Abstract: The invention refers to a colorimetric sensor of halitosis, sensitive to volatile sulphur compounds. Said sensor comprises a solid support and a redox calorimetric reagent sensitive to volatile sulphur compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody binding an antigen on the megakaryocytic cell line UT-7. The invention further relates to hybridoma cells producing such an antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that the concentration of free cysteine in mammalian tumor tissue is elevated compared with the concentration of free cysteine in non-tumor tissue of the same origin. Elevated levels of free cysteine is, in turn, correlated with resistance of tumors to antitumor therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Therefore, the invention further relates to methods of detecting the presence of tumors in mammalian tissues, assessing the resistance of tumors to antitumor therapies as it relates to free cysteine concentration, and to the identification of compounds which affect free cysteine concentration in mammalian tissues.

Abstract: A test method and device are described for quantitatively determining the presence and concentration of monopersulfate ion in aqueous solution. Contacting the aqueous solution containing monopersulfate ion with a test strip in accordance with the invention produces a color change in proportion to the concentration of the ion. The invention has particular utility in maintaining the proper level of sanitizers in swimming pool water.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for delaying the onset of fetal membrane rupture in a human. The method comprises administering to the human a metalloproteinase-9 inhibitor in an amount effective to delay the onset of fetal membrane rupture in the human.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for determining thiols or disulphides in which a sulfur containing analyte is combined with a thiol-specific reagent to produce an intermediate, and the intermediate is combined with a solvent insoluble compound to produce a solid state complex. In one aspect of preferred embodiments the intermediate comprises a chromophore, and in especially preferred embodiments the chromophore is detectable with the naked eye. In another aspect of preferred embodiments the thiol-specific reagent comprises a nitroso-donor, and more preferably Na-nitroprusside. In yet another aspect of preferred embodiments, the solvent insoluble compound comprises a basic or acidic metallic compound, or a polymeric matrix. Still more preferred solvent insoluble compounds comprise Zn-hydroxide, Ni-hydroxide or Al-hydroxide. These compositions and methods are more sensitive and reliable method than that previously available, especially for the determination of homocysteine.

Abstract: Diagnosing disease in a body by analyzing a sample from the body for the presence of sulfur compounds.

Abstract: A DMS detecting agent with a permanganate deposited on a support, characterized in that the support is quartz sand, and that the DMS detecting agent is obtained by adding an aqueous solution of silica sol or alumina sol and a permanganate to said quartz sand support for mixing and then drying the mixture, and a DMS detecting agent tube and a DMS detector tube using the same.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of acid-gases in an amine-regeneration system, such as is typically found in a natural gas refining plant, having a device for measuring the pH of the system from which the concentration of the acid-gases complexed and the amine can be calculated using an empirically-derived relationship between acid-gas concentration and pH. The invention also includes a system for controlling amine regeneration based upon the above described determining method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for determining the concentration of a surfactant in a transparent hydrocarbon by performing the steps of adding a solid to the hydrocarbon; adding a second masking reagent to the hydrocarbon; mixing to form a dispersion; separating the dispersion from the mixture; and measuring the optical absorption of the dispersion.

Abstract: In a method for photo-ionization ion mobility spectrometry, a reagent gas is added, in particular an aromatic compound, which has a large ionization cross section in the range of ionizing VUV radiation, but a low probability for the formation of protonated quasi-molecular ions. In this way, the detection of only weakly proton affine substances is also amplified or even made possible at all, and also the detection of electronegative substances in a negative operating mode is improved. Preferred reagent gases are benzene, toluene and xylene. FIG.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the method is for analyzing the amount of methionine sulfoxide in a protein sample and includes the steps of contacting a protein solution with methionine sulfoxide reductase in the presence of a reducing reagent bearing a covalently-linked reporter tag, whereby the reducing reagent is oxidized. The oxidized reducing reagent formed, which is in proportion to the amount of methionine sulfoxide in the sample, is then quantified. A second embodiment of the method is for analyzing the amount of disulfide linkages in a polypeptide or protein sample. It proceeds in the same fashion as above, but in the absence of any enzyme. A novel fluorescently-labeled reducing agent, and kits to practice the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of testing the immune competency of an individual by determining, from a sample of the blood of the individual, a value for total plasma/serum thiols including both protein thiols and nonprotein thiols, and comparing the value so determined with a reference value of total plasma/serum thiols to ascertain whether the determined value is higher or lower than the reference value, a determined value lower than the reference value being indicative of impaired immune function.

Abstract: A method of measuring urea nitrogen on the basis of the ultraviolet absorption of urease-GLDH by a reaction rate method, which method not only permits accurate measurement of a sample containing a high concentration of urea nitrogen but also permits accurate measurement of a sample containing polyols such as mannitol without suffering the influence of the polyols, the method comprising hydrolyzing urea in a sample with urease, reacting glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) with ammonia formed by the hydrolysis, in the presence of .alpha.-ketoglutaric acid (.alpha.-KG) and reduced-type nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) or reduced-type nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and measuring the reduced-type nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) or reduced-type nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) for a decrease rate to measure urea nitrogen derived from the urea, and characterized in that a sulfhydryl compound is co-present with the urease.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel sample introduction system which incorporates a venturi pump to convey a sample gas to an analytical instrument at atmospheric pressure. An APCI, ICP or MIP mass spectrometer is preferred as the analytical instrument. Using such an inlet with an APCI mass spectrometer, the real-time analysis of trace materials present in breath is facilitated, enabling, for example, the release of compounds responsible for aroma and taste to be analysed during eating and drinking. The invention can also be used for headspace analysis and for monitoring the release of fragrances from skin or clothing.

Abstract: Method and reagent composition for covalent attachment of target molecules, such as nucleic acids, onto the surface of a substrate. The reagent composition includes groups capable of attracting the target molecule as well as groups capable of covalently binding to the target molecule, once attracted. Optionally, the composition can contain photoreactive groups for use in attaching the reagent composition to the surface.

Abstract: A field test kit for determining quantity of hydrogen sulfide in a liquid st sample. The test kit includes a test container with an opening for a liquid test sample containing hydrogen sulfide gas and a cap provided over the opening. The cap has calorimetric particulate indicator on its top inside surface. A silicone barrier disposed over the indicator protects the indicator from contact with the test sample.

Abstract: According to the invention, the total mercaptans in an aqueous sample are assayed by means of the formation of a chromophoric substitution product between all the mercaptans present in the sample and a reagent corresponding to the general formula I: ##STR1## Reduced glutathione (GSH) is assayed in the form of a chromophoric thione formed specifically by alkalization from the substitution product formed above between GSH and the reagent.The concentration of mercaptans distinct from GSH is obtained by subtraction of the concentrations obtained in the preceding assays.Application to the assay of mercaptans and GSH, especially in the presence of other mercaptans, in particular in biological media.

Abstract: A method is taught for the detection of organosulfur compounds relating to bis-(2-chloroethyl)- sulphide. The detection can be achieved at trace levels or above and is particularly important in the field of environmental, biological and medical analysis.

Abstract: Viscous, liquid hexafluoroisopropanol-siloxane polymers having the basic structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl groups; cyclohexyl groups and phenyl groups;R.sub.2 is ##STR2## wherein m=1 to 4; and n is an integer greater than 1, are useful for rapid, reversible vapor sorption, especially for hydrogen bond accepting vapors.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system for providing a spectroscopic analysis of the sample gas. This analysis is accomplished by first introducing the sample gas into the inlet of the system and transporting it to a spectral analyzer. The sample gas is then spectrally analyzed and the analyzer outputs a signal indicative of a radiation intensity spectrum associated with the analyzed sample gas. A processing unit uses the analyzer signal to detect the presence of one or more prescribed gases and to determine the concentration of each of the prescribed gases in the sample gas. Next, the reacting agent is supplied to the sample gas to convert one or more gases whose presence in the sample gas cannot be detected via spectral analysis due to the masking effects other gases present in the sample gas. The masked gases are converted to secondary gases at least one of which is readily detectable via spectral analysis.

Abstract: The invention concerns diazapentalene derivatives of formula I ##STR1## in which X and Y represent leaving groups which are less nucleophilic than thiol compounds, as thiol-specific fluorochromes for the detection of compounds containing thiol groups, in particular in cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for enhancing the response of a biometric sensor for sensing toxins by measuring the rate of change of sensor readings. An LED, optically coupled to the sensor and a photodiode, transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photocurrent from the photodiode is converted to a digital sensor reading value proportional to the darkness of the sensor and is loaded into a microprocessor. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings are essentially differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings. The rate of change information is used to trigger an alarm condition indicative of a predetermined level of sensed toxins.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved total sulfur chemiluminescence detection system that uses a dual burner to generate the SO speckles for contact with ozone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the concentration of sulfide and optionally also of polysulfide in liquors and solutions of smelt deriving from the sulfate process. According to the method, the concentrations are determined by measuring the light absorption of the liquor or the solution in the ultra-violet range. According to one preferred embodiment, the method is applied to determine the degree of reduction in sulfate liquor and smelt derived from burning liquor, wherein the concentrations of sulfate, thiosulfate and optionally sulfite and/or carbonate are determined by measuring the light absorption of the liquor or the solution in the infrared range, whereafter the degree of reduction is calculated from the measuring data obtained.

Abstract: Method for quantifying the amounts of oxidized sulfhydryl amino acids, particularly cysteine sulfinic acid, cysteic acid, homocysteine sulfinic acid and homocysteic acid, for example, in biological samples are provided. The oxidized sulfhydryl amino acids are measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry after derivatization, preferably using stable isotope internal standards. Deviation from normal individuals' levels of oxidized sulfhydryl amino acids in serum are indicative of certain neuropsychiatric disorders, the biochemical origin of which can be diagnosed using methods disclosed herein, particularly when relative levels of these and/or other sulfur amino acids are measured.

Abstract: Non-toxic combustion decomposition accelerators and processes for their production for elemental analysis. The non-toxic accelerators may be either single component or multicomponent. The single component non-toxic accelerators are glass frit, niobium pentoxide, and inorganic phosphate compounds. The multicomponent accelerators are formed from a combination of the foregoing, and most preferably from (a) one or more of niobium pentoxide, tungsten oxide and mixtures thereof, and (b) one or more of glass frit, inorganic phosphate compounds, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A field test kit for determining quantity of hydrogen sulfide in a liquid st sample. The test kit includes a test container with an opening for a liquid test sample containing hydrogen sulfide gas and a cap provided over the opening. The cap has colorimetric particulate indicator on its top inside surface. A silicone barrier disposed over the indicator protects the indicator from contact with the test sample.

Abstract: Improved methods for the GC/MS analysis of sulfhydryl amino acids and methylmalonic acids in samples of body fluids are provided. Additionally a method for combined assay of sulfhydryl amino acids particularly total homocysteine and combined creatine/creatinine levels in samples of body fluids provided. The information provided by the methods described is useful in the detection of the presence of cobalamin or folate deficiencies in individuals and in distinguishing between the two deficiencies.

Abstract: Affinity matrices useful for the chromatography and immobilization of biological materials and the method of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The affinity supports are based on hydrated polyurethane polymers which have been activated to provide a means for covalently attaching a variety of bioaffinity agents. The hydrated polymer matrices are characterized by their biocompatibility and resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption. Preferably, the prepolymers used to prepare the hydrated polymers are isocyanate-capped oxyethylene-based diols or polyols, at least 75% of said diols and polyols having a molecular weight of 7000 to about 30,000.

Abstract: Concentration of a polyelectrolyte in the water of an aqueous system is controlled by first withdrawing a sample of the water and adding a known or standard amount of a fluorochromatic reagent to the sample. Then light energy is directed into the sample whereby light energy of a selected excitation wavelength for the fluorochromatic dye is available for absorption by the fluorochromatic reagent. The intensity of light emitted about a selected emission wavelength for the fluorochromatic reagent is measured and the intensity of the emitted light is compared to a standard curve, comprising a plot of fluorescence emission intensity of the fluorochromatic reagent in the presence of a polyelectrolyte versus concentration the polyelectrolyte. The concentration of the polyelectrolyte in the sample of water is determined from the comparison.

Abstract: A method for screening and distinguishing between cobalamin deficiency and folic acid deficiency by relating elevated levels of cystathionine to cobalamin or folic acid deficiency and relating elevated levels of 2-methylcitric acid to cobalamin deficiency but not folic acid deficiency. The methods can be used alone or in combination with other methods for detecting and distinguishing between cobalamin deficiency and folic acid deficiency.

Abstract: (a) An alkanolamine solution containing anions, a conductance probe connected through a meter to a recorder and a stirrer are provided in a container, (b) the solution is stirred at a constant rate and metering and recording of the conductance of the alkanolamine solution are initiated, (c) an anion exchange resin in the OH.sup.- form is then introduced to the container in an amount in excess of that required to exchange all anions from the amine solution, (d) the conductance of the alkanolamine solution is monitored until steady state is reached, and (e) the total anion content and the sodium content (if present) are determined from the conductance trace.The process and apparatus may be used to display conductance changes with time and rate of conductance changes with time in order to determine which anions are present in the alkanolamine solution, whether or not sodium is present and the magnitude of conductance values at various time intervals.

Abstract: The process of detecting the presence on a surface of at least one of bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide and bis(2-chloroethyl)imine, including (a) providing a solution comprising at least one dyestuff selected from the group consisting of brilliant blue R, guinea green B, neutral red, and lissamine green B, which at least one dyestuff is capable of fluorescing and is capable, when applied as a solution, of forming an adduct with at least one of bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide and bis(2-chloroethyl)imine when present on a surface, which at least one adduct, is capable of fluorescing in a spectral range which is different from that of the corresponding at least one dyestuff; (b) applying the solution to the surface; (c) irradiating the surface onto which the solution has been applied with light having a wavelength effective to excite the at least one dyestuff and, when present, the at least one adduct, and induce light emission by fluorescence therefrom; (d) measuring the wavelength of the light emitted from the surface; and

Abstract: A process for measuring the presence or appearance of thiols in aqueous system, the process involving contacting the aqueous system with a chromogenic thiol indicating benzoisothiazolone derivative and then observing chromophoric changes due to thiol mediated reduction of the benzoisothiazolone derivative wherein the changes are proportional to the amount or rate of appearance of the thiols in the aqueous system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the generation of a control signal for the optimization of sulfur removal in a Claus process unit comprises oxidizing a portion of the tail gas stream exiting the Claus unit by contacting a portion of the tail gas with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst which oxidizes H.sub.2 S to SO.sub.2, measuring the temperature rise associated with the oxidation reaction, converting the measurement to an appropriate control signal, and using the signal to control the rate of air flow into the Claus unit.

Abstract: A selected component of a fluid mixture, for example a reduced sulfur compound vapor in air, is detected by selectively adsorbing the component onto a conductive thin layer of material having a chemical affinity for such component and observing the resultant change of electrical resistivity of the layer. The sensitivity of the detector changes with accumulation of the component on the sensor. The accumulation of the component on the sensor is removed by oxidizing and evolving the component from the sensor to restore the sensor to a linear operating region. The accumulated component is preferably oxidized by reacting the component with ozone. The dynamic range of the sensor is increased by counteracting the tendency for the component to accumulate by continuously feeding back ozone to or controlling the temperature of the sensor so that the sensor operates in a linear region near null.

Abstract: A selected component of a fluid mixture, for example a reduced sulfur compound vapor in air, is detected by selectively adsorbing the component onto a conductive thin layer of material having a chemical affinity for such component and observing the resultant change of electrical resistivity of the layer. The sensitivity of the detector changes with accumulation of the component on the sensor. The accumulation of the component on the sensor is removed by oxidizing and evolving the component from the sensor to restore the sensor to a linear operating region. The accumulated component is preferably oxidized by reacting the component with ozone. The dynamic range of the sensor is increased by counteracting the tendency for the component to accumulate by continuously feeding back ozone to or controlling the temperature of the sensor so that the sensor operates in a linear region near null.

Abstract: Polypeptides are sequenced from the carboxyl terminus by treating the peptide with an iodoxybenzene, followed by removal of the excess reagent and reaction with 2-aminothiophenol at an elevated temperature. The resulting benzthiazolidine is then analyzed to determine the C-terminal amino acid which has been cleaved. A kit which contains the iodoxybenzene and 2-aminothiophenol reagents is separate containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomimetic sensor for detecting the presence of airborne toxins, such as carbon monoxide, mercury, ethylene oxide, volatile organic materials, and hydrogen sulfide. The biomimetic sensor, which has a functional life of at least one year, comprises a porous, semi-transparent substrate into which is impregnated a self-regenerating chemical sensor reagent. The response of the biomimetic sensor mimics the human response to such toxins, with respect to sensitivity and affinity. The extended functional lifetime of the biomimetic sensor and the mimicking of the human response to the toxins are achieved by the use of a molecular encapsulant that encapsulates at least one component of the chemical sensor reagent.

Abstract: A method to continuously measure the level of a water treatment product in boiler feedwater. The product, which includes a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylate and a copolymer of acrylic acid and sodium vinyl sulphonate, is added to the feedwater to prevent the formation of scale in the boiler tubes. The method comprises reacting a sample of the feedwater with a reagent to produce turbidity in the sample and further mixing the newly reacted sample with a portion of previously measured reacted sample. The mixture of previously measured reacted sample and newly reacted sample are then photometrically measured in a pump turbidimeter analyzer to determine the level of product in the feedwater.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful paper type G and or type V chemical agent detector comprising a paper base including, associated with the base, at least one dye chosen from 4-((4-(phenylazo)phenyl)azo)-phenol (D.Y. 23), p-ethoxyphenyl-azo-.alpha.-hydroxynaphthoic acid (PEN), or 3', 3", 5', 5"-tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester (TBPE).

Abstract: A method capable of detecting low concentrations of a pollutant or other component in air or other gas, utilizing a combination of a heating filament having a catalytic surface of a noble metal for exposure to the gas and producing a derivative chemical product from the component, and an electrochemical sensor responsive to the derivative chemical product for providing a signal indicative of the product. At concentrations in the order of about 1-100 ppm of tetrachloroethylene, neither the heating filament nor the electrochemical sensor is individually capable of sensing the pollutant. In the combination, the heating filament converts the benzyl chloride to one or more derivative chemical products which may be detected by the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for determining the concentration of sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate compounds in an aqueous solution comprising:(a) adjusting the pH of a portion of the aqueous solution to less than 3.0 when measuring sulfonate concentration or to between 3.0 and 12.0 when measuring polycarboxylate concentration;(b) adding an effective amount of an aqueous solution containing a metachromatic dye to the pH-adjusted portion of Step (a);(c) measuring the absorbance of the admixture resulting from Step (b) at a wavelength between 300 nm and 700 nm; and(d) comparing the absorbance from Step (c) with absorbances of standard samples containing known concentrations of sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate compounds and said effective amount of the dye solution of Step (b), thereby determining the sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate concentration of the portion of Step (a).

Abstract: Process for the detection of a chemical warfare agent, in which a detection reagent able to fluoresce is brought into contact with the chemical warfare agent, which reacts with the chemical warfare agent so that the fluorescent light emitted by the detection agent changes. A detection reagent is used which undergoes this change because of solvent effects. The advantages of the process reside especially in the fact that, not only, as in the prior art, can LOST be detected but now also VX can be detected.

Abstract: A method of determining sulfur loading of an organic polysulfide composition comprises reacting the organic polysulfide composition with an organic phosphine to produce reaction products comprising organic phosphine sulfide and an organic sulfide selected from the group consisting of organic disulfide, organic trisulfide and mixtures thereof; and analyzing the reaction products by gas chromatography to determine the amount of sulfur.

Abstract: A selected component of a fluid mixture, for example a reduced sulfur compound vapor in air, is detected by selectively adsorbing the component onto a conductive thin layer of material having a chemical affinity for such component and observing the resultant change of electrical resistivity of the layer. The sensitivity of the detector changes with accumulation of the component on the sensor. The accumulation of the component on the sensor is removed by oxidizing and evolving the component from the sensor to restore the sensor to a linear operating region. The accumulated component is preferably oxidized by reacting the component with ozone. The dynamic range of the sensor is increased by counteracting the tendency for the component to accumulate by continuously feeding back ozone to or controlling the temperature of the sensor so that the sensor operates in a linear region near null.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically monitoring or adjusting, or both, the concentration of total reducers (i.e. reduced sulfur-containing constituents which consume iodine) in an aqueous medium (e.g. waste water stream) whereby the time period for iodine titration of an untreated sample of the aqueous medium is automatically measured and this time measurement is automatically translated into an output signal to either a monitoring means or a process adjustment means (e.g. oxidant chemical feed pump) or both.

Abstract: A process for the detection of carbonyl sulfide in a gas such as carbon dioxide is provided. The process comprises providing a known volume of gas to be analyzed and removing any hydrogen sulfide from the gas as by passage through a lead acetate column. The carbonyl sulfide is then converted to hydrogen sulfide. Preferably, this is accomplished by passage of the gas through acidified water and subsequent reaction by contact with an alumina hydrolysis catalyst. The converted H.sub.2 S is then detected and measured. The amount of hydrogen sulfide detected represents an equilmolar amount of carbonyl sulfide present in the original volume of gas.

Abstract: The concentration of unspent zinc-based hydrogen sulfide scavenger in an aqueous drilling fluid is controlled by selectively extracting the unspent scavenger in a solvent, such as glacial acetic acid, measuring the concentration of dissolved zinc, for example, with an X-ray fluorescence spectrograph, and utilizing the results of the measurements to proportion the extent of changes to be made in the concentration of the scavenger.