Abstract: The present application relates to the measurement technology of the homogeneity in optical materials, and more particularly to a method for evaluating and controlling temperature influence on a homogeneity test for infrared optical materials. The precision of the test results is found to be affected by local small temperature changes of the sample during the homogeneity test for the refractive indexes of infrared optical materials, the invention establishes a two-dimensional numerical table in which the test precision requirements of a refractive index homogeneity test for infrared optical materials correspond to the ambient control temperatures in the test room corresponding to the influence of temperature changes on the refractive index of different infrared optical materials. In addition, related calculation formulas are established for theory analysis, numerical calculation and form-designing.

Abstract: A nutritional composition is proposed comprising a probiotic and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) wherein the MFGM and the probiotics mutually potentiate their respective effects and promote complementary beneficial protective mechanisms that reflect physiological synergy. The nutritional composition can be an infant formula, infant cereals, baby food or health care nutritional product. The synergistic effect can include promoting immune maturation and/or immune education and/or reducing inflammation and/or treating or preventing disease or infections.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell comprising a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising native and denatured human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and methods of making said compositions. Also provided herein are methods and kits for the detection of antibodies to native HLAs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening human milk for an adulterant, e.g., non-human milk and infant formula, as well as methods of making human milk compositions free of an adulterant, e.g., human milk fortifiers and standardized human milk formulations.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to a method to evaluate the quantity of methane produced by a dairy ruminant. The method comprises determination of the ratio between the quantity of fatty acids with 16 carbon atoms or less and the sum of the total fatty acids of the milk, said quantity of methane being defined by the following equation: Quantity CH4=(FA<C16/Total FAs)*a*(milk production)b in which: quantity CH4 (in g/litre of milk)=quantity of methane produced; FA<C16=quantity of fatty acids with 16 carbon atoms or less; Total FAs =total quantity of fatty acids; expression of the ratio (FA<C16)/(Total FAs) as a % of total FAs; milk production=quantity of milk produced in kg of milk/animal and per year; a and b are numerical parameters in which a lies between 10 and 13, and b lies between ?0.40 and ?0.45.

Abstract: A system for detecting an adulterant in a sample of milk. One or more drops of milk are added to a first location of a system and the presence or absence of the adulterant is detected in a second location of the system using a material treated with a detection reagent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (Aze) in food consumable by humans and animals are provided. Also provided are methods and systems for inactivating Aze in food and byproducts, as well as other methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders associated with Aze.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: Polypeptides which are related to the neprilysin enzyme family and have zinc metalloprotease activities and are referred to as IGS5, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, vectors containing such polynucleotides, host cells containing such vectors, processes for producing such polypeptides and/or polynucleotides, screening methods for identifying compounds which stimulate or inhibit IGS5 polypeptides and/or polynucleotides, and the use of such polypeptides and/or polynucleotides in therapy of various dysfunctions, disorders or diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus type II, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting analytes in liquid specimen is provided. The detection device comprises: a specimen chamber for collecting or storing a liquid specimen; a detecting chamber for containing a detecting element; and a through hole for transferring the liquid specimen between the specimen chamber and the detecting chamber. The through hole can be opened or self-sealed. The sealing or opening of the through hole controls whether or not the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber enters the detecting chamber via the through hole. Furthermore, a detection method is provided.

Abstract: A test kit detects the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. In particular, the test kit includes reagents capable of detecting the target analyte of interest in breast milk. More particularly, the test kit is capable of detecting the presence of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs, triglycerides, lactose, capsaicin, and gluten, for example, in breast milk.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte in a sample is provided, which comprises: a collecting chamber containing an opening for collecting a liquid sample; a detecting element for detecting an analyte in the liquid sample; and a lid for covering the opening of the collecting chamber. The device further comprises an indicating device thereon to indicate whether or not the lid covers at an appointed position. The operation of the device is very simple.

Abstract: A novel dry stick device construction for the determination of an analyte in a sample is provided. The device comprises: (i) optionally a solid support, (ii) at least one reagent pad comprising a reagent or a combination of reagents capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of said analyte or an indicator compound for said analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state, the at least one reagent pad providing a first environment for said reagent(s), said first environment permitting an improved storage stability of the reagent(s) and dry stick device when in a non-moistened state, and (iii) a regulating pad being in contact with the at least one reagent pad, the regulating pad creating a second environment for said reagent(s), when in a moistened state, said second environment permitting an increased rate of reaction between the analyte and the reagent.

Abstract: A method for assaying the antioxidant capacity of a skin care product, the method including preparing an emulsion base, dissolving a sample of a skin care product into the emulsion base to form a homogeneous emulsion mixture, adding a detection probe to the homogeneous emulsion mixture, adding reactive oxygen species generator and/or reactive nitrogen species generator to the homogeneous emulsion mixture, measuring the fluorescence intensity change of the detection probe in the presence of the sample over time, in the presence of the standard over time, and in the presence of a blank over time, and calculating the initial rate of oxidation of the detection probe to determine the antioxidant capacity of the sample of the skin care product.

Abstract: Method and systems for determining if one or more animals has mastitis and for monitoring animals and the quality of the milk they produce are disclosed. Systems and test assays disclosed are used to determine the quantity of proteasomes and proteins thereof, the activity of proteasome enzymes, the quantity of proteasome bound and regulating proteins, and the quantity of ubiquinated protein. Components and reagents for use in the systems and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of determining the quality of milk due to the presence of mastitis, by monitoring the concentration of various ions, and ratios of those ions, in the milk. As the level of mastitic infection progresses, the concentrations of sodium and chloride ions increase and the concentrations of potassium and calcium ions decrease. A ratio of sodium to potassium is more sensitive to infection detection than either ion concentration alone. Similarly, sodium to calcium, chloride to potassium and chloride to calcium is more sensitive than any of the ions alone.

Abstract: Methods and materials for the detection of melamine in test samples such as foodstuffs are described. Embodiments of the invention comprise combining a test sample suspected of containing melamine with a particle that produces a colorimetric and/or turbidimetric signal that is dependent upon the concentration of melamine in the test sample. In certain embodiments of the invention, the particles and test sample are combined together with a chemical compound selected to induce the aggregation melamine in a manner that amplifies the colorimetric and/or turbidimetric signal of the assay. In some embodiments of the invention, the aggregation inducing agent is not physically coupled to the particles used in the assays. In other embodiments of the invention, the aggregation inducing agent is physically coupled to the particles used in these assays.

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: A novel dry stick device construction for the determination of an analyte in a sample is provided. The device comprises: (i) optionally a solid support, (ii) at least one reagent pad comprising a reagent or a combination of reagents capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of said analyte or an indicator compound for said analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state, the at least one reagent pad providing a first environment for said reagent(s), said first environment permitting an improved storage stability of the reagent(s) and dry stick device when in a non-moistened state, and (iii) a regulating pad being in contact with the at least one reagent pad, the regulating pad creating a second environment for said reagent(s), when in a moistened state, said second environment permitting an increased rate of reaction between the analyte and the reagent.

Abstract: Certain features, aspects, examples and embodiments described herein relate to adapters for securing drinking apparatuses for individuals of all ages (infants, children, adults, and seniors) such as nipples, sippers, and straws, to commercially available beverage containers to aid in the consumption of the contained liquid. Other features, aspects, examples and embodiments relate to devices and kits useful for the detection of analytes in milk samples such as small molecules, metal ions, endotoxins, and bacteria.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve the purpose of determining the fat or oil content of a sample. The sample is dried under the action of a microwave field and is examined under the action of a radio-frequency signal and of a constant magnetic field by means of nuclear magnetic resonance. The sample is exposed to the microwave field, the radio-frequency signal and the magnetic field at the same measuring place in a common measuring chamber. The apparatus has a microwave source for drying the sample, a magnetic system for generating a nuclear magnetic resonance magnetic field in the sample, and a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring arrangement for irradiating radio-frequency signals into the sample and for receiving excited nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the sample. The microwave source, the magnetic system and the nuclear magnetic resonance measuring arrangement are connected to a common measuring chamber in which the sample is located.

Abstract: The content of casein in milk is determined by two measurements of infrared absorbance in a milk sample by infrared spectrometry before and after a separation of the casein. The casein content is calculated by use of absorbance data recorded during the two absorbance measurements. The new method is considerable faster than the known wet-chemical methods, such as the normal wet chemical reference method for casein determination in milk using a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the milk sample, then a coagulation of the milk, and finally a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the filtrate. Further the new method provides a more reliable accuracy than the know determination using a single infrared analysis of a milk sample.

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

Abstract: A method and composition for administering leptin to a subject. The invention includes suspending isolated native leptin-containing milk fat globules in a suitable medium for administering to a subject. The suspended milk fat globules may be administered orally as well as by intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitone41, other enteral routes of administration, and other parenteral routes of administration. The invention includes a method for treating growth or maturational-related disorders in newborns as, well as subjects having conditions that can be treated by the administration of leptin.

Abstract: The nutritional quality of milk lipids is determined by a method for predicting percentages of minor fatty acids in milk. A database is created by correlating known fatty acid profiles of reference milk samples obtained by gas phase chromatography to mid-infrared spectra to obtain calibrations, wherein the calibrations vary in accuracy from one fatty acid to another. The determination of a milk fatty acid profile to be analyzed through infrared treatment is limited to some fatty acids with a satisfactory calibration. Equations to predict the percentages of minor fatty acids are developed using correlations of fatty acids with satisfactory calibrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutraceutical composition such as infant formula or infant food comprising a) a defined aroma composition; b) a methodology for developing, maintaining certain aroma constituents in the infant formula and an aroma or fragrance composition to be used to increase the acceptance of a person or an object by the baby or new born.

Abstract: The content of casein in milk is determined by two measurements of infrared absorbance in a milk sample by infrared spectrometry before and after a separation of the casein. The casein content is calculated by use of absorbance data recorded during the two absorbance measurements. The new method is considerable faster than the known wet-chemical methods, such as the normal wet chemical reference method for casein determination in milk using a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the milk sample, then a coagulation of the milk, and finally a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the filtrate. Further the new method provides a more reliable accuracy than the know determination using a single infrared analysis of a milk sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the nutritional quality of milk lipids, involving the steps consisting in considering a defined number of reference milk samples; determining, for each of said reference samples, a fatty acid profile and an infrared spectrum obtained through reflection on the reference sample of a radiation in the mean infrared and associating respectively the fatty acid profiles to the infrared spectra, subjecting the milk to be analyzed, the lipid nutritional quality is to be determined, to an infrared radiation, so as, through reflection, to infer an infrared spectrum, and comparing the milk infrared spectrum to be analyzed to the infrared spectra of the reference samples, so as to infer a fatty acid profile of the milk to be analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a sample. Preferably, the sample is a sample to be analyzed, for example for ingredient content, etc. Preferred samples include foods, cosmetics, paints, coatings, adhesives, tanning agents, fabrics, chemical compositions, dyestuffs, samples subject to forensic studies, etc. Samples prepared according to the invention method are digested in sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and one or more fluoride salts selected from LiF, NaF, RbF, CsF and KF and then preferably subjected to analysis for metal content, etc, for example using atomic absorption (“AA”) and inductively coupled plasma (“ICP”).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and an apparatus device for processing a biological and/or chemical sample. The device comprises at least one sample processing chamber having an inlet at a first end and a penetrable sealing layer at a second end that forms at least a part of an inner wall of the sample processing chamber. The sealing layer is adapted to seal off the sample processing chamber from the environment until said sealing layer is penetrated to form an outlet. The device and apparatus also includes an absorption layer, wherein upon penetration of said sealing layer, said absorption layer is in fluid contact with said sealing layer and is capable of absorbing fluid released from said sample processing chamber, via the outlet. The present invention also relates to a fluid separation device. The fluid separation device comprises a penetrable sealing layer adapted to form a wall of a sample processing chamber of the device of the invention.

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 of using an aseptic sampling arrangement. The sampling arrangement includes a septum cartridge and a securing element for use with a fluid enclosure. A locking arrangement is provided to allow selective access to the septum cartridge and the securing element. The sampling arrangement further includes a needle, a tube, and a collection bag. The sampling arrangement can be used to monitor the quality of a fluid product. The method of monitoring includes obtaining a fluid product sample from the fluid enclosure within the collection bag. The collection bag is then incubated for a period of time during which oxygen permeates the bag to simulate post-pasteurizing conditions and/or pre-pasteurizing conditions of the fluid product. The method further includes monitoring the level of contamination detected within the fluid product sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A sample for NMR measurement of moisture and fat and oil contents is disclosed. The sample includes an organic portion containing at least some fats and oils, a pad that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation and is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, and a sheet material that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, with the sheet material being wrapped around the organic portion and the pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting mastitis in an animal, characterized by the steps of collecting milk from the animal, and assaying the milk for a substance produced in the animal in an anaerobic environment, and comparing the substance levels obtained with typical substance levels found in uninfected milk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A system to detect spoilage of a food product is described in this invention. The present invention can be used to see if a food product is spoiled, by mixing a part of the food product with an indicator of food spoilage within a separate transparent compartment of the food container, which is visible to the consumer.

Abstract: A sample for NMR measurement of moisture and fat and oil contents is disclosed. The sample includes an organic portion containing at least some fats and oils, a pad that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation and is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, and a sheet material that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, with the sheet material being wrapped around the organic portion and the pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for analyzing for bacteria in a liquid sample comprising the following steps: a) contacting said sample with a substrate capable of retaining bacteria or bacterial fragments; b)staining any bacteria retained on said substrate with at least one solution comprising a first dye, said staining being conducted at a pH at which the dye has an overall positive charge and the bacteria has an overall negative charge; and c) inspecting the substrate for the presence of a stain whereby to indicate the presence of bacteria in said sample; with the proviso that where said liquid sample is other than a milk sample and substrate is a filter then said filter comprises a polysulfone or a derivative of a polysulfone.

Abstract: A method for simultaneous analysis of individual samples for crude fat content. This method utilizes a process of encapsulation of a sample in filter media and the batch processing of numerous samples in one vessel. The method involves the quantitative encapsulation of a sample in a filter media. Multiple samples are subsequently extracted in batch with a suitable solvent, under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. The quantitative determination of crude fat is accomplished by measuring the difference between the residue remaining in the filter media and the weight of the original sample. This method greatly improves the efficiency of crude fat determinations and allows the processing of numerous samples simultaneously saving analytical time. The invention further includes exposing the sample to a pretreatment to a strong acid or base under conditions and for a time sufficient to break the fat bonds which exist in said foodstuff.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of an electrical parameter in the milk during the milking of an animal comprises a transportation member (1), arranged to transport the milk from a teat of said animal to a milk collecting member of a milking machine and forming a passage for the milk to be transported, and at least two electrodes (14-17) provided to be in contact with the milk flowing through the passage, and connected to an evaluation unit (18). The transportation member (1) comprises a wall member (5) provided in the passage and forming a groove (10) being open towards the passage, said electrodes (14-17) being provided on the wall member (5) in the groove (10). The wall member (5) is provided to receive a part of the milk flowing through the passage, said groove (10) being shaped in such a manner that at least a part of said received part quantity of the milk flows through the groove while contacting said electrodes (14-17).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: Production of proteins not normally secreted through conventional pathways such as membrane proteins including, for example, CFTR associated with cystic fibrosis, is now made possible by collection of such protein from the milk of lactating transgenic animals.

Abstract: Production of proteins not normally secreted through conventional pathways such as membrane proteins including, for example, CFTR associated with cystic fibrosis, is now made possible by collection of such protein from the milk of lactating transgenic animals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for evaluating the hot treatment to which a proteinic nutrient such as milk is subjected. It consists in the following steps: a) taking a sample of said nutrient and adding thereto an ionic strength pad and appropriate pH for obtaining a precipitate of proteins denatured by the hot treatment and a transparent supenatant containing proteins which are still soluble; b) analysing the tryptophan present in the supernatant; and c) analysing the fluorescent by-products derived from the advanced Maillard reaction present in the supernatant. The invention is useful in methods for hot treatment of proteinic nutrients.