Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining changes in a supply system, designed to supply repeated pulses of a vapor phase reactant to a reaction chamber is disclosed. One embodiment involves providing the reactant source, and a gas conduit to connect the reactant source to the reaction chamber, a valve positioned in communication with the reactant source such that switching of the valve induces vapor phase reactant pulses from the reactant source to the reaction chamber and a sensor positioned in communication with the reactant source and configured to provide a signal indicative of a characteristic parameter of the reactant pulse as a function of time. A curve is derived from the signal and the shape of the curve is monitored to determine changes in the curve shape over time during subsequent pulses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methodology for the rapid discovery of catalytically-active species. In the method of the invention, gradient arrays of catalytic species to be evaluated are absorbed on or impregnated into a support material. Next, the supported array is placed in a single reactor and the desired chemical reaction is carried out. The reaction products stream is then analyzed for the existence of the desired reaction products. If desired reaction products are observed to be present, the support library is divided at least in one half and the reaction conducted again. This technique is then repeated until a single catalyst mixture (or multiple catalyst mixtures) is identified as having the desired catalytic activity.

Abstract: A method for identifying one or a small number of molecules, especially in a dilution of ≦1 &mgr;M, using laser excited FCS with measuring times ≦500 ms and short diffusion paths of the molecules to be analyzed, wherein the measurement is performed in small volume units of preferably ≦10−14 l, by determining material-specific parameters which are determined by luminescence measurements of molecules to be examined.

Abstract: A substance in a condensed state, for example a powdered solid, is in continuous movement in the longitudinal direction (6) of a furnace (4, 5). A reactive gas mixture is brought into contact with the substance in the condensed state. A plurality of samples of the gaseous mixture are removed at a plurality of reference points (14) spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction (6) of the furnace (4, 5); each of the gas samples is analyzed outside the furnace to determine the composition of the gas mixture and for each point (14), the extent of a chemical reaction between the condensed substance and the reactive gas mixture is deduced from the composition of the gas mixture at each of the reference points (14). In particular, the apparatus comprises a sampling and injection rod (10) introduced into the furnace (4, 5) and disposed in its longitudinal direction (6).

Abstract: Chemical reactions are monitored by a cantilever sensing arrangement in which the reaction is transduced into mechanical responses that may be detected with a high degree of sensitivity. Projecting fingers interdigitate and, based on the extent of reaction, bend in a manner that may be detected optically.

Abstract: A method and a device identify molecules present in a carrier liquid. The carrier liquid is located in a container configuration that is provided with two electrodes, these electrodes being connected to a source of electrical high-frequency energy whose frequency can be modified through a wide range. The molecules can be identified by their absorption resonance frequency.

Abstract: Methods and systems for particle focusing to increase assay throughput in microscale systems are provided. The invention includes methods for providing substantially uniform flow velocity to flowing particles in microfluidic devices. Methods of sorting members of particle populations, such as cells and various subcellular components are also provided. Integrated systems in which particles are focused and/or sorted are additionally included.

Abstract: A method of determining the reaction efficiency of a CVD process reactor by which a reactive gas combination entering the reactor deposits a solid reaction product as a thin film onto a substrate. The composition of the reactive gas combination is measured by an acoustic cell which is disposed downstream from the outlet port of the reactor to determine the reactor's efficiency. Determination of the reactor's efficiency allows the growth rate of the thin film to be determined as well as associated rates of the products which have been exhausted from the reactor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for identifying active substances in order to determine the formation of complexes between reactants. According to the inventive method, at least two reactants are mixed and made to react to form a complex. The infrared spectrum of the individual reactants which have not yet been reacted in the mixture is measured during a first time interval and at least a second infrared measurement is conducted to measure the complex formed by the reactants during a second interval. The difference between the two spectra measured during different moments is then determined. The reactants whose differential spectrum exhibits a band structure are selected as active substances.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the heteroatom content of solid products which spatter, boil or bump under conditions involving rapid heating, such as Fischer-Tropsch heavy products, including Fischer-Tropsch waxes, is disclosed. The heteroatom content of Fischer Tropsch heavy products can be determined by melting the sample prior to injecting into the analytical instrument used for the analysis. This provides results that are reproducible and accurate. The melting can be done, for example, prior to injection, in a syringe, or by placing the sample in a boat and melting it prior to injection. The melting can be effected by simply moving the boat slowly into the chamber which allows sufficient time for the sample to melt before it is exposed to the high temperature of the combustion zone. Nitrogen and sulfur determination are preferably carried out using a chemiluminescent detector that detects chemically-bound nitrogen and/or sulfur. Oxygen detection is preferably carried out using GC/MS.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compounds, and kits useful in the analysis of reaction products and components of reaction mixtures, and in certain embodiments for the rapid and simultaneous determination of enantiomeric ratios, percent conversions, and absolute configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microchip provided with a specimen flow pass, a reagent flow pass, a confluence flow pass all of which are fine flow passes. The specimen flow pass allows specimen to flow toward one end thereof. The reagent flow pass is connected to that end of the specimen flow pass and allows at least one reagent to flow for reaction with the specimen. The confluence flow pass extends from that end of the specimen flow pass and allows the confluent specimen and reagent to flow. A sensing portion is assigned near or at the confluence flow pass, and the reaction of the specimen and the reagent is capable of being detected or observed there. Further to this, the microchip comprises a force applying means for reciprocally moving the specimen and the reagent at the sensing portion.

Abstract: Parallel flow reaction systems comprising four or more reaction channels are disclosed. Distribution systems, and parallel flow reaction systems comprising such distribution systems are also disclosed. Specifically, the distribution systems comprise a feed-composition subsystem for providing a different feed composition to each of the four or more reactors. In preferred embodiments, the feed composition subsystem comprises at least one set of four or more feed-component flow restrictors, each of the four or more feed-component flow restrictors having a flow resistance that varies relative to other flow restrictors in the set.

Abstract: Protocols for designing and implementing sets of simultaneous experiments, in a parallel, multi-variable process optimization reactor, are disclosed. The multi-variable process optimization reactor is preferably a parallel flow reactor having the operational capability to simultaneously vary reaction conditions between reaction vessels—either modularly or independently. The simultaneously varied reaction conditions preferably include at least two of the following, in various combinations and permutations: space velocity, contact time, temperature, pressure and feed composition. Compositional variations in the catalysts residing in each of the reaction vessels can also be investigated in the set of simultaneous experiments implemented in the parallel reactor. Sufficient data is obtained from a single set of simultaneous experiments to generate a master curve.

Abstract: A combinatorial process for simultaneously conducting multiple catalytic chemical reactions in parallel has been developed. At least one catalyst is contained in the reaction zones of a plurality of reactors, each reactor having a reactor insert placed within a sleeve and inserted into a well, the reaction zone of each reactor being formed between a fluid permeable structure attached to the sleeve and a fluid permeable end of the corresponding reactor insert. A fluid reactant is flowed through each reactor where it is contacted with the catalyst contained in the reaction zone to form an effluent. The effluents are removed from the effluent from the reactor and are analyzed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for flow injection analysis using a reaction chamber having a continuously variable volume, where the volume of the reaction chamber may be varied before, during or after introduction of an analyte solution and reagent solution into the reaction chamber. A microprocessor may be incorporated to control the volume of the reaction chamber and other components, either in a preprogrammed manner or in response to particular data measured by a detection device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for constructing combinatorial libraries composed of organometallic compounds immobilized on solid supports and encoded with detectable tags. The encoded library of organometallic compounds is especially useful for rapidly screening large numbers of member compounds for catalytic performance. These immobilized catalysts can be pooled in a single reactor where they are screened for a predefined property, such as catalytic activity and selectivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: Calibrating an immunoassay by generating two reaction rate measuring curves, from samples having higher and lower relative levels of antigen, extrapolating a combination of the curves to cover sample concentrations known to contain an excess of antigen relative to an amount of capture reagent and combining the low end linear potion of the higher reaction rate measuring curve with the higher end portion of the extrapolated reaction rate measuring curve, thereby eliminating measuring inaccuracies otherwise arising from the hook effect. For antigen concentrations higher than the assay range, a high antigen signal utilizing the two rates avoids reporting false results.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods for determining an instantaneous rate of pollutant formation in a combustion system are based on measurement of chemiluminescence intensity generated simultaneously with the formation of the pollutant. The chemiluminescent signal is generated by an analog reaction which occurs in parallel with a key step in the formation of a specific pollutant of interest. The connection between the analog reaction and the pollution reaction is such that the chemiluminescent signal indicates the local, instantaneous formation rate of the pollutant of interest.

Abstract: A method of analyzing cells in a carrier solution comprises the following steps: (a) Introducing the carrier solution into a conduit having a surface portion (preferably a substantially flat surface portion). The carrier solution has the cells suspended therein. (b) Allowing the cells to settle on the surface portion, the surface portion including at least one imaging field. In an alternate embodiment, one or more discreet capture zones (e.g., formed from an affinity species immobilized on the substrate or a textured region on the substrate) are formed on the surface portion, and this step (b) comprises capturing the cells in the capture zone. (c) Sequentially interrogating a plurality of the cells in the imaging field with emitted light. (d) Processing resultant light from the imaging field. (e) Generating digital information for each of the plurality of cells from the resultant light. (f) Generating a response file for each of the plurality of cells from the digital information.

Abstract: Accurate evaluation of reaction kinetics is evaluated using the threshold-value method. Amenable curve profiles for this method occur whenever, under controlled ambient conditions, the transition of a reaction-dependent variable from an initial state to a final state is observed over time.

Abstract: FK506 and geldanamycin promote nerve regeneration by a common mechanism that involves the binding of these compounds to polypeptide components of steroid receptor complexes other than the steroid hormone binding portion of the complex (FKBP52 and hsp90, respectively). These and other agents cause hsp90 dissociation from steroid receptor complexes or block association of hsp90 with steroid receptor complexes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deriving standardized formulations and extracts of herbal remedies, plant extracts, and the like, based upon the rate of absorption and plasma concentration levels attained thereby, when such compositions are administered orally. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a harvested section of small intestine from a mammal and interposed between a first solution having a known quantity of the pharmaceutical composition suspended or dissolved therewithin and a second solution comprising liquid plasma or a buffer solution. The section of intestinal tissue is oriented such that the mucosal layer is oriented toward the first solution whereas the muscularis is oriented toward the second solution. The second solution is periodically analyzed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to determine the presence and concentration of one or more markers, and in particular any sub-component or metabolites thereof, that has diffused across the intestinal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent for evaluating a hepatic operation, comprising an aromatic amino acid, methionine, alanine, fructose or galactose labelled with 13C at least at one position. According to the present invention, there is provided a reagent for evaluating a hepatic operation, which imposes less physical burden on a subject, can give accurate test results immediately and can be used safely without side effects. The reagent of the invention is useful for measuring the accurate liver excision ratio, liver regeneration/increase ratio or liver weight of a subject after a hepatic operation. With the reagent of the invention, information which is useful for evaluating a hepatic operation and the degree of invasion by the operation and for diagnosis is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of analysing a chemical or physical interaction taking place in a film layer at an optical sensor surface when the film layer is contacted with a fluid sample containing a species capable of interacting with the film layer, wherein the interaction is monitored by determination of the refractive index of the film layer through a light-intensity signal producing technique by measuring the relationship between a parameter of the incident and/or reflected light and one of the minimum, the maximum and the centroid of the light intensity signal curve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the quality of a crop, comprising the determination of at least one characteristic parameter of the photosynthesis process of the crop, which parameter serves as a quality indicator for the crop, wherein the parameter belongs to the photosystem I (PSI), which is known per se, and wherein the determination of the parameter comprises the following steps: (a) bringing at least some of a number of types of molecules which are located on the donor side of PSI into an oxidised state; (b) allowing at least some of the oxidised molecules to be reduced; and (c) determining a relaxation parameter which contains information on the rate of the reduction, wherein step (c) comprises at least the following sub-steps: (1) measurement of absorption of light in a predetermined wavelength region by the oxidised molecules in the crop during the reduction, and (2) calculation of a rate parameter which contains information on the rate of a change in the measured absorption as a fun

Abstract: A calorimeter sensor apparatus is developed utilizing microcantilevered spring elements for detecting thermal changes within a sample containing biomolecules which undergo chemical and biochemical reactions. The spring element includes a bimaterial layer of chemicals on a coated region on at least one surface of the microcantilever. The chemicals generate a differential thermal stress across the surface upon reaction of the chemicals with an analyte or biomolecules within the sample due to the heat of chemical reactions in the sample placed on the coated region. The thermal stress across the spring element surface creates mechanical bending of the microcantilever. The spring element has a low thermal mass to allow detection and measuring of heat transfers associated with chemical and biochemical reactions within a sample placed on or near the coated region. A second surface may have a different material, or the second surface and body of microcantilever may be of an inert composition.

Abstract: A method for determining the application of a sample fluid on an analyte strip using first and second derivatives. Sample fluid, such as whole blood, is applied to a reagent matrix and sensor readings, such as reflectance readings or current readings, are taken of the fluid/reagent combination. The first and second derivatives of the sensor readings are calculated. A predetermined incubation time period is begun at either a local minimum in the first derivative or a local maximum following a local minimum in the second derivative data. At the expiration of the incubation period, another sensor reading is taken which is indicative of an analyte concentration in the sample fluid (such as glucose concentration in a whole blood sample).

Abstract: A stereoscopic-image game playing apparatus displays a screen image for right eye and a screen image for left eye on LCD 105, outputs images of the player obtained by cameras 103a and 103b to the receiving side, and displays images corresponding to the right half face and the left half face of the player based on the player's images on LCD 107. The images displayed on the LCD 107 are used as figures for selectively introducing lights from the screen images on the LCD 105, by lens 106, to the right and left eyes of the player. This enables stereoscopic vision without glasses for separating images respectively for the player's right and left eyes, and allows the player to move from the initial position.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat biological fluids carrying contaminants by photoactivating materials mixed with the fluids. The systems and methods quantify the photoreactions that occur in a manner that permits correlation with clinical results.

Abstract: A channel-cell system is provided for detecting the presence and/or measuring the presence of analyte particles in a sample stream comprising: a) a laminar flow channel; b) two inlets in fluid connection with the laminar flow channel for respectively conducting into the laminar flow channel (1) an indicator stream which may comprise an indicator substance which indicates the presence of the analyte particles by a detectable change in property when contacted with the analyte particles, and (2) the sample stream; c) wherein the laminar flow channel has a depth sufficiently small to allow laminar flow of the streams and a length sufficient to allow particles of the analyte to diffuse into the indicator stream to the substantial exclusion of the larger particles in the sample stream to form a detection area; and d) an outlet for conducting the streams out of the laminar flow channel to form a single mixed stream.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel breath test for assessing hepatic function. The test involves administration of a labeled methionine or methionine metabolite to a subject and measurement of the expired label.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward monitoring a thermally driven gas evolving chemical reaction with an acoustic apparatus. Signals from the acoustic apparatus are used to control a heater to prevent a run-away condition. A digestion module in combination with a robotic arm further automate physical handling of sample material reaction vessels. The invention is especially useful for carrying out sample procedures defined in EPA Methods SW-846.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a reflectance-reading device to determine an initiation time point for measuring the chemical reaction of an analyte from a biological liquid sample on a test surface. The initiation time point is determined by using a device to read a reflectance of a test surface at a plurality of time points, and calculating the K/S ratio of the test surface at each time point according to the Kubelka-Munk equation. As the device continues to calculate a K/S ratio for each time point, the device monitors the rate of change of the K/S ratio with respect to time. The device then determines the initiation time point to be when the rate of change of the K/S ratio is maximal. The present invention also provides a method of measuring the concentration of an analyte on a test surface. The concentration is measured by determining an initiation time point according to the method described above and then measuring the concentration of the analyte at a variable end point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quantitative analysis of sample liquids. A sample is dried and irradiated with visible and/or infrared light. Light that is diffusely or specularly reflected from the sample and sample carrier is detected. and analysed.

Abstract: A vessel holds a liquid content for exposure to prescribed light energy. The vessel has a region transparent to the prescribed light energy. The liquid content of the vessel includes a solution comprising a material undergoing reduction oxidation as a result of exposure to the prescribed light energy, and a reducing agent for the photoactive material. A device measures optical absorbance of the vessel and the liquid content. The device operates in a first instance to measure a first optical absorbance value before exposing the vessel and the liquid content to the prescribed light energy. The device also operates in a second instance to measure a second optical absorbance value after exposing the vessel and the liquid content to the prescribed light energy, to obtain a difference between the first and second optical absorbance values. The difference comprises an illumination characteristic for the vessel with respect to the prescribed light energy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining the portion of a gaseous or vaporous component in a gas mixture utilizing a detecting substance which can enter into a chemical reaction with the component to produce a coloration of the detecting substance and utilizing a device for evaluating the coloration. The method includes the steps of: passing the gas mixture at a constant volume flow through a channel containing the detecting substance; detecting a reflectance signal I(t) within a defined spatially fixed length segment of the channel; determining a slope .DELTA.I/.DELTA.t at the start of the chemical reaction during a time interval .DELTA.t in which the detecting substance is present in excess; determining a saturation reflectance signal I.sup.100% toward the end of the chemical reaction which corresponds to an almost complete chemical conversion of the detecting substance within the length segment; and, determining a normalized slope in correspondence to the formal relationship: .DELTA.I/(I.sup.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to increase or decrease telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing or reversing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Abstract: A novel method for monitoring the success or the yield of chemical reactions involving a reactant bound to a solid phase support, or to forecast the success of such reactions, or to quantify the number of deuterium containing groups present in a solid-phase bound sample, using infrared spectroscopy and deuterium-carbon absorbances, along with novel compounds and intermediates useful for carring out the method.

Abstract: A device for testing the development of processes or chemical reactions in the presence of solid catalysts comprising a reactor of cylindrical shape, of inside diameter D and of length L, such that 50<L/D<150. The reactor having a preferred D of 10-40 mm also includes a sheathed thermometer arranged substantially along the axis of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention method may be practiced with many different types of biological cells. Biological cells may be either eucaryotic or procaryotic cells. The cells may be in the form of tissue slices or tissue homogenates or may be in the form of suspensions of intact single cells. The intact single cells may be grown in cell culture, as described in the previous examples, or may be obtained from blood, other body fluids, or from tissue biopsy. The cells may be cells containing receptors transfected by recombinant DNA techniques, or alternatively may be cells naturally responding to cell-affecting agents. The cells may be fresh or may have been previously preserved by dehydration, refrigeration, or freezing. When the cells have been preserved, preservative agents (for example dimethylsulfoxide in the case of frozen cells) may be removed prior to measurement of the effect of cell-affecting agents on rates of extracellular acidification. The cells may be either plant cells or animal cells.

Abstract: A method for evaluating, monitoring or controlling the efficiency, stability or exhaustion of a complexing or chelating agent present in a chemical solution used for oxidizing, dissolving, etching or stripping a semiconductor wafer wherein:a chemical solution containing hydrogen peroxide as well as a complexing or chelating agent for contaminants present in the solution is used for oxidation, dissolution, etching or stripping a semiconductor wafer surface;a measurement of the hydrogen peroxide decomposition is performed in situ in the solution;the measurement of the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 decomposition is used to provide information concerning the behavior of the complexing or chelating agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for non-intrusively monitoring the chemical and physical processes associated with gas generation in the feed riser of a cat-cracker and the correlation of those changes in these processes to changes in the output product produced the cat-cracker. The method includes the steps of measuring RMS accelerations along a feed riser at one or more positions, determining the initial RMS acceleration at each of these positions when the unit is operating at its desired performance, comparing the measured FRP to the reference FRP when said reactor is operating at its desired performance and determining the reference FRP, and determining the change in the FRP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing molecular diffusion and chemical reaction within a material wherein shape and time evolution values of one or more material surfaces are determined, and a rate of stretch of each material surface is determined as a function of time. The method includes solving a set of ordinary differential equations at a multiplicity of points on the material surface. The ordinary differential equations are reduced from and represent an approximation of a more complex and complete set of governing partial differential equations. One or more conserved scalars are tracked and conserved scalar values and a gradient of the conserved scalars are determined. A rate of change from the gradient of the conserved scalars is also determined. A mass fraction and a reaction rate of each chemical species of the material is correlated as a function of determined conserved scalar values and a determined gradient of the conserved scalars.

Abstract: An agent for the detection of peroxidase or of pseudoperoxidase activity, and its preparation and its use are described. The agent contains a tetraalkylbenzidine, a peroxide and buffer substances. The agent according to the invention has, as a peroxidase substrate, the advantage over previous tetraalkylbenzidine-containing substrates that it generates higher color signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the quantitative analysis of sample liquids. A sample is dried and irradiated with visible and/or infrared light. Light that is diffusely or specularly reflected from the sample and sample carrier is detected and analysed. Furthermore the invention concerns a system for carrying out the method according to the invention and a sample carrier having a diffusely or specularly reflecting surface.

Abstract: A method for rapidly collecting kinetic rate data from a temperature scanning reactor for chemical reactions. The method, which is particularly useful for studying catalytic reactions, involves ramping (scanning) of the input temperature to a reactor and recording of output conversion and bed temperature without waiting for isothermal steady state to be established.

Abstract: An initial rate photometric immunoassay method useful for detecting and quantifying analytes in various physiological fluids is disclosed. The method is carried out by combining in a liquid medium an undiluted sample of analyte-containing physiological fluid, such as serum, and an excess of an anti-analyte antibody. A substantially constant initial rate of increase of the liquid medium's turbidity, due to the resulting immunoprecipitation reaction, is measured in real time and compared to a calibration curve prepared from known analyte concentrations to detect and quantify the analyte. Detection and quantification of numerous analytes including, haptens, drugs and proteins, in a wide variety of physiological fluids can be rapidly carried out by the present method.