Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a lipid peroxide, in which a sample containing lipids is subjected to a liquid chromatography to separate the lipids into lipid classes. The lipid classes are brought into contact with a luminescent reagent which specifically reacts with a lipid hydroperoxide contained in the lipid classes to generate a light in an amount corresponding to a content of the hydroperoxide. The light is optically detected by a photodetector.

Abstract: An integral multilayer analytical element for use in the measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity, which comprises a porous spreading layer of woven fabric or knitted fabric containing an alkaline phosphatase-sensitive self-developing substrate, a buffer layer containing one or more compounds functioning as a phosphoric acid acceptor and a buffering agent and a support layer in a laminated form.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining the blood cell sedimentation rate, comprising a pipette having at the upper end thereof a levelling device; a tube and a plunger sealingly engaging the outside wall of the pipette and having a diameter generally the same as the inside diameter (d) of the tube. The plunger is inserted in the tube at a distance from the lower end of the pipette such that when the plunger is inserted in the tube until such lower end of the pipette abuts the bottom end of the tube, it displaces blood into the pipette capable of filling the pipette without overflowing from the ensemble formed by the pipette plus the levelling device.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence and quantity of an analyte of interest in a particulate-containing sample is disclosed, as is a construct for use in the method. The method is particularly useful for determining an analyte in whole blood and in fermentation suspensions. The construct is comprised of a first moiety, which is a particulate-binding moiety and a second moiety, which binds the analyte of interest.

Abstract: In the method for measuring cell counts or methane producing activity of Methanogens according the present invention, an extracted liquid is prepared by adding an addition solution for extracting a particular fluorescent substance inherent to Methanogens, for example, F.sub.420 exciting in the energy metabolism system of Methanogens in the object for examination and functioning as the electron carrier in the electron transport system or by heating the first object for examination. Since a particular fluorescent substance existing in the Methanogen cells in the first object for examination has been extracted out of the Methanogen cells, the intensity of fluorescence is increased upon measurement thereof.

Abstract: An improved catalytic process for converting an olefinic feedstock comprising ethylene and C.sub.3.sup.+ olefins to heavier liquid hydrocarbon product comprising the steps of:(a) prefractionating the olefinic feedstock to obtain a gaseous stream rich in ethylene and a liquid stream containing C.sub.3.sup.

Abstract: An integrated process is provided for converting methanol, dimethylether or the like to heavy hydrocarbon products, especially distillate range hydrocarbons. In a first stage catalytic process oxygenate feedstock is converted to lower olefins. C.sub.3.sup.+ olefins are selectively sorbed in an interstage sorption fractionator and passed along with gasoline sorbent to a second stage oligomerization reactor. Distillate range hydrocarbons are useful as diesel fuel or the like.

Abstract: For sterilizing a tight enclosure (10) equipped with a ventilation and filtration circuit (14), said enclosure is isolated and the internal relative humidity level is lowered by means of an assembly (50) incorporating a drying cartridge (54). The sterilizing agent (46) is then introduced through a closed circuit (30) until a relative humidity level close to the dew point is obtained. The sterilizing agent is kept in the enclosure for a given contact time, before scavenging said agent by means of the ventilation and filtration circuit (14).

Abstract: Aqueous saline solutions of ordered heteropolysaccharides useful, e.g., as displacement fluids in the secondary or tertiary recovery of crude oil from subterranean formations thereof, are stabilized against viscosity loss over temperature and time without adversely affecting the filterability thereof, by purging dissolved oxygen therefrom by degassing same with carbon dioxide, and then treating the degassed solutions with an effective amount of a reducng/deoxidizing agent as to maintain the pH thereof at a value ranging from 5 to 7.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing fluid inclusions. A sectioned mineral sample is mounted on a glass slide and placed in a vacuum chamber. An optical microscope is used to examine the sample through a window in the vacuum chamber to identify a single fluid inclusion. A linear rotary feedthrough includes a diamond stylus on the end thereof that is received in the vacuum chamber. The feedthrough is manipulated by the operator to urge the diamond stylus against the identified fluid inclusion thereby rupturing the same. The gases, including evaporated volatile liquids, released from the inclusion are analyzed by a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An impingement mixing device is provided comprising a mixing chamber housing, a control piston axially displaceable with said mixing chamber housing between an extended position and a retracted position, a mixing chamber within the housing defined by an end face of the control piston when in the retracted position and a mixing chamber discharge outlet coextensive with an end face of said control piston when in the extended position, means to feed first and second components to the mixing chamber in opposing relationship, a discharge tube housing defining a quieting chamber having an opening at a discharge end and in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, with said discharge tube housing including a sealing means adapted to at least partially close the opening of the quieting chamber at the discharge end.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a fixed bed reactor, a method of loading catalyst into the reactor to minimize plugging and to improve the uniformity of fluid flow across the reactor, and a hydrotreating process employing the novel reactor. The system utilizes removable partition forms and/or permanent interbed baskets to create gradual transition zones between catalyst layers and to significantly increase the open area available for flow at the interface of such zones.

Abstract: A channel protein has a molecular weight of approximately 280 kD and is capable of affecting K.sup.+ and Cl.sup.- membrane transport. Furosemide and quinine derivatives, and polysaccharide or monosaccharide gels incorporating such derivatives, are useful in treating membrane transport, cellular volume and cellular pressure disorders and in producing the channel protein. The channel protein is used in diagnostic assays and screening assays is described.

Abstract: Corrosion of metals in a corrosive atmosphere is reduced by use of a corrosion inhibitor prepared from (1) amino substituted pyrazine compounds such as aminopyrazine and (2) at least one epoxy compound such as the glycidyl ether of a mixture of alkanols having from 12 to 14 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adsorption and detection of adsorbents or analytes. The method and apparatus can be employed in the field for rapid adsorption of analytes and is particularly useful for detection of mycotoxins. A sample to be analyzed is prepared in solution and placed in a test tube. A tube-like adsorption column having a seal and a valve member is forcefully fed into the test tube to force solutions through the valve member into the column and through a filter and adsorbent to trap interference. The semi-purified solution may then be analyzed for the presence of analytes. The column with the purified solution may be further employed with a second smaller adsorption column similarly equipped with a seal and valve member fitting within the first column. In similar fashion the second column may be forced into the first column to expel the solution therein into the second column and through one or more selective adsorbents for different analytes such as one or more mycotixins.

Abstract: A filter strip and composite assemblies for filtering microliter quantities of fluids wherein a linear array of wells having open top and bottom ends are connected by frangible webs in spaced-apart relation with discrete filter membranes closing the bottom ends of each well. Tabs are provided on the ends of the filter strip for holding the same and supporting the strip in a rectangular holder having alphanumeric designations for identifying each well in a plurality of such filter strips contained within the holder. The filter strip may be used in a vacuum manifold for applying a pressure differential across the filter membrane and directing the filtrate into an aligned aperture of a closed bottom well of an array of wells held within the manifold. Alternatively, the filter strip may be used with a transfer plate for directing the filtrate from each well of the filter strip to an aligned well of a closed bottom array of wells.

Abstract: An integral multilayer analytical element which comprises a water-impermeable light-transmissive support, a hydrophilic layer containing a water-absorptive hydrophilic polymer binder and a spreading layer superposed in this order, and contains at least one reagent capable of reacting with a component of a sample to produce a detectable species capable of detecting by light, which is characterized in that light-scattering particulates in an amount to make light transmittance to 10 to 2.5% are contained in the above hydrophilic layer and/or a layer located on the side of the support therefrom. This element may decrease the influence of a conventional reagent layer up to the extent being negligible without lowering the sensitivity. Precision of the measurement at a low concentration range is also high, and reproducibility of the meaurement is well. Manufacture of this element is easy.

Abstract: In an erythrocyte agglutination assay, the agglutination reagent comprises at least one erythrocyte binding molecule coupled to at least one specific analyte binding molecule wherein the erythrocyte binding molecule does not cause agglutination when incubated with erythrocytes in the absence of analyte. Preferably, the erythrocytes are endogenous to the blood sample to be tested, that is, a whole blood sample is assayed. Mixtures of conjugates and conjugates of analyte analogues with erythrocyte binding molecules may also be used as agglutination reagents. The reagents and their use in direct or indirect assays is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved bioreactor system for culturing cell products is disclosed in which novel system components are employed to reduce cost and increase reliability. The system includes a simple in-line heater for heating the nutrient fluid, thereby obviating the need for an expensive incubator. Gas bubbles formed during the heating of the nutrient fluid are removed by a novel gas trap that requires no operator intervention. A humidifier humidifies an aerating gas before it is passed through an oxygenator, thereby preventing water within the nutrient fluid from evaporating, with a consequent increase in nutrient fluid concentration. The operation of the humidifier is efficiently combined with that of a nutrient fluid heat exchanger so that a pump is not required to circulate the heat exchanger water bath. The system further includes a valve and pump arrangement whereby fresh nutrient fluid can periodically be introduced and spent nutrient fluid periodically drained without operator intervention.

Abstract: A method of generating a sterilizing vapor for use in a vapor sterilizing ocess, the method including the steps of burning a fuel selected from the group consisting of combustible gases and combustible aerosols, whereby hot combustion gases are generated, and introducing a liquid into said hot combustion gases, whereby the liquid is evaporated to form the sterilizing vapor.