Abstract: Described herein is a method for mixing unequal amounts of two reagents to produce a detectable reaction in a microfluidic chip. In one example, there is a fluorescent microfluidic urinary albumin chip (UAL-Chip) that exploits the nonimmunological fluorescent assay. In this chip, we constructed a passive and continuous mixing module, in which the loading process requires only an inexpensive dropper, and the signal is stable over time, as discussed below. We applied a pressure-balancing strategy based on the immiscible oil coverage which highly improves the precision in controlling the mixing ratio of sample and dye. The UAL-Chip has achieved an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 8.4 ?g/ml using albumin standards, which is below the 30 ?g albumin per ml urine level considered to be indicative of kidney damage.

Abstract: An engine exhaust device includes: a first catalyst; a second catalyst; and a tubular connecting member. The connecting member includes: a first opening; a second opening; and a bend connecting. A downstream end surface of the first catalyst is connected to the first opening, and an upstream end surface of the second catalyst is connected to the second opening. The downstream end surface and the upstream end surface form a dihedral angle within a range from 60 to 120 degrees. A part of the upstream end surface of the second catalyst includes an overlap that is close and opposed to a part of a surface of the first catalyst. The bend of the connecting member includes: a first wall; a second wall; and a connector. The first wall has a curve. The curvature radius of the first wall is greater than the predetermined curvature radius.

Abstract: A method of tracing an aqueous liquid, particularly an aqueous urea used for addition to a selective catalytic reduction system to remove NOx from diesel exhaust, includes adding a tracer comprising a pre-determined amount of a phenol to the liquid. The liquid can subsequently be identified by reacting a sample with a reagent containing a predetermined amount of 4-aminoantipyrine in the presence of an initiating compound such that the reaction between the reagent and a phenol in the liquid produces a chromophore and measuring the absorbance of the resulting solution of the chromophore.

Abstract: A method of tracing an aqueous liquid, particularly an aqueous urea used for addition to a selective catalytic reduction system to remove NOx from diesel exhaust includes adding a tracer comprising a pre-determined amount of a phenol to the liquid. The liquid can subsequently be identified by reacting a sample with a reagent containing a predetermined amount of 4-aminoantipyrine in the presence of an initiating compound such that the reaction between the reagent and a phenol in the liquid produces a chromophore and measuring the absorbance of the resulting solution of the chromophore.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing clumping of cells in microfluidic devices by addition of diazolidinyl urea (DU). DU can be added to samples at the time of collection or can be added to samples post-collection. DU can also be pre-added to sample collection devices.

Abstract: An analytical device for analysis of chemical or biological samples, a method of using such a device, based on rotation of the device, integrated sample dosing and optical detection, and a system comprising such a device are disclosed. The analytical device comprises a device body having a liquid processing unit. The liquid processing unit comprises a mixing chamber for mixing a sample with a reagent, a sample dosing chamber for delivering a defined volume of the sample to the mixing chamber, and a reagent channel for delivering the reagent to be mixed with the sample, wherein the mixing chamber also serves as a detection chamber.

Abstract: An analytical test cartridge is provided. The analytical test cartridge can be used for medical analyses of liquid samples removed from a patient, for example blood. The analytical test cartridge is configured to provide for titration experiments. An example of a titration experiment that can be performed with the arrangement, is titration of heparin with protamine. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining an amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in dialysate flowing through a dialysis system using a CO2 sensor associated with the dialysis system, determining, using a pH sensor associated with the dialysis system, a pH level of the dialysate, and calculating a level of bicarbonate in the dialysate based at least in part on the determined amount of CO2 measured in the gas and the determined pH level of the dialysate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of diagnostics for hyperthyroidism and toxicological assessments for risk stratification of chemical compounds. Specifically, it relates to a method for diagnosing hyperthyroidism. It also relates to a method for determining whether a compound is capable of inducing such hyperthyroidism in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device and a kit for diagnosing hyperthyroidism.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a subject has alcoholic hepatitis is described. The method includes determining the levels of a trimethylamine in a biological sample obtained from the subject. The level of trimethylamine in the biological sample is compared to the control value, and the subject whose level of trimethylamine exceeds the control value is diagnosed as having alcoholic hepatitis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of diagnostics for kidney toxicity and toxicological assessments for risk stratification of chemical compounds. Specifically, it relates to a method for diagnosing kidney toxicity. It also relates to a method for determining whether a compound is capable of inducing such kidney toxicity in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating kidney toxicity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device and a kit for diagnosing kidney toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a kit and method for the colorimetric detection of precursors used in the assembly of homemade explosives (HMEs). More specifically, the present invention relates to a bulk HME precursor detection kit and methods of using a kit that is capable of bulk detection of HME precursors, such as urea nitrate, ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate.

Abstract: A urea solution quality determining system may include a urea tank in which a urea solution is filled through a charging hole, a test chamber positioned below the charging hole for holding a portion of the urea solution, a main line connected to the urea tank at a lower part of the urea tank below the test chamber, a test line connected to the test chamber, a pumping line to which the main line and the test line are joined, a pump in the pumping line to pump the urea solution from the test chamber or from the urea tank, a control valve for selectively connecting the main line or the test line to the pumping line, and an injector at an end of the pumping line to inject the urea solution into an exhaust line through which an exhaust gas flows. A method is also described.

Abstract: A urea solution quality determining system may include a urea tank in which a urea solution is filled through a charging hole, a test chamber positioned below the charging hole for holding a portion of the urea solution, a main line connected to the urea tank at a lower part of the urea tank below the test chamber, a test line connected to the test chamber, a pumping line to which the main line and the test line are joined, a pump in the pumping line to pump the urea solution from the test chamber or from the urea tank, a control valve for selectively connecting the main line or the test line to the pumping line, and an injector at an end of the pumping line to inject the urea solution into an exhaust line through which an exhaust gas flows. A method is also described.

Abstract: A detection kit comprises a plurality of swabs, each of the plurality of swabs having the form of a stick, being bundled together in a single test kit for detection of a plurality of chemical compounds. A user opens a detection kit, swabs a surface or surfaces with the bundled sticks, collecting chemical constituents to be tested on detection surfaces of each of the plurality of sticks. Liquids, mists, vapors and powders may be tested in one method, utilizing one or more dry reagents on the detection surfaces. The sticks may comprise a volume of fluid, releasably contained within the sticks, such that when activated, a fluid, such as a reagent or solvent, is wicked by a wicking tip to the detection surface of the stick. For example, a mechanism is provided that is capable of breaking a vial or ampoule containing the fluid, when activated by a twisting motion or compression. Adhesive may be present on one or more of the detection surfaces.

Abstract: A transport of plasmonic particles through a mineral formation is analyzed by flowing a plasmonic particles solution through an immobile phase (e.g., a mineral formation), determining an absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution subsequent to flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase, comparing the determined absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution with an absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution determined previous to flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase, and determining an absorbance of the plasmonic particles to the immobile phase as a function of the comparison. The plasmonic particles solution may be produced by dissolving or suspending plasmonic particles in a mobile phase. Flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase may include injecting the plasmonic particles solution into the immobile phase, and then flushing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of an ion exchange resin-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of a surfactant-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dry stick test device for determining an analyte in a milk sample by chemical assay. At least one reagent pad is provided by impregnating a first porous material with an aqueous solution including a reagent capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of the analyte or an indicator compound for the analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state. The reagent pad is dried. A development pad is provided by impregnating a second porous material with an aqueous solution including at least one controlling compound which, when in a moistened state, is capable of providing a condition required for the reagent to react with the analyte to provide the detectable signal. The impregnated second porous material is dried. The first porous material is immobilized with the second porous material, on a solid support, to obtain the dry stick test device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a immunosuppressant drug level and renal function, hepatic function, or a combination thereof in a patient, comprising obtaining a small volume blood sample from the patient; determining the level of at least one immunosuppressant drug in the small volume blood sample and determining the level of a second immunosuppressant drug or analyzing the renal function, the hepatic function, or a combination thereof in the patient. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressant drug levels are determined using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) procedure. Also provided are kits for use in any of the systems and methods described herein.

Abstract: A urea sensor includes a detecting portion which, in use, is immersed in a liquid accommodated in a urea solution tank for detecting the thermal conductivity of the liquid to detect whether the liquid accommodated in the urea solution tank is an aqueous urea solution; and an enclosing member enclosing a periphery of the detecting portion and including one or more vents penetrating the enclosing member. At least one of the vents is a lower vent being of a configuration and size such that a first hypothetical circle having a diameter of not less than 3.5 mm can be wholly contained within the lower vent. At least a portion of the lower vent is positioned below the detecting portion when the urea sensor is positioned for installation in the urea solution tank.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanosensors or transducers that permit measurement of a physical parameter in an analyte via magnetic reasonance measurements, in particular of non-agglomerative assays. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to designs of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles. Additionally provided are methods of use of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of a stimulus or an analyte with NMR detectors.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of a surfactant-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of an ion exchange resin-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: Citrate analysis methods are described. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to analyze citrate in an electrodeposition bath.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (FIG. 4a) are disclosed for selective and very sensitive detection of certain hydrolyzable compounds, especially urea, in water by hydrolyzing said hydrolyzable compounds in a sample of the water to one or more carbon dioxide group compounds and determining the difference in the carbon dioxide content of the water and the hydrolyzed sample using conductivity measurements or other carbon dioxide detector outputs.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability (which can result from dysregulated arginine metabolism, e.g., due to increased arginase activity) by assessing in a sample from a subject the ratio of arginine to one or more, usually two or more, modulators of arginine bioavailability. In one embodiment, the ratio of arginine to (ornithine+citrulline) is assessed to aid in diagnosis.

Abstract: An method of packaging an electronic device. The method for packaging the device including: providing a first substrate, a second substrate and an integrated circuit chip having a first side and an opposite second side, a first set of chip pads on the first side and a second set of chip pads on the second side of the integrated circuit chip, chip pads of the first set of chip pads physically and electrically connected to corresponding substrate pads on the first substrate and chip pads of the second set of chip pads physically and electrically connected to substrate pads of the substrate.

Abstract: A urea quality sensor includes an acoustic resonator in order to measure the accurate concentration of urea by measuring change in molecular weight. A change in molecular weight of urea proportionately affects the speed of sound. The change in the composition of the urea solution manifests itself as a change in frequency. The concentration of the urea solution can be determined based on the frequency data obtained as a result of the frequency measurement utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The urea quality sensor can be used with an NH3 sensor in order to identify that the solution is urea.

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 compound linked to a solid support (R) through a divalent linker moiety (X) and which is represented by the following formula: is disclosed. In particular, the 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is directly linked to the support under mild conditions (i.e., in aqueous or organic solvents at neutral pH and at room temperature). The polymer bound 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid can be used for the derivatization of amines as well as for single step amino group modification of proteins, peptides, and amines via acylation or sulfonylation reactions. A flow through device and method for the single step amino group modifications of proteins, peptides, and amines is disclosed. Also disclosed is a flow through device for the detection of amines in a sample. Additionally, a device and method for the detection of amines in a sample using 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is used to detect the presence of amines in a spoiled meat product.

Abstract: A method for determining a urea concentration in an aqueous solution containing urea, includes: hydrolyzing the urea in the aqueous solution, measuring an electric conductivity ? of the aqueous solution, and determining the urea concentration in the aqueous solution from the electric conductivity ? using a correlation between the urea concentration and an electric conductivity.

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, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.

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: This invention relates to the use of oligourea molecules to specifically inhibit protein-nucleic acid interactions. In particular, it provides an oligourea molecule that competes with the Tat molecule for the TAR RNA of HIV-1. Also provided is a method specifically inhibiting protein-nucleic and interactions, and kits.

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: A method of detecting creatinine in body fluids using an indicator which produces a fluorescent response when oxidized in the presence of a copperII/creatinine complex. A preferred indicator is 4-(1-methylhydrazino)-7-nitro benzooxadiazole (MNBDH).

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: Apparatus and method for determining at least one parameter, e.g., concentration, of at least one analyte, e.g., urea, of a biological sample, e.g., urine. A biological sample particularly suitable for the apparatus and method of this invention is urine. In general, spectroscopic measurements can be used to quantify the concentrations of one or more analytes in a biological sample. In order to obtain concentration values of certain analytes, such as hemoglobin and bilirubin, visible light absorption spectroscopy can be used. In order to obtain concentration values of other analytes, such as urea, creatinine, glucose, ketones, and protein, infrared light absorption spectroscopy can be used. The apparatus and method of this invention utilize one or more mathematical techniques to improve the accuracy of measurement of parameters of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: A method of detecting creatinine in body fluids using an indicator which produces a fluorescent response when oxidized in the presence of a copperII/creatinine complex. A preferred indicator is 4-(1-methylhydrazino)-7-nitro benzooxadiazole (MNBDH).

Abstract: A biologic electrode array assembly is formed on an integrated circuit chip that includes an array of electrodes. At least one metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) switch is coupled to at least one of the electrodes within the array. A voltage line is provided that is selectively connected to the at least one electrode via the MOS switch. A voltage source is coupled to the voltage line. In one preferred aspect of the invention, the MOS switch is a CMOS switch. In another aspect of the invention, an addressable memory is associated with the at least one electrode located within the array.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in which the composition of the various process streams is measured via an ultrasonic measuring principle and in which the results of these measurements are used for process control. The process is particularly suitable for continuous measurements in a urea process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the concentration of decomposable substances, such as urea, are disclosed. The disclosed methods include adding a gaseous buffer, such as CO2, to the solution containing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the solution, decomposing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the thus-decomposed compound solution, and calculating the differential conductivities between the two measured solutions. The apparatus for carrying out these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that is useful for assaying a component of a biological fluid such as blood, urine or milk, and comprises a chamber having an inlet, a liquid containing portion and a vapor containing portion. The liquid and vapor containing portions are in fluid communication. A pressure monitor is in communication with the vapor containing portion and measures pressure change within the vapor containing portion, such as carbon dioxide partial pressure changes which are related to concentration of urea in blood, urine or milk when the enzyme is urease. A method of analyzing a component such as urea in a biological fluid is also provided. Where the biological fluid is dairy milk, milk urea nitrogen to a prediction error of about +/−1 mg/dl may be repeatedly measured in the physiological range of from about 6 to 24 mg/dl.

Abstract: An improved biologic electrode array and methods for manufacturing and using the same. In one aspect, a matrix of electrodes each coupled to a respective sample-and-hold circuit is provided. The electrodes and sample-and-hold circuits are integral and form an array within a single semiconductor chip, such that each sample-and-hold circuit may be loaded with a predefined voltage provided by a single, time-shared digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Further, all of the sample-and-hold circuits may be accessed through a multiplexer which may be scanned through some or all of the electrode locations. Each sample-and-hold circuit may comprise a capacitor and one or more transistor switches, the switch(es), when closed, providing electrical communication between the capacitor and a source line formed in the matrix.

Abstract: Urine samples are made free of potentially interfering substances, such as alkaloids or pharmaceuticals, by contacting the urine sample with an amount of a chemical oxidizing agent, while retaining the physical indicia characteristic of urine to allow the sample to be further tested.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the concentration of decomposable substances, such as urea, are disclosed. The disclosed methods include adding a gaseous buffer, such as CO.sub.2, to the solution containing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the solution, decomposing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the thus-decomposed compound solution, and calculating the differential conductivities between the two measured solutions. The apparatus for carrying out these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optimum condition detection method for flip-chip bonding that facilitates simple detection of optimum pressure and heating temperature for flip-chip bonding implemented by use of bonding material is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining at least one parameter, e. g., concentration, of at least one analyte, e. g., urea, of a biological sample, e.g, urine. A biological sample particularly suitable for the apparatus and method of this invention is urine. In general, spectroscopic measurements can be used to quantify the concentrations of one or more analytes in a biological sample. In order to obtain concentration values of certain analytes, such as hemoglobin and bilirubin, visible light absorption spectroscopy can be used. In order to obtain concentration values of other analytes, such as urea, creatinine, glucose, ketones, and protein, infrared light absorption spectroscopy can be used. The apparatus and method of this invention utilize one or more mathematical techniques to improve the accuracy of measurement of parameters of analytes in a biological sample.