Abstract: A method for determining the structure of an active member of a chemical library is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of peptides of general formula R1-L-Tyr-L-Arg-R2 in which R1=H or a R3-C=0 with R3=a C1 to C20 alkyl chain, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturate, hydroxylated or not, or with R3=an aryl, aryl-alkyl or alkyloxy or aryloxy or arylalkyloxy group, and in which R2=OH or a O-R4 group with R4=a C1 to C20 alkyl chain, or R2=a NH2, NHX or NXX group with X=a C1 to C4 alkyl chain. The peptides have a soothing effect on the skin, including by topical application, and attenuates the effects of benign skin sores (after shave irritation, sunstroke, frostbite, chaps, depilation). They are used in acceptable cosmetic excipients and in effective in vivo concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemical encryption methods for determining the structure of compounds formed in situ on solid supports by the use of specific amines tags which, after compound synthesis, can be deencrypted to provide the structure of the compound found on the support.

Abstract: A method for evaluating ratios of metallic impurities in lithographic materials is disclosed. The method comprises: separating said metal from said lithographic material by microwave heating; then adding said metal to an acid to form a solution; and finally analyzing said solution by a instrument to measure ratio of said metal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

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: An improvement in a method for evaluating the efficiency of polymerization inhibitors is disclosed, wherein the improvement comprises: A) producing dissolved polymer in a solution comprising monomer and at least one inhibitor by means of any test known in the art to be useful for evaluating polymerization inhibitors, B) collecting the polymer-containing solution, C) measuring the degree of polymerization of the monomer in the collected solution, and D) re-subjecting the polymer-containing solution to the test conditions of A).

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: Polymers having amine-thiol terminal moieties are provided. The amine-thiol terminal moieties are imparted by using amine-thiols as chain transfer agents in aqueous addition polymerizations. The polymers are useful as mineral dispersants, as water-treatment additives for boiler waters, cooling towers, reverse osmosis applications, sugar refining, paper production, geothermal processes and oil wells, and as detergent additives acting as builders, anti-filming agents, dispersants, sequestering agents and encrustation inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of an anionically charged polymer in an aqueous solution is described and claimed. The method requires a reagent solution that is also described and claimed. The reagent solution comprises water, Nile Blue Dye and chelant, with the chelant being selected from the group consisting of the alkali metal or ammonium salts of phosphonobutane tricarboxylic acid. The method involves using absorbance measurements to determine the amount of anionically charged polymer present in an aqueous sample. The method is very rapid and thus is very useful under field conditions.

Abstract: Compounds which possess a complementary structure to a desired molecule, such as a biomolecule, in particular polymeric or oligomeric compounds, which are useful as in vivo or in vitro diagnostic and therapeutic agents are provided. Also, various methods for producing such compounds are provided. These polymeric or oligomeric compounds are useful in particular as antimicrobial agents, receptor, hormone or enzyme agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: Methods for identifying polypeptides which coordinate to select metals, chemosensors comprising polypeptides which coordinate to select metals and methods for selectively detecting the presence of metals using these chemosensors are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for thermally curing polymeric coated substrates by effective drying of solvents used in the production of the coated component. A feedback system coupled to a heating apparatus is comprised of one or more gas sensors internal or external to the heating apparatus to provide monitoring of the quantity of solvent gases being generated. The present invention allows the curing process to be precisely controlled, where, for example, a predetermined concentration of solvent gases input to the gas sensor can trigger the heating process to be stopped or to provide for a controlled cool down period for curing of the photoresist substrate. A controller coupled between the gas sensor and the heating apparatus may also contain temperature and/or time controls for varying the output of the heating apparatus in response to indications from the gas sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the halogen toxicity level in a sample containing halogenated compounds, specifically halogen containing rubbers by utilizing thermal electrons formed inside a mass spectrometer operated at negative ion electron capture conditions. The method allows for detection of the toxic species from the parts per million level, down to the parts per billion levels.

Abstract: A polymerization apparatus includes a support plate for supporting a workpiece to be polymerized and a hood comprising a light source for guiding light to the workpiece such that the light impinges on at least two sides of the workpiece. The hood is liftable relative to the support plate so as to allow access to the workpiece when in a lifted position. A heat source for heating the workpiece is provided. A control device controls the function of the polymerization apparatus. A method for operating the polymerization apparatus includes the steps of heating the workpiece to a desired temperature after switching on the light source, maintaining the desired temperature for a desired polymerization cycle time period, and subsequently shutting down the light source and the heat source for a final polymerization cycle time period.

Abstract: Methods for solid phase synthesis of N-alkyl amides comprise reductive amination of carbonyl compounds using a reducing agent and an amine-containing linker bound to a solid support. The methods afford high yields of linker-bound, monoalkylated amines, and subsequent coupling with acid derivatives provide derivatized N-substituted amides in excellent yields after cleavage from the solid-phase. Compositions useful in solid phase synthesis are also described.

Abstract: A method for making bisphenol salt as the result of the reaction between bisphenol and an alkali metal hydroxide. The method comprising steps to obtain the anhydrous alkali metal bisphenoxide salt within about a 0.2 mol % stoichiometry relationship between bisphenol and alkali metal hydroxide. A method for determining stoichiometry error of a sample comprises determining variables and applying the variables to an equation to determine stoichiometry.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemical encryption methods for determining the structure of compounds formed in situ on solid supports by the use of specific amines tags which, after compound synthesis, can be deencrypted to provide the structure of the compound found on the support.

Abstract: A process for measuring and controlling at an aim point the neutralization of an organic acid in an organic polymer solution using a near-infrared analyzer.

Abstract: Processes are provided for removal of cells as cell pellets from liquid milk samples, or from cultures or extracts of other food materials or other materials of biological origin. The concentrated cells in the pellet can be analyzed by various techniques to determine the relative cell count, such as by lysing of the cells followed by measurement of ATP. Nucleic amplification, as by the polymerase chain reaction method, can be carried out using the cellular pellet directly, without need for isolation of nucleic acid from the cells. After the amplification, an assay can be carried out for amplified nucleic acid segment indicative of the presence of cells of interest in the sample. The invention thus provides methods for obtaining cellular components from samples of milk, and cultures or extracts of other materials, including food materials, and for determining relative contamination of milk and such other materials by microorganisms. The invention also provides kits for carrying out its various methods.

Abstract: Processes are provided for removal of cells as cell pellets from liquid milk samples, or from cultures or extracts of other food materials or other materials of biological origin. The concentrated cells in the pellet can be analyzed by various techniques to determine the relative cell count, such as by lysing of the cells followed by measurement of ATP. Nucleic amplification, as by the polymerase chain reaction method, can be carried out using the cellular pellet directly, without need for isolation of nucleic acid from the cells. After the amplification, an assay can be carried out for amplified nucleic acid segment indicative of the presence of cells of interest in the sample. The invention thus provides methods for obtaining cellular components from samples of milk, and cultures or extracts of other materials, including food materials, and for determining relative contamination of milk and such other materials by microorganisms. The invention also provides kits for carrying out its various methods.

Abstract: A mammalian adipocyte-specific polypeptide, termed p154, is expressed in high quantities in adipogenic cell lines after cell differentiation and is abundant in the fat pads of normal and genetically obese mammals. The murine and human polypeptide, DNA and RNA molecules coding therefor, methods for its preparation, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide are also disclosed. Methods for determining the susceptibility of a subject to obesity are based on measuring the levels of the adipocyte polypeptide in a biological fluid or tissue extract or by measuring mRNA encoding the polypeptide in cells of the subject. Methods of evaluating an anti-obesity drug comprise contacting the drug with an adipocyte in vitro and measuring the amount of the adipocyte polypeptide or mRNA produced by the adipocyte. Methods of treating a subject with obesity comprise administering the above antibody or blocking the expression of the p154 gene.

Abstract: Concentration of a polyelectrolyte in the water of an aqueous system is controlled by first withdrawing a sample of the water and adding a known or standard amount of a fluorochromatic reagent to the sample. Then light energy is directed into the sample whereby light energy of a selected excitation wavelength for the fluorochromatic dye is available for absorption by the fluorochromatic reagent. The intensity of light emitted about a selected emission wavelength for the fluorochromatic reagent is measured and the intensity of the emitted light is compared to a standard curve, comprising a plot of fluorescence emission intensity of the fluorochromatic reagent in the presence of a polyelectrolyte versus concentration the polyelectrolyte. The concentration of the polyelectrolyte in the sample of water is determined from the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for accurately determining the gel time of oxygen inhibited polymerizable compositions is provided. Gel times in these compositions are related to dissolved oxygen concentration. The inventive method and apparatus use a small diameter capillary tube filled with the composition and sealed thereafter at one end to include an air space between the end of the liquid column and the sealed end of the tube. A pulsed force of air is applied to the unsealed end of the tube which causes the column of liquid and air/liquid interface to move in accordance with the amplitude of the pulsed air force. A motion detector sensor is located at the air/liquid interface. A light source is then applied to the polymerizable column within the tube causing it to gel. Recording equipment appropriately connected to the motion detector sensor visually describes the motion of the air/liquid interface which becomes zero at the gel point.

Abstract: A measuring device, intended for measurements on whole blood, comprises a sample fluid chamber for containing a blood sample, ion-selective potentiometric electrodes for measurement of the concentrations of sodium and potassium ions, a reference potentiometric electrode, an optical sensor for measuring the concentration of glucose by means of a color reaction, a cuvette having a window permitting spectrophotometric measurement of the level of haemoglobin, a conditioning (calibration) fluid chamber in which the ion-selective electrodes and the reference electrode are exposed to a conditioning (calibration) fluid comprising known concentrations of sodium and potassium ions (thereby facilitating calibration of the response of the ion-selective electrodes), a rupturable pack containing the conditioning fluid and from which the fluid is released into the conditioning fluid chamber upon application of pressure to the pack, and a wall part which partly defines the sample fluid chamber and has weakened areas which ar

Abstract: A method is presented for the accurate quantitative determination of amounts of reactive (water and ethanol) and non-reactive N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) volatiles in graphite-polyimide prepreg samples. The method is also applicable to other condensation-curing and/or solvent-impregnated prepreg systems, regardless of the type of reinforcement. Prepreg samples are heated in a containment chamber and the volatiles are subsequently flushed from the chamber with dry nitrogen gas. The volatiles are condensed, weighed, and analyzed via gas chromatography to determine the volatile composition. The method offers a means of purging the extremely tightly held, relatively non-volatile NMP solvent from the resin matrix by means of high temperatures applied to the sample chamber. The higher volatility reaction products are also captured by means of the specially designed very low temperature condenser. An internal check (collection efficiency) on the accuracy of the results is included in the test method.

Abstract: A sample containing one or more compounds of high molecular weight is analyzed by irradiating, with a pulsed laser in vacuum, a substrate coated with a thin frozen film of a solution containing the sample. The laser energy is absorbed at the surface of the substrate, rapidly heating the frozen film and ablating the solvent into a vapor plume which carries into the vapor phase entrained molecules of the sample. The vaporized molecules are ionized and accelerated into a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric determination of the masses of the ionized molecules of the sample allows the molecular components of the sample to be identified.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the endpoint of an interfacial aromatic polycarbonate polymerization reaction. The method involves illuminating a sample of the polymerization reaction mixture with a light source and monitoring the extent of apparent light scattering of the sample throughout the course of the polycondensation reaction until at the endpoint, a predetermined threshold extent of apparent light scattering is achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring the rate and extent of cure of a resin system undergoing polymerization which entails adding at least one multifunctional fluorescent dye to the resin system undergoing polymerization, the dye being one which initially forms a complex with itself or other components of the system and subsequently chemically reacts with the resin and whose degree of fluorescent emission varies in accordance with the degree of reaction with the resin, polymerizing the resin, simultaneously measuring the fluorescence of the resin system, and comparing the measured fluorescence with pre-existing data correlating the observed values with the rate and extent of polymerization, thereby enabling the rate and extent of polymerization of the resin system under evaluation to be determined.

Abstract: A method to continuously measure the level of a water treatment product in boiler feedwater. The product, which includes a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylate and a copolymer of acrylic acid and sodium vinyl sulphonate, is added to the feedwater to prevent the formation of scale in the boiler tubes. The method comprises reacting a sample of the feedwater with a reagent to produce turbidity in the sample and further mixing the newly reacted sample with a portion of previously measured reacted sample. The mixture of previously measured reacted sample and newly reacted sample are then photometrically measured in a pump turbidimeter analyzer to determine the level of product in the feedwater.

Abstract: An article such as a drawn optical fiber (21) or an array of optical fibers is provided with a curable coating material. The array of optical fibers may be held together with a curable matrix material (45). Included in the coating material or the matrix material is a fluorescent constituent the fluorescence emission of which changes as a function of the degree of cure of the coating or matrix material. After the in-line curing of the coating material or of the matrix material, the fluorescence emission of the fluorescent constituent is monitored to determine the degree of cure of the curable material.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for determining the concentration of sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate compounds in an aqueous solution comprising:(a) adjusting the pH of a portion of the aqueous solution to less than 3.0 when measuring sulfonate concentration or to between 3.0 and 12.0 when measuring polycarboxylate concentration;(b) adding an effective amount of an aqueous solution containing a metachromatic dye to the pH-adjusted portion of Step (a);(c) measuring the absorbance of the admixture resulting from Step (b) at a wavelength between 300 nm and 700 nm; and(d) comparing the absorbance from Step (c) with absorbances of standard samples containing known concentrations of sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate compounds and said effective amount of the dye solution of Step (b), thereby determining the sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate concentration of the portion of Step (a).

Abstract: A method for fractionating crystalline copolymers to determine solubility distribution as a function of temperature. Fractionation is conducted by passing a solvent through a column containing the crystallized copolymer at an increasing temperature from 6.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. The polymer solution exiting the column is analyzed by infrared spectroscopy or NMR to determine the composition distribution of the copolymer.

Abstract: For determining a solidification degree of a carrier impregnated with a reaction resin, a sample of the impregnated carrier is mounted on a holder, the sample is immersed into a fluid which is neutral relative to the carrier and has a temperature at which the reaction resin solidifies, the sample is moved in the fluid, and an energy required for moving the sample in the fluid is measured.

Abstract: A solid support chemistry system which, with a dinitrofluorobenzene based assay, can be used to define titers of ligands and chemistry distal to the support. Cleavable diamine cystamines or 1,6-diamino-3,4-dihydroxyhexane are bonded to the solid support.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantitatively determining the amount of unsaturation in butyl and EPDM rubbers using a gel permeation chromatograph in combination with an ultraviolet detector. Placement of a differential refractive index detector in series with said ultraviolet detector provides a method for the simultaneous measurement of the amount of unsaturation, the molecular weight distribution and the amount of antioxidant in said rubbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a general assay methodology suitable for the detection of organic analytes which are neither aldehydes nor ketones and for inorganic substances. The methodology utilizes prepared sensitized films of derivatizing agents and specific developer solutions for the selective and controlled formation of light scattering crystals whose presence serves as a qualitative and/or quantitative measure of the individual analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the presence of organic materials in an aqueous sample. The materials are decomposed by simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet radiation and acoustic energy to decompose the materials to simple decomposition products. The simple decomposition products such as ammonium ion, halogen ion, alkyl ammonium ions, or sulfate ions, are then detected by conventional analytical devices and methods.

Abstract: A method of predetermining the exact weight ratio of the reactants to produce a product and maintain the weight ratio of the reactants to obtain a maximum yield of the product. The method combines weight ratio measurement with infrared absorbance measurements to determine the maximum yield of an alkenyl succinimide product.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for determining the concentration of sulfonate and/or polycarboyxlate compounds in an aqueous solution comprising:(a) adjusting the pH of a portion of the aqueous solution to less than 3.0 when measuring sulfonate concentration or to between 3.0 and 12.0 when measuring polycarboxylate concentration;(b) adding an effective amount of an aqueous solution containing a metachromatic dye to the pH-adjusted portion of Step (a);(c) measuring the absorbance of the admixture resulting from Step (b) at a wavelength between 300 nm and 700 nm; and(d) comparing the absorbance from Step (c) with absorbances of standard samples containing known concentrations of sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate compounds and said effective amount of the dye solution of Step (b), thereby determining the sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate concentration of the portion of Step (a).

Abstract: A method for determining the extent of polymerization of a polymer system consisting of adding a fluorescent label, the label having a reactivity similar to the reactivity of the curing agent, to the polymer system and measuring the fluorescence intensity proportional to cure species concentration during polymerization. The fluorescence intensity of the label exhibits sensitive changes throughout the polymerization process, allowing one to follow cure reactions in a quantitive way by measuring fluorescence, especially in the latter stages of cure. The cure species composition, reactivity ratio, activation energy and weight-average molecular weight can also be determined by adding a label and measuring the UV-VIS spectra in addition to the fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A support matrix generally useful for the immobilization of biologically active proteins is made by coating with a polymeric alcohol a core support of titania or a carbonaceous pyropolymer deposited on a high surface area refractory inorganic oxide, cross-linking the alcohol, and converting a portion of the hydroxyl moieties to sulfonate esters. Such supports covalently bind enzymes and antibodies via a strong carbon-nitrogen single bond to give, for example, an immobilized antibody system extremely resistant to leaching of the antibody, the cross-linked alcohol, or of metals from the core support.

Abstract: Measurement of the ionic value X of a solution of a polyelectrolyte after shearing, for instance by a rotating blade, and/or measurement of the ionic value Y of a solution of polyelectrolyte before shearing, and especially the difference between t he values X and Y, gives a useful indication of the degree of cross linking of the polyelectrolyte and so can be utilized to control the manufacture of the polyelectrolyte, for instance drying conditions, or the storage or use of the polyelectrolyte, for instance its suitability or dosage in a flocculation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique methods and apparatus for the detection of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample by selective oxidation of the analyte into a carbonyl-containing compound followed by the controlled formation and growth of optically visible crystals as a qualitative and quantitative measure of the analyte. Epoxides, alcohols, olefins, arylalkanes and alkyl halides are among the many different classes or chemical entities which can be selectively detected in the concomittant presence or absence of other substances within the test sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for assessing the high temperature antioxidant capabilities of engine oils, base oils and engine oil additives under oxidative conditions simulating those encountered in an operating internal combustion engine. In particular, the method of this invention evaluates the above materials under conditions of a continuous influx of free radicals or materials capable of breaking down into free radicals and at elevated temperatures, i.e., similar to engine oil operational temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a reaction vessel from which is tapped a sample of synthetic resin by a tap line, a feed pump in the tap line delivers the synthetic resin to a mixer, a heat exchanger and a viscosimeter, and the latter reflects end product characteristics of the main reaction vessel output. A solvent is also fed to the tap line between the feed pump and the static mixer, and the tap lie downstream of the viscosimeter can be selectively directed back to the reaction vessel, to a dilution container, or to a collection vessel.

Abstract: A method for determining the extent of polymerization of an epoxy system consisting of adding a fluorescent label, the label having a reactivity similar to the reactivity of the curing agent, to the epoxy system and measuring the fluorescence intensity during polymerization. The fluorescence intensity of the label at its emission maximum increases sharply with polymerization, allowing one to follow cure reactions in a quantitative way by measuring fluorescence, especially in the later stages of cure beyond gelation. The composition, reactivity ratio, activation energy and weight-average molecular weight can also be determined by adding a label, such as p,p'-diaminoazobenzene (DAA) or trans diamine-stilbene (DAS), to mimic the reactivity of the curing agent, such as diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) or methylene dianiline (MDA), and measuring the UV-VIS spectra in addition to the fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A dielectric probe for use with conventional frequency and time domain impedance analyzers comprises two chemically resistant electrodes deposited in an interdigitated pectinate configuration on particular non-conductive substrates, the spaces between the digits thereof being no greater than about 0.01 inch; methods and apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling chemical reactions, particularly polymerization reactions, in contact therewith, wherein the complex permittivity may be calculated over a wide range of frequencies and temperatures.

Abstract: Method for determining monomer conversion in the liquid phase by analyzing vapor phase above a polymerization mixture comprising measuring temperature of the vapor phase, analyzing the vapor phase with a gas chromatograph provided with a flame ionization detector to determine relative amount of a certain monomer in the vapor phase, correlating initial amount of the monomer with an intermediate amount of the monomer adjusted by applying a temperature correction, and determining monomer conversion on the basis of an essentially linear relationship of conversion in the liquid phase with relative amount of the monomer in the vapor phase.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the impermeability of a polymeric article to a fluid by the steps of:(a) allowing a permeant to diffuse through the polymeric article for a preselected period of time,(b) converting permeant, diffusing through the article, to an ion by a chemical reaction and(c) measuring the amount of ion formed quantitatively with an ion-selective electrode.A method is further provided wherein a polymeric article is exposed to a permeant for a fixed period of time; removed from contact with the permeant; exposed to a chemical which will convert permeant, back-diffusing through the polymeric article, to an ion; and quantitatively measuring the amount of thus-formed ion with a ion-specific electrode.