Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a pump unit, where the pump unit includes a primary piston pump having a primary piston and a secondary piston pump having a secondary piston. The primary piston pump is fluidically connected with the secondary piston pump. The primary piston pump includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve, and the pump unit operates periodically according to a pump cycle. The method includes determining a fluid pressure of fluid dispensed by the pump unit, and performing a closed loop control of a position of the primary piston in dependence on the fluid pressure of the fluid dispensed by the pump unit during a first time interval of the pump cycle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to materials and methods for inhibiting Botulinum neurotoxin, and more particularly to materials and methods for inhibiting the zinc endopeptidase of Botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A, D and/or E (BoNTA, BoNTD and/or BoNTE).

Abstract: Methods and devices for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a fast, efficient and compact manner are disclosed. In particular, the various embodiments of the present invention provide an automated, stand-alone, hands-free operation of the entire radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic device with unrestricted gas flow through the reactor, starting with target water and yielding purified PET radiotracer within a period of time shorter than conventional chemistry systems. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is related to a microfluidic chip for radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound, comprising a reaction chamber, one or more flow channels connected to the reaction chamber, one or more vents connected to said reaction chamber, and one or more integrated valves to effect flow control in and out of said reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing or monitoring bipolar disorders, in particular bipolar I and bipolar II disorders, such as manic psychosis.

Abstract: A method that identifies common peaks among unidentified peaks in the data from different LC-MS or LC-MS/MS runs is provided. The method employs an algorithm, herein referred to as “Precision Peak Matching (PPM).” The different runs can be from different laboratories, instruments, and biological samples that result in a significant variability in the data. PPM allows estimation and control of precision, defined as the fraction of truly identical peptide pairs among all pairs retrieved, in the matching process. PPM finds the maximal number of peptide pairs at a prescribed precision, thereby allowing quantitative control over the trade off between the number of true pairs missed, and false pairs found. PPM finds common peptides from a database of LC-MS runs of heterogeneous origins, and at the specified precision. PPM fills a much-needed role in proteomics by extracting useful information from disparate LC-MS databases in a statistically rigorous and interpretable manner.

Abstract: The invention is based on methods that allow analysis of mixed meningococcal saccharides from multiple serogroups even though they share monosaccharide units. With a combination of saccharides from serogroups C, W135 and Y, the invention analyses sialic acid, glucose and galactose content. The glucose and galactose results are used to directly quantify saccharides from serogroups Y and W135, respectively, and the combined glucose and galactose content is subtracted from the sialic acid content to quantify saccharides from serogroup C. The three serogroups can thus be resolved even though their monosaccharide contents overlap. The three different monosaccharide analyses can be performed on the same material, without interference between the monosaccharides and without interference from any other saccharide materials in the composition (e.g. lyophilisation stabilisers).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid chromatograph which, in a high performance liquid chromatograph analysis using a post-column method, can maintain mixing precision of a sample eluted from a column and a reaction reagent without a special mixing and reacting portion, prevent diffusion of a target component, and perform measurement with high sensitivity. The liquid chromatograph of the present invention has a mobile phase feed pump 1 with an allowable pressure higher than 40 MPa, a separation column 3 having a packing material with a particle diameter of 3 ?m or smaller, and a reaction reagent feed pump 8 to which a pressurizing coil 9 for increasing the pressure acting on the reaction reagent feed pump 8 is connected.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a dithiocarbamate pesticide is provided. The method includes the steps of: adding a crude drug, a preparation containing the same, or a treated product thereof, an aqueous acid catalyst solution, L-cysteine or a salt thereof, and an organic solvent for extraction to a reaction vessel, sealing the vessel, carrying out microwave irradiation, digesting a dithiocarbamate pesticide existing in the crude drug or the preparation containing the same into carbon disulfide, carrying out fractional extraction using the above organic solvent, and then analyzing the extract.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of ion chromatography wherein a specialized electrodeionization (EDI) apparatus is used for simultaneous ion suppression of cations from a flowing base containing an anion sample of interest and ion suppression of anions from a flowing acid containing a cation sample of interest. The methods described herein allow for the ion suppression of samples containing chloride, nitrate, and other electrochemically active anions, as well as sodium, potassium, and other electrochemically active cations, without causing damage to the suppressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a natural substance that is capable of complexation with Ni2+, Cu2+ and/or Fe2+ ions, wherein an extract containing natural substances is led over a stationary phase loaded with Ni2+, Cu2+ and/or Fe2+ ions, which is suitable for immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). The invention further relates to the use of a stationary phase loaded with Ni2+, Cu2+ and/or Fe2+ ions, which is suitable for immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), for identifying a natural substance that is capable of complexation with Ni2+, Cu2+ and/or Fe2+ ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides quantitation of seven classes of compounds (saturates, 1-4+ ring aromatics, sulfides, and polars) present in petroleum streams boiling from 550-1050° F. Operating the present invention in the preparative mode will allow us to load and collect multi-milligram amounts of material. In the present invention, all seven fractions are produced in a single run, whereas the most commonly used preparative liquid chromatographic separations requires two or more large scale separations to generate similar fractions. The present invention uses 100 times less solvent. The present invention protocol provides a quicker and cheaper alternative to most commonly used preparative liquid chromatographic separations and is flexible enough to target many refining and chemicals problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a level of a RuBP, PGA, 2-PA in a photosynthetic cellular extract by resolving at least one RuBP, PGA, or 2-PA or combinations thereof in a photosynthetic cellular extract obtained from a plant. In another aspect, it provides for detecting at least one resolved RuBP, PGA, or 2-PA or combinations, thereby determining a level of the resolved RuBP, PGA, or 2-PA or combinations. In one aspect the photosynthetic cellular extract is obtained from a plant subjected to an abiotic stress. A method of the invention can be useful, for example, for identifying plants with increased photosynthetic performance. Also included herein is a high throughput system for identifying a plant with increased photosynthetic performance.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an immunoassay method which is capable of simultaneous quantification of a plurality of test substances under a same analysis condition, through adjustment of the measurement sensitivity/range by simply varying the size of particles for use as labels, without changing the spectra of these particles.

Abstract: A micro fluidic system includes a substrate, and, provided on said substrate, at least one flow path interconnecting with functional means in which liquid samples can be treated by desired procedures. The flow paths are laid out to form a pattern for the transport of liquid samples to and from said functional means. These flow paths comprise a plurality of micro posts protruding upwards from said substrate, the spacing between the micro posts being small enough to induce a capillary action in a liquid sample applied anywhere within any of said flow paths, so as to force said liquid to move from where said liquid sample was applied.

Abstract: An ion chromatography apparatus comprising: (a) a first chromatography column, (b) a second chromatography column, the volume of the second column being no greater than 0.9 times the volume of the first; and (c) valving disposed between said first and second columns permitting selective transfer of separated ionic species from first chamber to second chamber for further analysis.

Abstract: Chiral selectors having ?-unsubstituted ?-amino acid derivatives of the structure: a stationary phase for separating substance mixtures containing the chiral selector, and processes for separating mixtures of chiral substances, including enantiomers, and especially enantiomers of substances selected from ?-amino acids and derivatives thereof, ?-amino acids and ?-hydroxy acids are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in-situ, chemical analysis of an aerosol. The method may include the steps of: collecting an aerosol; thermally desorbing the aerosol into a carrier gas to provide desorbed aerosol material; transporting the desorbed aerosol material onto the head of a gas chromatography column; analyzing the aerosol material using a gas chromatograph, and quantizing the aerosol material as it evolves from the gas chromatography column. The apparatus includes a collection and thermal desorption cell, a gas chromatograph including a gas chromatography column, heated transport lines coupling the cell and the column; and a quantization detector for aerosol material evolving from the gas chromatography column.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing mixtures of polysaccharides, for example heparin such as unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin are described. In some instances, the mixtures are analyzed using fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC), e.g., strong anion exchange HPLC.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a microfluidic device having a fluid flow path and a monolithic chromatographic material covalently bound to at least a portion of a polymeric surface of the fluid flow path. Aspects of the invention further include methods of making and using such devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chromatography of a polyolefin polymer by flowing a solution of the polyolefin polymer through liquid flowing through a graphitic carbon liquid chromatography stationary phase. The method can be used to determine the monomer to comonomer ratio of a polyolefin copolymer such as a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene or a copolymer of propylene and ethylene.

Abstract: Use of an affinity adsorbent for the separation, removal, isolation, purification, characterisation, identification or quantification of a proteinaceous material, wherein the affinity adsorbent is a compound of formula (III), wherein R1 is H, alkyl, aryl, hydroxyalkyl, cyciohexyl, amino or a heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one or more of alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, acyloxy, acylamino, amino, OH, CO2H, sulphonyl, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl, alkylsuiphonyl and halogen; one X is N and the other is N, C—Cl or C—CN; Y is O, S or NR2; Z is O, S or NR3; R2 and R3 are each H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, benzyl or ?-phenylethyl; Q is benzene, naphthalene, benzthiazole, benzoxazole, 1-phenylpyrazole, indazoie or benzimidazoie; R4, R5 and R6 are each H, OH, alkyl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, acyloxy, acylamino, CO2H, sulphonic acid, carbamoyl, suiphamoyl, alkylsulphonyl or halogen, or two or more of R4, R5 and R6 are linked to form a cyclic structure; U and V are the same or different C1-10

Abstract: A method of analyzing vitamin E components in a lipoprotein by subjecting a lipoprotein-containing sample to ion exchange chromatography to separate the lipoprotein, reacting the separated lipoprotein to a pretreating solution containing an organic solvent and a surfactant to liberate vitamin E components, and then subjecting the liberated vitamin E components to reverse phase chromatography. Also described is a method of judging various pathological conditions such as the pathological conditions of diabetes, the risks of coronary artery diseases, and the pathological conditions of myocardial infarction using levels of vitamin E components in the lipoprotein as an index.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, kits, devices, and methods of attracting, detecting, eradicating, controlling, or killing an insect, such as a bed bug, by utilizing insect attractant, arresting, and/or aggregation compounds and compositions is provided. Insect attractant, arresting, and/or aggregation compounds identified from insect fecal extract by an analytical technique, such as gas chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Carbon-13 NMR, mass spectroscopy, LC-MS, GC-MS, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or combinations thereof are provided. A bed bug attractant, arresting, and/or aggregation compound identified from bed bug feces and exhibiting a Carbon-13 NMR peak at about ? 159.453 ppm is also provided.

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: Methods and systems for assessing patient compliance with opioid drug therapy are provided. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) can be used to simultaneously detect a set of measurements including an amount of at least ten opioids (and their metabolites) in a body fluids sample from a patient. The set of at least ten opioids can include at least oxymorphone and fentanyl. The amounts of opioids and their metabolites are analyzed. For example, the ratios of opioids and their respective metabolites can be used to determine which opioids a patient has been administered. A report of patient compliance is generated based on the set of measurements.

Abstract: An improved chromatographic method for the separation, identification and quantification of contaminants associated with Eosinophelia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS) includes a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method which utilizes a silica-based column and a gradient mobile phase. The method provides for effective, efficient, and economical quantitative and qualitative identification of 1,1?-Ethylidenebis L-tryptophan (EBT), 2,3-indolymethyl L-tryptophan (Peak 200), and 2-anilino-L-alanine (Peak 1).

Abstract: Application of a reference mixture of natural products for systematic analysis and comparison of the properties of biphasic solvent systems in counter-current/partition chromatography. Because the reference mixture is comprised of compounds with varying polarities, functional groups, and structural features it provides a rational method for mapping the optimal resolution polarity range of a particular solvent system. The mapping of optimal resolution polarity ranges of solvent systems provided for the description of the overall optimal resolution polarity range of a solvent system family, comprised of the same solvents in different proportions. By comparing the reference mixture performance in the individual members of a solvent system family, the solvent system that best functions as the representative of, or portal to, the solvent system families is determined. Use of the reference mixture also afforded a method to compare the overall optimal resolution polarity ranges of solvent system families.

Abstract: Methods of defining a standard for a traditional medicine are provided. A method can comprise obtaining at least two samples of the traditional medicine that have been authenticated by qualitative profiling as representing a control positive; quantitatively profiling each of the at least two samples using at least two physicochemical analyses; blending the at least two samples to form the standard; and creating a quantitative profile for the standard using at least two physicochemical analyses, wherein the quantitative profile for the standard defines the standard. Methods of certifying a test sample of a traditional medicine are also provided. A method can comprise creating a quantitative profile for the test sample using at least two physicochemical analyses; providing a standard; and comparing the quantitative profile for the standard to the quantitative profile for the test sample. A certified traditional medicine comprises a traditional medicine certified by these methods.

Abstract: To provide a method for enhancing analysis sensitivity of bio-related molecules in mass spectrometry. To provide a method for rapidly and conveniently analyzing biological acid molecules using the method of enhanced analysis sensitivity in mass spectrometry. A method of preparing a bio-related molecule to be subjected to mass spectrometry, in which at least a part of acid group(s) is esterified, comprising reacting a bio-related molecule comprising an acid group(s) with a triazene compound to esterify at least a part of said acid group(s). A method of analyzing bio-related molecules comprising reacting a bio-related molecule comprising an acid group(s) with a triazene compound to esterify said acid group(s), and then subjecting said bio-related molecule having an esterified acid group(s) to mass spectrometry.

Abstract: In an affinity-type purification, ligands dissociated from a packed bed that would otherwise leach into the solution containing the species being purified are captured by a second ligand that resides in a porous barrier downstream from the packed bed, the second ligand exhibiting an affinity-type interaction with the dissociated first ligand with sufficient specificity to avoid the undesired retention by the second ligand of species from the liquid sample or source liquid other than the species sought to be purified in the affinity column.

Abstract: Gas chromatography apparatuses are provided that can include a housing configured to substantially envelop the column within the compartment. Analytical instruments are provided that can include at least one chromatography column compartment having a volume of the less than 100 mL. Analytical methods are provided that can include increasing the temperature of a chromatography column at a rate of about 60° C./minute using less than about 40 W. Methods are also provided that include providing at least one gas chromatography column compartment configured to substantially envelop a gas chromatography column and performing analysis with the one compartment in the first operable position and/or transitioning portions to the second operable position to allow access to the one compartment.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method to more easily analyze the concentration of glue in an electrolyte solution, while suppressing the degradation of glue during the analysis. There is provided a method for analyzing the concentration of glue contained in an electrolyte solution containing the electrolyte components by using high performance liquid chromatography, where said method comprises a step wherein an electrolyte solution is added into the eluent pH of which has been adjusted equal to or less than 5 by adding acid to an aqueous solution of phosphate of alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal, a step wherein the eluent into which the electrolyte solution has been added is passed through a separation column the exclusion limit molecular weight of which is 4000-6000 for separating the glue and electrolyte components, and a step wherein the separated glue is detected by a detector.

Abstract: Testing of a test article based on a color development state of a test area is achieved in an easy manner. A sample is deposited on a spreading layer of a test piece, and the test piece is loaded in a loading port of a chromatographic analysis apparatus. After a preset time has elapsed, color development states of the test area and a control area in an observation window are read as an image. A preprocessing unit applies preprocessing to the image, and then, spatial frequency components of the image are calculated. Then, pattern information is generated based on the spatial frequency components, and the pattern information is displayed on an information output unit.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

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 present invention relates to a method and an apparatus that measure the concentration of glycated hemoglobin by an optical technique. A wavelength in which the molecular extinction coefficient of oxyhemoglobin agrees or substantially agrees with the molecular extinction coefficient of deoxyhemoglobin is adopted as a measurement wavelength. Preferably, the measurement wavelength is set at from 417 to 421 nm. In the present invention, the concentration of glycated hemoglobin is measured by making use of column chromatography and of using a sample prepared from red blood cells in blood.

Abstract: Ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatographic materials are constructed by tethering a terminal binding functionality to a solid support via a hydrophobic linker. The backbone of the linker typically comprises sulfur-containing moieties. Suitable terminal binding functionalities are tertiary amines, quaternary ammonium salts, or hydrophobic groups. These chromatographic materials possess both hydrophobic and ionic character under the conditions prescribed for their use. The separation of proteins from crude mixtures at physiological ionic strength can be accomplished with a chromatographic material of this type by applying pH or ionic strength gradients, thereby effecting protein adsorption and desorption.

Abstract: The present invention provides dietary supplements, medical foods, and methods effective to delay the onset, slow the progression, and/or ameliorate at least one of the symptoms of a metabolic disease or disorder, such as metabolic syndrome, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, pancreatic disease, and/or hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing gases such as carbon dioxide, and includes passing a gas stream containing impurities into a gas adsorption means for a length of time at ambient or higher temperatures to adsorb the impurities therein, stopping the flow of the gas stream, and desorbing and analyzing the impurities using a detector.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring the effective temperature inside a sealed container having a headspace is provided. A liquid solvent is added to the container, and a solid compound is added to the liquid solvent to create a saturated solution. Vapor of the saturated solution is allowed to equilibrate in the headspace of the sealed container, and a volume thereof is transferred to a chromatographic column, where chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor are taken. A temperature within the sealed container is then calculated based upon the chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor, wherein the temperature calculation is based upon the concentrations of the liquid solvent and the solid compound in the equilibrated vapor.

Abstract: A stationary medium is employed both to separate chemicals from a sample solution and also to generate surface-enhanced Raman scattering, so that spectral analysis of the separated analyte chemical can be performed. Applied driving force causes the sample to flow into the stationary medium and to distribute therethrough, thereby causing rapid separation of the analyte chemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation is quickly detected, at a plurality of locations along a flow path defined by the stationary medium, for ultimate analysis.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a standard sample in which a uniform dispersion of a predetermined concentration of red phosphorus is guaranteed even in a very small amount, and an analytical method for quantitatively determining red phosphorus contained in a resin by pyrolysis-GC/MS, in which the standard sample is used. The method for producing a standard sample for quantitatively determining red phosphorus contained in a resin includes the steps of preparing a red-phosphorus-containing compound by weighing a predetermined amount of red phosphorus and uniformly mixing the red phosphorus in a resin; decreasing the number of particles having a maximum diameter of 5 ?m or more to 1/20 or less of the number of particles having a maximum diameter of 1 ?m or more and less than 5 ?m by pulverizing the red-phosphorus-containing compound; and obtaining a standard sample by weighing about 0.05 to 10 mg, preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 mg of the pulverized red-phosphorus-containing compound.

Abstract: A process and to an apparatus for isotope ratio analysis having the steps of: performing an LC process and thus providing a first eluate which comprises at least one first liquid carrier fluid and one or more analytes, collecting a portion of interest from the eluate, processing the eluate portion of interest by combining with a second liquid carrier fluid and removing the first carrier fluid to form a processed eluate portion, processing the processed eluate portion to form one or more gaseous conversion products of the analytes, and supplying the gaseous conversion products with gaseous carrier fluid to an isotope analyzer and determining the isotope ratios.

Abstract: A digester-evaporator for partially digesting a sample and for evaporating the solvent after partial digestion. The digester includes at least one reaction coil; a heating element arranged along a portion of the reaction coil; at least a portion of the reaction coil proximate to its output being preheated by the heating element to a degree sufficient to convert a partially digested sample into vapor; a collector spoon with carrier water for collecting sample vapor; and an evaporator portion including an evaporation chamber including a substantially vertically-oriented tube The collector spoon is arranged in the top of the substantially vertically-oriented tube, and a gas supply tube for supplying a preheated gas provided in a top of the substantially vertically-oriented tube so as to create a cyclonic gas flow into the chamber and carry the sample to a container area in a bottom portion of the chamber.

Abstract: An automatic solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling apparatus having a mobile sampler arm with a holder for a probe carrying a fiber 9 and an intermediate bracket for transferring the probe between a probe storage tray and the gas chromatograph injector. In the various probe handling stages, the probes are collected by a magnetic member attached to the end of the plunger in the holder, at the free end of the holder's body and at the lower end of the block for guiding the probe needle. The magnetic member interacts with a ferromagnetic connector attached to one end of the fiber and with a ferromagnetic flange attached to the end of the needle containing the fiber in order to place the probe on the transfer bracket or remove it therefrom. The apparatus can perform analyses on fibers that have already been exposed, extract analytes from samples, and subsequently transfer them for desorption in the gas chromatograph in a fully automatic way.

Abstract: Isobaric reagents for labeling analytes are provided. The isobaric reagents have facile design and synthesis that allows for differential labeling of an unlimited number of analyte samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods and compositions which allow for determining the presence or amount of glyphosate, N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or aminomethyl phosphoric acid (AMPA) and its various metabolites in a variety of test matrices. In one method, determining the presence or amount of N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA in a test sample comprises providing the test sample suspected of containing N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA; extracting the N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA from the test sample; and, detecting the N-acetylglyphosate and/or N-acetyl AMPA in the extract. In other methods, the presence or amount of at least one of glyphosate, N-acetylglyphosate, N-acetyl AMPA or aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) or a metabolite thereof in a test sample is determined.

Abstract: A clinical sampling system including a reader capable of optically imaging a test cartridge presented thereto and then automatically determining the presence and concentration of a target compound in a liquid sample placed on the test cartridge. The reader includes an optical imaging unit for illuminating, imaging, and interpreting the test cartridge. The test cartridge houses a reaction strip having a control region and a sample region that reacts to a liquid sample placed on the strip. The presence and concentration of the target compound are interpreted by determining the relative reflected intensities of the control region and sample region and calculating the ratio of the reflected intensities relative to the reflected intensity of the background.

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 ?-citronellol contained in the urine excreted from the patient and determining if the presence and amount of ?-citronellol is indicative of lung cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the isolation, identification, and purification of adrenomedullin (AM)-binding proteins. Also, provided are methods for utilizing the purified AM-binding proteins, or functional portions thereof, to diagnose, treat, and monitor AM-related diseases, for example, diseases or disorders associated with abnormally elevated AM levels. In addition, the present invention provides a newly identified complex between AM and a specific AM-binding protein 1 (AMBP-1); which has been isolated and identified herein as factor H (fH). The invention also provides AM/AMBP complexes, particularly AM/FH complexes, and antibodies specifically reactive with this complexes. Further provided are methods for identifying and purifying complexes of AM and an AM binding protein using anti-AM/fH antibodies, and methods for treating conditions such as cancer or diabetes utilizing compositions comprising these antibodies.