Abstract: The invention relates to determination of the profile of unbound free fatty acids (FFAu) in biological samples, such as human and animal blood specimens and plant and animal oils, by measuring the fluorescence response of sets of different fluorescently labeled fatty acid binding proteins (probes) that undergo a change in fluorescence ratio at 2 wavelengths upon binding an FFAu. Use of these profiles in human and animal disease, in basic research, in drug development and in industrial uses is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for high throughput discovery of proteins fluorescently labeled at a cysteine residue and that undergo a change in fluorescence ratio at 2 wavelengths upon binding an unbound analyte is described. Probes are disclosed which are labeled at a cysteine residue and also probes labeled at both cysteine and lysine with two different fluorophores. These probes are useful for characterization and measurement of hydrophobic species in a fluid sample, particularly characterization and measurement of levels of unbound free fatty acids. A profile of unbound free fatty acids can be determined for an individual which can be used to determine the individual's relative risk for disease.

Abstract: This invention mitigates global warming substantially by combining elements from two separate fields in a novel way. It is based on the discovery that the volumetric rate of cold water upwelling that will result in a 1.08 C reduction in the Earth's Surface Air Temperature (SAT) is similar to the volumetric rate of cold water upwelling that would be produced by roughly 20,000 OTEC plant-ships of 400 MW size each. These can generate 7 terawatts of electric power converted to an ammonia energy carrier and shipped to on-land locations, where can be “cracked” and burned as CO2-free fuel for power plants. The large reduction in SAT enables proposal of an affordable financial strategy that would pay most of the costs of the system out of the revenue from CO2 emission allowances granted by governing agencies for alternative energy systems that also cause a direct reduction in SAT.

Abstract: The invention relates to determination of the profile of unbound free fatty acids (FFAu) in biological samples, such as human and animal blood specimens and plant and animal oils, by measuring the fluorescence response of sets of different fluorescently labeled fatty acid binding proteins (probes) that undergo a change in fluorescence ratio at 2 wavelengths upon binding an FFAu. Use of these profiles in human and animal disease, in basic research, in drug development and in industrial uses is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for high throughput discovery of proteins fluorescently labeled at a cysteine residue and that undergo a change in fluorescence ratio at 2 wavelengths upon binding an unbound analyte is described. Probes are disclosed which are labeled at a cysteine residue and also probes labeled at both cysteine and lysine with two different fluorophores. These probes are useful for characterization and measurement of hydrophobic species in a fluid sample, particularly characterization and measurement of levels of unbound free fatty acids. A profile of unbound free fatty acids can be determined for an individual which can be used to determine the individual's relative risk for disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and monitoring of ischemia, including but not limited to myocardial and cerebral ischemia, by measuring the concentration of molecules that do not originate from the ischemic tissue but whose concentration in the blood and other fluids changes as a consequence of the ischemic state.

Abstract: Methods for discovering compounds that modulate metabolite transport across cell membranes are disclosed. Fluorescently labeled protein probes which have an affinity for an unbound metabolite are trapped in cells. The influx of the unbound metabolite into the cell causes a change in the fluorescence of the protein probe. The ability of test compounds to modulate the fluorescent signal is used to screen for compounds which affect transport of the unbound metabolite. In an example, the unbound metabolite is an unbound free fatty acid and the probe is a fatty acid binding protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and monitoring of ischemia, including but not limited to myocardial and cerebral ischemia, by measuring the concentration of molecules that do not originate from the ischemic tissue but whose concentration in the blood and other fluids changes as a consequence of the ischemic state.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and monitoring of ischemia, including but not limited to myocardial and cerebral ischemia, by measuring the concentration of molecules that do not originate from the ischemic tissue but whose concentration in the blood and other fluids changes as a consequence of the ischemic state.

Abstract: A method is described for the early detection of stroke which uses a reagent which includes a fluorescently modified fatty acid binding protein. A fluorescence difference is noted between the bound and unbound condition. Elevated levels of unbound free fatty acids from blood are used as indicators of stroke.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to screen for drugs that interfere with the binding between a specific lipid-binding protein and a selected ligand. Successful candidates have potential in disease treatments, particularly diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Abstract: A method for high throughput screening of probes is described. These probes are useful for characterization and measurement of unbound metabolites in a fluid sample, particularly characterization and measurement of levels of unbound free fatty acids. By practice of the disclosed invention, a profile of unbound metabolites can be determined for an individual which can be used to determine the individual's relative risk for disease such as stroke, cardiac disease and cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of molecules or atoms by measuring the ratio of two fluorescence signals. A sample having fluorescent molecules is exposed to radiation or excitation energy from a first source, which can be a broadband light source. The fluorescence of the sample is detected at two different wavelengths. The concentration of specific molecules or atoms within the sample is determined using the ratio of the two fluorescence signals. Fluorescent molecules can be bound to a human serum or plasma sample to allow determination of the concentration of unbound free fatty acids in the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis and monitoring of ischemia, including but not limited to myocardial and cerebral ischemia, by measuring the concentration of molecules that do not originate from the ischemic tissue but whose concentration in the blood and other fluids changes as a consequence of the ischemic state.

Abstract: A method is described for the early detection of stroke which uses a reagent which includes a fluorescently modified fatty acid binding protein. A fluorescence difference is noted between the bound and unbound condition. Elevated levels of unbound free fatty acids from blood are used as indicators of stroke.