Abstract: A minimally intrusive and less painful, self-use microsampling device and method for the measurement of glucose and other analytes in blood are provided. The device of the invention may have one or two optical windows for measuring the concentration of an absorbent reaction product or no windows if methods other than optical absorbance is used. The sampling chamber of the device can contain analytical reagents and other additives to facilitate the sampling and analytical steps. Also provided is a fabrication method for the microsampling device.

Abstract: An improved axial flow chromatography column for separations dependent upon bed depth, such as size exclusion and where changes of column volume necessitate bed height adjustments. The improvements include a snap-action lever or a collet arrangement which permits quick and easy movement of the bed adjuster; a flush seal assembly at the outlet frit and a V-shaped seal in the bed adjuster which obviates dead volume gap of conventional O-ring seals; lens-shaped frits convex on the inlet and outlet sides provide for uniform flow through the column, and the access ports eliminate the contamination problem by providing easy access for cleaning and aspiration of liquid; and a combined inlet tube and adjuster tube assembly eliminates the need for threaded components which make sanitation difficult.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the in vivo and in vitro detection and measurement of dose critical levels of DNA-binding anti-cancer drug levels in biological fluids. The apparatus comprises a laser based fiber optic sensor (optrode) which utilizes the secondary interactions between the drug and an intercalating fluorochrome bound to a probe DNA, which in turn is attached to the fiber tip at one end thereof. The other end of the optical fiber is attached to an illumination source, detector and recorder. The fluorescence intensity is measured as a function of the drug concentration and its binding constant to the probe DNA.Anticancer drugs which lend themselves to analysis by the use of the method and the optrode of the present invention include doxorubicin, daunorubicin, carminomycin, aclacinomycin, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-uracil, arabinosyl cytosine, mitomycin, cis-platinum 11 diamine dichloride procarbazine, vinblastine vincristine and the like.

Abstract: A combustion synthesis process for the preparation of .alpha.-silicon nitride and composites thereof is disclosed. Preparation of the .alpha.-silicon nitride comprises the steps of dry mixing silicon powder with an alkali metal azide, such as sodium azide, cold-pressing the mixture into any desired shape, or loading the mixture into a fused, quartz crucible, loading the crucible into a combustion chamber, pressurizing the chamber with nitrogen and igniting the mixture using an igniter pellet. The method for the preparation of the composites comprises dry mixing silicon powder (Si) or SiO.sub.2, with a metal or metal oxide, adding a small amount of an alkali metal azide such as sodium azide, introducing the mixture into a suitable combustion chamber, pressurizing the combustion chamber with nitrogen, igniting the mixture within the combustion chamber, and isolating the .alpha.-silicon nitride formed as a reaction product.

Abstract: DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules which encode human IL-2 IL-2 like polypeptides, hosts transformed with vectors carrying the DNA sequences as inserts, methods for their production and therapeutic formulations utilizing the IL-2 and IL-2 like polypeptides are provided.

Abstract: A one step combustion process for the synthesis of dense aluminum nitride compositions is disclosed. The process comprises igniting pure aluminum powder in a nitrogen atmosphere at a pressure of about 1000 atmospheres or higher. The process enables the production of aluminum nitride bodies to be formed directly in a mold of any desired shape.

Abstract: The polycondensation of resorcinol with formaldehyde under alkaline conditions results in the formation of surface functionalized polymer "clusters". The covalent crosslinking of these "clusters" produces gels which when processed under supercritical conditions, produce low density, organic aerogels (density .ltoreq.100 mg/cc; cell size .ltoreq.0.1 microns). The aerogels are transparent, dark red in color and consist of interconnected colloidal-like particles with diameters of about 100 .ANG.. These aerogels may be further carbonized to form low density carbon foams with cell size of about 0.1 micron.

Abstract: A moving belt interface for real-time, high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC)/mass spectrometer (MS) analysis which strips away the HPLC solvent as it emerges from the end of the HPLC column and leaves a residue suitable for mass-spectral analysis. The interface includes a portable, stand-alone apparatus having a plural stage vacuum station, a continuous ribbon or belt, a drive train magnetically coupled to an external drive motor, a calibrated HPLC delivery system, a heated probe tip and means located adjacent the probe tip for direct ionization of the residue on the belt. The interface is also capable of being readily adapted to fit any mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An improved liquid chromatography column having a horizontal flow of the liquid through the separating medium utilizing an improved fluid distribution system is disclosed. The improved fluid distribution system includes a screen or mesh arrangement, and a thin layer, plate or wafer-like separation medium. The screen or mesh type distribution system enables uniform distribution of the sample or eluting fluid radially over 360.degree. around the periphery of the separating medium bed, thus eliminating the high machining costs and other problems associated with systems employing grooves or passageways type distribution systems. The improved column as a whole may be fabricated so as to be disposable or may be constructed to have an even more simplified fluid distribution arrangement.

Abstract: A system for chromatography using horizontal (radial) flow columns is disclosed. The system provides rapid separation of complex biological or organic mixtures at low operating pressures. The system may be used in a variety of applications, such as in the analysis of the constituents of a mixture, or in large pilot or plant scale operations where the isolation of one or more purified components of a mixture or fluid is required for further testing or for commercial purposes. The system is designed to accommodate separation via a variety of routes including ion-exchange, affinity, hydrophobic, chiral, hydroxylapatite, reverse phased as well as rapid desalting techniques.

Abstract: A bioreactor for anchorage or nonanchorage dependent cells or for immobilized enzymes that is capable of achieving high cell densities or concentrations of reaction products is disclosed. The bioreactor is capable of being easily scaled up. The bioreactor utilizes horizontal or radial flow of the culture or growth medium across a packed bed of microcarriers with attached cells or enzymes. The radial flow utilized by the chamber minimizes the non-optimal culture perfusion problems and maximizes the uniformity of medium delivery and cell and/or enzyme viability. The cell culture chamber possess the capability for the production of many industrially important and useful products, particularly in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, environmental and purification industries.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator, particularly adapted for use with closed sterilizing or cooking vessels, such as pressure cookers and sterilizers, to indicate at what temperature and for how long material contained within the vessel has been heating or cooking, is disclosed. The indicator uses a material such as a thermochromic material which changes color at a predetermined temperature, and is constructed to provide readings around a 360.degree. angle. The indicator may, for example, be constructed as a knob on the lid of a pressure cooker or sterilizer or the link or may be attached to or as a replacement for an existing knob.

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous flow cytometric measurement of the total DNA content and the level of DNA synthesis in normal and malignant cells is disclosed. The sensitivity of the method allows a study of cell cycle traverse rates for large scale cell populations as well as single cell measurements. A DNA stain such as propidium iodide or Hoechst 33258 is used as the probe for the measurement of total DNA content and a monoclonal antibody reactive with a DNA precursor such as halodeoxy-uridine (HdU), more specifically bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is used as a probe for the measurement of HdU or BrdU uptake by the cells as a measure of DNA synthesis.

Abstract: A support bracket particularly adapted to support the housing portion of a standard portable metal detector includes a clip portion which is adapted to be secured to the belt of the individual using the metal detector, and a channel portion which engages the housing. The bracket includes first and second panel portions joined by a reverse bend to receive a belt therebetween and define a belt support clip. A laterally extending third panel extends outwardly from the lower end of the second panel, and a fourth panel extends upwardly from the distal end of the third to define the channel configuration with the second and third panel members. The channel portion is configured to receive and engage the bottom and sides of the housing portion of a metal detector. A releasable strap extends between the upper edges of the second and fourth panel members to retain the housing in the channel portion.

Abstract: A chromatography column/moving belt interface for directing the output of the column to a point of use, detection and/or identification, such as a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The chromatography column/moving belt interface of this invention thus provides for substantially simultaneous analysis of materials separated in the column. The chromatography column utilizes horizontal flow through the separating medium with the output therefrom being at or near atmospheric pressure. The moving belt interface includes means for directing the output of the column onto a moving belt at variable angles, means for vaporizing output which is deposited on the belt and means for providing a vacuum lock arrangement such that the belt moves from and through a near atmospheric pressure of the column output to a near vacuum condition of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A device for testing a battery, particularly a small, portable battery, comprising a flexible, transparent substrate on which is deposited a narrow band of a black light absorbing material. A conductive material, which may taper outwardly in opposite directions from a central point to a pair of outer terminals, is then deposited atop the substrate on the same side of the substrate as the absorber layer or on the opposite side of the substrate as the absorber layer. A layer of a cholesteric liquid crystal material is then deposited on the substrate on the opposite side from the black absorber layer or over the absorber layer. The conductive material is an epoxy cement-based conductor, preferably silver, printed or painted directly on to the substrate. An indicator scale is located along sections of the conductive material.

Abstract: A modified IFN-.beta. is provided wherein the cysteine residue at position 17 is deleted and serine is substituted therefor. DNA sequences coding for the modified protein, nucleotide primers used for the mutagenesis, appropriate cloning vectors, host organisms transformed with the vectors, methods for the production and use of the modified IFN-.beta. (IFN-.beta..sub.ser17) are also provided. The specific activity of IFN-.beta..sub.ser17 is found to be substantially the same as that of native IFN-.beta..

Abstract: A device for testing a battery, particularly a small, "button-type" battery, such as those used in hearing aids, calculators, watches and the like, comprising a flexible, transparent substrate on which is deposited a conductive material, which may taper outwardly in opposite directions or in a single direction, from a central point from one side to a pair of outer terminals. A layer of a cholesteric liquid crystal material is then deposited on the substrate. A layer or band of a black light absorbing material the opposite side from the black absorber layer. The conductive material is an epoxy cement-based conductor, preferably silver, printed or painted directly on to the substrate. An indicator scale is located along sections of the tapered conductive material.

Abstract: A chromatography column-electrophoresis system for directing the fluid output from the column directly to a point of use, further resolution or separation, detection and/or identification while conditioning or preparing the output for analysis by another instrument such as a mass spectrometer. The system provides for substantially simultaneous analysis in a mass spectrometer, for example, material separated initially by the column, followed by electrophoretic separation and resolution. The chromatography column utilizes horizontal or radial flow of the sample fluid through the separating medium. The column may be of a type having a quickly replaceable or disposable separating medium, or the entire column may be of a readily replaceable or disposable type. The electrophoresis apparatus is of a capillary tube type, one embodiment of which utilizes a pair of capillary tubes thereby providing for continuous operation.

Abstract: The invention involves a new technique for the separation of complex mixtures of chemicals, which utilizes a unique interface probe for conventional mass spectrometers which allows the electrophoretically separated compounds to be analyzed in real-time by a mass spectrometer. This new chemical analysis interface, which couples electrophoresis with mass spectrometry, allows complex mixtures to be analyzed very rapidly, with much greater specificity, and with greater sensitivity. The interface or probe provides a means whereby large and/or polar molecules in complex mixtures to be completely characterized. The preferred embodiment of the probe utilizes a double capillary tip which allows the probe tip to be continually wetted by the buffer, which provides for increased heat dissipation, and results in a continually operating interface which is more durable and electronically stable than the illustrated single capillary tip probe interface.