Abstract: Methods for recovering viable microorganisms from a sample comprising an antimicrobial agent comprise incubating the sample with coated particles to form particle-microorganism complexes and then separating the particle-microorganism complexes from the antimicrobial agent. These methods are used to detect the absence or presence of a microorganism in a sample that also contains an antimicrobial agent. Corresponding compositions and kits are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for separating microorganisms from non-microorganism cells in a non-microorganism cell-containing sample comprise incubating the sample with particles to form particle-microorganism complexes and then separating the particle-microorganism complexes from the non-microorganism cells. These methods are used to detect the absence or presence of a microorganism in a sample that also contains non-microorganism cells. Particular reagents and combinations of reagents enhance the selective capture of microorganisms in mixed samples. Corresponding compositions and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A process for gathering data from a plurality of users at remote terminals connected to a central database that restricts the data entered into the central database by providing users with predefined responses to scripted prompts and screening the new data entered into the central database for erroneous responses by comparing the data with existing data through a series of rules. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention includes a process for gathering and analyzing information that includes maintaining a central database, accessing the central database from a remote terminal through an interface, entering information into the central database through the interface, validating the entered information against a set of rules and analyzing the validated information to generate performance indicators for the equipment placed into service. The interface preferably restricts the information entering the central database to a controlled group of responses to a series of scripted prompts.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an optical amplifier in an optical waveguide system to reduce the effects of noise, particularly due to amplified spontaneous emission. The method comprises determining the gain between an input and an output of the optical amplifier; determining a customized pulse train in accordance with the determined gain and a desired gain; and controlling a pump source of the optical amplifier in accordance with the customized pulse train. Determining the customized pulse train includes determining a desired pulse width as a function of the determined gain, the desired gain and the pulse width at the determined gain. Similarly, a desired pulse spacing is determined as a function of the determined gain, the desired gain and the pulse spacing at the determined gain. Controlling the pump source preferably includes driving the pump source in accordance with the customized pulse train.