Abstract: A method for determining the amount of hydrocarbons in a composition including hydrocarbons and water is provided. The method includes adding a chemical agent to the composition in order to form an emulsion of water and hydrocarbons, taking a sample of the emulsion and dissolving this sample in a common solvent for water and hydrocarbons in order to form a solution, and measuring the amount of hydrocarbons in the solution. An installation suitable for implementing this method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for estimating characteristics of a formation including collecting a formation sample, preparing the sample, and analyzing the sample using FTIR comprising identifying the kerogen lineshape and intensity. The method includes using the lineshape to obtain kerogen maturity, using the maturity to obtain the kerogen spectrum, and using the kerogen spectrum to obtain the mineralogy and kerogen content.

Abstract: The present invention reagents and methods for setting up an instruments having a multiplicity of detector channels for analyzing a multiplicity of fluorescent dyes. The present invention is particularly applicable in the field of flow cytometry.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating a target molecule from a sample. In an embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample with a capture agent, the agent comprising a siderophore and a transition metal cation, under conditions wherein the agent is capable of binding a target molecule to form a target molecule-capture agent complex, wherein the target molecule is selected from the group consisting of a phosphorylated molecule, a nitrotyrosine-containing molecule and a sulfated molecule, and separating the target molecule-capture agent complex from the sample, thereby isolating the target molecule from the sample. Also provided are methods for determining the presence of a target molecule in a sample, that involve contacting a sample with a capture agent, the agent comprising a siderophore and a transition metal cation.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting explosive compounds in an air sample in which the air sample is filtered with activated carbon treated with a weakly basic solution, after which the air sample is divided into two parts, with one part being heated at lower temperatures to decompose non-explosive nitrogenous compounds and the second part being heated at higher temperatures to decompose explosive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen dioxide is measured in both portions of the air sample with a spectrographic detector, and the presence or absence of explosive nitrogenous compounds in the air sample is determined.

Abstract: The description relates to a standard for wavelength and intensity for spectrometers, particularly for calibrating and testing measurement heads in spectrometers which are usable primarily in the near infrared region (NIR) of the spectrum. The standard comprises a holder and a plate body arranged in the holder. The plate body is made of transparent plastic with high strength and dimensional stability over a large temperature range. The plastic has distinct absorption bands throughout the entire NIR range and has a chemical structure and composition ensuring an extensive moisture barrier against water absorption and water release in a reliable and stable manner over time. The plate body advantageously comprises an amorphous, transparent copolymer based on cyclic and/or linear olefins.

Abstract: Methods for using focused light scattering techniques for the optical sensing of biological particles suspended in a liquid medium are disclosed. The optical sensing enables one to characterize particles size and/or distribution in a given sample. This, in turn, allows one to identify the biological particles, determine their relative particle density, detect particle shedding, and identify particle aggregation. The methods are also useful in screening and optimizing drug candidates, evaluating the efficacy and dosage levels of such drugs, and in personalized medicine applications.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of obtaining metal nanoparticles functionalized with fluorescent organic molecules by means of the treatment of one or more metal salts with a reducing agent in the presence of a fluorescent organic molecule. The invention also relates to the metal nanoparticles obtainable by said method and to their use for detecting molecules and analytes.

Abstract: A system of quantitatively determining a biomolecule, which has: allowing fluorescent silica particles capable of emitting fluorescence detectable by a flow cytometer to capture a target biomolecule fluorescent-labelled for quantitative determination; detecting the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent silica particles themselves by using the flow cytometer; and measuring the intensity of the fluorescence of the labelled target biomolecule, thereby quantitatively determining the target biomolecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing, ascertaining the clinical course of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and ascertaining response to a therapy regimen of myelodysplastic syndrome. Specifically the invention provides methods and kits useful in the diagnosis and determination of clinical parameters associated with MDS based on surface markers unique to MDS.

Abstract: The invention concerns a particle having a code embedded in its physical structure by refractive index changes between different regions of the particle. In preferred embodiments, a thin film possesses porosity that varies in a manner to produce a code detectable in the reflectivity spectrum.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method of producing stable bare colloidal gold nanoparticles is disclosed. The nanoparticles can subsequently be subjected to partial or full surface modification. The method comprises preparation of colloidal gold nanoparticles in a liquid by employing a top-down nanofabrication method using bulk gold as a source material. The surface modification of these nanoparticles is carried out by adding one or multiple types of ligands each containing functional groups which exhibit affinity for gold nanoparticle surfaces to produce the conjugates. Because of the high efficiency and excellent stability of the nanoparticles produced by this method, the fabricated gold nanoparticle conjugates can have surface coverage with functional ligands which can be tuned to be any percent value between 0 and 100%.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods are provided for simultaneously dispensing metered volumes of fluids at different rates and mixing the fluids to generate a mixed sample having the fluids in proportion to the different rates at which they were dispensed. In some cases two or more of the fluids are premixed prior to mixing with other fluids. In some cases a use composition and diluent are simultaneously dispensed at different rates and premixed to form a diluted sample. One or more reagents may be mixed with the diluted sample and the sample mixture can be analyzed to determine characteristics of the use composition.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosis and prognosis using biomarkers comprising albumin-bound protein/peptide complex (ABPPC).

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a construct for the detection of an analyte using surface enhanced spectroscopic techniques. The construct includes linked surfaces, where the link is formed by a linker providing a fixed inter-surface separation between the linked surfaces, wherein the linker is a linking compound, and at least one of the surfaces is the surface of a nanoparticle. The linking compound is suitable for interacting with the analyte. The linking compound may be a cucurbituril. The surface enhanced spectroscopic technique may be surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

Abstract: A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.

Abstract: Lateral flow assay analysis is shown and described. In one embodiment, the lateral flow assay comprises a surface having a reflectance profile that is adapted to enable monitoring of the assay continuously until the detection of an analyte. In other embodiments, a lateral flow assay system includes an incubator and a reader, wherein the incubator incubates the assay concurrently as the reader generates a test result. Further, an assay measurement apparatus may include an optical detector to perform continuous image detection of the assay to generate a diagnostic test result.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively measuring the concentration of a chemical species in a sample solution with a sensor film. A hydrogel sensor film is prepared having a chemical composition comprising an indicator that changes its optical property in the ultra-violet, visible or near-infrared spectral range upon being exposed to the chemical species in the sample solution. The film is exposed to a fixed amount of the sample solution. The concentration of the chemical species in the sample solution is quantified using the average absorbance measured from the sensor film.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing the automatic fluorescence pattern recognition in immunodiagnosis. In this method, in addition to or together with the fluorescence dye, one or more other indicator dyes for the identification of relevant structures are incubated before an image is taken with a camera.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection method for detecting the presence of a contaminant that has alloyed with a metallic alloy of a part includes exposing the metallic alloy of the part to an extraction solution. The extraction solution extracts at least a portion of any of the contaminant that has alloyed with the metallic alloy. The extraction solution can then be analyzed to determine whether the solution includes any of the contaminant element, which indicates whether the part includes any of the contaminant element.

Abstract: A quality control (“QC”) system for PET or SPECT radiopharmaceuticals is disclosed that contains a disposable, no-leakage, self-contained QC cassette, which interfaces with the QC system. The QC system may include a shield that substantially surrounds the cassette such that the area and the cassette are both shielded. The QC cassette may contain shielding also. The QC cassette contains components for conducting one or more QC tests. These components include sensor and devices for performing various QC tests on radiopharmaceuticals. The QC system may contain a number of sub-systems and devices for supporting the QC tests. The QC system may produce a QC report containing the test results.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biophotonic sensors. An example of a biophotonic sensor may be an apparatus for analyzing a sample. The apparatus may include a substrate, aperiodic nanostructured protrusions disposed on the substrate, and a silk material deposited between the protrusions.

Abstract: A method for selecting a solvent or mixture of solvents useful for mitigating deposit formation, cleaning existing deposits, and/or decreasing the rate of deposit formation is disclosed. Decreasing the rate at which deposits may form and/or increasing the rate at which deposits may be removed can dramatically improve process economics (e.g., decreasing down time as a result of deposit formation). In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for dispersing foulants in a hydrocarbon stream, including the steps of: determining a nature of foulants in a hydrocarbon stream; selecting a solvent or a mixture of solvents suitable to disperse the foulants based upon the determined nature; and contacting the foulants with the selected solvent or mixture of solvents.

Abstract: Methods using mass spectral data analysis and a classification algorithm provide an ability to determine whether a non-small-cell lung cancer patient, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or colorectal cancer patient has likely developed a non-responsiveness to treatment with a drug targeting an epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. As the methods of this disclosure require only simple blood samples, the methods enable a fast and non-intrusive way of measuring when drugs targeting the EGFR pathway cease to be effective in certain patients. This discovery represents the first known example of true personalized selection of these types of cancer patients for treatment using these classes of drugs not only initially, but during the course of treatment.

Abstract: Methods using mass spectral data analysis and a classification algorithm provide an ability to determine whether a non-small-cell lung cancer patient, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or colorectal cancer patient has likely developed a non-responsiveness to treatment with a drug targeting an epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. As the methods of this disclosure require only simple blood samples, the methods enable a fast and non-intrusive way of measuring when drugs targeting the EGFR pathway cease to be effective in certain patients. This discovery represents the first known example of true personalized selection of these types of cancer patients for treatment using these classes of drugs not only initially, but during the course of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles in the shape of nanosnowman with a head part and a body part, a preparation method thereof, and a detection method using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to nanoparticles in the shape of nanosnowman with head and body parts, which can offer platforms for DNA-based assembly of various aligned and unconventional nanostructures and is highly applicable to the detection of DNA and an analyte associated with the onset and progression of a particular disease, a preparation method thereof, and a detection method using the same.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of thyroglobulin in a sample using various purification steps followed by mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve purifying thyroglobulin in a test sample, digesting thyroglobulin to form peptide T129, purifying peptide T129, ionizing peptide T129, detecting the amount of peptide T129 ion generated, and relating the amount of peptide T129 ion to the amount of thyroglobulin originally present in the sample.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to performing isotopic analysis of a sample. In one aspect a method includes applying laser energy to a region of a sample with a laser to generate a plasma and recording a spectrum generated by a plurality of molecular species in the plasma with a device.

Abstract: The methods of the disclosure provide fluorescence-based assays for calcineurin activity, especially in isolated T cells. The methods include the stimulation of the T cells with agents that specifically target the TCR with or without influencing co-stimulatory pathways. One TCR agonist is monoclonal antibodies specific for CD3, which more precisely distinguish the inducible activity of calcineurin than does an alternative method targeting the T cell receptor (CD3) combined with CD28 costimulation. This method more accurately distinguishes between the measured level of calcineurin activity of T cells from immunosuppressed transplant recipients and normal individuals, and thus has improved diagnostic accuracy with respect to the response of an individual to immunosuppressant therapy following an organ transplant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method allowing a trace amount of a target substance to be detected. A metallic nanoparticle assembly structure is formed of metallic nanoparticles assembled together and modified with a host molecule allowing the target substance to specifically adhere thereto. A metallic nanorod is modified with a host molecule allowing the target substance to specifically adhere thereto. The metallic nanorod is conjugated to the metallic nanoparticle assembly structure by the target substance. An extinction spectrum of localized surface plasmon resonance or a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum induced in the metallic nanoparticle assembly structure and the metallic nanostructure is measured with a spectroscope. The target substance is detected based on that spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum-driven fluidic system for a flow-type particle analyzer. The system includes a vacuum pump which creates a pressure drop downstream of the flow cell, which pulls sheath fluid and sample fluid through the flow cell. A variable-resistance fluidic resistor is configured to control the ratio of sample fluid flow to sheath fluid flow. Dual feedback circuits, one configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop across the flow cell, referred to as the dynamic pressure drop, and a second configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop created by the vacuum pump relative to ambient pressure, referred to as the static pressure drop, are used to automatically control the system. The present invention enables adjustment of the sample fluid flow rate while maintaining a constant total fluid flow through the flow cell, and further, enables pausing the system without significant fluctuations in the vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood analyzer and a blood analyzing method capable of obtaining information regarding B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes without using a fluorescence-labeled antibody. The blood analyzer of the present invention includes a blood specimen supplying portion, a sample preparation portion that prepares a measurement sample without using a fluorescence-labeled antibody by mixing a blood specimen supplied from the blood specimen supplying portion, a hemolyzing agent, and a fluorescent dye that stains nucleic acid, a light source, a first detector that detects fluorescence, a second detector that detects scattered light, and information processing portion that classifies lymphocytes based on the intensity of fluorescence and scattered light, and based on the fluorescence intensity of the classified lymphocytes, obtains information regarding B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantitatively analyzing a functional group on the surface of a solid material. The functional group is carboxylic group while the solid material is carbon nano-tubes. The carboxylic group reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate, thus turning the carboxylic groups into sodium carboxylate while consuming the sodium ions in the solution. The carbon nano-tubes are separated from the sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The number of the sodium ions before and after the reaction is analyzed. Moreover, the sodium carboxylate carried on the reacted carbon nano-tubes with reacts with hydrochloric acid solution, thus dissolving the sodium ions in the hydrochloric acid solution. The carbon nanotubes are separated from from the hydrochloric acid solution. The amount of the sodium ions is analyzed before and after the reaction in the hydrochloric acid solution.

Abstract: A police tester to detect the presence of a target substance includes a housing adapted to be mounted in a police cruiser; a chemical reservoir insertable into the housing; a test swipe in a disc or an automated cartridge, the test swipe adapted to receive a chemical from the chemical reservoir, the test swipe including one or more chemically treated pads; a camera to capture an image from the test swipe; a processor coupled to the camera to process the image to detect the target substance; and a transmitter coupled to the processor to transmit a test result to a remote computer at a police headquarter.

Abstract: A detector detects the color of a medium after a gas to be identified and a reagent have chemically reacted with each other on the medium. A controller identifies color information, which is most similar to the color detected by the detector, from color information stored in a spectral database, and reads gas identifying information related to the identified color information, as gas identifying information representing the gas to be identified, from the spectral database.

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

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of thyroglobulin in a sample using various purification steps followed by mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve purifying thyroglobulin in a test sample, digesting thyroglobulin to form peptide T129, purifying peptide T129, ionizing peptide T129, detecting the amount of peptide T129 ion generated, and relating the amount of peptide T129 ion to the amount of thyroglobulin originally present in the sample.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for to the use of the difference in phosphodiester (PDE)/phosphomonoester (PME) ratio in biological fluids, as an analytical criterion to image both the presence and degree of viral infection in-vivo.

Abstract: An optical device for determining the presence and/or concentration of analytes in a sample is presented. The optical device comprises a detector and a detection unit comprising optical path components. The detection unit has wavelength-dependent responsivity. The optical device further comprises a light source for emitting light of different respective usable wavelength ranges. The light is guidable through the optical path to the detector to generate baseline signals and response signals relative to the baseline signal indicative of the presence and/or concentration of analytes in the optical path. The intensity of the light reaching the detector is adjusted inverse to the wavelength-dependent responsivity with respect to at least two respective usable wavelength ranges so that a reduction of the ratio between the maximum baseline signal at one of the selected usable wavelength ranges and the minimum baseline signal at another of the selected usable wavelength ranges is obtained.

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: The present invention relates to carrying out infrared emission spectroscopic measurements using a sample directly or a substrate, on which a sample is placed, coated, spun-on, deposited or in some way attached, as an external source to produce a time dependent infrared emissive signature from said sample or substrate with a subsequent analysis of this signature by an infrared spectrograph equipped with a focal plane array detector.

Abstract: Provided is method for detecting an analyte, wherein the analyte is labelled with one or more labels relatable to the analyte which are suitable for optical detection, which method comprises: a) applying an oscillating voltage having a first frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; b) applying an oscillating voltage having a second frequency across the labelled analyte and simultaneously performing an optical detection method on the labelled analyte to obtain data from the one or more labels; c) determining the identity and/or quantity of the analyte from the data obtained in step (a) and step (b).