Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (Aze) in food consumable by humans and animals are provided. Also provided are methods and systems for inactivating Aze in food and byproducts, as well as other methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders associated with Aze.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte in a sample is provided, which comprises: a collecting chamber containing an opening for collecting a liquid sample; a detecting element for detecting an analyte in the liquid sample; and a lid for covering the opening of the collecting chamber. The device further comprises an indicating device thereon to indicate whether or not the lid covers at an appointed position. The operation of the device is very simple.

Abstract: A game device and a method allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine has a main display and a user interface. The game has a main game and a bonus game. The method includes the steps of (i) allowing the player to place a wager on the main game, (ii) playing the main game and randomly establishing a result of the main game, and (iii) awarding the player an award as a function of a paytable if the result of the main game is a win. The method further includes the steps of (iv) detecting an appearance of a predetermined bonus trigger symbol during the play of the main game and responsively, randomly selecting a bonus symbol from a set of bonus symbols, repeating steps (i)-(iv), and awarding the player a bonus award if a predetermined number of unique bonus symbols are selected.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for certification of carcasses, and for detecting a contaminated carcass and preventing its movement into or across a production area. The inventive methods comprise obtaining, early in the production process (pre-fabrication), a test sample from at least one test location of at least one split-portion of each carcass, wherein the test samples are obtained prior to or during chilling of the respective split portions, before entry thereof in the production chain. Composite test samples are assayed for pathogens or microbes, whereby certification is afforded, or whereby entry of the chilled split-carcass-Lot into the production area is precluded if the corresponding composite-Lot test sample is contaminated. Methods for remedial reconditioning of contaminated split-carcasses are provided, wherein essentially 100% of the carcasses are targeted to the production line. The inventive methods provide substantial public health benefit, and are efficient and economical to implement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production process of a gender-specific serum and a biomarker using the serum. More specifically, the present invention uses a fatty acid that exhibits a specific expression pattern in a gender-specific serum as a biomarker not only for diagnosis of obesity or a disease related to obesity, but also for diagnosis of meat quality since the fatty acid promotes differentiation of muscle derived stem cells into adipose cells. In addition, the present invention can establish a research system studying the effects of steroid hormones on the cell culture by using sera separated from blood that is collected from individual mammal carcasses being disposed, and provide important clues for discovering a gene associated with the synthesis of steroid hormone and for developing treatments for human diseases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for determining an allergic response by determining the extent of degranulation of human IgE sensitized cells upon activation by allergens in food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enteral composition containing phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol or precursors thereof, which can be used in the treatment of sepsis. With the composition of the invention the natural level of chylomicrons is maintained, in particular in gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which ensures that most of LPS and/or LTA which are released in the body can be neutralized, substantially decreasing the risk of locally occurring high levels of LPS and/or LTA and thus sepsis.

Abstract: The histamine detection method of the invention includes: a reaction step of causing a sample solution possibly containing histamine to react with 2,3-naphathalene dicarboxylaldehyde at PH of less than 10; and a detection step of detecting histamine based on a color change in the reaction step. The arrangement of this histamine detection method ensures the good color development in a visible region and thus enables easy and quick detection of histamine.

Abstract: A direct rapid automated protein analyzer is disclosed. The protein analyzer includes means for reducing protein samples to small particles, a reaction vessel in material transfer communication with the homogenizer, a reservoir for binding dye composition in fluid communication with the reaction vessel, a metering pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and the reaction vessel for distributing discrete predetermined amounts of a binding dye composition to the reaction vessel, a filter in fluid communication with the reaction vessel for separating solids from filtrate after a dye binding reaction has taken place in the reaction vessel, and a calorimeter in fluid communication with the filter and the reaction vessel for measuring the absorbance of the filtrate from the reaction vessel and the filter. The rapid analyzer can be used in conjunction with a kit that includes a sample cup for mixing a protein sample with a dye-binding solution and a filter holder for being positioned in the sample cup.

Abstract: Synthetic ligand compounds and methods of differentiating between Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2 are disclosed herein. Another embodiment includes a kit for differentiating between Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2. Assay systems and methods for providing an assay are also provided for herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the fragmentation of large molecules, especially biopolymers. The invention consists in reacting analyte ions with excited or radical neutral particles, whereby, at least in the case of bombardment of analyte ions with helium atoms from an FAB generator, a new type of fragmentation occurs which strongly resembles fragmentation by electron capture (ECD). The reactions may be performed in magnetic ion traps (ion cyclotron resonance cells, ICR), in RF ion traps according to Wolfgang Paul, in RF ion guides, or in free beams of analyte ions or neutral particles.

Abstract: A method of evaluating freshness of a fish product by cutting a small quantity of sample from the fish product, adding an effective amount of a staining reagent containing at least one of a cell-permeant dye and a cell-impermeant fluorescent dye onto the sample, incubating the sample for a predetermined duration, and determining the freshness of the fish product based on the fluorescence emitted from the sample.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided which bind to heat-treated proteins of meats. The antibodies are useful in detecting the presence of an exogenous meat in a cooked or raw meat sample. Furthermore, the antibodies can be used to determine the end point temperature of a meat sample.

Abstract: A device for centrifugation and robotic manipulation of specimen samples, including incubating eggs, and uses thereof are provided. The device may advantageously be used for the incubation of avian, reptilian or any type of vertebrate eggs. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for holding samples individually, rotating them individually, rotating them on a centrifuge collectively, injecting them individually with a fixative or other chemical reagent, and maintaining them at controlled temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric composition. The device is applicable to experiments involving entities other than eggs, such as invertebrate specimens, plants, microorganisms and molecular systems.

Abstract: A standard sample composition containing a complexing agent and an alkali salt, mixed with a known amount of a foodstuff, the content of at least one component of which is accurately known. The mixture is dissolved in a solvent, e.g. water, and comminuted to form a dispersion. The solvent is removed e.g. by freeze-drying or other suitable method, such that the water content of the composition is <5% by weight, preferably <1% by weight, more preferably <0.1%, most preferably <0.01% by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A sample for NMR measurement of moisture and fat and oil contents is disclosed. The sample includes an organic portion containing at least some fats and oils, a pad that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation and is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, and a sheet material that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, with the sheet material being wrapped around the organic portion and the pad.

Abstract: A food quality indicator device an indicator compound provided on a substrate. The indicator compound changes color due to the presence of volatile compounds, such as volatile bases, in spoiled food, even when the food is frozen. Alternatively, the indicator compound detects the presence of an unwanted amine-producing biological agent, such as bacteria or fungi. The indicator compound is typically contained within a polymeric matrix disposed on the substrate. Examples of suitable indicator compounds include halogenated azo dyes, sulfonated xanthene dyes, and sulfonated hydroxy-functional triphenylmethane dyes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for screening for the presence of a clinically relevant amount of bacteria in donor blood or a blood product from a donor mammal, particularly blood or a blood product that will be transferred from the donor mammal to a recipient mammal. The method comprises contacting a sample of the donor blood or a blood product with a set of binding agents that comprises binding agents that specifically bind to Gram-negative bacterial antigen and/or binding agents that specifically bind to Gram-positive bacterial antigen, and determining binding of the set of binding agents to the sample, wherein binding indicates the presence of a clinically relevant amount of Gram-positive bacteria and/or Gram-negative bacteria in the donor blood or blood product and no binding indicates the absence of a clinically relevant amount of Gram-positive bacteria and/or Gram-negative bacteria in the donor blood or blood product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A system to detect spoilage of a food product is described in this invention. The present invention can be used to see if a food product is spoiled, by mixing a part of the food product with an indicator of food spoilage within a separate transparent compartment of the food container, which is visible to the consumer.

Abstract: The invention provides a cDNA which encodes tapasin-like protein. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, protein, and antibody in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of therapies for cancer. The invention further provides vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and transgenic model systems.

Abstract: In qualitative or quantitative assays which employ a test device comprising a test strip pretreated for detection of a specified target analyte dissolved in a liquid medium, the presence of solid, semisolid and/or colloidal materials in the liquid medium may interfere with the assay results. The present invention involves collecting the sample from a flowing or quiescent pool of liquid also containing solid, semisolid or colloidal material with a swab comprised of a handle and a mass of fibrous material or foamed, open cell material which, when immersed in and thoroughly wetted by the liquid, entraps solid, semisolid and/or colloidal material and delivers only the liquid to the sample receiving zone of the test strip.

Abstract: A method of obtaining physical and/or chemical characteristics of a biological medium, comprising submitting said medium to at least two currents Ii of different strength and frequency fi, by means of a first group of electrodes, measuring the voltage drop Ui in said medium by means of a second group of electrodes, positioning a first element of the first group of electrodes and a second element of the second group of electrodes in a first zone of said medium, and positioning a third element of the first group of electrodes and a fourth element of the second group of electrodes in a second zone of said medium.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for evaluating the hot treatment to which a proteinic nutrient such as milk is subjected. It consists in the following steps: a) taking a sample of said nutrient and adding thereto an ionic strength pad and appropriate pH for obtaining a precipitate of proteins denatured by the hot treatment and a transparent supenatant containing proteins which are still soluble; b) analysing the tryptophan present in the supernatant; and c) analysing the fluorescent by-products derived from the advanced Maillard reaction present in the supernatant. The invention is useful in methods for hot treatment of proteinic nutrients.

Abstract: An immunoassay method comprising bringing an immobilized phase comprising, at different positions on a water-absorbable base material, at least two first immunity substances capable of specifically binding with at least two kinds of assay target substances selected from the group consisting of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli, verotoxin and human hemoglobin contained in a test sample, into contact with a test sample and a liquid containing labeled immunity substances each comprising a second immunity substance that is labeled with colored particles and capable of binding with said assay target substance, thereby to form an assay target substance-labeled immunity substance complex and to bind said complex with respective first immunity substances at the immobilized phase.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of establishing the origin of useful animals, in particular cattle, pigs and the like. This method comprises the following steps: a) the live animal is marked biologically by applying at least one antigen which is harmless to the animal and humans: and b) the specific antibodies formed by the application of the at least one antigen are identified by means of an enzymimmunological or immunochemical detection process.

Abstract: A hybridoma cell line has been produced for secreting a monoclonal antibody that binds ractopamine and is effective to detect ractopamine levels of about 1 ng/mL or lower. This monoclonal antibody may be used for the detection and quantitative determination of trace amounts of ractopamine in samples, especially in animal tissue, body fluids and feed material.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring the intra-muscular fat in carcasses or parts of carcasses or the total content of fat in minced meat has a first pair of electrodes for insertion into a carcass or part of a carcass or into minced meat. An alternating current (AC) generator is connected to these electrodes. Second and third pairs of electrodes are inserted parallel to the first pair. Both the second and third pairs have measurement circuits to measure the voltage and phase between the electrode pairs after insertion. The needle or bar shaped electrodes are tapered and insulated apart from 5-20 mm long free end sections. Electrodes are separated by 10-100 mm with each electrode 10-50 mm from the nearest of the first electrode pair. The portable unit for on-line use has a display output. The AC frequency applied to the first electrode pair may be changed in an exponential series to give different measurements.

Abstract: It has been discovered that one can predict the likelihood a child will outgrow an allergy, especially a food allergy, by screening for IgE antibodies immunoreactivities with linear versus conformational epitopes. The child is first screened using standard techniques to determine what antigens the child is allergic to. The immunoglobulins in the sample from the patient are then characterized either using the natural purified antigen, recombinant antigen, reduced and alkylated antigen, proteolytic fragments of the antigen or synthetic peptides of between four and 40 amino acids in length, preferably six to ten amino acids, which can be immobilized for rapid and accurate screening. The antibodies from the patient, typically present in a serum or plasma sample, are reacted with the protein or peptides to determine which peptides are bound by the antibodies. These antibodies are then characterized to determine if the epitopes they bind are linear or conformational.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the cooking temperature of meat patties. More specifically, a method is provided for monitoring the cooking temperature of meat patties by determining the concentration of colored compounds, such as myoglobin, in meat juice.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for temperature calibration of a microwave sensor unit used in non-destructively measuring and monitoring meat parameters such as fat, protein, and moisture content of a meat supply presented into the sensor unit. The apparatus implementing the method provides for separating the portion of the meat supply exceeding a maximum allowable meat parameter. The method provides for temperature calibration of the microwave sensor unit by processing microwave signal and temperature measurements of meat samples in combination with laboratory analysis data of the same meat samples to obtain temperature-corrected value of meat parameter measurements of the supply of meat presented into the sensor unit.

Abstract: A method for estimating the tenderness of a meat product is provided. The method includes determining the stress relaxation coefficient of a meat sample. One or more physical parameters of the meat sample are then determined from the stress relaxation coefficient. Diagnostic sensory characterization data, such as a numerical estimation of the meat's overall tenderness, is then determined for the meat sample. The physical parameters are then correlated to the diagnostic sensory characterization data, to allow the diagnostic sensory characterization data to be estimated solely from the measured physical parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for pretreating heat stable proteins derived from a rendered animal material prior to performing an assay for their presence comprising (a) preparing a protein containing extract of the material, (b) removing substantially all or part of the gelatin from the extract and (c) concentrating the remaining protein such that it tests positive for protein by immunoassay at a dilution of greater than 1 in 6,000.

Abstract: Fecal and/or urinary contamination in meat and poultry can be detected by internalizing into a suitable livestock system a material containing a marker substance, and detecting for the presence or absence of the marker substance on meat values. Typically, the detection is carried out upon slaughter of the livestock and preparation of its meat values for consumption. As an illustration, a flour substance may be included in livestock feed, and, in turn, its presence or absence detected on the meat values under appropriate light conditions as an indicator of fecal contamination. For example, the flour substance may be flourescein, the presence or absence of which may be detected on the processed meat or poultry by ultraviolet light. A detection kiosk may be employed to assist in the detection.

Abstract: A method and device for the detection of allergenic substances in food products. The device comprises a dining mat, such as a doily, formed of an absorbent material and small spots of reagents are applied to isolated zones on the mat. Each reagent is characterized by the ability to change its characteristics when contacted by an allergenic substance. A label can be applied to the mat adjacent each reagent indicating the respective allergenic substance. In use, a small amount of a food product is applied to a reagent and if the food product contains the allergenic substance, the reagent will change its appearance indicating the presence of the allergenic substance in the food product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which an organic sample (e.g., a foodstuff, tissue sample or petroleum product) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths which are absorbed by fatty acid and fatty acid oxidation products in the sample. Measurements of the intensity of reflected or absorbed light at such wavelengths are taken, and a analysis of absorbance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios are correlated with the oxidative state of fatty acids present in the material.

Abstract: Diacetyl, especially resulting from spoilage of chilled red meat, is monitored by exposing an aromatic ortho-diamine at acidic pH to an environment containing, or possibly containing, diacetyl and detecting any change in absorption or reflection of electromagnetic radiation due to the ortho-diamine.

Abstract: The invention is a method of monitoring for the presence of certain constituents of food processing streams by measurement of fluorescence. The constituent monitored can be a fluorescing impurity of a food product, or the food product itself if such naturally fluoresces. Moreover, losses of the constituent to be monitored may be determined by concurrent measurement of fluorescence of a fluorescent material added to the food process stream. The method is applicable to the following food processing streams among others: meat, vegetable oil, sugar beet, sugar cane, grain, poultry, fruit and soybean processing streams. Upon determination of a variation of the fluorescing constituent to be measured, the food process can be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to use of an imidazo [4,5b] pyridinium molecule composed of a lysine and an arginine residue crosslinked with a pentose sugar for assessing the biological age of a tissue.

Abstract: A sample of lard or fat is taken from a carcass of a pig or part thereof and heated until the fat is liquid, whereupon the sample is extracted by a polar solvent, and the contents of the indole compounds associated with boar taint in the extract are determined. A sample container useable when carrying out the method includes a container divided into an open first chamber and a closed second chamber, where the two chambers are separated from each other by a partition wall breakable by a slight physical load. A closing device associated with the open container includes a third chamber provided at the top with an area penetrable by an injection needle and at the bottom includes a filter which may be lowered into the container. The method is simple and economically advantageous, especially for use in relatively small slaughterhouses.

Abstract: A safety device for a combustion apparatus comprises a continuous, linear temperature-sensing element formed of a material which is electrically conductive and melts, or breaks, at a relatively low temperature and located along at least one side of a combustion chamber of a combustion apparatus and one side of a heat exchanger thereof. The temperature-sensing element is electrically connected to a combustion control circuit such that, if and when the combustion chamber or the heat exchanger has reached an extremely high temperature, the temperature-sensing element melts, or breaks to cause said combustion control circuit to stop a combustion in said combustion chamber. Lead, tin, or an alloy of lead and tin may be employed as the material of the temperature-sensing element.

Abstract: The fat content of food or non-food products can be quickly and accurately determined by processes which solublize the product's fat content in tetrachloroethylene. These processes generally involve extracting the fat from a product to be tested for fat content with tetrachloroethylene, dissolving the fat/tetrachloroethylene solution in a polar organic solvent such as acetic acid, treating the resulting solution with an aqueous surfactant such as Triton X-100.RTM. in order to transfer the solution's fat content to the aqueous surfactant and thereby inducing the formation of fat globules in a resulting suspension and then testing the resulting suspension for monochromatic light dispersion. The light dispersed at the maximum turbidity of the sample is compared to a standard curve plot produced by previous tests on tetrachloroethylene solutions of a pure fat taken from samples comparable to the product being tested.

Abstract: A simple but precise procedure for measuring fish freshness in terms of trimethylamine (TMA) headspace concentration of a fish sample is provided based on air sampling the headspace with Carbotrap.RTM. or Tenax.RTM. sorbent tubes and subsequent thermal desorption and gas chromatographic analysis. The sampling and analysis are completed in less than five minutes. Fish freshness as determined by the TMA headspace concentration is consistent with the grading estimated by organoleptic tests, but the instrumental method provides a more objective and quantitative assessment of quality and an estimation of the post mortem age of the fish.

Abstract: Boar taint in individual animal bodies, preferably carcasses or parts thereof, is detected by preparing an extract of a meat and/or fat sample from the body or part thereof, reacting said extract with a color reagent, for which the color intensity developed at certain wavelengths exhibit a statistical relationship with boar taint, determining the transmittance or absorbance of the reacted extract at one or more such wavelengths, and inserting the recorded values in the said statistical relationship. A high correlation has been found to exist between color reaction and boar taint evaluation so that the transmittance or absorbance at wave lengths characteristic of the color reaction gives a quantitative measure of boar taint intensity. This has made it possible to determine threshold values which objectively define organoleptic inacceptable taint levels.

Abstract: Boar taint in individual carcasses of uncastrated boars or parts thereof is determined in a fast and simple manner by determining IR-spectrophotometrical transmission data for the individual carcass or part or preferably on a sample from the carcass or part, and comparing the spectral data registered with corresponding data having a statistical relationship to boar taint. A suitable determination is determination of the ratio between the absorptions at two different wave lengths in the range of 1275-1325 cm.sup.-1 in the IR spectrum of the fat sample. A still higher correlation between the particular spectral data and the organoleptic data is obtained when one or more further parameters with statistical correlation to the odor image is/are included, e.g., the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the fat of the boar carcass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous extraction of an ingredient from a sample employs a container having a solvent therein selected for its ability to extract the ingredient. The sample is held against a porous substrate having a lower portion which is located below the sample and placed in the solvent, and an upper portion which is located above the sample and exposed to a selected atmosphere. In a continuous supply from the container, solvent is caused to ascend the substrate by capillary action, penetrate the sample, extract the ingredient therefrom, and continue to ascend the upper portion of the substrate where it evaporates, depositing the extracted ingredient thereon. The upper portion of the substrate containing the ingredient may then be removed.