Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining the presence of glycol in an aqueous solution comprising providing a container containing a mixture of potassium dichromate, a catalyst comprised of mercuric sulfate and silver sulfate, the mixture provided in an acidic solution. To the container is added a controlled volume of aqueous solution containing glycol. The mixture is permitted a time sufficient to change color, the time not being in excess of 15 minutes. The color is compared to a set of color standards to determine the presence of glycol in said aqueous solution.

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: 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 method and test kit for the detection of hydroxy substituted aromatic compounds using a titanium film (12, 23) which reacts with the compound to change the light absorbance. Preferred films are prepared by reaction of a titanium alkoxide with an aliphatic carboxylic acid. The change in light absorbance of the film is preferably detected with an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Preferably the film is provided on a transparent slide (22) or on an inside wall of a spectrophotometer cell (10). The cells (10 and 20) are provided with covers (13 and 14) for holding the solution to allow the hydroxy substituted compounds to react with the film.

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

Abstract: A multilayer analytical element has been prepared for accurate and rapid colorimetric determination of ethanol in aqueous specimens using alcohol dehydogenase and an oxidized nicotinamide coenzyme. The element includes three reagent layers beneath a porous spreading layer. The middle reagent layer has a crosslinked hydrophilic binder, while the other two reagent layers have uncrosslinked binders. In addition, both uncrosslinked reagent layers include a relatively high amount of a buffer having a primary amine, which buffer maintains the layer pH at from about 8 to about 10. Alcohol dehydrogenase is in the reagent layer next to the porous spreading layer.

Abstract: Affinity matrices useful for the chromatography and immobilization of biological materials and the method of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The affinity supports are based on hydrated polyurethane polymers which have been activated to provide a means for covalently attaching a variety of bioaffinity agents. The hydrated polymer matrices are characterized by their biocompatibility and resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption. Preferably, the prepolymers used to prepare the hydrated polymers are isocyanate-capped oxyethylene-based diols or polyols, at least 75% of said diols and polyols having a molecular weight of 7000 to about 30,000.

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 invention provides a method for determining whether a compound inhibits acetohydroxyacid synthase. The invention further provides a method for determining whether a plant is resistant to an acetohydroxyacid synthase inhibiting compound.

Abstract: In a method for carrying out a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurement a beam of electromagnetic radiation is directed through a part transparent to it onto a surface of a material layer having been brought on its opposite side in contact with a test material. A change in the intensity of the reflected radiation, caused by the resonance phenomenon, is utilized for analyzing the test material. The material layer is of catalytic material, for example palladium, having a negative real part of the dielectric constant at the used wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation and being capable of catalyzing chemical reactions in which the test material takes part. The measurement is carried out at such a wavelength and angle of incidence of the radiation onto the surface that a change resulting from the material concentration accumulated on the opposite side of the material owing to the catalytic properties is detectable in the intensity of the reflected radiation.

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: A method for the selective detection of liquid phase hydrocarbons in the C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 range includes a matrix comprising a silicone polymer having dispersed therein a conductive carbon black filler of high structure and comprises signaling the presence of hydrocarbon liquid phase when the electrical resistivity of the sensor increases to a preselected threshold level intermediate the vapor and liquid phase resistivities.

Abstract: A chemical analysis method for the determination of a first organic acid in the presence of a second organic acid both of which are in a solution to be analyzed, the pK.sub.a of the first acid being at least 2 pK.sub.a units larger than the pK.sub.a of the second acid. The method includes three steps. The first step if to form a pH adjusted solution to be analyzed by adjusting the pH of the solution to be analyzed to be between the pK.sub.a of the first acid and the pK.sub.a of the second acid so that the first acid is predominately in its unionized form and so that the second acid is predominately in its ionized form.

Abstract: Catecholamines in a living body fluid are analyzed by a process which involves reacting a living body fluid sample with a boron compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydroxyl, aryl or alkyl, to form a complex of the boron compound with a catecholamine; deproteinizing the reaction solution containing the complex; decomposing the complex to release the catecholamine; labeling the released catecholamine to form a labeled catecholamine; eluting the labeled catecholamine adsorbed on a separation column; and detecting the eluted, labeled catecholamine. Advantageously, this process enables catecholamines to be measured with a high recovery ratio and high accuracy by forming the catecholamines into a complex with a boron compound.

Abstract: A method for quantifying in vivo ascorbate concentration in body fluids uses gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Further provided is a method for measuring redox potentials of body fluid by determining the ratio of in vivo concentration of ascorbate to one or more of its metabolites.

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

Abstract: A novel method for treating a human female is disclosed comprising the step of exposing the nasal region of said female to at least a portion of the axillary secretions of a human male. This exposure is preferably continued in amounts and for a duration which are effective to significantly alter an endocrine related characteristic, such as the menstrual cycle length, of that female. In particular, the portions of male axillary secretions to be exposed to the female preferably comprise one or more compounds such as androstenol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and/or a compound or compounds exhibiting a burnt heavy axiallary-like odor which elutes at about 50 minutes as shown on the FID response curve of FIG. 3B. Studies show that pooled male donor secretions are effective to alter aberrant menstrual cycles, particularly those exhibiting luteal phase defects such that they become presumptively fertile menstrual cycles having durations of about 29.5.+-.3 days.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of hydroxides in alkaline solutions in a remote location using the tendency of hydroxides to absorb carbon dioxide. The method includes the passing of carbon dioxide over the surface of an alkaline solution in a remote tank before and after measurements of the carbon dioxide solution. A comparison of the measurements yields the absorption fraction from which the hydroxide concentration can be calculated using a correlation of hydroxide or pH to absorption fraction.

Abstract: There is provided a method for determination of hydroxyacetophenone derivatives such as 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyacetophenone in the presence of protein such as albumins or globulins with high sensitivity. The hydroxyacetophenone derivative can be measured in the neutral to acidic region, whereby the method is not affected by interferrants such as bilirubin or hemoglobin. The hydroxyacetophenone derivatives are useful as the chromogen of synthetic substrates for determining acid phosphatase activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic, quantitiative determination of an impurity contained in a product with an uneven upper surface travelling in bulk on a conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a leveling system including a half-cylinder formed of a plastic sheet, and having an arcuate surface downwardly directed toward the belt with the cylinder axis perpendicular to the direction of the belt and having a length which is less than the width of the belt. The half-cylinder is fixed to a frame attached to a lever arm which is in equilibrium about a horizontal shaft. A jack is provided for adjusting the lever arm and enabling the arcuate surface of the half-cylinder to be brought into contact with product travelling on the belt, the jack having a head connected to the lever arm so as to enable the lever arm to oscillate as the leveling device follows variations of the thickness of product travelling on the belt.

Abstract: A method for assaying Bronopol or Permachem, i.e. 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol or 2,2-dibromo-2-nitroethanol, or a derivative thereof in a sample, comprises adding to the sample a diazo compound which reacts with the compound under test to form a colored species, and determining the presence and, if desired, concentration of the species colorimetrically.

Abstract: A method for detecting and measuring the concentration in solution of polyhydroxyl compounds, such as sugars. The invention makes use of certain dyes that, when linked to a derivative of boronic acid (or boronate ion), arsenious acid (or arsenite ion), or germanic acid (or germanate ion), exhibit quantitative responses to the presence of polyhydroxyl species.

Abstract: A three step flow injection analysis method for determining the degree of neutralization of phenol in solution. The first step is to flow a stream of a carrier liquid, such as water, along one side of a two sided semipermeable membrane, such as a silicone rubber membrane. The second step is to flow a stream of water along the other side of the membrane to a detector, such as a flow through ultraviolet spectrometer, the detector being responsive to the concentration of the phenol in the flowing stream of water. The third step is to add a volume of the solution to the flowing stream of carrier liquid so that the solution is carried to the first side of the membrane where a portion of the phenol permeates across the membrane into the flowing stream of water to be detected by the detector, the degree of neutralization of the phenol in the solution being a function of the response of the detector. The results of the method are substantially unaffected by variations in the concentration of the phenol.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent system for the enzymatic determination of an oxidizable substrate in a fluid sample; the system includes an active amine trap for inactivating high concentrations of aldehyde and ketone oxidation products comprising a combination of at least one primary amine and at least one alpha-effect amine. An example of the oxidizable substrate is alcohol.

Abstract: Catecholamines can be detected with high sensitivity in a shortened time period, by introducing a sample containing catecholamines into an adsorption column packed with an adsorbent to adsorb catecholamines to the column, then introducing a reagent for derivatization to effect pre-column labeling and then analyzing the pre-column labeled catecholamines by means of high performance liquid chromatography. Connection of the adsorption column and a separation column of high performance liquid chromatography via a fluid path changeover valve enables to automated analysis of catecholamines.

Abstract: An alcohol concentration sensor provided a tube shaped means (21) of which the top end (211) is closed with a top end closing means (20) and of which the bottom end (212) is remained open, a gas supply tube means (22) which penetrates the top end closing means (20) to extend down into the tube shaped means (21), which is provided an air blower means (24), and of which the lower end (221) terminates slightly upper than the bottom end (212) of the tube shaped means (21), thereby the lower end (221) of the gas supply tube means (22) is soaked into a liquid (10) containing water and alcohol, of which the alcohol concentration is required to be determined, deeply sufficient to allow the air bubbles flown out of the gas supply tube means (22) into the liquid (10) to absorb sufficient quantity of alcohol contained in the liquid (10), whenever the tube shaped means (21) is soaked in the liquid (10 ), a gas drawing out means (26) which penetrates the top end closing means (20), a gas temperature sensing means (27) whi

Abstract: A bismuth molybdate gas sensor which provides stable sensitivity to gases such as alcohol, ketones, alkenes, and long chain alkanes is disclosed. Sensors comprising a mixture of the Bi.sub.2 Mo.sub.3 O.sub.12 and Bi.sub.2 MoO.sub.6 phases of bismuth molybdate; or, bismuth iron molybdate are particularly effective. The bismuth molybdate mixture; or, the bismuth iron molybdate may be deposited as a thin film on a substrate or may take the form of a sintered powder.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the alcohol content of damping fluid for alcohol damping systems such as in offset printing presses for the purpose of keeping the alcohol concentration at a constant set value by injecting alcohol into the damping fluid in addition to the constant or parameter dependent addition of alcohol.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for detection and analysis of substrates in a sample is described. The apparatus consists of a rigid or semi-rigid strip having a reaction site, a sample collector or metering site and color blocks to indicate the presence or amount of a substance in the sample. In another embodiment of the apparatus, useful for analysis of gases, a vessel is provided to wet the reaction site and prepare this site for analysis. The components of this device are all located on the same strip and bound together as a one piece test kit.

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: A chromatographic method for the determination of individual phenols in water by adding a halogenating agent to the water, e.g., using the bromate-bromide reaction to generate tribromide ions which react with the phenols to form bromo-derivatives of the phenols, then to permeate the bromo-derivatives across a membrane, e.g., a silicone rubber membrane, into a liquid extractant, e.g., a dilute aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and acetonitrile, and then determining the permeated bromo-derivatives in the liquid extractant by chromatography, e.g., by injecting the liquid extractant containing the permeated bromo-derivatives into a reverse phase liquid chromatographic system.

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 alcohol selective gas sensor including a detecting electrode and a semiconductor detecting element in contact with the detecting electrode, the semiconductor detecting element comprising tin oxide (SnO.sub.2) and a metal oxide of at least one of alkaline earth metals (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) carried by the tin oxide, the metal oxide being contained in an amount of about 0.5 mol % or above.

Abstract: A quinoxalinone derivative of the following formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each methyl, ethyl or propyl; and R.sub.3 is a chlorine atom or azide, is a reagent capable of high-sensitivity labelling for fluorescence that reacts quantitatively with each of primary, secondary and tertiary hydroxyl groups to provide for easy labelling for fluorescence and which allows quantitative analyzing over a wide detection range.

Abstract: A method of determining in a discrete analyzer the total sugars content of a tobacco sample containing sucrose, glucose and fructose, comprises the steps of, converting the sucrose to glucose and fructose, enzymatically converting the glucose and fructose to glucose-6-phosphate in the presence of hexokinase, reacting the glucose-6-phosphate with nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide in the presence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase to give reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, the amount of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide produced being directly proportional to the total sugars content of the sample, measuring the concentration of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide in the sample, and generating a signal indicative of the concentration of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide and hence of the total sugars content of the sample. Deactivation of enzymes by any cyanogen bromide that may be present is prevented by the addition of dithioerythritol to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a stable solid reagent for use in a prepackaged test kit for the detection of cannabinoids comprising a diazonium salt which undergoes characteristic color change when combined with a cannabinoid under basic conditions, the salt comprising an anion capable of causing the entire salt including the diazonium cation thereof to dissolve in an organic solvent when combined therewith to form a stable liquid reagent for the detection of cannabinoids. The invention also provides a stable liquid reagent comprising the aforementioned diazonium salt and an organic solvent as well as providing prepackaged reagent test kits containing the aforementioned reagents and methods for detecting cannabinoids using the reagents of the invention.

Abstract: A fluorescent compound is made from the reaction of naphthoyl chloride and a cardiac glycoside derived from serum or plasma. The method of carrying out the reaction provides a product which allows for a 100-fold increase in sensitivity when the product is subjected to chromatographic analysis according to the described apparatus.

Abstract: A chemiluminescence method for assaying compounds containing primary amino groups using 1-cyano-2-substituted benz(f)- or naphth(f)-isoindole fluorescers is disclosed. The 1-cyano-2-substituted benz(f)- or naphth(f)-isoindole (CBI or CNI) is formed by reacting a compound containing a primary amino group with naphthalene-2-3-dicarboxaldehyde or anthracene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde in the presence of cyanide ion. The reaction product of hydrogen peroxide with an oxalate ester is then combined with the CBI or CNI to form an analyte which exhibits chemiluminescence. A detector is used to measure the chemiluminescence emission from the chemiluminescence derivatized analytes. Compounds containing primary amino groups which may be assayed according to the present invention include primary amines, amino acids, peptides and catecholamines. The method can also be adapted to the analysis of trace amounts of cyanide ion and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method of forming analyzable adducts in a mixture of compounds by contacting the mixture with a boron reagent having the formula of either ##STR1## where each X and Y is, independently, an alkyl group of 12 or fewer carbons or an aryl group of 6-20 carbons; or BZ.sub.3, where each Z is, independently, an alkyl group of 12 or fewer carbons, or an aryl group of 6-20 carbons.

Abstract: A method for fluorometric analysis of catecholamines characterized in that, after the addition of a catecholamine into a solution of 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine containing an oxidizing reagent at a pH of 4 to 10, the mixture is allowed to stand for more than 1 minute at a temperature of higher than 15.degree. C. to make cateocholamine fluorescent, is disclosed.

Abstract: Method for determining the onset of the fertile period of a human female comprising the step of monitoring the axillary secretions of said female during the course of her menstrual cycle to determine variations in the concentration of androstenol or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. A first significant increase in the concentration of either of those compounds following the cessation of menses is indicative of the onset of the fertile period. In each case, a follicular phase peak occurs which exceeds by at least twice the concentration of those compounds present at any other time during the menstrual cycle. As a result, the monitoring of these compounds may act as reliable indicators predicting the occurrence of ovulation in five to seven days, and/or indicating the onset of the fertile period at a time when appropriate contraceptive measures can still be taken to avoid pregnancy or sexual intercourse can promote fertility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous overbasing of petroleum sulfonate providing in a process in which CO.sub.2 is contacted with a reaction mixture of neutral petroleum sulfonate, lube oil stock, lime, methanol, and naphtha in a series of reaction vessels in which additional CO.sub.2 is contacted seriatim in each succeeding reaction vessel with the effluent from the preceding reaction vessel, a method and apparatus for the removal of at least a portion of the effluent from each reaction vessel with the reduction of water content in this portion and subsequent supplementing of methanol content in this portion to provide a reaction efficient amount of water and methanol in each succeeding reaction.

Abstract: A method for measuring the alcohol concentration of an acetic acid fermentation broth which comprises (a) forming a sample gas containing volatile components present in the acetic acid fermentation broth, the volatile componentscomprising alcohol and acetic acid; (b) passing the sample gas through an absorption column packed with a material which binds acetic acid whereby the acetic acid is absorbed on the material; (c) passing the sample gas which has passed through the absorption column to a gas sensor for measuring the alcohol content of the gas by outputting an electrical signal which correlates to the alcohol content of the sample gas; and (d) determining the alcohol content of the sample gas in response to the electrical output signal from the gas sensor.

Abstract: A process for detecting the presence of trace amounts of non-fluorescent soluble compounds each having at least one labile hydrogen atom in a carrier solution by adding a non-fluorescent quinone which is reducible to a fluorescent hydroquinone, and irradiating the resulting solution in the absence of oxygen with light of sufficient energy to cause the quinone to be reduced to a hydroquinone. The invention further provides a novel photochemical reactor--recording fluorometer combination and carrier liquid--quinone solution for performing the analysis.

Abstract: An improved distillation apparatus is disclosed containing expansion means and vapor draw means surrounded by heating means to provide vapor/liquid phase separation entirely within the heating bath. The apparatus is especially useful for determining phenol content in refinery waste streams.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method for separating and measuring the amount of polar compounds, such as pyridostigmine, acetylcholine, neostigmine, and edrophonium, and their metabolites in aqueous solutions. The method is used to determine the urinary excretion and plasma levels of polar compounds administered to animals.

Abstract: The concentration of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alcohol in an essentially water immiscible organic system is accurately determined by a simple and quick process. A sample of the water immiscible organic system containing less than about 0.01% (W/V) of the alcohol is contacted with an aqueous layer of alcohol oxidase immobilized on an electrode for measuring dissolved oxygen content. Ethanol in the water immiscible organic system partitions into the aqueous layer where alcohol oxidase catalyzes oxidation of the alcohol. Oxygen consumed during the oxidation is measured by the electrode, and the concentration of alcohol determined therefrom. To obtain less than about 0.01% alcohol in the sample, the sample may be diluted with the water immiscible organic system.

Abstract: The specification discloses an analyzer for determining the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content of an organic material. The analyzer includes a vertically oriented, U-shaped furnace including a combustion chamber containing a crucible in which the sample is combusted into constituent gases and a reagent chamber containing a reagent through which the constituent gases must pass. A lance extends into the combustion chamber to guide the sample into the crucible and to direct oxygen onto the sample combusting in the crucible. The analyzer further includes an equilibration vessel and means for conveying the constituent gases to the vessel and past CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O infrared cells to monitor the products of combustion. Means are provided for conveying the equilibrated gases past the infrared cells to obtain readings relating to carbon and hydrogen content. A doser doses an aliquot of the equilibrated gas into a nitrogen measurement apparatus to obtain a reading relating to nitrogen content.

Abstract: An indicator (10) for detecting contact with a naturally occurring polyhydroxyaromatic skin irritant or toxin like that found in poison ivy and the like comprises a carrier (12) treated with a reactant, such as ferric nitrate which reacts with the toxin and produces a distinct color change indicative of such contact.