Devices and methods for detecting particulate matter are described herein. One device includes a laser, a reflector, an ellipsoidal reflector, and a detector, wherein the laser is configured to emit a beam, the reflector is configured to reflect the beam toward the ellipsoidal reflector, and the ellipsoidal reflector has a first focal region located on a path of the reflected beam, and a second focal region located at a surface of the detector.

The invention provides devices and methods for linked multimodal measurements of individual particles using a mass sensor and an additional sensor.

To provide an exhaust gas analysis apparatus that, without the need to greatly change the flow rate of diluted exhaust gas passing through a filter, can change the flow rate of exhaust gas in the diluted exhaust gas passing through the filter with good followability to reflect weighting, and accurately measure PM, the exhaust gas analysis apparatus is adapted to include: a collection part that collects particulate matter in sampling exhaust gas partially splitting from original exhaust gas or in the diluted exhaust gas resulting from diluting the sampling exhaust gas with diluent gas; and a split flow ratio control mechanism configured to, in accordance with a vehicle driving mode set in compliance with predetermined regulations, change a split flow ratio that is the ratio of the split flow rate of the sampling exhaust gas to the total flow rate of the original exhaust gas.

Disclosed is a method for simultaneous determination of particle size distribution, concentrations of nanoparticulate mercury (Hg-NPs) in natural soils. The method uses sodium pyrophosphate as the extractant, and allows quick extraction of Hg-NPs in the soil without dissolution or aggregation. In combination with spICP-MS determination, the method makes it possible to simultaneously determine the particle size distribution and concentration of Hg-NPs in the complex soil matrix, with accurate determination results.

The present invention describes a fluidic device for measuring at least one of corpuscle mass density and weight. The fluidic device comprises a sedimentation chamber fluidly connected to an inlet channel configured to be immersed in a liquid. The fluidic device further comprises a pumping system connected to the sedimentation chamber. The pumping system is adapted to control the flow of liquid in the sedimentation chamber. A processor of the fluidic device is configured to obtain corpuscle data related to a corpuscle in at least one region of the sedimentation chamber; and calculate at least one of corpuscle mass density and weight based on the data received.

System and Method for measuring the growth of a bacterial culture and its response to one or more antimicrobials using measurement of mass of individual microbes. Methods include periodic sampling, determining change in mass and concentration, and comparing growth rates of cultures in nutrient broth vs. mixtures containing various antibiotic mixtures. A number of antimicrobials can be compared in one measurement by multiplexing or using multiple sensors to measure in parallel. Growth and antibiotic efficacy can be assessed at low concentrations at the onset of growth, typically within 1 to 2 hours.

A differential emissivity imaging device for measuring evaporable particle properties can include a heated plate, a thermal camera, a memory device, and an output interface. The heated plate can have an upper surface oriented to receive falling evaporable particles. The evaporable particles have a particle emissivity and the upper surface has a plate surface emissivity. The thermal camera can be oriented to produce a thermal image of the upper surface. A memory device can include instructions that cause the imaging device to calculate a mass of the individual evaporable particle via heat conduction using a calculated surface area and an evaporation time.

The invention provides methods for assessing immune system function and status based on cellular analysis. Methods of the present invention involve obtaining mass properties of immune cells collected in a tissue or body fluid sample from a subject. Such mass properties may include the mass of one or more immune cells and/or changes in mass of such immune cells over a period of time. Such data is then used for determining a status of the subject's immune response, and subsequent diagnosis and treatment of an infection or immunological disease or dysfunction.

Methods of calibration are provided. A method comprises introducing a material with cell-like properties and a known mass into a sensor on a measurement instrument to generate a calibration reading and adjusting an output module of the measurement instrument until the measurement instrument calibrates to the known mass for the material.

The present invention provides a method for establishing a characteristic atlas of whole immune cells in lungs of mice with acute lung injury, including: extraction of the whole immune cells in lung; labeling of antibody with specific metal isotope for mass cytometry; staining the immune cells with the detection antibody; and mass cytometer analysis. The present invention is capable of isolating whole immune cells with high yield and viability on the basis of ensuring cell purity, greater than that of the conventional grinding method. The present invention binds stable metal isotopes to antibodies, while mass spectrometry flow channels are designed based on the principle of minimal channel interference to achieve a comprehensive description on the classification and function of whole immune cells in lung of the mouse with up to 43 markers simultaneously; dynamic alterations in the whole immune cells in lung of the mouse can also be observed.