Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of identifying a stable phase of an ordering binary alloy system comprising a solute element and a solvent element, the method comprising: determining at least three thermodynamic parameters associated with grain boundary segregation, phase separation, and intermetallic compound formation of the ordering binary alloy system; and identifying the stable phase of the ordering binary alloy system based on the first thermodynamic parameter, the second thermodynamic parameter and the third thermodynamic parameter by comparing the first thermodynamic parameter, the second thermodynamic parameter and the third thermodynamic parameter with a predetermined set of respective thermodynamic parameters to identify the stable phase; wherein the stable phase is one of a stable nanocrystalline phase, a metastable nanocrystalline phase, and a non-nanocrystalline phase.

Abstract: In an assay, an analyte in a sample is contacted with a thermostable reporter adenylate kinase coupled to a binding agent specific for the analyte, wherein a complex is formed. ADP is added, and then formation of ATP is monitored. Prior to the addition of ADP, endogenous kinase and uncomplexed thermostable reporter adenylate kinase is substantially removed by washing and residual endogenous kinase is inactivated by heating. Prior to contacting the analyte with the thermostable reporter adenylate kinase, the sample has a background activity of at least 300,000 Relative Light Units per mg protein per ml sample when measured in the presence of luciferin/luciferase by a luminometer.

Abstract: In an assay, an analyte in a sample is contacted with a thermostable reporter adenylate kinase coupled to a binding agent specific for the analyte, wherein a complex is formed. ADP is added, and then formation of ATP is monitored. Prior to the addition of ADP, endogenous kinase and uncomplexed thermostable reporter adenylate kinase is substantially removed by washing and residual-endogenous kinase is inactivated by heating. Prior to contacting the analyte with the thermostable reporter adenylate kinase, the sample has a background activity of at least 300,000 Relative Light Units per mg protein per ml sample when measured in the presence of luciferin/luciferase by a luminometer.

Abstract: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) infection is treated by administration of an antibody that binds to prion dimer. A conjugate of a carrier and a fragment of a prion protein, optionally in oligomeric form and optionally having cyclic regions, is used to stimulate antibody production.