Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a chemical sensor, a digital to analog converter, and microcontroller formed therein. The chemical sensor detects the presence of a chemical and outputs an analog signal to the digital to analog converter. The analog to digital converter converts the analog signal to a digital signal. The analog to digital converter outputs the digital signal to the microcontroller. Microcontroller calculates a value of the concentration of the selected chemical.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the rapid detection of small ligands, such as cyanide, carbon monoxide or azide, in small quantities. Specifically, metmyoglobin is used to bind small ligands which yield a product with a characteristic absorbance spectrum that is detectable and quantifiable. Also disclosed is a kit for detecting small ligands with metmyoglobin, which is portable and provides for practice of the invention without the use of harsh solvents or chemical reagents.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the amount of various materials in a liquid sample. Because the apparatus is particularly resilient it can be used repeatedly with very harsh liquid samples such as boot water from an oil refinery. The apparatus uses at least one volume and/or concentration independent optical analysis method to determine at least one of: the pH, amount of chloride, and/or amount of iron in the sample. The optical property can be colorimetric, fluorescent or both and result from adding dyes, complexing agents, turbidity inducing compounds, and other optically effecting reagents to the sample. Because the measurements are concentration and volume independent they can be done continuously, quickly, and avoid the inconvenient start and stop procedures in prior art measurement regimens.

Abstract: A method for the equilibration of enriched isotope species and natural isotope species prior to mass spectrometric analysis using solid phase and/or microwave isotope ratio equilibration and measurement.

Abstract: A method that uses an (DOPC) surfactant based biofilm that reacts with a material in a known manner, and a device that utilizes such a biofilm, to detect a material of interest is provided. The principles of the present invention are particularly useful in detecting/measuring a material that is harmful to a human or to property.

Abstract: A kit for determining residual chlorine or chloramine amount of a sample; comprising: a means for containing a PVA solution as an indicator, and another means for containing a reducing indicator. Said reducing indicator would be oxidized by a reaction with residual chlorine or chloramine and said PVA indicator induces a dye by reaction with oxidized compound such as free iodine; wherein intensity of said dye would be changed depending upon the residual chlorine or chloramine amount of the sample.

Abstract: Naturally present chloride concentration in natural water is utilized for the development of the technique to gauge the performance of percolation tanks in space and time. The chloride mass balance technique is simple, sensitive, reliable and yet powerful enough to resolve the temporal variation due to the effect of silting or climate factors. The percolation efficiency data of percolation tanks can aid in the formulation of guidelines for selection of suitable sites for future tanks with greater efficiency. Otherwise unscientific construction of percolation tanks in sites that yield poor percolation efficiency is uneconomical, and the very purpose of their construction will be forfeited. Thus the technique developed using chloride mass balance in tank water for evaluation of tank performance is highly economy oriented.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides sensors and methods for detecting hydrogen by determining the conductivity of a chemiresistant film upon exposure to hydrogen, including for example chemiresistant films comprised of alkylamine-, alkylthiolate-, and/or surfactant-coated metal alloy nanoparticles.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (II): wherein R21 represents hydrogen atom or one to four monovalent substituents substituting on the benzene ring, and when R21 represents two or more substituents, the substituents may be the same or different; R22, R24, R25, and R27 independently represent hydrogen atom, or a monovalent substituent; R23 represents —OH or —N(R28)(R29) (wherein R28 and R29 independently represent an alkyl group which may be substituted); R26 represents —N(R30)(R31) (wherein R30 and R31 independently represent an alkyl group which may be substituted); n represents an integer of 1 to 3; and Y represents —S— or —O—, which is useful for selective measurement of hypochlorite ion.

Abstract: A diagnostic method using biomarkers to predict future adverse coronary events is provided. More particularly, the present invention is directed to diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention quantitates the presence of elevated levels of chlorinated lipids derived from myeloperoxidase as a prognostic indicator of future adverse coronary events.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous sensor and sensing methods that use a porous sensor with a porous nanostructure having an optical response and having a portion of the porous nanostructure filled with a fiducial marker that is non-reactive to an analyte of interest. In a preferred sensing method, reflectance spectra from both the fiducial marker and reactive portions of the porous structure are acquired simultaneously. The fiducial marker provides an internal reference that permits compensation for humidity, as well as off angle measurements. In addition, simple visual observations can reveal the presence of an analyte, including human observations.

Abstract: Applicants have produced a chromophore and a polymer that are highly sensitive to the presence of various agents, including organophosphates, pesticides, neurotoxins, metal ions, some explosives, and biological toxins. The detection is accomplished by detecting a change in the fluorescence characteristics of the chromophore or polymer when in the presence of the agent to be detected. The chromophore and polymer may be incorporated into sensors of various types, and they are adaptable for potential field use in areas where detection of these types of agents is desired.

Abstract: Field test kits for detecting explosive substances including a combination of reagents for sequentially testing for perchlorates, nitro aromatic compounds, nitroamines, nitroesters, chlorates, bromates, peroxides and nitrates are discussed. The reagents in the kits may contain methylene blue, methylene blue in a basic solution, and an acidified aromatic amine solution. Methods for employing the test kits are discussed, the methods being suitably adapted to detect the moieties suspected of being present. The kits may include a reagent for detecting explosive perchlorates, the reagent being methylene blue. The kits also include a reagent for detecting explosive nitroamines and nitroesters, the reagent being an acidified aromatic amine solution. The aromatic amine solution also can detect nitro aromatic explosives after a strong basic hydroxide has first been applied to the suspected substance.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is disclosed which comprises a gas sensing electrode and a counter electrode disposed within a housing, the housing having an aperture for gas ingress, the gas sensing electrode and counter electrode being separated by a region containing electrolyte, and means for connecting the gas sensing electrode and the counter electrode to a sensing circuit. An electrolyte-absorbing element is disposed inboard of the aperture, between the housing and the gas sensing electrode, in order to absorb electrolyte passing through the gas sensing electrode whilst maintaining a gas path through the electrolyte-absorbing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for detection of harmful substances with a measurement unit (28) for measuring at least one harmful substance and an evaluation unit (30) for determining the concentration of the at least one harmful substance. The invention also relates to a method for detecting harmful substances in a gas mixture. It is hereby provided that the gas mixture is tested for a gaseous harmful substance or simultaneously for several gaseous harmful substances, wherein the gaseous harmful substance or the gaseous harmful substances is/are measured with different sensor means, and the gaseous harmful substances are optionally chemically modified such that a measurement is performed with the existing sensor means.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanosensors or transducers that permit measurement of a physical parameter in an analyte via magnetic reasonance measurements, in particular of non-agglomerative assays. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to designs of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles. Additionally provided are methods of use of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of a stimulus or an analyte with NMR detectors.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detecting at least one chemical compound comprising at least one carbon nanotube with several graphene layers, on which is grafted at least one molecule bearing group G1 capable of reacting with the chemical compound or a precursor of such a group G1. The uses and the method of making such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for potentiometric analysis of fluoride in biological material, where the biological material is wet extracted and analysed for fluoride content in the same beaker, and where the sample is dissolved in an acid at pH lower than 2. Further, the invention concerns use of the method of analysis of fluorides in aluminium industry and glass-works.

Abstract: A method of measuring HbA1c is provided that, even with a whole blood sample after storage, measurement accuracy substantially equal to a whole blood sample right after collection can be maintained. Whole blood is stored in a presence of a glycolytic inhibitor and protease is added to the stored whole blood sample to cleave hemoglobin in the whole blood sample. Then a glycated part of a hemoglobin fragment thereby obtained is treated with fructosyl amine oxidase. Thereafter, a glycation degree of HbA1c is determined by measuring a redox reaction between the glycated part and the fructosyl amine oxidase. Further, instead of storage of the whole blood in a presence of the glycolytic inhibitor, a strong electrolyte substance such as KCl, K2SO4, KNO, NaCl, Na2SO4, NaNO, MgCl2, MgSO4, Mg(NO)2, etc. is added to the whole blood after storage and a protease treatment is performed in a presence of the strong electrolyte substance.

Abstract: Low concentrations of silicon in an etchant solution are analyzed by adding a predetermined concentration of fluoride ions to a test solution comprising a predetermined volume of the etchant solution, and measuring the concentration of fluoride ions in the test solution. Reaction with silicon ions in the test solution reduces the concentration of fluoride ions, which are present in stoichiometric excess, so that the silicon concentration of the etchant solution can be calculated from the difference between the predetermined and measured concentrations of fluoride ions in the test solution. The method is especially suited for analysis of silicon nitride etchants comprising a high concentration of phosphoric acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to the development of a new Raman enhancing reagent and a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method for rapid and ultra-sensitive detection and identification of perchlorate (ClO4?) and other anions such as technetium (TcO4?), uranium and nitrate in environmental samples. The method involves the synthesis of controlled gold nanoparticles which are modified with amine functional groups such as 2-(dimethylamino)ethanethiol and N,N,N-trimethylaminethiol. These functionalized Au nanoparticles were found to be reactive with perchlorate and other anions and can be used to detect these anions by Raman spectroscopy at ultra low concentrations in complex environmental matrices. This invention overcomes the limitations of currently-available analytical techniques by offering an inexpensive, rapid, ultra-sensitive, and real-time identification and detection of perchlorate and other anions.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of a halogen in a gas stream using measurement means unsuitable for the direct measurement of halogens in a gas stream, comprising the step of passing a gaseous conversion compound to the halogen containing gas stream to convert the halogen to a detectable gaseous compound.

Abstract: A standard calibration set having at least three calibration standards. Each standard is a molded article made of a thermoplastic polymer which contains the elements Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and Br, with the Cr:Pb:Hg:Br:Cd ratio being different in each of the three calibration standards. Further disclosed is a method for manufacturing the calibration standards and their use in X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Abstract: Methods for determining chlorine demand in water are provided. One method comprises (a) providing a test water sample containing at least one contaminant and a source of chlorine and a source of bromide; (b) heating the test water sample for a suitable time and temperature sufficient to substantially oxidize the at least one contaminant in the test water sample; and (c) determining the content of residual chlorine present in the test water sample.

Abstract: A process for simultaneous assay of chlorides and sulfides by low pressure ion exclusion chromatography is provided, and in said process an analytic apparatus comprising a sampling valve, a sampling loop, an ion exclusion column and an analytic detection flow path is used, and said process comprises the following steps: (1) in the analytic detection flow path, the mixture of developer R1 and developer R2 mixes with Eluent C and then enters into a reactor, and the mixing is continued under heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which can go to make up mesostructured porous hybrid organic-inorganic materials (MPHOIMs) and can serve, within these materials, as probe molecules for the detection or quantitative determination of halogenated gaseous compounds. It also relates to MPHOIMs in which these compounds are grafted by covalent or iono-covalent bonding, to a process for manufacturing these MPHOIMs, and also to chemical sensors for the detection or quantitative determination of halogenated gaseous compounds and comprising these MPHOIMs as sensitive materials. The invention applies, in particular, to the detection and quantitative determination of halogenated gaseous compounds used in the microelectronics field and, more especially, halogenated boron complexes.

Abstract: A method for measuring hypochlorite ion, which comprises the steps of: (A) reacting, with hypochlorite ion, a compound represented by the following general formula (I): wherein R1 represents a 2-carboxyphenyl group which may be substituted; R2 represents a phenyl group which is substituted with a substituted or unsubstituted amino group; X1 and X2 each independently represents either hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; or a salt thereof; and (B) measuring fluorescence of a dearylated compound generated in the aforementioned step (A) or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Applicants have produced a chromophore and a polymer that are highly sensitive to the presence of various agents, including organophosphates, pesticides, neurotoxins, metal ions, some explosives, and biological toxins. The detection is accomplished by detecting a change in the fluorescence characteristics of the chromophore or polymer when in the presence of the agent to be detected. The chromophore and polymer may be incorporated into sensors of various types, and they are adaptable for potential field use in areas where detection of these types of agents is desired.

Abstract: A method for determining the available treatment dosage of stabilized chlorine dioxide in the prevention and the treatment of plaque accumulation, volatile sulfur compound production, gingivitis and periodontitis, and for differentiating the treatment dosage from other chlorine-containing compounds that may not have such beneficial effects is disclosed. When in solution as stabilized chlorine dioxide, the presence of other ions such as chlorate and chloride may not only obscure results as to the concentration of stabilized ClO2, but also reduce the predicted effectiveness. The present invention uses validated analytical methods to predict the effectiveness of stabilized ClO2 by more precisely measuring its concentration in solution. Such measurement renders precision at a level required of food-grade and pharmacy-grade chemotherapeutic agents in the oral cavity. Preferred concentrations are within the range of about 0.005 to about 2% (w/v) stabilized chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: New intracorporeal photodynamic medicaments and certain medical uses and methods for use of such photodynamic medicaments for treatment of disease in human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. In preferred embodiments, such medicaments are used for treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the skin and related organs, the mouth and digestive tract and related organs, the urinary and reproductive tracts and related organs, the respiratory tract and related organs, the circulatory system and related organs, the head and neck, the endocrine and lymphoreticular systems and related organs, various other tissues, such as connective tissues and various tissue surfaces exposed during surgery, as well as various tissues exhibiting microbial or parasitic infection.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of a known iodine-containing organic compound in an aqueous solution. The method comprises electrochemically reducing the known iodine-containing organic compound in an aqueous medium to release iodide anions, chemically oxidizing the iodide anions to produce molecular iodine, and measuring the amount of molecular iodine. The known iodine-containing organic compound is preferably an aryl iodide, such as Iothalamate. Other preferred iodine-containing organic compounds include various glomerular filtration rate (GFR) marker compounds in plasma or urine samples, as useful in the measurement of GFR for an animal. The electrochemical reduction of the known iodine-containing organic compound is preferably performed in an electrochemical cell including a working electrode separated from a counter electrode by a cation exchange membrane. The working electrode most preferably includes bismuth and the counter electrode most preferably includes platinum.

Abstract: Method for detecting binding events using micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Receptors are exposed to at least one potential binder and arrayed on a substrate support. Each member of the array is exposed to X-ray radiation. The magnitude of a detectable X-ray fluorescence signal for at least one element can be used to determine whether a binding event between a binder and a receptor has occurred, and can provide information related to the extent of binding between the binder and receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detectors for detecting fluorine-containing compounds and/or cyanide containing compounds, including hydrogen fluoride (HF) or HCN gas, hydrofluoric acid in solution, selected chemical warfare agents, selected industrial chemicals which may be hydrolysed to release HF or HCN gas, compounds containing a cyanide group, and compounds that can release HF or HCN. The detectors comprise i) an organometallic component containing at least one bis-substituted boryl group of the formula —B(RB)(RB+) wherein each RB and each RB? is independently selected from H, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, OR6, N(R6)(R7), SR6, C3-20 aryl or heteroaryl, and C3-20 cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl groups, each of which may be optionally substituted, ii) a Lewis base component, and iii) a solid matrix component.

Abstract: The subject application provides for an emulsion comprising an amount of a perfluorocarbon liquid dispersed as particles within, a continuous liquid phase, wherein the dispersed particles have a monomodal particle size distribution and uses thereof. The subject application also provides for a method of manufacturing a perfluorocarbon emulsion, a process for preparing a pharmaceutical product containing a PFC emulsion and a process for validating a batch of an emulsion for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: The compositions and methods relate to an organic polymer-inorganic particle sensor material for detecting analytes. Interactions between the polymer and the particles are affected by the presence of analyte, which displaces the polymer and increases its free volume. This change in free volume can be detected, e.g., using an embedded piezoresistive microcantilever (EPM) sensor. Analytes that can be detected include noxious substances, such as hydrogen cyanide gas and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for determining chlorine dioxide, especially in the presence of chlorine as a foreign gas. In the device the gas sample is exposed at first to a reagent for removing chlorine and subsequently to an indicator or to an electrochemical cell for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of chlorine dioxide. The reagent for removing chlorine is or contains cyclohexylsulfamic acid and/or salts thereof. The device, through which flow can take place may be a test tube.

Abstract: Provided are compounds capable of covalently binding to a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP). The compounds comprise Formula A: Also provided are compositions comprising one of the above compounds covalently bound to a member of the PTP superfamily, methods of labeling a PTP using the compounds, methods of isolating a PTP from a mixture of proteins using the compounds, methods of evaluating whether a substance is an inhibitor of a PTP using the compounds, methods of evaluating the specificity of an inhibitor of a PTP using the compounds, methods of identifying a PTP involved in a disease in a mammal using the compounds, and methods of diagnosing a disease in a mammal using the compounds.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods for analyzing one or more thyroxine compounds in one or more samples using isobaric labels and parent-daughter ion transition monitoring (PDITM). In various embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of: (a) labeling one or more thyroxine compounds with different isobaric tags from a set of isobaric tags, each isobaric tag comprising a reporter ion portion; (b) combining at least a portion of each of the isobarically labeled thyroxine compounds to produce a combined sample; (c) subjecting at least a portion of the combined sample to PDITM; (d) measuring the ion signal of one or more of the transmitted reporter ions; and (e) determining the concentration of one or more of the isobarically labeled thyroxine compounds based at least on a comparison of the measured ion signal of the corresponding reporter ion to one or more measured ion signals of a standard compound.

Abstract: Process for detecting a gaseous compound of BX3, HX or X2 type within a gas using a composition containing a probe molecule, characterized in that the probe molecule is a molecule for which the reaction with one or more compounds of BX3, HX or X2 type leads to a variation of at least one of its physicochemical properties, this variation being measurable via a suitable analysis technique, and in that the following steps are carried out in this order: (a) measurement of said physicochemical property of the probe molecule, such as a spectral property, (b) bringing the gas into contact with the composition containing the probe molecule from step (a), (c) repeat measurement of said physicochemical property, (d) correlation of the variation of said spectral property between steps (a) and (c) in the presence of said gaseous compound of BX3, HX or X2 type, the measurement of the physicochemical property from step (a) possibly being a prior step, process for trapping gaseous compounds of BX3, HX or X2 type contained i

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor package which includes coupling an electrode of a semiconductor device to a portion of a lead frame, overmolding at least a portion of the die, and then removing a portion of the die to obtain a desired thickness.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a fluorite crystal and an exposure apparatus including this fluorite crystal. A method of manufacturing a device using the exposure apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (I): [R1 represents hydrogen atom, or 1 to 4 monovalent substituents; R2, R4, R5, and R7 represent hydrogen atom, or a monovalent substituent; R3 represents ?O or ?N+(R8)(R9).M? (R8 and R9 represent an alkyl group, and M? represents a counter ion); R6 represents —OH or —N(R10)(R11) (R10 and R11 represent an alkyl group); n represents an integer of 1 to 3; and X represents —SH or —OH], which is useful for selective measurement of hypochlorite ion and the like.

Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods involving luminescent films which may be useful in various applications. Luminescent films of the present invention may comprise a layer of metal oxide nanoparticles and, in some cases, may interact with an analyte to generate a detectable signal, whereby the presence and/or amount of analyte can be determined. In some embodiments, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) may occur between the luminescent film and the analyte. Such articles and methods may be useful in, for example, biological assays or in sensors.

Abstract: Fine particles whose excitation light is not UV light or the like which has negative effects on a subject to be analyzed. The excitation light is emitted stably, and has excellent light emitting efficiency. Also a fluorescent probe including: fine particles containing a rare earth element excited by light having a wavelength in a range of 500 nm to 2000 nm and thereby emit up-conversion emission; and a specific binding substance which binds to the fine particles containing a rare earth element.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.

Abstract: A method for determining the available treatment dosage of stabilized chlorine dioxide in the prevention and the treatment of plaque accumulation, volatile sulfur compound production, gingivitis and periodontitis, and for differentiating the treatment dosage from other chlorine-containing compounds that may not have such beneficial effects is disclosed. When in solution as stabilized chlorine dioxide, the presence of other ions such as chlorate and chloride may not only obscure results as to the concentration of stabilized ClO2, but also reduce the predicted effectiveness. The present invention uses validated analytical methods to predict the effectiveness of stabilized ClO2 by more precisely measuring its concentration in solution. Such measurement renders precision at a level required of food-grade and pharmacy-grade chemotherapeutic agents in the oral cavity. Preferred concentrations are within the range of about 0.005 to about 2% (w/v) stabilized chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds or hypochlorous acid probes which can be used as reagents for measuring, detecting and/or screening, directly or indirectly, hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite. Provided also herein are methods that can be used to measure, directly or indirectly, the amount of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite in chemical samples and biological samples such as cells and tissues in living organisms. Specifically, the methods include the steps of contacting the hypochlorous acid probes disclosed herein with the samples to form one or more fluorescent compounds, and measuring fluorescence properties of the fluorescent compounds. Provided also herein are high-throughput screening fluorescent methods for detecting or screening hypochlorous acid or compounds that can increase or decrease, directly or indirectly, the level of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite in chemical and biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or measuring the concentration of fluoride (F?) or hydrogen fluoride (HF) in a sample, comprising the steps consisting of bringing said sample, in aqueous solution, into contact with a silylated organic compound in order to obtain a measurement solution, with said silylated organic compound being desilylated when it is in the presence of hydrofluoric acid or a fluoride, with the silylated organic compound and the desilylated organic compound being able to be detected and/or measured separately from each other; and detecting and/or measuring, in said measurement solution, the appearance of the desilylated against compound or the disappearance of the silylated organic compound, which takes place if fluoride or hydrogen fluoride is present in the sample. The method enables the presence of hydrogen fluoride or of fluorine to be detected very easily and expediently at concentrations of 10?2 l of HF/106 l of air (10 ppb) or else of 0.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.