Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for ascertaining the quality of herbs by applying the techniques of biochip for detecting the presence of biologically active, desired ingredient(s) in the herbs.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for detecting at least one analyte in a sample comprises inter alia a source of radiation (300), a near-field aperture array (315), a chromatographic field (330), a detector (350), and a data processor (370). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve detection of any sub-diffraction-limited scale phenomena. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention representatively provide for improved S/N, increased sample throughput, refined spectral resolution and enhanced detection sensitivity.

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: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials using infrared imaging techniques are provided. Typically, each of the individual materials on the array will be screened or interrogated for the same material characteristic. Once screened, the individual materials may be ranked or otherwise compared relative to each other with respect to the material characteristic under investigation. According to one aspect, infrared imaging techniques are used to identify the active sites within an array of compounds by monitoring the temperature change resulting from a reaction. This same technique can also be used to quantify the stability of each new material within an array of compounds. According to another aspect, identification and characterization of condensed phase products is achieved, wherein library elements are activated by a heat source serially, or in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antioxidant analysis for solder plating solutions, by using a complexing solution comprising a molybdenum compound, such as MoO2Cl2, to form a highly colored antioxidant-molybdenum complex, which can be detected and analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopic, as a basis for concentration determination for the antioxidant.

Abstract: A corn plant is evaluated by a six-step method. The first step is to select a population of mature corn plants to be evaluated. A limited number of representative plants from the population are then selected. The representative plants are then harvested by cutting them near the ground. The plants are then ground into a homogeneous mixture. A sample of the homogeneous mixture is then analyzed in a near infrared spectrometer. The analysis is then compared with an existing correlation between near infrared analyses and wet-test chemistry tested nutritional compositional characteristics to predict the compositional characteristics of the corn plant population.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing pathology, such as carcinoma, in a biological sample identifies presence of pathology based on the existence of an infrared markers in the extracellular material, rather than cells, in the biological sample. In the case of breast cancer diagnosis, an effective marker is a baseline slope of a 1280 cm?1 band in the infrared spectra of connective tissue, with normal biopsy samples exhibiting a positive slope and cancerous samples showing a relatively flat baseline. Infrared spectroscopy, both microscopic and macroscopic, may be used to identify a sample region containing extracellular material and to collect infrared absorbance data, from which the existence of the pathology marker is determined.

Abstract: A hydrogen-flame photometric analyzer for a thin-layer chromatograph, comprising

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

Abstract: An optical detection liquid handling robot, including: a frame; a X-Y-Z robot connected to the frame; a plurality of liquid aspiration and dispensing nozzles connected to the X-Y-Z robot; a positioning system configured to position the X-Y-Z robot relative to the frame, thereby positioning the plurality of liquid aspiration and dispensing nozzles relative to the frame; a flow cell in each of the liquid aspiration and dispensing nozzles; a fiber optic probe in communication with each of the flow cells; and a spectrophotometer, wherein each of the fiber optic probes are multiplexed to the spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A method to determine the concentration ratio of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in the gaseous product of a fluidized bed reactor for producing titanium tetrachloride. The hot fluidized bed of the reactor is used as the source of infrared radiation which radiation is directed through the gaseous products in upper portion of the reactor through a window in the reactor to an infrared spectrometer. The concentration ratio can be used to control the temperature of the fluidized bed reactor by controlling the amount of cool titanium tetrachloride that is introduced into the reactor.

Abstract: A system and method for the determination of the UV energy level for a UV lamp is disclosed. The conductivity of a water sample is measured and then the water sample is exposed to radiation from a UV lamp. The temperature of the water may also be measured or the temperature may be controlled. The rate of change of the conductivity of the water sample is measured during the exposure of the water to the radiation from the UV lamp. Using the rate of change in the conductivity of the water sample, it can be determined when the UV energy level from the lamp falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An in vitro method for the prediction of in vivo UVA protection by a composition with sunscreen properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of monitoring UV-irradiation of and determining, as well as controlling, UV irradiation dosages received by a fluid 16 containing at least one protein, which method comprises the step of monitoring 21 the increase in absorbance which has a peak in the region from 305 to 325 nm, due to said UV-irradiation. The present invention also provides apparatus 1 suitable for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for determining mixing accuracy are provided. The present invention includes methods for determining mixing accuracy with respect to mixing devices that are employed to mix a number of solutions, such as dialysis solutions. The mixing accuracy is evaluated based on a spectrophotometric analysis of a surrogate ingredient, such as a colorant, in the mixed solution. The colorant can be added to one of the original solutions prior to mixing.

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: 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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of reducing noise associated with biomolecular measurement systems. Sensor detection system noise characteristics in the presence of other sensor detection systems are determined and advantageously used to determine an arrangement of the individual sensor cells. The sensor cells are arranged on a substrate such that the system noise is determinable and can thus be filtered from the measurement signal.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: A method comprises positively displacing a first candidate luminescence material precursor from a dispenser to a first position of an array, displacing a second candidate luminescence material precursor from a dispenser mechanism to a second position of an array and simultaneously reacting the first and second candidates to produce a library of luminescence materials. A combinatorial high throughput screening liquid dispenser assembly comprises a battery of positive displacement driven dispensers for dispensing solutions of precursor luminescence materials, an array plate with wells to receive dispensed solution from the dispenser, a robotic positioning table supporting the array plate to position wells beneath respective dispensers and a controller to control dispensing of the solutions and positioning of the plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of at least one gaseous component and/or vaporous component of a gaseous mixture in which a controlled sensor flame is introduced into the gaseous mixture and at least one narrow spectral band in the controlled sensor flame is optically measured. The concentration of the gaseous component using a result obtained from the optical measuring of the at least one narrow spectral band is then calculated. The method of this invention is particularly suitable for substantially real-time control of combustion processes.

Abstract: The methods, systems 400 and apparatus disclosed herein concern metal 150 impregnated porous substrates 110, 210. Certain embodiments of the invention concern methods for producing metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 that exhibit greatly improved uniformity and depth of penetration of metal 150 deposition. The increased uniformity and depth allow improved and more reproducible Raman detection of analytes. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise oxidation of porous silicon 110, immersion in a metal salt solution 130, drying and thermal decomposition of the metal salt 140 to form a metal deposit 150. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise microfluidic impregnation of porous silicon substrates 210 with one or more metal salt solutions 130. Other embodiments of the invention concern apparatus and/or systems 400 for Raman detection of analytes, comprising metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 prepared by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of testing an airbag module for a vehicle and, particularly, but not exclusively, to a method of testing an airbag module for a motor vehicle such as a car. A method of testing an airbag module is provided in which said module is tested for exposure to a given fluid, for example, water. The fluid exposure test ideally comprises the step of inspecting said airbag module or a swab taken therefrom by means of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy techniques. The present invention thereby provides a testing method sufficiently rigorous to identify fluid damage potentially suffered by a previously installed airbag module during its service life.

Abstract: The Stokes shift emission spectra were measured for various samples, including tissues containing photoactive bio-molecules such as tryptophan, elastin, collagen, NADH and flavin. This new approach allows for the extraction of new information not easily obtained from the excitation and or fluorescence spectra of the same samples. For example, Stokes shift spectroscopy of tissue samples can detect disease states in humans and animals.

Abstract: A method of chemical analysis involving. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) in combination with flux assays to directly measure intracellular ion concentration to analyze ion channel activity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the amount of an organic substance in a biological sample using infrared electromagnetic radiation. For example, glucose levels can be detected in capillary fluid filtrate obtained subcutaneously in a continuous manner in order to provide real-time glucose monitoring for a patient with diabetes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detection of volatile products from a sample using a transducer which changes voltage as a function of contact of the volatile products with the transducer to produce a gas signature of the volatile products and a spectrophotometer to analyze the volatile products to produce a spectral footprint of the volatile products. The apparatus and method are used to detect spoilage of a biological material, such as a food. The apparatus is also used to detect microorganisms and by comparing the gas signature and spectral footprint to a library of gas signatures and spectral footprints, the apparatus enables identification of the microorganisms and in particular identification of pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: Spectroscopic analysis systems and methods for analyzing samples are disclosed. An analysis system may contain an electromagnetic radiation source to provide radiation, a spectroscopic analysis chamber to perform a coherent Raman spectroscopy (e.g., stimulated Raman or coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy), and a radiation detector to detect radiation based on the spectroscopy. The chamber may have a resonant cavity to contain a sample for analysis, at least one window to the cavity to transmit the first radiation into the cavity and to transmit a second radiation out, a plurality of reflectors affixed to a housing of the cavity to reflect radiation of a predetermined frequency, the plurality of reflectors separated by a distance that is sufficient to resonate the radiation. The spectroscopic analysis system may be coupled with a nucleic acid sequencing system to receive a single nucleic acid derivative in solution and identify the derivative to sequence the nucleic acid.

Abstract: According to the application, a novel derivative compound is formed from a compound that can react by substitution with diethanolamine. Subsequently, the content of the novel compound is measured by means of ultraviolet spectrometry using the absorbance spectrum of the compound which is measured in a wavelength range included between 200 nm and 350 nm. The content of said novel compound is then converted to the original diethanolamine content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting transmissible transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) in the human and animal body, wherein body fluid is taken in vivo from the individual to be examined and exposed to infrared radiation. At least one characteristic spectral pattern is selected from the current infrared spectrum. Said TSE-specific spectral areas are compared to characteristic spectral patterns of infrared spectrums which are stored in a reference data bank and which are produced from body fluids of individuals known to be infected or not infected by TSE.

Abstract: A miniaturized integrated sensor (50) useful for indicating the presence of a sample analyte is disclosed. The sensor (50) has a platform (52) with an upper surface (53) and a detector (62), light source (60), waveguide (58), and reflective fixtures (60, 62) embedded in the platform (52). The light source (60) is preferably a light emitting diode and sits in a cup-shaped dimple (68) that directs light from the light source (60) toward one of the reflective fixtures (64) to uniformly distribute light across the waveguide (58). The waveguide (58) is coupled to an upper surface (53) of the sensor platform (52) and is coated with a thin film of indicator chemistry (70) which interacts with the sample analyte to produce optic signal changes that are measurable by the detector (62). A lead frame (51) in the platform (52) has pins (54, 55, 56) which provide the interface to the outside world.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of measuring the internal structure (packing structure or dispersion condition of particulate material) of a composite filled with particles having an irregular matrix by observations based on its optical anisotropy, in which the internal structure (packing structure or dispersion condition of particulate material) of the composite obtained by mixing particulate material as raw material with a liquid material is made visible by utilizing the photoelasticity based on local rearrangement of liquid material molecules or difference of refractive indices of the particulate material and liquid material, and the structure thereof are observed, and an evaluation device using this principle of measurement.

Abstract: A system for identifying gases, the system having a plasma generator for generating a plasma using the gas to be identified and an array of detectors for detecting light emitted from the plasma. By analysing the output of the detectors, the gas can be identified. The system includes a plasma display (11) having two glass plates (36 and 38) patterned with strips that form the plasma electrodes. The intersection between the strips defines pixels which are individually addressable.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a disease type and/or condition determination method and apparatus that enables rapid and reliable determination by spectral analysis of the energy state of cells or drugs, and a drug screening method and apparatus that enables efficient screening of a target drug. In order to achieve this object, for example, the disease type and/or condition determination method according to the present invention determines disease type and condition by measuring the absorption spectrum in, for example, the infrared region for cells obtained from a specimen, and determining whether or not a coinciding absorption spectrum exists for those measurement results by using as indices at least two infrared absorption spectra.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing very low concentrations of analyte molecules (e.g., sub-part per trillion or, even, single molecule detection) utilizing a tunable substrate for surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering. Surface characteristics of a substrate are tuned to optimize overlap of surface plasmon resonance wavelength (SPRW) spectra of the substrate, the excitation bandwidth of an excitation source, and Raman scattered wavelengths of an analyte molecule.

Abstract: The invention presents a method designed to simultaneously measure certain unsaturated lipids and certain vitamins present either as single substances or in complex mixtures such as exist in serum and natural oils. Target lipids are free cholesterol, unsaturated cholesteryl esters; free polyunsaturated fatty acids, and their esters as triglycerides, and phospholipids. Distributions of these analytes over the broad range of serum lipoproteins from chylomicrons to high density fractions are determined using a procedure that involves a single step reaction in which the molecular unsaturations are subjected to non-enzymatic color inducing reagents. For natural oils and vitamins, the same method serves as a quality control procedure. Analytical detection is achieved using broad spectrum absorbance and/or fluorescence measurements. Measured spectra are aggregates of the absorbance contributions from each of the analytes. Data analyses follow two paths. One uses raw spectral data.

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: A six-dimensional axial Model of the atom which illustrates elemental and particle field structure has been formulated. The Model enables the determination of particle characteristics and interactions so that energy levels can be manipulated because of insights into the atom's axial structure, particle substructure and field generation.

Abstract: A novel achiral biaryl-type compound and a circular dichroism (CD) color fixing agent are provided. Furthermore, a method for determining an absolute configuration of a chiral compound is carried out by introducing the above achiral biaryl-type compound into the chiral compound.

Abstract: There is disclosed a measuring system that is for use with an automatic chemical analyzer and accomplishes accurate measurement reproducibility and low cost. The system has a turntable on which plural reaction cells are arranged circumferentially. A light source and a spectroscopic detector are located on opposite sides of the reaction cell in a detection position. The amount of light transmitted through the cell is measured. A motor having an encoder is connected to the turntable. The output signal from the detector corresponding to each reaction cell is accepted in response to the output signal from the encoder.

Abstract: A single- or multi-well sample preparation apparatus and method for desalting, concentrating and depositing samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. The apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells each in fluid communication with a respective outlet or drainage opening, optionally containing a three dimensional membrane structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The apparatus is designed to allow for direct spotting onto a MALDI target, thereby eliminating a transfer step. Also disclosed is a method of sample preparation, deposition and analysis using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative analysis of the concentration of impurities in helium by means of ion mobility spectrometry is described, which consists in using purified argon together with the helium which has to be analyzed for forming the sample, or pure argon as counterflow gas in the separation zone of the instrument, or finally helium-purified argon mixtures both for the sample gas and for the counterflow gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing coagulation studies, chemistry procedures and the like, the apparatus including a container having a space for containing a body fluid sample therein, a covered opening and being provided with optically clear sides and a uniform cross-sectional configuration over at least a portion of the container, the cover being pierceable to permit the selective addition of reagents to be delivered into the container space, and the apparatus and method facilitating carrying out analytical procedures on body fluid sample when it is contained in the container. The apparatus further including instrumentation for optically reading and analyzing the fluid sample and adding appropriate reagents while the sample it is in the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a biological attribute, such as the concentration of an analyte, particularly a blood analyte in tissue such as glucose. The method utilizes spectrographic techniques in conjunction with an improved instrument-tailored or subject-tailored calibration model. In a calibration phase, calibration model data is modified to reduce or eliminate instrument-specific attributes, resulting in a calibration data set modeling intra-instrument or intra-subject variation. In a prediction phase, the prediction process is tailored for each target instrument separately using a minimal number of spectral measurements from each instrument or subject.

Abstract: A method of determining the proportion of short-chain branching in an olefin copolymer process stream is disclosed. The short-chain branching may also be determined as a function of molecular weight in a sample having a range of molecular weights. In the method, at least two olefin copolymer training samples are provided. The respective samples have different, known proportions of short-chain branching. The infrared (e.g. FT-IR) absorbance spectra of the training samples in a wavenumber range are obtained. Calibration information is determined from the training samples by chemometrically correlating the differences in the infrared absorbance spectra of the training samples to the differences in the degree of short-chain branching in the training samples. This step generates calibration information that allows the degree of short-chain branching in a sample to be determined once its infrared absorbance spectrum is obtained.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a substance exhibiting absorption in the near infrared (NIR) region subjects the substance to NIR spectroscopy, processes the data using a partial least squares (PLS) technique and identifies a component of the substance by performing a topological near infrared (TOPNIR) analysis on the processed data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for identifying and quantifying components in an effluent stream from an ammoxidation reactor, the apparatus comprising a microprocessor; and a Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer having a sample cell through which may flow a portion of the effluent stream, an infrared source to emit infrared radiation and pass the infrared radiation through the effluent stream, an infrared detector to detect transmitted infrared radiation at the selected infrared wavelengths and to generate absorbance data due to absorbance of the infrared radiation by the components, wherein each of the components absorbs infrared radiation at one or more of the infrared wavelengths, and an output apparatus to provide the absorbance data to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed to identify and quantify each of the plurality of components based upon the absorbance data and calibration data, the calibration data being obtained from recovery run analyses and calibrat

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining a characteristic of a tissue sample, such as a state of health, using spectral data and/or images obtained within an optimal period of time following the application of a chemical agent to the tissue sample. The invention provides methods of determining such optimal windows of time. Similarly, the invention provides methods of determining other criteria for triggering the acquisition of an optical signal for classifying the state of health of a region of a tissue sample.

Abstract: An analytical test device is described for the immunochromatographic determination of the presence of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The device is configured such that the sample is allowed to enter the detection zone simultaneously from many different directions, eliminating stagnation of the flow of the sample. By selection of the porous substrate, the device also allows for the separation of red blood cells from plasma, providing a rapid test for one or more analytes in a sample of whole blood. The device of the present invention may measure more than one analyte simultaneously from a single sample, either by having multiple immunochromatographic pathways fed by a single sample, or multiple analytes detected in the same pathway by way of multiple capture antibodies.

Abstract: A sample holding array is provided which is particularly advantageous for various IR and near IR transmission spectroscopy analysis that yields high quality spectra with minimal artifacts. The sample holding array may also be used desirably with slight modifications for Raman analysis, x-ray fluorescence and nanoindentation.