Systems and methods for performing joint demodulation using a Viterbi equalizer having an adaptive total number of states are disclosed. A mixture model is used in which the observed data is categorized into two or more mutually exclusive classes. The device also includes a porous structure having pores containing the lithium-sulfide particles introduced during a manufacturing stage thereof. Physical density or activity of a target component contained in the liquid sample is determined based on an integrated value of the degree of the color reaction and the measured length or the spread area of the reacted portion. Based on the detection light, a laser cut in the cornea is identified and the form andor position of the laser cut calculated. Thus, in one embodiment, a prophylactic or therapeutic agent used to counter the effects of anthrax toxin, released as a mechanism of bioterrorism, is provided.