Abstract: Chronic or long-term alcohol consumption is detected and monitored by determining the level of a newly-observed, alcohol-specific carbohydrate in body fluids (e.g. urine) of subjects by calorimetric reaction using qualitative and quantitative assay methods. The alcohol-specific carbohydrate have been identified as a novel ethyl glucuronide. Ethyl glucuronide is observed and detected in direct response to alcohol consumption in body fluids, and can be isolated and purified. Simple, economical, and reproducible assay methods, such as a spot assay and an ascending or thin layer chromatography assay, provide reliable, objective, and sensitive methods for detecting and monitoring a chronic alcoholic condition. Both the presence of the alcohol-specific ethyl glucuronide and a substantial increase in its levels are indicative of chronic alcoholism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for rapid measurement of a fluid bulk analyte, requiring only microscale volumes. Several fluid bulk analytes can be measured simultaneously and, for biological samples, the cell content can also be measured simultaneously. The invention comprises reporter beads for chemical analysis of fluid bulk properties such as pH, oxygen saturation and ion content. Each reporter bead comprises a substrate bead having a plurality of at least one type of fluorescent reporter molecules immobilized thereon. The fluorescent properties of the reporter bead are sensitive to a corresponding analyte. Reporter beads are added to a fluid sample and the analyte concentration is determined by measuring fluorescence of individual beads, for example in a flow cytometer. Alternatively, reporter molecules which change absorbance as a function of analyte concentration can be employed.

Abstract: A colorimetric assay of enaldehydes or of malonic dialdehyde as lipid peroxidation indices in an aqueous medium includinga) addition to the medium of a reagent of a compound of general formula I and their optional addition salts with organic or inorganic bases or with organic or inorganic acids. ##STR1## in which formula: A and C, which may be identical or different, each represent H, ##STR2## wherein A and C cannot simultaneously represent H, with:R.sup.1 =H; alkyl; aralkyl; aryl substituted on the aryl ring; alkyl sulfonate Y.sup.+ ; alkyl phosphonate, Y.sup.+ ; or alkyl carboxylate, Y.sup.+ ;R.sup.2 =H; --OR.sup.4 ; F; Cl; Br; I; --NO.sub.2 ; SO.sub.3.sup.31 Y.sup.+ ; --CN; --COOR.sup.4 ; or --CONR.sup.5 R.sup.6 ;R.sup.3 =H; --OR.sup.4 ; --NR.sup.5 R.sup.6 ; --SR.sup.4 ; F; Cl; Br; I; --NO.sub.2 ; --SO.sub.3 --Y.sup.+ ; --CN; --COR.sup.5 ; --COOR.sup.4 ; or --CONR.sup.5 R.sup.6 ;R.sup.4 =H; alkyl; aralkyl; or aryl substituted on the aryl ring;R.sup.

Abstract: An optical sensor is disclosed which uses a radioluminescent light source to supply the incident radiation for detecting a selected substance in a test medium. The radioluminescent source includes a beta emitting radio isotope which energizes a co-immobilized luminophore to release light in a given wavelength for a chemical sensor operation. The radioluminescent source is coupled with a sensing matrix for detecting and quantifying the analyte of interest. The sensing matrix produces a characteristic signal based on either absorbance or fluorescence which varies according to the concentration of the selected analyte in the sample. A photodetector measures the resulting optical signal from which the analyte concentration is determined.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the detection of hydrogen peroxide in biological fluids or an aqueous solution which involves contacting the solution with an oxidation-reduction indicator and a transition metal complex. The transition metal complex is either a creatinine coordinated with iron or a guanidine coordinated with iron.

Abstract: In order to prevent a catalyst for an internal combustion engine from experiencing decreased efficiency by deterioration after long time use of the catalyst, the decreased efficiency of the catalyst is determined, and the internal engine is controlled based on results of the determination so as to maintain high efficiency of the catalyst. The catalyst is installed in an exhaust pipe of the engine. Sensors for detecting conditions of exhaust gas both at a upstream side and a downstream side of the catalyst are provided, respectively. As for the sensor, for example, an oxygen sensor whose output varies stepwise at .lambda.=1, or a sensor whose output varies in proportion to air-fuel ratio can be used. Detected values of the sensors are taken into a control unit, catalyst efficiency and deteriorating degree of the catalyst are estimated by comparison of the detected values, and the engine is controlled so that the catalyst efficiency is maximized.

Abstract: A series of organic test papers are described for the detection and identification of all types of organic compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, amines, isocyanates, anhydrides, amides, nitrides, aromatics, phenols, ethers, and other organic compounds, said test papers comprising an absorbent paper or microporous plastic impregnated with a reagent or reagents capable of reacting with a class of organic compounds. The method of using the test papers for the identification of organic compounds comprises making a presumptive identification of the class of the unknown sample using FTIR spectroscopy, and then placing this presumptively identified sample onto the paper to generate a new substance known as a derivative of the organic compound, which aids in the identification of the unknown organic compound.

Abstract: A kit and method are provided for determining the suitability of the level of organic material in an aquarium. A test sample of water is removed from an aquarium into a test sample container. The pH of the test sample can be lowered and then a quantity of potassium permanganate is added and the test sample is permitted to sit. A control sample of distilled water mixed with an equal amount of potassium permanganate is also prepared in a second container. After a period of time passes, the color of the test sample is compared to the color of the control sample. If the test sample is significantly lighter, additional potassium permanganate is added to the test sample and this procedure is repeated until the test sample achieves the color of the control solution. The amount of potassium permanganate needed to turn the test sample to the color of the control sample is directly proportional to the amount of organic material in the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for the determination of water soluble glycols and polyglycols (polyalkoxylates). The apparatus and method are particularly suited for the on-site quantitation of glycols and polyglycols in aqueous drilling fluids.

Abstract: A functionalized, magnetic controlled pore glass support useful in solid phase DNA synthesis is described. The support acts as a universal solid phase for direct oligonucleotide synthesis. The oligonucleotide bound MPG is useful directly to isolate or purify oligonucleotides which possess a section of complementary sequences.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring tissue oxygenation using oxygen dependent quenching phosphorescence. The apparatus comprises a phosphorescent probe applied to the surface of the skin; an oxygen impermeable film placed over the probe and the apparatus; a light excitation means for exciting the probe; a heating element for heating the probe; and an analyzer circuit for analyzing the output.

Abstract: A method of detecting the permeability of an article to oxygen is disclosed. A fluorescent redox indicator, preferably riboflavin, is dispersed in a carrier and placed on an impermeable substrate. The article to be measured is placed adjacent to the carrier. Residual oxygen is removed, the redox indicator is photoreduced, the article and carrier are exposed to oxygen, and the indicator is exposed to UV light.

Abstract: A method of analysing a sample for alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) comprises treating the sample (or extract thereof) with a reagent which will react with an AKD to produce a detectable derivative. The preferred reagent is 4-(N,N'-dimethylamino)pyridine.

Abstract: A method for detecting the onset of labor in a patient, which comprises analyzing a body fluid of the patient for estriol concentration; correlating the concentration with a standard value; and relating a higher concentration of estriol relative to the standard value as an indication of potential onset of pre-term labor. The standard is usually selected from the group consisting of (1) a predetermined range of estriol concentrations for the body fluid in normal pregnant humans at a preselected time relative to normal, full-term delivery, or (2) a previously measured estriol concentration of the same body fluid of the same pregnant human. Use of this method does not require determination of an estriol/progesterone concentration ratio in the body fluid being test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the efficacy of prevacuum steam sterilizers by separating, collecting and detecting the presence of air in association with steam. A receptacle containing an adsorbent directly separates air from steam without changing the physical state of the steam. The apparatus has a portal communicating with the sterilizing environment and a defined path for the steam to traverse from the portal to a distal end of the apparatus. The distal end of the apparatus is attached to an air collection chamber which contains an air indicator. The indicator can be chemical or biological, and indicated whether any air pockets existed in the steam.

Abstract: Hemiacetals are disclosed which correspond to the following formula II ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic residue,Ar is an unsubstituted or substituted monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic residue andX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo and nitro, wherein however at least one of said substituents has to be selected from the stated halo atoms or nitro. The hemiacetals are formed reversibly from an alcohol and a corresponding keto compound and the hemiacetals of formula II differ from the corresponding keto compounds as to their light absorption in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range, or a fluorescence or luminescence is created or quenched when the keto compound is converted into the hemiacetal of formula II. Said reaction can be performed in sensors which are used for the optical determination of alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the presence of an oxidant or reductant in a sample by contacting the sample with a thin film of polyaniline in the reduced state or oxidized state, respectively, and measuring the color change occurring with the oxidation or reduction, respectively, of the polyaniline film.

Abstract: A general purpose technique called extractive hydrogenation analysis, useful for both trace component and imaging analysis of samples containing organic matter. In processes according to the invention, organic matter is thoroughly decomposed in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst under substantially aqueous conditions into products, and one or more of the products is then detected.

Abstract: A gas indicator (11) for a modified atmosphere food package (19) comprises a series of strips (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) which progressively change colour as the proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere progressively changes in magnitude due to absorption of the carbon dioxide by the food product (17) over time. The indicator (11) thus is "tuned" to indicate changing atmospheric conditions inside a see-through envelope (10) and thus the condition of the product (17) can be monitored and the package (19) is tamper evident.

Abstract: A simplified, user-friendly method and apparatus for collecting and storing a human breath sample and for detecting and indicating whether the stored breath sample is a true alveolar sample. The invention includes in one embodiment thereof a preferably transparent container and a breath delivery device for directing a subject's breath into the container. A closure device is provided for accommodating the insertion of the breath delivery device into the container and for substantially sealing the container. A detector is provided for being positioned within the sealed container for detecting and indicating to an observer whether the breath sample stored in the container is a true alveolar sample.

Abstract: Tin oxide sensors are made by mixing antimony bearing material with tin oxide powder and formation of the sensor by deposition of a slurry of the mixture onto a substrate and drying and sintering the slurry, the antimony bearing material being present in an amount sufficient to render the sensitivity of the sensor to one or more of the gases H.sub.2, CO, or CH.sub.4 , relatively independent of the concentration of oxygen in the range P.sub.O2 10.sup.-1 -1 atm. A further type of a tin oxide gas sensor is disclosed having a resistivity that at a measuring temperature increases with concentration of at least one gas to be measured, the sensor is made by calcining the tin oxide in air at a temperature in excess of 1400.degree. C., or otherwise treating the tin oxide so that it has a state of physical aggregation consistent with being formed in such manner. At a second measuring temperature the resistivity of the sensor to said one gas decreases with increasing gas concentration.

Abstract: Hemiacetals are disclosed which correspond to the following formula II ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic residue,Ar is an unsubstituted or substituted monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic residue andX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo and nitro, wherein however at least one of said substituents has to be selected from the stated halo atoms or nitro. The hemiacetals are formed reversibly from an alcohol and a corresponding keto compound and the hemiacetals of formula II differ from the corresponding keto compounds as to their light absorption in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range, or a fluorescence or luminescence is created or quenched when the keto compound is converted into the hemiacetal of formula II. Said reaction can be performed in sensors which are used for the optical determination of alcohols.

Abstract: A sensor device includes ultra-large pore crystalline material M41S as a selective detecting element, and a measuring element for quantifying physical, chemical or biological events which occur within the crystalline material. The crystalline material may also contain an additional selective detecting component within its pores.

Abstract: A method of detecting the permeability of an article to oxygen is disclosed. A fluorescent redox indicator, preferably riboflavin, is dispersed in a carrier and placed on an impermeable substrate. The article to be measured is placed adjacent to the carrier. Residual oxygen is removed, the redox indicator is photoreduced, the article and carrier are exposed to oxygen, and the indicator is exposed to UV light.

Abstract: An on-line mass spectrometric method and apparatus for the determination of the isotopic composition of at least oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen in a compound or mixture of compounds. A mixture contained in syringe 6 is injected through injector 7 on a chromatographic column 1. Compounds eluting from the column 1 pass into a catalytic reactor 14 containing carbon and are decomposed to produce carbon monoxide, molecular nitrogen, and molecular hydrogen. These gases are analyzed by an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer 4 so that the isotopic composition of the oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen comprised in the original compound can be determined. A second chromatographic column 24 may be provided to separate carbon monoxide and nitrogen before they are passed into the spectrometer 4, thereby allowing a low resolution spectrometer to be used for the analysis of both gases at m/e 28 daltons.

Abstract: Compounds containing .alpha.-discarbonyl groups are rendered capable of fluorescent emission by conjugation with carboxylic acid-terminated ortho-diaminoaryl reagents. The carboxylic acid groups serve as ionizable moieties which facilitate the conjugation reaction, and are retained in the conjugation product to enable, or enhance the ability of, the conjugated compounds to be separated in chromatographic and electromigration separation processes, notably electrophoresis. Ortho-dinitro derivatives of the reagents are also disclosed, these derivatives offering the advantage of stability as well as the ability to be used directly in the reaction in the presence of a reducing agent.

Abstract: Chromogenic solvent detectors are used to detect and map the presence of organic solvent-containing materials on a surface. The detector need only be applied to the surface to be tested. When removed, the dark areas on the detector correspond to those areas of the surface where an organic solvent-containing material was present. This method can be used to test the release properties of a release film.

Abstract: Method for determining temperature ranges at which a selected gas evolves from a specimen of a selected material, bulk or surface of a metal, semiconductor, or insulator, and the probable source of that gas in each such temperature range. A specimen is placed in an evacuated and baked-out tube, and the specimen temperature T is increased according to a selected time-dependent temperature pattern over a temperature range. As temperature T(t) increases, pressure p(t) of any gas evolving in the tube is measured for a sequence of times t. A total pressure derivative, dp/dT=(dp/dt)(dT/dt).sup.-1, is determined, identifying one or more peak temperatures, each having a peak temperature range corresponding to specimen emission of at least one gas by breaking a bond containing an atom or molecule of that emitted gas. Partial pressure rises in the tube at each peak temperature are monitored and converted to an equivalent gas concentration.

Abstract: Europium activated magnesium oxide phosphors are described as useful photoluminescent materials, to be used in methods for detecting the presence or determining the concentration of carbon dioxide in a sample, comprising the steps of a) exposing to a predetermined wavelength range radiation a carbon dioxide-quenchable photoluminescent phosphor put in contact with the sample to cause the phosphor to store energy radiation, b) stimulating the photoluminescent phosphor with infrared radiation to release the stored energy as photoluminescent light, c) detecting and measuring the intensity of said photoluminescent light and d) correlating the measured intensity with an intensity of the photoluminescent light previously measured at a given reference carbon dioxide pressure value.

Abstract: A device for evaluating the efficacy of prevacuum steam sterilizers by separating, collecting and detecting the presence of air in association with the steam. The device includes a receptacle containing an adsorbent for directly separating air from steam without requiring a change of state, from gas to liquid, of the steam. During sterilizer evacuation, the interstices of the adsorbent and the device offer a challenge to air removal. The receptacle has a portal to provide communication with the sterilizer environment and a defined path for the steam to traverse, in a progressive manner, moving to the distal end of the receptacle. The adsorbent retains the moisture during sterilization. At the distal end of the column is an opening into an air collecting chamber. Within this chamber is located an article that indicates the presence of air in the steam. The indicator can be chemical or biological, and indicates whether any air pockets existed which prevented complete contact between the steam and the indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the detection or determination of molecular oxygen by EPR spectrometry using radical lithium phthalocyanines and a composition usable for in vivo determination. In the process, a medium is contacted with a radical lithium phthalocyanine in accordance with the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 represent an alkyl or an alkoxy radical group with 1-3 carbon atoms and R.sup.1, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.12, R.sup.13 and R.sup.16 represent a hydrogen or deuterium atom, and the EPR signal of the radical lithium phthalocyanine in contact with the medium is examined.

Abstract: The method of stabilizing a carbon dioxide sensor involves formulation of a bicarbonate buffer solution in the sensor with a bicarbonate ion concentration of from about 100 mM to about 200 mM bicarbonate. The method also involves treatment of the sensor to reduce the instability that may occur in carbon dioxide sensors when such sensors are exposed to either very low or very high carbon dioxide levels for extended periods of time. The sensor is treated by exposing the sensor to an aqueous solution containing at least 2 weight percent carbon dioxide, for from several days to several months. The solution may be prepared in advance, or may be dynamically infused with carbon dioxide to provide the desired carbon dioxide content.

Abstract: A method and a device which uses a semiconductor type of sensor for detecting and measuring gas of the type such as hydrogen sulfide which depletes the oxygen component from the semiconductor sensor when exposed to the gas and thus lowers electrical resistance through the sensor which uses a pair of semiconductor gas detecting sensors. In one embodiment, the gas sensors are alternatively fed with gas to be sampled and air. In another embodiment, the gas sensors are alternatively turned on and off at predetermined intervals to replenish the depleted oxygen when the sensor is turned off and to sample when the sensor is turned on.

Abstract: The solution for storage and calibration of an intravascular blood sensor is an aqueous solution of from 10-35 mM of a first buffer component of bicarbonate, and at least one additional buffer component selected to maintain the pH of the solution substantially at or slightly below a neutral pH, and preferably below approximately pH 8. The first and additional buffering components preferably are selected to act in two separate pH regions with substantially no overlap of the buffering capacity of the different buffering components, and the concentration of the first buffer component in the solution is selected to permit a two point calibration of the intravascular multiparameter blood sensor by carbon dioxide and oxygen gas tonometry.

Abstract: A method for measuring oxygen concentration using a probe comprising an immobilized polypyridine metal complex is disclosed, which can be used even in a case where the exciting ray to be used and luminescence are visible rays and which can stably be used even when it is directly immersed in a liquid to be examined without a protective membrane, which makes miniaturization of a probe possible.

Abstract: The oxygen-selectivity of an atomic emission detection system is enhanced by introducing a carbon-containing, preferably non-oxygenated, gas as a portion of the reagent gas. In preferred embodiments, the reagent gas is nitrogen and/or hydrogen and up to about 50 volume percent of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbon gas.

Abstract: Oxygen in carbonaceous materials is converted to carbon monoxide (CO) by pyrolyzing the material in a stream of oxygen-free helium. The CO is reacted with Ni.sup.63, a readioactive isotope of nickel, to form nickel tetracarbonyl (Ni.sup.63 (CO).sub.4) which is carried by the helium stream into a flow-through gas proportional counter. The quantity of Ni(CO).sub.4 is determined by the radioactivity of the gas as measured by the gas proportional counter. After exiting the flow through counter the Ni.sup.63 (CO).sub.4 is destroyed by exposing it to high temperatures. The Ni.sup.63 is retained within the apparatus while the CO is flushed from the system after being oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2). The detection limit is estimated to be less than 1 part per billion oxygen for a 10 mg sample.

Abstract: Packages which are subject to tampering while in a store or deterioration over time due to the presence of oxygen may be readily identified by placing therein a multi-component visual indicator system which is sensitive to the presence of oxygen. The system, which may be prepared aerobically and then placed into an anaerobic environment for use, is not effected by the presence of reducing agents found commonly in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

Abstract: An electrochemical method for determining the total carbonate content of fluids, especially biological fluids. According to the invention, using an ion-selective electrode, the concentration of certain ions dissociable from carbon acid or affecting the dissociation balance is first measured for the fluid. The fluid is then mixed with another fluid containing a reactive component that changes the ionic concentration just measured, whereupon the concentration is again measured by means of an ion-selective electrode, thus producing two different measurement results, from which the total carbonate content can be determined. The measurement preferably relates to the pH of the fluid, while metallic ions such as Cu.sup.2+, forming a complex with hydrocarbonate ions, are used as the component to be added to alter the pH.

Abstract: A sensor and a method for determining the concentration or the partial pressure of oxygen comprising:(a) means for transmitting and collecting light to and from a light modifying medium; and(b) a light modifying medium containing a luminescent dye dispersed in or upon a matrix and the dye is accessible to oxygen, wherein said luminescent dye contains a hexanuclear core of molybdenum, tungsten or mixtures thereof having 14 coordination sites, wherein each coordination site is occupied by a ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a general assay methodology suitable for the detection of organic analytes which are neither aldehydes nor ketones and for inorganic substances. The methodology utilizes prepared sensitized films of derivatizing agents and specific developer solutions for the selective and controlled formation of light scattering crystals whose presence serves as a qualitative and/or quantitative measure of the individual analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: An electrolytic oxygen sensor in which the atmosphere is admitted to one side of the solid electrolyte through an air-permeable spacer through a dual concentric tube structure. Holes are formed in the inner tube to complete the air flow to the atmosphere. The small size of the holes prevent the entry of water and oil contaminants.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is provided for determination of the partial pressure of oxygen. In one aspect, the invention consists of oxygen-quenchable luminescent lanthanide complexes for an oxygen sensor. The complexes are oxygen-quenchable even though immobilized in a solid matrix, such as a solid polymeric matrix, and preferably are terbium complexes of Schiff base or .beta.-diketone ligands. Certain preferred processes are described for improving the oxygen sensitivity of the lanthanide complexes. In another aspect, the invention consists of a combination measuring and reference analyte sensor containing both quenchable and nonquenchable luminescent materials. The materials luminesce at different wavelengths and thus may be transmitted together down a single optical fiber and later descriminated by means of filters and separately detected. In a third aspect, the invention consists of a low-noise phosphorescent analyte sensor employing a gatable detector.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of an amount of sodium vanadate, in an aqueous solution containing the same which may also contain one or more sodium acid carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium thiosulfate, anthraquinone disulfonic acid, sodium sulfate, various acid gases (e.g. H.sub.2 S, CO.sub.2, COS and the like) and hydrocarbon liquid and gases such as would be expected in a Stretford gas treating solution, the improvement which comprises passing the solution to be analyzed into and through an anion exchange guard column then through a brine sensitive medium capacity ( 0.05 meq./gm) hydrophobic anion exchange column eluting the columns with a 0.001 M Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 /0.

Abstract: An indicator comprising azo dye(s), epoxy compound(s) and a separating membrane can be utilized for detection of the completion of thermal sterilization treatment in the medical field and also for thermal inspection in such various fields as testing, instrumentation and the like. The indicator can be used also for detection of the completion of alkylene oxide gas sterilization treatment by ethylene oxide gas or the like.

Abstract: Organic isocyanates are detected with an indicator comprising bis-4-(dimethylamino)-phenyl-methylenimine-hydrochloride provided on a carrier along with a catalyst for its reaction with the organic isocyanates contained in a tested gas. Through an acid developer brought subsequently into contact with the indicator, this reaction occurs and thus the concentration of the organic isocyanates is made evident by a red coloration of the indicator.

Abstract: An oxygen analyzer which identifies and classifies microgram quantities of oxygen in ambient particulate matter and for quantitating organic oxygen in solvent extracts of ambient particulate matter. A sample is pyrolyzed in oxygen-free nitrogen gas (N.sub.2), and the resulting oxygen quantitatively converted to carbon monoxide (CO) by contact with hot granular carbon (C). Two analysis modes are made possible: (1) rapid determination of total pyrolyzable oxygen obtained by decomposing the sample at 1135.degree. C., or (2) temperature-programmed oxygen thermal analysis obtained by heating the sample from room temperature to 1135.degree. C. as a function of time. The analyzer basically comprises a pyrolysis tube containing a bed of granular carbon under N.sub.2, ovens used to heat the carbon and/or decompose the sample, and a non-dispersive infrared CO detector coupled to a mini-computer to quantitate oxygen in the decomposition products and control oven heating.

Abstract: An improved method for analyzing inorganic oxy-anions by silylation with silylating agents of the formulae: ##STR1## wherein R is lower alkyl, Y is hydrogen, lower alkyl or perfluoroloweralkyl and Y.sub.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl.

Abstract: A reference element for a catalytic gas sensor with improved life in the presence of combustible gases is described. The sensor comprises a filament such as a platinum-iridium alloy coated with a layer of titanium dioxide. The coating typically contains a high temperature stable inorganic binder such as aluminum oxide. The filament can be in coil-form pre-encased in a glass bead. Such sensor has long term stability in the presence of combustible organic gases such as alkenes, alkadienes, alkynes, and epoxide containing hydrocarbon gases, for example. Sensors containing such elements have particular utility in the area of mining and oil drilling environments, as well as industrial, safety, and commercial applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preparation of a liquid sample for the quantitative determination of boron by flame photometry. The sample is combined in a vessel with sulfuric acid, and an excess of methanol is added thereto. The methanol reacts with any boron present in the sample to form trimethyl borate which is volatilized by the heat of reaction between the excess methanol and sulfuric acid. The volatilized trimethyl borate is withdrawn from the vessel by either a partial vacuum or a positive pressure and is rapidly transferred to a standard flame photometer. The method is free of interference from typical boron concomitants.