Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern quantifying a biomolecule conjugated to a nanoparticle. Quantifying typically comprises determining the number of biomolecules per nanoparticle. Any suitable biomolecule can be used, including but not limited to, amino acids, peptides, proteins, haptens, nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, DNA, RNA, and combinations thereof. A single type of biomolecule may be conjugated to the nanoparticle, more than one biomolecule of a particular class may be conjugated to the nanoparticle, or two or more classes of biomolecules may be conjugated to the nanoparticle. Certain disclosed embodiments comprise enzymatically or chemically digesting a biomolecule conjugated to the nanoparticle, or displacing a biomolecule using ligand-exchange chemistry.

Abstract: A mixed potential sensor device and methods for measuring total ammonia (NH3) concentration in a gas is provided. The gas is first partitioned into two streams directed into two sensing chambers. Each gas stream is conditioned by a specific catalyst system. In one chamber, in some instances at a temperature of at least about 600° C., the gas is treated such that almost all of the ammonia is converted to NOx, and a steady state equilibrium concentration of NO to NO2 is established. In the second chamber, the gas is treated with a catalyst at a lower temperature, preferably less than 450° C. such that most of the ammonia is converted to nitrogen (N2) and steam (H2O). Each gas is passed over a sensing electrode in a mixed potential sensor system that is sensitive to NOx. The difference in the readings of the two gas sensors can provide a measurement of total NH3 concentration in the exhaust gas. The catalyst system also functions to oxidize any unburned hydrocarbons such as CH4, CO, etc.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining the amount of maleimidyl groups on a polymer fine particle containing at least maleimidyl groups, by allowing a fluorescent material having an SH group to react with the maleimidyl groups and determining the amount of maleimidyl groups by means of measuring the fluorescence of the fluorescent material.

Abstract: Colorimetric and fluorometric methods are disclosed for the rapid, accurate, selective, and inexpensive detection of homocysteine, or of homocysteine and cysteine, or of cysteine. The methods may be employed with materials that are readily available commercially. The novel methods are selective for homocysteine, for cysteine, or for total homocysteine and cysteine, and do not cross-react substantially with chemically-related species such as glutathione. The homocysteine-selective method does not have substantial cross-reactivity to the very closely related species cysteine. The cysteine-selective method does not have substantial cross-reactivity to the very closely related species homocysteine. The methods may be used, for example, in a direct assay of human blood plasma for homocysteine levels.

Abstract: A protein sensing molecule is capable of binding an analyte in a sample. The protein sensing molecule includes a first detectable quality that changes in a concentration dependent manner when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule also includes a second detectable quality that does not undergo substantial change when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule may be used in methods for characterizing samples and may also be used in sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an analyte includes a sensor chamber for detecting an analyte, an analyte feed chamber, a distributor, and a controller for controlling the transport medium flow. The distributor includes an annular channel with four connections with a switchable isolating device between two connections. The controller controls the distributor for flushing the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber without passing through the analyte feed chamber and for measuring the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber while passing through the analyte feed chamber.

Abstract: An analysis method and analysis apparatus involve analysis for a sulfur component using ultraviolet fluorescence capable of removing the interferential influence of NO with good efficiency and certainty to thereby measure a concentration of only sulfur components such as SO2 and others even in continuous measurement over a long term with a high precision. An analysis method involves analysis for a sulfur component using ultraviolet fluorescence. A sample gas is illuminated with ultraviolet and fluorescence is emitted by the ultraviolet illumination and detected to measure concentrations of sulfur components including at least SO2 in the sample gas. NO, which is an interferential component in the sample gas, is oxidized to nitrogen dioxide, followed by the illuminating of the sample gas with ultraviolet.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel, simplified method for detecting and monitoring whether the presence of nitrosylated proteins, such as S-nitrosoproteins, in a biological sample using fluorescence detection. The present invention further describes a method which can both quantify and identify the nature of nitrosylated proteins, which method is useful for monitoring both normal and disease states, in the development and screening of potential therapeutic drug species.

Abstract: A device for measuring and detecting the organophosphonis compounds, such as a pesticides or a nerve agents is provided. The devices function by selectively binding an organophosphorous compound to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthamide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been templated for the chemical functionality.

Abstract: A method and system for using spatially modulated excitation/emission and relative movement between a particle (cell, molecule, aerosol, . . . ) and an excitation/emission pattern are provided. In at least one form, an interference pattern of the excitation light with submicron periodicity perpendicular to the particle flow is used. As the particle moves along the pattern, emission is modulated according to the speed of the particle and the periodicity of the stripe pattern. A single detector, which records the emission over a couple of stripes, can be used. The signal is recorded with a fast detector read-out in order to capture the “blinking” of the particles while they are moving through the excitation pattern. This concept enables light detection with high signal-to-noise ratio and high spatial resolution without the need of expensive and bulky optics.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining the size of a particular nucleic acid segment of interest in a sample of nucleic acids through fragmentation of DNA, size fractionation, an optional second fragmentation, and identification using a marker sequence. In particular aspects, an expansion or reduction of tandem repeat sequences can be detected. In further aspects, carriers and individuals afflicted with fragile X syndrome or other diseases associated with tandem repeats can be distinguished from normal individuals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor the enantiomeric excess of chiral molecules participating in a chemical reaction. The method includes real time monitoring of the chemical reaction by obtaining a VCD spectra and an IR spectra of the chemical compounds in the reaction, and manipulating the spectra to obtain a % EE value. Using such real time information, the reaction parameters can be changed to shift the reaction to produce more of one chiral molecule than another.

Abstract: Process and a test kit for the detection of drugs of methylenedioxy amphetamine family and derivatives, are disclosed. The process comprises (a) sampling sufficient amount of a material, suspected to be examined comprise of said methylenedioxyphenyl group; (b) admixing said sample with a sufficient amount of a strong acid reagent; and (c) detecting color gradual appearance and determining accordingly the presence of said methylenedioxy amphetamine drugs in predetermined interval of time. The test kit comprises a strong acid reagent; a color vs time chart comprising means for the detection of a specific drug by means of color and time of appearance, a reaction chamber wherein suspected material and said strong acid reagent are admixed and color is indicated; a sampler having means to collect sufficient amount of suspected material to be tested and to insert it to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides haptens, immunogens comprising such haptens coupled to an antigenicity-conferring carrier material, conjugates comprising such haptens bonded to a labelling agent as well as, antibodies raised against such immunogens and capable of binding with ketamine and its primary metabolite, norketamine.

Abstract: A method of detecting unreacted termini within a dendritic structure is achieved by exposing a dendrimer to a single generating compound capable of bonding to and tagging a deprotected but uncoupled termini. A signal generated by the signal generating compound to an otherwise uncoupled termini provides detection of the unreacted termini.

Abstract: A system for sampling cryogenic liquids, and an air separation unit provided with at least one such system. The cryogenic liquid is introduced into a vaporizer, through heat exchange with the compressed air. The liquid passes through the vaporizer generally downwards. The walls of the vaporizer that are intended to come into contact with the cryogenic liquid are maintained at a temperature above the sublimation temperature or the boiling point of the least volatile impurity contained in this liquid. Downstream of the vaporizer, a gaseous phase coming from the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid is withdrawn and at least some of the gaseous phase is sent to an analyzer.

Abstract: Spectroscopic systems and methods are disclosed for determining levels of at least one analyte in blood undergoing hemodialysis. In one aspect, the invention employs Raman spectroscopy to monitor and/or control hemodialysis. In one embodiment, the system uses a laser light directed to circulating blood from a patient undergoing dialysis to make Raman spectral measurements. For example, the laser light can be directed into a segment of the dialysis tubing. The system can utilize unique Raman spectroscopic signature of one or more analytes, e.g., urea, to identify and quantify such analytes against a whole blood background. Based on the spectral response, the concentration of the analytes can be monitored and/or used to control hemodialysis.

Abstract: A food spoilage sensor of the general formula wherein M is a transition metal ion; D1, D2, D3 and D4 can be the same or different and can be N or P; R1 and R2, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, and R7 and R8 can be the same or different and from, taken together with the adjacent carbon atoms to which they are bonded and joined together, an aromatic or a cyclic group with at least one of the aromatic or cyclic groups possessing one or more polymerizable moieties. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines which are released by food spoilage microorganisms and undergo a detectable color change upon exposure thereto.

Abstract: A method of determining the cause of disease is described, which method uses the detection of “signature” or “fingerprint” volatile compounds in an emission, especially flatus, from a patient.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively determining surface area of a sample uses polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) dispersed in a solution containing the sample, and determining the amount of PVP that has deposited on the sample.

Abstract: A device and method for quantifying an impurity in an input gas stream. The device and method employ a catalyst to convert the impurity to a detectable species in an output gas stream, and the concentration of the detectable species is then measured by means of a detector.

Abstract: A method was developed for the screening of antioxidant efficacy in food and feed matrices. The novel method uses radical initiators to accelerate the oxidation process. Consequently the screening of the oxidation process can be performed at significantly lower temperatures compared to the existing methods. The use of initiators improves the correlation between accelerated screening and real shelf life. This resolves an important issue that is frequently raised concerning the applicability of accelerated oxidation tests conducted at high temperatures. Furthermore feed and food products can be analyzed in their original states because lower temperatures have less influence on the product matrix.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for quantifying and/or identifying a nitroderivative compound, or a residue thereof, and are applicable for assessing in vivo nitrative stress and for aiding in diagnosis of mammalian pathologies such as asthma, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, ischemia, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. A preferred method comprises a) providing a sample containing the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the form of a diazo compound or residue thereof; b) azo-coupling the diazo compound, or residue thereof, to a target compound capable of producing a signal, to yield an azo-coupled compound; c) isolating the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, or the azo-coupled compound; d) quantitating and/or detecting the signal, to yield a quantitation and/or detection result; and e) determining from the quantitation and/or detection result the identity and/or concentration of the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for stabilizing 5-azacytidine against hydrolysis in plasma. By extracting the 5-azacytidine into acetonitrile and zinc sulfate, the 5-azacytidine can be stored for at least about 3 hours at about room temperature, and for at least about 4 days at about ?70° C. If the acetonitrile is removed and evaporated to dryness, the 5-azacytidine in the resulting residue is stable for at least about 14 months at about ?70° C. The invention also provides methods for determining the 5-azacytidine in acetonitrile, or in the acetonitrile residue, using, for example, high-performance liquid chromatography. The methods of the invention permit a significant time interval between the initial processing of the whole blood sample and the time of 5-azacytidine determination.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of nitrogen in a gas mixture. The constituent gases of the mixture are dissociated and transformed to create a substance that may measured using nondispersive infrared adsorption techniques.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system capable of the continuous, real-time measurement of low concentrations of aqueous free cyanide (CN) using an on-line, flow through system. The system is based on the selective reactivity of cyanide anions and the characteristically nonreactive nature of metallic gold films, wherein this selective reactivity is exploited as an indirect measurement for aqueous cyanide. In the present invention the dissolution of gold, due to the solubilization reaction with the analyte cyanide anion, is monitored using a piezoelectric microbalance contained within a flow cell.

Abstract: The invention concerns lactic acid bacteria strains capable of regulating the production of NO and inflammatory cytokines by enterocytes, depending on the inflammatory condition of said enterocytes. The strains can also be incorporated in food supplements such as fermented dairy products used for regulating inflammatory response and non-specific immunity.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a new class of chemoselective polymer materials. In particular, the invention relates to linear polycarbosilane compounds for use in various analytical applications involving sorbent polymer materials, including chromatoghraphy, chemical trapping, analyte collection, and chemical sensor applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for selective molecular recognition, the device comprising a sensing portion, wherein said sensing portion includes a substrate having coated thereon a layer comprising a hyperbranched compound having: (1) a polymer backbone portion that is at least partly randomly branched; (2) at least one pendant group extending from the polymer backbone portion; and (3) at least one halogen substituted alcohol or phenol group substituted at the pendant group(s) of the polymer backbone portion. The compound of the invention preferably has the general formula: wherein A is the hyperbranched backbone portion of the polymer; L and M are independently selected pendant groups of said polymer backbone; X and Y are independently selected halogen substituted alcohol or phenol groups; q and r are independently selected and at least 1; and n is at least 3.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: Methods, employing a polycyclic hydrocarbon or a polycyclic heteroaromatic compound as sensitizers, are provided to increase the efficiency of removing, by irradiation, photolabile protecting groups that mask reactive sites on synthesis intermediaries. Preferred groups of photolabile protecting moieties include: ((?-methyl-2-nitropiperonyl)-oxy)carbonyl (MeNPOC), ((Phenacyl)-oxy)carbonyl (PAOC), O-(9-phenylxanthen-9-yl) (PIXYL), and ((2-methylene-9,10-anthraquinone)-oxy)carbonyl (MAQOC). In conjunction with using the sensitizers and protecting groups described above, a method of forming, from component molecules, a plurality of compounds on a support, each compound occupying a separate predefined region of the support is provided. These resulting solid-phase arrays are useful, for example, to assay for the presence of biochemical products in biological samples.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition, kit and method for hybridizing a probe and target at a temperature lower than their standard hybridization temperature. The chemical component added to the composition has a formula R(NH2)C?O, where R is amino or alkyl. A method for use of the chemical component and composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An addressable biologic electrode array includes an array of electrodes disposed on a support, the array of electrodes being selectively addressed and driven using a memory associated with each electrode of the array, the driven electrodes being driven at one of a plurality of stimulus levels by a source of electrical current or voltage external to the array.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for azide tagging of biomolecules. In one embodiment of the invention, proteins are tagged by metabolic incorporation of prenylated azido-analog substrates. Examples of such analogs are azido farnesyl diphosphate and azido farnesyl alcohol. The azido moiety in the resulting modified proteins provides an affinity tag, which can be chemoselectively captured by an azide-specific conjugation reaction, such as the Staudinger reaction, using a phosphine capture reagent. When the capture agent is biotinylated, the resulting conjugates can be detected and affinity-purified by streptavidin-linked- HRP and streptavidin-conjugated agarose beads, respectively. The invention allows detection and isolation of proteins with high yield, high specificity, and low contamination without harsh treatment of proteins.

Abstract: A biologic electrode array is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A matrix of electrode sites is disposed on the semiconductor substrate. A matrix of optical detectors is disposed beneath the electrode sites in the semiconductor substrate, wherein each electrode site is associated with a corresponding optical detector. The optical detectors are coupled to detection circuitry formed on the semiconductor substrate. The electrode sites may include slitted electrodes, punctuated electrodes, or optically transparent electrodes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating neurosynaptic disorder in a subject are described. More specifically, compositions and methods for inhibiting glutamate uptake by synaptic vesicles in a subject are set forth. In one embodiment, the composition is inhibitory protein factor (IPF) and the subject is a human.

Abstract: A non-contact data carrier includes a semiconductor device (11), a coil antenna (12), and a sealing resin coating (13) sealing the semiconductor device (11) and the coil antenna (12) therein. The electrodes (11a) of the semiconductor device (11) are connected to the opposite ends (12a, 12b) of the coil antenna (12) by wires (14). The surface of the coil antenna (12) opposite to the sealing resin coating (13) is covered with a protective layer (16) for protection.

Abstract: An explosive detector that utilizes an array of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated, bifurcated fiber optic cables to form an image of a target molecule source. Individual sensor fiber assemblies, each with a calibrated airflow, are used to expose the fibers to the target molecule. The detector energizes a dedicated excitation light source for each fiber, while simultaneously reading and processing the intensity of the resulting fluorescence that is indicative of the concentration of the target molecule. Processing electronics precisely controls the excitation current, and measures the detected signal from each narrow band pass filter and photodiode. A computer with display processes the data to form an image of the target molecule source that can be used to identify the source even when low level contamination of the same molecule is present. The detector can be used to detect multiple and/or non-explosive targets by varying the MIP coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a level of a methotrexate polyglutamate (MTXPG) in a cellular extract by resolving at least one MTXPG in a cellular extract obtained from a human undergoing methotrexate therapy; and detecting at least one resolved MTXPG, thereby determining a level of the resolved MTXPG. A method of the invention can be useful, for example, for determining a level of MTXPG3, MTXPG4 or MTXPG5 or for determining a level of each methotrexate polyglutamate species (MTXPG1 to MTXPG7) present in the cellular extract.

Abstract: Items of mail are rapidly processed in a mail sampling system to determine if the mail is contaminated with a chemical or biological agent. The mail sampling system maintains a negative pressure in a containment chamber and includes a triggering sampler that makes a threshold determination regarding possible contamination, and a detecting sampler that obtains a sample for more detailed analysis in response to a signal from the triggering sampler. A sample of particulates collected from an item of mail is either removed for analysis or analyzed in the system to identify a contaminating agent. Optionally, the system includes an archiving sampler, which archives samples for subsequent processing and analysis, and a decontamination system, which is activated to decontaminate the mail if needed.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. A plurality of incoming mail mailboxes each include a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor. Source information corresponding to hazard flagged mail pieces is utilized to block mail from that source at other mailboxes.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of a chemical sensor which can be used to measure nitric acidity. This sensor is produced using a sol-gel method for depositing a porous film, containing a colored indicator, on the core of an optic fiber. The pH of the initial sol is adjusted as are other conditions for implementing the sol-gel method to obtain stability of the signal (curves 1 to 4) emitted by the sensor in an 8N nitric medium for at least 1000 hours.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting contaminant gases includes a converter, a detector, a primary channel for delivering a target gas sample through the converter to the detector, and at least two scrubbing channels for delivering a reference gas sample through the converter to the detector. Each of the scrubbing channels includes a scrubber for removing basic nitrogen compounds from the reference gas sample, while the primary channel preferably transmits the target gas sample without scrubbing. The converter converts gaseous nitrogen compounds in the target gas sample to an indicator gas, such as nitric oxide (NO), and a control system directs the flow of a gas sample among the primary channel and the scrubbing channels. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the basic-nitrogen-compound concentration can be measured by comparing the concentration of the indicator gas detected in the reference sample with the detected indicator-gas concentration in the target sample.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for determining a concentration of nitrogen dioxide that is contained as a trace constituent in atmospheric air utilizes a single-wavelength laser induced fluorescence technique whereby a nitrogen dioxide concentration as lows as at a pptv level can be determined conveniently and accurately.

Abstract: A single pass analyzer includes multiple infrared sensors, a catalytic converter, a scrubber and a thermal conductivity cell all coupled in series to provide a single pass (i.e., one sample) analyzer which allows for fast analysis, allows for the speciation of hydrogen samples, requires no purging between different sample types, utilizes a single carrier gas, and eliminates molecular sieves and Shutze converters. The resultant analyzer provides improved quicker results with less plumbing (i.e., gas conduits and valving) in a single instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an analytical method and analytical reagent solutions for determining the concentration of electrolyte components, such as copper, acid and chloride constituents in an acid or basic metal plating bath using a chemical analyzer. Common methods for measuring the concentration of copper general require two reagent solutions/two steps. This invention provides a novel analytical reagent solution that simplifies the chelating, buffering, and cleaning functions of separate regent solutions required for measuring electrolyte concentration. This has the benefits of reducing chemical inventory and associated dispensing equipment, and thus reducing chemical consumption.

Abstract: In an analyzer, an oxidation reagent is supplied to an oxidation reaction portion, and after organic materials contained in the oxidation reagent are removed by oxidation decomposition, a sample is provided into the oxidation reaction portion to react with the oxidation reagent. An infrared gas analyzing portion starts detecting a peak for analyzing. Thus, even if a concentration of the component to be measured in the sample is low, the concentration can be measured accurately without being disturbed by a concentration of the impurities in the oxidation reagent.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to the measurement of nitrate levels in a sample of gas, for example, air, exhaust, or other sources of gas. Moreover, the systems and methods described herein are capable of operating using short sample collection periods, permitting rapid data collection and finely time-resolved nitrate monitoring over a span of time. Additionally, ambient nitrate can effectively be distinguished from other airborne particles, such as sulfate and carbon.

Abstract: A resist pattern in accordance with a predetermined pattern is formed on a substrate. Next, a bump resist mixed with a micro metallic powder is made thicker than the resist pattern and formed on the substrate formed with the resist pattern. Continuously, the bump resist on the resist pattern is removed in the bump resist. Next, the resist pattern is removed. As a result, a bump resist pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern remains on the substrate. Furthermore, the resist component in this bump resist pattern is removed, thereby forming a micro bump (micro projecting electrode) 8 consisting of the micro metallic powder on the substrate.