Abstract: The feel of skin and hair and the manageability of hair exposed to recreational water is improved by the addition of select organic polymers, e.g., charged organic polymers such as cationic organic polymers containing multiple charges. In one embodiment, excellent results are achieved when the added organic polymer(s) include polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds such as poly-DADMAC. The cationic organic polymers of the invention do not interfere with the activity of other recreational water treatments such as halogen releasing compounds and do not decompose due to the presence of halogen releasing water sanitizers, generate a detectable odor or impart noticeable color to the recreational water.

Abstract: A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microoryanisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms.

Abstract: A flow-through assay for detecting the quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The flow-through assay contains a porous membrane that is in fluid communication with probe conjugates that contain a specific binding member and a detectable probe. The porous membrane also defines a detection zone and a calibration zone. The calibration zone contains a polyelectrolyte substantially non-diffusively immobilized on the porous membrane. The polyelectrolyte is capable of generating a detectable calibration signal that can be readily compared (visually, quantitatively, and the like) to a detection signal to determine the amount of analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: A silicone elastomer having hydrophilic properties is provided. The elastomer is a copolymer that is formed from a crosslinkable silicone composition, the silicone composition comprising an organopolysiloxane component and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component. For example, the silicone composition may comprise: i) an organopolysiloxane having the following general formula: wherein, each R2 is individually selected from unsubstituted and substituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; each R3 is individually selected from unsubstituted and substituted alkenyl groups containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; x?1; and y?0 and is an integer that is selected so that the organopolysiloxane contains an average of at least two alkenyl groups per molecule; ii) an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; iii) a silicon hydride crosslinking agent; and iv) a platinum-based catalyst.

Abstract: A flow-through assay for detecting the quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The flow-through assay contains a porous membrane that is in fluid communication with probe conjugates that contain a specific binding member and a detectable probe. The porous membrane also defines a detection zone and a calibration zone. The calibration zone contains a polyelectrolyte substantially non-diffusively immobilized on the porous membrane. The polyelectrolyte is capable of generating a detectable calibration signal that can be readily compared (visually, quantitatively, and the like) to a detection signal to determine the amount of analyte in the test sample.