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 dihydrorxyvitamin 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 fluorogenic lifting strip containing titanium dioxide has been successful in the lifting and enhancement of impressions and bloody impressions from nonporous, semi porous and porous surfaces. The lifting strip is best when activated with an alcohol such as ethanol or methanol. When the lifting strip has dried after application it can easily be removed from the surface lifting the impression onto a contrasting white background. The lifting trip can be subsequently visualized with an ALS or Laser to fluoresce the lifted impression with optimal contrast for visualization and examination. This method is safe, easy, and effective on several surfaces of contrasting colors.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of an analyte by comparing the conductivity of a mixture containing an analyte and a sensor to the conductivity of the sensor in the absence of analyte. In certain embodiments, the sensor of the present invention consists of a complexing domain comprising a metal ion and a complexing agent and a conducting polymer, wherein the redox potential of the metal ion is similar to the redox potential of the conducting polymer. In one preferred embodiment, the presence of nitric oxide is detected by measuring the conducting change of a sensor comprising poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) and cobalt. The poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) cobalt sensors of the present invention are not adversely effected by the presence of water or oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of carbon-13 and deuterium metabolic tracers and methods that when used in conjunction with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, provide a measurement of metabolic fluxes in the target organisms. The tracers of the present invention may be taken orally during the same clinical exam. The metabolic information can be derived from blood, urine or other fluids to provide a comprehensive profile of glucogenic metabolism. The subject matter of the present invention may be applied to the study of metabolic dysfunction related to obesity, diabetes, HIV infection and a variety of other disease conditions.

Abstract: An improved method of screening crystal growth conditions is provided wherein molecules are crystallized from solutions containing dyes. These dyes are selectively incorporated or associated with crystals of particular character thereby rendering crystals of particular character colored and improving detection of the dyed crystals. A preferred method involves use of dyes in protein solutions overlayed by oil. Use of oil allows the use of small volumes of solution and facilitates the screening of large numbers of crystallization conditions in arrays using automated devices that dispense appropriate solutions to generate crystallization trials, overlay crystallization trials with an oil, provide appropriate conditions conducive to crystallization and enhance detection of dyed (colored) or undyed (uncolored) crystals that result.

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions with picogram to microgram amounts of protein in picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises a microarray with a plurality of micro-chambers in the microarray. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated dispensing mechanism. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: A method of screening solution conditions suitable for the crystallization of macromolecules with a picogram to a microgram of protein using picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises preparing a plurality of recipe solutions in milliliter volumes, aspirating protein and recipe solutions, respectively, from a plurality of wells, and dispensing the protein and recipe solutions into a plurality of wells, covering the combined protein and recipe solutions with oil, and maintaining the solution wells until crystallization or precipitation occur therein.

Abstract: A method for interpreting data that is produced after a group of amino acids and acylcarnitines are derivatized from blood spots taken from newborn babies and scanned by a tandem mass spectrometer. Concentration levels of each metabolite, which are directly proportional to the butyl ester fragment after derivatization, are compared to threshold flags for determining a significance of any deviation of the metabolite relative to the flag threshold. The threshold flags are diagnostic limits to the data retrieved from each blood spot. The data includes metabolite concentrations and molar ratios of metabolites with other metabolites. Samples are labeled normal for a disease if the concentration of any of the metabolite concentrations or molar ratio concentration do not deviate from the flag threshold, but, in contrast, the sample must be further evaluated if a value is elevated or deficient to some degree.

Abstract: A particularly stable perfuming composition in the form of a transparent fluid water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion is obtained by addition of a substance to the oily phase, capable of bringing closer the densities of the respective dispersed and continuous phases.

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions on a nano or meso scale comprises providing a micro-electromechanical chip with a plurality of micro-chambers in the micro-electromechanical chip. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated jet type dispensing means with nano or meso scale precision. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) a fragrance oil wherein the fragrance oil comprises greater than 0.5% of a top note perfume raw material, or mixture of top note perfume raw materials, with a boiling point of less than, or equal to, 250° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure; (b) an entrapment material which is selected from the group consisting of polymers; capsules, microcapsules and nanocapsules; liposomes; film formers; absorbents; cyclic oligosaccharides and mixtures thereof; (c) greater than 50% volatile solvent; wherein the perfume raw material and the entrapment material exist in an associated form on the substrate and wherein the weight ratio of the top note perfume raw material to the entrapment material within the associated form is in the range from about 1:20 to about 20:1.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving release, on a surface, of a fragrance from an entrapment structure of at least one fragrance oil and at least one entrapment material. The method destabilizes the entrapment structure by providing at least one trigger molecule which preferentially associates with the entrapment material; and/or at least one release agent which at least partially disrupts the entrapment structure. The invention also provides a composition for improving release of a fragrance from a surface. The composition comprises at least one fragrance oil; at least one entrapment material, the at least one fragrance oil and the at least one entrapment material being capable, in use, of forming an entrapment structure on the surface.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) from about 0.01% to about 99%, by weight, of a fragrance oil, wherein the fragrance oil comprises about 5% or greater, by weight of fragrance oil, of a top note perfume raw material, or mixture of top note perfume raw materials, and wherein the top note perfume raw materials have a boiling point of less than, or equal to, about 250° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure; (b) an entrapment material which is selected from the group consisting of polymers; capsules, microcapsules and nanocapsules; liposomes; pro-perfumes selected from more than 1 type of pro-chemistry; film formers; absorbents; cyclic oligosaccharides and mixtures thereof; (c) greater than about 50% volatile solvent.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) a fragrance oil comprising: (i) top note perfume raw material, or mixture of perfume raw materials, with a boiling point of less than, or equal to, about 250° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure; (ii) middle or base note perfume raw material, or mixture of perfume raw materials, with a boiling point of greater than 250° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure; (b) an entrapment material which is selected from the group consisting of polymers; capsules, microcapsules and nanocapsules; liposomes; pro-perfumes selected from more than 1 type of pro-chemistry; film formers; absorbents; cyclic oligosaccharides and mixtures thereof; (c) greater than 50% volatile solvent; wherein the weight ratio of the top note perfume raw materials to middle or base note perfume raw materials within the fragrance oil is in the range from about 1:20 to about 20:1.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a polymerized form of formaldehyde is available in granular form containing a polymerized form of formaldehyde, such as paraformaldehyde, a buffer, such as sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, and a stabilizer, such as hydroxymethyl cellulose, or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. When added to an aqueous solvent, the paraformaldehyde can dissolve in alkaline solution, and depolymerizes into a formaldehyde solution containing a stabilizer. Optionally a second member of the buffer pair or another buffer or pH adjuster can be used The stabilized depolymerized formaldehyde solution is then ready for use, or can be modified by addition of other substances, such as sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate. Additionally, an additional buffer may be included in the granular mixture to increase the rate at which the solid dissolves and depolymerizes.

Abstract: There is a need within the medical community for non-invasive instruments to measure critical physiologic parameters at the point of care. Such a technique may be applicable to a wide variety of commonly monitored physiologic parameters during critical care patient management. The invention is directed to a method of measuring the pH of a patient's tissue. The method includes measuring the optical signal from a specie whose fluorescence is pH sensitive, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and also measuring the optical signal from a second biological marker, such as FAD, the fluorescence from the second marker being substantially insensitive to pH. The method includes determining the patient's pH by using the first and second optical signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of cyclohexyloxyacetic alkyl esters by hydrogenation of phenoxyacetic alkyl esters and to the use of cyclohexyloxyacetic alkyl esters as fragrances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula wherein R represents a methyl or an ethyl group, in the form of any one of its isomers or of a mixture thereof. The invention relates also to the use of such a compound as a perfuming ingredient capable of imparting a odorant note of the rose type. Moreover, the invention concern also the perfumed article or perfuming composition containing a compound according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of perfumery, and more precisely to a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 represents an C2 to C4 unsaturated hydrocarbon radical. The present invention concerns also the use of said compound in the perfumery industry as well as the compositions or articles associated with said compound.

Abstract: A method of determining allergen activity in dust comprises: providing a dust sample; extracting from the dust sample at least one breakdown component or proteins or peptides; reacting the extracted at least one breakdown component with a colorimetric amine detection reagent such as TNBSA; and quantitatively measuring the intensity of any resulting coloration. The allergen activity may be gauged by the intensity of coloration.