Abstract: The instant invention provides for a method of inhibiting prenyl-protein transferases and treating cancer which comprises administering to a mammal a prenyl-protein transferase inhibitor which is efficacious in vivo as an inhibitor of geranylgeranyl-protein transferase type I (GGTase-I). The invention also provides for a method of inhibiting farnesyl-protein transferase and geranylgeranyl-protein transferase type I by administering a compound that is a dual inhibitor of both of those prenyl-protein transferases. The invention also provides for a method of identifying such a compound, the method comprising a modified inhibitory assay that incorporates a modulator anion that alters the in vitro potency of prenyl-protein transferase inhibitors in a way that predicts their potency in vivo, thus providing convenient identification of compounds that possess such in vivo activity.

Abstract: A method is used to detect a location of contaminant entry in a processing fluid production and distribution system. A wafer is placed in a clean container. The clean container is connected to a test point within the processing fluid production and distribution system. Processing fluid from the test point of the processing fluid production and distribution system is allowed to flow through the clean container. The wafer is dried. The wafer is then tested for the existence of contaminants.

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 hydrogen sulfide analyzer that continuously samples waste water from a waste stream or reservoir and measures the concentration of purgeable H.sub.2 S present (H.sub.2 SP) This information, when combined with the volume of water present, provides a control quality signal that regulates the feed rate of the destructor chemical into the waste stream. This results in chemical savings for the user. A second result is the reduction in odor complaints and the corrosion problems associated with H.sub.2 S emissions. The analyzer measures only the purgeable H.sub.2 S contained in the liquid sample. The analyzer violently agitates the sample containing dissolved H.sub.2 S in solution to simulate actual conditions at points of agitation in the waste water stream. It also provides nearly optimal partial pressure conditions for the H.sub.2 S to exit the solution as a free gas. Any H.sub.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A method for testing and determining the alloy class of an aluminum alloy may be simply and easily carried out, for unequivocally determining the correct alloy class among the aluminum alloy classes 2XXX, 5XXX or 6XXX, and 7XXX, of the test sample. According to the method, the material sample is dissolved in hydrochloric acid (HCL) to prepare a first solution, then nitric acid (HNO.sub.3) is added drop-wise to the first solution in order to cause oxidation of any insoluble copper (Cu) therein and form a second solution, then a potassiumhexacyanoferrate (II) solution (K.sub.4 ?Fe(CN).sub.6 !) is added to the second solution to bring about a discoloration and precipitation reaction and form a final resulting solution. Finally, the applicable alloy class of the tested material sample is determined by visually categorizing the color and precipitation state of the resulting solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and process to reduce the oxidized mercury in an exhaust gas to elemental mercury and to prevent its reoxidation by congeneric components in the exhaust gas prior to the photometric measurement of said elemental mercury. In the process, the sample stream flows through a reactor heated to preferably about 800.degree. C. in which a stream of hydrogen is introduced directly into a hot portion thereof. The congeneric oxidized mercury species, i.e, HgCl.sub.2, and HgO are thermally reduced quantitatively to elemental mercury. The hydrogen reacts in situ with oxygen to form water vapor and with chlorine to form hydrochloride gas. The hydrochloride gas is effectively absorbed by the water vapor and consequently prevents the reoxidation of elemental mercury. The concentration of total mercury in a stream can then be determined by the intensity of radiation absorbed by a UV spectrometer.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus for analyzing the impurities in silicic material with high precision, includes a container having an inner space in which at least one analysis sample container and a sample decomposing solution are accommodated. The container is divided into a lid body and a lower body, each of the lid body and the lower body being opened at the division surface side thereof to form an open end and being closed at the surface side opposite to the division surface side to form a close end thereof. The inner peripheral surface of the open end of the lower body is formed in a stepwise shape so that the analysis sample container is disposed to be spaced from the surface of the decomposing solution which is stocked in the lower body, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the lid body and the lower body are smoothly continuously threadily engaged with each other through abutment faces thereof to keep the container in an appropriate hermetic level.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for detecting a first substance within a second substance, preferably for localizing diamonds in kimberlite rocks. The first substance, e.g. the diamonds, have a very long spin-lattice relaxation time (T.sub.1) in the order of hours. For rapidly detecting the first substance, the build-up of magnetization of a predetermined kind of nuclei, e.g. .sup.13 C, being abundant in the first substance only is shortened and the nuclear magnetic resonance of that kind of nuclei is measured thereafter. The shortening is executed within a pre-treatment station, whereas the measurement takes place within an analyzing station. The shortening and the measuring, respectively, are carried out within magnetic fields (B.sub.01, B.sub.02) of different field strengths.

Abstract: A continuous flow method of determining the quantitative isotopic composition of hydrogen comprised in a compound is disclosed, together with apparatus for carrying out the method. The method involves introducing the sample to be analysed into a flow of carrier gas which does not contain hydrogen, the carrier gas then being arranged to flow through a heated catalytic reactor which contain a chromium-based catalyst. The sample is pyrolysed in the catalytic reactor so as to form molecular hydrogen which is then analysed mass-spectrometrically. Preferably a gas chromatrograph is disposed before the catalytic reactor so that one or more components or a mixture may be separately analysed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction chamber, which includes a cylindrical vessel, with at one end, at least one inlet or outlet tube or lead-through fitted with a valve for a liquid or gaseous component. The other end of the vessel is open. The reaction chamber further comprises a plunger, which performs a reciprocating movement within the cylindrical vessel in axial direction through the open end of the vessel. The plunger tightens against the inner wall of the cylindrical vessel, and has at least one channel, in substantially axial direction, fitted with a valve or connected to a tube fitted with a valve. The invention relates also to an assay method based on the use of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method is described for quantitative determination of mercury present in a sample (liquid or solid). The method involves converting mercury compounds to elemental mercury, removing all elemental mercury from the sample in vapor form by means of vacuum, passing the mercury vapor through a column which absorbs and captures all of the mercury vapor by converting it to a halide compound, eluting the mercury halide from the column, and colorimetrically analyzing for the amount of mercury halide collected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively attracting and inhibiting attraction of at least one predetermined molecule to a site in a molecular detection device utilizes a first electrode and a second electrode proximate to the site. The first electrode selectively generates a first electric field proximate to the site in response to a first signal applied thereto. The first electric field provides an attractive force to attract the at least one predetermined molecule toward the site. The second electrode selectively generates a second electric field proximate to the site in response to a second signal applied thereto. The second electric field selectively inhibits attraction of the at least one predetermined molecule toward the site by providing a repulsive force which dominates the attractive force provided by the first electric field.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope, such as an atomic force microscope (AFM) or a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), is operated in a stationary mode on a site where an activity of interest occurs to measure and identify characteristic time-varying micromotions caused by biological, chemical, mechanical, electrical, optical, or physical processes. The tip and cantilever assembly of an AFM is used as a micromechanical detector of characteristic micromotions transmitted either directly by a site of interest or indirectly through the surrounding medium. Alternatively, the exponential dependence of the tunneling current on the size of the gap in the STM is used to detect micromechanical movement. The stationary mode of operation can be used to observe dynamic biological processes in real time and in a natural environment, such as polymerase processing of DNA for determining the sequence of a DNA molecule.

Abstract: A method and system for Very Low Temperature Ashing (VLTA). In one embodiment, there is provided a method of ashing solid fuel or combusted or partly combusted fuel or any organic and inorganic matrix which contains minerals in a furnace with a partial pressure less than atmospheric pressure including the step of mixing of oxygen and helium with a total pressure less than the atmospheric pressure and producing a plasma in which the mineral components in the samples are not being affected essentially, wherein the proportion of the gas mixture achieve a surface temperature not exceeding 150.degree. C. on the sample. In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a method of ashing solid fuel or combusted or partly combusted fuel or any organic and inorganic matrix which contains minerals in a surface with a plasma including the step of regulating the proportion between oxygen and helium by a reduction of oxygen content, wherein the surface temperature shall not exceed 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a degree of dispersion of an inorganic material in a composite material comprising an organic material having dispersed therein the inorganic material, the method comprising the steps of: forming a block sample of the composite material; dividing the block sample into a plurality of unit volume pieces; incinerating each of the unit volume pieces under an oxidative atmosphere; quantitatively determining the ash content of each of the unit volume pieces; and calculating the scatter of the inorganic material content within the plurality of unit volume pieces.

Abstract: A method for testing blood samples for determining lead content therein. The method utilizes filter collection paper that is spotted with a blood sample; the blood sample spotted thereon is allowed to dry. The dried blood sample on the paper is punched out in a predefined manner to obtain a uniform volume equivalent to a predefined volume of whole blood. A dilute aqueous acid reagent containing a surfactant wetting agent is utilized to remove the part of the blood sample containing the lead. The filter collection paper retains the hemoglobin and blood proteins thus yielding a protein free solution that is suitable for direct analysis of the trace lead elements. The dried blood sample may be easily stored and economically transported to testing laboratories where the dried blood sample may be eluted into a hemoglobin and protein free solution that is stable for weeks under proper storage conditions.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions useful as lightweight aggregates are formed from a blend of spent bed material from fluidized bed combustion and fly ash. The proportions of the blend are chosen so that ensuing reactions eliminate undesirable constituents. The blend is then mixed with water and formed into a shaped article. The shaped article is preferably either a pellet or a "brick" shape that is later crushed. The shaped articles are cured at ambient temperature while saturated with water. It has been found that if used sufficiently, the resulting aggregate will exhibit minimal dimensional change over time. The aggregate can be certified by also forming standardized test shapes, e.g., cylinders while forming the shaped articles and measuring the properties of the test shapes using standardized techniques including X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: A swab is impregnated with a test reagent such that a test for a specific substance can be effected by rubbing the impregnated swab over the surface to be tested and then viewing the swab for a reagent reaction. A method for testing for a substance includes impregnating a swab with a reagent, and rubbing the swab over a surface suspected of containing the substance. If the substance is present in the surface, a reaction with the substance produces an easily detectable color on the swab tip.

Abstract: A swab is impregnated with a test reagent such that a test for a specific substance can be effected by rubbing the impregnated swab over the surface to be tested and then viewing the swab for a reagent reaction. A method for testing for a substance includes impregnating a swab with a reagent, and rubbing the swab over a surface suspected of containing the substance. If the substance is present in the surface, a reaction with the substance produces an easily detectable color on the swab tip.

Abstract: An analytical method for determining aluminum in amino acids such as glycine. A complex of aluminum and dihydroxyazobenzene is formed by reacting the amino acid solution with a mixture of dihydroxyazobenzene and acetonitrile in the presence of a buffer to obtain a pH of between about 7 and 8. The resulting complex is analyzed for aluminum by high performance liquid chromatography. Minimization of aluminum contamination is achieved by reducing the number of reagents used in the procedure.

Abstract: A method for determining the time period since the death of a human cadaver deposited on soil by the steps of removing a sample of soil from beneath the cadaver, testing the sample for a concentration of a chemical which is indicative of the time since the death of the human cadaver, and correlating the concentration with the number of accumulated degree days (ADD) to determine the length of time since the death of the human cadaver. The chemicals include fatty acids, such as propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid, and inorganic ions, such as ammonium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate.

Abstract: Radioactively contaminated objects are placed into a borofluoric acid bath following a rough spot test and are precipitated in a measurable geometry on the cathode plates in the course of an electrolytic process, for example. In the course of the subsequent testing, the metals lying below a pre-determined maximum value of radioactive emissions are separated and supplied to the waste reclamation. The materials lying above this threshold value during the spot testing are first decontaminated and then placed in the acid bath. The borofluoric acid is not used up in this process and remains in the system. It is possible to use already radioactively contaminated boric acid from pressurized water reactors, to which it is merely required to add fluoric acid and to distill, for generating borofluoric acid. The method in accordance with the invention reduces the radioactive waste and reduces the testing and administrative effort required for the release of the non-radioactive materials.

Abstract: An indirect potentiometric method and diluent for the analysis of lithium are disclosed. The diluent includes effective amounts of a pH buffer, at least one lithium salt, and a non-cationic surfactant containing at least one hydrophobic group, at least one hydrophillic group and being substantially free of polyoxyethylene groups. Most preferably, the pH buffer is tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-phosphate, the lithium salt is lithium chloride, and the surfactant is 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7 diol.

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: A matrix modifier of finely-divided metallic palladium dispersed to contact a metal constituent to improve analysis of the constituent during graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The palladium interacts with a variety of metals in a sample to increase the vaporization temperatures of the metals. One way of contacting palladium with the metal analyte is to introduce it as a salt in solution with the sample into the graphite furnace along with a surfactant. A finely-divided metallic palladium having high surface area is produced in the furnace by introduction of hydrogen gas, which acts as a reducing agent, to reduce and maintain palladium in its metallic form at an early point in the temperature program, prior to evaporation of the surfactant.

Abstract: For the analysis of a sample in a method capable of wide application, the sample is reacted in a combustion reaction with elementary pure fluorine in a multiple molar excess in relation to the sample in a reactor of pure nickel so that the products of fluorination may be analyzed by spectrometry. A line spectrum can be produced in this manner, for example, from a silicon carbide sample combusted or reacted with elementary fluorine.

Abstract: Unsegmented, continuous flow analysis, FIA, has been modified for automated measurement of the amounts of metal and metalloids with volatile hydrides. The sample is injected into a continuous carrier flow of acid, and upon reaction with sodium borhydride in a mixing coil, a gaseous hydride is generated which is blown with a gas flow to a detector, preferably an electrically heated quartz tube, and the atomic absorption is measured. The chemical interferences from other substances have been eliminated to a substantial degree by kinetic discrimination. Samples of about 1-100 nanograms can be determined at a rate of 180 samples per hour and with a detection limit in the sub-ng range.

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: Techniques are described for extracting lead from a sample of potable water and analyzing for the amount of lead so extracted. A complexing agent is added to the water to form a complex with the lead. The water is then contacted with unmodified cellulosic or siliceous material on which the lead complex is retained. The complexed lead can be removed from the cellulosic or siliceous material with a weak acid. The amount of lead in the sample can be readily determined colorimetrically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a general assay methodology suitable for the detection of organic analytes which are neither aldehydes nor ketones and for inorganic substances. The methodology utilizes prepared sensitized films of derivatizing agents and specific developer solutions for the selective and controlled formation of light scattering crystals whose presence serves as a qualitative and/or quantitative measure of the individual analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: A process for producing a cordierite ceramic body by using a reclaimed cordierite composition for a cordierite ceramic article which has a composition similar to that of the cordierite ceramic body. The process includes the steps of: forming a desired formed body under a pressure by using a starting material which includes the recovered reclaimed cordierite composition, or a mixture of the reclaimed cordierite composition and a fresh cordierite composition; firing the formed body at a temperature between 1280.degree.-1330.degree. C. into a sample of the cordierite ceramic body; measuring a reaction ratio (R) between the amount of protoenstatite and cordierite crystals present in the sample; and formulating the starting material so that the reaction ratio (R) is 0.3 or less.

Abstract: A matrix modifier of finely-divided metallic palladium dispersed to contact a metal constituent to improve analysis of the constituent during graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The palladium interacts with a variety of metals in a sample to increase the vaporization temperatures of the metals. One way of contacting palladium with the metal analyte is to introduce it as a salt in solution with the sample into the graphite furnace along with a surfactant. A finely-divided metallic palladium having high surface area is produced in the furnace by introduction of hydrogen gas, which acts as a reducing agent, to reduce and maintain palladium in its metallic form at an early point in the temperature program, prior to evaporation of the surfactant.

Abstract: Diborane is detected in air with high sensitivity (ppb range) and selectivity. The invention is thus suitable for the monitoring of work places and rooms, the emission of plants, etc. The detection is based on an aerosol ionization gas analysis. In addition to an amine, a reagent which does not react with amine is added to the air stream and reacts with the diborane to form a compound which forms aerosols with the amine. The aerosols obtained by this reaction constitute the main measuring effect. When using SO.sub.2 in concentration.gtoreq.3.5 ppm, disturbances due to the SO.sub.2 content of the air are eliminated.

Abstract: A solid detecting reagent for gaseous hydrides and a gaseous hydride detecting method are disclosed, said reagent comprising a basic copper carbonate as a color changing component and undergoing color change upon contact with at least one gaseous hydride selected from the group consisting of arsine, phosphine, diborane, hydrogen selenide, germane, monosilane, disilane and dichlorosilane. The reagent is applicable to all of these gaseous hydrides and, upon contact therewith, rapidly changes from an initial blue color to a black color, said black color standing for a long period of time.

Abstract: Gaseous selenium is detected and quantitatively determined at a temperature lower than the temperatures employed in the atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis method of the prior art. This is achieved by directing a spectrum line with a wavelength of 335 nm or by two or more spectrum lines having wavelengths of 324 nm, 326 nm, 328 nm, 330 nm, 332.5 nm, 335 nm, 337.5 nm, 340 nm, 342 nm, 344.5 nm, 347 nm, 350 nm, 352.5 nm, 355 nm, 357.3 nm and 360 nm upon gaseous selenium at a temperature of lower than the atomizing temperature of selenium, measuring the absorption of the incident spectrum line by the gaseous selenium and detecting and quantitatively determining the selenium from the peak height of this intensity.

Abstract: An on-stream method and apparatus for measuring the content of a mineral constituent in a flowing slurried ore on a dry weight basis, is provided. The slurry density and flow rate, and optionally temperature, are measured to calculate a period of time during which the flowing slurry is diverted into a vessel in order to collect a target mass of ore solids therein. The time period is preferably calculated according to the following formula: ##EQU1## wherein: t is the period of time (sec);M.sub.solid is the selected target mass of the ore (g);Q.sub.slurry is the measured mass flow rate of the slurry (g/sec);p.sub.water is the density of water (g/cm.sup.3);p.sub.slurry is the measured density of the slurry (g/cm.sup.3); andp.sub.solid is the known density of the ore solids contained in the slurry (g/cm.sup.3).The slurry flow is then diverted into the vessel for the duration of the calculated time period.

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

Abstract: A process for the removal of and analysis of phosphine and arsine impurities in silane gas. Silane gas which normally contains the impurities of AsH.sub.3 and PH.sub.3 is contacted with a solution of NaAlH.sub.4 in dimethoxyethane, other ether or amine to remove the impurities therefrom. The dimethoxyethane or other ether solution may then be hydrolyzed with water or alcohol to evolve hydrogen gas from the NaAlH.sub.4 and to re-evolve phosphine and arsine which may then be quantitatively determined by gas chromatography, atomic absorption, or other means.

Abstract: A method for preparing a chlorosilane sample to enable colorimetric detection of the presence of minute amounts of boron impurities is provided. Detection of boron impurities below five parts per billion is contemplated.

Abstract: According to the present invention volatile hydrides such as diborane, arsine, phosphine and the like are made to react with mercuric oxide at room temperature to produced mercury atom, the concentration of which is thereafter measured and the concentration of volatile hydrides is determined in accordance with the corresponding measured mercury atom concentration. As the measuring apparatus according to the present invention is made to measure mercury atom, it can easily detect even extremely small quantity of substances such as volatile hydrides and respond quickly, thus enabling the apparatus to be suitably used as a monitor in semiconductor industry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preparation of a liquid sample for the quantitative determination of boron by flame photometry. The sample is combined in a vessel with sulfuric acid, and an excess of methanol is added thereto. The methanol reacts with any boron present in the sample to form trimethyl borate which is volatilized by the heat of reaction between the excess methanol and sulfuric acid. The volatilized trimethyl borate is withdrawn from the vessel by either a partial vacuum or a positive pressure and is rapidly transferred to a standard flame photometer. The method is free of interference from typical boron concomitants.