Abstract: The synthesis, composition and use of particles exemplified by microbeads of uniform size and character, with covalently bound biological molecules for biological simulation is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a flow cytometer or fluorescent microscope is based on a set of highly uniform microbeads associated with a fluorescent dye in such a way that the microbeads have the same excitation and emission spectral properties as the samples which are to be measured. The calibration values of the microbeads are plotted against the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel for each microbead in the set. From this calibration plot, the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel of the sample is translated into equivalent soluble fluorescent dye molecules per sample particle. The calibration values of the standard microbeads are determined against solutions of the dyes.

Abstract: An identification method and identification kit are based upon making up groups of microsized particles normally invisible to the naked eye with each particle in each group being of a selected uniform size, shape and color. Coded identification is established by transferring a population of particles from a selected number of the groups to the item to be identified and then confirming such identification by examining the marked item under high magnification with a light microscope.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a flow cytometer is based on a set of highly uniform microbeads associated with a fluorescent dye in such a way that the microbeads have the same excitation and emission spectral properties as the samples which are to be measured. The calibration values of the microbeads are plotted against the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel for each microbead in the set. From this calibration plot, the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel of the sample is translated into equivalent soluble fluorescent dye molecules per sample particle. The calibration values of the standard microbeads are determined against solutions of the dyes.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a flow cytometer or fluorescent microscope is based on a set of highly uniform microbeads associated with a fluorescent dye in such a way that the microbeads have the same excitation and emission spectral properties as the samples which are to be measured. The calibration values of the microbeads are plotted against the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel for each microbead in the set. From this calibration plot, the relative fluorescence intensity peak channel of the sample is translated into equivalent soluble fluorescent dye molecules per sample particle. The calibration values of the standard microbeads are determined against solutions of the dyes.

Abstract: Highly uniform polymeric microbeads of a predetermined size, preferably having an attached fluorescent label on the surface, are prepared by causing seed particles to swell by absorption of a plurality of low molecular weight substances, at least one of which is a monomer having a reactive functional group. After absorption, the monomer is internally polymerized, and the reactive functional group is preferably reacted with a polyfunctional spacing agent thereby to provide a second reactive functional group. The latter is then reacted with a fluorescent label to provide the labeled microbead.

Abstract: Highly uniform polymeric microbeads of a predetermined size, preferably having an attached fluorescent label on the surface, are prepared by causing seed particles to swell by absorption of a plurality of low molecular weight substances, at least one of which is a monomer having a reactive functional group. After absorption, the monomer is internally polymerized, and the reactive functional group is preferably reacted with a polyfunctional spacing agent thereby to provide a second reactive functional group. The latter is then reacted with a fluorescent label to provide the labeled microbead.

Abstract: Highly uniform polymeric microbeads of a predetermined size, preferably having an attached fluorescent label on the surface, are prepared by causing seed particles to swell by absorption of a plurality of low molecular weight substances, at least one of which is a monomer having a reactive functional group. After absorption, the monomer is internally polymerized, and the reactive functional group is preferably reacted with a polyfunctional spacing agent thereby to provide a second reactive functional group. The latter is then reacted with a fluorescent label to provide the labeled microbead.

Abstract: A method and structure for mounting fluorescent samples, e.g., fluorescent microbeads, are based on immobilizing the samples in a gel which preserves the spectral properties of the samples and mounting the gel containing the samples on a slide and beneath a coverslip.

Abstract: Highly uniform polymeric microbeads of a predetermined size, preferably having an attached fluorescent label on the surface, are prepared by causing seed particles to swell by absorption of a plurality of low molecular weight substances, at least one of which is a monomer having a reactive functional group. After absorption, the monomer is internally polymerized, and the reactive functional group is preferably reacted with a polyfunctional spacing agent thereby to provide a second reactive functional group. The latter is then reacted with a fluorescent label to provide the labeled microbead.

Abstract: Dental work such as in fillings, restorations, crowns and tooth glazing is assisted by use of a flourescent compound as the dental composition. The compound is made up of a rare earth chelated flourescent compound incorporated in microbeads which in turn are incorporated in a conventional composition. Observation of the site under ultraviolet radiation enables precise location of the site boundaries as excess material is removed or as the site is observed for wear after a period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided enabling a magnetically-responsive substance to be contained in a well formed in a non-magnetic material and viewed through a light microscope while subjected to a magnetic field established either by an electromagnet or permanent magnet source. After the observation, the invention also provides means for preserving the observed specimen on a coverslip used to form the well.

Abstract: A method to impart increased lubricity to the surface of a polymeric substrate includes contacting the substrate with a solution of a hydrophilic polymer in a solvent and heating the substrate to evaporate the solvent. The substrate retains a coating of the hydrophilic polymer, which, when dry, has about the same lubricity as the uncoated substrate. When wet, the coating becomes significantly more lubricious than when dry. The invention includes articles which have a lubricious surface when wet prepared by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Single crystals of alpha aluminum phosphate of high crystal perfection are rown from seeded solutions of aluminum orthophosphate and orthophosphoric acid in such a manner as to provide direct visual observation of the crystal growth process and allow precise determination of nucleation and growth kinetics.The method involves sealing the seeded solution in clear quartz ampules, inserting the ampules into a precisely temperature controlled silicone oil bath, increasing the temperature of the silicone oil bath from ambient temperature to approximately 150 degrees C. over a three hour period, programming the temperature of the bath upward at the rate of 0.1 to 2.0 degrees C. per day for periods up to sixty days, and removing the quartz ampules from the silicone oil bath and quickly cooling and removing the crystals.

Abstract: Single crystals of neodymium pentaphosphate greater than one centimeter in size and of high purity and quality are grown from polyphosphoric acid solutions using the combination of a dilute solution, seeding, growth temperatures of 500.degree. to 650.degree. C, and a double crucible configuration.