Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: Water-soluble polyacetal or polyketal having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic groups, for ketals; R.sub.1 is hydrogen and R.sub.2 is aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic groups for acetals; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are also aliphatic, alkoxy, cycloaliphatic or aromatic groups X represents groups as (CH.sub.2).sub.n, O(CH.sub.2).sub.N O or ##STR2## that connect the pendant unsaturation to the aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic R.sup.4 groups, the ratio of a to b is 0.5 to 10, and n is 10-100.

Abstract: Biodegradible polymers are provided which may contain a biologically active substance, e.g. a drug such as insulin, which is released over a period of time as the polymer erodes when in contact with a body fluid. The polymer contains an amine functionality whereby it erodes faster at low acid pH's than at higher acid pH's. As an example, the polymer may contain insulin and may contain or may have an encapsulating hydrogel containing glucose oxidase. As the blood sugar level of a diabetic person rises, e.g., after a meal, glucose diffuses into the polymer or hydrogel and is converted to gluconic acid which lowers the pH, and accelerates erosion and the release of insulin.

Abstract: Biodegradible polymers are provided which may contain a biologically active substance, e.g. a drug such as insulin, which is released over a period of time as the polymer erodes when in contact with a body fluid. The polymer contains an amine functionality whereby it erodes faster at low acid pH's than at higher acid pH's. As an example, the polymer may contain insulin and may contain or may have an encapsulating hydrogel containing glucose oxidase. As the blood sugar level of a diabetic person rises, e.g., afte a meal, glucose diffuses into the polymer or hydrogel and is converted to gluconic acid which lowers the pH, and accelerates erosion and the release of insulin.