Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost, easy-to-use, and accurate method and apparatus for determining alcohol content in a test sample, such as wine. The method for alcohol content determination includes the following steps. A known quantity of a test sample is provided. A measurement of electrolytic conductivity EC0 of the test sample is taken. Next, a known quantity of conductive additive with known composition is added to the test sample to produce a first solution. A measurement of Electrolytic conductivity EC1 is taken for the first solution. Data representing predetermined values for EC0 and EC1 with corresponding known alcohol concentrations is provided for comparison. The electrolytic conductivity values for EC0 and EC1 are cross-referenced against the known data to determine a value for the alcohol concentration of the test sample. In addition, the values for EC0 and EC1 are adjusted for temperature and other variables.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing in situ hematocrit adjustments during glucose testing using glucose-monitoring products and using those adjusted values to estimate the hematocrit value of blood samples to reduce or eliminate the assay bias caused by the different hematocrit levels of blood samples. One method involves measuring the glucose value, Glum, of the blood sample; measuring the resistance of the blood sample (Rcell) using a biosensor reagent; measuring the resistance of plasma (Rplasma) using the biosensor reagent; determining the calculated resistance of red blood cells, RRBC, of the blood sample according to the relationship RRBC=Rcell?Rplasma; calculating the percent hematocrit, % Hctc, of the blood sample; determining whether to adjust the glucose value, Glum, to an adjusted glucose value, Gluadj; and using the percent hematocrit, % Hctc, and either the glucose value, Glum, or the adjusted glucose value, Gluadj, to adjust for any bias of the biosensor reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active assay method for detecting a biological analyte. According to the method, a probe molecule is immobilized on a surface. An analyte is then placed in fluidic connection with the probe molecule on the surface. A force is then applied to the analyte to move it toward the surface to facilitate contact and possibly binding of the analyte to the probe. Optionally, another force can be applied or the force can be reversed, to remove unbound or weakly bound analyte from the surface. Analyte that remains bound to the surface is then detected. The detection can include rolling or sliding beads over an analyte and/or probe on a substrate, and detecting bound beads. The present invention furthermore, provides devices, such as electrophoresis apparatuses and biochip assemblies, for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the real-time continuous monitoring of a change or density and/or viscosity within a test sample. Such methods can be used to determine the occurrence of a chemical reaction within a test sample where the same causes and increase or decrease in the density and/or viscosity of the sample due to, for example, a gelation, precipitation or coagulation occurring within the test sample. There is further provided a multi-resonator apparatus for use in measuring the density and/or viscosity of a test sample in which the multi-beam resonator is immersed.

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: A method and apparatus for near real-time in-situ soil solution measurements is presented. An outer sleeve is placed in soil where ionic concentrations of organic or inorganic species are to be measured. A porous section connects with the outer sleeve (the porous section initially loaded with distilled water) equilibrates with the solution present in soil pores to form a solution to be measured. The initial distilled water is displaced within the porous section by a removable plunger. After substantial equilibration of the solution to be measured within the apparatus, the plunger is removed and a removable probe replaced. The probe may be an Ion Selective Electrode, or a transflection dip probe. The probe then may be used under computer control for measurement of solution properties. The Ion Selective Electrode may measure nitrate (NO3?) concentrations. The transflection dip probe may be read with spectrometer with an input deuterium light source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a first measurement on a biological fluid or control, which first measurement varies with both the concentration of a first component and at least one of the presence and concentration of a second component. The method and apparatus perform a second measurement on the biological fluid or control, which second measurement varies primarily only with the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component to develop an indication of the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component. The first and second measurements may be made sequentially or simultaneously. The method and apparatus then remove an amount representative of the indicated presence or concentration of the second component from the concentration of the first component indicated by the first measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a first measurement on a biological fluid or control, which first measurement varies with both the concentration of a first component and at least one of the presence and concentration of a second component. The method and apparatus perform a second measurement on the biological fluid or control, which second measurement varies primarily only with the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component to develop an indication of the at least one of the presence and concentration of the second component. The first and second measurements may be made sequentially or simultaneously. The method and apparatus then remove an amount representative of the indicated presence or concentration of the second component from the concentration of the first component indicated by the first measurement.

Abstract: In a device for transporting liquid, liquid to be transported is enclosed by an oil droplet, which is fractionated with air, for manipulation. Moreover, as a method for supplying liquids wherein a plurality of liquids are enclosed by an oil droplet sequentially and treated, liquid enclosed by an oil droplet is formed by associating one oil with one liquid in a liquid introducing section. According to the present invention, even in the case where a plurality of liquids are manipulated, it is possible to manipulate stably without affecting other liquids. Moreover, it is possible to treat as a liquid enclosed by an oil droplet successively in the device for transporting liquid, thereby allowing the invention to be applied to a system for analyzing easily.

Abstract: A system and method that uses electrical conductivity measurements to identify the impurities in a solution, as well as the concentrations of such impurities. The conductance versus temperature curve for any particular ion is unique to that ion and the conductance versus temperature curve for a solution is unique to the ions in the solution and their concentrations. Equations can be used to describe the conductivity versus temperature curve containing specific ions at set concentrations. To that end, the present invention measures the conductivity of a solution over some specified temperature range, calculates a conductivity-temperature curve from a library of ions to match the measured conductivity, and uses a mathematical process to vary the ions and their concentrations in the calculated curve to make it match the measured curve as closely as possible.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for determining the concentration of an analyte like glucose, cholesterol, free fatty acids, triglycerides, proteins, ketones, phenylalanine or enzymes, in a physiological or aqueous fluid like blood, serum, plasma, saliva, urine, interstitial and/or intra-cellular fluid, the device having an integrated calibration and quality control system suitable for dry reagent test strips with a very small sample volume of about 0.5 ?L based on to a new sample distribution system. The production of the inventive analyte test element involves only a small number of uncomplicated production steps enabling an inexpensive production of the strips.

Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (100) and a corresponding sensor device for the detection of target components in a liquid sample. The cartridge (100) comprises a sample chamber(SC), at least two reservoirs(131, 132) that can be furnished with magnetic particles(MP, MP?), and at least two corresponding sensitive zones (121, 122) in which solved magnetic particles and/or target components can be detected. When a magnetic actuation field(B) of a given configuration is established in the sample chamber, the magnetic particles of different reservoirs migrate predominantly to different sensitive zones. Thus a mixing of magnetic particles can be avoided.

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

Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.

Abstract: A method of analyzing ions adsorbed on a surface of a mask for pattern formation of a semiconductor device, and an apparatus using the same are disclosed. The ion analyzing method includes: filling a heating container within a main chamber with a predetermined amount of a solvent; immersing a mask in the solvent-filled heating container; raising an internal pressure of the chamber to a predetermined level by supplying gas into the chamber; separating ions from a surface of the mask by heating the solvent within the heating container at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period; and analyzing the ions by collecting the solvent.

Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c),(22c), and an enclosure (2e) that forms communication holes (26),(27) in the top and bottom end plate thereof (2e1),(2e2).

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid with high accuracy and high sensitivity includes recording frequency drifts of output frequencies of oscillator circuit outputs of m sensing oscillator circuits respectively including sensing SAW elements and frequency drifts of output frequencies of oscillator circuit outputs of n reference oscillator circuits respectively including reference SAW elements; determining at least one of the sensing oscillator circuits whose frequency drifts fall within a predetermined range and at least one of the reference oscillator circuits whose frequency drifts fall within the predetermined range to be acceptable; selecting at least one of the sensing oscillator circuits from among the acceptable sensing oscillator circuits and at least one of the reference oscillator circuits from among the acceptable reference oscillator circuits; and comparing an oscillator circuit output of the selected at least one of sensing oscillator circuits with an oscillator circuit output of the se

Abstract: In a device for measuring the pressure of a medium, in particular a liquid medium, the device including a measuring chamber through which the medium can flow and which has at least one elastically deformable wall, at least one wall that is more rigid by comparison to the elastically deformable wall, and an inlet and outlet for the medium, at least one excitation electrode is provided in or on the at least one more rigid wall of the measuring chamber, and at least one signal electrode is provided on the elastically deformable wall, for impedance measurement.

Abstract: System, circuits, and methods to reduce or eliminate uncompensated voltage drop between an electrode of an electrochemical cell usable for analyte measurement. In one example, a system is provided that includes a test strip, a reference voltage circuit, an operational amplifier connected to the reference voltage circuit to provide a pre-determined fraction of a reference voltage substantially equal to the test voltage applied to the first line, the operational amplifier having an output configured for one of a connected or disconnected state to the first line, and a processing circuit connected to the output of the operational amplifier and the first line such that, during a disconnected state between the output and the first line, the processing circuit remains in connection with the first line.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to detect target analytes based on magnetic resonance measurements. Magnetic structures produce distinct magnetic field regions having a size comparable to the analyte. When the analyte is bound in those regions, magnetic resonance signals from the sample are changed, leading to detection of the analyte.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determination of ion concentrations, particularly in downhole water from hydrocarbon wells, aquifers etc. It is useful in a wide range of applications, including predicting the formation of scale and fingerprinting waters from different sources. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of ligands whose electronic configuration is altered by the binding of the scaling ions within a water sample. These alterations are detected, for example by electrochemical means, and are indicative of the concentration of scaling ions in the sample.

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: A photoelectrochemical assay apparatus and method for determining chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a water sample is described. The photoelectrochemical assay comprises: a) a measuring cell for holding a sample to be analysed b) a titanium dioxide nanoparticle photoelectric working electrode and a counter electrode disposed in said cell, c) a UV light source adapted to illuminate the photoelectric working electrode d) control means to control the illumination of the working electrode e) potential measuring means to measure the electrical potential at the working and counter electrodes f) analysis means to derive a measure of oxygen demand from the measurements made by the potential measuring means.

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: 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: Glucose analysis instrument for diabetics, comprising a measuring device for determining glucose concentration values, a displaying device for displaying glucose concentration values, a signaling device for generating a reminder signal, and a control and evaluation device that comprises a processor and a data memory and is used to determine reminder times at which the signaling device is actuated. Event data are stored in the data memory, the event data containing information on events occurring in the life of a user of the glucose analysis instrument and on the time of occurrence of such events. The reminder times are determined by means of a reminder time determination algorithm taking into consideration event data from at least one previous day.

Abstract: A high sensitive detector detects and determines the presence of a very small amount of biological substances. The high sensitive detector comprises a sensor part, a sense amplifier, and microprocessor. A sensor part of the detector comprises two components; one comprises transistors and the other comprises affinity binding molecules for capturing biological substances. The affinity binding molecules can capture biological substances through specific molecular recognition. The electrical properties of a transistor-based circuit are changed when the affinity binding molecules capture biological substances on the gate of the transistors. The electrical signal is amplified by an amplifier and transferred to a microprocessor. The microprocessor modulates the transferred signal to determine the presence of biological substances.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

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 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: Strips particularly test strips and adapters for test strips, for use in meters for the electrochemical measurement of analyte in a sample material and in particular the glucose concentration of a sample of blood. The strips comprise a plurality of working connectors, for interfacing with the meter, coupled to one or more working electrodes. The strips are of particular use in adapting multi-input meters for single input use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppressed ion analysis in which a sample solution of analyte (e.g., anion) in an eluent of electrolyte counterions (e.g., sodium), is chromatographically separated. Then, the counterions are suppressed in a suppression zone and removed and used to convert the analyte ions to salt form in a salt-converting zone. The suppression and salt-converting zones may be contiguous or remote, and may be performed in devices of the membrane suppresser type. Thereafter, the salts or acids or bases formed from them (e.g., in membrane suppressor devices) are detected. Also, salt conversion can be performed using two ion exchange packed bed salt convertors in which one bed is on-line while the other is regenerated, followed by a reversal of flow.

Abstract: A control and a cellular fraction for use therein and methods for making the same, including a first cellular component including a plurality of a first group of processed animal red blood cells other than human blood cells; a second cellular component including a plurality of a second group of processed animal red blood cells other than human blood cells; a third cellular component including a plurality of a third group of processed animal red blood cells other than human blood cells; wherein one or more of the first second and third cellular components include a nucleus; and the control simulates erythroblasts of a human blood sample on an automated blood analyzer that analyzes blood cells using impedance, optical measurements or both.

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: A photoelectrochemical assay apparatus for determining chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a water sample which consists of a) a measuring cell for holding a sample to be analysed b) a titanium dioxide nanoparticle photoelectric working electrode and a counter electrode disposed in said cell, c) a UV light source adapted to illuminate the photoelectric working electrode d) control means to control the illumination of the working electrode e) potential measuring means to measure the electrical potential at the working and counter electrodes f) analysis means to derive a measure of oxygen demand from the measurements made by the potential measuring means.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring activity signals of a biological sample comprising: a measurement chamber (A) storing a target liquid containing a biological sample; a porous insulating substrate (5) provided with a measurement electrode (1) on at least one side; and a conveying device (8) which conveys the target liquid stored in the measurement chamber (A) and passes the target liquid through the porous insulating substrate (5) from the measurement electrode (1) side, wherein the conveying device (8) is operated to trap the biological sample contained in the target liquid onto the measurement electrode (1), so that the activity signals of the biological sample are measured through the measurement electrode (1). According to the apparatus, activity signals emitted from the biological sample can be detected easily, rapidly and accurately.

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.

Abstract: A compact biosensor cartridge allows biosensors to be tested one by one and protects the biosensors from moisture until they are set. A biosensor dispensing device is also disclosed. A biosensor cartridge may be installed in the dispensing device and pushing and rotating elements are both used to eject the biosensors through a sensor ejecting port in the case. The biosensors are discharged to outside the case when ejection means inside the cartridge are driven by a driving means outside the biosensor cartridge. This configuration allows the biosensor cartridge to be made smaller and thinner.

Abstract: A sensor and testing methodology for detecting and measuring the level of stimulants in a liquid is disclosed. The sensor is compact in form, approximately the size and shape of a fountain pen, and may be conveniently transported in a user's pocket or purse. The device includes a battery, a test strip having an electrical conductor coupled to an electrode and an indicator for providing a visual indication of the presence and level of a stimulant in a liquid. In use, the test strip is exposed to the liquid being tested, and the flow of electrons between the conductor and the electrode is measured and calibrated to indicate the type and concentration level of stimulant present.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a liquid sample stream including at least one analyte ion species and matrix ion species of opposite charge to said one analyte ion species. The liquid sample stream flows through a treatment channel. A carrier liquid stream including a matrix ion species capture material flows substantially parallel to the sample stream in the treatment channel forms a liquid interface between them. The matrix ion species diffuses through the interface to contact and become bound by the capture material in said carrier liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample. The method comprises the steps of exposing the sample to a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, the transducer having at least one reagent proximal thereto, the reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a complex or derivative of the analyte, wherein at least one of the analyte or the complex or derivative of the analyte has a label attached thereto which is capable of absorbing the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source to generate energy by non-radiative decay; irradiating the reagent with a series of pulses of electromagnetic radiation, transducing the energy generated into an electrical signal; detecting the electrical signal and the time delay between each pulse of electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source and the generation of the electric signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectronic sensor device, particularly to a bio sensor with magnetic sensor units comprising excitation wires (11, 13) and a GMR sensor (12). The device further comprises a washing unit (20) consisting of a series of actuation wires (21) coupled to a driving unit (22). The driving unit (22) can activate the actuation wires selectively, wherein magnetic washing particles (2) are attracted to the activated wires. Shifting the activation pattern (R, S, T) then results in a corresponding movement of washing particles (2), which induces flow of the sample fluid that can wash away weakly bound and/or unbound target substance (3) from the sensor region (10) of the sensor units.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the concentration of target in a fluid sample using a magnetic label and a magnetic sensor for detection. It was surprisingly found that efficient and accurate measurements can be carried out by determination of a signal as soon as the signal has reached a specified threshold level. In an alternative embodiment, a displacement step is used as soon as the signal has reached a pre-defined threshold level.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and a method for carrying out experiments of chemical, biochemical, biological and physical analysis, reaction and assay employing a reaction unit, in a preferred embodiment comprising: a capillarity reaction chamber, non-capillarity zone and bottom structure, which can use capillary action to quantitatively take up by itself and hold liquid in the reaction chamber. A multi-unit plate, which contains a number of reaction units on a plate frame, can be used for parallel experiments in conjunction with reservoir plate, waster pad, and liquid transfer guider.

Abstract: A fluid contamination analyzer employs one or more MEMS-based sensors. The sensors are incorporated into probes or alternatively may be employed in an in-line analyzer residing in the fluid. The sensors, which can be selective to detect a distinct contaminant within the fluid, sense an impedance of the fluid, which is a function of its contamination and communicates the impedance to analysis circuitry.

Abstract: The application relates to a chemical sensor device comprising a substrate (1), a sensor medium (3) formed on the substrate, the sensor medium comprising one-dimensional nanoparticles, wherein the one-dimensional nanoparticles essentially consist of a semiconducting AxBy compound, e.g. V2O5 and detection means (2) for detecting a change of a physical property of the sensor medium e.g. conductivity. The porosity of the sensor medium supports a fast access of the analyte to the sensing material and therefore a fast response of the sensor. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor can be tailored by doping the one-dimensional nanoscale material with different dopants or by varying the dopant concentration. Sensitivity of the sensor device to an analyte, preferably an amine, can be increased by increasing relative humidity of the sample to at least 5%.

Abstract: Nor-seco-type cucurbit[n]uril compounds and methylene bridged glycoluril oligomers are produced by reacting glycoluril and formaldehyde in strong organic or mineral acid at a temperature adequate to condense the reactants. These compounds are characterized by lacking —CH2— groups rendering their internal cavities more open and, for example, more responsive to guest compounds.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines an analyte concentration of a biological sample using an electrochemical process without Cottrell decay. The biosensor system generates an output signal having a transient decay, where the output signal is not inversely proportional to the square root of the time. The transient decay is greater or less than the ?0.5 decay constant of a Cottrell decay. The transient decay may result from a relatively short incubation period, relatively small sample reservoir volumes, relatively small distances between electrode surfaces and the lid of the sensor strip, and/or relatively short excitations in relation to the average initial thickness of the reagent layer. The biosensor system determines the analyte concentration from the output signal having a transient decay.