Abstract: In an analytical method for determining the presene or concentration of analyte in a solution comprising detecting a dissolved detectable substance in solution by passing a solution containing a detectable substance through a detection device for determining the presence of concentration of detectable substance in the solution, the improvement including mixing the solution with one or more particulate reagents to form a suspension, thereby modifying the solution to yield a concentration of total detectable substance which correlates with the concentration of original analyte, and passing the solution through the detecting device. The particles can be used to replace an analyte with a detectable substance or an intermediate which can be reacted in solution to form a detectable substance. Alternatively, the particles can be used to suppress or remove an interfering substance.

Abstract: Complementary DNA probe method for diagnosing bacterial or fungal diseases which produce leaf lesions in plants.

Abstract: A sampling device for sealed positioning within the casing of a well contains a stripping chamber for stripping a ground water sample of its volatile compounds at or near the point of collection. In one embodiment, the stripping chamber includes a piston which is raised above the top surface of the sample to create a head space, and an injector for injecting inert gas into the sample, causing the volatile compounds to be released into the head space, whereupon they exit the chamber via a vapor outlet duct leading out of the well. In a second embodiment, the stripping chamber includes a tube having a sidewall formed of a semi-permeable membrane, and an injector which injects an inert gas into the bore of the tube. The device may also include a sensor mounted within the stripping chamber, and a valve for directing a calibration gas into the chamber.

Abstract: A method for the direct quantitative determination of LDL-cholesterol in a sample of blood plasma which involves selective adsorption of lipoproteins on silica, removal of high density lipoproteins by incubation in a suitable detergent solution, extraction of the remaining LDL-cholesterol by another detergent and determination of the LDL-cholesterol by spectrophotometric analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the selective determination of the oncentration of a substance dissolved in a solvent by means of an osmosis cell. The osmosis cell according to the invention contains a substance not contained in the solution to be tested, which is either practically insoluble or is impermeable for the membrane. This substance reacts chemically with the substance permeating into the osmosis cell, with a product resulting from it in the cell or with a product resulting from the substance in the solution to be tested and permeating into the cell. Reaction products are thereby formed which produce a pressure in the osmosis cell, which is different from the osmotic pressure of the chemically converted portion of the substance. A pressure increase thereby occurs in the cell, from which the concentration of the substance in the solution to be tested can be determined on the basis of standard values.

Abstract: A preconcentrator for analyzing trace constituents in gases wherein a sample gas is introduced to a confined sorbent which thereafter is evacuated by a vacuum pump and a low-pressure carrier gas passes through the sorbent while it is desorbing, wherein the desorbed trace constituents are carried by the carrier gas to a detector that operates at low pressure such as a mass spectrometer. Because the mass of the carrier gas which carries the desorbed trace consituents to the detector is at a lower pressure and therefore has less density than the sample gas, the relative mass of trace constituents in the carrier gas is much greater than in the sample gas. The sample gas can be hot to assist desorption or a gas which reacts with trace constituents of interest to improve their detection.

Abstract: The bonded phases generated from the reaction of aliphatic and aromatic azidosilanes with silica gel are suitable for use as packings in solid phase extraction columns for cleanup of urine samples for analysis of acid metabolites of cannabinoids. Such bonded phases are unique in their ability to selectively retain the acid metabolites of cannabinoids from a urine sample matrix.

Abstract: Peptides or proteins are sequenced by stepwise degradation while immobilized on a glass support derivatized with a silica-binding substance bearing a free acid group, especially a sulfonic acid group. The support is preferably derivatized with 2-(4-chlorosulfonyl phenyl) ethyl trimethoxysilane.Peptide sequencing performance is improved if the support is also derivatized with a monomeric silica-binding substance bearing a free quaternary ammonium group, such as N-trimethyoxysilyl propyl -N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: A method for isolating kerogen from a mineral sample in a pressurized reaction cell, which permits reaction at pressures greater than two atmospheres and provides for the removal of all liquids from the cell without significant loss of sample solids, employing multiple steps of addition and removal of concentrated hydrochloric acid, concentrated hydrofluoric acid, concentrated ammonium hydroxide, and deionized water.

Abstract: On-column enrichment is provided for a sample having both polar and nonpolar analytes by mixing the sample with surfactant in a polar solvent. The surfactant causes the nonpolar analytes to be incorporated in micelles that dissolve in the polar solvent. The concentration of surfactant is maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the micelles as the mixture is introduced onto the head of a chromatographic column. Once sample introduction is completed, the mixture is diluted so that the surfactant concentration drops below that required to maintain the micelles, which thus break up. The analytes are then separated using reverse-phase gradient elution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting sample components from complex matrices using supercritical carbon dioxide as the principal extracting solvent are disclosed. The present invention takes advantage of the fact that the solvent power of a supercritical fluid is stepwise settable by the parameters of density, modifier concentration, and temperature. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for extracting a component from a sample using flow system having a variable and controllable flow restriction are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container section, inputting temperature, pressure, flow rate and extraction time setpoints. The flow rate is controlled and the system pressure regulated by the variable flow restriction.

Abstract: Single or multiple blood plasma component concentrations are measured by a disposable stick having one or more blood plasma component reactive areas covered by a semipermeable membrane which is permeable by blood plasma or serum components and impermeable by blood cellular and particulate matter. A second overlay may be superposed with the semipermeable membrane over the reactive areas to receive a blood sample and meter and distribute that sample uniformly to the semipermeable membrane which in turn passes the plasma components uniformly to the reactive areas. The overlays are subsequently separable from the reactive area to remove the cellular components and particulate matter and expose the reactive areas for inspection by, for example, color comparison to standardized charts.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively analyzing an analyte contained in a whole blood sample, wherein a dry multi-layered analysis element is used. The method provides particular merits when the used multi-layered analysis element has no light-shielding layer which is interposed, in the conventional analysis element, between a coloring reagent layer and a blood cell separating layer, so that red coloring matters of blood cells are detected from the support side during the step of measuring the optical density of the reflected light.

Abstract: The diamondoid compound content of a hydrocarbon gas sample stream is measured in a process and apparatus for the controlled precipitation and collection of diamondoid compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods for the extraction of nucleic acid. In particular methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a complex biological mixture of nucleic acid and non-nucleic acids wherein the sample is combined with an extraction solution comprising a lactam and then the nucleic acid material is isolated from the resulting combined solution. The resulting combined solution is mixed and becomes biphasic and the nucleic acid material is isolated from the aqueous phase by precipitation with ethanol. The lactam is preferably about 5 to about 70% of the extraction solution and is most preferably 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-piperidone, 2-.epsilon.-caprolactam, N-methyl-2-caprolactam, 2-piperidone or N-(4-hydroxybenzyl)pyrrolidone. Methods for selectively isolating DNA, ribosomal RNA and plasmid DNA are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A filter system for separating and binding biomolecules contained in a solution includes a first filter means for selectively passing components of the solution that are smaller than the biomolecules, thereby concentrating the biomolecules in the solution. Also included is a binding membrane means having an affinity for the biomolecules for binding the biomolecules to the binding membrane means, with the binding membrane means being located where the biomolecules are concentrated by the first filter means. In the preferred mode, the binding membrane means is chosen to selectively bind the biomolecule of interest. According to a preferred method of the invention, biomolecules from a sample volume are bound to a binding membrane by urging the sample volume against a biomolecule-binding support membrane that is in contact with a cut-off filter membrane such that the sample volume will pass through the biomolecule-binding support membrane before passing through the cut-off filter membrane.

Abstract: A method for testing for the removal of tritiated water using deuterated water in which the infrared absorption spectra of deuterated water in an effluent stream passing through a tritiated water filtering media is measured.

Abstract: A method for analyzing water or other liquid, in particular rain water, comprises the steps of providing a collector comprising at least first and second volumetric cells and a mechanism for causing water to flow selectively into the cells and for causing water to flow selectively from the cells. Water is caused to flow into a first one of the cells while it is prevented from flowing into the other one of the cells. The water collected in the first cell is caused to flow to a property determining cell when the first cell has been filled to a predetermined volume, and simultaneously water is prevented from flowing into the first cell while it is now permitted to flow into the second volumetric cell. The water collected in the second cell is then permitted to flow to a property determining cell when the second cell has been filled to a predetermined volume, and simultaneously the water is prevented from flowing to the second cell while it is now permitted to flow to the first cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dosimeter for detecting gaseous or aerosol substances. The dosimeter contains a collecting reagent in a tubular shell made of a membrane permeable for the substance to be detected. The dosimeter is improved so that also substances which cannot be absorbed by the collecting reagent can be made detectable. The dosimeter includes an outer shell wherein at least one additional inner shell is provided extending coaxially to the outer shell. The two shells conjointly define an intermediate space wherein a conversion reagent is accommodated for converting the substance to be detected into a conversion product. The inner shell defines an inner space wherein the collecting reagent is disposed for collecting the conversion product.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of a sample into a fluid. The apparatus comprises a chamber which may be inserted into a cuvette. The chamber comprises a means such as a membrane or filter ball for dispensing a predeterming amount of a sample into a fluid upon contact of said membrane or filter ball and said sample by said fluid. The fluid is brought into contact with the sample by vortexing the fluid with a vortex mixer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adsorption and detection of adsorbents or analytes. The method and apparatus can be employed in the field for rapid adsorption of analytes and is particularly useful for detection of mycotoxins. A sample to be analyzed is prepared in solution and placed in a test tube. A tube-like adsorption column having a seal and a valve member is forcefully fed into the test tube to force solutions through the valve member into the columun and through a filter and adsorbent to trap interferences. The semi-purified solution may then be analyzed for the presence of analytes. The column with the purified solution may be further employed with a second smaller adsorption column similarly equipped with a seal and valve member fitting within the first column. In similar fashion the second column may be forced into the first column to expel the solution therein into the second column and through one or more selective adsorbents for different analytes such as one or more mycotoxins.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel methods of detecting glycated proteins in test samples of blood and methods of detecting chronic hyperglycemia. The test sample is contacted with a binder composition under conditions which allow binding of glycated protein in the test sample to at least a portion of the binder composition. The test sample is then exposed to a glycated compound affixed to a solid support under conditions which allow raction of unbound binder composition from the previous step to at least a portion of the glycated compound on the solid support. The glycated compound affixed to a solid support from the previous step which did not react with the unbound binder composition is then reacted with a detecting agent and the detecting agent is detected.

Abstract: A blood aerator comprises an aerating vessel having a vessel body provided with ports for a gas- and liquid-tight connection to a blood hose and at least one gas hose. A simplified and reliable handling is permitted in that a port for the blood hose and a port for a lower gas hose are separately provided on the bottom portion of the vessel body, the port for the lower gas hose contains a hydrophobic filter element, which is impermeable to blood and permeable to gas, and the port for a second gas hose is provided on the top portion of the vessel body.

Abstract: Total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) monitoring of water is useful in determining the water quality. Conventional TOC and TIC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. The addition of microporous hydrophobic bladders in combination with a non-dispersive infrared analyzer allow for a two phase, liquid and gas, zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The non-dispersive infrared analyzer determines the quantity of carbon dioxide present in an aqueous sample after addition of acid and post oxidation. The measured carbon dioxide quantities derived from the aqueous sample are related to the TIC and TOC present in the aqueous sample, respectively.

Abstract: A method for collecting radon in a confined area and testing therefor includes the initial step of providing a container with a molecular sieve material for attracting radon and placing the container in a confined area where radon is suspected to be present. The container has an open inlet end, into which radon will be attracted by the molecular sieve material in the container. The container is left in the confined area for a predetermined time, after which the container is removed so as to remove any radon present within the confined area and the molecular sieve is tested for radon.

Abstract: The analytical device includes a base adapted to support a porous member having dispersed throughout at least one analyte responsive substance which undergoes a detectable response to the presence and concentration of the analyte in the test sample. A cover integral with the base is provided with a reaction well adapted for storing a dried reaction component and for receiving the liquid test sample deposited on the analytical device whereby the liquid test sample and the reaction component form a liquid reaction mixture therein. A passage is included in the reaction well for selectively transferring the reaction mixture therethrough. This passage is normally spaced from the porous member and effectively closed to transfer therethrough of the reaction mixture, and is selectively movable toward the porous member to effectively open to passage therethrough of the reaction mixture whereby the analyte responsive substance will undergo a detectable response to the analyte present in the liquid reaction mixture.

Abstract: Traditionally, volatile organic compounds are monitored using the purge and trap technique required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, this technique operates in two phases, liquid and gas, requiring gravity to effect the separation of the two phases. The present invention, which can be automated, incorporates a microporous hydrophobic bladder to permit zero gravity monitoring of volatile organic compounds in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting analytes in samples of whole blood using solid-phase, permeable support assay devices. The whole blood assays require no steps or reagents other than those necessary to carry out the same analysis on plasma or serum using the devices. The color visualization of the analytical field on which the interpretation of the assay depends is not affected by the presence of intact erythrocytes or any degree of hemolysis in the blood sample.

Abstract: The analyte sensing system utilizes a sensor indicator which may be a perlyene derivative, coronene, or naphtho [8,1,2-abc] coronene in an analyte permeable silicone matrix. The matrix is irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, and fluorescence emissions of the dye indicator is measured over two different emission spectra having different sensitivities to the analyte. The emission spectrum which is less sensitive to quenching by the analyte can be used as a reference for determining the analyte concentration based upon a ratio of the intensities of the different emission spectra.

Abstract: A sensor, probe, system and method for detecting the presence of or concentration of lipid-soluble analytes such as anesthetics, which involve the use of fluorophore-containing lipid layers or similar amphiphilic structures as the sensor. The lipid layer is constituted such that it has a phase transition temperature equal to or close to the temperature at which the measurement of the analyte is conducted. Partitioning of a suitable analyte into the lipid layer results in a phase change which is then reflected in a change in a fluorescence characteristic, such as a shift in the wavelength of maximum intensity of fluorescence, of the fluorophore, in proportion to the amount of analyte.

Abstract: A method of removing lipid soluble chemicals from a biological material containing the lipid soluble chemicals comprising subjecting the biological material containing the lipid soluble chemicals to hydrophobic interaction chromatography, preferably using a resin comprising octadecyl chains coupled to a silica matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises a separation unit containing two channels in contact with each other via a microporous membrane that will not react with trihalomethanes, a reaction unit for heating a carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit, a cooling unit for cooling the carrier solution that has undergone complete reaction; and a detection unit for determining the quantity of a fluorescent substance in the carrier solution. A method for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises flowing a sample solution or a mixture thereof with a reducing agent through one of the two channels in the separation unit, flowing the carrier solution through the other channel, heating the carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit and to which an alkaline nicotinamide or a derivative thereof has been added, cooling the carrier solution, and subjecting the cooled solution to fluorimetry.

Abstract: A process for determination of one component of very low concentration in a test gas, which is guided in a supply line for concentration of the component across a sample collector, whose amassed quantity of samples is relinquished to a detection sensor. The arrangement makes available a measurement signal even during the collection of the sample. It also makes even the individual components of a multicomponent test gas detectable and a component-specific cross sensitivity of the detection sensor controllable. For this, the following process steps are provided: the test gas is first guided across the detection sensor 3 and then across the multistaged sample collector 7 having arrangements for separation of the several components; then after interruption of the supply of test gas, each individual stage 4, 5 and 6 separately relinquishes its separated component to the detection sensor 3.

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

Abstract: Total carbon and organic carbon monitoring of water is useful in determining water quality. Conventional TOC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. Ion chromatography allows for a single phase zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The ion chromatograph determines the amounts of organic acids and carbonate present in an aqueous sample before and after oxidation. The quantities determined by this technique can be related to the total carbon and the total organic carbon present in the aqueous sample.

Abstract: A sample applicator for use in performing immunoassays comprises a tube defining an internal lumen and having a filter matrix at one end thereof. Sample is drawn into the applicator tube, either using a vacuum bulb or an automated assay device. The sample is filtered as it enters the tube, and is again filtered as it discharged from the tube in the opposite flow direction. By removing particulates from the liquid sample, assay performance can be greatly improved. The applicator may also comprise a reagent dispersed within a permeable matrix, which is useful for introducing reagent to a sample or other liquid assay component. As a liquid assay component is drawn into the applicator tube, the reagent is reconstituted by and mixed with the liquid, thereby reducing the number of steps required for the assay.

Abstract: The present invention is a single phase analysis process and apparatus which is zero gravity compatible and capable of detecting trace levels of organic halogens. The process utilizes a sorbent bed, oxidation chamber, and an ion chromatograph. Current technology does not allow determination of which organic halogens are present at trace levels. Additionally, the commonly utilized technique for monitoring organic halogens is a two phase analysis which is not zero gravity compatible.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a technique for storing concentrated eluant, preparing dilute eluant, and reclaiming water used for dilution. The invention uses stored concentrated eluant which is diluted using a sample loop coupled with a dilute eluant reservoir. Water is used for dilution and is reclaimed using a mixed ion exchange bed. The use of concentrated eluant and reclaimable water significantly reduces storage needs.

Abstract: Methods and materials detect ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: The specification discloses a fecal occult blood test device capable of determining whether the blood found during the test originated in the upper or lower gastrointestinal track. A fecal sample is applied to a test medium charged to be differentially attractive to blood components originating in the upper and lower gastrointestinal track respectively. A solvent is applied to the test specimen to cause differential migration of the blood components and an indicator is then applied to indicate the presence of the blood components, if any.

Abstract: An isolation fluid control device and water cup for use in an automated, random-access, isolation fluid-based, analytical instrument. The cup, in operation, contains two immiscible liquids. The cup is provided with inlets and outlets, and additionally comprises a liquid level control structure and structure operable to permit passage of one liquid therethrough to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid.

Abstract: An optode designed to prevent washing away of the indicator and reagent from a membrane is located within an optical device that measures substance concentrations. The reagent and indicator materials are covalently bound on the membrane. The membrane can be a polysaccharide, especially cellulose, an acid glycol ester, or it can contain silicon. The indicator and/or reagent can be covalently bound to the membrane by a bridge molecular, particularly a multifunctional aldehyde, glutaraldehyde or a silane.

Abstract: Biological fluid test samples are analyzed for a broad spectrum of drugs, including benzodiazepines, amphetamines, tricyclic antidepressants and opiates, in a single isocratic analysis using a chromatographic column system containing three analytical columns--an anion exchange column, a reversed phase column and a cation exchange column. A pre-column is also included to purge the sample of salts, proteins, peptides and hydrophilic anions. Carrier liquids containing acetonitrile at various strengths are used for distribution of the various drugs among the columns, elution of the drugs from the columns, and column purging and conditioning. The system readily lends itself to automation, automatic periodic sampling, and component identification and quantification.

Abstract: A method and diagnostic test unit for the determination of one or more non-triglycerides in an oil using an oil-miscible test solution prepared from an oil-miscible vehicle of monoglycerides, diglycerides or mixtures thereof and an indicator deliverable in admixture with the vehicle for assaying the non-triglycerides, wherein the indicator in combination with the non-triglycerides forms a reaction product characteristic of the amount of the non-triglycerides, and the indicator and vehicle are present in quantities and at a pH effective to provide detectable quantities of reaction product. The reaction product development is compared to a known standard to determine the presence or amount of the non-triglycerides in the oil.

Abstract: A process for determining the concentration of a component, such as glucose, uric acid or polyamine, in a body fluid, such as urine, blood, blood serum, blood plasma, saliva or gastric juice, includes processing the body fluid with a catalase or an immobilized catalase for decomposing hydrogen peroxide included in the body fluid. When the body fluid is processed with the calalase, an inhibitor which inhibits the reaction between the catalase and the component is added to the body fluid after processing with the catalase. The process also includes processing the body fluid with a strongly basic anion exchange resin. When the concentration of polyamine in the body fluid is measured, the body fluid is processed with an acylpolyamineamido hydrolysis enzyme for converting acetylpolyamine into polyamine in the body fluid. After processing the body fluid by the these operations, hydrogen peroxide produced by the reaction between an oxidase and the component is measured.

Abstract: An object to be measured is moved relative to a stick prepared by cooling and solidifying a solution into a rod-like shape. The stick is brought into contact with the surface of the object to be measured, thereby dissolving a natural oxide film and the like formed on the surface of the object. After the stick is brought into contact with the overall surface of the object to be measured, the solution held at the end portion of the stick is analyzed by chemical analysis to measure the type and amount of an impurity adhered on the surface of the object.

Abstract: A method of forming an amino acid thiohydantoin from an N-protected amino acid or the C-terminal amino acid of an N-protected peptide. The amino acid is activated by reaction with a ketenimine, and the activated ester is converted to the thiohydantoin by reaction with silyl or pyridine isothiocyanate. The ketenimine is generated by treating an N-substituted isoxazolium compound, such as Woodwards Reagent K with a base, preferably in the presence of the amino acid. Also disclosed is a solid phase support having a derivatized N-substituted isoxazolium or ketenimine group for use in the method.

Abstract: For analyzing solid substances on mercury by measuring the atomic absorption, the substance is heated in order to expel the mercury. The generated mercury vapor is conveyed with a carrier gas flow over a body having a large surface made of an amalgam-generating material, so that the mercury vapor bonds and is accumulated as amalgam on the surface of this body. Subsequently, the body is heated in order to set the mercury accumulated as amalgam free again, and is conveyed by a carrier gas flow into a measuring vessel of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The solid substance which is to be analyzed is enclosed within a vessel having a closure which is destroyed during the heating of the solid substance. For this purpose, a cover is sealingly placed onto the vessel above the destructable closure through which cover a carrier gas flow can be supplied and be carried off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a continuous flow injection batch extraction aysis system is disclosed employing extraction of a component of a first liquid into a second liquid which is a solvent for a component of the first liquid, and is immiscible with the first liquid, and for separating the first liquid from the second liquid subsequent to extraction of the component of the first liquid.