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.

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 water chloramination control system compares the concentration of aqueous higher chloramines to aqueous ammonia to optimize the ratio of added ammonia to chlorine. Aqueous ammonia concentration is measured by conversion to monochloramine which concentration is determined spectroscopically. Higher chloramine concentration is measured by a reaction producing free iodine which concentration is also determined spectroscopically. The higher chloramine to ammonia ratio is used to control ammonia feed to the water. Problems associated with excess chlorine, or excess ammonia, are avoided.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing mercury containing samples for inorganic and organomercurial complexes are disclosed. The methods are highly sensitive and are especially suited to samples containing significant amounts of organic matter. Kits and devices for mercury analysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining the number of contaminating particles in a process chamber is described. While the method is particularly suited for detecting particles in a metal etch chamber, the present invention novel method can be utilized in any other semiconductor process chambers as long as there is a particle contamination problem. The method is carried out by conducting at least two particle dislodging cycles each including a step of flowing at least one process gas used in the process into the chamber at a flow rate of at least 30 sccm, and then evacuating the at least one process gas from the chamber to a pressure of not higher than 1 mTorr. Typical process gas that can be utilized in a metal etch chamber includes Cl2, BCl3 and Ar. The process gas should be flown into the etch chamber until a chamber pressure of at least 6 mTorr is reached, and preferably until at least a chamber pressure of 8 mTorr is reached.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence and amount of carbon monoxide, comprising the use of infrared spectroscopy to compare the spectra of the test gas containing carbon monoxide and the reference gas. The reference gas is the test gas from which carbon monoxide had been removed by conversion using catalysts. The presence and quantity of carbon monoxide is determined by deducting the spectrum of the reference gas from the spectrum of the test gas. The catalysts comprise nanoparticles of gold precipitated on a metal oxide or hydroxide carrier. An apparatus implementing this method.

Abstract: Method for determining a cellular function or change in cellular function by contacting a sample of cells or a component of cells with an activating agent, directing a beam of infrared light at the sample of cells or a component of the cells, analyzing the infrared spectrum of the sample at at least one range of frequencies and ascertaining whether at least one change in the spectral characteristics has occurred due to activation of the cells or a change in the cellular component, that can be correlated to the cellular function or the change in cellular function by the activating agent and determining the cellular function therefrom.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of an analyte in tissues. The method involves compensating for a change in the value of an optical property of the tissues, such as, for example, the scattering coefficient, resulting from a change in the hydration status of the tissues.

Abstract: A method for determining contamination in marine diesel lubricating oils. The method has been found to have particular utility in estimating residual fuel and insolubles contamination in marine diesel lubricating oils.

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: This invention relates to a method of measuring a rheological property of a composite filled with particles, and evaluation equipment, in which in situ measurement is performed of the rheological property of a composite filled with particles obtained by mixing a particulate material as raw material with a liquid material, in a condition with the original material structure maintained, without destroying the material by applying external force such as shearing force thereto, comprising a step of measuring the coagulation structure of the particulate material within the composite filled with particles as an anisotropy signal, and a step of employing the amount of this anisotropy as an index of the rheological property value of the composite.

Abstract: Metal-doped sol-gel materials, suitable for use as sensors for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis for trace chemical detection, are produced by effecting gelation and solvent removal of a doped sol-gel under mild temperature conditions. At least in certain instances reaction and drying will desirably be effected in an oxygen-starved environment. The metal of the sol-gel material functions, when irradiated, to produce a plasmon field for interaction with molecules of an analyte in contact therewith, increasing by orders of magnitude Raman photons that are generate by excitation radiation, and the method allows matching of the metal and metal particle size to a wavelength of light (or incident radiation, e.g., laser radiation) to generate surface plasmons. The porosity of the sol-gel material dramatically increases the surface area, and thereby the amount of metal exposed for analyte interaction.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method to identify cellular abnormalities which are associated with disease states. The method utilizes infrared (IR) spectra of cell samples which are dried on an infrared-transparent matrix and scanned at the frequency range from 3000-950 cm−1. The identification of samples is based on establishing a reference using a representative set of spectra of normal and/or diseased specimens. During the reference assembly process, multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used. PCA and PLS reduce the data based on maximum variations between the spectra, and generate clusters in a multidimensional space representing the different populations. The utilization of Mahalinobis distances, or linear regression (e.g., Principle Component Regression on the reduced data from PCA) form the basis for the discrimination.

Abstract: A spectroelectrochemical cell (10 or 30) with a transparent conductive diamond electrode (15 or 35), which is free standing or deposited on quartz is described. The conductive electrode allows oxidation or reduction reactions to be initiated in the cell electrochemically by the electrode so as to observe the reaction over time spectroscopically.

Abstract: The antioxidant power of an organic or inorganic liquid is determined by causing it to enter into competition with bathocuproine (BC) in a copper sulphate solution. Bathocuproine (BC) forms stable complexes with the monovalent Cu. Such a reaction is specific for Cu(I) and not for divalent Cu(II). Cu(II) in solution can be reduced to Cu(I) by a number of reducing compositions belonging to a class of compositions consisting prevailingly of both liposoluble and water soluble non-enzymatic antioxidants. When the reaction occurs in a bathocuproine (BC) buffer, the complex being formed is characterized by the concentration of the reducing agents and then, by good approximation, of the antioxidants present in the system. The quantitative analysis of such a reaction can be easily made by spectrophotometry at 480 nm both by macro- and micromethods with the use of a number of reducing standard compositions with known concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to pyrrolopyridinium derivatives having a new structural skeleton, preferably containing an intramolecular hemiacetal, which is clearly different from any known Advanced Glycation Endproduct (AGE) and which, when present in an organism, has a bioactivity unlike the conventional AGE. The present invention provides pyrrolopyridinium derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, an antibody prepared from said derivatives as a hapten, a method for the diagnosis of diabetes, diabetic complications, renal failure, dialysis-related complications, amyloidosis, aging, diseases accompanied by aging, etc. using said derivatives or an antibody prepared therefrom and a method for evaluating effectiveness of pharmaceuticals used to treat diabetes, diabetes-related diseases, dialysis-related complications, aging, diseases accompanied by aging, etc.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for examining biological materials using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and the Kubelka-Munk function. In one aspect, the method is used to determine whether a tissue sample is cancerous or not and comprises the steps of (a) measuring the diffuse reflectance from the tissue sample at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is a wavelength selected from the group consisting of 255-265 nm and wherein the second wavelength is a wavelength selected from the group consisting of 275-285 nm; (b) using the Kubelka-Munk function to transform the diffuse reflectance measurement obtained at the first and second wavelengths; and (c) comparing a ratio or a difference of the transformed Kubelka-Munk measurements at the first and second wavelengths to appropriate standards determine whether or not the tissue sample is cancerous.

Abstract: Described is a method for calibrating a spectrophometric apparatus and determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. This method involves incorporating at least one primary calibration algorithm that uses an order of derivative of absorbance obtained for at least one of a standard set of wavelengths, on a second apparatus. The absorbance values of the sample are measured on the second apparatus at three or more wavelengths from a wavelength calibration table. Interpolated absorbance values are derived from the measured absorbance values for wavelengths from a standard set of wavelengths. A derivative of the interpolated absorbance values is obtained, using the same order of derivative used by the first apparatus. Followed by calculating a concentration of the Analyte in the sample, by applying the Primary Calibration Algorithm to the derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for monitoring the surface concentration of a drug in a polymer blend matrix and the reaction kinetics of the biodegradable polymers. Detailed information on surface concentration, degradation rates, degradation kinetics and mechanism, is provided by using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIMS) measurements. Also provided is a method for determining oligomers in hydrolyzed biodegradable polymers.

Abstract: A biosensor based on complexes between biomolecule receptors and colloidal Au nanoparticles, and more specifically, colloid layers of receptor/Au complexes that can be used to detect biomolecule analytes through measuring of binding-induced changes in electrical resistance or surface plasmon resonance. Also disclosed is a method for detecting and analysing carrier-borne chemical compounds with Raman spectroscopy using an improved SERS substrate. Further disclosed is an improved method for detecting compounds in solvents using capillary electrophoresis in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring an infrared spectrum of a sample having or suspected to have an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof. A representative method includes providing a sample; providing an internal reflecting element (IRE) with a functionalized tip; contacting the sample with the IRE to form a sample-IRE interface; directing a beam of infrared (IR) radiation through the IRE under conditions such that the IR radiation interacts with the sample-IRE interface once; recording a reflectance profile over a range of preselected frequencies, whereby an infrared spectrum of the of a sample having or suspected of having an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof, disposed in an aqueous solution is acquired.

Abstract: A flow cell comprising a mixer having first and second inlets for receiving fluids to be mixed and a common mixed fluids outlet, a body defining a chamber having an inlet connected to the mixer outlet and no outlet, and means for delivering fluids to the mixer inlets at predetermined flow rates. A window is formed in at least one wall of the chamber through which mixed fluids within the chamber may be observed. The mixer inlets and outlet are interconnected at a common junction and are dimensioned such that at the predetermined flow rates fluid flow is turbulent immediately upstream and downstream of the junction, and the chamber inlet is defined by a plurality of conduits which communicate in parallel with spaced-apart portions of the chamber and are dimensioned such that at the predetermined flow rates fluid flow is laminar immediately upstream of the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for distinguishing between protein variants using high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS). A method according to the instant invention includes the steps of providing a FAIMS analyzer region defined by a space between two spaced-apart electrodes, and providing predetermined conditions within said FAIMS analyzer region. Ions of an analyte protein are produced from a solution having predetermined properties and including the analyte protein, using a suitable ionization source. The ions are introduced into the FAIMS analyzer region, transmitted therethrough, and detected. An intensity of the detected ions is measured at a predetermined CV value. At least a difference is determined, between the detected intensity and a reference value, the reference value relating to an expected intensity at the predetermined CV value for a reference form of the analyte protein.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining a microchip device to a capillary tube. The microchip device has a capillary channel opening onto an edge surface of the device. A short hole is drilled into the edge surface, aligned with the capillary channel. The drilling is done with a flat bottom, preferably by a two-step drilling process. Then, the end of the capillary can be inserted into the hole so that its end is substantially flush with the flat bottom of the hole, thereby eliminating dead volume. Testing has shown that this connection provides very little band broadening of samples transported through the capillary channel into the capillary tube. The tip of the capillary tube can be tapered, so that it is suitable for use as an electrospray source for a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method and device for fluorimetric determination of a biological, chemical or physical parameter of a sample utilize at least two different luminescent materials, the first of which is sensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity, and the second of which is insensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity and decay time. The luminescent materials have different decay times. The time- or phase behaviour of the resulting luminescence response is used to form a reference value for determination of a parameter.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of metal amino acid chelate present in various chelate compositions. FT-IR is used to determine the amount of free amino acid present. The bound amino acids may be in the form of an amino acid complex or an amino acid chelate. A total metal analysis and measurement of ligand quantity is then performed, from which the percent of metal amino acid chelate in the sample is calculated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reagent for use in determining the presence of oxidizing adulterants in urine being screened for drugs of abuse. This invention is useful in automated spectrophotometric analyzers used in screening urine for drugs of abuse.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the concentration of a specific gas component of a gas mixture including another gas whose concentration is independently known using light absorption spectroscopy are provided. A method and an apparatus for assessing human airway inflammation by measuring the concentration of exhaled NO and CO2 present in orally exhaled breath using light absorption spectroscopy are also provided. NO concentration is determined at the time during breath sampling corresponding to a known exhaled CO2 concentration. Methods and apparatus are further provided for measuring NO concentration in orally exhaled human breath that analyze breath emanating from the lower airways and lungs, while excluding breath from the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A multi-analyte diagnostic system for use with a computer. The diagnostic system includes a flow analyzer including a co-planar light source-optical detector array, the flow analyzer being communicatable with the computer. The diagnostic system also includes a memory medium readable by the computer and storing computer instructions. The instructions include the following steps. A biological sample is run through the flow analyzer. The identity and quantity of at least one analyte of interest in the biological fluid is determined substantially simultaneously to the sample-running step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of monitoring calibration of a spectrophotometric apparatus that comprises one or more than one calibration algorithm for one or more than one analyte. This method comprises measuring absorbance of a quality control material with the apparatus to obtain a measurement, where the quality control material exhibits an absorbance spectra characterized as having a negative slope for a continuous spectral segment from about 5 nm to about 400 nm in length, or a wavelength there between, and where the spectral segment includes a principal calibration wavelength for the one or more than one analyte. The method then involves calculating one or more than one concentration values from the measurement using the one or more than one calibration algorithms, followed by comparing the one or more than one concentration values with an assigned value given to the quality control material for each of the one or more than one analytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample processing system for a plasma spectrometer for analysing viscous samples, and samples insoluble at room temperature. The system comprises a tray with tubes containing the sample, a heating block comprising a thermoregulation switch and means for collecting the sample from tubes. Said means are connected to a transfer tube transferring the solution that is pumped down by a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump is controlled by a controller box and comprises a first pump tubing of internal diameter &phgr; and a second pump tubing of internal diameter &phgr;′. A sample introduction system is fed by the peristaltic pump and contains a nebulizer and a spray chamber placed in a thermoregulated box. According to the invention, said sample processing system is thermoregulated, temperatures are variable and can be selected according to the nature of the sample to analyse.

Abstract: A high-throughput screening method for identifying the processing conditions for solid dispersion systems. This chemical screening method involves placing a series of different weight (molar) ratios of active ingredient to carrier molecule solutions on flat and reflective substrates, e.g., silicon chips, which are spun-cast and analyzed using various optical microscope and other spectroscopic techniques to determine the optimal dispersion system. Micrographs are taken and analyzed. The physical properties of the specific system are represented by plotting the data on a traditional X axis-Y axis chart to produce an equilibrium phase diagram of temperature versus active ingredient:carrier molecules. The micrographs are also used to produce mosaic phase diagrams as another way to analyze the data. The method and phase diagram are suitable analytical tools for determining optimum microscopic miscibility and chemical compatibility of various solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting mercury in a sample solution, the mercury being contained in the sample solution in cationic form and as an organic compound, by means of a detection device comprising an atomic spectroscope provided with a measuring cell which is suitable for detecting mercury gas, a noble-metal concentrator for concentrating the mercury and a control unit, the mercury being converted into the gas phase and being adapted to be concentrated by means of the noble-metal concentrator. The method according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit controls the supply of the mercury gas to the measuring cell in such a way that, in addition to the measurement of the concentrated mercury, mercury gas of the same sample, which has not been subjected to the concentration step, is introduced in the measuring cell for the purpose of measurement.

Abstract: A method for preserving a sample is described. A method for preserving a sample device such as microarrays, slides and membranes is described. The preservation is achieved by applying a coating composition to a sample or sample device, and curing the coating composition. Candidate coating materials for forming the coating compositions are described. Preferably, the coating composition is an optically clear, solidifying solution. Also described are preservation kits which provide materials and instructions for the preservation of sample devices. Calibration devices are also described.

Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for determining a diabetic patient's compliance with their insulin dosing regime. The method and apparatus involves taking a blood sample from a patient by a routine finger prick and placing it in a special sample tab which is placed in a spectrophotometer sample housing. The spectrophotometer measures Hb and HbA1c concentrations and allows for calculating a ratio of HbA1c to Hb which is indicative of the degree of patient compliance.

Abstract: A device for detection of one or more analytes in a sample is disclosed. The device can simultaneously detect and quantitate multiple analytes in a sample. The device comprises an eletromagnetic radiation generator having one or more chemical sensors thereon. The chemical sensor interacts with or reacts with specific analytes in a sample. The presence of an analyte is detected by a comparison of the spectroscopic properties of the chemical sensor in the absence and presence of the analyte. A method is also disclosed for the detection and quantitation of analytes using the device of the present invention. In addition, a method of making the device of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a class of samples that model the human body. This family of samples is based upon emulsions of oil in water with lecithin acting as the emulsifier. These solutions that have varying particle sizes may be spiked with basis set components (albumin, urea and glucose) to simulate skin tissues further. The family of samples is such that other organic compounds such as collagen, elastin, globulin and bilirubin may be added, as can salts such as Na+, K+ and Cl−. Layers of varying thickness with known index of refraction and particle size distributions may be generated using simple crosslinking reagents, such as collagen (gelatin). The resulting samples are flexible in each analyte's concentration and match the skin layers of the body in terms of the samples reduced scattering and absorption coefficients, &mgr;′s and &mgr;a. This family of samples is provided for use in the medical field where lasers and spectroscopy based analyzers are used in treatment of the body.

Abstract: A method is described for identifying compounds in a complex mixture exhibiting a predetermined characteristic. The mixture is separated into fractions using at least two unique sets of separation parameters to produce at least two series of separation parameter dependent fractions. In one embodiment the mixtures are separated chromatographically using unique sets of separation parameters and the fractions are analyzed spectroscopically to provide data indicative of the component compounds and the fractions are analyzed in synchronously combined fractions, for the predetermined characteristic. The spectroscopic data for the fractions exhibiting the predetermined characteristic are compared to identify compound(s) common to the fractions exhibiting the characteristic.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the determination of solubility of a compound and an analytical device for carrying out said method. The basic method involves determining solubility of a compound by measuring the UV spectrum of a reference solution of the compound, under conditions avoiding or suppressing precipitation, and comparing it to the UV spectrum of a saturated sample solution of the compound. Variations of the basic method include: (a) making reference solutions either by dilution of the sample solution to the point where precipitation is avoided, or making reference solutions by adding a water-miscible cosolvent to the sample solution so that precipitation is suppressed, and comparing the UV absorbances of the compound under reference conditions to the compound in a saturated solution, (b) determining the true aqueous solubility from the effect on the pKa that results from dissolving the compound in an aqueous solution containing some DMSO (typically 0.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing protein molecules. A protein molecule of interest is isolated from other types of protein molecules. The protein molecule of interest is modified to a one-dimensional structure from the natural three-dimensional structure of the protein molecule. Each of a first type of amino acid residue of the protein molecule is labeled with a first tag. Each of a second type of amino acid residue of the protein molecule is labeled with a second tag. The first and second tags impart to the protein molecule a detectable set of characteristic ancillary properties that facilitates distinction of the protein molecule of interest from other types of protein molecules. When these ancillary properties are detected, a fingerprint of the protein molecule is revealed. A listing of known protein molecules and of the fingerprints corresponding to each of the known protein molecules serves as a library to facilitate identification of unknown proteins.

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 inaccurate accounting of neighboring-to-distant lines.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the presence of an analyte in a closed vial wherein a sample contained within the closed vial is conveyed to an analyzer. The analyzer determines a value of a spectral property dependent on analyte concentration at a position within a headspace formed above the sample within the vial. An indicator is used to compare the measured value of the spectral property with a predetermined limit criteria to determine the presence or absence of the analyte. Vials wherein the presence of the analyte is detected are indicated as product vials whereas vials wherein the absence of the analyte is detected are indicated as rejected vials. The rejected vials are conveyed by a transferrer to a rejected vial station. A first portion of the product vials are conveyed by a sampler to a sample collection station. A second portion of the product vials are conveyed to a labeler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for infrared spectral analysis of samples to determine if the samples are normal or abnormal or to otherwise classify the sample. More specifically, the apparatus and method classify the sample on the basis of attenuation of infrared radiation at different wavelengths using a within-sample variance model. Further, the method and apparatus can include merging the output of multivariate classification models with the within-sample variance model applied to the infrared spectra sample such that their combined output results in a classification accuracy that is greater than any single model. The invention is useful in classifying, for example, biological samples such as human tissue, including cervical cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and reagents for detecting the presence of symmetrically and asymmetrically methylated arginine residues, either along or in polypeptides, using mass spectrometry. It also provides methods of determining structures of methylated arginine residues, methods of identifying substrates of PMRTs, and methods of conducting proteomic business using any of the suitable methods recited above.

Abstract: The invention relates to the elucidation of the breakdown of foreign substance in the metabolism of a liquid, chemical or biological reaction system by the analytical determination of the breakdown products (metabolites) produced. It is common practice for this elucidation to be carried out “blind”, i.e. without systematic prediction of the breakdown substances, by comparison and subtraction of analytical data sets, which are obtained by, for example, separating the substances in the liquid using liquid chromatography and measuring them using mass spectrometry before and after the foreign substance has been added.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for quantitatively measuring nitrogen in Czochralski silicon based on the detection of one or more N—O complexes by means of low temperature Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (LT-FTIR) in the far infrared spectral range (FIR).

Abstract: A method for determining the number or concentration of virus particles in a sample by use of a light scattering detector. The method may be used to quantitate purified virus preparations or virus samples containing contaminants, including ultraviolet light-absorbing contaminants, such as proteins. The method is useful for quantitation of viruses for use in gene therapy, oncolytic viruses for tumor cell lysis and virus-based vaccines.

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 invention relates to the method of using spectroscopic methods for determining analytes in a sample and also a test system for qualitative and/or quantitative determination of one or more analytes in a liquid sample.