Abstract: Provided herein are methods of detecting anions in solution. In particular, the methods can be used to detect trace anions in solution. For example, the anions can be present in an amount of between about 500 femtomoles to about 10 millimoles.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to luminescent and/or optically absorbing compositions and/or precursors to those compositions, including solid films incorporating these compositions/precursors, exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields, enhanced stabilities and/or amplified emissions. The present invention also relates to sensors and methods for sensing analytes through luminescent and/or optically absorbing properties of these compositions and/or precursors. Examples of analytes detectable by the invention include electrophiles, alkylating agents, thionyl halides, and phosphate ester groups including phosphoryl halides, cyanides and thioates such as those found in certain chemical warfare agents. The present invention additionally relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions, such as those produced using the above-described compositions and/or precursors, by incorporating the composition and/or precursor within a polymer having an energy migration pathway.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that utilize measured isotopic abundance data to correlate a product to the synthesis process by which it was made. By utilizing the principles described herein, isotopic process profiles for synthetic products can be constructed, products of unknown origin can be inferentially identified to the processes by which they were made, and synthesis processes can be monitored for consistency of process parameters.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for identifying the presence or absence of a pulmonary embolism using a combination of tests and brightline thresholds. The first test is a blood based test measuring D-Dimer concentration and the second test is a respiratory analysis that determines a carboximetry ratio. If the measured D-Dimer value is at or above a threshold indicative of concern and the carboximetry value is equal to or less than a carboximetry ratio threshold, pulmonary embolism is present. If the measured D-Dimer value is at or above a threshold indicative of concern and the respiratory analysis yields a carboximetry ratio greater than the carboximetry ratio threshold, test results are inconclusive and additional testing is required to determine whether a pulmonary embolism is present.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a sensor material for detecting molecular contaminants, including the steps of: providing an aqueous solution of a metal oxide precursor; mixing titanium dioxide nanotubes with the aqueous solution of the metal oxide to form a mixture; adjusting a pH value of the mixture with a weak base until the pH value is neutral; dispersing the mixture in water and heating the mixture; and filtering the mixture to retain a solid part, and calcining the solid part under a continuous flow of oxygen to form metal oxide loaded titanium dioxide nanotubes. The disclosure also provides a sensor material and a detecting method using the sensor material for ppm-ppb-ppt concentration level detection of molecular contaminants.

Abstract: The detecting and monitoring of solid structure or phase transformation, such as those used for testing the formation of gas hydrates and their inhibition by chemical additives may be conducted in a multi-test assembly of laboratory bench scale loops. The test loop contains a fluid that includes water and hydrate-forming guest molecules such as methane, ethane, carbon dioxide and the like at hydrate-forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure. A small bit or “pig” may be circulated through the test loop at variable speeds to circulate the fluid in the loop. The pig may be moved or impelled through the test loop remotely. The exterior of the pig and/or the interior of the loop may be smooth and/or have a friction-reducing coating thereon to facilitate movement of the pig through the loop. The formation of hydrates may be monitored with consistent and reproducible results.

Abstract: A calibration device and method of using the device to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The device includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically detect the presence of a substance on a test swipe by capturing a background image of the test swipe; applying one or more test chemicals to a test swipe; adjusting the temperature of the test swipe to a predetermined temperature range; capturing an in-situ image of the test swipe after the application of chemical at the predetermined temperature range; subtracting the background image from the in-situ image; generating a difference value from the two images; and searching a known database to identify the substance.

Abstract: A method for determining a turbidity point and a free carbohydrate buffer coefficient of an iron-carbohydrate complex. The method includes: (1) contacting the complex with an acid; (2) determining hydrogen ion concentrations and solution turbidities of the complex in acid degradation; and (3) mathematically fitting the data, to obtain the turbidity point of the complex and the free carbohydrate buffer coefficient through mathematical treatment. A method for evaluating the safety of the iron-carbohydrate complex with the turbidity point and the free carbohydrate buffer coefficient.

Abstract: A gas probe, in particular a lambda probe for the analysis of exhaust gases from a mobile internal combustion engine, includes at least one protective device, at least partly surrounding a sensitive sensor element of the gas probe, which comes into contact with a gas. The at least one protective device includes a gas contact face which at least partly has a hygroscopic surface.

Abstract: Provided are novel technical means for obtaining useful knowledge in practical application of antioxidation action of dissolved hydrogen and in practical application of active oxygen scavenging action in water. Based on the temporal profile of the difference between the dissolved oxygen amount measured with forcibly dissolving hydrogen and the dissolved oxygen amount measured with blowing any other gas than hydrogen, the reaction between dissolved hydrogen and dissolved oxygen is quantitatively evaluated. Based on the temporal profile of the difference between the dissolved oxygen amount measured with making a photosensitizing dye contained in water and with forcibly dissolving hydrogen therein, and the dissolved oxygen amount measured without making a photosensitizing dye contained in water and with forcibly dissolving hydrogen therein, the reaction between dissolved hydrogen and dissolved oxygen is quantitatively evaluated.

Abstract: A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a CO2 or O2 sensor is disclosed, hi one implementation, a polymer solar cell can be connected to the HEMT for use in an infrared detection system. In a second implementation, a selective recognition layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. For carbon dioxide sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, PEI/starch. For oxygen sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, indium zinc oxide (IZO). In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of carbon dioxide and oxygen in exhaled breath or blood.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions to prepare biological samples to preserve the macromolecules in the samples. Embodiments of the invention concern the use of a soak solution that contains one or more water-miscible solvents. A sample is incubated with the soak solution to the point of saturation at a temperature above the melting temperature of the water-miscible solvent but below 0° C. The use of methods and compositions of the invention allow for subsequent preparation or analysis of the samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection or determination of vitamin C by luminescence that employs a redox-responsive fluorogenic probe consisting of porphyrin or phthalocyanine with a nitroxide radical(s), or that employs a liposome preparation comprising the said redox-responsive fluorogenic probe. The present method can overcome the problems of prior art methods, and in particular, are applicable for bioimaging to allow elucidation of the behavior of vitamin C in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for detecting an object substance (X). This detection composition contains a gel (Y). The gel (Y) contains a colorable aqueous solution (A) that can be colored upon contact with the object substance (X), and a crosslinked polymer (B). This composition is preferably used to evaluate packaging materials.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides sensors and methods for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by determining the conductivity of a chemiresistant film upon exposure to VOCs, including for example chemiresistant films comprised of surfactant-coated metal alloy nanoparticles.

Abstract: An energy content meter can spectroscopically quantify oxidation products after oxidation of a combustible mixture. The measured oxidation product concentrations or mole fractions can be converted to an energy content of the un-oxidized combustible mixture using a conversion factor that relates oxygen consumption during oxidation of the combustible mixture to the energy content of the combustible mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer. The method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) detecting whether or not anthranilic acid is contained in the urine excreted from the mammal; and (b) determining that the mammal is affected with a lung cancer when the anthranilic acid is detected as being contained in the urine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the detection of myelin and a quantitative measurement of its local concentration in a sample using a benzofuran compound or its radioisotope derivatives. In one embodiment a method of myelin detection comprises identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, parenterally administering to the subject the benzofuran compound, or a derivative of the compound, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting binding in the sample. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of imaging myelinated tissue in a surgical field of mammalian tissue comprising the steps of contacting the surgical site with the benzofuran compound or a radioisotope derivative of the compound, and detecting binding in the surgical site.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods are provided for simultaneously dispensing metered volumes of fluids at different rates and mixing the fluids to generate a mixed sample having the fluids in proportion to the different rates at which they were dispensed. In some cases two or more of the fluids are premixed prior to mixing with other fluids. In some cases a use composition and diluent are simultaneously dispensed at different rates and premixed to form a diluted sample. One or more reagents may be mixed with the diluted sample and the sample mixture can be analyzed to determine characteristics of the use composition.

Abstract: Biological fluid samples containing proteins (e.g., blood plasma or saliva) are prepared for isotopic analysis by precipitating the proteins while leaving the isotopic ratio unaffected. This precipitation can involve adding metal ions, salts, organic solvents, or organic polymers. The sample is then centrifuged to allow transfer of the supernatant for isotopic analysis, e.g. by tunable diode laser absorption spectrometry to obtain a quantitative measure of the 2H and 18O isotope levels in the water relative to reference standards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid method for estimation of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of water, COD is an important parameter for determining the extent of pollution in water bodies, the basic principle of COD estimation is not much different from prior art but the time taken is reduced considerably and the results are equally sensitive and reproducible as other methods and the method used to generate data on the performance of effluent treatment plants in remote areas or rural areas, it also provide regular and sequential information on the quality of effluent generated by food processing industries.

Abstract: A calibration tool for use in combination with a photoluminescent oxygen-sensitive working probe and an analytical instrument capable of reading the working probe. The calibration tool is effective for achieving two-point calibration of the analytical instrument, and includes at least first and second solid state compositions having different sensitivities to oxygen. The first composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the working probe, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as that in the working probe. The second composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the first composition, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from that in the first composition. The oxygen sensitivity of the second composition is less than the oxygen sensitivity of the first composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inspecting a magnetic recording medium in which the adhesion (transfer) of contaminants or corrosive materials to a magnetic head can be prevented. Specifically disclosed is a method for inspecting a magnetic recording medium including a non-magnetic substrate and additionally comprising at least a magnetic layer, a protective layer and a lubricant layer all provided on the non-magnetic substrate. The method is characterized by including exposing the magnetic recording medium to an atmosphere containing a siloxane and determining the resistance of the magnetic recording medium against environmental substances based on the amount of the siloxane attached to the surface of the magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A method for quantifying the presence of naphthenic acids in a hydrocarbon-comprising liquid that includes: contacting a hydrocarbon-comprising liquid with gaseous ammonia; isolating a reaction product produced by the contacting step; and analyzing the reaction product for the presence of naphthenates using a mass spectrometry technique. The naphthenic acids known to form commercial naphthenate deposits can be (i) ions of tetraprotic carboxylic acids having molecular weights ranging from 1225 to 1270 Daltons, (ii) n-alkyl or branched carboxylic acids having molecular weights ranging from 250 to 650 Daltons, or (iii) both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the determination of the presence of methylmalonic acid in biologic samples including the steps of methylmalonic extraction from the sample; derivatization of methylmalonic acid and use of mass spectrometry with negative mode atmospheric pressure chemical ionization to determine the presence of methymalonic acid throughthe formation of an ion of mass to charge ratio (m/z) 477. An additional objective of the present invention concerns diagnosis kits for determination of presence and quantification of methylmalonic acid based on the method mentioned before.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor board comprising a plate-like body comprising a body material and having two surfaces substantially parallel to each other, and at least one optical sensor and at least one non-optical sensor, the sensors being positioned at the same surface of the body, wherein the body includes a first area having a thickness D1 of the body material and a second area having a thickness D2 of the body material, where D1>D2>0, the at least one optical sensor being positioned at the second area.

Abstract: A sampling device for analysis of a substance which is chosen from the group consisting of isocyanates, aminoisocyanates, amines, and isothiocyanates, and which is present in an air flow intended to pass through the sampling device is disclosed, as well as a method for the production of said sampling device, and a method for the analysis of said substance in the air flow.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for assessing if a patient is affected with a lung cancer. The method includes analyzing the presence and amount of cyclohexanone contained in the urine excreted from the patient and determining if the presence and amount of cyclohexanone is indicative of lung cancer.

Abstract: The level of a steroid hormone, including estrogen, in the stratum corneum of the skin is assayed by LC-MS analysis of a steroid hormone in the stratum corneum of the skin collected by a tape stripping method. This allows the concentration in the skin of the steroid hormone, including estrogen which has an important effect on the state of the skin, to be easily measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer. The method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) measuring a concentration of 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid contained in the urine excreted from the mammal; and (b) determining that the mammal is affected with a lung cancer if the concentration measured in the step (a) is 13.2 ?M or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring a vitamin D metabolite in a sample, the method comprising the steps of (a) treating said sample with a vitamin D metabolite releasing reagent under conditions appropriate to release a vitamin D metabolite from vitamin D-binding protein and not to cause protein precipitation, (b) subjecting the treated sample obtained in step (a) to a chromatographic separation, and (c) measuring a vitamin D metabolite during or after said chromatographic separation. The present invention also relates to methods for determining the vitamin D status of a subject, for use in the diagnosis of disease, and to agents and kits for use in performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for quantitatively measuring the amount of an unlabeled organic acid in a sample. Oxygen-18 labeled organic acids are used as internal standards to adjust for the loss of a structurally similar or identical unlabeled organic acid through processing required for its detection, such as by mass spectrometry. The methods of the invention are useful for diagnosing inborn errors of metabolism in an individual by quantitating signature organic acids in body fluids such as urine or plasma.

Abstract: A molecule identification and quantitation method is provided wherein a mass tag is conjugated to an analyte and the signature ion of the mass tag remains attached to the analyte after tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation (MS-MS or MS2). Rather than losing the signature ion, a mass-balance part of the structure can be lost as a charge neutral group under tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation. The signature ion can be used for quantitation and, upon further fragmentation, can also provide ion-signals characteristic of the analyte and useful in identifying the analyte. In some embodiments, the ion-signals generated from a third mass spectrometry fragmentation (MS3) can be compared with a known mass spectrum, for example, from a look-up table, from a library, or from a database, to provide an unambiguous identification of the analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling microbiological activity in a process stream by measuring dissolved oxygen is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a dihydroxyvitamin in D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. In certain preferred embodiments the methods include immunopurifying the dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites prior to mass spectrometry. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites in a single assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect polymeric luminescent dye compounds having fluorescent properties, phosphorescent properties, or both fluorescent and phosphorescent properties.

Abstract: A reagent for measurement of reactive oxygen, which can be used with a light of the near infrared region showing superior biological tissue permeability, wherein (i) a first cyanine compound residue and a second cyanine compound residue are bound to each other, (ii) the first cyanine compound residue has a property that it easily reacts with a reactive oxygen species and is thereby decomposed, and (iii) the second cyanine compound residue either equals or surpasses the first cyanine compound residue in its stability to the reactive oxygen species, and the first cyanine compound residue acts as a quenching group for the second cyanine compound residue.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of detecting anions in solution. In particular, the methods can be used to detect trace anions in solution. For example, the anions can be present in an amount of between about 500 femtomoles to about 10 millimoles.

Abstract: The detecting and monitoring of solid structure or phase transformation, such as those used for testing the formation of gas hydrates and their inhibition by chemical additives may be conducted in a multi-test assembly of laboratory bench scale loops. The test loop contains a fluid that includes water and hydrate-forming guest molecules such as methane, ethane, carbon dioxide and the like at hydrate-forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure. A small bit or “pig” may be circulated through the test loop at variable speeds to circulate the fluid in the loop. The pig may be moved or impelled through the test loop remotely. The exterior of the pig and/or the interior of the loop may be smooth and/or have a friction-reducing coating thereon to facilitate movement of the pig through the loop. The formation of hydrates may be monitored with consistent and reproducible results.

Abstract: Reduced dyes, such as hydrocyanines, deuterocyanines, and/or other deuterated dyes capable of detecting one or more reactive oxygen species are described herein. The reduced dyes exhibit little or no fluorescence due to the disrupted ? conjugation. However, upon reaction with ROS, the reduced dyes are oxidized, regenerating the extended ? conjugation and causing a substantial increase in fluorescence intensity. In many case, the oxidized dye is generally membrane impermeable. However, upon reduction, many of the reduced dyes are membrane permeable. Thus, reduced dyes can accumulate in cells and/or tissue to amplify the signal. Once inside the cell or tissue, the reduced dye is reoxidized upon reaction with ROS, and the oxidized dye again becomes membrane impermeable, trapping the dye within the cell. The reduced dyes can be used to image ROS, such as hydroxide radical and superoxide, in serum, cell cultures, tissue explants, and in vivo.

Abstract: An automated system for concentrating potentially harmful substances from various water types or other non-viscous liquids to facilitate detection of those substances is disclosed herein. The automated system comprises a water pressure driven or pump driven concentration unit that filters the test fluid through a hollow-fiber filter. Material collected on the filter is backflushed into a collection vessel by passing a small volume of sterile solution through the filter in the reverse direction. The automated system can be configured to be portable or to be integrated into a continuous liquid stream for online monitoring of test fluids. Optionally, an electronic signal at the end of the backflush sequence triggers a detector, such as an automated array biosensor, to begin processing and analyzing the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of molecular tweezers as sensitive materials in chemical sensors intended to detect or assay organic compounds in the vapour state, and in particular nitro compounds. These molecular tweezers correspond to the general formula (I): in which: MC1 and MC2 represent macrocycles; p and q are equal to 0 or 1; X and Y are optionally substituted C1 to C10 alkylene groups; while E represents an optionally substituted cyclic or heterocyclic spacer group; and in which MC1 and MC2 are positioned facing each other. Fields of application: detection of explosives, control and monitoring of atmospheric pollution and of the quality of ambient air in relatively confined spaces, and monitoring of industrial sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug detection device for detecting the presence of a date rape drug in a beverage comprising: a straw; and a chemical reagent, where said chemical reagent coats the surface of the straw and changes color upon contact with a date rape drug. In one exemplary embodiment, the drug detection device may be used to test for Gamma Hydoxybutyrate (GHB) or ROHYPNOL® (Flunitrazepam). A stirring straw may be used as a component of the drug detection device as opposing to a conventional straw. The present invention also includes a method of date rape drug detection comprising the steps of: coating a stirring device with a chemical reagent; inserting the stirring device in a beverage; and observing the stirring device to determine an indication of the presence of a date rape drug.

Abstract: A light modifying ceramic composition comprises an oxygen permeable sol-gel matrix and a lumophore held on the matrix. In particular, the lumophore of the invention is a hexanuclear molybdenum/tungsten core having 12 anionic ligands and two ligands that are uncharged. Uncharged ligands include organic nitriles, organic phosphines, and organic arsines. In one embodiment, the ceramic composition containing the lumophore and the sol-gel matrix is applied to the end of an optical fiber to provide a remote oxygen sensor. The sensors are useful for in situ biological monitoring of oxygen either in vivo or in vitro, and in time dependent control of combustion processes such as an automobile or power plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for designing, operating, monitoring and/or diagnosing a chemical reaction, particularly a hydrotreating process, using a fixed bed catalytic reactor.

Abstract: A composition including a complex of a metal, a tetradentate ligand, at least one ancillary ligand, and a counterion may be used for selective sp3 C—H bond oxidation. The tetradentate ligand may include a N-heterocyclic-N,N?-bis(pyridyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine group or a N,N?-bis(heterocyclic)-N,N?-bis(pyridyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine group. The composition can be used in combination with H2O2 to effect highly selective oxidations of unactivated sp3 C—H bonds over a broad range of substrates. The site of oxidation can be predicted, based on the electronic and/or steric environment of the C—H bond. In addition, the oxidation reaction does not require the presence of directing groups in the substrate.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has a drift chamber (1) with an inlet (2) at one end by which a gas or vapor being analyzed is supplied to the chamber. After ionization, molecules are admitted through a gate 8 and flow along a drift region (9) to a collector plate (11). A drift gas is flowed through the drift region against the flow of ionized molecules and is circulated along a flow path (31, 32, 40) and (30), which includes a chamber (50) including a dopant. The dopant is 2,4-pentanedione, which has been found to enhance the detection of a number of compounds especially toxic industrial chemicals and nitrogen compounds, such as those present in the breath of mammals.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to an apparatus and method for the determination of the oxygen gas permeability of a polymer. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining the oxygen gas permeability of a polymer membrane (e.g., a polydimethylsiloxane and/or polysiloxane polymer or copolymer). In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to oxygen gas permeable polymer compositions.