Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods for the simultaneous detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antigens as well as antibodies produced in response to HCV antigens. Such methods may be carried out in the presence of a diluent comprising a reductant or lacking a reductant. Furthermore, the performance of such methods may be maximized by altering such variables as the nature of the antigen coated on the solid phase, temperature application and time.

Abstract: A method of forming an oil in water microemulsion includes the steps of providing at least one non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant, providing an oil and mixing the surfactant and the oil to form a microemulsion. The surfactant can be selected from the group of alkyl phenol ethoxylates, where the alkyl group contains 8 to 12 carbons and the ethoxylate contains an average of 4 to 12 ethoxylate groups. The surfactant can be a nonyl phenol ethoxylate. An oil in water microemulsion includes at least one non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant and at least one oil. The surfactant can be a single surfactant or a mixed surfactant. The oil can be derived from at least one tree, preferably from as the Neem Tree.

Abstract: The subject invention provides unique materials and methods for selectively removing molecules from a medium. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, microemulsions are specifically designed to facilitate effective separation of even closely related chemical entities.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a conjugate which may be used for the detection of an analyte in a test sample. In particular, the conjugate comprises a heterophilic carrier, at least 10 label groups, an analyte-specific binding pair member (e.g., an antibody or antigen with complexes with the antigen or antibody of interest, respectively) as well as a heterophilic linker which indirectly attaches the acridinium-containing compounds to the analyte-specific binding pair member.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods for the simultaneous detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antigens as well as antibodies produced in response to HCV antigens. Furthermore, the subject invention allows one to detect antigens in the early, acute stage of infection, even prior to the development of antibodies, thereby allowing for early detection of infected blood and blood products, thus improving the safety of the blood supply.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods for the simultaneous detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antigens as well as antibodies produced in response to HCV antigens. Furthermore, the subject invention allows one to detect antigens in the early, acute stage of infection, even prior to the development of antibodies, thereby allowing for early detection of infected blood and blood products, thus improving the safety of the blood supply.

Abstract: A method of forming an oil in water microemulsion includes the steps of providing at least one non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant, providing an oil and mixing the surfactant and the oil to form a microemulsion. The surfactant can be selected from the group of alkyl phenol ethoxylates, where the alkyl group contains 8 to 12 carbons and the ethoxylate contains an average of 4 to 12 ethoxylate groups. The surfactant can be a nonyl phenol ethoxylate. An oil in water microemulsion includes at least one non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant and at least one oil. The surfactant can be a single surfactant or a mixed surfactant. The oil can be derived from at least one tree, preferably from as the Neem Tree.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to immunoassays for detection of antibodies by use chemiluminescent compounds. More particularly, the subject invention relates to chemiluminescent immunoassays to detect antibodies wherein a precomplex mixture is created and a two-step assay is performed resulting in a greater signal.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process of using magnetically responsive fluorescent polymer particles comprising polymeric core particles coated evenly with a layer of polymer containing magnetically responsive metal oxide as highly sensitive quantitative reagents for biochemical and immunological studies, wherein the fluorescent magnetic particles can serve as a marker for the number of particles. A wide variety of polymeric particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 microns can be used a core particles and transformed into magnetically responsive polymer particles. The surface of these magnetically responsive polymer particles can be coated further with another layer of functionalized polymer.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent assay utilizing a precomplex reagent of a probe comprising an enhancer compound such as a hapten and a conjugate comprising a chemiluminescent signal generating compound. Kits for performing such an chemiluminescent assay are also provided.

Abstract: New assays for diagnosing NANBH utilizing novel peptide fragments derived from polypeptide antigens reactive to antibodies present in the sera of infected patients are disclosed. In producing these peptides, the portion of the polypeptide contributing to high backgrounds is deleted thereby resulting in assays with an exceptionally high signal to background ratio.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing ultrahomogeneous nanoparticles of precursor powder by coprecipitation in a water and oil microemulsion is disclosed. The powder is compressed and sintered to prepare an essentially pure 2223 superconductor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of preparing an activated acridinium microparticle. Generally, the methods involve direct covalent coupling or an affinity format. The direct covalent coupling method involves coating a microparticle with a proteinaceous compound. Then, a 10-methyl-N-tosyl-N-(2-carboxyethyl)-9-acridinium carboximide trifluoromethane sulfonate is coupled to the proteinaceous compound. In the affinity format, a microparticle is coated with a biotinylated proteinaceous compound. The microparticle is reacted with an anti-biotin labelled 10-methyl-N-tosyl-N-(2-carboxyethyl)-9-acridinium carboximide trifluoromethane sulfonate. Methods are also provided for using such a microparticle. Those methods of use can estimate transfer efficiency, calibrate optics, and measure membrane pore size of a chemiluminescence based instrument. Test elements for analytical instruments are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process of producing magnetically responsive fluorescent polymer particles comprising polymeric core particles coated evenly with a layer of polymer containing magnetically responsive metal oxide. A wide variety of polymeric particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 microns can be used a core particles and transformed into magnetically responsive polymer particles. The surface of these magnetically responsive polymer particles can be coated further with another layer of functionalized polymer. These magnetically responsive fluorescent polymer particles can be used for passive or covalent coupling of biological material such as antigens, antibodies, enzymes or DNA/RNA hybridization and used as solid phase for various types of immunoassays, DNA/RNA hybridization probes assays, affinity purification, cell separation and other medical, diagnostic, and industrial applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process of producing magnetically responsive polymer particles comprising polymeric core particles coated evenly with a layer of polymer containing magnetically responsive metal oxide. A wide variety of polymeric particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 microns can be used a core particles and transformed into magnetically responsive polymer particles. The surface of these magnetically responsive polymer particles can be coated further with another layer of functionalized polymer. These magnetically responsive polymer particles can be used for passive or covalent coupling of biological material such as antigens, antibodies, enzymes of DNA/RNA hybridization and used as solid phase for various types of immunoassays, DNA/RNA hybridization probes assays, affinity purification, cell separation and other medical, diagnostic, and industrial applications.

Abstract: A stable dispersion of powdered coal in petroleum oil comprising:5-50% by weight of pulverized coal;45-90% by weight of diesel oil or Fuel Oil No. 2; and5-20% by weight of ethanol.This dispersion is particularly useful as a liquid fuel.

Abstract: A stable homogeneous liquid fuel composition comprising a petroleum residual oil having a viscosity at room temperature of 1-2.5 poises, an alcohol of 1-2 carbon atoms, and a hydrocarbon coupling agent. This composition has utility as a fuel per se and as a liquid carrier in which powdered coal can be dispered to produce another liquid fuel.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of dry eye and discontinuous tear films. The ophthalmic solution for maintaining a continuous tear film employs a combination of hydroxyalkylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol in a predetermined ratio in an aqueous isotonic medium.