Abstract: A disposable blood test device comprises a substrate configured for carrying a chemical reagent and circuitry formed on the substrate. The circuitry comprises a sensor portion associated with the chemical reagent to enable measurement of at least one of a presence and a concentration of a blood analyte, and an information storage portion configured to store information indicative of a property of the chemical reagent.

Abstract: A system, device and method for detection of several individual analytes in a test solution aliquot (83) with an array of individually operated piezoelectric crystal microbalances are described. The system comprises a connecting station (100) that receives a plurality of individually specific piezoelectric crystal microbalance flow-trough cells (10), each containing a piezoelectric crystal (50) carrying electrodes (56,62) and a coating (66,46) exposing a first member of an interaction pair specific for an individual analyte being a second member of the interaction pair. Flowing means (70) flows a solution (75) and the test solution aliquot (83) to and through a cell compartment of each of the cells (10) via the connecting station (100). Power and measurement means (130) oscillate the piezoelectric crystal(s) (50). A change in oscillating characteristics of the crystal(s) (50), following interaction between the first and second members of the interaction pair, detects presence of the individual analyte(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring ammonia in gaseous streams, particularly in flue gas streams. The apparatus is transportable but can be permanently installed. The flue gas can be monitored in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for analyzing a sample by utilizing a double integration circuit (11) for outputting a physical quantity related to the output from an analytical tool (2). In the present invention, the time interval from when the output from the analytical tool (2) is inputted into the double integration circuit (11) till when the physical quantity is started to be outputted from the double integration circuit (11) differs before and after the supply of the sample to the analytical tool (2) is confirmed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing an NOx removal catalyst, which method enables assessment of actual catalytic performance in consideration of gas flow condition in the gas conduits of the NOx removal catalyst.

Abstract: Methods and systems of detecting analytes using a microcantilever system are generally described. The microcantilever system generally includes micro- or nano-sized elements that can be electrostatically driven to resonance. Utilizing the disclosed devices and methods, direct electronic detection of the resonant frequency, changes of the resonant frequency, and associated phase signal of a micro- or nano-sized element can be utilized to measure the presence of a targeted analyte. The detection system of the present invention utilizes a non-contact microcantilever device. That is, the surface of the microcantilever (e.g., the surface of the resonating beam) does not bond or otherwise attach to an analyte or other chemical. Thus, the microcantilever device, including the resonating beam, can be kept in pristine condition during and even after repeated use.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus 100, disclosed herein are of use for sequencing 150 and/or identifying 160 proteins 230, 310, polypeptides 230, 310 or peptides 230, 310. Proteins 230, 310 containing labeled amino acid residues may be synthesized and passed through nanopores 255, 330. A detector 257, 345 operably coupled to a nanopore 255, 330 may detect labeled amino acid residues as they pass through the nanopore 255, 330. Distance maps 140 for each type of labeled amino acid residue may be compiled. The distance maps 140 may be used to sequence 150 and/or identify 160 the protein 230, 310. In different embodiments of the invention, amino acid residues labeled with luminescent labels 235, 245 or nanoparticles 315 may be detected using photodetectors 257 or electrical detectors 345. Apparatus 100 of use for protein 230, 310 sequencing 150 and/or identification 160 are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, or of other materials, in aqueous samples are described, together with related, specially adapted components and sub-assemblies and related control, operational and monitoring systems.

Abstract: Multifunctional nanocomposites are provided including a core of either a magnetic material or an inorganic semiconductor, and, a shell of either a magnetic material or an inorganic semiconductor, wherein the core and the shell are of differing materials, such multifunctional nanocomposites having multifunctional properties including magnetic properties from the magnetic material and optical properties from the inorganic semiconductor material. Various applications of such multifunctional nanocomposites are also provided.

Abstract: Novel recognitive hydrogels and sensors are provided, as well as methods of fabricating and using such hydrogels and sensors. Such recognitive hydrogels may comprise a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for a triggering molecule and a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer. Such sensors may comprise the recognitive hydrogels and an impedance sensing component. Such methods may comprise providing a triggering molecule, providing a sensor comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for the triggering molecule, a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer, and an impedance sensing component, introducing the triggering molecule into the sensor, and detecting a change in impedance of the recognitive hydrogel with the impedance sensing component.

Abstract: A urine analysis system includes a urinary particle analyzer and a computer. The urinary particle analyzer has a measuring unit that measures a cast concentration from the urine and an electric conductivity sensor that measures the electric conductivity of the urine. The computer has a function of correcting the cast concentration measured by the measuring unit on the basis of the electric conductivity of the urine measured by the electric conductivity sensor and a function of outputting the corrected cast concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which specific chosen reactions can be accelerated through the use of a new type of artificial enzyme. The invention allows specific reactions to occur at an accelerated rate, even in the presence of other non-chosen molecules, which may be very similar in structure to the chosen reactant. The reactions may be stoichiometric or catalytic.

Abstract: A system operable to monitoring bio/chemical activities includes a first measurement probe, a second measurement probe and a comparator. The first measurement probe is operable to interrogate one or more physical properties of a sample at a first location of the sample, and to output, in response, a first measurement signal. The second measurement probe is operable to interrogate one or more physical properties of the sample at a second location of the sample, and to output, in response, a second measurement signal. The comparator is coupled to receive the first and second measurement signals, the comparator configured to output a difference signal comprising the difference between the first and second measurement signals, the difference signal corresponding to the difference in one or more bio/chemical activities occurring at the first location of the sample relative to the second location of the sample.

Abstract: Novel trans-1,2-diphenylethylene derivatives are synthesized which can be used to form nanoparticles-monomer-nanomolecule-receptor nanosensors. These trans-1,2-diphenyl-ethylene derivatives are soluble in both water and organic solvents, highly fluorescent and can be synthesized in high yields. The trans-1,2-diphenylethylene derivatives are bonded to a nanoparticle, a nanomolecule bonded to the derivative and a receptor bonded to the nanomolecule to form a nanosensor that can be used to detect chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: A laboratory degradation test system for testing degradation of a test specimen in a test fluid flow includes a reactor assembly, which reactor assembly comprises: a reactor vessel, the reactor vessel having a reaction space, an inlet and an outlet and a specimen holder for retaining a test specimen inside the reactor vessel, a heater for heating the reactor vessel, a fluid circulation system generating a test fluid flow over the test specimen, which fluid circulation system comprises: a circulation line which extends between the outlet of the reactor vessel and the inlet of the reactor vessel, which circulation line is arranged outside the reactor vessel, a pump for providing fluid circulation through the circulation line and the reactor vessel, which pump is arranged in the circulation line. The volume available to the test fluid inside the reaction space after insertion of the degradation test specimen is less than or equal to 10 ml.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for monitoring the status of a cell that consumes oxygen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of confining the cell in a sensing volume, measuring dynamically intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell, and determining the status of the cell from the measured intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention is an array nanopore stochastic sensing system for detection of single biomolecules and oligonucleotides. The system comprises a multi-channel system with multiple genetically modified protein pores for detection of analytes using the pattern recognition mechanism. By monitoring current blockade patterns, identity of single biomolecules can be determined in complex mixtures.

Abstract: A chemical sensor for assessing a chemical of interest. In typical embodiments the chemical sensor includes a first thermocouple and second thermocouple. A reactive component is typically disposed proximal to the second thermal couple, and is selected to react with the chemical of interest and generate a temperature variation that may be detected by a comparison of a temperature sensed by the second thermocouple compared with a concurrent temperature detected by the first thermocouple. Further disclosed is a method for assessing a chemical of interest and a method for identifying a reaction temperature for a chemical of interest in a system.

Abstract: The invention includes devices and methods for forming random arrays of magnetic particles, arrays formed using these devices and methods, and to methods of using the arrays. The invention provides an assembly (chip) with magnetic domains that produce localized magnetic fields capable of immobilizing magnetic particles such as commercially available magnetic beads. Probe or sensor molecules can be coupled to the beads, which are then dispersed on the assembly, forming a random order array. The arrays can be used for analyzing samples, targets, and/or the interaction between samples and targets. The invention finds particular use in processes such as high-throughput genotyping and other nucleic acid hybridization-based assays.

Abstract: A System and Method for Gas Recognition by Analysis of Bispectrum Functions is based on the Higher-Order Spectral analysis of time series measurements of resistance fluctuations in Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors, such as Taguchi-type sensors. A two-dimensional contour plot module of the bispectrum function is treated as a pattern. These patterns include information about the analyte(s) whereby characteristics of the gas can be identified.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes includes a microscale body having a first end and a second end and a surface between the ends for adsorbing a chemical analyte. The surface includes at least one conductive heating track for heating the chemical analyte and also a conductive response track, which is electrically isolated from the heating track, for producing a thermal response signal from the chemical analyte. The heating track is electrically connected with a voltage source and the response track is electrically connected with a signal recorder. The microscale body is restrained at the first end and the second end and is substantially isolated from its surroundings therebetween, thus having a bridge configuration.

Abstract: Hotwire element for thermal conductivity detectors, that comprises one or two individual nickel filaments each having resistance of above 200 ohm at 20° C. and an insulation coating of polytetrafluoroethylene with a thickness less than 5 micrometers, that are wound into a uniformly filled spherical or cylindrical body that has at least 33% gas-permeable hollow volume. Relevant hotwire sensor for thermal conductivity detectors, that comprises a wound on a centering holder filled element enveloped by fixed fillers forming a symmetric to it built-in cavity with an inlet and a gas outlet surrounding the centering holder. Radii of the filled elements and their cavities are in proportion, at which minimum electric current is needed for heating the elements to desired temperature.

Abstract: An assay technique for label-free, highly parallel, qualitative and quantitative detection of specific cell populations in a sample and for assessing cell functional status, cell-cell interactions and cellular responses to drugs, environmental toxins, bacteria, viruses and other factors that may affect cell function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for measuring latent protein C in test samples, particularly patient samples. The methods and compositions described are sensitive for latent protein C, relative to activated protein C.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of certain cyclic acetals or ketals for improving the penetration of pharmaceutical agents into cells and organs.

Abstract: Methods for detecting analytes in a sample are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the analyte, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for sensor films used for detecting chemical analytes within sensors, such as polymer-absorption chemiresistors (i.e., conductometric sensors). The present disclosure provides robust sensor film compositions that have low resistance, high conductivity, and greater temperature stability and sensitivity to chemical analytes, as well as methods of making these sensor films. Sensor film compositions according to the present disclosure include a matrix having a polymer resin comprising siloxane and a plurality of conductive particles including at least two distinct species.

Abstract: A calorimeter is provided for measuring a quantity of heat. The calorimeter has a liquid constrained so as to allow expansion of the liquid solely in one dimension along a single axis such that liquid expansion may be measured on the basis of light impinging along the single axis of liquid expansion by means of a non-contact displacement transducer. Interferometric optical means for remote measurement of multiple microcalorimeters permits parallel monitoring of multiple chemical reactions and the performance of parallel biochemical assays.

Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biochip detection device and a detection method thereof. The detection device includes a detection circuit and a biochip containing a plurality of sensor modules. Each sensor modules includes a plurality of giant magnetoresistive biosensors. The detection circuit is arranged to have an end of each biosensor and an end of each of reference sensors respectively connected to first and second voltage sources, whereby current variation induced in each biosensor can be added together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the transparency and/or water holding capacity of a stratum corneum by using oxidized protein in the stratum corneum as an indicator.

Abstract: Methods for detecting viruses are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the virus, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting alkylating agents in a sample using a chemosensor and measuring the change in measurable properties of chemosensor upon binding. Such changes provide indications of the presence and quantity of alkylating agent in the sample.

Abstract: Methods for detecting bacteria are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the bacteria, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor and/or switch fabricated from arrays nanowires composed of metal or metal alloys that have stable metal hydride phases. The sensor and/or switch response times make it quite suitable for measuring the concentration of hydrogen in a flowing gas stream. The sensor and/or switch preferably operates by measuring the resistance of several metal nanowires arrayed in parallel in the presence of hydrogen gas. The nanowires preferably comprise gaps or break junctions that can function as a switch that closes in the presence of hydrogen gas. Consequently, the conductivity of the nanowires of the sensor and/or switch increases in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: An analyte detector is disclosed. The analyte detector includes a substrate having a surface, a self-assembled monolayer comprising a plurality of molecules bonded to the surface, the molecules having a structure (I) defined herein, and a liquid crystal layer having a plurality of liquid crystal molecules aligned on a top surface of the self-assembled monolayer. The liquid crystal molecule includes a diol moiety that interacts with the molecule having a structure (I). Methods of detecting an analyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mercury-free, electrochemical sensor is described that includes a self-assembled monolayer on a mesoporous support (SAMMS) composite and a fluoropolymer component that is deposited on a measurement surface. The SAMMS component provides outstanding metal preconcentration. The fluoropolymer component acts as an antifouling binder. The sensor can detect various metals at a low detection level in the presence of fouling agents and without sample pretreatment. The sensor is also able to detect mixtures of metals simultaneously with excellent single and inter-electrode reproducibility. Service lifetimes are excellent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectronic device, particularly to a magnetic biosensor (10) which comprises a magnetic field generator, e.g. a bonding wire (16), extending in a sample chamber (5) a distance (d) away from a reaction surface (14) of a substrate (15). In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a magnetic sensor element, e.g. a GMR sensor (12), for detecting magnetized particles (2) bound to specific binding sites (3) at the reaction surface (14). Moreover, it may comprise integrated magnetic excitation wires (11, 13) for generating a magnetic excitation field (B) at the reaction surface (14). In a particular application of the device (10), the stringency of the binding of magnetic particles can be tested by generating an inhomogeneous magnetic manipulation field (Bman) with the magnetic field generator (16) in the sample chamber (5).

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring absorbed power including an electromagnetic field probe 1 fixedly mounted within a head simulation phantom 2 which simulates the configuration and the electromagnetic characteristics of a head of a human body, and wherein the strength of an electric field or a magnetic field of a radio wave externally irradiated upon the head simulation phantom 2 is measured by the electromagnetic field probe 1, and the power of the radio wave absorbed by the head is estimated on the basis of measured values, the head simulation phantom 2 comprises a solid dielectric 10? which simulates the configuration and the electromagnetic characteristics of a head of a human body or a liquid dielectric 10 which simulates the electromagnetic characteristics of a head of a human body and which is filled in an enclosed vessel 10 which simulates the configuration of a head of a human body. The volume of the solid dielectric 10? or the volume of the enclosed vessel 11 is equal to or less than 5×105 mm3.

Abstract: Methods for therapeutic drug monitoring are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent capable of binding a therapeutic drug of choice is combined with the sample to form a plurality of therapeutic drug-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample and/or particles to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of therapeutic drug-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an end point detection method in a gas phase reaction processing apparatus. An end point detection method in the case where a catalyst 9 arranged in a treatment chamber is heated at high temperature by supplying electric power thereto and the treatment is carried out by cracking a reaction gas by the catalyst 9 heated at high temperature, comprises the steps of supplying the electric power to the catalyst 9 from a constant current source 10, detecting electric potential difference between both ends of the catalyst 9, performing primary differentiation of the detected electric potential difference, and determining an end point of the treatment based on obtained primary differential value.

Abstract: This invention provides water-soluble magnetic or water-soluble metal oxide nanoparticles, which are coated with phase transfer ligands having an adhesive region, an adhesive region-crosslinking region, or an adhesive region-reactive region, and also provides a method of preparing water-soluble magnetic or metal oxide nanoparticles, the method including (1) synthesizing water-insoluble magnetic or metal oxide nanoparticles in an organic solvent; (2) dissolving the water-insoluble magnetic or metal oxide nanoparticles in a first solvent and dissolving a phase transfer ligand in a second solvent; and (3) mixing the two solutions achieved in step (2) to thus exchange the surface of the water-insoluble magnetic or metal oxide nanoparticles with the phase transfer ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for the parallel study of chemical reactions in at least two spatially separated reaction spaces. In particular, the invention is suitable for reactions which are not constant volume reactions and/or for reactions in which fluid flows through at least two spatially separated reaction spaces are intended to be controlled together for all the reaction spaces, or for related subsets of them, in the most straightforward way possible.

Abstract: A method and device for identifying a molecule in a sample, the molecule comprising an electrophilic or nucleophilic moiety. The method comprises contacting the sample with a plurality of chemosensors, each of the chemosensors comprising a ?-conjugated system and a moiety having a nucleophilic property or an electrophilic property; and measuring an electromagnetic property of each of the chemosensors in the sample; whereby the pattern of changes in the electromagnetic properties of the plurality of chemosensors after chemically reacting with the electrophile or nucleophile of the molecule identifies the molecule in said sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for addressing and driving an electrode array includes addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the presence and measuring the concentrations of molecules through a barrier and/or at a distance utilizes the principle of chemical/electrostatic attraction (hereinafter “affinity”), i.e., the affinity between charged atoms and molecules that cause their chemical interactions and reactions, to infer, based on the behavior of molecules on one side of the barrier, the presence and concentration of corresponding molecules on the other side of the barrier. The invention is useful, by way of example and not limitation, in non-invasively measuring glucose levels of diabetic patients.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip on a transparent substrate includes microchannels, and an electric layer having a heater and a sensor layout on the microchannel nearby and aside for supplying heat source and sensing the temperature individually. The sensor is close to the microchannel for controlling the temperature accurately. Hence, the microfluidic chip can measure the temperature precisely without using an isolation layer and lower energy consumptions and reduce production costs.

Abstract: The invention involves methods, assays, and components for the detection and analysis of binding between biological or chemical species, and can specifically be used for drug discovery. In an example where drug discovery is carried out, different candidate drugs can be attached to different articles such as magnetic beads. The beads can be exposed to colloid particles carrying signaling entities, or other signaling entities, immobilized with respect to protein targets of the drug candidates. After incubation, all beads are drawn to separate surface locations magnetically. Beads are released from surface locations where it is determined that signaling entities do not exist, and are removed from the assay. Beads held at other surface locations then are released, re-distributed, and re-attracted to surface locations. This is repeated with appropriate wash steps, until individual drug candidates can be isolated and identified.