Abstract: The present invention provides a method of analyzing plasma from a sample of whole blood. The method includes a) obtaining a sample of whole blood from a subject in a container, the container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container for receiving a sample of whole blood; b) centrifuging the container under conditions to separate the whole blood into a cell layer, a gel layer and a plasma layer, wherein the centrifuging produces in relative juxtaposition the first end of the container, the cell layer, the gel layer, the plasma layer and the second end of the container; and c) inserting into a spectrophotometric device the second end of the container which includes the plasma layer in closest relative juxtaposition, to analyze the plasma from the whole blood.

Abstract: A detection method is described for detecting an analyte, in particular nucleic acids, in a sample using SE(R)RS, without the need for labeling of the analyte. The detection method is based on the displacement of a labeled surrogate target probe from a capture probe by the analyte in the sample. The present invention also provides a corresponding detection system, to a disposable cartridge for use in such a system, and to a combination of surrogate target probe and capture probe.

Abstract: A method useful for the enumeration of cell populations in a biological sample includes the steps of reacting in a single reaction mixture a sample, a first antibody labeled with a fluorochrome having a first emission spectrum and an additional antibody. The first antibody binds to an antigenic determinant differentially expressed on leukocytes and non-leukocytes. The additional antibody binds to an antigenic determinant differentially expressed on mature and immature granulocytes or myeloid cells, and is labeled either with the first fluorochrome or an additional fluorochrome having an emission spectrum distinguishable from the first emission spectrum. The reaction mixture can be mixed with a nucleic acid dye having an emission spectrum that overlaps with one of the first or additional emission spectra. The reaction mixture may be treated with a lytic system that differentially lyses non-nucleated red blood cells and conserves leukocytes.

Abstract: Methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of one or more hormones by mass spectrometry are disclosed. The methods require minimal sample size and minimal preparation time. The methods include ionizing the hormones and analyzing the hormones by mass spectrometry. In addition, methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of thyroid hormones are disclosed including ionization of the thyroid hormones in the negative mode using an electrospray source.

Abstract: A method for spectrometric investigation of a plurality of samples dissolved in a solvent comprises: (a) guiding a first solvent with a sample through an SPE cartridge for concentrating the sample in the cartridge; (b) positioning the cartridge in a carrier for a plurality of cartridges; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for a desired number of samples; (d) drying the concentrated samples through removal of the residual first solvent, in particular, dehydration or evaporation; (e) dissolving each sample in a second solvent, transferring these dissolved samples from the cartridges to a spectrometer and acquiring a spectrum of each sample. All samples are dried together in step (d) subsequent to steps (b) and (c) while the cartridges with samples are positioned in the carrier. The drying process is thereby considerably accelerated in a straightforward technical manner.

Abstract: Wipes, methods and kits useful for testing and/or removal of metal from surfaces (such as, dermal surfaces) are disclosed. Exemplar wipes, including the combination of a three-dimensionally textured absorbent support, a cationic surfactant, and a weak acid, are disclosed. In some examples, the cationic surfactant is isostearamidopropyl morpholine lactate (ISML), and the weak acid is citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of qualifying ovarian cancer status in a subject comprising: (a) measuring at least one biomarker in a sample from the subject and (b) correlating the measurement with ovarian cancer status. The invention further relates to kits for qualifying ovarian cancer status in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for evaluating the accuracy of an oligonucleotide sample, specifically a sample containing a variety of oligonucleotides of potentially varying size and sequence. The method provides a fingerprint that can be used to evaluate the accuracy of a multi-oligonucleotide sample whether or not the sample contains differing oligonucleotides that have the same or about the same molecular weight.

Abstract: This invention provides protein or polypeptide imprinted polymers with integrated emission sites (PIPIES) for detecting the presence of a protein or polypeptide analyte comprising templated sites which are specific for the analyte. At or near the templated sites are selectively placed reporter molecules. A method is also disclosed for the preparation of the PIPIES and the use of these for the detection of analytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting and quantifying metabolites in a biological sample by measuring the concentration of a test metabolite in the sample and comparing that concentration against the concentration of the reference metabolite; enabling accurate metabolite concentration measurements to determine aberrant drug usage patterns. Also disclosed is an analytical testing device and related computer-assisted products for detecting and quantifying metabolites in a biological sample efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for optimizing clinical responsiveness to chemotherapy in an individual through genotypic analysis of polymorphisms in at least one gene. The methods of the present invention may further comprise determining the level of at least one long-chain methotrexate polyglutamate (MTXPG) in a sample obtained from the individual. The present invention also provides methods for generating a pharmacogenetic index for predicting clinical responsiveness to chemotherapy in an individual through genotypic analysis of polymorphisms in at least one gene. In addition, the present invention provides methods for optimizing therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in an individual by calculating the level of at least one long-chain MTXPG in a sample obtained from the individual.

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) systems and methods for detecting biomolecules of interest, such as a virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent, are provided. A spectroscopic assay based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using a silver nanorod array substrate fabricated by oblique angle deposition has been developed that allows for rapid detection of trace levels of viruses or bacteria with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. This novel and improved SERS assay can detect minor spectral differences within strains of a single virus type such as respiratory syncytial virus or influenza virus in the presence of biological media. The method provides rapid diagnostics for direct molecular and structural characterization of virus strains and virus gene deletion mutants generating reproducible viral spectra without viral manipulation.

Abstract: An optical analyzer performing analysis excellent in spatial resolution and in invasion depth is provided.

Abstract: An optical interrogation system and a method are described herein that enable the interrogation of one or more biosensors which can be located within the wells of a microplate. In one embodiment, the optical interrogation system has a tunable laser, N-fiber launches, N-lenses and N-detectors that are set-up to interrogate N-biosensors. In another embodiment, the optical interrogation system has a tunable laser, N-fiber launches, N+1 lenses and N-detectors that are set-up to interrogate N-biosensors.

Abstract: In a solution polymerization process the increase in gel content in the solution at one or more locations may be detected by monitoring the structure of a spectrum obtained by analyzing the reaction at said one or more locations using a spectrometer selected from the group consisting of infrared spectrometers, near infrared spectrometers and Raman spectrometers.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein concern nanoparticle layers uniformly distributed on a surface or substrate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the nanoparticle layers are of use for Raman spectroscopy. In certain embodiments of the invention, a micelle-metal ion complex is formed and deposited on a surface. The polymer component of the micelle-metal ion complex may be removed resulting in formation of nanoparticles of a uniform size and distribution. The polymers may contain one or more ligands. The number and type of ligands in a micelle will determine the type and amount of metal ion bound to the micelle, in turn determining the metal composition and size of the nanoparticles. The distribution micelle-metal ion complexes on a surface may determine the distribution and periodicity of the nanoparticle layer. In other embodiments, rod or columnar-shaped nanoparticles may be generated. Other embodiments concern the generation of uniform alloy nanoparticles.

Abstract: The use of semiconductor nanocrystals as detectable labels in various chemical and biological applications is disclosed. The methods find use for detecting a single analyte, as well as multiple analytes by using more than one semiconductor nanocrystal as a detectable label, each of which emits at a distinct wavelength.

Abstract: A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

Abstract: A workpiece, including a substrate and overlying layer, can be exposed to a region, such as a process chamber, to test for the presence of an analyte. Detected fluorescence emission signals during TXRD due to the substrate are significantly reduced, allowing the analyte to be detected at lower concentrations. In one embodiment, the substrate can principally include silicon, and the layer can include an organic layer (e.g., resist, polyimide, etc.) The organic layer allows analytes with an atomic number as low as 11 to be detected. Also, the detection limits for nearly all analytes can be reduced because the detector is not receiving a disproportionately larger number of fluorescence emission from silicon. In additional, areal information regarding the analyte with respect to position over the substrate can be obtained. Detection levels as low as 1E9 atoms/cm2 are possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the condition of a biological fluid by recording the IR spectrum of a sample of the biological fluid. To this end, the biological fluid can be examined in its native form. The method of the invention is usable, for example, for detecting pathological conditions in organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods which allows for the determination of concentration or solubility in a multi-component system using Raman spectroscopy. The present invention circumvents the necessity of constructing a calibration curve in order to analytically determine the concentration/solubility of a solute in a homogeneous liquid or a homogeneous solid. Methods of determining the saturation concentration of a solute in a polymer matrix or a polymer matrix film are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a sample. Preferably, the sample is a sample to be analyzed, for example for ingredient content, etc. Preferred samples include foods, cosmetics, paints, coatings, adhesives, tanning agents, fabrics, chemical compositions, dyestuffs, samples subject to forensic studies, etc. Samples prepared according to the invention method are digested in sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and one or more fluoride salts selected from LiF, NaF, RbF, CsF and KF and then preferably subjected to analysis for metal content, etc, for example using atomic absorption (“AA”) and inductively coupled plasma (“ICP”).

Abstract: A lateral flow device is disclosed. The lateral flow device includes a substrate having a flow path and a detection zone disposed along the flow path. The detection zone includes an immobilized target-binding moiety directed against a target of a Raman-active complex. Also disclosed is a method of conducting a lateral flow assay and detection system. The method includes i) defining a flow path having a detection zone; ii) flowing a sample down the flow path; and iii) immobilizing a Raman-active complex if present, at the detection zone. The sample includes a Raman-active complex or a Raman-active tag.

Abstract: A metering tip for use in a clinical analytical apparatus includes a tapered body having at least one interior stepped areas. Each of the stepped areas include a sharp diametrical edge for latching a fluid meniscus being dispensed from the tip and for reducing fluid oscillation during metering.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying contaminants on a surface. In one embodiment, an infrared beam is transmitted onto a sample. A first infrared absorbance of the sample is determined at a first wave number. A second infrared absorbance of the sample is determined at a second wave number. The first absorbance is correlated to a first absorbance peak of a contaminant. The presence of a predetermined level of the contaminant is confirmed by correlating the second infrared absorbance to a second absorbance peak of the contaminant.

Abstract: An automatic analysis and control system for electroless composite plating solution for automatically analyzing an electroless composite plating solution and performing such a control as to obtain an appropriate bath composition and/or use conditions, wherein, as a technique for measuring the concentration of a metallic component in the plating solution by absorptiometry, the system includes a mechanism for measuring transmissivity or absorbance at least two or more different wavelengths after the plating solution is automatically introduced into an analytical cell, and a mechanism for calculating the objective concentration from the measured values and displaying the calculation results.

Abstract: The invention provides method of detecting interactions of small molecules with target molecules.

Abstract: A method of individually optimizing drug therapy to a patient that includes the steps of administering a dose of a radiolabeled drug or fluorescent tags or drugs with inherent fluorescent properties to the patient in connection with chemotherapy, collecting a sample from the patient, analyzing the sample producing an analysis, and using the analysis for developing a model for the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatuses, and systems for performing nucleic acid sequencing reactions and molecular binding reactions in a microfluidic channel. The methods, apparatuses, and systems can include a restriction barrier to restrict movement of a particle to which a nucleic acid is attached. Furthermore, the methods, apparatuses, and systems can include hydrodynamic focusing of a delivery flow. In addition, the methods, apparatuses, and systems can reduce non-specific interaction with a surface of the microfluidic channel by providing a protective flow between the surface and a delivery flow.

Abstract: A bulk sample is fed with a liquid into a mixing tank (1) where it is stirred to form a dispersion. A proportion of the dispersion is recycled from the bottom of the tank through a line to the top of the tank so that at least the dispersion in the recycle loop (3) is substantially homogeneous, and a representative sample of the dispersion is taken from the recycle loop, e.g. using a slurry sampler (5).

Abstract: Described herein are methods for testing an aged surface on an implant, methods for regenerating a hydrophilic and osteophilic surface on the implant and kits therefor.

Abstract: A method of measuring the extent of cure of a binder in a fibrous product is provided. The method comprises (a) providing a sample of a fibrous product, the fibrous product comprising fibers and a binder, (b) subjecting the sample to infrared spectroscopy to generate a spectral analysis, and (c) determining a binder cure ratio of the binder in the sample using the spectral analysis. The binder has carboxylic acid groups and alcohol groups that crosslink to form ester groups as the binder cures, and the binder cure ratio comprises a ratio between infrared absorption corresponding to a bond of the carboxylic acid groups in the binder and infrared absorption corresponding to a bond of the ester groups in the binder.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a plurality of amino acids in a fluid sample by a user is provided comprising the steps of introducing the sample into a buffer solution, passing the sample in the buffer solution through a separation column and setting a lithium ion concentration in the buffer to no more than 0.3 mols/L up to a time before ?-aminoisobutyric acid (?-AiBA) is eluted.

Abstract: A radiative transport band model algorithm has been developed for prediction and analysis of high spectral resolution radiometric measurements. Atomic and molecular line center absorption is determined from finite spectral bin equivalent widths. A new mathematically exact expansion for finite bin equivalent widths provides high accuracy at any desired spectral resolution. The temperature and pressure dependent Voigt line tail spectral absorption contributing to each spectral bin is pre-computed and fit to Padé approximants for rapid and accurate accounting of neighboring-to-distant lines.

Abstract: A method of determining the status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of a human that includes the steps of performing a spectral analysis of a sputum sample collected from the human; comparing the spectra produced by the analysis against a reference; and determining the status of COPD in the human based upon any determined variations.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot cavity has a pair of partially transmissive, partially reflective, surfaces. A first of the surfaces is flexibly suspended adjacent and parallel to a second of the surfaces. A gap exists between the surfaces. A variable electrostatic potential permits this gap to be adjusted. A translucent chemical layer is disposed on the first surface. A photosensor is attached to the second surface. Light irradiates the photosensor through the chemical layer and the first and second surfaces wherein the light is also partially reflected between the surfaces. A sensing environment is provided wherein an agent undergoes a reaction with the chemical layer as well as an environment wherein the reaction does not occur. The output of the photosensor is measured to assess a change in spectrum and spectral intensity for each of the sensing environments. The gap between the surfaces as well as the light used are selected to provide an optimum photosensor output.

Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.

Abstract: A catalytic testing device comprising a reaction block comprising a set of reaction chambers, each chamber comprising a fluid inlet and outlet connected to an outgoing fluid duct connected to analysis means, fluid feed means capable of performing regulated dosing of flows of the fluid at the required pressure independently in each of the reaction chambers, automatic and dynamic pressure control means, capable of performing pressure regulation in each reaction chamber, which comprise a non-return valve in the outgoing fluid duct between the outlets of the reaction chambers and a common regulating tank that receives the outgoing fluid from the chambers, a pressure sensor provided in a first outlet duct and an automatic needle valve provided in a second outlet duct from the tank.

Abstract: A sensor device is formed from a metal film having a plurality of openings, a sensor material positioned within each of the openings, a light source that emits light having a first wavelength, and a light detector that detects light emitted from the light source and transmitted through or reflected from the openings. The plurality of openings are arranged periodically in a first direction in the metal film, and both a size of each of the plurality of openings and an interval thereof in the first direction are equal to or less than the wavelength of the light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining and controlling inorganic and/or organic deposits in a water system, preferably a paper and/or board machine re-circulation system. According to said method, one or more probes are introduced into the water system, then removed from said system after a pre-selected exposure period and prepared for surface analysis. The deposits that have accumulated on the probes are determined by means of microscopy methods and/or gas chromatography methods and/or mass spectrometry methods.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of analytes in a fluid, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, sensing elements, and a detector. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating mixtures of analytes in a fluid. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of sensing elements may be formed. The sensing element may have a predefined shape. The sensing element may be configured to produce a signal when the sensing element interacts with the analyte. In one embodiment, the identity of the analyte may be determined by the detection of the signal and the shape of the sensing element. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Abstract: The method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: The method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: The amount of platelet surface proteins in a sample may be measured by collecting a sample containing platelets into a collection tube containing a platelet stabilizing composition, labeling the platelet surface protein and detecting by cytometry.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting, separating, isolating and quantifying contaminants in starting materials by separating the contaminant from the starting material using a bead coupled to an affinity moiety and quantum dot-labeling the contaminant. The contaminant is detected by the characteristic emission spectrum of the quantum dot. Also, competitive binding methods are provided wherein the starting material and a control material are contacted with a quantum dot coupled to an affinity moiety capable of binding the contaminant and a competitor complex. A decrease in the intensity of the characteristic emission spectrum of the quantum dot associated with the competitor complex from the starting material as compared to that of the control material is indicative of the presence of the contaminant in the starting material.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for enabling MSn (n>) analysis of a trace amount of a sample and easily and rapidly obtaining structural information by identifying a bonding position of the labeling compound in a molecule with the MSn (n>) analysis. According to the present invention, by labeling a particular moiety of the molecule in a stable manner, ions are easily generated and stabilized, thereby improving sensitivity of the MS. The amount of precursor ions generated in this manner is an amount enough to carry out the MSn (n>1) analysis and to generate structure-specific ions with high reproducibility. The structural information can be easily and rapidly obtained with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for detecting an analyte. The present invention may be used for sensing devices which have a higher sensitivity and which can be used to detect very low concentration of analyte. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a substrate, said substrate comprising a conductive region and a recognition layer, said conductive region having at least a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first surface is operatively associated with said recognition layer; subjecting said substrate to said analyte such that an interaction occurs between said analyte and said recognition layer; directing radiation through said substrate such that said radiation incidents on said conductive region and said recognition layer; and measuring the intensity of said radiation absorbed or transmitted by said substrate as a function of the wavelength in order to determine the presence of an analyte.

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: A process and apparatus for testing material libraries, in particular catalysts, by means of coupled use of at least two analytical methods, preferably IR thermography and mass spectrometry. Owing to the selected arrangement, the disadvantages of the two previously known individual methods are compensated for: the subsequent selectivity determination for selected sections by means of mass spectrometry invalidates the argument against IR thermography, of only being able to determine activities; the rapid integrated determination of potentially “good” materials via IR thermography prevents an excessive loss of time by needing to test all materials of a library successively with the mass spectrometer.