Abstract: A method for determining metal ions, both qualitatively and quantitatively, is disclosed. The method utilizes emission from fluorescence resonance energy transfer from a luciferase-carbonic anhydrase conjugate or fusion protein to an acceptor ligand in the presence of metal ion bound to the protein to measure free metal ion concentrations down to picomolar concentration ranges. The method is relatively insensitive to contaminants, and so can be used to measure metal ion concentrations in cells, body fluids or environmental samples without extensive sample preparation.

Abstract: A method for determining metal ions, both qualitatively and quantitatively, is disclosed. The method utilizes emission from fluorescence resonance energy transfer from a luciferase-carbonic anhydrase conjugate or fusion protein to an acceptor ligand in the presence of metal ion bound to the protein to measure free metal ion concentrations down to picomolar concentration ranges. The method is relatively insensitive to contaminants, and so can be used to measure metal ion concentrations in cells, body fluids or environmental samples without extensive sample preparation.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as, a computer, may be adapted for self-monitoring for compliance to an operating policy. The operating policy may specify a pay-per-use or subscription business model and measurements associated with compliant usage. A secure execution environment may measure usage in accordance with the business model as well as monitor and enforce compliance to the operating policy. To increase the difficulty of attacking or otherwise disabling the secure execution environment, elements of the secure execution environment may be distributed. The distribution points may include other functional elements of the computer, such as interface circuits, or may even be remotely located over a network. An implementation method for disaggregating the secure execution environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as, a computer, may be adapted for self-monitoring for compliance to an operating policy. The operating policy may specify a pay-per-use or subscription business model and measurements associated with compliant usage. A secure execution environment may measure usage in accordance with the business model as well as monitor and enforce compliance to the operating policy. To increase the difficulty of attacking or otherwise disabling the secure execution environment, elements of the secure execution environment may be distributed. The distribution points may include other functional elements of the computer, such as interface circuits, or may even be remotely located over a network. An implementation method for disaggregating the secure execution environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are sensor devices, methods, systems, and kits for measuring the concentration of at least one target analyte. Sensor devices may be mounted into an optical system for measuring the target analyte. Example sensor devices may also be removably mounted in a holder that enables the sensor device to be inserted into a container that allows the sensor device to contact an analyte containing sample. Further provided are methods that include contacting a sensor device with an analyte-containing sample; determining analyte concentration; and optionally repeating these steps to determine if the analyte concentration spikes or exceeds a predetermined level, which may trigger an alarm response.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and kits for homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution. Metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a macromolecule and the macromolecule is subsequently stripped of metal ion, it may then be used to signal binding of metal ions. The covalently bound fluorescent label exhibits changes in anisotropy proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. Kits comprise a fluorescent molecule and a macromolecule.

Abstract: Provided are sensor devices, methods, systems, and kits for measuring the concentration of at least one target analyte. Sensor devices may be mounted into an optical system for measuring the target analyte. Example sensor devices may also be removably mounted in a holder that enables the sensor device to be inserted into a container that allows the sensor device to contact an analyte containing sample. Further provided are methods that include contacting a sensor device with an analyte-containing sample; determining analyte concentration; and optionally repeating these steps to determine if the analyte concentration spikes or exceeds a predetermined level, which may trigger an alarm response.

Abstract: Phase contrast magnetic resonance images are produced using interleaved spiral k-space scanning with a bipolar phase contrast gradient. Spiral scanning is configured so that acquisition impulse response defines a central alias free portion in a partial field of view, and signal acquisition is arranged so that moving spins are contained with this central alias free portion. First and second signals are acquired with alternate phase encodings, and a complex difference of the acquired signals is obtained. The complex difference is substantially free of aliasing artifacts within the central portion.

Abstract: Methods for assaying for urea in a test sample using a polypeptide comprising UreR or a urea binding fragment thereof, and fluorescence spectroscopy are disclosed, as well as a biosensor and kits for use in said methods.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the detection, determination, and quantitation of certain ions and small molecules involving the quenching of a fluorescent label attached to a macromolecule, often due to fluorescence energy transfer to a colored inhibitor or certain metal ions bound to the macromolecule.

Abstract: The invention described in detail herein relates to the detection, determination, and quantitation of certain ions and small molecules in solution. The invention specifically relates to improvements in the area of photoluminescent sensors for use in a detection scheme involving the alteration of a photoluminescent label or moiety attached to or associated with an analyte binding macromolecule. One may use the changes in photoluminescence lifetime, changes in ratios of photoluminescence intensity or changes in photoluminescence polarization (anisotropy) to determine the analyte. The photoluminescence change measured correlates to the concentration of the ion or molecule in solution.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the detection, determination, and quantitation of certain ions and small molecules involving the quenching of a fluorescent label attached to a macromolecule, often due to fluorescence energy transfer to a colored inhibitor or certain metal ions bound to the macromolecule.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and apparatus for metal ion detection. The process of the invention has the steps of (1) disposing, in an analyte medium, a macromolecule suitable for selective complexation with the target metal ion species; (2) disposing, in the analyte medium, an appropriate photoluminescent indicator that will emit in a measurably different manner when bound to the metallomacromolecule complex, compared with its unbound state; (3) exciting the photoluminescent indicator species; and (4) monitoring the emission of the photoluminescent indicator species to detect changes in its emission.

Abstract: A regenerative digital communication channel extender is provided which converts electrical signals in a first communication network into optical signals and then reconverts the optical signals back into electrical signals for application to a second communication network. The conversion is preferably performed using state machines. The communication in the first and second communication networks are preferably in a first protocol, whereas the optical communication is in a second protocol. The state machines convert the communications from the first protocol to the second protocol, and back from the second protocol into the first protocol. In the process, the communication in the first communication network is faithfully regenerated in the second communication network. In addition, a unique phase lock circuit is contemplated which requires only one pulse of an incoming digital communication to synchronize a local clock.

Abstract: A photoluminescence sensor for detecting a photoluminescent light from a toluminescent material is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the photoluminescence sensor comprises: a source of light; a concave mirror having at least one perforation for passing the source light through the at least one perforation; an optical waveguide having proximal and distal ends with the photoluminescent material being disposed at the distal end; an objective for directing the source light into the proximal end of the waveguide; an objective for receiving photoluminescent light and for focusing the photoluminescent light onto the perforated concave mirror; a liquid filter for passing the photoluminescent light reflected from the perforated concave mirror to a detector to detect the photoluminescent light.

Abstract: A sensor, probe, system and method for detecting the presence of or concentration of lipid-soluble analytes such as anesthetics, which involve the use of fluorophore-containing lipid layers or similar amphiphilic structures as the sensor. The lipid layer is constituted such that it has a phase transition temperature equal to or close to the temperature at which the measurement of the analyte is conducted. Partitioning of a suitable analyte into the lipid layer results in a phase change which is then reflected in a change in a fluorescence characteristic, such as a shift in the wavelength of maximum intensity of fluorescence, of the fluorophore, in proportion to the amount of analyte.

Abstract: A laser beam stop is contructed having a uniquely designed cell filled with solution or suspension of an absorbing species chosen to absorb the wavelength of light emitted by the laser. The position and strength of the laser beam are indicated by the strength and depth of penetration of the fluorescence excited by the laser.

Abstract: An optical waveguide-binding sensor which increases sensor sensitivity to fluorescence detection during assays of liquids based on adjustments in the V number along the optical waveguide. The sensing waveguide includes a mode converting section where the V number of the wavguide gradually increases from the distal sensing end of the mode converting section to the proximal end of the mode converting section. The gradually change in V number can be accomplished by either gradually inwardly tapering waveguide along the sensor portion from the proximal end, or by gradually varying the dopant concentration along the sensing portion. The sensor tapers in diameter to change the V number along the distal end of the optical waveguide.