Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the selective purification of bacterial cells and/or cell components, whereby the purification is performed by means of a solid support.

Abstract: A buffer kit includes a first eluent and second eluent. The first eluent solution includes at least four buffer salts where at least three of the four buffer salts are a monovalent buffer salt, have a net negative charge or a net neutral zwitterionic charge, and include a sulfonate group and an amine. The second eluent solution includes at least four buffer salts where at least three of the four buffer salts are a monovalent buffer salt, have a net negative charge or a net neutral zwitterionic charge, and include a sulfonate group and an amine. The first eluent solution has a first pH and the second eluent solution has a second pH where the first pH and second pH are different values. The buffer kit provides a linear pH gradient that forms an approximately straight line from at least the first pH to the second pH.

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: A synthetic urine solution and method of its manufacture are disclosed. The solution includes water having a pH between about 3 and about 10. The solution further includes creatinine, a means for removing bacteria from the solution so as to control or eliminate sepsis of the urine solution, preferably through the use of a biocide, and a urea-based compound. The solution exhibits a specific gravity of from 1.005 g/cm3 to 1.025 g/cm3. Additional compounds may also be included to further enhance the aesthetics or apparent authenticity of the synthetic urine.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing a control solution from a sample in an electrochemical test sensor is performed. The method includes adding a control marker to the control solution. The control solution includes the control marker and analyte. The test sensor includes working and counter electrodes, and a reagent. A potential is applied to the test sensor to oxidize the control marker and the analyte. The resulting electrical current is measured. A potential is applied to the test sensor lower than the other potential in which the potential is sufficient to oxidize the analyte and not the control marker. The resulting electrical current is measured. Determining whether a control solution or a sample is present based on the measured electrical currents. To increase the measured current, a salt may be added to the control solution in an amount sufficient to increase the electrical current by at least 5% as compared to a control solution in the absence of a salt.

Abstract: The present invention reagents and methods for setting up an instruments having a multiplicity of detector channels for analyzing a multiplicity of fluorescent dyes. The present invention is particularly applicable in the field of flow cytometry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying compounds contributing to a sour odor emitting from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the detected sour odor and preparing a corresponding sour odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the sour odor emitted from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The detected sour odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced sour odor may provide meaningful data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying the compounds contributing to urine odor emitting from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the detected urine odor, and preparing a corresponding urine odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the urine odor emitted from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The detected urine odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced urine odor may provide meaningful data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.

Abstract: A bio-threat simulant that includes a carrier and DNA encapsulated in the carrier. Also a method of making a simulant including the steps of providing a carrier and encapsulating DNA in the carrier to produce the bio-threat simulant.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the labeling of two or more targets with different labels. Specifically, disclosed are compositions for biotin and the protection of biotin within multilabel assays which employ the biotin-biotin binding protein binding relationship for each distinct label in relation to targets such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies or cells. These multilabel assays are enabled through the use of biotin with desthiobiotin, orthogonal protecting schemes for biotin, or a combination of the approaches.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods for detecting and quantitating plasma-derived protein and recombinant protein in a sample based on the difference in protein glycosylation, when the plasma protein and the recombinant protein are essentially the same protein.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a dihydorxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. In certain preferred embodiments the methods include immunopurifying the dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites prior to mass spectrometry. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites in a single assay.

Abstract: A living body phantom according to the present invention, which is used as a testing sample in a prepared slide in estimating the performance of a microscope objective lens with the image of the testing sample in the prepared slide acquired by an imaging means via the microscope objective lens and with optical characteristics obtained from the image of the testing sample, includes a non-gel-like solution at least including: a solvent which at least includes water, a refractive index adjustment agent, and a scattering body or which at least includes a refractive index adjustment agent and a scattering body; and a thickener.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.

Abstract: A method and system for testing the functional capability of an analytical instrument uses first and second blind samples. Each blind sample is a test substance with an amount of a parameter to be tested that is unknown to the user. Each blind sample is provided with an identification means with a unique identification. When the blind samples are tested by the user in the instrument being tested, the measurement values obtained and the unique identifications read are compared against predetermined values that are accessible to a test program configured as software on the analytical instrument. By comparison of the measurement values and the predetermined values, the functional capability of the analytical instrument is determined and the result is transmitted to an output unit of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: Deuterium free, stable isotope labeled hallucinogens and/or stimulants containing a 2-phenylethylamine-based structural unit and containing at least three stable isotopes selected from the group consisting of 13C, 15N and 18O as free bases and as their salts; method of their preparation and their use in the chemical analysis, in particular forensic chemical analysis, and in metabolic studies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the preservation of blood platelets. In particular, the present invention provides a method which includes submitting the platelets to zeodration carried out at temperatures between 18° C. and 24° C. The dried platelets thus obtained can be preserved at room temperature for long period of time. The invention also provides kits and compositions for using the preserved platelets.

Abstract: A method for testing, treating, and preventing delayed food allergies includes: receiving detailed symptom, medical, and dietary histories from a patient; formulating a combination of one or more food extracts at selected concentration for sublingual administration over a trial period; determining whether the patient's symptoms have improved, worsened, or had no change, in response to the administration of the combination; and altering the combination in response to whether the patient's symptoms have improved, worsened, or not changed, so as to induce immune system food tolerance.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent for diluting a blood sample, comprising water, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having a hydroxyl value of 52 to 60, and an osmo-regulator for regulating the osmotic pressure of the reagent in the range of 150 to 400 mOsm/kg, as well as a method for measuring the mean corpuscular volume of a blood sample.

Abstract: A standard material that is used for judging an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer is described. The standard material comprises first standard particles to be fluorescence-stained by a fluorescence-staining treatment and second standard particles that have preliminarily contained a fluorescence dye. A method and an analyzer that can judge an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer by using such a standard material are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides dual labeled protein standards useful for the simultaneous determination of the molecular weight of a subject protein as well as the relative mass (i.e., amount) of the subject protein present in an electrophoresis lane. The invention is also directed to methods suitable for the preparation of such dual labeled protein standards and to methods of using such dual labeled proteins to simultaneously determine the molecular weight and the relative amount of a subject protein. Further embodiments are directed to the use dual labeled protein standards to make a more accurate determination of the amount of a protein present in an electrophoresis lane. Yet further embodiments are directed to kits containing the presently described dual protein standards. Dual labeled protein standards made and used in accordance with the embodiments set forth herein may be used to simultaneously determine the molecular weight and the relative amount of a subject protein in real time.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: A method is provided that identifies the compounds contributing to a malodor from an air conditioner, reproduces the malodor, and prepares a corresponding malodor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the malodor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The malodor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced malodor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: A method of continuously verifying proper sort calibration in a droplet sorting flow cytometer by selecting a fraction of droplets estimated to have substantially zero probability of containing a particle; applying one charge of a set of charges to the selected droplets in order to form a test stream out of the selected droplets; illuminating the droplets in the test stream; and detecting any light emitted or scattered by any particles in the selected droplets.

Abstract: Glucose measured in blood samples is distinguished from glucose measured in the control solutions used to test the optical instruments which make such measurements. The control solutions contain a labeling substance recognized by the optical instrument to distinguish glucose measurements made of control solutions from those made of blood samples.

Abstract: A method for performing an assay on a liquid sample for the detection of one or more analytes of interest in an assay device having a flow path which includes a sample zone and detection zone thereon includes: dispensing the sample onto the sample zone; combining the sample and a reagent, wherein the sample and reagent may be combined prior to addition of the sample to the sample zone or on the assay device, flowing the combined sample/reagent by capillary action into and through the detection zone having capture elements bound thereto, wherein a signal at least partially representative of the presence or concentration of analyte(s) is produced and detected; determining a reaction time or reaction volume; and determining the concentration of the analyte by using both the detected signal and the reaction time or reaction volume.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convenient and effective means for quantifying an antigen-specific canine or human IgE.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing a control solution from a sample in an electrochemical test sensor is performed. The method includes adding a control marker to the control solution. The control solution includes the control marker and analyte. The test sensor includes working and counter electrodes, and a reagent. A potential is applied to the test sensor to oxidize the control marker and the analyte. The resulting electrical current is measured. A potential is applied to the test sensor lower than the other potential in which the potential is sufficient to oxidize the analyte and not the control marker. The resulting electrical current is measured. Determining whether a control solution or a sample is present based on the measured electrical currents. To increase the measured current, a salt may be added to the control solution in an amount sufficient to increase the electrical current by at least 5% as compared to a control solution in the absence of a salt.

Abstract: Histochemical process compositions comprising at least one nanoparticle in an amount effective to reduce or substantially eliminate the average number of spots per slide that result from a sample staining protocol are disclosed. Various nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, including metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, ceramics, functionalized metals or metalloids, and other miscellaneous nanoparticles, such as carbon nanoparticles and diamond nanoparticles, can be used. The nanoparticle concentration typically is from about 2 parts per million to about 20 parts per million. One embodiment of a disclosed method concerns applying a histochemical process composition to a sample, followed by performing a staining protocol on the sample. Particular embodiments concern dispensing a nanosolution onto a sample using an automated system, heating the sample, and performing a sample staining process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cleavable surfactant/detergent compound of the following formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Embodiments of the cleavable surfactant/detergent compound are useful, for example, in methods for isolating a hydrophobic molecule that include providing a plasma comprising a hydrophobic molecule, applying the cleavable surfactant to the plasma so that the surfactant engages the hydrophobic molecule, cleaving the surfactant from the hydrophobic molecule, and analyzing said hydrophobic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the more efficient cleaning of nucleic acids, and to a kit for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present application, a color changeable dye can comprise a redox indicator, a reduction reaction initiator, an electron donor, an oxygen scavenger, an indicator barrier agent, a thickening agent and an agent to facilitate mixing. The color changeable dye is a first color in the presence of oxygen, capable of changing to a second color upon reduction in a substantially oxygen free environment, and capable of changing back to the first color after exposure to oxygen for a period of time corresponding to the intended use time of a disposable or limited use product. Methods of making and using the color changeable dye and apparatuses incorporating such dye are also disclosed.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is to provide a measurement method using an internal standard substance in an electrophoresis where an analyte is a protein or a compound. The present invention relates to a measurement method for an analyte by an electrophoresis, characterized in that a peak of the analyte is identified by using as an internal standard substance (1) a combination of a compound I having 3 or more anion groups in a molecule and a compound II where 1 to 3 groups of the anion groups of said compound I have been substituted by cation groups, or (2) a combination of a compound III having 3 or more cation groups in a molecule and a compound IV where 1 to 3 groups of the cation groups of said compound III have been substituted by cation groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for the separation of a serum or plasma, which comprises a cyclopentadiene oligomer, can be used for separating a serum or plasma by utilizing the difference in specific gravity among blood components, and enables to provide a serum or plasma having no oily component floating therein after centrifugal separation. The composition comprises a trimellitic acid ester and/or a pyromellitate ester and a cyclopentadiene oligomer. Alternatively, the composition comprises an aromatic esterified compound and a cyclopentadiene oligomer as the main ingredients and additionally comprises an inorganic micropowder and an organic gelling agent as thixotropy-imparting agents, wherein the organic gelling agent is contained in an amount of less than 0.06 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the cyclopentadiene oligomer.

Abstract: Reagents and methods are provided that permit simultaneous analysis of multiple diverse small molecule analytes present in a complex mixture. Samples are labeled with chemically identical but isotopically distinct forms of the labeling reagent, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. A single reagent simultaneously derivatizes multiple small molecule analytes having different reactive functional groups.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control material which can be preferably employed in detection of 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol and glycoalbumin, which are employed as excellent indices for diabetes. The present inventor has found that mannitol which is added to serum or plasma used as control material stabilizes 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol and glycoalbumin present in the serum or plasma for a long period of time, and that the object can be attained through provision of (1) an agent for stabilizing control material, the agent being composed of mannitol and (2) control material containing mannitol and 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol.

Abstract: An assembly for testing platelet aggregation including an electrode subassembly that is mounted in a cuvette subassembly for use with relatively small samples containing platelets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-coated substrate, such as a slide, that is useful for immobilizing a sample. The invention is further provides methods of preparing such pre-coated substrates and methods of analyzing biological samples immobilized on such pre-coated substrate. The substrate is coated with a polycationic polymeric coating material specifically selected such that that coated substrate exhibits increased stability and prolonged shelf-life. Preferred polymeric coating materials include allylic or vinylic polymers having cationic groups thereon and having no more than a small percentage of peptidic monomeric linkages, particularly polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA).

Abstract: The invention includes fusion polypeptides including a first fluorescent protein, e.g., a FRET donor protein, a second fluorescent protein, e.g., a FRET acceptor protein, and, linked to at least one of the fluorescent (e.g., FRET donor or FRET acceptor) proteins, an Fc-region of an immunoglobulin. The polypeptide can be immobilized with respect to a surface via the Fc-region even in the absence of antibodies to either the FRET donor protein or FRET acceptor protein, and can be used as a calibration standard for fluorescence resonance energy transfer includes a polypeptide.

Abstract: A method for analyzing platelets is described. In the method, a measurement sample is prepared by mixing a sample and a dye for staining platelets. The dye is selected from the group consisting of Capri blue, Nile blue and brilliant cresyl blue. Upon irradiating cells in the measurement sample with light, scattered light and fluorescence emitted from the cells are measured. The platelets are detected on the basis of the scattered light and the fluorescence. A reagent kit and a reagent are also described.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: A Mixture of substances is provided for precise calibration of the mass scale of mass spectrometers equipped with ion sources that operate at atmospheric pressure (AP) with ionization of the analyte molecules, for example by APCI (chemical ionization), or by APPI (photoionization), often at high temperatures of up to 470° C. Out of physical reasons, the mass scale of any time-of-flight mass spectrometer deviates in the lower mass range from the theoretical relation between charge-related mass m/z and flight time t. A closely spaced arrangement of low mass calibration reference points is necessary if high mass accuracy is to be achieved for substances of low molecular weight. APCI and APPI sources are increasingly used in time-of-flight mass spectrometers with orthogonal ion injection (OTOF MS) for the detection of non-polar and weakly polar compounds, in particular, for analyte molecules with relatively low molecular weights.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes simulants and methods of production thereof that imitate characteristics of known explosives, including characteristics at the microscopic and macroscopic level. For instance, the present disclosure includes a simulant with the same texture, granularity, bulk density, particle density, and porosity of a known explosive. The simulants described herein provide the macroscopic bulk physical properties and the microscopic scale properties of actual explosives.