Abstract: This invention provides methods of using modified magnetic microspheres to extract target ions from a sample in order to detect their presence in a microfluidic environment. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules on the surface that allow the target ions in the sample to form complexes with specific ligand molecules on the microsphere surface. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules that sequester the target ions from the sample, but specific ligand molecules in solution subsequently re-extract the target ions from the microspheres into the solution, where the complexes form independent of the microsphere surface. Once the complexes form, they are exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the target ion to emit a luminescent signal pattern. Detection of the luminescent signal pattern allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample.

Abstract: A systems and apparatus for measuring non-electroactive materials in liquids using electrochemical detection. A first electrical activity of a electroactive material is detected in absence of a target non-electroactive material (Step 120). A second electrical activity of the electroactive material is detected in presence of the target non-electroactive material (Step 130). A difference between the first and second electrical activities is obtained, and based on the obtained difference, a concentration of the target non-electroactive material is identified (Step 140).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for detection of certain heavy metals using bacterial whole cell biosensors.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a method and a device for the detection of heavy metal ions in water. The method includes: providing a detection material, wherein the detection material includes a hydrophilic layer which is at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer formed from a long-chain compound selected from the group consisting of a long-chain thiol, a long-chain fatty acid and combinations thereof, and wherein a detection area is an area covered by the hydrophobic layer, and the detection area has a surface having an initial contact angle with water of more than or equal to about 120°; contacting the detection area with an aqueous solution sample; determining whether the surface of the detection area has a hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity change after contact with the aqueous solution sample; and deciding whether heavy metal ions exist in the aqueous solution sample according to the determination.

Abstract: Process for thermally stabilizing a polymer containing residues of a Sn(II), Sb(III), Pb(II), Bi(III), Fe(II), Ti(II), Ti(III), Mn(II), Mn(III), or Ge(II)-containing catalyst by treating the polymer at a temperature above its melting temperature with a peroxide selected from the group consisting of ketone peroxides, hydroperoxides, peracids, hydrogen peroxide, and mixtures thereof, wherein said peroxide is used in an amount less than 0.2 wt % based on the weight of the polymer and wherein the molar ratio of peroxy functionalities from said peroxide (p) to metal (M) ranges from 1 to 100; said metal (M) being selected from the group consisting of Sn(II), Sb(III), Pb(II), Bi(III), Fe(II), Ti(II), Ti(III), Mn(II), Mn(III), and Ge(II). The invention further relates to a method for determining the metal residue content of a polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for labeling dithiol-containing analytes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.

Abstract: A corrosion detection product is a coating including a film forming material and a complexing agent, the complexing agent forming a complex when it comes into contact with a corrosion byproduct produced by corrosion of a substrate on which the coating is applied, the complex being detectably different from the complexing agent when the coating is exposed to radiation in order to detect the corrosion, the complexing agent being immobilized in the coating to reduce leaching of the complexing agent or the complex from the coating.

Abstract: A comprehensive approach for interpretation of the multiple spiking isotope dilution results is described herein. It has now been found that a method of multiple spiking isotope dilution analysis for mass spectrometry is possible using an approach that permits precise and simultaneous characterization of m substances from a sample even if species inter-conversion (degradation and formation) has occurred prior to separation. Advantageously, initial and final amounts of involved analytes, conversion extent, conversion degree and rate constants from the results of a single quantitation experiment may be obtained with the present method. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, uncertainty in the characterization of the substances may be estimated more accurately by also estimating increase in the uncertainty due to inter-conversion of the analytes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting and imaging magnetic metalloproteins. A substrate is provided. A plurality of magnetic metalloproteins are formed on the substrate. The magnetic metalloproteins are detected and imaged by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) to obtain topographic images, phase images and MFM images of the magnetic metalloproteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions of binding moiety-nanoparticle conjugates, aggregates of these conjugates, and novel methods of using these conjugates, and aggregates. The nanoparticles in these conjugates can be magnetic metal oxides, either monodisperse or polydisperse. Binding moieties can be, e.g., oligonucleotides, polypeptides, or polysaccharides. Oligonucleotide sequences are linked to either non-polymer surface functionalized metal oxides or with functionalized polymers associated with the metal oxides. The novel compositions can be used in assays for detecting target molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, in vitro or as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents to detect target molecules in living organisms.

Abstract: Stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticles, methods of making the nanoparticles, and methods of using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and rapid methods for extracting strontium ions from urine to provide a concentrated and purified strontium-90 extract suitable for scintillation measurements. The methods remove organic compounds, pigments, and alkali metal ions that can interfere with quantitative determination of strontium-90 in urine.

Abstract: A method for determining heavy metal loading in a subject includes collecting a saliva sample from the subject containing a concentration of a heavy metal. The saliva sample is subjected to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to yield a heavy metal loading measurement for the subject. The saliva sample is readily collected on a substrate absorbing a preselected amount of saliva such as filter paper. As the amount of saliva necessary to saturate a given volume of substrate is known, the volume of saliva within a substrate is also known. The resulting heavy metal loading measurement is readily correlated with a blood level for the heavy metal in the subject.

Abstract: Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy-Active Composite Nanoparticles (SACN) comprising: core/shell nanoparticles comprising nanoparticle cores covered with shells, wherein the cores and the shells may comprise the same or different materials; at least one Raman-active reporter molecule associated with said core/shell nanoparticle; and an SiO2 encapsulant which encapsulates the core/shell nanoparticle and the at least one Raman-active reporter molecule, are described.

Abstract: An antibody comprising an antigen recognition region which comprises CDR amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system containing an array of chemically sensitive sensors based on coated single walled carbon nanotubes, for measuring volatile organic compounds indicative of renal failure. Methods of breath analysis for diagnosing chronic, acute and end-stage renal failure are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying the active hematinic species (AHS) present in iron-saccharidic compositions, including AHS such as sodium ferric gluconate complex, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function. The method separates the AHS from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilizes the separated AHS. Separation of the AHS permits its analytical quantification, further concentration, purification and/or lyophilization as well as preparation of new and useful products and pharmaceutical compositions, including those useful for the treatment of humans and animals.

Abstract: The invention provides a test piece for detecting heavy metal ions in an aqueous system to be detected, comprising a substrate, a polymer coating layer and a layer of heavy metal ion-detecting agent, wherein the polymer coating layer is provided such that the surface of the test piece is hydrophobic. The invention further provides a process for detecting heavy metal ions in an aqueous system, a kit comprising the heavy metal ion test piece and a sensor. A portable test piece and/or a device can be provided by the test piece according to the invention, so as to detect the heavy metal ions in a convenient, efficient and rapid manner.

Abstract: Dye compositions comprising rhodizonate dye particles encapsulated within a shearable hydrophobic organic encapsulant composition.

Abstract: A nucleic acid enzyme comprises an oligonucleotide containing thymine bases. The nucleic acid enzyme is dependent on both Hg2+and a second ion as cofactors, to produce a product from a substrate. The substrate comprises a ribonucleotide, a deoxyribonucleotide, or both.

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

Abstract: Measuring the concentration of an analyte in an aqueous solution by obtaining an aqueous solution containing an analyte, providing a cyanine indicator, placing the aqueous solution in fluid communication with the cyanine indicator, measuring a detectable property change of the cyanine indicator, and comparing the detectable property change of the cyanine indicator with a calibration curve of the detectable property change of samples containing known concentrations of the analyte. The concentration of the analyte is determined using the detectable property change that is proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cell permeable metal ion indicator compounds and methods of their use and synthesis are described. The compound comprises a metal chelating moiety (Mc), a reporter molecule and two or more lipophilic groups (GL) covalently bonded through a linker to the reporter molecule, wherein the lipophilic groups, when present in a live cell, are cleaved resulting in two or more negatively charged groups.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a biological substance, the device comprising: a specimen input device; at least one pumping device in flow communication with a chemical reservoir and said specimen input device; and at least one flow cell in flow communication with said at least one pumping device via at least one flow valve, wherein said at least one flow cell is configured to contain said specimen and includes a sensing device configured to sense at least one characteristic of said specimen.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for detecting at least one analyte in a tetrachloride sample comprising titanium, tin or silicon tetrachloride; comprising, (a) adding a mixture of water and acid, typically hydrochloric acid, to the sample under conditions effective for forming an aqueous solution of the sample; (b) introducing the aqueous solution of the sample into an inductively coupled mass spectrometer having a cell selected from the group of a reactive cell and a collision cell or both and producing an analyte ion comprising an interfering species; (c) contacting the analyte ion with a gas to produce a product which is substantially free from the interfering species; and (d) detecting and measuring at least one signal from the analyte in the solution. This disclosure further relates to a method for making an aqueous titanium, tin or silicon tetrachloride sample suitable for analysis in using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a metallic material includes the steps of electrolyzing a metal sample in an electrolyte; removing the electrolyzed metal sample from the electrolyte; immersing the metal sample removed from the electrolyte into a dispersive solution that is different from the electrolyte to separate at least one selected from the group consisting of a precipitate and an inclusion deposited on the metal sample; and analyzing the at least one selected from the group consisting of a precipitate and an inclusion extracted into the dispersive solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-particle biochip substrate comprising a substrate having attached thereto (bearing), on or in a surface, nano-particles having a cross sectional diameter of from about 0.1 nm. to about 50 nm. and useful to immobilize one or more moieties of interest.

Abstract: A general methodology to design label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors using a vacant site approach and an abasic site approach is described. In one example, a method for designing label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors (e.g., those that include a DNAzyme, aptamer or aptazyme) that have a tunable dynamic range through the introduction of an abasic site (e.g., dSpacer) or a vacant site into the functional nucleic acids. Also provided is a general method for designing label-free fluorescent aptamer sensors based on the regulation of malachite green (MG) fluorescence. A general method for designing label-free fluorescent catalytic and molecular beacons (CAMBs) is also provided. The methods demonstrated here can be used to design many other label-free fluorescent sensors to detect a wide range of analytes. Sensors and methods of using the disclosed sensors are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molecular-based system for the optical detection, quantification and detoxification of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) by reversible metal-substrate electron transfer. More particularly, the invention provides a Cr6+ sensor device comprising a divalent osmium (Os2+)-, iron (Fe2+)- or ruthenium (R2+)-based pyridyl complex capable of changing its oxidation state in response to a reduction of Cr6+ at the presence of H+, thereby causing a reversible and optically readable change in optical properties of said complex. The Os2+-, Fe2+- or R2+-based pyridyl complex used according to the invention can be used for selective detection and quantification of Cr6+, as well as for catalytic detoxification of Cr6+.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating or supervising one or more internal mechanical properties of a metal alloy object with a known chemical composition based on the resistivity of the metal alloy object. The apparatus includes a device for measuring the resistivity of the metal alloy object, and a computation unit adapted to calculate the content of dissolved alloying elements in the metal alloy object based on the measured resistivity and the known chemical composition of the metal alloy, and based thereon to calculate at least one internal mechanical property of the metal alloy object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an innovative method for detecting metal ions based on selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer between metal-ligand complexes and a single nanoplasmonic particle as a probe. The selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer occurs if a resonance frequency matching condition between the single nanoplasmonic particle and the metal-ligand complexes is satisfied.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a reagent that includes an effective amount of an adsorber to remove interfering species present during heavy metal level measurement in a fluid sample. In some examples, the reagent can include an effective amount of an adsorber to remove a suitable amount of glutathione from the fluid sample such that the glutathione does not interfere with measurements of lead levels in the fluid sample.

Abstract: A component for high-temperature use comprises a metallic base material and a non-ferromagnetic protective layer arranged thereon, which is able to form a protective oxide layer on the component surface at temperatures between 600° C. and 1100° C. A sensor material is introduced into the protective layer, wherein, in the stated temperature range, the local magnetism, notably ferromagnetism or ferrimagnetism, at the site of the sensor material is dependent on the local concentration and/or composition of the material of the protective layer in the immediate vicinity of the sensor material and/or on the cumulative temperature-time curve at the site of the sensor material. The component can be examined non-destructively, from the outside, for the local magnetism in the protective layer, which is typically between 100 ?m and 500 ?m thick.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a method and a device for the detection of heavy metal ions in water. The method includes: providing a detection material, wherein the detection material includes a hydrophilic layer which is at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer formed from a long-chain compound selected from the group consisting of a long-chain thiol, a long-chain fatty acid and combinations thereof, and wherein a detection area is an area covered by the hydrophobic layer, and the detection area has a surface having an initial contact angle with water of more than or equal to about 120°; contacting the detection area with an aqueous solution sample; determining whether the surface of the detection area has a hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity change after contact with the aqueous solution sample; and deciding whether heavy metal ions exist in the aqueous solution sample according to the determination.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a metal specimen includes an electrolysis step of electrolyzing a metal specimen containing a reference element and a target element in an electrolytic solution, a sampling step of sampling a portion of the electrolytic solution, an analysis step of analyzing the sampled electrolytic solution, a concentration ratio-calculating step of calculating the concentration ratio of the target element to the reference element in the electrolytic solution on the basis of the analysis results, and a content-calculating step of calculating the content of the target element present in the form of a solid solution by multiplying the content of the reference element in the metal specimen by the obtained concentration ratio.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining a concentration of iron in brake fluid when contacting a colorimetric reagent such that a color results. The level of iron can be used to determine the amount of active corrosion within a brake system and determine if special service procedures are required.

Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a chemical sensor, a digital to analog converter, and microcontroller formed therein. The chemical sensor detects the presence of a chemical and outputs an analog signal to the digital to analog converter. The analog to digital converter converts the analog signal to a digital signal. The analog to digital converter outputs the digital signal to the microcontroller. Microcontroller calculates a value of the concentration of the selected chemical.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for determination of magnesium content in aluminum alloy, including: dissolving an aluminum alloy sample, using one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of mercapto-containing compound, acetone cyanohydrin, ?-aminoethyl mercaptan, triethanolamine, tetraethylenepentamine, ethylene diamine and oxydol as masking agent, using eriochrome black T or methyl thymol blue as indicator, and using EDTA or CDTA to titrate the sample.

Abstract: A method of determining the effect of a spill on a marine environment, in which physical and chemical sensors are arranged with living organisms (4, 6) fitted with instruments, at an appropriate distance and position from the object (1) which is to be monitored, wherein the response of the living organism (4, 6), measured online in real time, is compared with known patterns of response, and where upstream and downstream measurements are compared to determine whether a change in response may be caused by a spill from the object, the significance of the real time measurements being validated through sampling of the organisms on a regular basis or as required, in order to analyze the effects on the health of the organisms, biomarkers, for the purpose of assessing the significance of the environmental effect.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to sample tubes comprising a cylindrical elongate tube having a gripping section with at least one discontinuity extending radially about the outside surface of the elongate tube. Methods of making sample tubes and their use in sample handlers are also described.

Abstract: A method that uses an (DOPC) surfactant based biofilm that reacts with a material in a known manner, and a device that utilizes such a biofilm, to detect a material of interest is provided. The principles of the present invention are particularly useful in detecting/measuring a material that is harmful to a human or to property.

Abstract: Methods for rapid sensing of dissolved toxic heavy metals use a hybrid inorganic material (“HIM”), which is synthesized from hydrated iron oxide (“HFO”) and calcium magnesium silicate. HIM thus synthesized is used in sensing dissolved toxic heavy metals. Water containing toxic heavy metals (e.g., lead, copper, zinc, nickel, etc.) is passed through a sorbent bed of HIM, whereupon it shows a sharp drop in pH after a certain length of time. The presence of HFO and calcium magnesium silicates in HIM synergistically provide a precipitous drop in pH, which is characteristic of the concentration and type of toxic heavy metal. Therefore, observing a change in pH indicates the presence and identity of heavy metal ions in a test water sample.

Abstract: With respect to a lead detection method that uses rhodizonic acid, it is made possible to clearly identify pink or red coloration caused by a reaction between lead and rhodizonic acid even in cases where Sn is present in a specimen. To this end, an acidic aqueous solution or a buffer solution thereof (e.g., tartaric acid) in which hydrogen peroxide coexists is used as a reagent. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes Sn2+ into Sn4+. Since Sn4+ does not react with rhodizonic acid, the presence of Sn does not interfere with the visual identification of any pink or red coloration caused by the reaction between lead and rhodizonic acid.

Abstract: Provided is a method of assaying noble metals in a mineral and/or ceramic matrix in the content range from 0.03 to 500 mg/kg. The method comprises dry thermal treatment of a homogenized sample in a reducing atmosphere, extraction in an oxidizing medium, and atomic spectrometric quantification of the noble metals by means of ICP-QMS.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays. Embodiments of the present methods and reagents are concerned with a solid support such as, for example, a particle. The support includes a chemiluminescent composition that includes a metal chelate. The present inventors observed that, when such support such as, e.g., particles, were employed in assays for the determination of an analyte, stability of signal output by the chemiluminescent composition associated with the particle was unacceptably reduced as compared to particles including other chemiluminescent compositions. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the stability of signal output from such particles is enhanced by including in a medium that contains the particles a sufficient amount of one or more stabilizing agents, which may be a chelating agent and/or a metal chelate such as, for example, the metal chelate that is associated with the particle.

Abstract: Calix[4]arenes of Formula I are useful for selectively detecting Zn2+ ion.

Abstract: A new technique to stabilize transition metal phosphors in a wide variety of stimuli-sensitive polymers and gels is disclosed herein. Other than stabilization in stimuli sensitive/biocompatible matrix some of these transition metal based phosphors are also shown to act as phosphorescent crosslinkers that physically or chemically crosslink polymeric chains to form micro/nanoparticles. The microspheres/nanospheres of the present invention show decreased size and photoluminescence enhancement with particularly high sensitization at physiological pH and temperature. The so formed phosphorescent micro/nanospheres are useful for biological or environmental applications including biological labeling, imaging, and optical sensing. The techniques in the present invention enable usage of imaging agents and sensors at very low concentrations and also minimize or eliminate the usage of toxic chemical crosslinkers typically used to synthesize polymeric micro/nanoparticles.