Abstract: A system for bracing dental implants or natural tooth roots to secure artificial teeth includes a plurality of implant members which are implanted in the jawbone or tooth roots of a patient and each has separately connected thereto or formed integral therewith an implant head having a recess for receiving a bar to which a denture can be removably secured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the use of a synthetic peptide as the antigen in an immunoassay for the detection of antibodies against the equine infectious anemia virus in the serum of horses. The synthetic peptide corresponds to the amino acid sequence of an antigenic portion of the GP-45 envelope protein of the equine infectious anemia virus. The immunoassay may be a direct second antibody immunoassay, a one or two step sandwich immunoassay, or a competitive immunoassay.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences encoding proteins of interest are isolated from DNA libraries using bacteriophage to link the protein to the sequence which encodes it. DNA libraries are prepared from cells encoding the protein of interest and inserted into or adjacent to a coat protein of a bacteriophage vector, or into a sequence encoding a protein which may be linked by means of a ligand to a phage coat protein. By employing affinity purification techniques the phage particles containing sequences encoding the desired protein may be selected and the desired nucleotide sequences obtained therefrom. Thus, for example, novel proteins such as monoclonal antibodies may be produced and conventional hybridoma technology avoided.

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus oligonucleotides and a system to determine hepatitis C virus genotypes with polymerase chain reaction utilizing those oligonucleotides as primers.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the chromosomes in a sample of cells by fixing the cell sample on a substrate, contacting the cell sample with a nucleic acid probe having a detectable label under conditions that allow the probe to hybridize preferentially to a chromosome in the cells to form a hybridized complex, optically detecting each labeled complex in the sample, defining a predetermined number of neighboring labeled complexes as a group, generating a distance parameter based on the distance between the position of a group and the position of the next neighboring labeled complex, and comparing the distance parameter for each group to a standard distance value to characterize the chromosomes in the cells of the sample.

Abstract: A process for sequencing DNA segments having complementary strands comprising (a) synthesizing simultaneously truncated products and full-length products starting from both 3' ends of the complementary strands of the DNA segment, which serves as a template, by introducing specific oligonucleotide primers annealing to the 3' ends of both complementary strands of the DNA segment, a deoxyribonucleotide elongator for each of adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, a thermally stable DNA polymerase and a terminator for each of adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, (b) thermally cycling step (a), (c) separating out the resultant truncated products and full length products according to size, and (d) selectively detecting all truncated products and full length products according to size, and (e) selectively detecting all truncated products and full-length products generated from a given strand of template.

Abstract: An immunoassay diagnostic kit, method, and apparatus for electrochemically determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. A mixture is formed which includes the sample, an enzyme-acceptor polypeptide, an enzyme-donor polypeptide linked to an analyte analog (enzyme-donor polypeptide conjugate), a labeled substrate, and an antibody specific for the analyte to be measured. The analyte and the enzyme-donor polypeptide conjugate competitively bind to the antibody. When the enzyme-donor polypeptide conjugate is not bound to antibody, it will spontaneously combine with the enzyme acceptor polypeptide to form an active enzyme complex. The active enzyme hydrolyzes the labeled substrate, resulting in the generation of an electroactive label, which can then be oxidized at the surface of an electrode. A current resulting from the oxidation of the electroactive compound can be measured and correlated to the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining platelet function in a mammal comprising providing platelets from the mammal, contacting the platelets in suspension with at least one immobilised ECM protein or an effective fragment or analog thereof while applying to the platelets an effective mechanical stimulus for an effective period of time and determining the platelet activation produced.The invention also provides a method for detecting a bleeding disorder in a human. Further, the invention provides a method for monitoring the efficacy of pharmacological agents affecting platelet function in vivo.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the determination of the malignant potential of a tumor. The process comprises the steps of determining the amount of BBO in a tumor sample by reacting the BBO in a tumor sample with a BBO-binding lectin or a BBO-specific antibody to form a BBO-lectin or a BBO-specific antibody complex. Then, the amount of BBO-lectin or BBO-antibody complex or of unreacted BBO can be measured.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the detection of analytes. A polyunsaturated polymerized lipid layer is employed, which is anisotropic, has a member of a specific binding pair bound to an end of the lipids, and whose optical characteristics are modified upon complex formation between the specific binding pair member and its complementary member. By providing for polarized light, linear and/or circular, one can detect the presence of complex formation by the change in the optical characteristics of the film. Polarizers, analyzers, and wave plates are employed for providing for a light signal which can be analyzed and related to the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The effectiveness of selected antineoplastic agents may be determined in individual patients by comparing the level of expression of one or more selected growth-regulated genes in neoplastic cells taken from the patient before and shortly after the initiation of therapy. A decrement in expression is prognostic of eventual remission, while a lack of decrement indicates that remission is unlikely. The test may also be accomplished by comparing the level of expression of growth-regulated genes in neoplastic cells in culture before and after incubation of the cells with the selected antineoplastic agents.

Abstract: A method of immunologically determining human acid glutathione S-transferase in a human assay sample, which comprises bringing the assay sample into contact with a first antibody bound to an insoluble solid carrier and a labelled second antibody, either the first or second antibody being a polyclonal antibody capable of recognizing human acid glutathione S-transferase or an equivalent fragment of the polyclonal antibody, and the other antibody being a monoclonal antibody capable of specifically recognizing human acid glutathione S-transferase or an equivalent fragment of the monoclonal antibody, a method of diagnosing cancer in a human digestive organ by using the above method, a reagent therefor, a kit therefor and a monoclonal antibody for use therein.

Abstract: Oxidized derivatives of-fibrin and fibrin or fibrinogen degradation products or partial sequences, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments, for diagnosis or as an affinity agent are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that function as hydrolytic enzyme inhibitors (inactivators) and substrates. These compounds are useful in assays to detect and measure levels of hydrolytic enzyme activity and are more particularly useful in treatment regimens for various disease states and conditions implicating the underlying specific hydrolytic enzyme. Examples of hydrolytic enzymes include, but are not limited to, phospholipases, lipases, esterases, proteases, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting biological activities in a specimen such as blood are disclosed. The present invention provides a system whereby the intensity of light with a wavelength within the range of about 600 nm to 800 nm introduced into a sample at a first location is measured as it reemerges at a second location. A significant change in the intensity of the reemerging light indicates the presence of biological activity. Preferably, the intensity is also measured at a fourth location, or alternatively, a second light source is disposed at a third location to permit comparative intensity data to be collected. These data are useful in partially identifying the types of microorganisms present in the sample. In preferred embodiments, light emitting diodes are used as the light sources and multiplexed to a plurality of samples.

Abstract: Non-yeast protein is mixed with yeast, and enzymatic hydrolysis is carried out with yeast autolytic enzymes and optionally added exogenous enzymes to produce a yeast extract containing hydrolyzed non-yeast protein. More specifically, a mixture of yeast cells and 5 to 50% of cereal and/or animal non-yeast protein source is maintained at 40.degree. to 50.degree. C. for 5 to 15 hours and then at 55.degree. to 65.degree. C. for 1 to 5 hours to allow enzymatic hydrolysis to produce a water-soluble fraction. The water-soluble fraction is separated and concentrated. The non-yeast protein source may be one or more of maize gluten, corn gluten, wheat gluten, soya bean meal, whey solids, dried red blood, oat bran and wheat bran. By appropriate selection of the non-yeast protein, a yeast extract with specific flavor can be produced for use as a taste additive in the food industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human angiotensin II type 1 receptor protein, a recombinant DNA containing a gene which codes for said protein, a transformant carrying said DNA, production of said protein, and anti-angiotensin II substance screening methods using said transformant containing said protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gene regulation cassettes useful for (1) detecting the specific mRNA sequences which best enhance the translation efficiency of mRNA into protein when a specific foreign gene is adjacent thereto and (2) expressing foreign genes in procaryotic cells; expression vectors containing the gene regulation cassettes adjacent to a foreign gene such that the expression of the foreign gene is under the control of the gene regulation cassettes; and microorganisms transformed with the expression vectors. In the former gene regulation cassette, a restriction site encompasses or is adjacent to 2 base pairs 3' of the start of mRNA transcription of the lambda P.sub.R operator/promoter. This gene regulation cassette is useful for inserting and selecting sequences that generate a favorable rate of translation efficiency of the foreign gene. In the latter gene regulation cassette, a lambda P.sub.R operator/promoter is fused to a modified ribosome binding site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) by the expression, in suitable host cells, of recombinant DNA molecules encoding LIF.

Abstract: A sulfated glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 45 kda inhibits the activation of tissue factor and thus inhibits the coagulation of blood. This glycoprotein can be used for treatment or prevention of intravascular clotting.

Abstract: For the enzymatic cleavage of fusion proteins and for the isolation of deed components of these fusion proteins(1) a junction region, in which two components of the fusion protein are joined together, is modified by means of genetic engineering so that at least one IgA protease recognition site with the amino acid sequence Y-Pro.!.X-Pro is formed in this junction region, in which X can be any amino acid and Y can be one or several arbitrary amino acids,(2) the fusion protein which results from step (1) is cleaved by IgA protease at the position in the recognition site marked with .!. and(3) after the cleavage one or several desired components of the fusion protein are isolated.

Abstract: A type 1 topoisomerase, designated topoisomerase V, has been isolated and substantially purified from the halophilic thermophilic methanogen bacterium Methanopyrus kandleri. The topoisomerase was purified by a process including the steps of lysing cells of M. kandleri to form a lysate, treating the lysate with polyethyleneimine to form a precipitate and a supernatant, precipitating the polyethyleneimine supernatant with ammonium sulfate, chromatographing the ammonium sulfate precipitate on phosphocellulose to produce a phosphocellulose eluate, chromatographing the phosphocellulose eluate on heparin to produce a heparin eluate, and chromatographing the heparin eluate on a column capable of separating proteins by molecular size therein to produce a substantially purified thermostable DNA topoisomerase V. Topoisomerase V can relax DNA and can unlink DNA by reducing the linking number of closed circular DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively cleave the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.

Abstract: An improved, "gap filling" embodiment of the Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) is described. Gap filling LCR is LCR wherein at least one of the probes is recessed so that a gap is formed between the adjacent probes when they are hybridized to target. The gap is filled using polymerase and deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates before ligation of the probes together. There are single and double gap versions, depending on whether one or two probes are recessed and require filling before ligation. The improvement resides in selecting and using target sequences such that only a single type, or two types, of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate(s) are required to fill double gaps each being 1-10 bases in length, preferably 1-3 bases. Probes having specific sequences are claimed for a number of pathogens.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody and the hybridoma producing the antibody are disclosed. The antibody is produced against an epitope on native secreted forms of .beta.APP. A characteristic of the antibody is that the antibody specifically binds to at least one protein in culture medium in which neuroblastoma cells have been grown. This protein co-migrates in non-reducing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with PN-2 isolated from human fibroblast cultures. Other characteristics of the antibody are that the antibody specifically binds to PN-2 and to the secreted form of .beta.APP lacking the Kunitz-type inhibitor domain, the antibody selectively binds to neuritic plaques, and the antibody is sufficiently sensitive to detect secreted forms of .beta.APP in CSF, down to a total concentration of the secreted forms of .beta.APP of 3.75 .mu.g/ml or lower.

Abstract: A primer directed DNA amplification method to isolate efficiently chromosome-specific repeated DNA wherein degenerate oligonucleotide primers are used is disclosed. The probes produced are a heterogeneous mixture that can be used with blocking DNA as a chromosome-specific staining reagent, and/or the elements of the mixture can be screened for high specificity, size and/or high degree of repetition among other parameters. The degenerate primers are sets of primers that vary in sequence but are substantially complementary to highly repeated nucleic acid sequences, preferably clustered within the template DNA, for example, pericentromeric alpha satellite repeat sequences. The template DNA is preferably chromosome-specific. Exemplary primers ard probes are disclosed. The probes of this invention can be used to determine the number of chromosomes of a specific type in metaphase spreads, in germ line and/or somatic cell interphase nuclei, micronuclei and/or in tissue sections.

Abstract: A process for reducing a phenylalkyl ketone to the corresponding (S)-hydroxy derivative is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the phenylalkyl ketone with Mucor hiemalis IFO 5834 and recovering the (S)-hydroxy derivative.

Abstract: A genetic engineering process for the production of S-(+)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide. For this purpose, a new DNA is isolated from a microorganism that codes for a stereospecific hydrolase. This DNA is then ligated in an expression vector, and a hybrid plasmid results, which is transformed into microorganisms. These microorganisms are then able to biotransform the R-(-) isomer in racemic R,S-(.+-.)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide into R-(-)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid, and optionally active S-(+)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide is obtained.

Abstract: Material such as biological material is encapsulated within a semi-permeable hybrid membrane bead by suspending the material in a medium which comprises an effective amount of a gelling inducer; forming said suspension into a droplet of a size sufficient to envelop said material, suspending a second material in a gelling solution comprising an effective amount of a gel forming polymer which gels upon contact with said gelling inducer forming a discrete bead by contacting the outer surface portion of the droplet with a gelling solution, and allowing the gelling solution to thicken sufficiently for the second material to become entrapped therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to alkaline bacillus lipases, DNA sequences, which code for these lipases, a method for isolating and producing these lipases, as well as to bacillus strains, which have the capability to form these lipases. The alkaline lipases are suitable for use in compositions for cleaning, washing and bleaching purposes.

Abstract: A soluble anticoagulant protein isolated and purified from Ancylostoma hookworms markedly prolongs both the prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time in clotting assays. The protein has an apparent molecular weight of about 6500 daltons and exhibits amino acid sequence homology to the Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor family. Chromogenic peptide substrate and clotting time assays indicate that the protein inhibits extrinsic pathway clotting factor VIIa, the enzyme responsible for initiating the human coagulation cascade, and factor Xa in the common pathway of the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin-sealed semiconductor device includes the steps of: supporting and fixing a supporting plate in a set of molds using a positioning pin with a sharp pin point which is inserted into the molds to have a predetermined clearance from the supporting plate; injecting a sealing resin 11 into a cavity formed in the molds; and removing the positioning pin from the molds after the sealing resin 11 hardens. This method increases the life of the positioning pin, facilitates the removal of a semiconductor device from the molds, and achieves a semiconductor device with good insulation.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting platelet transfusion refractoriness comprising administering third-party platelets to a patient whose platelet glycoprotein Ib.alpha. polypeptides expressed from the patient's DNA have been determined to have either threonine or methionine residues, or both, at amino acid residue position 145 thereof, said third-party platelets having expressed at residue position 145 of the glycoprotein Ib.alpha. polypeptide thereof amino acids that are the same as those expressed on the glycoprotein Ib.alpha. polypeptides of the patient's platelets. Also, an antibody, or a fragment thereof, in substantially pure form having as its target epitope a domain of glycoprotein Ib.alpha., the affinity of said antibody, or fragment thereof, for said epitope being dependent on the identity of the amino acid residue at position 145 of said glycoprotein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the application of genetic engineering to provide artificial .beta. cells, i.e. cells which can secrete insulin in response to glucose. This is achieved preferably through the introduction of one or more genes selected from the insulin gene, glucokinase gene, and glucose transporter gene, so as to provide an engineered cell having all three of these genes in a biologically functional and responsive configuration. Assays for detecting the presence of diabetes-associated antibodies in biological samples using these and other engineered cells expressing diabetes-associated epitopes are described. Also disclosed are methods for the large-scale production of insulin by perfusing artificial .beta. cells, grown in liquid culture, with glucose-containing buffers.

Abstract: 7-Chloro-8-methoxytetracycline isolated from antibiotic ES-119 and antibiotic Tet. 7 which are produced by fermentation of mutants of Actinomadura brunnea, namely Actinomadura brunnea var. antibiotica, ATCC 53108 and Actinomadura brunnea var antibiotica ATCC 53180 and its use as an antibiotic against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, characterization and pharmacological uses for the human D5 dopamine receptor, the gene corresponding to this receptor, pseudogenes of this receptor gene, a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector capable of expressing the human D5 dopamine receptor in cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells and such cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells that synthesize the human D5 dopamine receptor. The invention relates to the biochemical and physiological characterization of the human D5 dopamine receptor and the development and testing of drugs useful for treating or preventing human disease.

Abstract: A novel high density liquid or paste yeast preparation, which comprises approximately 1-20% (w/w) of a polyol selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, nonfermentable mono- or oligosaccharides or sugar alcohols such as xylose, mannitol and sorbitol, soluble oligo- or polymeric carbohydrates such as partially hydrolysed starch, cellulose, agarose, or polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof, and fresh yeast. The high density yeast preparation has a density of more than 800 g yeast (of dry matter 27-29 %) per liter of preparation, and the concentration of the polyol in the extracellular liquid is 5-50 % (w/v). The preparation has an improved capacity for retaining its activity, dissolving instantly, and for being easily batched. It is uniformily suspendable and tolerant of repeated freezing and thawing. The liquid high density yeast preparation has a viscosity of less than 200 centiPoise (cP) at 20.degree. C.

Abstract: A mixed bacteria culture for biodegrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants includes Achromobacter sp. and Mycobacterium sp. which have been grown together and gradually acclimated to utilize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as a primary food source. The mixed bacteria culture can be utilized for in situ or ex situ bioremediation of contaminated soil, or in any of various conventional bioreactors to treat contaminated liquids such as landfill leachates, groundwater or industrial effluents. The bacteria, the nutrients used to sustain growth of the bacteria, and the products of the biodegradation of the polycyclic aromatic or other hydrocarbons are all substantially harmless to the environment. The mixed bacteria can be utilized in the presence of oxygen, or hydrogen peroxide can be used alone or in combination with oxygen as an effective alternative electron acceptor. The mixed bacteria culture of Achromobacter sp. and Mycobacterium sp.

Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the clinical analysis of a sperm sample. The devices include a solid substrate, typically on the order of a few millimeters thick and approximately 0.2 to 2.0 centimeters square, microfabricated to define a sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow channel extending from the inlet port. In one embodiment, a sperm sample is applied to the inlet port, and the competitive migration of the sperm sample through the mesoscale flow channel is detected to serve as an indicator of sperm motility. In another embodiment, the substrate of the device is microfabricated with a sperm inlet port, an egg nesting chamber, and an elongate mesoscale flow channel communicating between the egg nesting chamber and the inlet port. In this embodiment, a sperm sample is applied to the inlet port, and the sperm in the sample are permitted to competitively migrate from the inlet port through the channel to the egg nesting chamber, where in vitro fertilization occurs.

Abstract: A rotatable environmental chamber for reducing solid waste includes a cylindrical container having front and rear end caps, seal bearings and support plates for journaling the container each having a central opening. The seal bearings are pinned to the end caps and fit into counterbores in the support plates. Pipes in communication with the inside of the container are connected to holes in the front end cap and seal bearing. Holes in the front support plate are aligned with recessed areas in the seal bearing. Liquids and/or a gas can be introduced through the front support plate and seal bearing to the container through the pipes as the container rotates. Variable pitch vanes inside the container are used to mix and direct the flow of waste. Isolation valves are used to seal the container. The environmental chamber may be used in a process for anaerobic and aerobic decomposition of organic materials and for reducing plastic and metals to other compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting hybridization processes which includes a sealable vessel having a first longitudinal axis, a rotatable membrane support disposed inside the sealable vessel for supporting a membrane and having a second longitudinal axis, and a structure for rotating the membrane support about the second longitudinal axis. The membrane support is positioned in the sealable vessel so that the second longitudinal axis is offset relative to the first longitudinal axis such that a portion of the membrane support is near the bottom of the sealable vessel. The membrane support further has an opening therein located so that, when fluid is present on the bottom of the sealable vessel, the fluid flows into the membrane support and wets the inside surface of the membrane support while it is being rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control and method of use. Additionally, this invention relates to the isolation and purification of stable liquid human prealbumin, a component in the biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control.

Abstract: A method of quantitative measurement of a very small amount of low-energy beta radioactivity in a biological sample, a process for preparing samples and a device therefore, which require no large-scaled equipment and no labor for sample preparation, measurement, correction of the measured values and treatment of waste solution after measurement. The method comprises: forming a solid, liquid or liquefied biological sample containing a radioactive substance so as to have a substantially uniform and predetermined thickness; freezing or solidifying the sample and measuring the radioactivity thereof.

Abstract: A diagnostic test can determine the occurrence of myocardial infarction or the total plasma antioxidant status as a marker of predisposition to such an event, or the antioxidant status of other clinical and non-clinical samples. The test involves contacting a clinical sample in the presence of myoglobin and an oxidant therefor with a compound which reacts in that environment to form a chromogenic species with a characteristic absorption band in the visible spectrum spaced from potentially interfering bands attributable to haem proteins and other blood components.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for analyzing silicon for nonmetallic contaminants. The method comprises: (A) forming an alloy comprising silicon and a metal which promotes separation of nonmetallic contaminants present in the alloy, (B) separating the nonmetallic contaminants from the alloy, and (C) analyzing the separated nonmetallic contaminants for chemical content. The present invention is particularly useful for analyzing metallurgical grade silicon intended for use in the direct process for the production of organohalosilanes for the presence of oxides and carbides of calcium, aluminum, and silicon.

Abstract: A method for testing blood samples for determining lead content therein. The method utilizes filter collection paper that is spotted with a blood sample; the blood sample spotted thereon is allowed to dry. The dried blood sample on the paper is punched out in a predefined manner to obtain a uniform volume equivalent to a predefined volume of whole blood. A dilute aqueous acid reagent containing a surfactant wetting agent is utilized to remove the part of the blood sample containing the lead. The filter collection paper retains the hemoglobin and blood proteins thus yielding a protein free solution that is suitable for direct analysis of the trace lead elements. The dried blood sample may be easily stored and economically transported to testing laboratories where the dried blood sample may be eluted into a hemoglobin and protein free solution that is stable for weeks under proper storage conditions.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel materials and methods for the detection, treatment, and prevention of human osteoarthritis. Specifically, the cleavage site where aggrecanase cleaves aggrecan has been identified. Identification of this site, as well as the nature of the enzyme, facilitates specific treatments which block or diminish the activity of the enzyme. A further aspect of the invention concerns methods for detecting evidence of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A method for measuring or detecting halogenated organic compound content. For example, the method can be used to identify polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCB's"), contaminating soil or oil. The method is based on a light induced color producing reaction between a photodonor reagent and a halogenated organic compound. This reaction produces change in the optical absorption of the light exposed photodonor. Reversing the role of reagent and halogenated organic compound provides a method for identifying polyaromatic organic compounds such as pyrenes.

Abstract: An enhanced quantitative assay for chiro-inositol concentration can be used to determine insulin-resistance, or a predisposition to the development of insulin-resistance, in type I and type II diabetics. Spot urine or serum samples reflecting concentrations of chiro-inositol below about 1.0 micrograms/ml in urine or 0.1 micrograms/ml in serum are indicative of a predisposition to the development of insulin-resistance, while concentrations below about 0.3 micrograms/ml or 0.03 micrograms/ml in serum are associated with actual insulin-resistance symptoms. The assay can be employed for patient diagnosis, insulin therapy monitoring, and family screening.