Abstract: A microscope system for determining optical properties of a specimen includes a source of polarized light, a detector for detecting the intensity of light incident thereon, an optical path extending from the source to the detector, a condenser for providing light from the source to the specimen, an objective for receiving light from the specimen, a support for mounting the specimen, a sectored variable retarder mounted in the optical path, and a polarized light analyzer mounted in the path between the sectored variable retarder and the detector. The variable retarder has a multiple sectors. Each sector is individually addressable by a control signal that affects the light retardation characteristics of the sector.

Abstract: A method for performing differential interference contrast microscopy on a specimen includes collecting at least two images with illumination respectively having first and second beam-shear directions relative to a rotational orientation of the specimen, determining data associated with an intensity distribution of each of the collected images, and calculating values having a spatial distribution that is substantially independent of the rotational orientation of the specimen. A differential interference contrast microscope includes a beam-shearing assembly that includes a beam-shearing component. The beam-shearing assembly is configured to provide a variable shear vector without a movement of the beam-shearing component. A microscopy system can include the microscope and an imaging-control unit.

Abstract: A micron-scale self-referencing microsensor is disclosed which uses an enzyme-based electrode to measure the flux of an electrochemically inactive analyte such as glucose. The electrode oscillates between at least two positions. In the presence of the analyte, the enzyme generates a species detectable by the electrode.

Abstract: A micron-scale self-referencing microsensor is disclosed which uses an enzyme-based electrode to measure the flux of an electrochemically inactive analyte such as glucose. The electrode oscillates between at least two positions. In the presence of the analyte, the enzyme generates a species detectable by the electrode.

Abstract: A microscope system for determining optical properties of a specimen includes a source of polarized light, a detector for detecting the intensity of light incident thereon, an optical path extending from the source to the detector, a condenser for providing light from the source to the specimen, an objective for receiving light from the specimen, a support for mounting the specimen, a sectored variable retarder mounted in the optical path, and a polarized light analyzer mounted in the path between the sectored variable retarder and the detector. The variable retarder has a multiple sectors. Each sector is individually addressable by a control signal that affects the light retardation characteristics of the sector.

Abstract: In a management of taxonomic information, a name that specifies an organism is identified. Based on the name and a database of organism names or classifications, another name that specifies the organism and that represents a link between pieces of biological identification information in the database, or a classification for the organism, is determined. Based on the other name or the classification, information associated with the organism is identified.

Abstract: An image system captures and records optical and photon images of an activity, such as cellular phenomena. The images are simultaneously recorded on videotape and displayed. Image data is processed and stored for later analysis and for comparison to new data.

Abstract: A non-invasive self-referencing ion-sensitive probe is used to measure ion efflux from an embryo or an oocyte to determine viability and developmental potential.

Abstract: Microscope systems invention provide ability to image specimens, including specimens within living bodies, by imaging with transmitted light rather than solely with reflected light. The microscope systems may be general purpose instruments, or can be custom designed for a particular specimen.

Abstract: A centrifuge microscope includes a disk which is rotatable around a rotation axis and which is provided with a sample chamber for accommodating a sample. An observation optical system is provided which includes an objective lens which is positioned such that the sample chamber crosses an optical axis of the objective lens as the disk rotates. A pulsed laser source is provided for emitting a pulsed laser to the sample at a timing at which the sample chamber crosses the optical axis of the objective lens. And a delay time adjusting section is provided for adjusting a delay time of an emission timing of the pulsed laser in accordance with a rotational speed of the disk.

Abstract: A polarographic self-referencing probe uses an electrode that is oscillated between two positions. Depending on the electrode used and the voltage applied, the probe can be used to measure oxygen, nitric oxide, or other molecules or compounds.

Abstract: This invention is directed to pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions comprising anti-lipopolysaccharide (anti-LPS) factor proteins derived from horseshoe crabs, either in the native form or produced by recombinant means. The pharmaceutical formulations, which may include anti-LPS factor proteins alone or in combination with other antimicrobials, may be used in the treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections, endotoxemia, septic shock, gram-positive bacterial infections, and yeast infections. The anti-LPS factor protein-containing pharmaceuticals can be formulated for systemic or topical administration. They may also be used to control mold growth. Anti-LPS factor proteins can be used in cosmetic compositions or skin or hair preparations as antimicrobial preservatives, either alone or in combination with conventional preservatives, to prevent or control the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold.

Abstract: A tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) allows a user to self-operably apply a removable, lightweight, ocular probe to gently flatten an area of the corneal surface. A transducer having a flexible springboard connected to the probe and serving as a plate of a variable capacitor is used to sense forces produced when the probe contacts the eye elastically deforming the springboard. The applanation area is detected with a video camera connected to a central processing unit (CPU) programmed to perform image analysis. The CPU uses multiple force and multiple area values determined in rapid succession so that force and applanation area data are closely related in time. Linear regression analysis is used on data pairs to determine an average value for IOP in only about 1-2 seconds. The probe has a clear window with markings for delimiting a calibration area. The slight passive movements of the probe in this process are frictionless and cause no error in force determination.

Abstract: Eucaryotic NAD cyclases able to cause production of cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring aggregation in sponge cells using a clinical aggregometer. In addition, using the marine sponge cell as an in vitro model for neutrophil aggregation, a method to determine the relative anti-inflammatory properties of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical agents by clinical aggregometry is also disclosed.