Abstract: A system and method for creating a plurality of denaturation curves is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, one variable, such as salt content, pH or another parameter, is varied to create a plurality of different buffer solutions. Each is then used to create a denaturation graph. The plurality of denaturation graphs allows analysis of the effect of that variable on protein stability.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyvalent macromolecules, compositions comprising the macromolecules, and methods of use. The polyvalent macromolecules have a polymer backbone and pendent groups attached to the polymer backbone. Some or all of the pendent groups have optionally a linker, a surface-seeking group capable of binding strongly to a metal surface, and a spectroscopically detectable chromophore detectable.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting substances in an air sample, the apparatus including: a source of air pressure differential; a cyclone connected to the source of air pressure differential; an air input port connected to the cyclone, to receive the air sample; a substance output port connected to the cyclone, to receive the substances; an input port configured to disperse a finely separated material so that it mixes with said sample; and a detector located at the substance output port, to detect a chemical change in at least one of the substances and the finely separated material.

Abstract: A mass label for labelling and detecting a biological molecule by mass spectroscopy, which label comprises the following structure: X-L-M wherein X is a mass marker moiety comprising the following group: formula (I), wherein the cyclic unit is aromatic or aliphatic and comprises from 0-3 double bonds independently between any two adjacent atoms; each Z is independently N, N(R1), C(R1), CO, CO(R1), C(R1)2, O or S; X is N, C or C(R1); each R1 is independently H, a substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic cyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; and y is an integer from 0-10, L is a cleavable linker comprising an amide bond and M is a mass normalization moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detectors for detecting fluorine-containing compounds and/or cyanide containing compounds, including hydrogen fluoride (HF) or HCN gas, hydrofluoric acid in solution, selected chemical warfare agents, selected industrial chemicals which may be hydrolyzed to release HF or HCN gas, compounds containing a cyanide group, and compounds that can release HF or HCN. The detectors comprise i) an organometallic component containing at least one bis-substituted boryl group of the formula —B(RB)(RB?) wherein each RB and each RB? is independently selected from H, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, OR6, N(R6)(R7), SR6, C3-20 aryl or heteroaryl, and C3-20 cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl groups, each of which may be optionally substituted, ii) a Lewis base component, and iii) a solid matrix component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a series of systems, devices, and methods relating to the determination of explosives, such as peroxides or peroxide precursors, and other species. Embodiments of the invention may allow a sample suspected of containing an explosive (e.g., a peroxide) or other species to interact with a reactant, wherein the sample may react and cause light emission from the reactant. Advantages of the present invention may include the simplification of devices for determination of peroxide-based explosives, wherein the devices are portable and, in some cases, disposable. Other advantages may include relative ease of fabrication and operation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for conducting chemiluminescent immunoassay testing and, more particularly, to initiating and monitoring a chemiluminescent reaction in a plurality of such assays, of different types, on a single immunoassay instrument, in a single procedure, using a plurality of labels and a triggering reagent combination are disclosed. Moreover, by including a base reagent injector assembly having an “e-channel” to provide a swirling turbulence to the base reagent immediately before it is introduced into the well of a cuvette containing a sample and an acid reagent. The added turbulence addresses the phenomenon referred to as “RLU shift,” in which the luminescence output can increase or decrease between assays.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present application, a stimulus-responsive gel is disclosed with optical characteristic molecule introduced therein that is capable of easily and securely converting a volume change responding to external stimulus to optical data being easy to handle in the construction of sensor system; an external stimulus measuring apparatus making use of the same; and a method of measuring external stimulus therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cyanocinnamic acid derivatives as a matrix in the MALDI mass spectrometry of an analyte.

Abstract: A method of rapidly detecting trace materials including biohazards, toxins, radioactive materials, and narcotics in situ is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus is disclosed. A trace of the material is collected on a pad of the card component, collected by swiping the pad on suspected surface or exposure to the suspected air volume. A novel card component is disclosed that when inserted in a chemical detection unit (CDU), releases reaction chemicals from flexible walled capsules in desired sequence. The exposed pad containing trace material and chemicals are heated in the chemical detection unit to produce a spectral pattern that is analyzed by the optical electronics in the CDU and results are displayed, stored and/or transmitted over a communications network.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for staining of one or more samples, including providing one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to be inserted into an auto-staining instrument; and enabling one of one or more staining procedures appropriate for the one or more samples as a function of a choice of self-contained sample processing receptacle, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to process each inserted sample of the one or more samples within the self-contained sample processing receptacle.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer analyzes a sample for a target chemical. The sample and reagent are added to a measurement cell until a detectable change is observed. A reference compound, which does not take part in the reaction between the target chemical and reagent, is added to the reagent. By measuring the concentration of the reference compound, the amount of reagent used may be determined. In one embodiment, a mechanism introduces the sample, adds reagent, mixes, cleans, and flushes the measurement cell, which incorporates a longitudinal chamber having inlets for the sample and reagent and an outlet for measured sample/reagent mixtures. A detector located in or adjacent to the chamber between the inlets and outlet and a piston movable in the chamber carries seals such that movement of a piston sequentially opens the inlets and expels the fluid. The analyzer also includes a device that delivers reagent to a measurement cell.

Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a transporting apparatus; a testing apparatus for obtain a sample and performing testing on the obtained sample; and a controller. The controller executes operation of: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample rack in first direction, such that each sample container held in a sample rack is transported to a obtaining position on which the testing apparatus obtains a sample and then the sample rack is transported toward the second position; changing, when retesting of a sample contained in a sample container is necessary, the transporting direction from the first direction to second direction, and then controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample container accommodating the sample, for which retesting is necessary, to the obtaining position again. Sample testing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder, configured to rotate around a rotational axis and to hold a reagent container containing a reagent; a reagent aspirator for aspirating, at a reagent aspirating position, the reagent from the reagent container held by the reagent container holder; an analysis section for analyzing a measurement sample prepared from the reagent aspirated by the reagent aspirator and a sample; and a controller for controlling: the reagent container holder to rotate and thereby transport the reagent container to the reagent aspirating position, the reagent aspirator to aspirate the reagent from the reagent container, and the reagent container holder to accelerate and decelerate alternately while being rotated is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) cross-linking protein of a cell using a first compound to produce a first cross-linked product comprising cross-linked protein, and RNA; b) contacting the first cross-linked product and a second compound under conditions by which an oligonucleotide portion of the second compound hybridizes to the RNA; c) activating a reaction the first and second compound, thereby covalently crosslinking the oligonucleotide to the cross-linked protein to produce a second cross-linked product; d) isolating the second cross-linked product using an affinity tag; and e) analyzing the isolated second cross-linked product. Compounds for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods and kits for the specific, sensitive and rapid detection as well as quantitation of free amino acids in samples following High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation.

Abstract: A portable tester to detect one or more analytes from explosives, drugs, or household chemicals, comprising: a plurality of chemical disposable, detachable reagent reservoirs storing reagents to induce a series of color reactions, wherein developed color depends on sequences of applied reagents to respective pads on a support base, reaction times and temperatures on said pad to create one or more color bar codes for a specific analyte. The tester comprises a piezoelectric dispenser coupled to each respective reservoir to dispense a mist of reagent onto respective test pads to increase sensitivity and reduce reaction heat and time; wherein piezoelectric dispenser is processor controlled to control dispensing time and volume in each step.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the preparation of microbeads that exhibit a “turn on” fluorescence response within seconds of exposure to an analyte vapor (e.g., a chemical warfare agent or a reactive stimulant). This sensing approach is modeled after the mechanism for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, and utilizes a specific and irreversible reaction between phosphonyl halides and a fluorescent indicator. The present invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through detection of changes in the fluorescing properties of the inventive microbeads.

Abstract: A stationary medium is employed both to separate chemicals from a sample solution and also to generate surface-enhanced Raman scattering, so that spectral analysis of the separated analyte chemical can be performed. Applied driving force causes the sample to flow into the stationary medium and to distribute therethrough, thereby causing rapid separation of the analyte chemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation is quickly detected, at a plurality of locations along a flow path defined by the stationary medium, for ultimate analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are dithio compounds that include a quenched fluorophore and a non-fluorophore peptide linked via a dithio bond to the fluorophore. The dithio compounds may be used in methods for detecting thiol-containing compounds or dithio-containing compounds. The dithio compounds also may be used as cellular probes where the peptide portion of the compounds targets the compounds to a specific cellular location.