Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for oxidizing phosphonate in an aqueous solution, for determining the concentration of phosphonate present in an aqueous solution, and for controlling the concentration of phosphonate present in an aqueous solution. Optionally, one or more computers are used to automate the methods.

Abstract: A biosensor based on complexes between biomolecule receptors and colloidal Au nanoparticles, and more specifically, colloid layers of receptor/Au complexes that can be used to detect biomolecule analytes through measuring of binding-induced changes in electrical resistance or surface plasmon resonance. Also disclosed is a method for detecting and analysing carrier-borne chemical compounds with Raman spectroscopy using an improved SERS substrate. Further disclosed is an improved method for detecting compounds in solvents using capillary electrophoresis in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing and screening for ovarian carcinomas in a subject are provided The methods employ the steps of preparing a plasma sample from a blood specimen from the subject, and assaying for the presence of lysophosphatidic acid in the plasma sample. The presence of lysophosphatidic acid in the plasma sample is indicative of ovarian carcinoma in the subject. In a preferred embodiment the plasma sample is prepared under conditions which minimize the release of lysophosphatidic acid from platelets in the blood specimen into the plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for determining the concentration of a surfactant in a transparent hydrocarbon by performing the steps of adding a solid to the hydrocarbon; adding a second masking reagent to the hydrocarbon; mixing to form a dispersion; separating the dispersion from the mixture; and measuring the optical absorption of the dispersion.

Abstract: In a method for photo-ionization ion mobility spectrometry, a reagent gas is added, in particular an aromatic compound, which has a large ionization cross section in the range of ionizing VUV radiation, but a low probability for the formation of protonated quasi-molecular ions. In this way, the detection of only weakly proton affine substances is also amplified or even made possible at all, and also the detection of electronegative substances in a negative operating mode is improved. Preferred reagent gases are benzene, toluene and xylene. FIG.

Abstract: Methods of rapidly detecting the presence of chemical warfare agents, cheal warfare agent precursors and degradation products thereof are disclosed. The methods are useful, for example, in screening chemical sample unknowns in Chemical Warfare Convention (CWC) inspections. The methods include contacting a sample suspected of containing chemical warfare agents, precursors, chemical warfare agent degradation products and mixtures thereof with a sufficient amount of a chromatographic adsorbent material and a sufficient amount of a chromogenic detector reagent whereby a chromogenic indicator is formed when the sample contains chemical warfare agent, precursors or degradation product thereof. A kit useful for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The test methods can be used, either alone or in combination with thin-layer chromatography, to provide presumptive evidence for CWC analytes without actually identifying any of the components of the samples.

Abstract: Processes for detecting or quantitating a particular phosphoglyceride in a sample containing the phosphoglyceride and other lipids and clinical uses for the process (e.g. for diagnosing improperly functioning lungs and other conditions) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting the presence of gynecological carcinomas in a patient. The method, which comprises detecting the presence of lysophosphatidic acid in a plasma sample of the patient, is useful for detecting ovarian carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, and peritoneal carcinoma. In a preferred embodiment the method comprises: providing a blood specimen from the patient, obtaining a plasma sample for the blood specimen under conditions which minimize the release of lysophosphatidic acid from the platelets in the blood specimen into the plasma, extracting lipids from the plasma, and detecting the presence of lysophosphatidic acid in the lipid extract. A new method for extracting lysophosphatidic acid from a biological fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysing a chemical species in a fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes filtering apparatus (15, 17) upstream and downstream of the sample preparation section (3). The fluid is diverted from a line (1) by an arrangement of pumps (27) and valves through the upstream filter (15) to the digester (11) and through the downstream filter (17) out to the analyser/detector system (5). The pumps (27) and valve arrangement allows the purging of the sample preparation section (3) and backflushing of the filters (15, 17), the inlet line (7) and the outlet line (13).

Abstract: A method for the detection of chemical agent present in a material comprising exposing a calixarene, having redox active substituents on its para rim, to a solution or suspension derived by admixture of all or some of the material with a liquid measuring any change in electrical behavior of the calixarene during or after exposure to the solution or suspension as compared to a reference condition, and relating such change in electrical behavior to the presence of chemical agent. Preferably, the calixarene exposed to the solution or suspension is a calix?4!arene or general formula (J), wherein Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl or a redox active substituent and R.sup.1 to R.sup.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, or a polymerisable moiety, wherein at least one of Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.4 is a redox active substituent.

Abstract: Viscous, liquid hexafluoroisopropanol-siloxane polymers having the basic structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl groups; cyclohexyl groups and phenyl groups;R.sub.2 is ##STR2## wherein m=1 to 4; and n is an integer greater than 1, are useful for rapid, reversible vapor sorption, especially for hydrogen bond accepting vapors.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect and measure the amount of phosphorus in phosphorus-containing compounds comprises a burning chamber with a housing having an integral combustion chamber. A flammable reducing agent such as hydrogen is introduced into the combustion chamber along with a sample containing phosphorus admixed with air or oxygen. At least a portion of any phosphorus in the sample will be converted into phosphorus monoxide (PO) by the combustion. The resulting phosphorus monoxide is immediately drawn into a low-pressure, ambient temperature reaction chamber and reacted with ozone to convert the phosphorus monoxide to chemiluminescent phosphorus dioxide. A light-measuring device then measures the intensity of the light released from the chemiluminescent phosphorus dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a vapor of an alkyl ester of phosphoric acid, particularly tributylphosphate, in ambient air. A sample of ambient air is heated to convert any alkyl ester of phosphoric acid to an alkene. The heated sample of air is then passed to a sample loop. Carrier air periodically carries a fixed volume of sample from the sample loop through a chromatographic column to a photoionization detector which detects the presence and amount of the alkene in the sample.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for single step, covalent labeling of the phosphate group of an organic substance under aqueous conditions are described. The labeling compound includes any kind of detectable signal group covalently bound to an imidazole moiety, which can be imidazole or a substituted imidazole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for individually detecting in ambient air a predetermined gaseous warfare agent, namely a poison gas of the class of organic sulfuric or phosphorous substances, and a predetermined interfering compound, e.g. another poison gas. First, light O.sub.2 reaction ions are generated from water and are added in a measuring chamber to a mixture of the agent and the ambient air. As a result, the O.sub.2 reaction ions will deposit on the heavy molecules of the agent in a spatially non-uniform distribution to generate quasi-molecular ions. An electrical field alternating about a zero line and having a predetermined basic frequency and an amplitude is generated within the measuring chamber. The resulting quasi-molecular ion current is measured and resulting current signals are processed. For distinguishing the agent from the interfering compound, an initial experiment is made for a standardized measuring chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the permeation of hazardous or toxic chemicals through protective clothing are disclosed. The hazardous or toxic chemicals of interest do not possess the spectral characteristic of luminescence. The apparatus and methods utilize a spectrochemical modification technique to detect the luminescence quenching of an indicator compound which upon permeation of the chemical through the protective clothing, the indicator is exposed to the chemical, thus indicating chemical permeation.

Abstract: A safe analytical technique for determining the concentration amount of dibutyl and monobutyl phosphate degradation products in the TBP-dodecane solvent used in solvent extraction processes. This method of chemical analysis eliminates the use of diazomethane, which is toxic and explosive, thereby providing a safer laboratory technique for routine analyses required to monitor production solvent extraction processes. The solvent sample to be analyzed is spiked with mass labelled, deuterated dibutyl and monobutyl phosphates, which act as internal standards. After adding a silylating agent, bistrimethylsilyltrifluoracetamide, the sample is injected into a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, which measures the ratio between the labelled internal standard and the naturally occurring material to obtain a quantitative result.

Abstract: A porous cellulose tape impregnated with powdered silica or other gas adsorbent carries a coloring reagent of silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate and a light-resistance enhancer of para-toluenesulfonic acid which are dissolved in glycol. When the tape is exposed to a sample gas, the silane contained in it dissolves in the glycol. The resulting reduction of the silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate forms a colloid of silver as a trace of their reaction. The concentration of silane, which is proportional to the colloid of silver formed, can be determined by measuring the optical concentration of the reaction trace. The absence of strong acid detrimental to cellulose assures the determination of silane concentration with a high degree of sensitivity, without impairing the mechanical strength in the cellulose tape.

Abstract: Concentration of a polyelectrolyte in the water of an aqueous system is controlled by first withdrawing a sample of the water and adding a known or standard amount of a fluorochromatic reagent to the sample. Then light energy is directed into the sample whereby light energy of a selected excitation wavelength for the fluorochromatic dye is available for absorption by the fluorochromatic reagent. The intensity of light emitted about a selected emission wavelength for the fluorochromatic reagent is measured and the intensity of the emitted light is compared to a standard curve, comprising a plot of fluorescence emission intensity of the fluorochromatic reagent in the presence of a polyelectrolyte versus concentration the polyelectrolyte. The concentration of the polyelectrolyte in the sample of water is determined from the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the permeation of hazardous or toxic chemicals through protective clothing are disclosed. The hazardous or toxic chemicals of interest do not possess the spectral characteristic of luminescence. The apparatus and methods utilize a spectrochemical modification technique to detect the luminescence quenching of an indicator compound which upon permeation of the chemical through the protective clothing, the indicator is exposed to the chemical, thus indicating chemical permeation.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a vapor of an alkyl ester of phosphoric acid, particularly tributylphosphate, in ambient air. A sample of ambient air is heated to convert any alkyl ester of phosphoric acid to an alkene. The heated sample of air is then passed to a sample loop. Carrier air periodically carries a fixed volume of sample from the sample loop through a chromatographic column to a photoionization detector which detects the presence and amount of the alkene in the sample.

Abstract: A process for measurement of low levels of phosphonates in brine waters wherein the phosphonate samples are acidified with hydrochloric acid promptly upon removal from an oil or gas well to prevent phosphonate precipitation or adsorption. The hydrochloric acid acidified phosphonate is digested in the presence of an oxidizing agent at elevated temperature and pressure for sufficient time to oxidize substantially all of the phosphonate to orthophosphate. The phosphorous containing compound is extracted with an organic extractant, preferably selected from the group consisting of methyl iso-butyl ketone/cyclohexane mixture and ethyl acetate, followed by color development for absorption spectrophotometry.

Abstract: A tape for detecting the presence of hydride gases by taking advantage of coloring reactions whose light sensitivity is lowered to a minimum without impairing the inherent mechanical strength of the reagent holder. The detection tape is prepared by impregnating a tape of porous cellulose fibers containing a gas adsorbent such as a powder of silica and a moisture keeper of glycerin with a coloring reagent of silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate and a light resistance enhancer of para-toluenesulfonic acid. When the detection tape is exposed to a hydride gas contained in the sampled gas, silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate is reduced by the hydride gas to form a colloid of silver that remains as a trace of reaction. As the amount of the colloid of silver is proportional to the concentration of the gas, the concentration of hydride gas can be determined by measuring the optical density of the trace of reaction.

Abstract: Concentrations of one or more carbohydrates phosphorylated at a secondary hydroxyl, including fructose-3-phosphate and sorbitol-3-phosphate, in biological tissue or cells of diabetic patients are determined by .sup.31 P NMR Spectroscopy, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or other appropriate analytical techniques. Elevated levels of such phosphorylated carbohydrates, relative to a prescribed standard or threshold level, are associated with an increased risk for developing the degenerative complications of diabetes. A method is provided for determining the relative concentrations of such phosphorylated carbohydrates, whereby the relative risk of a patient for the development of diabetic complications and the efficacy of therapeutic intervention in prevention of such complications may be assessed.

Abstract: The process of detecting the presence on a surface of at least one of bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide and bis(2-chloroethyl)imine, including (a) providing a solution comprising at least one dyestuff selected from the group consisting of brilliant blue R, guinea green B, neutral red, and lissamine green B, which at least one dyestuff is capable of fluorescing and is capable, when applied as a solution, of forming an adduct with at least one of bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide and bis(2-chloroethyl)imine when present on a surface, which at least one adduct, is capable of fluorescing in a spectral range which is different from that of the corresponding at least one dyestuff; (b) applying the solution to the surface; (c) irradiating the surface onto which the solution has been applied with light having a wavelength effective to excite the at least one dyestuff and, when present, the at least one adduct, and induce light emission by fluorescence therefrom; (d) measuring the wavelength of the light emitted from the surface; and

Abstract: A novel method quantitatively analyzes certain organophosphorus compounds present in mixtures of the organophosphorus compounds, a Group VIII metal and an inert solvent using gas chromatography techniques. The method involves the conversion of a catalytically-active form of the Group VIII metal to a cyano complex prior to gas chromatography analysis. Compositions are also described which are useful in the gas chromatography analysis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a testing and measuring device for colorimetrically detecting gases on a carrier which is impregnated with a solution of a moisture store and a detecting indicator. The testing and measuring device is improved in that the moisture on the indicator carrier needed for the detecting reaction is maintained over a longer time span during storage in the unused condition as well as during measurement under the action of the gaseous substance to be detected. For this purpose, the impregnating solution is composed of the detecting indicator and a mixture of sulfolane and diethylphthalate as a moisture store. For measuring hydride gases, the indicator comprises a palladium tetramine chloride. The impregnating solution is applied to a paper carrier or to a granular silica gel carrier.

Abstract: A method of detecting the initial concentration of a water-treatment chemical present in a diluted aqueous system, by (1) incorporating into the aqueous system, a mixture including a known amount of the active ingredient and a known amount of an ultra-violet sensitive compound having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein halogen is chlorine or bromine; X is ##STR2## and a and b, independently are 0 or 1; M is hydrogen or an alkaline metal ion; and (2) detecting the concentration of the compound of formula I, by exposing to ultra-violet light a sample of the aqueous system so treated.

Abstract: A process is provided for the quantitative selective complexometric analysis of a sample. First and second aliquot parts of a sample containing N-phosphonomethyl-glycine, N-carboxymethyl-N-phosphonomethyl-glycine or N,N-bis-phosphonomethyl-glycine; or N-phosphonomethyl-glycine and N,N-bis-phosphonomethyl-glycine; or N-phosphonomethyl-glycine and N-carboxymethyl-N-phosphonomethyl-glycine are taken. The first aliquot part is titrated with a bismuth volumetric solution at a Ph=1.8-2.5 in the presence of a methylethymol blue indicator. The second aliquot part is titrated with a copper volumetric solution at a Ph=8-10 in the presence of a murexide indicator. Two end point values are obtained and compared. The difference between these two values result in the determination of the content of N-phosphonomethyl-glycine in the sample.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a lipid peroxide, which comprises reacting a lipid peroxide with an aromatic phosphine compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 to R.sub.3 is an aromatic group, in a solvent, to form an aromatic phosphine oxide and observe any fluorescence of the aromatic phosphine oxide.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful paper type G and or type V chemical agent detector comprising a paper base including, associated with the base, at least one dye chosen from 4-((4-(phenylazo)phenyl)azo)-phenol (D.Y. 23), p-ethoxyphenyl-azo-.alpha.-hydroxynaphthoic acid (PEN), or 3', 3", 5', 5"-tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester (TBPE).

Abstract: Process for the detection of a chemical warfare agent, in which a detection reagent able to fluoresce is brought into contact with the chemical warfare agent, which reacts with the chemical warfare agent so that the fluorescent light emitted by the detection agent changes. A detection reagent is used which undergoes this change because of solvent effects. The advantages of the process reside especially in the fact that, not only, as in the prior art, can LOST be detected but now also VX can be detected.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful paper chemical agent detector comprising a paper base including, associated with the base, at least one dye chosen from 4-((4-(phenylazo)phenyl)azo)-phenol (D.Y. 23), p-ethoxypenyl-azo-.alpha.-hydroxynaphthoic acid (PEN), or 3', 3", 5', 5"-tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester (TBPE).

Abstract: A sensor for a gas detector is provided that detects the presences of the gas when the gas reacts with a distributed Rc notch network to cause a shift in operating frequency and notch depth. A metallic/metallic oxide gas sensitive discontinuous film acts as the distributive resistive element in the RC notch network. The gas changes the conductivity of the film and this causes the network to react. In the preferred embodiment, a copper/cuprous oxide film detects organophosphorus compounds.

Abstract: A method for the specific detection of inositol and phosphatidylinositol within a model membrane such as liposomes or within a cellular system such as T lymphocytes.

Abstract: An organosulfur compound is detected and/or quantified, optionally in admixture with one or more other compounds, by reacting the organosulfur compound with gaseous fluorine at sub-atmospheric pressure and observing the chemiluminescence which develops. Detections at ultra-trace levels are achieved. A special detector cell is provided in which the reaction is performed.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring method comprises irradiating a sample gas with ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen, thereby converting a specific gas for detection contained in the sample gas into fine oxide particles by photochemical reaction, irradiating the sample gas having the fine oxide particles contained therein with light, and detecting scattered light emitted from the fine oxide particles contained in the sample gas.

Abstract: The quantity of an anionic material in a sample is determined by adjusting the pH of the sample to place the material in nonionic extractable form, extracting out the material, spectrophotometrically measuring the extracted material, and comparing the measured value to a standard in order to determine the quantity of the anionic material.

Abstract: A personal field chemical warfare nerve agent detector has therein a transducer having two micromechanical cantilever oscillators. One of the cantilever oscillators has deposited, as an end-mass, a chemically selective substance on the cantilever. The nerve agent if present causes the natural resonant frequency to change. The changed resonant frequency is compared to a reference resonant frequency of the other cantilever oscillator without an end-mass. The amount of frequency change indicates the presence of a chemical nerve agent.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for determining the amount of organic phosphonate present in an aqueous solution, comprising the steps of:(a) adding 1000 to 20,000 ppm of a strong oxidizing agent and 8 ppb to 5000 ppm silver ion to the aqueous solution;(b) allowing the organic phosphonate present in said solution to react to form orthophosphate;(c) precipitating any excess silver in said solution by the addition of 1000 to 50,000 ppm of a reducing agent or at least an equimolar amount of a halide, based on the silver ion added in Step (a), and removing any precipitate formed;(d) adding to said solution 5 to 30 percent, by volume, of an acid solution containing 500 to 2000 ppm of ions selected from the group consisting of molybdate ion and vanadate ion, and if a halide was used in Step (c), adding 1000 to 50,000 ppm of a reducing agent;(e) measuring the absorbance of said solution at 625 to 880 nanometers and determining the orthophosphate concentration from a calibration curve of orthophosphate

Abstract: A quantitative method useful for field monitoring low concentrations of water soluble, polyacrylic acids in aqueous systems containing polyacrylic acids and other soluble ionic materials, such as ionic salts and phosphonates, is provided. The method involves adjusting the pH of the aqueous system to suppress the ionization of the polyacrylic acids followed by selective adsorption and concentration of the polyacrylic acids on a suitable adsorbent. Concentrated polyacrylic acids are then desorbed from the adsorbent and the concentration of the polyacrylic acids in the aqueous system is determined by conventional techniques.

Abstract: Method for the determination of lecithin concentration in crude oil. A sample of crude oil is admixed with a polar organic sample which does not dissolve lecithin, thus obtaining a suspension. The concentration of lecithin in the suspension is determined by the turbidimetric analysis, by measuring the transmitted light passed through the suspension. According to a preferred embodiment, a tungsten lamp provides the light to be transmitted through the suspension, the light passed being converted to Lux units by Luxmeter and expressed into concentration values of lecithin.

Abstract: A process for the analysis of organic pollutants from an aqueous sample is provided including injecting an extraction solvent under pressure in the form of a plurality of substantially uniform droplets into the sample containing one or more pollutants. The solvent droplets are collected and then analyzed for the presence of the pollutants. The apparatus includes a sample holding column, a solvent reservoir, a source of gas under pressure, and a nozzle having one or more outlet ports which subdivides the solvent into small uniform droplets to enhance mass transfer of pollutants from the sample into the solvent.

Abstract: The amount of organic, phosphorous containing grain refiners in phosphate conversion coating baths is determined by precipitating the grain refiners and determining the difference in the chemical oxygen demand of the bath before and after the precipitation.