOH??(1) wherein the ionizing agent has a boiling point of equal to or higher than 150° C. and an object molecule to be measured on a substrate and irradiating the ionizing agent and the object molecule to be measured with a primary beam selected from ions, neutral particles, electrons, and a laser beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal nanoparticle that is surface-modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group, and a composition for optical detection comprising the same. The surface-modified nanoparticles according to the present invention form clusters suitable for optical detection, for example, suitable as an X-ray contrast agent, and have surface plasmon energy in the visible region, thereby being usefully applied to a variety of optical detection methods.

Abstract: A gas-sensitive material is disclosed for detecting CO2 for use in semiconductor-based gas sensors. The gas-sensitive material may comprise one or more Ba-containing phases and one or more W-containing phases, at least one of the Ba-containing phases being different than at least one of the W-containing phases; the one or more Ba-containing phases comprising at least one of BaCO3, BaO-rich glass, BaWO4, or any combination thereof; and the one or more W-containing phases comprising at least one of BaWO4, WO3, W(OH)6, or any combination thereof. The material may further comprise one or more oxides selected from the group CuO, Bi2O3, Sb2O3, Sb2O5, La2O3, Cr2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, and TiO2, and any combination thereof. The material may further comprise one or more dopants such as Pt, Pd, Ag, Au or their compounds, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the material comprises a mixture of BaO-rich glass, BaWO4, and WO3.

Abstract: Gas-sensitive materials are disclosed which are mixtures or composites of BaSnO3, and another component comprising one or more phases from the group: CuO, Cr2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, NiO, CoO, Bi2O3, Sb2O3, Sb2O5, WO3, ZnO, and SnO2. The mixture may be modified further by the addition in a highly dispersed manner of fine (less than about 20 nm) particulates of precious metals (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag) to enhance performance. Advantages include: (a) sensitivity in the range 1-2500 ppm NOx typical of combustion environments, (b) reduced humidity influence, (c) repeatability and reliability, and (d) baseline stability over time. In one embodiment, the material includes a mixture of BaSnO3 and CuO such that CuO is present at 25-50 mol %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nanoparticles formed by at least one active ingredient and by at least two polyelectrolytes of opposite polarity, in particular characterized in that at least one of the two polyelectrolytes bears hydrophobic side groups and at least one of the two polyelectrolytes bears side groups of the polyalkylene glycol type, said nanoparticles having an average diameter ranging from 10 to 100 nm and comprising a quantity of groups of the polyalkylene glycol type such that the mass ratio wPAG of polyalkylene glycol relative to the total polymer is greater than or equal to 0.05.

Abstract: An immersion solution for a microscope, the immersion solution including a metal-halogeno complex anion containing bromine or iodine and one or more types of metal elements M selected from Sn, In, Bi, Sb, Zn and Al, and an imidazolium cation, a pyridinium cation, a pyrrolidinium cation or an ammonium cation. The immersion solution includes an ionic liquid that transmits light having a predetermined wavelength, has a refractive index of no less than 1.60 and is used for a fluorescence microscope.

Abstract: Compositions containing a transporter component and a signaling component and a method for using said compositions for analyzing porous media and flowing liquid streams, specifically for measuring pressure, temperature, relative abundance of water, pH, redox potential and electrolyte concentration. Analytes may include petroleum or other hydrophobic media, sulfur-containing compounds. The transporter component includes an amphiphilic nanomatenal and a plurality of solubilizing groups covalently bonded to the transporter component. The signaling component includes a plurality of reporter molecules associated with the transporter component. Said reporter molecules may be releasable from the transporter component upon exposure to at least one analyte. The reporter molecules may be non-covalently associated with the transporter component, or the reporter molecules are covalently bonded to the transporter component.

Abstract: Hydrotesting fluid compositions including stable populations of corrosion reducing microbes, where the populations are is sufficient to reduce or eliminate microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: Ligand exchange of thermochromic, LETC, systems exhibiting a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation as the temperature of the system is reversibly changed are described. The described LETC systems include one or more than one transition metal ion, which experiences thermally induced changes in the nature of the complexation or coordination around the transition metal ion(s) and, thereby, the system changes its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation as the temperature changes. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, a thermochromic system is disclosed comprising a transition metal ion and a ligand wherein the ligand comprises a nitrogen-containing five or six membered heterocyclic compound that coordinates through the nitrogen atom to the transition metal ion in a H?MLC formed between the transition metal ion and the ligand.

Abstract: Provided is a metal colloid having higher visibility and higher sensitivity than a gold colloid and a Au-core Pt-shell composite colloid and suitable as a labeling agent for use in a test such as an immunoassay. An alloyed Au/Pt composite colloid formed by mixing a gold salt and a platinum salt with at least one reducing agent selected from the group consisting of an amino acid and a derivative thereof, an oligopeptide and a derivative thereof, and an amino sugar in the presence of an alkali, thereby reducing the gold salt and platinum salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, preferably an ex vivo method, for diagnosing prostate carcinomas and/or predisposition thereof comprising determining at least one metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to suffer from prostate carcinomas or to have a predisposition therefor and comparing said at least one metabolite to a reference, whereby prostate carcinomas or a predisposition therefor is to be diagnosed. Moreover, the present invention encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising said data collection. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a system comprising means for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium.

Abstract: Provided is a simulant material for simulating hazardous materials, including a quantity of at least one explosive material and at least one inert material. The simulant material is a non-explosive material and is in the form of a homogenous, flexible and non-particulated material. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a simulant material.

Abstract: What is described is a single reference material and method of making useful for calibrating or qualifying instruments that are diagnostic spectroscopically for bilirubin, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions, and, optionally, diagnostic for other blood analytes by sensor means.

Abstract: Results of studies of nucleosides in biofluid specimens from patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and related disorders have identified five biomarkers of the conditions: 1-methyladenosine, N2,N2-dimethylguanosine, N2-methylguanosine, cytidine and uridine. In certain embodiments, methods of measuring these biomarkers and kits for measuring these biomarkers are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for monitoring integral value of time, temperature comprising at least one layer of polymer comprising a latent pigment capable of undergoing at least one colour change, and an organic acid; or comprising one layer of polymer comprising a latent pigment capable of undergoing at least one colour change, and one layer of polymer comprising an organic acid, wherein said latent pigment is converted to its pigmentary form which causes said colour change. The device can be used for monitoring sterilization of medical and kitchen supplies, canned foods and doneness of microwave foods.

Abstract: A synthetic urine solution is described. The synthetic urine solution is a shelf stable, food grade composition formed of water having a pH between 3 and 10. A thickening agent is dissolved within the water to form a solution having a specific gravity between 1.025 g/cm3 and 1.225 g/cm3. To provide a realistic appearance and odor, a coloring agent and urea are dissolved within the solution. Finally, to provide a shelf stable product, a preservative is also dissolved within the solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) by mass spectrometry, particularly to the monitoring of immunosuppressant levels in blood of patients with transplanted organs. A liquid phase extraction procedure reproducibly extracts the therapeutic drug molecules from whole blood and mass spectrometric analysis on MALDI instruments, with a matrix substance for highest sensitivity and special sample deposition procedure for a reproducible ionization of the therapeutic drug molecules. Suitable internal standard substances added to the blood in exact amounts ensure a correct absolute quantification. The method is particularly suitable for immunosuppressants belonging to the class of macrocyclic lactones (sirolimus, tacrolimus, everolimus) and cyclic polypeptides (cyclosporin A), and even works as a multiplex method for all four immunosuppressants simultaneously.

Abstract: A reagent for classification of leukocytes includes (a) at least two cationic surfactants; (b) at least one organic compound bearing a hydrophobic group and an anionic group; (c) a buffer for adjusting pH into a range of approximately 2-8. Also disclosed is a method for classifying leukocytes with the reagent. With the reagent and method, erythrocytes are lysed rapidly and classification of leukocytes into five groups is achieved in the same channel. The reaction may be carried out at approximately between 10-40° C. and scattered light signals may be detected at two angles for measuring the classification of leukocytes into five groups.

Abstract: A phantom calibration body (12) for calibrating diffusion MRI device (16) that mimics a material such as a mammalian tissue is disclosed. The phantom calibration body (12) includes a homogeneous aqueous solution (30) that contains a mixture of low molecular-weight and high molecular-weight polymers housed in a container (14) that is placed in the diffusion MRI device (16) for obtaining one or more diffusion MRI images of the phantom calibration body (12). A measure of diffusivity is calculated for each of the one or more diffusion MRI images in order to calibrate the diffusion MRI device. Methods of using the phantom calibration body (12) to calibrate diffusion MRI device (16) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A complex, which has been formed by at least two pieces of a ligand and a first metal ion, is bound with a carrier. A second metal ion is then added onto the carrier, a new complex being thereby formed. A substance that contains a Group-15 or Group-16 atom, which has metal coordinating capability, is then fixed to the first metal ion and the second metal ion.

Abstract: An optically active particle and a method of manufacturing said particles, plus methods of tagging a material of interest with said particles are disclosed. The particle comprises a surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) active core and a SES active reporter associated with the SES core wherein the particle produces a measurable and thermally stable SES spectrum upon optical interrogation. As used in the disclosure, thermally stable may be defined as maintaining a measurable SES spectrum after the particle or any material tagged with the particle has been exposed to a temperature substantially higher than room temperature.

Abstract: Process for producing metal particle sols having a metal particle content of ?1 g/l, comprising the steps of a) reacting a metal salt solution with a solution containing hydroxide ions b) reacting the solution obtained from step a) with a reducing agent, wherein at least one of the solutions in step a) comprises a dispersing assistant, metal particles produced by the process and the use thereof.

Abstract: What is described is a single reference material and method of making useful for calibrating or qualifying instruments that are diagnostic spectroscopically for bilirubin, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin fractions, and, optionally, diagnostic for other blood analytes by sensor means.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of tubular kidney diseases comprising the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a urine sample, the polypeptide marker being selected from the markers characterized in Table 1 by values for the molecular masses and migration times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stimulus-indicating device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for evidencing when a product has been exposed to a designated stimulus for a certain period of time.

Abstract: A general method for producing EMS positive samples or samples containing nanostructures characteristic of self-replicating molecules like DNA by dilution and agitation. Methods of transduction into DNA information or for inducing EMS in an originating sample and transducing the EMS signal once induced into a naïve receiving sample. Diagnostic methods using this technology.

Abstract: Structural health monitoring using nuclear quadrupole resonance is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method of monitoring stress is provided. The method includes scanning a composite using an NQR spectrometer, the composite having a polymer matrix and a microcrystalline material disposed in the matrix. The microcrystalline material includes molecules having nuclei with respective nuclear quadrupole moments. The method also includes determining microscopic strain distribution indices of the composite from the NQR scans to quantify stress and identify precursors to failure in the composite.

Abstract: Described are a urine pretreatment agent, a urine pretreatment method, and a urinary protein quantitation method which reduce or cancel the influences of urine pH variations, cancel the influences of precipitates of urinary inorganic salts, and solubilize membrane proteins. The urine pretreatment agent for urinary protein quantitation, includes a buffer, a chelating agent, and a surfactant; the urine pretreatment method includes a step of mixing 10 to 1000 parts by mass of the urine pretreatment agent of the present invention with 100 parts by mass of urine; and the urinary protein quantitation method includes steps of: mixing 10 to 1000 parts by mass of the urine pretreatment agent with 100 parts by mass of urine; and then measuring the protein concentration.

Abstract: In order to reduce reflection and heating of a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) beam following a region of interest in tissue to which an HIFU beam was administered, at least two layers of aquasonic gel are applied at a tissue/air interface following the region of interest and the focus in a direction of propagation of the HIFU beam. A first of the two aquasonic gel layers is a foamed aquasonic gel layer, and a second of the two layers is substantially bubble-free aquasonic gel. The layer of foamed aquasonic gel is placed directly adjacent the tissue/air interface, and the layer of substantially bubble-free aquasonic gel is placed over the layer of foamed aquasonic gel, at a side thereof facing away from the tissue/air interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthesis of oligonucleotide mediated gold core- silver shell nanoparticles and testing their SERS performance. A Raman reporter molecule and twelve-base long oligonucleotide are simultaneously attached on gold nanoparticles and a silver layer is deposited on the modified gold nanoparticles. The SERS performance of gold core- silver shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) is much greater than the CSNPs prepared without oligonucleotides and the same size non-modified gold nanoparticles after silver staining.

Abstract: A compound which captures a multisite phosphorylated peptide or protein specifically to a phosphorylation site and a method for detecting the peptide or protein using the compound. Particularly, a compound which specifically detects an excessively phosphorylated tau protein observed in the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease and a method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in vitro or in vivo using the compound are provided. By bringing a metal complex compound having two dipicolylamine (Dpa) moieties and a spacer including a chromogenic or luminescent functional or atom group into contact with a multisite phosphorylated peptide or protein, the compound recognizes the distance between phosphate groups and specifically binds to the peptide or protein, and a multisite phosphorylated peptide or protein or kinase activity is optically detected by measuring the change, or a multisite phosphorylated peptide or protein or kinase activity is imaged by an optical imaging method applying the change in luminescence.

Abstract: There are provided a pre-treatment technique for a glycated hemoglobin-containing sample, which is a simple and convenient treatment, is free from problems in storage stability and environmental aspects, and is capable of exposing an epitope sufficiently in a short time; and an method for an immunological assay of glycated hemoglobin using this technique. A method for pre-treating a glycated hemoglobin-containing sample for an immunological assay of glycated hemoglobin, the method includes treating a glycated hemoglobin-containing sample with a pre-treatment solution containing (A) guanidine or a salt thereof and (B) a nonionic surfactant and/or a nitrite.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for mass spectroscopy are disclosed. The compositions and methods relate to the analysis of proteins and other biopolymers using mass spectroscopy, particularly matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Abstract: Devices are described that include a component comprised of a material having a structure of R1—C(O)—NX—R2, wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms or an aryl, X is H or C(O)—Y, Y together with R1 forms a ring. The material is characterized by a single, sharp melting point, thus making it suitable for use, for example, in thermo-mechanical actuating devices or in temperature-indicating devices. Also described are compositions comprising two or more materials each having a structure of Rn1—C(O)—NH—Rn2 wherein, n is an identifying integer corresponding to a material in the composition; wherein for each material n in the composition, Rn1 and Rn2 are a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms, wherein for each material n Rn1 and Rn2 differ by one carbon atom, arid wherein the number of carbon atoms in Rn2 of each material n differs by four or less.

Abstract: Nanostructured sensing substrates (nanodevices) offer greatly enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for detection of molecular species through a variety of sensing modalities. In order to produce repeatable and quantifiable assays, it is desirable to apply the analyte uniformly to the nanodevice. Uniform analyte application is promoted by applying the analyte in a fluid mixture or solution which uniformly wets the nanostructured device. The fluid, or mixture of fluids, is chosen to both wet the nanodevice and dissolve or uniformly suspend the analyte.

Abstract: Provided are monodisperse synthetic dendrimer calibrants for mass spectrometry. The calibrants are distinguished by their relative ease and rapidity of synthesis, comparatively low cost, long shelf life, high purity, and amenability to batch synthesis as mixtures. The latter characteristic enables parallel preparation of higher molecular weight compounds displaying useful distributions of discrete molecular weights, thereby providing multi-point mass spectrometry calibration standards. Methods of making and using said calibrants are also provided.

Abstract: A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel at least one compound having formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy and nitro; and R3 and R4 independently represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens care kit for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses. The lens care kit of the invention allows customers to visually identify when their lenses are disinfected, clean, and ready to wear. The invention is relied on color change to indicate the readiness of disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses.

Abstract: A composite material for use in a sensing electrode. The composite material comprises a first phase and a second phase. The first phase consists essentially of Bi2Ru2O7+x wherein x is a value between 0 and 1 and the second phase consists essentially of RuO2.