Abstract: Improved operating modes of a micro counter-current flame ionization detector (?FID) are demonstrated. By operating the flame inside the end of a capillary gas chromatography (GC) column, the effective cell volume enclosing the flame is considerably reduced and results in significantly lower gas flows being required to produce optimal sensitivity from the stable flame. In a post-column ?FID arrangement, a very lean flame is now situated on the end of a stainless steel capillary delivering 10 mL/min of hydrogen, which is opposed by a counter-current flow of only 20 mL/min of oxygen. The ?FID detection limit obtained in this stable, oxygen-rich counter-current flame mode is 7×10?11 gC/s with a response that is linear over 6 orders of magnitude. These findings are comparable to those of a conventional FID.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is adapted to pass current between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst material, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the electrical connection is used to detect an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube is used for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.

Abstract: A method for determining the phytolithic organic carbon yield of a plant type at a location or region comprising: a) taking a sample of a plant type growing in the location or region; b) quantifying phytolithic organic carbon in the sample; c) quantifying a total biomass of the plant type growing at the location or region; and d) determining a total amount of phytolithic organic carbon for the total biomass of the plant type at the location or region.

Abstract: In order to provide a step capable of reliably detecting a CO concentration in a reformed gas at low cost and a hydrogen purifier capable of fully exerting a function of a CO purifying catalyst, a gas concentration detector comprising a reaction chamber which has a catalyst layer and a gas temperature detector and capable of detecting the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas by means of a signal of the temperature detector referring to a reformed gas passing along through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system for sampling cryogenic liquids, and an air separation unit provided with at least one such system. The cryogenic liquid is introduced into a vaporizer, through heat exchange with the compressed air. The liquid passes through the vaporizer generally downwards. The walls of the vaporizer that are intended to come into contact with the cryogenic liquid are maintained at a temperature above the sublimation temperature or the boiling point of the least volatile impurity contained in this liquid. Downstream of the vaporizer, a gaseous phase coming from the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid is withdrawn and at least some of the gaseous phase is sent to an analyzer.

Abstract: A method of analyzing carbon concentration in crystalline silicon includes providing a section from a zoned and annealed silicon core. The zoned and annealed core is extracted from a polycrystalline silicon composition and has a columnar shape. The zoned and annealed core includes a single crystalline silicon region and a freeze-out melt region. The freeze-out melt region is disposed adjacent to the single crystalline silicon region, and the regions are spaced along a length of the columnar shape. Specifically, the section is provided from the freeze-out melt region, with the entire freeze-out melt region in the section. A carbon concentration of the section is determined. By providing the section from the freeze-out melt region, as opposed to the polycrystalline silicon composition, determination of carbon concentration in the crystalline silicon is enabled with a sensitivity at less than or equal to 10 parts per billion atomic.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods, compositions and kits for stabilizing a solubilized phenyl phosphate, preferably paranitrophenyl phosphate (PNPP), using charcoal. Also disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for recycling solubilized phenyl phosphate, preferably PNPP, that has an absorbance of less than 0.1 when measured at 405 nm due to non-enzymatic hydrolysis.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide contained in reformate gas is removed by a preferential oxidation reaction in a catalyst, two preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B) being disposed in series. Valves (7, 8) supply air containing oxygen as an oxidizing agent individually to these preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B). Temperature sensors (9, 10) detect the catalyst temperatures of the preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B), and a controller (5), by adjusting the flow rate of the valves (7, 8) based on the detected temperatures, maximizes the carbon monoxide removal performance of the preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B), while preventing excessive catalyst temperature rise.

Abstract: Methods, employing a polycyclic hydrocarbon or a polycyclic heteroaromatic compound as sensitizers, are provided to increase the efficiency of removing, by irradiation, photolabile protecting groups that mask reactive sites on synthesis intermediaries. Preferred groups of photolabile protecting moieties include: ((?-methyl-2-nitropiperonyl)-oxy)carbonyl (MeNPOC), ((Phenacyl)-oxy)carbonyl (PAOC), O-(9-phenylxanthen-9-yl) (PIXYL), and ((2-methylene-9,10-anthraquinone)-oxy)carbonyl (MAQOC). In conjunction with using the sensitizers and protecting groups described above, a method of forming, from component molecules, a plurality of compounds on a support, each compound occupying a separate predefined region of the support is provided. These resulting solid-phase arrays are useful, for example, to assay for the presence of biochemical products in biological samples.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating neurosynaptic disorder in a subject are described. More specifically, compositions and methods for inhibiting glutamate uptake by synaptic vesicles in a subject are set forth. In one embodiment, the composition is inhibitory protein factor (IPF) and the subject is a human.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods, compositions and kits for stabilizing a solubilized phenyl phosphate, preferably paranitrophenyl phosphate (PNPP), using charcoal. Also disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for recycling solubilized phenyl phosphate, preferably PNPP, that has an absorbance of less than 0.1 when measured at 405 nm due to non-enzymatic hydrolysis.

Abstract: A novel device and method for characterization of molecules is provides that improves characterization accuracy by utilizing larger numbers of reactive molecules that are smaller or shorter in chain length for the analysis procedure. Modification of markers such as nanotubes form nanotube assemblies that are easily detected using a number of surface analysis devices such as AFM and STM. The novel method shown using carbon nanotubes to mark a signature on reactive molecules permits a larger distribution and smaller molecule size of reactive molecules used in characterization of a sample molecule. The modification of the carbon nanotubes allows the characterization procedure to detect the nanotube markers more easily, thus decreasing characterization errors, and allowing faster characterization speeds.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of generating information about materials in a composition. A reagent is utilized to dissolve portions of the composition, and thereafter is filtered through a substrate which is then scanned with a microscope using automated displacement of the substrate to obtain data about the non-dissolved portions at locations along a grid pattern. Information about the size and quantity of the non-dissolved portions of the composition is generated. The invention also encompasses a method of generating information about impurities present in a metal composition. Metallic portions of the composition are selectively dissolved relative to impurities to form a solution. The solution is filtered through a substrate which is then scanned with a microscope to obtain data about a darkness of the impurities relative to a background. The data is processed to generate information about the size, quantity and type of the impurities.

Abstract: Total organic carbon in an aqueous or gaseous sample is measured by admitting the sample and an oxidant gas to a cell transparent to plasma, establishing a relatively low energy plasma in the cell, and measuring the CO2 thus produced using FTIR, NDIR, or conductivity-based techniques.

Abstract: A method for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of a material produced in a process system is disclosed. The method involves an enclosed bag into which a sample of material is placed, after which the bag is stored at a predetermined temperature such that the contents reach equilibrium. The storage temperature is the mean exit temperature of the effluent from the process system for which a VOC measurement is required. Samples from the headspace in the bag are inputted into a flame ionization detector to provide the VOC level. A kit for using the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Elemental analysis of a sample is carried out in an oxygen atmosphere in a combustion reactor and the volume of oxygen required for analysis is determined by means of the algorithm Qo=&Dgr;(Qc)  [1] where Qo is the volume of oxygen required and Qc is the weight of the sample to be analyzed and &Dgr;=Qo1/Qc1 where Qo1 is the volume of oxygen necessary for the combustion of a predetermined quantity Qc1 of the sample to be analyzed, the volume of oxygen Qo is then fed in pulsed mode to the combustion reactor, by means of a flow detector.

Abstract: The invention provides an ozone hydroxy radical analysis method for a liquid carrying a suspension of organic matter. The analyser includes a reactor vessel 2 having sample inlets and outlets 3 and 4 respectively for a liquid stream 5. The reactor vessel 2 is connected to a control system 10 and is fed from an acid vessel 15, a base vessel 16 and an ozone generator 20. The reactor vessel 2 contains glass beads and a catalyst is introduced into the reactor vessel. With a manganese catalyst and glass beads, the manganese coats the glass beads which therefore retain catalyst with the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance.

Abstract: A test for determining the bioavailable fraction of an organic pollutant present in soil comprises determining the fraction of the organic pollutant present in the soil which may be extracted by a cyclodextrin or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor including a closed chamber having as a wall substantially water-tight, carbon dioxide-permeable membrane and containing two electrodes. The chamber contains a film of de-ionized water contacting the membrane and both of the electrodes. The change in conductance of the water due to absorption of carbon dioxide is measured.

Abstract: An improved instrument for measuring the total organic carbon content of water provides substantially instantaneous TOC measurements that are repetitively calibrated, provides substantially improved accuracy of results in a circuit providing improved noise rejection, allowing faster response, and provides controlled dilution of the sample stream to extent the useful range of the instrument.

Abstract: An ultrapure water trap is provided for retaining condensed water of water vapor which is formed in a TC oxidative reaction part, and a passage is so connected that an automatic sample injector can collect ultrapure water from the ultrapure water trap for injecting the same into the TC oxidative reaction part. The automatic sample injector dilutes ordinary pure water which is outside this apparatus with the ultrapure water which is retained in the ultrapure water trap, thereby preparing a test solution having ultralow carbon concentration of not more than 50 ppbC in the interior of a TOC meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolysis of a bituminous paving mix is provided, comprising an oven having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls defining a combustion chamber, a sample support within the combustion chamber, an infrared heater mounted within the oven and arranged for emitting infrared radiation towards the sample holder so as to heat a sample of paving mix by means of radiation heat transfer, an air inlet positioned for emitting air into the combustion chamber, and an outlet positioned to provide for the circulation of air and combustion gases through the combustion chamber. The apparatus may further include a blower located on the downstream side of the outlet for inducing flow into the combustion chamber by the inlet and out of the combustion chamber by the outlet. A variable speed blower controller may be used to vary the blower speed during paralysis of the paving mix.

Abstract: A carbon analyzer, is provided which includes a combustion chamber having a platinum on titania catalyst. The combustion chamber and catalyst are also provided. A method for analyzing carbon-containing specimens with such an analyzer is also provided as well as a method for oxidizing such specimens with a platinum on titania catalyst. A method of conditioning the catalyst is also provided.

Abstract: Nutritional solutions and methods of making same are disclosed. The solutions include protein, lipid, and a carbohydrate source including high amylose starch and guar gum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of estimating ingredients of liquefaction products of coal or its analogues from a resonance spectrum thereof obtained using their solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The method comprises the first step of obtaining a resonance spectrum of coal or its analogues using a solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, the second step of determining distribution of various types of carbon having different linkage types which constitute the molecular structure of the coal or its analogues, and the third step of estimating ingredients of liquefaction products of the coal or its analogues on the basis of the determined carbon distribution.

Abstract: A small sample of a refractory material, e.g., about 0.1 g to about 10 g, is heated to at least 1000° C., generally under a pressure of less than about 10−5 Torr. Evolved hydrogen-containing gases and/or carbon-containing gases are monitored, e.g., by mass spectrometry, and, based on the amount of the evolved gases, the concentration of hydrogen and/or carbon in the sample is calculated. It is therefore possible to accurately determine the hydrogen and carbon concentration from a small sample of a material, by a process much less burdensome than conventional techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for water impurity analysis and for impurity analysis of various other liquids as well. Apparatus and processes are provided for physical characterization of liquid drops as a liquid sample builds up and then drops from a sample needle or other source. Liquid drop characterization is through utilization of infrared liquid drop measuring and computer modeling to measure a liquid drop as it builds up and then measures the falling liquid drop. By optically measuring an infrared radiated falling drop, and/or by characterizing the manner by which a sample drop is formed, a very precise way of determining the exact volume of a liquid sample is accomplished. Sample volume is typically directly proportional to concentration levels of the chemical constituent to be measured. By computer modeling, a falling drop can be quantified as to volume, rather than depending on the otherwise standard way of injecting a “known” volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing the aggregate content of asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes placing a preheated, preweighed container carrying a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition into a preheated furnace with the preheated furnace being warmer than the preheated sample, continuing to heat the furnace while drawing air through the furnace at a rate that avoids impeding the heating of the furnace or the sample until the sample in the container reaches its combustion temperature and the combustion of the sample becomes exothermic, initiating a second draw of air around rather than through the furnace to moderate the exterior temperature of the furnace, accelerating the draw through the furnace to increase the rate of combustion of the exothermic reaction, and reweighing the container and sample after combustion is complete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes directing sufficient microwave radiation from a microwave source to a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition to ignite the asphalt in the composition and to thereafter entirely combust the asphalt in the sample. The apparatus includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the microwave source, a sample holder in the cavity for holding a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition during exposure to microwaves from the source, thermal insulation between the sample holder and the remainder of the cavity, and means for minimizing or eliminating any undesired combustion products generated by the burning asphalt.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed utilizing hydrogen absorption in combination with photolysis and/or electrolysis for in situ generation, i.e., without the need for adding chemical oxidizing agents, or enhancement of oxidizing conditions used to promote oxidation of organic compounds to form carbon dioxide, and the use of the same in connection with high-accuracy determination of even extremely low levels of organic and/or inorganic carbon compounds both in flowing aqueous streams and in bulk solutions.

Abstract: A method for the determination of total organic carbon in an aqueous sample by trapping the organic matter on a sorbent which is carbon free and analyzing the sorbent by combustion and determination of total CO2 by IR.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for water impurity analysis and for impurity analysis of various other liquids as well. More particularly, the present invention concerns apparatus and processes for chemical oxidant and catalyst enhanced total organic carbon analysis of liquid samples for determination of the level of organic contamination of the samples. In particular the present invention concerns a novel reactor for TOC anlysis in which carbon, particularly organic carbon is oxidized to CO.sup.2 gas for further measurement by a CO.sub.2 gas detector, preferably a non-dispersive infrared analyzer. The invention also concerns a process for TOC analysis wherein by measuring the CO.sub.2 gas created by combining carbon with oxygen (either in the water, with a carrier gas of oxygen (O.sup.2), or a chemical oxidant, such as sodium persulfate, the carbon in the water sample is determined. A process and apparatus are employed for TOC analysis in which UV light having a wave length in the range of from about 3.8 to about 4.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assaying an asphalt-containing composite material by irradiating the sample using a radiation source having a tunable preselected wavelength selected to closely approximate the absorbance wavelength of a particular material or materials found in the composite material to reduce the overall time and temperatures ordinarily needed to combust and assay such samples.

Abstract: An analytical instrument measures carbon content of a liquid sample. The instrument includes a sample inlet, a reagent inlet, a rinsing solution inlet, a reaction chamber, a waste outlet and a syringe pump. A multiple port valve has a plurality of ports which are coupled to the sample inlet, the reagent inlet, the rinse solution inlet, the reaction chamber and the waste outlet. The valve also includes a primary port coupled to the syringe pump and selectively fluidically couplable to each of the remaining ports.

Abstract: Reagents, immunoassay methods, and kits for detecting the presence or amount of trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene in a sample. Reagents include antibodies, immunogens for preparing antibodies, and assay conjugates. The immunogens elicit high affinity antibodies to trichloroethylene. The antibodies have minimal crossreactivity to other halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons. The assay conjugates provide for sufficient binding of the antibody to the conjugate with maximum inhibition of that binding by free trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene in the sample. The reagents are useful in immunoassays to detect trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, especially in environmental samples. Kits contain antibodies specific for trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene and assay conjugates.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide sensor including a gas detecting portion and at least a pair of electrodes, wherein the gas detecting portion includes a metal oxide represented by a following formula;Cu.sub.1-x Bi.sub.x O.sub.y(0<x<1 and 1<y<1.5).

Abstract: A device for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample placed in a boat, said device including a first heater heating said sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining hydrocarbon-containing products released after feeding the sample into said first heater, a second subsequent heater heating said sample in an oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining the amount of CO.sub.2 contained in effluents discharged from the two heaters, said CO.sub.2 measuring means include a cell for measuring continuously CO.sub.2 throughout heating of the first and second heaters and a measuring component determining the amount of CO contained in the effluents discharged from the two heaters, and thereby allowing determination of said petroleum characteristic.

Abstract: A graphite of anisotrophy selected between substantially isotropic to highly anisotropic, or calcined coke graphitizable to such a graphite, or a pitch convertible into such a coke or graphite, is derived from bituminous coal. A first coal is extracted in NMP or like solvent to give a first extract that when carbonized alone produces a substantially isotropic coke. A second coal (the same or different as the first coal) is hydrogenated and similarly extracted to give a second extract. The extent of hydrogenation is controlled so that the second extract when carbonized alone produces a highly anisotropic coke. Test samples are prepared by combining the two extracts in differing ratios including one sample in a ratio at each range end of the range. The solids of each sample are recovered, carbonized into coke, and then optionally converted into graphite, and its degree of anisotrophy analyzed. Comparison of the analyzed degrees for the different coke or graphite samples gives an correlation (e. g.

Abstract: A method of pretreating aqueous chemical oxygen demand (COD) samples to remove the risk of potential chloride ion interference. The method comprises acidifying an aqueous COD test sample, and thereafter passing the acidified sample through a source of pentavalent bismuth (Bi.sup.5+) such as sodium bismuthate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the concentration of at least carbon dioxide in a gas mixture on the basis of the absorption of infrared radiation (2), said apparatus comprising: a radiation source (1), the radiation emitted thereby being aligned to travel through a measuring cell (4) containing a gas mixture (6) to be analyzed; an optical band-pass filter (10), which is transmissive to a first wavelength band and positioned on the path of radiation emerging from the measuring cell or entering into the measuring cell through which the radiation passes; and a first detector (14), positioned in the radiating direction downstream of said first band-pass filter and used for detecting the radiation intensity falling thereon. Said optical band-pass filter (10) has a band-pass which lies within the wavelength range of 4.38 .mu.m-4.47 .mu.m for measuring the total concentration of carbon dioxide by means of the absorption spectrum of a molecule .sup.13 CO.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon and total carbon of water are described. The ample is acidified and split into an inorganic carbon stream and a total carbon stream. The inorganic carbon in the inorganic stream is oxidized and both the organic and inorganic carbon in the total carbon stream is oxidized. The resulting carbon dioxide is measured in each stream using carbon dioxide sensors employing a gas permeable membrane dividing deionized water from the oxidized sample water and a pair of micro-conductivity and temperature sensors.

Abstract: A method allowing fast assessment of at least one petroleum characteristic of geologic sediments from a sample of these sediments, said method comprising heating the sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and which method comprises different temperature rise stages; determining at least three magnitudes S.sub.1r, S.sub.2a and S.sub.b representative of the quantity of hydrocarbons contained in said sample, and deducing at least one petroleum characteristic of the geologic sediment from these three magnitudes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon and total carbon of water are described. The sample is acidified and split into an inorganic carbon stream and a total carbon stream. The inorganic carbon in the inorganic stream is oxidized and both the organic and inorganic carbon in the total carbon stream is oxidized. The resulting carbon dioxide is measured in each stream using carbon dioxide sensors employing a gas permeable membrane dividing deionized water from the oxidized sample water and a pair of micro-conductivity and temperature sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and an oxidizing atmosphere. The sample is heated to a first temperature value below 200.degree. C. for a predetermined period of time and then to a second temperature value ranging between 600 and 850.degree. C. according to a temperature gradient between 0.2.degree. C. and 50.degree. C./min. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are continuously measured during the temperature stages in order to determine at least one petroleum characteristic, wherein said petroleum characteristic comprises a quantity of organic oxygen, inorganic oxygen, total organic carbon, or inorganic carbon.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon, total carbon and total heteroorganic carbon of deionized water are described. In a preferred embodiment, the sample is split into a first stream and a second stream. Inorganic carbon in the first stream is measured using a temperature and conductivity cell, and then the organic carbon in the first stream is oxidized in a U.V. oxidation module. The resulting carbon dioxide is transferred through a carbon dioxide permeable membrane into the second stream. The second stream then passes into a second temperature and conductivity cell for the measurement of total carbon.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for detecting a first substance within a second substance, preferably for localizing diamonds in kimberlite rocks. The first substance, e.g. the diamonds, have a very long spin-lattice relaxation time (T.sub.1) in the order of hours. For rapidly detecting the first substance, the build-up of magnetization of a predetermined kind of nuclei, e.g. .sup.13 C, being abundant in the first substance only is shortened and the nuclear magnetic resonance of that kind of nuclei is measured thereafter. The shortening is executed within a pre-treatment station, whereas the measurement takes place within an analyzing station. The shortening and the measuring, respectively, are carried out within magnetic fields (B.sub.01, B.sub.02) of different field strengths.

Abstract: A method of evaluating at least on type of pollution characteristic in a soil sample contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds, a method wherein the soil sample is first heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, then in an oxidizing atmosphere. The method comprises several temperature rise stages from which at least five quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 are measured, wherein the quantities represent concentrations of hydrocarbon compounds in the soil sample. At least one type of pollution characteristic of the sample is determined from quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4.

Abstract: An oxidation reactor having particular utility in a system for measuring carbon in an aqueous sample. A first chamber and second chamber are separated by a hydrogen-permeable electrode, each chamber having a separate electrolysis cell. The hydrogen-permeable electrode acts as the anode of one cell and the cathode of the other cell. The sample stream flows into one chamber and the electrolysis cell produces oxygen from the water at one optically transparent electrode and in combination with short wave ultraviolet light oxidizes organic carbon to CO.sub.2 and produces hydrogen at the other electrode which passes through the hydrogen-permeable electrode into the second chamber. The electrolysis cell in the second chamber produces oxygen at hydrogen-permeable electrode to react with the hydrogen that passes through the hydrogen-permeable electrode to form water, thereby maintaining the maximum concentration gradient of hydrogen across the hydrogen-permeable electrode to improve hydrogen transferring efficiency.

Abstract: A method is provided for nonoxidatively cleaving the phosphorus-oxygen linkage of nucleic acids and certain anticholinesterases such as insecticides using a macrocyclic copper(II) complex. A composition suited for such cleavage is also provided.