Abstract: A method for identifying a product includes providing a solid body (10) fabricated from at least a molecularly imprinted polymer having molecular sized cavities (12) adapted to selectively receive and bind molecules (50) having a specific taggant molecular structure (51), the molecular sized cavities (12) disposed on a portion of an exterior surface (11) of the body (10), and applying to the surface of the body a composition containing indicator molecules (50) having a taggant moiety (51) at one end and a marking function group (53) tethered to the taggant moiety (51) by a molecular chain the taggant moieties (51) engaging and binding to the molecular sized cavities (12) so as to mark the portion of the surface (11) of the body (10) with the indicator molecules (50) bound thereto, the marking functional groups (53) rendering the marked portion of the surface (11) perceptible with or without detection instrumentation.

Abstract: Molecularly imprinted polymer membranes for selectively collecting phosphate, nitrate and ferric ions are disclosed, prepared by copolymerizing a matrix monomer, cross-linking agent, ion imprinting complex, permeability agent and polymerization initiator, after which the ions of the ion imprinting complex are permeability agent are removed. The permeability agent creates channels in the membrane permitting the ion binding sites in the membrane to communicate with the exterior surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A system for detecting neutron radiation. A liquid cocktail mixture comprised of a neutron absorber and a scintillator is housed in a Teflon® tube having a mirror at one end of the tube and a windowed portal at the other end of the tube. Neutrons that penetrate the tube react with the neutron absorber producing ionization that excites a scintillator to produce photons. A photo-multiplier tube is coupled with the windowed portal for receiving photons and converting the photons to electrical signals. A processing device is coupled to the photo-multiplier output for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals so as to provide a measurement pertaining to the presence and relative strength of neutron radiation. The tube can be adapted to function as a portable survey instrument. Alternatively, the tube can be stretched to cover large apertured areas. In such implementations a wavelength shifter is employed to convert light emitted to another wavelength giving a multiplier effect necessary for long light guides.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling first and second fiber optic cables terminating in first and second connectors having first and second ferrules, respectively. The coupler includes a holder element and a mating element. The holder element defines a channel for receiving the first ferrule and a socket aligned with the channel for receiving an optical component The holder element further defines a first cable connector adapted for connection to the first connector and a first element connector opposite said first cable connector. The mating element defines a channel for receiving the second ferrule, a second cable connector adapted for connection to the second connector and a second element connector opposite the second cable connector. Accordingly, the holder element and mating element are connectable to house an optical component aligned with the channels and positionable substantially contiguous with the first and second ferrules when attached thereto.

Abstract: A process for preparing vinyl substituted beta-diketones includes reacting a halogen-containing beta-diketone with an olefin in a reaction zone under Heck coupling reaction conditions in the presence of a catalyst, a base, and an organic phosphine to provide a vinyl substituted beta-diketone product.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for measuring chloride ion concentration in a medium. The techniques allow measurements to be made in dry or alkaline media, or both. For alkaline conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions under alkaline conditions. The film is deposited to be in contact with at least one electrode and the medium. For dry conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a conductive polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions. The film is in contact with the pair of electrodes, and is positioned for contact with the medium. An electrical conductivity of the film depends on an amount of chloride ions taken up by the film. Some techniques allow chloride ion measurements over years at sensors embedded in concrete. Such measurements allow the determination of the progress of rebar corrosion in concrete infrastructure.

Abstract: An explosive detector that utilizes an array of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated, bifurcated fiber optic cables to form an image of a target molecule source. Individual sensor fiber assemblies, each with a calibrated airflow, are used to expose the fibers to the target molecule. The detector energizes a dedicated excitation light source for each fiber, while simultaneously reading and processing the intensity of the resulting fluorescence that is indicative of the concentration of the target molecule. Processing electronics precisely controls the excitation current, and measures the detected signal from each narrow band pass filter and photodiode. A computer with display processes the data to form an image of the target molecule source that can be used to identify the source even when low level contamination of the same molecule is present. The detector can be used to detect multiple and/or non-explosive targets by varying the MIP coating.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymeric explosives sensor is provided which possesses selective binding affinity for explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB). The polymeric sensor incorporates a porphyrin which undergoes a detectable change in absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation when the polymer is exposed to explosives.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or preventing the use of anhydrous ammonia as a solvent in a dissolving metal reduction process comprises adding to anhydrous ammonia a chemical reagent which is capable of scavenging solvated electrons generated when alkali or alkaline earth metal is dissolved in the anhydrous ammonia, the chemical reagent being added to the anhydrous ammonia such that when alkali metal is dissolved in the anhydrous ammonia containing the chemical reagent and thereafter ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or combination thereof is introduced to the anhydrous ammonia to produce a reaction product, the methamphetamine yield in the reaction product is below 50%, preferably below 10%, and more preferably below 1%. Preferred chemical reagents include Fe(III)citrate, ferrocene, 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)pyridine and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: Devices for measuring and detecting a wide variety of analytes, including polyatomic anions, such as organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents are provided. The devices function by selectively binding an analyte to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been imprinted to bind the chemical functionality. Also provided are methods for producing the lanthanide-containing molecularly imprinted polymers of the invention.

Abstract: Molecularly imprinted polymer membranes for selectively collecting phosphate, nitrate and ferric ions are disclosed, prepared by copolymerizing a matrix monomer, cross-linking agent, ion imprinting complex, permeability agent and polymerization initiator, after which the ions of the ion imprinting complex are permeability agent are removed. The permeability agent creates channels in the membrane permitting the ion binding sites in the membrane to communicate with the exterior surface of the membrane.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for measuring chloride ion concentration in a medium. The techniques allow measurements to be made in dry or alkaline media, or both. For alkaline conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions under alkaline conditions. The film is deposited to be in contact with at least one electrode and the medium. For dry conditions, a sensor includes a pair of electrodes and a conductive polymer film imprinted for uptake of chloride ions. The film is in contact with the pair of electrodes, and is positioned for contact with the medium. An electrical conductivity of the film depends on an amount of chloride ions taken up by the film. Some techniques allow chloride ion measurements over years at sensors embedded in concrete. Such measurements allow the determination of the progress of rebar corrosion in concrete infrastructure.

Abstract: Devices for measuring and detecting a wide variety of analytes, including polyatomic anions, such as organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents are provided. The devices function by selectively binding an analyte to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been imprinted to bind the chemical functionality. Also provided are methods for producing the lanthanide-containing molecularly imprinted polymers of the invention.

Abstract: A system for detecting neutron radiation. A liquid cocktail mixture comprised of a neutron absorber and a scintillator is housed in a Teflon® tube having a mirror at one end of the tube and a windowed portal at the other end of the tube. Neutrons that penetrate the tube react with the neutron absorber producing ionization that excites a scintillator to produce photons. A photo-multiplier tube is coupled with the windowed portal for receiving photons and converting the photons to electrical signals. A processing device is coupled to the photo-multiplier output for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals so as to provide a measurement pertaining to the presence and relative strength of neutron radiation. The tube can be adapted to function as a portable survey instrument. Alternatively, the tube can be stretched to cover large apertured areas.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or preventing the use of anhydrous ammonia as a solvent in a dissolving metal reduction process comprises adding to anhydrous ammonia a chemical reagent which is capable of scavenging solvated electrons generated when alkali or alkaline earth metal is dissolved in the anhydrous ammonia, the chemical reagent being added to the anhydrous ammonia such that when alkali metal is dissolved in the anhydrous ammonia containing the chemical reagent and thereafter ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or combination thereof is introduced to the anhydrous ammonia to produce a reaction product, the methamphetamine yield in the reaction product is below 50%, preferably below 10%. and more preferably below 1%. Preferred chemical reagents include Fe(III)citrate, ferrocene, 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)pyridine and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: An explosive detector that utilizes an array of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated, bifurcated fiber optic cables to form an image of a target molecule source. Individual sensor fiber assemblies, each with a calibrated airflow, are used to expose the fibers to the target molecule. The detector energizes a dedicated excitation light source for each fiber, while simultaneously reading and processing the intensity of the resulting fluorescence that is indicative of the concentration of the target molecule. Processing electronics precisely controls the excitation current, and measures the detected signal from each narrow band pass filter and photodiode. A computer with display processes the data to form an image of the target molecule source that can be used to identify the source even when low level contamination of the same molecule is present. The detector can be used to detect multiple and/or non-explosive targets by varying the MIP coating.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: Devices for measuring and detecting a wide variety of analytes, including polyatomic anions, such as organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents are provided. The devices function by selectively binding an analyte to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been imprinted to bind the chemical functionality. Also provided are methods for producing the lanthanide-containing molecularly imprinted polymers of the invention.