Abstract: The scientific characterization of cellular contractility and cell movement, such as muscle function in particular is, to a large extent, carried out on intact tissue preparations for example using whole intact muscles from animals. Typical indices of muscle function may include isometric force, contractility under external force (load) and spatio-temporal determination of internal calcium concentration under strictly controlled conditions of length and applied force. The major advance of the described apparatus is that the common characterization of cellular contractility can be performed on a single cell rather than an entire tissue or whole animal. As such the apparatus described improves on and eliminates known limitations of currently considered state-of-the-art approaches.

Abstract: A method of rapidly and accurately identifying and analyzing thiol proteins in a sample using gold nanoparticles. Disclosed are embodiments of a flow device for isolation, fractionation and subsequent instrumental analysis of thiol containing proteins from various samples or tissue sources using gold nanoparticles. Also disclosed are embodiments of a flow device for detecting, isolating and fractionating S-nitrosated proteins and peptides for subsequent analysis, including identification of S-nitrosation sites.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based detection system is employed for spectroscopy based applications. LEDs are used as monochromatic light sources for applications at specific and pre-defined wavelengths. Spectrographic information is generated using LEDs of different wavelengths ranging from 260 nm to 1400 nm. Multiple wavelength information is generated by coupling light from each LED into an intensity and mode mixing fiber bundle. A dual beam approach of using a reference and a sample photodiode ensures automatic drift correction. Interference filters at the LED input fiber reduce the spectral bandwidth of the monochromatic light emission to a useful 10 nm bandwidth by cutting off the LEDs trailing emission distribution allowing for absorbance measurements similar to typical spectrometers.

Abstract: The scientific characterization of cellular contractility and cell movement, such as muscle function in particular is, to a large extent, carried out on intact tissue preparations for example using whole intact muscles from animals. Typical indices of muscle function may include isometric force, contractility under external force (load) and spatio-temporal determination of internal calcium concentration under strictly controlled conditions of length and applied force. The major advance of the described apparatus is that the common characterization of cellular contractility can be performed on a single cell rather than an entire tissue or whole animal. As such the apparatus described improves on and eliminates known limitations of currently considered state-of-the-art approaches.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measurement of hydrogen sulfide is described. The electrochemical sensor comprises an electrolyte; an electrolyte container comprising a hydrogen sulfide permeable membrane; a working electrode and a reference electrode both disposed in the electrolyte; and an instrument capable of maintaining a fixed DC potential in the range of 0 mV to 1,000 mV between the working electrode and the reference electrode. Also a method of detecting hydrogen sulfide in a sample. The method comprises providing an electrochemical sensor; at least partially immersing the gas permeable membrane in the sample; and detecting hydrogen sulfide in the sample. The detection may be qualitative or quantitative.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based detection system is employed for spectroscopy based applications. LEDs are used as monochromatic light sources for applications at specific and pre-defined wavelengths. Spectrographic information is generated using LEDs of different wavelengths ranging from 260 nm to 1400 nm. Multiple wavelength information is generated by coupling light from each LED into an intensity and mode mixing fiber bundle. A dual beam approach of using a reference and a sample photodiode ensures automatic drift correction. Interference filters at the LED input fiber reduce the spectral bandwidth of the monochromatic light emission to a useful 10 nm bandwidth by cutting off the LEDs trailing emission distribution allowing for absorbance measurements similar to typical spectrometers.

Abstract: A coating technique for amorphous fluoropolymer involves adding amorphous fluoropolymer resin to a solvent. The resin solvent mixture is heated to a predetermined temperature above room temperature. The amorphous fluoropolymer resin is dissolved in a heated solvent, and the liquid coating solution is applied to a substrate. The solvent is then removed from the applied liquid coating solution. The coating technique may be employed in connection with liquid core waveguides.

Abstract: A piston seal assembly for a pipette includes an O-ring having radially inner and outer surfaces and axially separated first and second surfaces. A seal includes a radially extending rim portion having axially separated first and second surfaces and an axially extending sleeve portion forming an opening. A seat includes an axially extending indexing portion and a radially extending engagement portion forming an opening and having axially separated first and second surfaces. The seal is positioned such that the pipette piston extends through the opening and the radially inner surface of the sleeve portion slidably engages the piston. The seat is positioned such that the piston extends through the opening, the first and second surfaces of the engagement portion engage the second surface of the rim portion and an end of the spring, respectively, and the radially outer surface of the indexing portion engages the inner surface of the pipette body.

Abstract: A storage and delivery system for directly applying nitric oxide to a user includes a portable and disposable capsule and a source of nitric oxide gas disposed within the cavity. Gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of nitric oxide gas from the cavity. Gas flow initiation apparatus allows the user to initiate the flow of nitric oxide gas. The encapsulated nitric oxide gas is applied by positioning the capsule proximate to the objective site of the user and initiating flow of the nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: A photometric detection system including a light source, a photometric detector, and a flow cell assembly. The flow cell assembly includes a tubular liquid core waveguide having inlet and discharge ends for receiving and discharging a flow of the sample fluid. A first coupling device optically couples the light source to the waveguide at a first position along the length of the waveguide. A second coupling device optically couples the detector to the waveguide at a second position along the length of the waveguide. The first and second positions define an optical path length within the waveguide. The second position is variable relative to the first position such that the optical path length is selectively varied.

Abstract: A storage and delivery system for directly applying nitric oxide to a user includes a portable and disposable capsule and a source of nitric oxide gas disposed within the cavity. Gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of nitric oxide gas from the cavity. Gas flow initiation apparatus allows the user to initiate the flow of nitric oxide gas. The encapsulated nitric oxide gas is applied by positioning the capsule proximate to the objective site of the user and initiating flow of the nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: Low concentrations of substances dissolved in liquids are detected by coupling analysis/excitation light into the liquid core of an optical waveguide in the form of a capillary. When the substance of interest is to be excited to cause the emission of fluorescent light, the excitation light is transversely coupled into the hollow core of the waveguide and the generated fluorescent light is kept in the optical path of the waveguide for as long as possible. The invention also contemplates the use, in either an absorption or fluorescence mode, of specially treated fused silica fibers to deliver analysis/excitation light with very short wavelengths into the liquid core of an optical waveguide.

Abstract: Fluid samples of very small but precisely equal volume are repetitively collected and subsequently analyzed by being illuminated with measurement light. The collection cells fill spontaneously and the analysis is performed with the sample in the cell.

Abstract: The detection of a chemical specie of interest is accomplished by immobilizing sensing molecules on the inner wall of a liquid core optical waveguide, the waveguide comprising a capillary tube and the sensing molecules being selected to interact with the specie of interest carried by the liquid which forms the waveguide core. The interaction produces a change in an optical characteristic of the waveguide which may be detected by illuminating the waveguide with analysis light.

Abstract: A gas or vapor permeable optical fiber waveguide with a liquid core is employed as a probe for the detection or measurement of a chemical specie of interest by filling the waveguide core region with a reagent liquid which undergoes a change in an optical characteristic thereof when exposed to the chemical specie and then inserting the filled waveguide into an environment in which the chemical specie may be present. The chemical specie, if present, will permeate through the waveguide wall and react with or be absorbed in the core liquid. Sensitivity is enhanced by controlling the pressure differential across the waveguide wall and/or by shaping the waveguide to enlarge the surface area. When the reaction generates light, the devices which detect that light will be shaped and disposed to maximize the collection thereof.

Abstract: A permeable optical fiber waveguide with a liquid core is employed as a probe for the detection or measurement of a chemical specie of interest by filling the waveguide core region with a light transmitting reagent liquid which undergoes a change in an optical characteristic thereof when exposed to the chemical specie and then inserting the filled waveguide into an environment in which the chemical specie may be present. The chemical specie, if present, will permeate through the waveguide wall and react with or be absorbed in the core liquid.

Abstract: An eyeglass device includes a frame supporting first and second lenses therein. The frame includes support hooks and latch assemblies that permit the securing of third and fourth lenses to the frame over a respective first and second lens. Alternatively, an auxiliary frame is fastened to the frame using securing members attached to the auxiliary frame, the frame, or both the auxiliary frame and the frame.

Abstract: A gas mixture having a preselected concentration of nitric oxide, usable in inhalation therapy for example, is produced by controllably establishing the coulometric reduction of copper ions in a solution of nitric acid accompanied by purging the chamber in which the reduction reaction occurs with an inert gas. A free-standing, portable NO generator for use in the production of such a gas mixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chromatically variable light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes which generate substantially monochromatic light at different wavelengths. The light source includes circuitry for selectively energizing one or more of the light emitting diodes and for controlling the intensity of the generated light. The light generated by the light emitting diodes is combined in a single light pipe and delivered to an output port for use.

Abstract: The chemical properties of an aqueous liquid, the liquid comprising a solvent having an index of refraction which is the same as or closely approaches that of water, are determined by Raman spectroscopy wherein a sample of the liquid is delivered into an optical waveguide. The waveguide is in the form of a capillary having a reflective surface defined by a material having a refractive index of less than 1.33. Excitation light is transmitted axially into the liquid at an end of the waveguide. The excitation light is transmitted the length of the waveguide, by reflection from the reflective surface, causing the fluid to emit Raman spectra. The Raman spectra is transmitted along the waveguide, collected and delivered to a spectrometer.