Abstract: A method of the analysis of compounds with mass spectrometry and to instruments, substances, and methods for polypeptide analysis, in particular in targeted proteomics applications and based on indexed retention times as peptide specific property.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining the relative value of a naphtha stream is provided, by conducting analysis on the crude oil sample, after which modules or steps are performed to estimate the total liquid yields, estimate raw product yields, normalize raw product yields, determine the value of each fraction based on predetermined values, and calculate the total value of the naphtha stream. The method is repeated on samples from different crude oils in order to provide relative values for comparison purposes at a predetermined RON.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining the relative value of a naphtha product includes reforming the naphtha into fractions at a predetermined constant research octane number (RON), conducting PIONA analysis on the reformate, after which modules or steps are performed to assign the feed quality, assign the total liquid yields, assign raw product yields, normalize the assigned raw product yields, assign a value to one or more fractions, and calculate a total value of the naphtha stream. The method is repeated on samples of different crude oils in order to provide relative values at the predetermined RON for comparison purposes.

Abstract: Described is a personal device and methods for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of gas. The device and method may utilize a chemically selective sensor element with low power consumption integrated with circuitry that enables wireless communication between the sensor and any suitable electronic readout such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. In preferred form, the sensor circuitry relies upon the quantum capacitance effect of graphene as a transduction mechanism. Also in preferred form, the device and method employ the functionalization of the graphene-based sensor to determine the concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled breath.

Abstract: A method for monitoring global crude oil quality. The method includes the steps of obtaining samples of a crude oil having a quality, generating characterization data from measurements of samples of the crude oil, determining values of properties of an assay of the crude oil using the data of step a), storing the values of the properties of the assay in a database, determining deviations of the values of the properties of the assay from the values of the properties of a recommended assay having a quality, determining a statistical significance of the deviations of the values of the properties of the assay from the values of the properties of the recommended assay to determine if the crude oil quality is different from the quality of the recommended assay, and determining if the statistical significance indicates a change in the economic valuation between the assay and the recommended assay.

Abstract: In one example, a sample gas analyzer includes a sample cell configured to receive a gas sample, a sample tube including a passageway that is in communication with the sample cell, and an intake portion. A cleaning element is disposed between, and arranged for fluid communication with, the sample tube and the sample cell, and includes a body having a chamber configured to aid in imparting a rotational motion to a fluid stream entering the chamber. The cleaning element also includes an inlet port that is in communication with the chamber and that is configured and arranged for communication with the atmosphere. Finally, the cleaning element includes an outlet port in communication with the chamber and the sample cell.

Abstract: A method for characterizing the health of a rechargeable battery includes measuring initial condition parameters of a rechargeable battery prior to the battery being placed into service. A baseline normalization of the initial condition parameters is performed using a standardized relationship data set for a norm battery to generate baseline normalization coefficients to normalize the initial condition parameters to the norm battery. Run-time condition parameters of the battery are measured after the battery is in service as part of a continuous built in test system. The run-time condition parameters are normalized using the standardized relationship data set for the norm battery and the baseline normalization coefficients to generate normalized run-time condition parameters for the battery. The normalized run-time condition parameters are then compared to the standardized relationship data set for the norm battery to calculate a state-of-charge and state-of-health for the battery as the run-time condition.

Abstract: A method of measuring viscous and elastic properties of a gluten-containing substance includes: bringing the gluten-containing substance into a powder, adding a predetermined amount of aqueous liquid to a predetermined amount of the powder, kneading the powder and liquid to a dough to develop the viscoelastic character of the gluten in the dough- and extracting viscoelastic gluten from the dough by rinsing with the liquid. The method further includes: shaping the gluten, placing the shaped gluten between two parallel planar surfaces, compressing the gluten by moving the planar surfaces towards each other at a controlled rate, until a maximum compression force or a minimum spacing is reached, releasing the force on the planar surfaces so that these can move away from each other due to elastic recovery of the compressed gluten, measuring the distance between the planar surfaces during the compression and elastic recovery of the gluten, and storing the measured values.

Abstract: A mechanical property of a cementitious mixture is predicted by: (1) receiving user input characterizing a mixture of a cement and a mineral addition, the user input corresponding to at least one of: (a) a size characteristic of the cement; (b) a size characteristic of the mineral addition; and (c) a replacement level of the cement by the mineral addition in the mixture; (2) based on the user input, deriving a predicted cumulated heat released by the mixture through hydration for a reaction time period; and (3) based on the predicted cumulated heat released, deriving a predicted mechanical property of the mixture at an age corresponding to the reaction time period.

Abstract: Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. Each sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) sensor that is coated with a sensing material. In order to collect data, an impedance spectrum is acquired over a relatively narrow frequency range, such as the resonant frequency range of the LCR circuit. A multivariate signature may be calculated from the acquired spectrum to discern the presence of certain fluids and/or fluid mixtures. The presence of fluids is detected by measuring the changes in dielectric, dimensional, resistance, charge transfer, and other changes in the properties of the materials employed by observing the changes in the resonant electronic properties of the circuit. By using a mathematical procedure, such as principal components analysis (PCA) and others, multiple fluids and mixtures can be detected in the presence of one another, even in a high humidity environment or an environment wherein one or more fluids has a substantially higher concentration (e.g.

Abstract: A method to determine the strength of an acid in a medium is disclosed. The method includes (I) providing multiple samples comprising trimethylphosphine oxide (TMPO), the acid, and the medium, wherein the multiple samples have different [H+]/[TMPO] ratios, [H+] is the concentration of hydrons in the sample in mole.liter?1, and [TMPO] is the concentration of TMPO in the sample in mole.liter?1. (II) The 31P chemical shifts of the multiple samples are measured by 31P NMR and compared to standardized samples to determine the acid strength of the medium.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a method of selecting a material composition and/or designing an alloy. In one aspect, a method of selecting a composition of a material having a target property comprises receiving an input comprising thermodynamic phase data for a plurality of materials. The method additionally includes extracting from the thermodynamic phase data a plurality of thermodynamic quantities corresponding to each of the materials by a computing device. The extracted thermodynamic quantities are predetermined to have correlations to microstructures associated with physical properties of the material. The method additionally includes storing the extracted thermodynamic quantities in a computer-readable medium. The method further includes electronically mining the stored thermodynamic quantities using the computing device to rank at least a subset of the materials based on a comparison of at least a subset of the thermodynamic quantities that are correlated to the target property.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for determining and indicating, on board of an airplane, climate-relevant effects of a contrail produced by the airplane. The method for determining and indicating, on board of an airplane, climate-relevant effects of a contrail produced by the airplane includes determining radiation data of short-wave and long-wave atmospheric radiation directed upwards in the earth atmosphere at location of the airplane, determining an air temperature and air humidity at the location of the airplane, determining a zenith angle of the sun at the location of the airplane, determining a radiative forcing value produced by the contrail based on the determined radiation data, the air temperature and air humidity, and the zenith angle, and indicating at least one of the radiative forcing value and variables derived therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of preparing a hydrocarbon oil blend having superior storage stability using a novel stability prediction model that is quick, easy and reliable; and a method of predicting the stability of a hydrocarbon blend.

Abstract: A method for determining the flow rates of a fluid comprising a multi-component mixture of a gas and at least one liquid in a pipe, the method comprising the following steps: a. the permittivity of the multi-component mixture is determined based on an electromagnetic measurement, b. a statistical parameter related to the electromagnetic measurement is calculated, c. the density of the multi-component is determined, d. the temperature and pressure are obtained, e. based on the knowledge of densities and dielectric constants of the components of the fluid mixture, and the result from the above steps a-c, the water fraction of the multi-component mixture is calculated, characterized by a method for determining the liquid fraction and flow rates of the multi-component mixture where f. the liquid fraction is calculated based on the statistical parameter from step b and the calculated water fraction from step e using an empirical derived curve, g. the velocity of the multi-component mixture is derived, and h.

Abstract: A method for determining corrosiveness of naphthenic acid in a crude oil feedstock is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a crude oil feedstock containing naphthenic acid; contacting the crude oil feedstock with iron for a period of time at a sufficient temperature for the iron to react with the naphthenic acid, forming iron salts. Under sufficiently high temperatures, at least a portion of the iron salts decompose to form ketone, which can be quantified. Measurements of the ketone can be used to correlate with the amount of iron lost from corrosion given a certain level of naphthenic acid present, giving a measure of the corrosivity of crude oil feedstock.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The system includes a remote computer that may be associated with a database that accesses data transmitted from the fluid treatment system with the data collected, acquired, etc., from one or more sensors placed in the fluid treatment system for measuring fluid quality and/or equipment operation in a fluid treatment system. The remote computer may then analyze or manipulate the data to generate an analysis result or analysis report that may be sent or communicated along with the data and/or any historical or expected information or data to a remote viewing device for viewing by a user. A method is further provided for the operation of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the compatibility of coals used in coke production and to produce cokes with desired strength by blending coals in consideration of the compatibility, the invention provides a technique which evaluates the adhesion strength obtained when two kinds of coals are carbonized based on properties of the coals. Surface tensions of two kinds of semicokes obtained by heat treating two kinds of coals are measured. Based on the difference between the two measured values of surface tension, the quality of the adhesiveness between the two kinds of coals is evaluated.

Abstract: The distributor module serves for distributing electrical power to at least two connected measuring devices (S1, S2) and for forwarding to at least one superordinated electronic data processing unit (NLU) information concerning at least one physical, measured variable transmitted from the connected at least two measuring devices. For this, the distributor module comprises a module housing (100) as well as an electronics module placed within the module housing (100).

Abstract: A low density annular grout composition for filling voids. The composition may consist of cementitious fly ash, water, set retarder and cellular foam. The composition may have a compressive strength of between 100 and 600 psi at seven days and less than 1500 psi at 28 days. The composition may have a density between 20 and 75 pcf. Also disclosed is a method of filling a void with a low density annular grout composition. The method can include determining the time necessary to fill the void, adding water and set retarder to a cementitious fly ash to make a wet mixture, adding air to the wet mixture, and adding the composition to the void.

Abstract: A system computes the interaction energy between a plurality of fragments in a calculation object substance according to the fragment molecular orbital method. The energy of each fragment, the two-body interaction energy of each dimer including two fragments, and the three-body interaction energy of each trimer including three fragments are calculated. The two-body interaction energy of each dimer is corrected by adding, to the two-body interaction energy of the dimer, the contribution of the dimer in the three-body interaction energy of the trimer that includes the dimer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a guided microwave spectroscopy system (1) that eliminates the need for an automatic gain control feature by providing multiple signal processing paths having differing fixed voltage gains. An emitted signal which exits a test chamber (2) containing a material under test is simultaneously amplified by at least a first fixed gain amplifier (4) and a second fixed gain amplifier (7). The output signal of each amplifier is separately digitized and then normalized for further digital signal processing by a computer (13) in order to determine parameters of the material under test which may have variable microwave radiation characteristics that are a function of the frequency of the signal emitted into the test chamber. During the signal processing step a system clock (121) causes the computer to sample only an integral number of complete output signal cycles.

Abstract: A number (uo) of healthy strings of one block in a sodium-sulfur battery is determined according to expression (1), and a failure of the sodium-sulfur battery is detected on the basis of the determination of the value of the uo. This method makes it possible to properly determine a failure of the sodium-sulfur battery, which can be used to compensate for fluctuations of electric power generated by a renewable energy generating device. uo=(Qo/Qs)×us . . . (1) where Qs: used capacity of reference block; Qo: used capacity of target block; and us: number of healthy strings of reference block (us?u).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining properties of hydrocarbonaceous samples including a component prepared from: 1) the thermo-catalytic conversion of biomass, or 2) the pyrolytic conversion of biomass with subsequent upgrading. The determination of the property(ies) is by use of a near-infrared spectra based correlation.

Abstract: The present application describes a sensor apparatus, especially an electronic nose, based on 2D films or 3D assemblies of cubic nanoparticles capped with an organic coating. The organic coating is modified with unique compositions of functional moieties, e.g. cyclodextrins, to provide the detection of volatile and non-volatile compounds derived from explosive materials, e.g. PETN, RDX, TNT etc. with very high sensitivity. The nose employs pattern recognition algorithms and methods, e.g. PCA, for detecting and quantifying specific explosive compounds.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system for oral or nasal delivery of a generated aerosol to a user is provided, including a heater element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol; a power source; a controller configured to control operation of the heater element, the controller including or being connected to a means to detect a change in air flow past the heater element; first data storage means for recording detected changes in airflow past the heater element and data relating to the operation of the heater element; second data storage means including a database relating changes in airflow and data relating to the operation of the heater element to the properties of the aerosol delivered to the user; and an indication means coupled to the second data storage means for indicating to the user a property of the aerosol delivered to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the amount of an optical probe species binding to or releasing from an optical sensor surface characterized in that the determination comprises the steps of: a) determining, at one single wavelength or at more than one wavelength, a physical measurand (xi) that is related to the absorptivity of said probe, b) correlating the value of the measurand to the amount of said optical probe species binding to or releasing from said surface, respectively, wherein the physical measurand (xi) of step a) is a physical measurand in which the contribution from the refractive index is substantially zero. The present invention further provides different uses of a peak width as well as a computer program product and reagent kits for the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A molecular weight is determined from an actually measured mass spectrum of a target substance, and a database search is performed to extract candidates of a chemical structural formula corresponding to the molecular weight (S2, S3). By using an algorithm for predicting a dissociation pattern, product ions to be produced by a dissociating operation are predicted for each candidate of the chemical structural formula (S4). The predicted pattern of the product ions is compared with an actually measured MS2 spectrum, and a degree of similarity representing the degree of matching of the pattern is calculated (S5). When there are a plurality of candidates of the chemical structural formula, the candidates are displayed in order of their degrees of similarity (S6).

Abstract: A method for determining a condition indicator of an apparatus includes providing an apparatus configured to measure at least two different technical parameters. A respective parameter value is determined for each of the at least two different technical parameters of the apparatus using at least one sensor configured to determine a respective parameter value for each of the at least two different technical parameters. A respective deviation value is determined for each of the parameter values with respect to an associated respective parameter reference value for each of the technical parameters. A respective deviation relevance value is determined from each of the deviation values using a respective parameter-specific deviation relevance function for each of the parameter values, the parameter-specific deviation relevance functions being different from each other. Using an indicator function, a condition indicator is calculated from the determined deviation relevance values.

Abstract: A method of autoverifying clinical test results comprises displaying an autoverification process as a flowchart on a graphical user interface. The autoverification process is defined by a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges connecting the nodes. The autoverification process is configured to evaluate a result and determine if the test result meets a predetermined criteria. The method further comprises receiving the test result and automatically performing the autoverification process on the test result. A system for creating and implementing the autoverification processes comprises a graphical user interface configured to display the autoverification process as a flowchart. The system includes an input configured to receive the clinical test result from a laboratory analyzer. The system also includes a processor configured to analyze the clinical test result according to the defined autoverification process.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a device identification circuit and a temperature sensor diode connected in parallel from a common node. The device identification circuit includes a resistor connected to a diode-connected transistor. The device identification circuit and the temperature sensor diode are adapted to not be simultaneously operating in an ON state. A first voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an ON state and place the temperature sensor diode in an OFF state to identify the integrated circuit. A second voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an OFF state and place the temperature sensor diode in an ON state to determine a temperature of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to calibrate a NIR analyzer to measure monomer concentrations at one or more locations in a reactor system. The regression coefficients for the NIR analyzer are transferable between reactors using the same process (solution polymerization to solution polymerization) and may be used to control the reaction, or calibrate flow meters on line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for estimation of kinetic characteristics for the formation and dissociation of a complex using lateral flow. The present invention facilitates an easy to use method with high accuracy.

Abstract: A chromatograph analyzing device for automatically executing a base line setting process on an unseparated peak using preset base line conditions. The chromatograph analyzing device includes a separation unit for separating a component included in a sample, and a data processing device for identifying the component of the sample and the quantity of the component in the sample by using a chromatogram obtained from the separation.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.

Abstract: A method is provided for the measurement of parameters of a gas present in a gas turbine combustion chamber. The method includes tuning a laser to a range containing the absorption lines of species to be analyzed in the gas, and directing the laser light through the combustion chamber and detecting laser light reflected off boundary walls of the combustion chamber. In order to analyze the absorption spectrum measured at high temperatures and pressures, a signature recognition algorithm is applied to the spectrum. The measured absorption spectrum is cross-correlated with a calibration absorption model spectrum for the absorption lines at several temperatures, pressures, and concentrations generated prior to the measurement. Values for pressure, temperature, and concentrations of selected species in the gas are determined simultaneously allowing direct control of the combustion chamber process. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the analysis of compounds with mass spectrometry and more particularly to instruments, substances, and methods for polypeptide analysis, in particular in targeted proteomics applications and based on indexed retention time as peptide specific property.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a gas concentration in a measuring gas by means of a gas sensor. In a first mode of operation of an internal combustion engine, in which the gas concentration in the measuring gas is known, a gas concentration signal and a pressure signal are detected. A compensation parameter of the gas sensor is determined from said signals. The thus determined compensation parameter is taken into account in at least one of the two modes of operation of the internal combustion engine for determining the gas concentration.

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus comprises: a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items; a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an operation part that is operable by a user to specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an information processing unit configured to determine whether or not a first measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine qualitative measuring section and a second measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine sediment measuring section have a predetermined relationship with respect to the urine qualitative measurement item and the urine sediment measurement item included in the specified combination.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are used to determine class, grade and properties of fuel samples, regardless of ambient, instrument, or sample temperature, using mathematical correlations between fuel class, grade and properties and their spectra developed from a database of samples with measured properties and spectra. The ability to measure a fuel sample using the present method and apparatus is useful in identifying unknown fuel samples, determining suitability in equipment, and monitoring and controlling fuel processes, such as blending operations, distillation, and synthesis.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas being introduced to a catalyst is provided. Using an adjustable flow controller, an adjustable amount of tempering fluid is provided to the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas proceeding to the catalyst. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst. A computer processor uses a relationship to relate the parameter to an adjustment of the adjustable flow controller that will adjust the amount of tempering fluid provided to the exhaust gas and change the temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst toward a target temperature. Adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is initiated by the computer processor to change the flow of the tempering fluid, and the relationship between the parameter and the adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is updated.

Abstract: In a system and method for feature alignment in chromatographic systems, the system runs a first sample through a first separation column. The system determines a first set of features for the first sample run. The system runs a second sample through a second separation column and detects a second set of features for the second sample run. The system estimates a systematic shift in features between the first sample run through the first separation column and the second sample run through the second separation column. The system adjusts the second set of features detected for the second sample run through the second separation column based on the estimated systematic shift to obtain a third set of adjusted features.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement of the invention includes: At least one measuring device, which generates, repeatedly during operation, measured values, especially digital, measured values, representing the at least one measured variable to be registered; as well as an electronic data processing system superordinated to the at least one measuring device, especially a data processing system which is spatially distributed and/or spatially remote from the measuring device. Measuring device and data processing system are connected together by means of at least two line-pairs, through each of which an electrical current flows, at least at times, during operation. According to the invention, the measuring device transmits the internally generated, measured values to the data processing system via both line-pairs. In this way, it is then possible to transmit a plurality of measured values simultaneously, when each of the two line-pairs is embodied as part of a two-conductor current-loop.

Abstract: Accuracy control of an automatic analysis device that mixes a sample and a reagent to measure temporal change of a mixed solution is realized. A plurality of measurement point data is acquired from a reaction process of the sample and the reagent. Parameters and test values of approximate equations for approximating the plurality of measurement point data are accumulated in a storage unit. A distribution map of reference data corresponding to the parameters or the test values is created based on predetermined numbers of the parameters or the test values accumulated in the storage unit. Next, a plurality of screens for individually superimposing, on the distribution map, curved lines corresponding to a plurality of regression function candidates obtained by applying a plurality of regression functions are arranged and presented on a display screen, so as to approximate the data to the distribution map of the reference data.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and apparatus are provided for predicting/estimating chemical depth of layer (DOL) and maximum surface compressive stress (CS) of glass articles after ion-exchange. The methods and apparatus can, for example, be used to select glass compositions, salt bath temperatures, and/or ion-exchange times which provide desired DOL and/or CS values. One or more manufacturing constraints, e.g., constraints on liquidus viscosity, zircon breakdown viscosity, and the like, can be applied to the process of predicting/estimating DOL and/or CS values so that glass compositions selected based on DOL and/or CS values can, for example, be manufactured commercially by a fusion or float process.

Abstract: The present invention includes analyte measurement systems, analyte measurement meters, analyte testing devices, cartridges thereof and integrated circuits for use therewith, and further includes methods related to the use of the integrated circuits and, in certain embodiments, to the counting or tracking of parameters related to the cartridges and analyte test devices.