Abstract: This invention is intended to evaluate the oil-and-fat amount in a seed and genetic changes thereof. A fusion protein of an oil body-specific protein, such as the oleosin-GFP fusion protein, and a fluorescent protein is expressed, and the oil-and-fat amount in a plant seed and changes thereof are evaluated based on the fluorescent intensity in a cotyledon of a fluorescent protein, such as GFP.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for determining a content of at least one foreign substance in a matrix of a solid or liquid food. At least one reagent area for providing at least one reagent has a receptacle for a replaceable reagent container for replaceably connecting a sample container including at least the matrix; a transfer line is provided between the reagent area and the reaction area, by which the at least one reagent can be fed to the reaction area; a sensor area is provided for demonstrating the foreign substance released from the matrix; a carrier gas line is provided between the reaction area and the sensor area, by which the released foreign substance can be fed to the sensor area; and an output line is provided through which the dissolved foreign substance can be fed outward from the sensor area.

Abstract: The invention provides laccases, polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, the methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to using heterobimetallic coordination polymers and their uses as chemodosimeters for sensing materials for the screening of specific biogenic amines.

Abstract: A base game on a gaming machine may be a conventional 5×3 video reel-type game, where awards are granted for winning symbol combinations in the base game. If a bonus trigger has occurred, a special card deck symbol is added to at least one reel, and the player is granted free bonus spins of the virtual reels in a bonus round. The player accumulates bonus win awards during the free bonus spins based on at least winning combinations of symbols. If the deck symbol is displayed after a spin, the player is randomly dealt a playing card. Dealt playing cards are accumulated until the player has accumulated seven cards. A multiplier is associated with the value of the best five-card hand, and the accumulated bonus win awards are multiplied by the multiplier to identify a final amount to be awarded to the player. The bonus game is then terminated.

Abstract: The present invention is a testing apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a date rape drug such as flunitrazepam or gamma hydroxyl butyrate in a liquid, such as an alcoholic beverage. The testing apparatus includes a base member and a flap member removably attached to the base member. The testing apparatus also includes at least one testing stick enclosed within the base member. The testing sticks include an elongated member and a chemical reagent disposed on the distal end or anywhere along the elongated member. The chemical reagents utilized to detect the presence of flunitrazepam are Zimmerman's Test reagent methanolic 2,4-dinitrobenzene and potassium hydroxide and the chemical reagent for GHB is 5,5 Dibromo-o-cresolsulfonphthalein. The chemical agent reacts with the date rape drug to produce a change in color of the chemical reagent indicating the presence of the date rape drug in the liquid.

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: The present invention concerns a method for determining an allergic response by determining the extent of degranulation of human IgE sensitized cells upon activation by allergens in food products.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of foreign substances in a beverage. The apparatus for detecting the presence of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or other drugs in a veverage comprises apparatus wherein cobalt nitrate, oxammonium chloride/ferric chloride, oxammonium sulphate/ferric chloride, 5% ferric chloride, saturated potassium dichromate, toluene/cobalt thiocyanate, chromium (IV) oxide/sulphuric acid carbodiimide salts in combination with oxammonium salts and ferric chloride, or lacmoid is supported on a substrate. The apparatus for detecting the presence of ketamines or other drugs in a beverage comprises apparatus wherein modified-Dragendorff Reagent is supported on a substrate.

Abstract: A method of determining authenticity of an ingestible product purportedly from a batch of saccharide-marked ingestible product is provided. The ingestible product is a food, beverage, or pharmaceutical, for example. The method includes identifying a sample of the ingestible product to be tested; and testing the sample for a marked presence of the saccharide using a saccharide-specific binding protein. The ingestible product is not authentic when the testing demonstrates an unexpected change in the marked presence of the saccharide, and the ingestible product is authentic when the testing demonstrates no unexpected change in the marked presence of the saccharide.

Abstract: A method for determining origins of food products, and more specifically for determining geographic and/or biological origin of food products containing alcohols or sugars includes preparing an alcohol sample from a product in question, removing exchangeable hydrogen/deuterium atoms from alcohol molecules of the sample, determining the isotopic composition of non-exchangeable hydrogen/deuterium atoms from sample alcohol, and analyzing results for adulteration or determination of product origin. In addition, alcohol ?13C and ?18O isotopic values, along with ?18O isotopic value of the product water are used for the analysis. Products containing sugar are also subjected to tightly controlled fermentation.

Abstract: For a method for inspecting in vivo migration of fat soluble vitamins and/or fat soluble food factors in the ingestion of a drug or a health supplement, it is necessary to use saliva as a specimen, to contact a saliva collecting tool with a certain amount of saliva to absorb for collection, and to select a solvent for efficiently extracting a measurement target component from the saliva collecting tool. Accordingly, there are provided a method for inspecting in vivo migration of fat soluble vitamins and/or fat soluble food factors in the ingestion of a drug or a health supplement, by using saliva as a specimen to determine; the property of a saliva collecting tool; and a method for extracting from the saliva collecting tool.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for screening for a kokumi-imparting substance by using the calcium receptor activity as an index, a composition containing a kokumi-imparting substance obtained by the screening method, a method for producing food or drink imparted with kokumi, and food or drink imparted with kokumi.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods and kits for the specific, sensitive and rapid detection as well as quantitation of free amino acids in samples following High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation.

Abstract: A molecular indicator for detecting primary diamines includes an indicator structure coupled to (a) a bis-crown ether structure or (b) a structure having a bis-crown ether-like functionality. A package for detecting an analyte emitted by a packaged object includes a packaging material for the object. The package further includes a molecular indicator included with the packaging material for detecting the analyte. The molecular indicator includes an indicator structure coupled to a trapping structure for trapping the analyte. The molecular indicator is highly specific for the analyte, and the trapping of the analyte by the molecular indicator avoids reactive chemistry by-products. The molecular indicator can be synthesized by several different process schemes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissolving charged nucleic acids in an organic first liquid which is immiscible with water. The method comprises the following steps: a) providing a solution of the nucleic acids in an aqueous second liquid, b) precipitating the nucleic acids by adding a complexing agent to the second liquid, the complexing agent forming complexes with the nucleic acids that are insoluble in the second liquid, c) removing the complexes from the second liquid, d) dissolving the complexes in a third liquid which consists of an amphiphilic compound or which contains an amphiphilic compound, and e) mixing the third liquid with the first liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of analyzing the age and/or quality of certain natural products, for example foods. The invention also relates to devices for analyzing said age and/or quality as well as to methods for preparing such devices, to methods for analyzing natural products and to their use.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate a device for measuring the water activity of foods and method for obtaining a water activity measurement. The device includes a container housing the food sample, a disc of permeable material to support a reactive substance which in turn is used to record the water activity level of the food sample (23) being studied. The substance is positioned in the center of the disc. A threaded cover is disposed at a free end of the container. When insulation is provided between the interior and exterior of the container, any water contained in the food sample evaporates and as it passes through the disc. As the water comes into contact with the reactive substance, a color scale records the water activity of the study sample.

Abstract: Provided is a technique of extracting a component in a food from the food by using a reducing agent that is inexpensive and has a mild reducing action. A component in a food is extracted by mixing the food with an extractant containing a sulfite. In addition, the resultant food extract is brought into contact with a specific antibody that specifically recognizes a substance included in a specified ingredient of interest for inspection, to thereby inspect the presence or absence and/or the amount of a specified ingredient in a food by utilizing an immunological measurement method. Further provided is a food inspection kit for inspection of the presence or absence and/or the amount of a specified ingredient in a food, including: (1) an extractant and a sulfite to be added to the extractant, or an extractant including a sulfite added; and (2) an antibody that specifically recognizes a substance included in a specified ingredient of interest for inspection.

Abstract: Fat content is analyzed by extraction in a filtration vessel having a porous hydrophilic and oleophobic filter.

Abstract: An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.

Abstract: The present invention is a testing device that comprises a plurality of indicated measurements printed onto a base or support material with inert ink. A reactive reagent is arranged above the indicated measurements and dissolves when introduced into a beverage according to the percentage of sugar present in the beverage. The visual indicator may be compared to a color chart to determine the amount of sugar present in the beverage. Otherwise, the testing device may indicate a numerical value of sugar content present in the tested beverage.

Abstract: The food astringency evaluating method of the invention comprises a step in which an astringent component of a food is reacted with a peptide to form a complex, a step in which a prescribed measured value is obtained corresponding to the amount of formation of the complex, and a step in which the strength of astringency is determined from the obtained measured value based on a previously obtained correlation between strength of astringency and the prescribed measured value.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in determining ageing an ageing index of a blood bag (11, 62), to determine whether the blood bag is or not suitable for transfusion to a patient. The ageing index is calculated by connecting a silicon chip provided with a loop antenna integral with the blood bag (11, 62) with an electronic communication device (2, 8, 17, 12, 20, 24), itself equipped with a loop antenna, connected to a computer (9, 13) containing appropriate computing software elements. Said ageing index is regularly calculated at the blood transfusion center (16) from the sample (1), until it is removed from storage (7) to be sent to the health-care institution (18) and to the operating theatre (19).

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorogenic compounds for the detection of target metal ions wherein the compounds exhibit a Stokes shift greater than 50 nm and the detectable signal is modulated by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The present compounds consist of three functional elements, the ion sensing moiety (chelating moiety), the reporter moiety (fluorophore or fluorescent protein) and spacer or linker between the sensing and reporter moieties of the present compound that allows for PET upon binding of a metal ion and excitation by an appropriate wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention provides soy meat compositions with improved organoleptic properties and methods of identifying soybeans with improved organoleptic qualities. The invention also provides methods for producing soy compositions with improved organoleptic properties and for creating plants producing soybeans with such characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting contaminants in a food product having an irregular shape is described. The apparatus comprises a contaminant detection device constructed and arranged to detect contaminants in a food product when the food product enters a zone of operation relative to the contaminant detection device. A conveyor belt is electrically coupled to the contaminant detector. The contour filler is operably connected to the conveyor bell and contaminant detector, and positions the food product within the zone of operation. The contour filler may retain the food product and fill the cross sectional area of the zone of operation to enhance contaminant detection. The contour filler may rotate the food product relative to the contaminant detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device for detecting CO2 wherein the said device has (a) a support base, (b) an acid-base indicator composition that stably changes colour upon exposure to CO2; and (c) a viewer cover, and wherein least (a) and (c) is CO2 permeable and wherein (b) includes at least one acid-base indicator that has a pKln of or above 9.5 and (b) is disposed between (a) and (c) such that the colour change of (b) can be observed through (c). The sensor device of the present invention may be utilized to monitor the ripening process of fresh produces such as fruits, the fermentation or spoilage of food, and/or activity of micro-organisms such as soil and root nodule bacteria in soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a method for the determination of furfurals, in particular the chemical signal substances 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carbaldehyde (hydroxymethylfurfural, HMF) and furan-2-carbaldehyde (furfural). The determination according to the invention is based on a liquid- or dry-chemical test using barbituric acid derivatives and 4-aminophenazone derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monitoring of lipid metabolism and is, particularly, directed to a test for estimating the individual susceptibility of a subject to the effect of oxidized dietary lipids. A high calorie and high fat meal were given to subjects and postprandial levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were measured in the plasma of the subjects, indicating susceptibility to atherosclerotic events and insulin resistance. Food were also analysed for peroxide lipid content indicating LDL oxidizing potential of said foodstuff in a subject after consumption.

Abstract: Food products containing at least two components are provided. These products have at least one baked component and at least one non-baked component. The non-baked component contains either GLCN and/or NAG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for analysing at least one target molecule comprising at least a first molecularly imprinted polymer and a second molecularly imprinted polymer which are chemically identical or different, capable of interacting with the target molecule(s), and at least one marker, wherein said marker is either a competitive marker or marker capable of (i) of interacting with all or part of the recognition sites for the target molecule(s) of the second molecularly imprinted polymer and (ii) of being displaced from said recognition site(s) by the target molecule(s) when said molecularly imprinted polymer is placed in the presence of said target molecule(s), or an intrinsic marker or a constitutive unit of the second molecularly imprinted polymer, capable (i?) of interacting with all or part of the target molecule(s) when the latter interact(s) with all or part of its recognition sites for said target molecule(s) and (ii?) of consequently emitting a detectable signal.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the capture, detection, separation, isolation and quantification of contaminants in a starting material. Also disclosed are competitive assay methods for the detection and quantification of contaminants in a starting material. Kits for use with the method are disclosed as well. A system for capturing, separating and/or concentrating contaminants from a material is also presented. The system captures, separates and/or concentrates contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, and/or larger items, such as insects, from a variety of materials, such as food, and environmental and clinical materials. In general, the system uses a rotating magnetic field to mix the material with magnetic particles to capture the target contaminants, and a fixed magnetic field to separate and concentrate the captured target contaminants.

Abstract: The use of sucrose polyester containing behenate fatty acid chains as a non-absorbable fat marker to determine total dietary fat absorption by the digestive tract of a subject. A test food for use in measuring fat absorption contains a non-absorbable fat and a dietary fat. The method is useful for diagnostic testing for diagnosing malabsorption of dietary fat by the digestive tract of the subject, and impairment of dietary fat digestion in the subject.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method, a system and a component for systematically and automatically controlling a product, whose preservation in a distribution circuit depends on temperature, in particular a product subjected to a cold chain. The method includes: affixing, on the product, a marker including elements, in particular the bars of a bar code, intended to be identified by automatic processing units, fixing a component on the product. The component includes at least one part including a mask intended for masking the elements of the marker, at least temporarily, without modifying them, when (i) the temperature of the product exceeds a specific temperature threshold or (ii) when the preservation conditions differ from a specific reference level, in particular characterized by the exceeding of a specific temperature threshold for a longer duration than a specific duration or by the exceeding of a specific preservation duration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of analyzing the age and/or quality of certain natural products, for example foods. The invention also relates to devices for analyzing said age and/or quality as well as to methods for preparing such devices, to methods for analyzing natural products and to their use.

Abstract: A method is described for the total phosphine detection in cereal caryopses, comprising the steps of inserting a sample of cereal caryopses inside a container (1) equipped with hermetic closure (2); adding to the sample an aqueous solution of H2SO4 with a v/v concentration in the range of 5-20%, with obtainment of an aqueous dispersion, and hermetically closing the first container (1); subjecting the aqueous dispersion contained in the first container (1) to the action of microwaves for a time not greater than 3 minutes; drawing a predetermined volume of gas overlying the aqueous dispersion and detecting the phosphine possibly present by means of colorimetric and/or spectrophotometric methods, preferably by bringing it into contact with a predetermined volume of an aqueous solution of AgNO3 of known molarity, inside a second container (3) with hermetic closure and visually analysing the obtained color and/or spectrophotometrically measuring the absorbance at 400 nm of the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method is provided that can form a clear textural structure image of a processed food or a raw material for the processed. Also, said method can form an image clear enough to clearly discern even an intertwined structure of starches, proteins and lipids of a processed food or a raw material for the processed food. The method includes light-exciting the processed food or the raw material for the processed food which is stained with a fluorescent dye having triphenylmethane skeleton; collecting data about the light-excited processed food or the light-excited raw material using at least three kinds of monitoring lights, that is, a monitoring light A having a fluorescence wavelength of 380 nm or longer and shorter than 450 nm, a monitoring light B having a fluorescence wavelength of 450 nm or longer and shorter than 560 nm, and a monitoring light C having a fluorescence wavelength of 560 nm to 700 nm; and forming an image on the basis of the collected data.

Abstract: Duration monitoring co-topo-polymeric compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Indicator compositions of the invention include an organic polymer and undergo a color change, which may be reversible or irreversible, in a time dependent manner following an initiation event. Also provided are indicator devices that include the indicator compositions of the invention. The compositions of the invention find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a testing apparatus for detecting the presence of harmful substances in a fluid. The testing apparatus includes a base member and a flap member removably attached to the base member. Further, the testing apparatus includes at least one testing stick enclosed within the base member. The at least one testing stick includes an elongated member and a chemical reagent disposed on the elongated member. The chemical reagent is capable of reacting with the harmful substances. Such a reaction of the chemical agent with the harmful substances results in a change in a color of the chemical reagent indicating the presence of the harmful substances in the fluid. Further disclosed is a method for detecting the presence of the harmful substances in the fluid using the testing apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electronic tongue sensor, as well as test results, are discussed.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device for detecting the presence of a taggant molecular structure in a fluid is disclosed. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor device comprises a molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer having a crosslinked core and a plurality of polymer arms attached to the core, wherein the core has molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind displacement molecules having the taggant molecular structure and a colorimetric indicator, said displacement molecule being selectively removed from the molecularly imprinted crosslinked polymer and replaced with the taggant molecular structure upon exposure to the fluid containing the taggant molecular structure therein, thereby indicating the presence of the taggant molecular structure in the fluid.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and apparatus for detecting the presence of caffeine in a liquid sample are provided. In certain embodiments, an internally referenced competitive assay allows a very precise determination of a threshold value of caffeine for use in semiquantitative types of ligand-receptor assays. By using a detection means that participates in two assays, sensitivity is doubled in the maximum sensitivity range and the range can be adjusted to match the predicted concentration range of an analyte. This format and the materials described herein allow the assay to complete within three minutes. In addition, this format accommodates common attributes of liquid samples for detecting caffeine, such as the inclusion of milk or sugar in a coffee-type beverage.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of probiotics for the preparation of a carrier for balancing the skin's immune function. In particular, the present invention pertains to the use of probiotic micro-organisms for balancing the skin's immune function under stress conditions, such as a exposure to ultraviolet radiation, specifically for enhancing the skin's immune activity and reducing the tendency to develop allergic reactions under such conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample using an encapsulated sensor. Methods for manufacturing the sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus with a built-in sample tube reader and methods for rapidly obtaining measurements of creamatocrit, fat content and/or energy (caloric) content from low-volume fresh and frozen milk specimens.

Abstract: Synthetic ligand compounds and methods of differentiating between Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2 are disclosed herein. Another embodiment includes a kit for differentiating between Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2. Assay systems and methods for providing an assay are also provided for herein.

Abstract: A method for using stable isotope profiling and optionally trace element profiling to differentiate the origin of commodities, such as pistachios (Pistachia vera), or salmon, is disclosed. Isotope ratios can be determined using any suitable method, such as stable isotope mass spectrometer. Geographic regions were well separated based on isotope ratios. Seasonal effects were found to affect some isotopes for some regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorogenic compounds for the detection of target metal ions wherein the compounds exhibit a Stokes shift greater than 50 nm and the detectable signal is modulated by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The present compounds consist of three functional elements, the ion sensing moiety (chelating moiety), the reporter moiety (fluorophore or fluorescent protein) and spacer or linker between the sensing and reporter moieties of the present compound that allows for PET upon binding of a metal ion and excitation by an appropriate wavelength.

Abstract: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.