Abstract: A germole-fused diarylethene-based compound is presented that includes a germanium-containing five-membered ring structure with an ethene bridge fused to photoactive bis-aryl rings. The germole-fused diarylethene-based compound isomerizes between a ring-open and a ring-closed form upon irradiation and to allow optical storage or photoswitching devices. A method to form the germole-fused diarylethene-based compound is through a rhodium catalyzed coupling between a 1-germyl-aryl-2-boronic ester, 1-germyl-heteroaryl-2-boronic ester, or 1-germyl-alkenyl-2-boronic ester with the 1,2-diarylethyne. The germole-fused diarylethene-based compounds display tunable photophysical properties of the photogenerated closed form, with excellent thermal irreversibility and a robust fatigue resistance.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for analyzing acetone in breath. One such method comprises disposing a reactant in a reaction zone within the breath analysis device, wherein the reactant comprises a primary amine disposed on a surface, and wherein the reaction zone has an optical characteristic that is at a reference level. It also comprises pre-storing a liquid nitroprusside solution within the breath analysis device separately from the reactant. The method further comprises using the breath analysis device to cause the breath to contact the reactant in the reaction zone so that the acetone in the breath reacts with the reactant to form a reaction product and, after the reaction product has been formed, using the breath analysis device to cause the nitroprusside solution to contact and react with the reaction product and to facilitate a change in the optical characteristic of the reaction zone relative to the reference level.

Abstract: An acetone concentration estimate device acquires a measured acetone concentration measuring acetone excreted from a user, acquires an elapsed time which has elapsed since the user ate a meal, and estimates an acetone concentration, which is a ketone body concentration of when an amount of change in blood sugar level of the user per given unit of time is stable, based on the acquired current measured acetone concentration and on the acquired elapsed time, and outputs information corresponding to the estimated acetone concentration.

Abstract: A composition, method and kit for quantifying the concentration of one peracid or the total concentration of two or more peracids in a water source are disclosed. In particular, an oxidation sensitive or peroxycarboxylic acid selective leuco dye is used to react only with one or more peroxycarboxylic acids in a water source but not with peroxide usually co-existing in the water source. Not only does the oxidation sensitive or peroxycarboxylic acid selective leuco dye react with peracid(s) but also the reaction generates a color species that can be used visually or through absorbance measurement to quantify the peracid concentration. The method disclosed here is not a titration method, it involves a simple mixing step. The kit or composition disclosed here does not utilize a catalyst, such as iodine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a new series of compounds exhibiting high fluorescence quantum yields in the solid state. In one embodiment, the compounds include a series of 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylgermoles with the same or different 1,1-substituents. In another embodiment, substituted germafluorenes, germa-fluoresceins/rhodamines, and germapins are described. These germanium heterocycles possess ideal photophysical and thermostability properties, which makes them excellent candidates for chemical or biological sensors, host materials for electroluminescent devices and solar cells, and emissive and/or electron-transport layer components in organic light emitting diode devices.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a ketogenic diet monitoring device for managing the effective state of a ketogenic diet for an animal individually. The ketogenic diet monitoring device of the present invention has a configuration in which the amount of metabolite in gases carried from the inside to the outside of the body of an animal for which the effective state of a ketogenic diet is being managed is measured once and/or a plurality of times over time and monitored.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of irregularities in milk, and for assessing a health state of a lactating mammal, are provided. A sample of milk is illuminated with a light beam. Scattering data resulting from an interaction between the light beam and the sample of milk is collected. The scattering data is processed to detect the presence or absence of light scattered at a predetermined angle relative to a normal orientation, for instance to determine at least one characteristic of the sample of milk. Based on the presence or absence of light, the presence of irregularities in the sample of milk can be determined, for instance to assess the health state of the lactating mammal based on the at least one characteristic of the sample of milk.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a new series of compounds exhibiting high fluorescence quantum yields in the solid state. In one embodiment, the compounds include a series of 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylgermoles with the same or different 1,1-substituents. In another embodiment, substituted germafluorenes, germa-fluoresceins/rhodamines, and germapins are described. These germanium heterocycles possess ideal photophysical and thermostability properties, which makes them excellent candidates for chemical or biological sensors, host materials for electroluminescent devices and solar cells, and emissive and for electron-transport layer components in organic light emitting diode devices.

Abstract: Functionalized nanotube arrays, sensors, and related methods of detecting target compounds are presented. A functionalized nanotube array (235) can include a plurality of metal oxide nanotubes (240). The metal oxide nanotubes (240) can be formed of a metal oxide and can have an interior or exterior surface that is optionally functionalized with at least one metal ion. These metal nanotubes (240) can be used in a sensor (200) for detecting target compounds such as volatile organic compounds, and biomarkers in a fluid environment. The sensor (200) can further include a power source (245) configured to apply a voltage to the nanotube array (235) and a current sensor (250) configured to monitor and detect changes in a response current which varies upon binding with the target compounds.

Abstract: In a method for identifying an explosive in a sample, an explosive fingerprint defined by a set of kinetic parameters is received. The kinetic parameters describe a plurality of interactions between the explosive and each of a respective plurality of functional moieties. A data processor is used for accessing a database of explosive fingerprints, and searching the database for a database fingerprint matching the received fingerprint.

Abstract: A process combustion transmitter is provided. The transmitter includes a process probe extendible into a flow of process combustion exhaust. The process probe has a measurement cell with an operating temperature that is above a flashpoint of process combustion fuel. The process probe includes a heater configured to heat the measurement cell to the operating temperature. Electronic circuitry is coupled to the measurement cell and to the heater. The electronic circuitry is configured to disengage power to the heater once process combustion heat is sufficient to maintain the measurement cell at the operating temperature and thereafter to maintain the heater in a de-energized state.

Abstract: An analytical system and method for periodically monitoring an injection water distribution pipeline for the presence and concentration of formaldehyde or other aldehyde-functional biocide includes pumps, one of which provides a predetermined volume of injection water drawn from the pipeline at a sampling point and the other a predetermined volume of a reagent, preferably a buffered solution of dimedone, from a reagent storage vessel which are mixed and then heated in a chamber to a predetermined temperature to promote formation of any reaction products. The heated reaction mixture is passed to a detection cell and exposed to light of predetermined wavelength which, in accordance with the Hantzsch reaction, molecules having an aldehyde functional group that reacted with dimedone produce a fluorescence-emitting reaction product, the intensity of which is measured and compared to data previously obtained from standard aldehyde-containing solutions.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for analyzing acetone in breath. One such method comprises disposing a reactant in a reaction zone within the breath analysis device, wherein the reactant comprises a primary amine disposed on a surface, and wherein the reaction zone has an optical characteristic that is at a reference level. It also comprises pre-storing a liquid nitroprusside solution within the breath analysis device separately from the reactant. The method further comprises using the breath analysis device to cause the breath to contact the reactant in the reaction zone so that the acetone in the breath reacts with the reactant to form a reaction product and, after the reaction product has been formed, using the breath analysis device to cause the nitroprusside solution to contact and react with the reaction product and to facilitate a change in the optical characteristic of the reaction zone relative to the reference level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for acetone detection and a process of preparation thereof. The composition comprises ?-ferric oxide (?-Fe2O3), antimony (Sb) salt, and platinum (Pt). The sensor fabricated using the said composition is selective to low concentration of breath acetone, the biomarker of diabetes, in presence of high amount of moisture normally present in breath. Such semiconductor sensors for diabetes monitoring are inexpensive, rugged, patient-friendly and on the top, non-invasive.

Abstract: A gas measurement system for measuring the concentration of gaseous and/or vaporous components of a gas mixture by means of a color change of at least one reaction substance on a reaction support unit, which is arranged in at least two light permeable channels in such a manner that the color change on the reaction substance can be detected at low expense on a large number of separate positions. The detecting unit which detects the color change can be designed as a digital camera with an electronic image converter or image sensor, and an imaging optics system (e.g., a lens system). Related systems, methods, apparatus, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A calibration device for a breath alcohol testing device includes a pump providing a controlled air flow at a predetermined rate, a chamber in fluid communication with the pump that receives the air flow from the pump, and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the chamber that allows the air flow to exit the chamber in which the chamber and/or outlet opening can be heated to a predetermined maintainable temperature during operation of the pump. The calibration device is releasably connected to or brought in fluid communication with a breath alcohol testing device such that the air flow exiting the outlet opening passes into the testing device. The calibration device receives a sealed cartridge containing a predetermined alcohol concentration in the chamber and further includes a lid for opening/closing the chamber wherein the cartridge can be pierced such that the air flow provided by the pump to the chamber will pass through the cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for analyzing acetone in breath. One such method comprises disposing a reactant in a reaction zone within the breath analysis device, wherein the reactant comprises a primary amine disposed on a surface, and wherein the reaction zone has an optical characteristic that is at a reference level. It also comprises pre-storing a liquid nitroprusside solution within the breath analysis device separately from the reactant. The method further comprises using the breath analysis device to cause the breath to contact the reactant in the reaction zone so that the acetone in the breath reacts with the reactant to form a reaction product and, after the reaction product has been formed, using the breath analysis device to cause the nitroprusside solution to contact and react with the reaction product and to facilitate a change in the optical characteristic of the reaction zone relative to the reference level.

Abstract: A device for detecting airborne contaminants includes a protonated, electrically conductive sensing material with affinity for binding with, and capable of being deprotonated by, the airborne contaminant. Electronics measure a property of the sensing material that is sensitive to deprotonation and generates signals indicative of the airborne contaminant. A method for detecting airborne contaminants includes: determining a property change of the protonated, electrically conductive material; and determining presence of the airborne contaminant based on the change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensors using doped ferroelectric materials. The sensors can be fabricated as an array where different portions of the array can operate at different independently controlled temperatures to detect different gas phase components of a gas sample. Preferred embodiments can be used for the diagnosis of conditions, such as, diabetes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: A method comprising (a) obtaining one or more biological samples from a subject wherein the subject has undergone an organ transplant; (b) determining the amount and type of one or more volatile organic compounds in the biological sample; and (c) correlating the amount of volatile organic compounds to a degree of transplant rejection. A device comprising a plurality of sensors configured to detect a plurality of volatile organic compounds in a biological sample of a subject having undergone an organ transplant.

Abstract: Field-effect transistors include at least two thin layers of a semiconductor material and of an electrically conductive gate material that are rolled up together. These two layers are arranged separated from one another by one or multiple barrier layers and this rolled-up multi-layer structure is integratable as field-effect transistors in circuits and/or in microfluid systems as sensors for the detection of fluids.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of molecularly imprinted polymers for detecting target molecules.

Abstract: Porous sol-gel material essentially consisting of units of one or more first polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane; 1,3-dimethyltetramethoxydisiloxane; ethyl trimethoxysilane; triethoxy(ethyl)silane; triethoxymethylsilane; triethoxy(vinyl)silane; trimethoxymethylsilane; trimethoxy(vinyl)silane; tetraethoxysilane or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and of units of one or more second polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine; 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, in a first polyalkoxysilane/second polyalkoxysilane molar ratio of 1/0.01 to 1/1, optionally comprising a probe molecule, method of preparation and applications in the trapping of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants or in their detection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of analyzing an aldehyde compound in a metal plating solution, including adding a pH control solution to an aldehyde derivative, thus preparing an oversaturated aldehyde derivative solution in which the aldehyde derivative is dissolved to be oversaturated while the pH of the aldehyde derivative solution is adjusted to be the same as that of the metal plating solution; adding the oversaturated aldehyde derivative solution to the metal plating solution, so that the aldehyde compound which is present in the metal plating solution undergoes derivation, thus obtaining an aldehyde derivative compound; extracting the aldehyde derivative compound; and analyzing the aldehyde compound from the extracted aldehyde derivative compound.

Abstract: There is provided a method of diagnosing a disease state in a subject. The disease state is caused or effected by pneumococcal infection. The method includes obtaining a biological test sample from the subject. The biological sample includes at least one metabolite selected from the group consisting of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcarnitine, acetone, myo-inositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine. A respective concentration of each one of the at least one metabolite is compared with a predetermined concentration value associated with a corresponding one of the at least one metabolite. The predetermined concentration value is indicative of the disease state. For example, the biological sample includes any one of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcamitine, acetone, myoinositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine. As a further example, the biological samples include any combination of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcamitine, acetone, myo-inositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine.

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: Methods for measuring formaldehyde emissions from a plurality of samples. An electrochemical sensor can be calibrated using a reference sample to provide a calibrated electrochemical sensor, where the time of calibration is equal to time zero. A plurality of samples can be placed within a sample chamber one at a time and a formaldehyde concentration of a gas passed across one or more surfaces of each sample can be measured. The first sample measured can be measured again as the last sample. A linear regression trend-line based on the two formaldehyde concentrations measured from the first sample can be generated. A revised linear regression trend-line based on what the formaldehyde concentration of the first sample would be at time zero and the formaldehyde concentration of the first sample when re-measured as the last sample can be generated. A correction factor for at least one of the plurality of samples measured between the two measurements of the first sample can be generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensors using doped ferroelectric materials. The sensors can be fabricated as an array where different portions of the array can operate at different independently controlled temperatures to detect different gas phase components of a gas sample. Preferred embodiments can be used for the diagnosis of conditions, such as, diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for the detection of a peroxide-based explosive, in particular, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which is based on a molecular controlled semiconductor resistor (MOCSER) and composed of at least one insulating or semi-insulating layer, at least one conducting semiconductor layer, two conducting pads and a layer of multifunctional organic molecules capable of adsorbing molecules of the peroxide-based explosive. The invention further provides an array of semiconductor devices for the selective detection of a peroxide-based explosive, as well as a method for the selective detection of vapors of a peroxide-based explosive in a gaseous mixture using this array.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dry stick test device for determining an analyte in a milk sample by chemical assay. At least one reagent pad is provided by impregnating a first porous material with an aqueous solution including a reagent capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of the analyte or an indicator compound for the analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state. The reagent pad is dried. A development pad is provided by impregnating a second porous material with an aqueous solution including at least one controlling compound which, when in a moistened state, is capable of providing a condition required for the reagent to react with the analyte to provide the detectable signal. The impregnated second porous material is dried. The first porous material is immobilized with the second porous material, on a solid support, to obtain the dry stick test device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of components in gas phase, and in particular to detection of nitric oxide exhaled as a component of breath, using a liquid crystal assay format and a device utilizing liquid crystals as part of a reporting system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and process for the quick and reliable online detection of triacetone triperoxide (TATP).

Abstract: A device for determining the concentration of a compound in an aqueous phase in a dynamic manner and while flowing, and a device (300) for determining the concentration of a compound in a gaseous phase and soluble in an aqueous phase. The device (200, 300) for determining the concentration of a compound in a gaseous phase includes elements (302) for transferring the compounds present in the gaseous phase to an aqueous phase then determining in a dynamic manner and while flowing, the concentration of the compounds in this aqueous phase by fluorescence spectroscopy. The devices (300) are robust, conveyable and less costly, and have greater temporal as well as spatial sensitivity than the devices of the state of the art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining impurities in the form of aldehydes and ketones in glycerin serving for preparing pharmaceuticals, in which the glycerin containing impurities is reacted with a derivatization reagent in a sample solution and the quantity of derivatized impurities is determined. Said method is characterized in that PFBHA, O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine hydrochloride, is used as the derivatization reagent, the derivatizing is conducted in the presence of a solubilizer in the form of a polar organic solvent, and liquid chromatographic separation and UV detection are performed. A subject matter of the invention is also the use of glycerin, in which the content of impurities of 9 ppm or less has been determined by means of the described method in a pharmaceutical preparation. According to the invention, impurities in glycerin can be better determined.

Abstract: Articles and methods for the detection and/or quantification of organic analytes are described. The invention provides a chemical indicator test strip, comprising: a substrate; and a coating comprising a leuco dye complex on the substrate, the coating being insoluble in water and reactive with an organic analyte, the coating derived from a solution of leuco dye and developing agent. In another aspect, the coating further comprises adjuvant, in the form of a water-insoluble, polar, hydrophobic, aprotic material that extends the lower limit of detection for the analyte. In still another aspect, the present invention provides a method of using a chemical indicator test strip, comprising: (a) exposing the chemical indicator test strip to a sample comprising an organic analyte; (b) measuring a color change on the chemical indicator test strip following the exposing step; and (c) correlating the color change with the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

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: A method for rapidly detecting the presence of formaldehyde in a urine sample (e.g., urine or a urinary material associated therewith, such as headspace gas located associated with urine) is provided. The method includes contacting the urine sample with a substrate on which is disposed a colorant that is capable of undergoing a detectable color change in the presence of formaldehyde. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that oxidation of the colorant by formaldehyde induces either a shift of the absorption maxima towards the red end of the spectrum (“bathochromic shift”) or towards the blue end of the spectrum (“hypsochromic shift”). The absorption shift provides a color difference that is detectable, either visually or through instrumentation, to indicate the presence of formaldehyde within the urine sample. For example, prior to contact with a urine sample, the colorant may be colorless or it may possess a certain color.

Abstract: Porous sol-gel material essentially consisting of units of one or more first polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane; 1,3-dimethyltetramethoxydisiloxane; ethyl trimethoxysilane; triethoxy(ethyl)silane; triethoxymethylsilane; triethoxy(vinyl)silane; trimethoxymethylsilane; trimethoxy(vinyl)silane; tetraethoxysilane or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and of units of one or more second polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine; 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, in a first polyalkoxysilane/second polyalkoxysilane molar ratio of 1/0.01 to 1/1, optionally comprising a probe molecule, method of preparation and applications in the trapping of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants or in their detection.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has a drift chamber (1) with an inlet (2) at one end by which a gas or vapor being analyzed is supplied to the chamber. After ionization, molecules are admitted through a gate 8 and flow along a drift region (9) to a collector plate (11). A drift gas is flowed through the drift region against the flow of ionized molecules and is circulated along a flow path (31, 32, 40) and (30), which includes a chamber (50) including a dopant. The dopant is 2,4-pentanedione, which has been found to enhance the detection of a number of compounds especially toxic industrial chemicals and nitrogen compounds, such as those present in the breath of mammals.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a polymerized form of formaldehyde is available in granular form containing a polymerized form of formaldehyde, such as paraformaldehyde, a buffer, such as sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, and a stabilizer, such as hydroxymethyl cellulose, or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. When added to an aqueous solvent, the paraformaldehyde can dissolve in alkaline solution, and depolymerizes into a formaldehyde solution containing a stabilizer. Optionally a second member of the buffer pair or another buffer or pH adjuster can be used The stabilized depolymerized formaldehyde solution is then ready for use, or can be modified by addition of other substances, such as sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate. Additionally, an additional buffer may be included in the granular mixture to increase the rate at which the solid dissolves and depolymerizes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantifying ketone or alydehyde concentrations of gas. The invention includes passing a gas sample through a reactor and an optical cell and determining a concentration of a gaseous reaction product. Using the concentration of the gaseous reaction product and a predetermined reaction conversion efficiency, a ketone or aldehyde concentration is calculated. This invention can be used for diabetes screening, diabetes maintenance, identification and quantification of ketosis, explosives detection and formaldehyde detection.

Abstract: There is provided a method of diagnosing a disease state in a subject. The disease state is caused or effected by pneumococcal infection. The method includes obtaining a biological test sample from the subject. The biological sample includes at least one metabolite selected from the group consisting of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcarnitine, acetone, myo-inositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine. A respective concentration of each one of the at least one metabolite is compared with a predetermined concentration value associated with a corresponding one of the at least one metabolite. The predetermined concentration value is indicative of the disease state. For example, the biological sample includes any one of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcamitine, acetone, myoinositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine. As a further example, the biological samples include any combination of citrate, trigonelline, acetylcamitine, acetone, myo-inositol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and carnitine.

Abstract: A method of detecting organic vapors is described. More particularly, the method involves the use of an analyte sensor that contains a polymeric material having a relatively large intrinsic porosity and that is capable of fluorescence in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method further includes exposing the analyte sensor to an environment that may contain an organic vapor and monitoring the analyte sensor for a change in a fluorescence signal. Although the organic vapor itself typically does not fluoresce in the visible wavelength range, presence of an organic vapor can alter the fluorescence signal of the analyte sensor.

Abstract: A formaldehyde detector (10) includes a detection reagent that produces a color by reaction with formaldehyde. The detector (10) further includes a detection element (30) including: a base material (31) constituting an optical waveguide through which light propagates while repeating total reflection; and a mesoporous layer (32) that is formed on at least part of a light-reflecting surface constituting a surface of the base material (31) and carries the detection reagent. The detector (10) further includes: a light emitter for emitting light to the base material (31); and a light receiver for receiving light emitted from the base material (31). In addition, the detector (10) includes a signal processing part.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of detecting triacetone triperoxide. In a particular implementation, the method includes providing an array of titanium nanostructures that include a sensitizing agent. The array is contacted with a fluid sample, such as vapor sample. The resistance of the array is measured. The measured resistance of the array can be used to determine whether the sample includes triacetone triperoxide. The nanostructures are, in some cases, titania nanotubes. The sensitizing agent is, in a specific example, zinc. The present disclosure also provides a triacetone triperoxide sensor that includes an array of nanostructures, at least a portion of which are sensitized with a sensitizer, such as one or more of Li+, Cu2+, In3+, Sb3+, Sc3+, NH4+, Na+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Ti4+. A plurality of electrical contacts are coupled to the array.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a container having a slidable shutter closure moving past the apparatus includes: a rotatable shaft having an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slidable shutter, the shaft being biased against rotation in either direction; a driver for bidirectionally moving the shaft from a position away from the container to a position in the vicinity of the container for opening and closing; and an extension extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft along at least a portion of the shaft into a line of travel, whereby the extension is adapted to engage the shutter closure of the container and move the shutter closure from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position. A reagent source for an automated analyzer includes: a reagent source which includes a container having a shutter closure which slides between an open and closed position; an apparatus for opening and closing the container.

Abstract: An irreversible humidity exposure dose indicator device, including a housing sealed at a first end thereof and adapted at a second end thereof to admit ambient gas ingress into an interior volume containing chromogenic material. The chromogenic material in contact with water irreversibly absorbs such water to produce a change whose extent is correlative of cumulative exposure of the device to humidity. The device may be configured as an indicator card including an intermediate permeable membrane coated on a first side thereof with a layer of a deliquescent solid and being in contact on a second side thereof with a layer containing a reactive indicator, with a water-permeable layer adjacent to the layer containing the deliquescent coating, enclosed within a water-impermeable transparent enclosure.

Abstract: The present application describes a reagent system for detecting presence of aldehyde in a sample that includes (i) Component A, which includes bisulfite, pararosalinine, and hydrochloric acid; and (ii) Component B, which includes a solution of hydroxide, wherein the Component A has a pH of from about 1.4 to 1.6.

Abstract: Provided are a simple method for analyzing aldehydes and ketones in a sample, which does not require a complicated operation such as extraction with a solvent and concentration of the extract; and an analytical apparatus and a fiber-packed needle which are used in the analytical method. Also provided a fiber coated with hydrochloride or sulfate of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine; a needle for microextraction in which the fibers are packed; the analytical apparatus including this needle and a suction device; the method for analyzing aldehydes and ketones in a sample, characterized by comprising sucking the sample through the needle in this analytical apparatus to allow the aldehydes and ketones in the sample to react with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, thereby converting them to the corresponding 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones; desorbing the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones; and introducing the desorbed 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones into a chromatograph to analyze them.