Abstract: The present application relates to a method for improving analytical efficiency and cost effectiveness of oxygen isotope analysis of an aqueous sample. In particular, the present application relates to a method of determining an oxygen isotope composition of an aqueous sample by (a) equilibrating the aqueous sample with CO2 gas wherein the aqueous sample comprises an effective amount of carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme; and (b) measuring the oxygen isotope composition of the CO2 at equilibrium, wherein the oxygen isotope composition of the CO2 corresponds to the oxygen isotope composition of the aqueous sample.

Abstract: A Self Monitoring And Reporting Therapeutics, SMART® composition, method apparatus and system are provided which flexibly provide options, by combining different embodiments of the device with different embodiments of the composition, the ability to conduct definitive medication adherence monitoring over the short term (Acute Medication Adherence Monitoring, immediately up to an hour or so after taking a medication), intermediate term (Intermediate Medication Adherence Monitoring, IMAM, an hour or so to a day or so after taking a medication), and longer term (Chronic Medication Adherence Monitoring, CMAM, a day to several days after taking a medication).

Abstract: Calibrated particle analysis apparatus and method are provided. In the calibrated particle analysis apparatus, a gas exchange device and several flow controllers are disposed in front of a particle analyzer. Therefore, when the calibrated particle analysis apparatus is used, gases of a sample can be exchanged with a carrier gas suggested to be used with the particle analyzer. Hence, the accuracy of analyzing the particles can be increased, and possible hazards from dangerous or toxic materials can be avoided.

Abstract: A diagnosis server for collaborating with electronic noses, a related mobile diagnosis unit and a related method may be provided. A diagnosis server may comprise a receiver unit for receiving a set of data from one out of a plurality of e-noses. The set of data may comprise a sensor identifier, a sensor output value, and a relevance flag for a predefined diagnosis. A determination unit may determine a probability factor for the predefined diagnosis based on the set of data, a relevance function and a distribution function.

Abstract: A gas detector is tested by releasing detectable gas from a storage medium and delivering it to the gas detector. A cartridge for delivering detectable gas includes a container with an outlet and a storage medium in the container. Detectable gas is stored in the storage medium for being desorbed from the storage medium. A test device can include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge, an interface for fluidly coupling the device to a gas detector, and passaging to provide fluid communication between the interface and both the cartridge received in the receptacle and external air. A pump can pump external air and the detectable gas released from the cartridge through the passaging and interface such that the pumped detectable gas and air form a proportioned mixture for testing the gas detector.

Abstract: A biological gas detection device acquires a reference output value that is an output value outputted from a semiconductor gas sensor in a reference air sample, the semiconductor gas sensor having sensitivity to an interfering gas and a target gas contained in a biological gas, acquires a target gas concentration that is a concentration of the target gas measured based on a first output value, the first output value being outputted from the semiconductor gas sensor during measurement of the biological gas, corrects the target gas concentration based on a second output value and the reference output value, the second output value being outputted from the semiconductor gas sensor in an air sample prior to measurement of the biological gas; and outputs information according to the corrected target gas concentration.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for generating a metabolite profile of a stool sample and methods of assessing the status of a subject using the metabolic profile derived from a stool sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a station for uncovering a receptacle comprising a body in which a plurality of adjacent holes, initially sealed by a cover, are formed. The station comprises at least one cutting member for making at least one cut in the cover between two adjacent holes, so as to form at least one cover portion closing off at least one of the holes of the receptacle, i.e., the selected hole; and at least one heating gripping device which is arranged so as to heat and remove said cover portion, thereby opening the selected hole.

Abstract: A method of conditioning an environment includes generating, by a group feedback analysis system, a first comfort limit based on a first plurality of data points corresponding to user feedback of a group of users in an environment conditioned by an environmental conditioning system to identify the first comfort limit at a first extreme; generating, by the group feedback analysis system, a second comfort limit based on a second plurality of data points corresponding to user feedback of the group of users in the environment conditioned by the environmental conditioning system to identify the second comfort limit at a second extreme, the second extreme being opposite the first extreme; identifying, by the group feedback analysis system, a comfort region defined by the first comfort limit and the second comfort limit; and controlling the environmental conditioning system to maintain at least one environmental criterion within the comfort region.

Abstract: There is provided a navigation apparatus including an estimation section which estimates first environmental information in a movement route candidate of an object based on observation information observed in real time in the movement route candidate, an acquisition section which acquires second environmental information of a surrounding of the movement route candidate, and a guidance section which guides a movement direction for the object based on the first environmental information estimated by the estimation section and the second environmental information acquired by the acquisition section.

Abstract: A chromatography sensor device is provided that includes a first loading chamber into which a sample fluid can be inserted, a second loading chamber into which a buffer fluid can be inserted, a diffusion column adapted to communicate with the first loading chamber and the second loading chamber and having walls lined with a chromatography stationary phase, a first high finesse optical cavity communicating with the diffusion column at a first distance from the gate, a second high finesse optical cavity communicating with the diffusion column at a second distance from the gate; and one or more lasers for generating laser frequencies for exciting the first and second high finesse optical cavities, whereby the sample fluid may diffuse into the diffusion column containing the buffer fluid and the one or more lasers and associated detectors may be used to detect a molecule of interest in the sample fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-temperature furnace for T(O)C measurement of a sample, which has a furnace housing which bounds a vaporization space and has a sample opening for the dropwise introduction of the sample and at least one flushing opening for introduction of a flushing liquid. According to the invention, the furnace housing is lined with a spinel ceramic on an inner side facing the vaporization space. By means of the spinel ceramic, the vaporization space is lined with a material which allows particularly high temperatures within the vaporization space and thus very complete combustion and is at the same time very resistant to temperature changes. This allows cleaning with a flushing liquid at essentially the operating temperature of the vaporization space and removal of deposited salts, in particular recrystallized organic salts, from the vaporization space in the flushing liquid in dissolved or undissolved form.

Abstract: A sampling system includes an analyte sampler that includes an enclosure; a mount disposed in the enclosure; a capillary tube disposed in the mount; and a thermal member disposed in the enclosure and including a first fluid supply member to provide a fluid to an interior of the enclosure. The sampling system also includes a manifold in fluid communication with the analyte sampler. A process for sampling an analyte includes subjecting the capillary tube to a negative pressure; and controlling the temperature of the capillary tube to immobilize the analyte in the capillary tube; providing an analyte to a second end of the capillary tube; and immobilizing the analyte in the capillary tube to sample the analyte.

Abstract: A simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the simulant.

Abstract: A method of ionizing a sample includes providing an aqueous liquid and directing a jet comprising carbon dioxide to interact with the provided aqueous liquid. One or both of the aqueous liquid and the jet comprise the sample. At least a portion of the sample is ionized due to the interaction.

Abstract: A reliable, low cost device for determining when dangerous levels of hydrogen gas have been generated in a transformer is disclosed. The hydrogen indicator is defined by a module assembly that threads into either the headspace or into the oil-filled body of a transformer. The module has an open interior that contains a film that incorporates a hydrogen-sensitive chemochromic indicator. The indicator film is visible through a lens. When the film has been exposed to hydrogen, chemical changes in the chemochromic indicator cause the film to change color—the color change is immediately visible through the lens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a risk evaluation and diagnosis of human cancer, by examining the presence, in the volatile fraction of a human saliva sample, of a combination of particulate biochemical volatile organic compounds, which is indicative of an increased risk of developing cancer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for accelerating the equilibration of a fluid, typically the reference fluid of an analyzer, are provided, the surface of the fluid being in contact with a gas phase. The device can comprise a cassette, which can be exchangeably inserted into an analyzer and which holds at least one flexible, gas-tight bag, in which the fluid and the gas phase are accommodated. The cassette or the analyzer can include at least one transmitting element, which can be caused to vibrate and which mechanically contacts the flexible bag in order to input mechanical energy into the liquid in at least one wall region.

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

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a probe including a material connected to a high voltage source, a device for generating a heated gas, and a mass analyzer.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first ozone sensor that generates a first sensor signal indicating a first amount of ozone in air flowing into a radiator. A second ozone sensor generates a second sensor signal indicating a second amount of ozone in air flowing out of the radiator. A control module receives the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and determines an ozone conversion rate based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets.

Abstract: An ammonia compound concentration measuring device includes: a pipe unit through which the circulating gas flows; a converter which is disposed in the pipe unit and converts an ammonia compound into ammonia; a measurement device which measures a first measurement value as a concentration of ammonia contained in a first circulating gas flowing inside a pipe line passing through the converter in the circulating gas flowing inside the pipe unit and a second measurement value as a concentration of ammonia contained in a second circulating gas flowing inside a pipe line not passing through the converter in the circulating gas flowing inside the pipe unit; and a controller which controls operations of the pipe unit and the measurement device and calculates the concentration of the ammonia compound of the measurement subject contained in the circulating gas from a difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for detecting leaks in a head space sampling device. One exemplary method for detecting leaks in a head space sampling device includes establishing fluid communication between a head space and a pressurization gas conduit. Gas pressure and flow rate are monitored within the pressurization gas conduit during pressurization of the head space. Changes in monitored gas pressure and flow rate are used to evaluate whether a leak exists within the head space sampling device or the vial containing the head space. One exemplary head space sampling device includes a conduit for receiving a pressurization gas, flow and pressure sensors for measuring gas flow and pressure within the conduit, a ventilation valve, a pressure valve for controlling gas flow through the conduit, and a controller for processing and controlling pressure and flow through the conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting explosive devices. The sensor includes a ferromagnetic metal and a molecular recognition reagent coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The molecular recognition reagent is operable to expand upon absorption of vapor from an explosive material such that the molecular recognition reagent changes a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal. The explosive device is detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the tensile stress.

Abstract: A bio-threat simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the bio-threat simulant.

Abstract: Provided are a nitric oxide detection element capable of detecting NO gas contained in a mixed gas at a high speed even when the amount thereof is a super trace amount of ten and several parts per billion; and a process for producing the element. In a nitric oxide detection element having a substrate 12 and a sensing film 11 formed on a surface of the substrate, the sensing film is composed of nitric oxide sensing particles and a polymer adhesive. The nitric oxide sensing particles are produced by adsorbing a dye having a porphyrin skeleton and having, as a central metal, divalent cobalt onto surfaces of inorganic particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a gas sample for analysis includes a separation unit configured to separate the gas sample into one or more component samples. A thermal conductivity detector detects the output of the one or more component sample from the separation unit. At least one component sample is collected in a component sample collection unit having a sample collector.

Abstract: A chemochromic indicator is provided that includes a hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment that change from a first color to a second color in the presence of a hypergolic fuel. In a first embodiment, a chemochromic indicator is provided for detecting the presence of a hypergolic fuel such that the irreversible hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment includes potassium tetrachloroaurate (KAuCl4). There are several types of chemochromic indicators, for example, the article used to form the chemochromic indicators include, but are not limited to, wipe materials, silicone/TEFLON tape, manufactured parts, fabrics, extruded parts, and paints.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor (10) is disclosed and described. The sensor (10) can include nanofibril materials (12) fabricated from a linear carbazole oligomer and a fluorescence detector (14). The linear carbazole oligomer can have the formula (I) wherein n is 3 to 9, R are independently selected amine sidegroups, and at least one, but not all, R is a C1 to C14 alkyl. The carbazole-based fluorescence based sensors (10) can be particularly suitable for detection of explosives and volatile nitro compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a sample gas includes a gas dosing part, a first pressure gauge for measuring a pressure of a sample gas dosed through the gas dosing part, a plurality of flow lines positioned between the gas dosing part and a gas analyzer that can be opened or closed according to the pressure measured by the first pressure gauge, a plurality of control valves respectively formed in the plurality of flow lines and controlling the plurality of flow lines to be opened or closed, a bypass line formed on at least one of the plurality of flow lines and exhausting some of the sample gas flowing along the flow lines, and a controller for selecting one of the plurality of flow lines according to the pressure measured by the first pressure gauge and controlling the control valves formed in the selected flow line.

Abstract: A photochemical vapor generator is disclosed having a reaction chamber with a liquid sample inlet, a carrier gas inlet and a carrier gas outlet. A liquid sample support surface for supporting a film of a liquid sample is in the reaction chamber. A source of ultraviolet radiation is positioned in radiative contact with the liquid sample support surface. Also described is a process for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte by providing a liquid film of a sample containing an organic acid or a salt thereof and a precursor compound of the analyte, exposing the liquid film to ultraviolet radiation to generate a volatile species of the analyte, separating the volatile species from the liquid film to form a vapor containing the volatile species, and directing the vapor to a detector to detect and/or quantify the analyte in the vapor.

Abstract: A sensor, a method for its fabrication, and a method for its use to detect contaminants, for example, ammonia, in stagnant and dynamic fluid media, especially liquid media. The sensor is an opto-chemical sensor that includes a polymer optical fiber, a sensing layer comprising oxazine 170 perchlorate on the polymer optical fiber, and a membrane layer on the sensing layer. The membrane layer is gas permeable and not permeable to the fluid in the fluid system, and moisture is entrapped by and between the sensing and membrane layers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides sensor for gas sensing including CO2 gas sensors comprising a porous framework sensing area for binding an analyte gas.

Abstract: A concentration measuring apparatus for hydrogen sulfide includes an absorbing liquid that can absorb gaseous hydrogen sulfide as sulfide ion; a hollow fiber membrane contactor that contacts a gas flow with a flow of the absorbing liquid through a membrane, so that the absorbing liquid absorbs gaseous hydrogen sulfide in the gas flow as sulfide ion; a pump for a first channel that feeds the absorbing liquid to the hollow fiber membrane contactor; an oxidizer that exothermically reacts with sulfide ion; a pump for a second channel that feeds the oxidizer to the absorbing liquid; a first thermometer that measures a temperature of the absorbing liquid before the sulfide ion that the absorbing liquid has absorbed exothermically reacts with the oxidizer; and a second thermometer that measures the temperature of the absorbing liquid after the sulfide ion that the absorbing liquid has absorbed exothermically reacts with the oxidizer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets.

Abstract: A sulfur breakthrough monitoring assembly for use in a fuel utilization system for detecting sulfur-containing compounds in desulfurized fuel, said monitoring assembly comprising: a heater for heating desulfurized fuel to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature being between 450° C. and 600° C., a sulfur breakthrough detector adapted to receive heated fuel from the heater and including at least a reforming catalyst bed for reforming the heated fuel and a plurality of temperature sensors including a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the heated fuel before the fuel is conveyed through the reforming catalyst bed and a second temperature sensor for sensing temperature in the reforming catalyst bed, and a controller for determining whether concentration of the sulfur-containing compounds in the fuel exceeds a first predetermined concentration based on temperature outputs from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a station for uncovering a receptacle comprising a body in which a plurality of adjacent holes, initially sealed by a cover, are formed. The station comprises at least one cutting member for making at least one cut in the cover between two adjacent holes, so as to form at least one cover portion closing off at least one of the holes of the receptacle, i.e., the selected hole; and at least one heating gripping device which is arranged so as to heat and remove said cover portion, thereby opening the selected hole.

Abstract: IMS apparatus has an inlet with a preconcentrator opening into a reaction region where analyte molecules are ionized and passed via a shutter to a drift region for collection and analysis. A pump and filter arrangement supplies a flushing flow of clean gas to the housing in opposition to ion flow. A pressure pulser connects with the housing and is momentarily switched to cause a short drop in pressure, in the housing to draw in a bolus of analyte sample from the preconcentrator. Just prior to admitting a bolus of sample, the pump is turned off so that the flushing flow drops substantially to zero, thereby prolonging the time the analyte molecules spend in the reaction region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas detection system (1) for detecting gases, vapors and biological pathogens, having at least one receptor (4) arranged on a line (5) connecting the ambient air (7) to an air storage unit, wherein the gas detection system (1) is designed as a “breathing” system containing clean CO2-carrying and moisture-saturated air in the air storage unit (2), wherein the operating temperature of the gas detection system (1) is the room temperature. Additionally, a method is proposed for detecting gases, vapors and biological pathogens using the inventive gas detection system. This avoids the shortcomings of the known solutions of the prior art, and an improved and more cost-effective solution for detecting trace gases is made available.

Abstract: A photoluminescent oxygen probe including a tack with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent element on the underside of the head. The probe is effective for sensing oxygen concentration within an enclosed space by puncturing the container defining the enclosed space the with the probe's shank and adhering the underside of the probe's head to the container so as to sealingly surround the puncture, thereby placing the oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye on the underside of the probe's head into sensible communication with the enclosed space through the puncture hole.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of measuring a chemical vapor concentration is provided. A chemical vapor sensor measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, an ethanol vapor sensor is provided, sized for being inconspicuous and on-board a vehicle, having a passive measurement mode and an active breathalyzer mode, for detecting a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. For the passive mode, a vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectable level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is passively measured and if a predetermined ethanol level is measured, a countermeasure is invoked to improve safety. In an aspect, an active breathalyzer is used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be imposed for a number of vehicle trips or for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing CO2, N2 and/or SO2 from a sample for a quantitative analysis of the sample, comprising a reactor structure and metals acting in an oxidizing manner or metal oxides in the reactor. According to the invention, the reactor structure has at least two zones through which the sample can flow, which is to say a first zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reactor metal, and following the first zone, a second zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reservoir metal, wherein both metals can form oxides, and wherein the ratio of the reactor metal to the reservoir metal in the first zone is greater than in the second zone.

Abstract: Methods for detecting particles in a fluid, including determining particle size and intrinsic fluorescence of a particle, and time correlating the particle detection data with image data in the vicinity of the detector or detector inlet to identify contamination sources in clean environments are described.

Abstract: Quantification of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, and the monohydroxy and diihydroxy metabolites of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, can comprise labeling analytes with mass spectrometry (MS) tagging reagents and performing LC-MSMS analysis of the labeled analytes. The labeled analytes can include a labeled standard and can have distinct retention times on a reversed phase column, as well as distinct masses. Under high energy collisions, reporter groups can be generated. The intensity or the peak area detected for each reporter group can be used for quantitation. In some embodiments, a one-step tagging reagent is used that is a dienophile-containing, labeled Diels Alder reagent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods that may be used for the detection of allergens.

Abstract: Method of determining a total HF concentration metric in an environment including measuring an uncorrected HF concentration metric in the environment based on a first infrared absorption measurement at a wavelength corresponding to a vibrational frequency of a non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecule; determining an ambient H2O concentration metric in the environment available for reaction with the non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecules at or about the time of obtaining the first infrared absorption measurement; calculating a HF hydrate concentration metric in the environment based on the uncorrected HF concentration metric, the ambient H2O concentration metric and a reaction equilibrium relationship between the non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecule and the HF hydrate; and determining the total HF concentration metric in the environment based on the uncorrected HF concentration metric and an amount of HF determined by the HF hydrate concentration metric.

Abstract: A method for analyzing molecular pollutants of a fluid. From a calibrated flow of fluid, a combination of a measurement of a total amount of molecular pollutants and a determination of chemical compositions and relative amounts of the molecular pollutants by adsorption on materials is carried out. The determination of the chemical compositions and relative amounts advantageously occur after a threshold value for the total measured amount is exceeded.

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