Abstract: Micro discharge devices, methods, and systems are described herein. One device includes a non-conductive material, a channel through at least a portion of the non-conductive material having a first open end and a second open end, a first electrode proximate to a first circumferential position of the channel between the first open end and the second open end, a second electrode proximate to a second circumferential position of the channel between the first open end and the second open end, a discharge region defined by a portion of the channel between the first electrode and the second electrode, an optical emission collector positioned to receive an optical emission from the discharge region; and a discharge shielding component between the discharge region and the optical emission collector.

Abstract: A gas chromatography device adapted for detecting leakage of hydrogen gas without using an air pump and long piping is provided. The gas chromatography device includes: a column oven having a housing, a column disposed in the housing, and a heater heating air in the housing; a sample vaporization chamber supplying a sample to an inlet end of the column; a carrier gas supply section supplying a carrier gas to the sample vaporization chamber; a detector connected to an outlet end of the column; a controller controlling the heater and the carrier gas supply section; and a hydrogen gas detecting sensor. The carrier gas is hydrogen gas. A through hole is formed in the housing and a material that allows hydrogen to pass through but does not transmit heat is disposed in the through hole. The hydrogen gas detecting sensor is disposed near the through hole outside the housing.

Abstract: An efficient absorption spectroscopy system is provided. The spectroscopy system may be configured to measure solid, liquid or gaseous samples. Vacuum ultra-violet wavelengths may be utilized. Some of the disclosed techniques can be used for detecting the presence of trace concentrations of gaseous species. A preferable gas flow cell is disclosed. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used with a gas chromatography system so as to detect and identify species eluted from the column. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an electrospray interface and a liquid chromatography system so as to detect and identify gas phase ions of macromolecules produced from solution. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used to characterize chemical reactions. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an ultra short-path length sample cell to measure liquids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for diagnosing a subject's increased risk of progressing to Alzheimer disease by measuring the concentration of a metabolite and comparing them to respective mean concentration of healthy subjects. According to the invention the increased risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease by a subject with mild cognitive impairment can be diagnosed without invasive technology.

Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.

Abstract: Imidazolium-based dicationic liquid salts and methods of using such imidazolium-based dicationic liquid salts in techniques such as ESI-MS are provided.

Abstract: A method that identifies the compounds contributing to a detected burnt odor from an air conditioner artificially reproduces the detected burnt odor, and prepares a corresponding burnt odor composition is provided. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds that contribute to the detected burnt odor from an air conditioner are be identified and quantified. The detected burnt odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced burnt odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: A process analytic instrument and tube carrier are provided. The process analytic instrument includes an analytic module having a plurality of inlets and configured to analyze a process gas. The tube carrier is coupled to the analytic module and has a shell defining an interior therein. A plurality of tubes terminates in the tube carrier. At least one of the tubes has an integral flame-quenching pathway and the interior of the shell proximate the integral flame-quenching pathway is filled with a solid.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a substrate with a fluid-handling assembly coupled to the substrate, the fluid-handling assembly including a plurality of fluid-handling components removably coupled to the substrate and removably coupled to each other. The plurality of fluid handling components includes a gas chromatograph having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a detector array having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet of the detector array is fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet of the gas chromatograph. A control circuit is communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of fluid-handling components, and a readout circuit communicatively coupled to the detector array and to the control circuit. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph operable to analyze a sample gas comprising a carrier gas and components. The gas chromatograph includes a bridge circuit with a sample sensor connected therein. A servo amplifier is connected to the bridge circuit and is operable to maintain the sample sensor at a constant temperature. An output of the servo amplifier is digitized and is used to quantify the components in the sample gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying the compounds contributing to a pungent odor from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the pungent odor, and preparing a corresponding pungent odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the pungent odor from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The pungent odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced pungent odor may provide significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spirally wrapped chromatographic structure, a system incorporating such structure and a method of providing such structure. The structure may include an absorber layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein one or a plurality of channels are defined in the first surface. The structure may also include a support layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the support layer disposed on the second surface of the absorber layer, wherein the absorber layer and the support layer comprise a spiral configuration such that at least a portion of the first surface of the absorber layer contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the support layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide columns for use in gas chromatography and methods of making and using such columns. The present invention provides a folded passage column: a fluid passage formed by joining a first channel in a first surface through a slot to a second channel in a second surface. In some embodiments, a folded passage column repeats that building block, joining a plurality of channels in a first surface with a plurality of channels in a second surface such that the channels link to form a continuous passage.

Abstract: The method includes extraction of gases contained in a mud, in order to obtain a gas stream of extracted gases containing hydrocarbons to be analyzed and at least one parasitic compound. The method includes transporting the gas stream through a transport line (54) and passing it through a separation column (121) in order to separate the hydrocarbons to be analyzed according to their elution times in the separation column (121). The parasitic compound is likely to have an elution time in the separation column (121) between the elution time for the first hydrocarbon to be analyzed and the elution time of the final hydrocarbon to be analyzed. The method includes passing the gas stream over a surface (141) for chemical and/or physical interaction with the parasitic compound in order to selectively retain the or each parasitic compound without retaining the hydrocarbons to be analyzed.

Abstract: Embodiments of extraction unit and an analysis method are provided. In one embodiment, the analysis method includes the steps of providing a feed stream and a species-selective solvent to the distillation column, drawing a vapor sample from the distillation column, condensing the vapor sample, and analyzing at least a portion of the condensed vapor sample.

Abstract: A method of operating a switching valve of a GC-MS apparatus is provided with installing a sample injector; connecting a first capillary column downstream of the sample injector; installing a heart-cutting unit downstream of the first capillary column; installing a first interconnecting column and a second capillary column to the heart-cutting unit respectively; connecting a switching valve to the heart-cutting unit via a first interconnecting column and a second capillary column respectively wherein the switching valve includes a plurality of ports; connecting the switching valve to an MS via a second interconnecting column; and switching ports to create different sample loops for passing compounds from the heart-cutting unit to the MS or passing compounds from the heart-cutting unit to the discharge column to be purged.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes liquid compositions that can be used for marking liquid hydrocarbon-based fuels and combustibles; these compositions include at least one marker, one or more solvents and, optionally, one or more functional additives other than the markers. The disclosure also includes a process for qualitative and quantitative detection of these markers present in a liquid hydrocarbon-based composition.

Abstract: An optical fiber polarimetric chemical sensor for capillary gas chromatography in which a sample fluid is injected into a capillary in the form of a periodic pulse train. Each individual pulse defines a moving polarization coupling zone that affects the polarization state of the light propagating in a birefringent optical waveguide that includes the capillary. The spacing between consecutive coupling zones can be made equal to the polarization beat length of the waveguide when the injection frequency of the pulses is properly selected, thus defining a resonance condition for a given analyte. The contributions of the successive coupling zones present along the length of the capillary then add up in phase, thus resulting in a detected optical signal having an enhanced amplitude peak at the injection frequency. In this manner, the sensitivity can be enhanced.

Abstract: A fitting assembly having a nut, a ferrule, and a ferrule tip that may be assembled by an operator. The fitting assembly includes a nut with first and second ends, with the second end adapted to receive the first end of a ferrule, and a ferrule tip with a first end having an externally tapered portion adapted to abut the second end of the ferrule and a second end adapted to be received in a component or fitting of a liquid chromatography system. The nut, ferrule and ferrule tip of the fitting assembly have passageways therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to methods for identifying the presence of kidney disease, determining the level of kidney disease, or the progression of kidney disease, in a subject that has or has not been diagnosed with diabetes. The technology further relates to methods for determining the targets for therapy for kidney disease, the efficacy of a treatment for kidney disease, and methods for determining the toxicity of a therapeutic in a subject with kidney disease. The technology relates in part to methods for identifying the presence of kidney disease, determining the level of kidney disease, or the progression of kidney disease, in a subject that has or has not been diagnosed with diabetes. The technology further relates to methods for determining the targets for therapy for kidney disease, the efficacy of a treatment for kidney disease, and methods for determining the toxicity of a therapeutic in a subject with kidney disease.

Abstract: A portable gas analyzer comprising an integrated micro-flame ionization detector (micro-FID), a micro-gas chromatograph (micro-GC), an electrolyzer, and a flame-shaped electrode are provided. The components of the portable gas analyzer can be integrated into a single “lunchbox” sized housing with all the peripherals required to operate the micro-GC/FID without an external power and gas supply.

Abstract: A torque limited fitting is provided having a head and a body, which in certain embodiments may be assembled by an operator. The body of the torque limited fitting has a passageway therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing. The torque limited fitting may be adapted for use with a flat bottom port, such as in an analytical instrument, like liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, ion chromatography, or in in vitro diagnostic systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cooling gas chromatography ovens that comprise a housing having a fluid entry and a sleeve positioned within the housing to provide a fluid gap between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the sleeve, where the sleeve is coupled to the fluid entry, and where a cooling fluid from the fluid entry traverses the inner layer of the sleeve and thereafter the outer layer of the sleeve via the fluid gap. In one embodiment, the housing includes at least one adjustable fluid exit, and the fluid gap is in fluid communications with the fluid exit(s). The fluid entry and the sleeve can be concentric, and the sleeve can include a heating element. A fan can be positioned to drive the cooling fluid from the fluid entry.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of chemical analysis entail acquiring a chromatogram, median filtering the chromatogram to produce a model baseline, smoothing the model baseline to reduce noise, and subtracting the smoothed model baseline from the acquired chromatogram to produce a modified chromatogram having a substantially flat baseline.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.

Abstract: A device for capillary chromatography comprising at least one first receiving space arranged in a circuit board and of a form such that the first receiving space is suitable for at least partially receiving a coiled part of a capillary separation column. Also a method for manufacturing such a device. Using such a device and method the greatest possible advantage can be gained from both miniaturized and integrated gas chromatographs (minimal dead volumes; integration options; small thermal masses and rapid temperature regulation; low cost price; small dimensions, weight and energy consumption; portable and flexible in use) and from the use of a usual capillary separation column (very good separation; high precision and reproducibility). The capillary separation column can herein be heated uniformly, rapidly and accurately.

Abstract: A passive and reusable preconcentrator/injector device for measuring gas-phase analytes and methods of use. The device includes an upper plate defining an array of micro-scale diffusion channels and a lower plate secured to the upper plate. The lower plate defines a cavity for a reusable collection material in fluid communication with the micro-scale diffusion channels. An integral heating unit is provided adjacent the lower plate and configured for heating the cavity. A loading port may be included for introducing the reusable collection material into the cavity. An inlet port and an outlet port are provided, both in fluid communication with the cavity. The device may include a fluidic manifold system comprising a plurality of conduits disposed between the adsorbent cavity and the outlet port.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.

Abstract: Methods of prognosis and monitoring of breast cancer include determining the level of one or more of the markers comprising asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and microRNA-31 (miR-31) in patient samples. An increased level is correlated with poor prognosis. Breast cancer is treated by administration of one or more inhibitors of ADMA and/or BHB.

Abstract: A chromatographic measurement apparatus for measuring a color development state of an insoluble carrier with a sample solution and a label solution developed thereon to test a test article, the insoluble carrier including a test detection area where a material that binds specifically to a test article is immobilized and a control detection area used for determining an end of measurement. The chromatographic measurement apparatus includes: a determining unit for carrying out determination of validity and determination of necessity of amplification of a test result of the test article; and an amplifying unit for amplifying the color development state according to the result of the determination of necessity of amplification by the determining unit. The amplification is carried out only when it is determined that amplification is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying a genetic abnormality such as mutation in EGFR or KRAS or ALK which is associated with the management of lung cancer or diagnosing, prognosing or monitoring the treatment of pre-cancerous conditions of the lung, such as bronchial dysplasia or atypical alveolar hyperplasia (AAH), through the detection of at least one volatile organic compound indicative of these states.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a method for testing containers for foreign substances, wherein a standard gas is blown into a container to be tested, at least a part of the test gas escaping from the container is tested by a measuring device, and the part of the test gas remaining outside the measuring device is removed from the measuring area in a clocked manner, e.g. by blowing it away or sucking it off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repetitive chemical analysis of a gas flow, wherein said gas flow consists of a carrier gas and gaseous chemical compounds, comprising the following method steps: feeding said gas flow to a gas chromatographic separation column by means of a feeding device; collecting at least a part of said gaseous chemical compounds for a defined time period by means of a thermally based collecting device which is coupled to said gas chromatographic separation column and/or said feeding device; releasing said collected gaseous chemical compounds in a temporally focused manner by means of said thermally based collecting device; separating said released gaseous chemical compounds by means of said gas chromatographic separation column; and analyzing said separated gaseous chemical compounds by means of an analyzer. The present invention further relates to a device for performing such a method.

Abstract: A process analytic instrument includes an analytical module configured to analyze a process fluid and a removable tube carrier coupled to the analytical module. The analytical module has a plurality of inlet ports in a sealing surface. The removable tube carrier has an end with a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of inlet ports of sealing surface of the analytical module. The removable tube carrier fluidically couples a plurality of tubes to the analytical module when the end of the removable tube carrier is biased into the sealing surface of the analytical module.

Abstract: Black shales differ from conventional gas plays in that in most cases there exists minimal geological scale gas migration. Thus, it is difficult to perform accurate reservoir characterization using classic geophysical and geological techniques (i.e. seismic analysis, gravity anomalies, structural geology, etc.). The principal technique that has traditionally been applied to determine the genetic history of gases or other fluids in the Earth's crust is the analysis of carbon isotopic composition of hydrocarbon gases and carbon dioxide, which has significant gaps in differentiating thermal and migrational histories. The present invention describes a method to determine the genetic fingerprint (i.e. identify the source formation and migration histories) of hydrocarbon gases or other crustal fluids of a geological system at lower cost and greater accuracy than existing methods (carbon and hydrogen isotopes) by analyzing the intrinsic, atmospheric and radiogenic (i.e.

Abstract: A method and system for rapid determination of a hydrocarbon type composition, such as crude oils and fractions thereof, and s obtaining the information necessary to assess the yield of commercially valuable fuel and lube oil fractions in a single process, variations of the method and system use Gas Chromatography-FID/Mass Spectrometry and other features, including an auto sampler, a wall coated capillary column, a temperature programmable injector, and a data processing system for compiling and processing the experimental data. The system and method further include a computer system with application software or other processing mechanism and optionally a communication network. One variation provides a graphical user interface for the entry of data and for displaying information, such as in a graphical manner, to show the relationship of various determined outputs and results.

Abstract: In the invention, a collection device includes a flow through micro scale plate arranged to collect analyte. The plate includes holes, and sorbent coating on contact surfaces of the plate. The holes pass analyte fluid flow, for example analyte vapor so that fluid flow for collection may be generally perpendicular to the sorbent plate. Preferred embodiment plates include an integrated heater trace. In preferred embodiments, a high substantially perpendicular flow is used for collection and concentration, and during desorption and delivery a low substantially parallel flow is used. The low flow is selected to meet constraints of a detector system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample using at least one detector are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the signaling pathway involved erythroid repression by iron deficiency. Further disclosed is anon-toxic small-molecule compound which potently reverses the erythroid repression caused by iron deficiency. The present invention further encompasses novel compounds for inhibition of red cell production, useful, for example, in the treatment of polycythemia vera, a malignancy causing uncontrolled red cell production. These inhibitory compounds also promote megakaryocytic lineage commitment and may therefore be useful for augmentation of platelet production. The present invention further discloses isocitrate reversal of iron deprivation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spectral analysis of immiscible phases are disclosed. A flow cell for online absorption measurements of immiscible process phases can comprise: a body containing an inlet window and an outlet window in operable communication with a measurement instrument; and a series of partitions that divide the inside of the flow cell into three (3) or more vessels that have an inlet and an outlet, wherein the vessels are connected in series with one another. Optionally, the first vessel is equipped with a porous membrane to facilitate the separation of immiscible process phases.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph (GC) apparatus capable of detecting abnormality, in which a reference retention index is obtained from a result obtained by analyzing a given substance and a retention-index reference substance under adequate analysis conditions using a normal column, and stored in a storage section. Further, under a condition that the apparatus can perform normal analysis, the given substance is subjected to GC analysis to obtain a reference retention time, and the obtained reference retention time is stored in the storage section. A diagnosis processing section is operable to compare each of an actual retention time and an actual retention index with a respective one of the reference retention time and the reference retention index. If a deviation therebetween or abnormality is detected, the diagnosis processing section is operable to estimate a causal factor of the abnormality.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. The receiving section may comprise a diffusion section. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.

Abstract: A method for semi-automatically generating configuration information for a gas chromatograph uses an identification device reader of the gas chromatograph to 1) determine a presence and location of sample flow component identification devices in or on identification device holders that hold the sample flow component identification devices; 2) read information from sample flow component identification devices held in the identification device holders; and 3) output configuration information for the gas chromatograph. The configuration information is based on the presence and location of particular sample flow component identification devices in or on particular identification device holders, and on associations of particular identification device holders with particular sample flow component connections to the gas chromatograph. The configuration information indicates if and how sample flow components are connected to the gas chromatograph.

Abstract: Provided are a suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus capable of automatically measuring a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the atmosphere, and a suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same. The suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus includes a filter, suction part, extraction part, measurement part, and a recording part. The suction part suctions air in the atmosphere at a constant flow rate to cause particulate matter contained therein to be adsorbed onto the filter. The extraction part extracts components of the particulate matter adsorbed onto the filter, by dissolving the particulate matter into a solvent, and collects a resultant solution. The measurement part measures at least one of a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the solution collected by the extraction part, and outputs the measurement result. The recording part records the measurement result outputted from the measurement part.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measurement and analysis of pipeline contaminants is provided. The system includes a first assembly for engaging a pipeline from which a first fluid flow sample may be isokinetically collected for measurement of aerosol contaminants. The system also includes a second assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a second fluid flow sample may be collected for chromatographic analysis of the aerosol contaminants. The system may further include a third assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a fluid flow sample may be obtained for measurement of solid contaminants. Information on aerosol contaminants and solid contaminants can subsequently be used to select an appropriate extraction technology to control the presence of aerosol and solid contaminants within the pipeline.

Abstract: A sample preparation chamber for gas analysis that includes a heating element within is provided. The heating element is maintained at an elevated temperature, such that organic compounds that may be present in an input gas sample are removed via oxidation and/or thermal decomposition to provide a treated gas sample that is substantially free of organic contaminants. The treated gas sample may then be analyzed in a gas analysis instrument (e.g., an optical spectroscopic instrument, a mass spectrometer, etc.) to provide results that are free from interference due to organic contaminants. Preferably, the heating element is configured as a Ni—Cr wire. An important feature of this approach is that the heating element (and the rest of the sample preparation chamber) are not altered in operation to remove the organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. The improvement is a one valve switching modulator connecting the two separation columns. The valve includes either a two position eight-port valve or a two position twelve-port valve, and two transfer lines.