Abstract: Novel polymeric biologically inert compositions and their intermediates, as well as sunscreen formulations comprising them and making them invisible, are provided for broad range protection from ultraviolet radiation. Acryl polymers comprising at least two different ultraviolet absorbing moieties having different light absorbing ranges are employed in conjunction with other monomers to provide sunscreen polymers as microparticles. The polymer microparticles, once imbibed with carrier compounds, change the refractive index, thus providing invisible sunscreen formulations which offer enhanced protection without adverse physiological effects.

Abstract: NO precursors are administered at elevated levels in addition to the diet of the individual to enhance exercise performance. Particularly, L-arginine and L-lysine by enhancing endothelial NO production can provide for greater aerobic capacity and improved exercise performance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for masking inhomogeneity of a member of a specific binding pair (sbp) employed in a capillary electroseparation. The method comprises binding the sbp member to synthetic particles that become localized during capillary electroseparation. Also disclosed is one embodiment of the present invention, which is a method for conducting a capillary electroseparation specific binding assay. The method involves the electroseparation of a labeled first member of a specific binding pair that is bound in a complex from labeled first member that is not bound in the complex. The complex comprises the first member and a second member of a specific binding pair. A combination is provided comprising a sample suspected of containing an analyte, a labeled first member of a specific binding pair, and a second member of a specific binding pair under conditions for forming a complex between labeled first member and the second member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process. The apparatus comprises integral first and second plates. The first plate comprises an array of sample receiving elements for receiving a plurality of samples from an array of sample containers and dispensing the samples. The second plate comprises a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process. Also disclosed is a method for processing an array of samples. At least a portion of each sample in an array of sample wells is simultaneously transferred to a corresponding array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels by means of a corresponding array of sample receiving elements that is in integral fluid communication with the array of microfluidic networks. The samples are then processed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for moving charged molecules through a medium by the application of a plurality of electrical fields of sufficient strength and applied for sufficient amounts of time so as to move the charged molecules through the medium. The devices although preferably small in size, preferably generate large numbers (100 or more) of electrical fields to a movement area which preferably contains a liquid buffered or gel medium. Mixtures of charged molecules are pulled through the gel by the force of the electrical fields. The fields are preferably activated simultaneously or sequentially one after another at various speeds to create complex force field distributions or moving field waves along the separation medium. Charged molecules capable of moving quickly through the gel will be moved along by the faster moving field waves and be separated from slower moving molecules.

Abstract: Integrated microfluidic devices comprising at least an enrichment channel and a main electrophoretic flowpath are provided. In the subject integrated devices, the enrichment channel and the main electrophoretic flowpath are positioned so that waste fluid flows away from said main electrophoretic flowpath through a discharge outlet. The subject devices find use in a variety of electrophoretic applications, including clinical assays, high throughput screening for genomics and pharmaceutical applications, point-or-care in vitro diagnostics, molecular genetic analysis and nucleic acid diagnostics, cell separations, and bioresearch generally.

Abstract: Novel non-ionic contrast media are provided, which fulfill the requirements for x-ray visualization media, while being biodegradable. The compounds are characterized by being triiodo-3,5-diaminobenzoic acid derivatives, where the functional groups are derivatized with hydroxyalkyl groups and the amino functionalities are further derivatized with acyl substituents of one carbon acids. Also, triiodophloroglucinol oxyalkyl substituted derivatives are provided.

Abstract: Health bars are provided having high dosages of at least one of the amino acids L-arginine and L-lysine in conjunction with fruit solids and paste, protein and carbohydrates. A number of different fruit sources may be used, grapes finding particular use, and soy being a useful source of proteins. The bars are made by preparing a syrup at an elevated temperature, adding a fruit paste and cooling, followed by the addition of minor ingredients and mixing, the amino acids and a portion of the protein and mixing, followed by the remaining ingredients and formation as a bar.

Abstract: Electrophoretic chambers having at least a region of surface modification, and methods for their fabrication, are provided. In some embodiments the subject chambers include in the region of surface modification an anchoring polymeric layer interpenetrating the surface of the chamber and an electrophoretic polymeric layer copolymerized with the anchoring polymeric layer. The subject chambers are prepared by sequentially contacting the chamber surface with a first monomer capable of interpenetrating the surface and a second monomer capable of copolymerization with the first monomer, followed by copolymerization of the first and second monomers. In other embodiments an electrophoretic polymeric layer is noncovalently bound on the surface of a rigid polymereic base material without the aid of a separate anchoring polymeric layer. The subject devices find use in any of a variety of electrophoretic applications in which entities are moved through a medium under the influence of an applied electric field.

Abstract: Microchannels having at least an acrylic inner surface and methods of their use in electrophoretic applications are provided. The subject microchannels may be in the form of a variety of configurations suitable for holding an electrophoretic medium. The subject microchannels give rise to substantially reduced EOF and/or adsorption as compared to fused silica under conditions of electrophoresis and find use in a variety of electrophoretic applications in which charged entities are moved through a medium under the influence of the an applied electric field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are employed for determining interactions between different components, of the same or different type of composition. The apparatus provides for arrays of samples in tracks, where light emitting labels are excited and emitted light detected. Headers are provided for defining sites, so that particular interactions can be rapidly detected. Particularly, disks having circular tracks with headers defining sites on the tracks, so that positive signals can be interpreted in relation to the information provided by the header. Various modifications can be made, such as preprepared segments which may then be attached to the disk for assaying.