Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to joint inflammation diseases. Disclosed is the relationship between osteoclasts and inflammatory joint diseases and osteoclast precursor cells.

Abstract: A method for identifying a product includes providing a solid body (10) fabricated from at least a molecularly imprinted polymer having molecular sized cavities (12) adapted to selectively receive and bind molecules (50) having a specific taggant molecular structure (51), the molecular sized cavities (12) disposed on a portion of an exterior surface (11) of the body (10), and applying to the surface of the body a composition containing indicator molecules (50) having a taggant moiety (51) at one end and a marking function group (53) tethered to the taggant moiety (51) by a molecular chain the taggant moieties (51) engaging and binding to the molecular sized cavities (12) so as to mark the portion of the surface (11) of the body (10) with the indicator molecules (50) bound thereto, the marking functional groups (53) rendering the marked portion of the surface (11) perceptible with or without detection instrumentation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of matter are disclosed for creating tags such as SERS nanotags which are dispersible in an organic solvent. The tags are inherently hydrophilic and may be made dispersible in an organic solvent by associating the tag with an amphiphilic polymer. Alternatively, a tag may be associated with a surfactant. In another embodiment a tag having an encapsulant of a silicon containing material may be made dispersible in an organic solvent by modifying the encapsulant surface with a hydrophobic silane. In addition, a tag having an encapsulant of a silicon containing material may be modified by the esterification of the encapsulant with an alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g. a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of qualitatively analyzing high-molecular additives in a metal plating solution, including: removing sulfate ions and metal ions from a metal plating solution; and qualitatively analyzing the metal plating solution, from which sulfate ions and metal ions are removed, using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS). The method is advantageous in that the structure and molecular weight of high-molecular additives present in very small amounts in a plating solution can be accurately measured while maintaining the specific structure and molecular weight thereof without degrading the high-molecular additives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for quantifying antigen, such as the amount expressed on a cell. The method comprises formulating an equation of correlation between the amount expressed of expressed antigen and the intensity of fluorescence from fluorescent labelled antibody.

Abstract: An investigation process includes dispersing particulate taggants at a transit point with recordation of the transit point location. A subject passing the transit point has adhered to them at least one taggant from the transit point. Collection of the at least one taggant from the area of investigation allows an investigator to assign the location of the dispersal step to a path taken by the subject between the transit point and the area of investigation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for automatic encrypted marking of liquids and for identifying liquids marked by using this method. For marking certain number of markers is selected and for every marker a random number is generated, which define the amount of a marker used. Based on the number of markers, their measured concentrations and the relation of markers concentrations in the marked liquid, a specific marking code is compiled, characteristic only for this liquid. The marking code is encrypted and delivered to an authorized user. The encrypted marking code is decrypted and for identifying the liquid the original parameters contained in the marking code are compared with parameters actually measured on-site. This identification is carried out automatically in real time without any need for laboratory analyses, thus practically excluding human factor in both the marking and identification processes.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bioconjugation strategy and compounds that are useful therein in which a fluorescent signal is produced when two molecular or supramolecular entities are linked by chemoselective combination of one linker having an azido or halide substituent group with another linker having a cyano or an alkyne substituent group. A kit is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy.

Abstract: The first method for iterative solution-phase biomolecule synthesis is described. The method requires only 3 or fewer equivalents of building block at each coupling cycle, and incorporates a FSPE step at the end of each coupling/deprotection sequence to eliminate most byproducts.

Abstract: Multifunctional nanocomposites are provided including a core of either a magnetic material or an inorganic semiconductor, and, a shell of either a magnetic material or an inorganic semiconductor, wherein the core and the shell are of differing materials, such multifunctional nanocomposites having multifunctional properties including magnetic properties from the magnetic material and optical properties from the inorganic semiconductor material. Various applications of such multifunctional nanocomposites are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are compounds capable of covalently binding to a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP). The compounds comprise Formula A: Also provided are compositions comprising one of the above compounds covalently bound to a member of the PTP superfamily, methods of labeling a PTP using the compounds, methods of isolating a PTP from a mixture of proteins using the compounds, methods of evaluating whether a substance is an inhibitor of a PTP using the compounds, methods of evaluating the specificity of an inhibitor of a PTP using the compounds, methods of identifying a PTP involved in a disease in a mammal using the compounds, and methods of diagnosing a disease in a mammal using the compounds.

Abstract: Compounds of methamphetamine derivatives having a meta-substituted alkyl linker on the benzene ring and a protective group on the nitrogen of the methamphetamine hapten. Such compounds have the structure. wherein R1 is an alkyl linker comprising 2-15 carbon atoms and 0-6 heteroatoms, R2 is a leaving group, and R3 is a protecting group.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for leak testing the ventilation system of an environmental enclosure using a gas that is naturally present in ambient air, such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, or carbon dioxide, as a tracer gas. In one embodiment, a gas filter capable of filtering all of the tracer gas from the air flowing through the filter is installed in the ventilation system. Testing is performed by operating the ventilation system to cause outside air to flow through the filter and into the enclosure so as to establish positive pressurization inside the enclosure. A gas monitor placed inside the enclosure is used to detect for the presence of leaks in the ventilation system by monitoring the concentration of the tracer gas inside the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides a calibrating method for use in a method of determining the quantity of an analyte labelled with an AMS isotope in a test sample, said calibrating method comprising: (i) contacting a plurality of samples contaminated with neither said analyte nor a non-labelled counterpart analyte with a known quantity of said counterpart analyte and a quantity C of analyte to afford a plurality of calibrating samples, wherein each of said calibrating samples contains a known quantity of counterpart analyte but a different quantity of C; (ii) measuring by AMS the quantity C of analyte added to each of the plurality of samples; (iii) separating the analyte and counterpart analyte from other species in the plurality of samples to afford a plurality of purified samples; (iv) measuring a quantity A of analyte in said purified samples by AMS; and (v) measuring a quantity B of counterpart analyte in said purified samples.

Abstract: A family of minimally cross-hybridizing nucleotide sequences, methods of use, etc. A specific family of 210 24mers is described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the measurement of carbon dioxide leakage from sequestration reservoirs. Tracer moieties are injected along with carbon dioxide into geological formations. Leakage is monitored by gas chromatographic analyses of absorbents. The invention also provides a process for the early leak detection of possible carbon dioxide leakage from sequestration reservoirs by measuring methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and/or radon (Rn) leakage rates from the reservoirs. The invention further provides a method for branding sequestered carbon dioxide using perfluorcarbon tracers (PFTs) to show ownership.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the capture, detection, separation, isolation and quantification of contaminants in a starting material. Also disclosed are competitive assay methods for the detection and quantification of contaminants in a starting material. Kits for use with the method are disclosed as well. A system for capturing, separating and/or concentrating contaminants from a material is also presented. The system captures, separates and/or concentrates contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, and/or larger items, such as insects, from a variety of materials, such as food, and environmental and clinical materials. In general, the system uses a rotating magnetic field to mix the material with magnetic particles to capture the target contaminants, and a fixed magnetic field to separate and concentrate the captured target contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel chemiluminescent compounds, to a method for synthesizing these compounds, to derivatives and conjugates comprising these compounds, to the use of these compounds or conjugates thereof in chemiluminescence based assays, especially in immunoassays.

Abstract: The use of sucrose polyester containing behenate fatty acid chains as a non-absorbable fat marker to determine total dietary fat absorption by the digestive tract of a subject. A test food for use in measuring fat absorption contains a non-absorbable fat and a dietary fat. The method is useful for diagnostic testing for diagnosing malabsorption of dietary fat by the digestive tract of the subject, and impairment of dietary fat digestion in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-stable labeling reagent of formula (0): in which: R1 represents H or an alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl group, R2 represents a detectable marker or at least two detectable markers interlinked by at least one multimeric structure, L is a linker arm comprising a linear chain of at least two covalent bonds and n is an integer equal to 0 or 1, R3 and R4 represent, independently of one another: H, NO2, Cl, Br, F, I, R2-(L)n-Y—X—, OR, SR, NR2, R, NHCOR, CONHR, COOR, —CO—NH—(CH2)3—(O—CH2—CH2)3—CH2—NH—R2, —CO—NH—(CH2)3—(O—CH2—CH2)4—CH2—NH—R2 with R=alkyl or aryl, A is a linker arm comprising at least one covalent double bond enabling the conjugation of the diazo function with the aromatic ring and u is an integer between 0 and 2, preferably 0 or 1, —Y—X— represents —CONH—, —NHCO—, —CH2O—, —CH2S—, —Z— represents —NH—, —NHCO—, —CONH— or —O—, m is an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 1 and 3, and p is an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 1 and 3

Abstract: An authentication system uses the unique distribution of an invisible taggant as a “signature” to identify an item. The verification is error tolerant. The taggant is made visible to a camera by special illumination. Inert taggants, with no optical activity, can be made visible by their thermal properties.

Abstract: Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs.

Abstract: Disclosed are high throughput assay systems and methods for identifying agents that alter the level of expression of proteins in mammalian cells, particularly integral membrane proteins.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to lamotrigine analogs that have substituents at the triazine 3-position and on the benzene 4-position and 5-position. The lamotrigine analogs can include immunogenic moieties that can be used to prepare anti-lamotrigine antibodies, or antigenic moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays for lamotrigine. Also, the lamotrigine analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the lamotrigine analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with lamotrigine for binding with anti-lamotrigine antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic method and to marker substances which enable manipulations in endogenic marking to be detected and thus prevented. According to the invention, a metabolizable substance is added to non-metabolizable marker substances, said metabolizable substance revealing a manipulation when detected in excreta.

Abstract: Methods for differentially identifying cells in an instrument employ compositions containing a combination of selected antibodies and fluorescent dyes having different cellular distribution patterns and specificities, as well as antibodies and fluorescent dyes characterized by overlapping emission spectra which form non-compensatable spectral patterns. When utilizing the compositions described herein consisting of fluorescent dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies with overlapping spectra that cannot be separated or distinguished based upon optical or electronic compensation means, a new fluorescent footprint is established. This new fluorescent footprint is a result of the overlapping spectra and the combined cellular staining patterns of the dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies chosen for the composition. The new fluorescent footprint results in histogram patterns that are useful for the identification of additional cell populations or subtypes in hematological disease.

Abstract: A marking system that allows remote observations of visual and infrared electromagnetic signatures emitted from a distinctive marker panel. A kit employing such panels is particularly suitable for military environments, which, in turn, enhances the survivability of military equipment. The marking system preferably provides a signature in the mid and far infrared and near infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, such that the electromagnetic radiation can be observed by a pilot in an approaching moving object such as a plane, helicopter, or land vehicle that is equipped with a thermal imaging system or light intensifier device, even in adverse environmental conditions. In varying embodiments, the marking system may be used as a landing marker, a bore sight panel, and an identification panel. Utilization of passive infrared material enables use of such marking system when external power is unavailable.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising immunoassays for the detection of antigens and antibodies in a sample are described. In particular, the present invention provides assays that are useful for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple different antigens and antibodies. In preferred embodiments, the assays include fluorescent labels of multiple wavelengths or intensities, which are used to label the antigens and antibodies directly and to label beads coated with molecules specific for the antigen or antibody. The detection of a fluorescence shift indicates the presence or identity of the antigen or antibody in the sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to the remote detection of explosives and other harmful materials. In some such embodiments, such remote detection involves the use of semiconducting nanoparticles. In some or other such embodiments, such remote detection involves the use of photoacoustic detection and/or spectroscopy. In some such latter embodiments, the photoacoustic system comprises a light source 201 that passes through a chopper 202 and into a photoacoustic cell 203 comprising the analyte gas. Pressure waves within the cell are detected as sound waves by microphones 204. The signal produced by the microphones can then be amplified and transmitted to a remote location, typically via a wireless means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) that is simple, cost-effective, non-instrumental, and environmentally robust. Illustrative embodiments provide a material that responds by a color change and/or a change, in fluorescence when exposed to the toxic-chemical vapors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of compression refrigeration and air conditioning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a tracer-containing compositions comprising refrigeration/heating fluid and tracer compound(s). Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for detecting tracer compounds to identify gases after leaving the custody of the original manufacturer or prior source, and the verification of authenticity. The aforementioned method provides for the detection of tracer compounds, which in turn, may alert the refrigeration industry to when dilution, adulteration, contamination or other unauthorized practices have occurred with refrigeration products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring and calibrating sample injection volume or mobile phase delivery rate of any type of micropumps or their integrated systems by using the direct proportion of the total activity (or mass) to the delivery rate (or volume) of a radiochemical nuclide with known activity in a certain time period. Also, the present invention may adjust the range of measurement and calibration from micro-liter (?L) to pico-liter (pL) or from ?L/min to pL/min by selecting nuclide species and their concentrations from different liquid calibration radiation sources.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides fluorescent probes and assays. The probes include a fluorophore-quencher pair that undergoes a switch from dark to fluorescent in response to a reaction of the quencher. The switch of the probe from dark to fluorescent is typically mediated by an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, interfering with its ability to quench fluorescence emission from the fluorophore. In another aspect, the invention provides a reporter gene assay system and methods of using this system. The assay system includes a fluorophore-quencher probe and an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, increasing the fluorescent emission of the fluorophore. In still other aspects, the invention provides nucleic acid constructs and cells expressing the peptide products of these constructs. In assays of the invention, the presence of a target substance is detected by the switching of fluorescence mediated by the change in oxidation state of the quencher.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of N,N?-dialkyleneoxy-substituted 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone colorants which contain a low percentage of impurities, to a process to make the compositions, and also to the use of the compositions thus prepared for coloring consumer products.

Abstract: Near-infrared molecular assays can be used to detect small quantities of a molecule of interest in vivo or in vitro using laser dyes. A hand-held portable device is provided which can rapidly read small quantities of selected molecular tags in tissues of fish or other animals in the field. The device is composed of four components: (1) a light source, such as a laser diode; (2) a sample holder; (3) an optical system; and (4) a detector.

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

Abstract: When a liquid mixture of two samples such as biological samples labeled with stable isotopes is subjected to a relative quantitative analysis using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system, various constituents are simultaneously ionized. Accordingly, sufficient time required for second mass spectrometry is not ensured, whereby some ions remain unanalyzed after measurement. To address this problem, after second mass spectrometry, amino acid sequencing is performed using the analysis data of the second mass spectrometry, which enables determination on the presence/absence of a specific amino acid labeled with a stable isotope. When the specific amino acid is present, the m/z value of an isotopically-labeled-paired ion in an MS spectrum is calculated, and non-target information for use in second mass spectrometry is created using the calculated m/z information.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to systems and techniques for assessing a risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a patient by measuring one or more biochemical markers that reflect the health of a patient. Typically, the patient submits a sample, such as a blood sample, which is tested for one or more biomarkers. Based upon the results of the tests, the patient's risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia may be assessed. When the patient is found to be at risk, the patient may receive an implantable medical device or drug therapy to address the risk.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting antibody in a sample, where the antibody targets an antigen expressed by red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts. Rather than detecting the binding events between a particular antigen antibody pair (as in traditional agglutination based assays) the methods herein allow for multiplexed detection of clinically important allo-immune antibodies to blood group antigens. Specifically the method involves generating fluorescently encoded red blood cells or red blood cell ghosts with known antigen presentation and using them to detect the presence of antibody in serum/plasma with a fluorescent sandwich type immunoassay. The assay results can be read using flow cytometric or fluorescent microscope based imaging techniques.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: A method for the detection or quantitation of unlabeled target analyte in a biological sample, the method comprising labeling a target analyte for a biological sample suspected of containing unlabeled target analyte with an acridinium compound to form a labeled target analyte and providing the labeled target analyte to the biological sample, or providing the labeled target analyte to the biological sample, wherein the acridinium compound comprises an acridinium nucleus having an electron-donating substituent directly attached to the acridinium nucleus, with the electron-donating substituent attached at the C2 position. Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds useful in the method have emission maxima close to or in the near infrared (NIR) region (>590 nm).

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for radiolabeling, particularly methods and apparatus for large scale in-line radiolabeling of products, such as proteins and antibodies.

Abstract: A method for quantitative monitoring of a gas injected into a reservoir and likely to react chemically with the injection medium includes injecting into a reservoir a mixture of the potentially reactive gas to be quantified with a low proportion of a tracer gas whose chemical inertness is total, and in determining the variation with time of the initial proportion of reactive gas that may have disappeared through conversion, by measuring the concentration variation of the tracer gas in the mixture. The tracer gas is preferably selected from the rare gas family and from isotopes thereof, unlikely to be contaminated by contact of the mixture with the injection medium, and which have physical properties such as solubility in water or diffusion coefficients as close as possible to the gas injected. The method is applicable to monitoring of the evolution and conversion of a reactive gas such as carbon dioxide or methane, injected into an underground reservoir for example.

Abstract: The invention provides a particle comprising a surface, wherein a portion of the surface is capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and another portion of the surface is capable of emitting a differential electromagnetic radiation (either different intensity, different frequency or no radiation), and wherein the arrangement of said portions of the surface defines a spatially distributed code for identifying the particle. The invention also provides method of manufacturing a particle having an identifying code comprising providing a particle with a functionalized surface which comprises functional binding moieties and selectively removing a plurality of the functional binding moieties from the surface to create a pattern of functionalized and differentially-functionalized zones on the surface. Various liquid-based assay methods employing the particle of the invention and a kit comprising the particle of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A general immunoglobulin-target assay system is provided, in which a positive outcome (the generation of a signal) depends only on the intracellular interaction of immunoglobulin with target. This can be accomplished for many immunoglobulins expressed in yeast and/or in mammalian cells and allows the selection of immunoglobulins which are capable of functioning in an intracellular environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides hapten derivatives useful for the preparation of antigens, antibodies and reagents for use in immunoassays for the detection of LSD and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD. In the present invention, the 2-oxy LSD nucleus is derivatized out of the indole nitrogen to form an aminoalkyl derivative. The resulting haptens can then be further modified at this functionalized position for linking to appropriate immunogenic or labeling groups to provide reagents for immunoassays having substantially equal specificity for both LSD and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD.

Abstract: A method of rapidly assaying nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity in white blood cells contained within a blood sample. A method according to the invention includes the steps of: (a) labeling the white blood cells with a white blood cell-specific label; (b) depolarizing the labeled white blood cells with an isotonic depolarizing solution; (c) contacting the labeled white blood cells with a dye and a P2X7 agonist in an amount sufficient to activate nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity; (d) contacting the labeled white blood cells with a divalent cation in an amount sufficient to deactivate nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity; and (e) analyzing dye uptake in labeled white blood cells whereby nucleotide receptor P2X7 pore activity is quantified by the amount of dye taken up in labeled white blood cells treated with P2X7 agonist relative to labeled white blood cells in the absence of P2X7 agonist.

Abstract: A polymer comprising a tagging material is provided wherein the tagging material comprises at least one organic fluorophore dye, or at least one inorganic fluorophore, or at least one organometallic fluorophore, or at least one semi-conducting luminescent nanoparticle, or combination thereof, wherein the tagging material has a temperature stability of at least about 350° C. and is present in a sufficient quantity such that the tagging material is detectible via a spectrofluorometer at an excitation wavelength in a range between about 100 nanometers and about 1100 nanometers. Further embodiments of the present invention include a method for identifying a polymer and an article comprising a polymer wherein the polymer contains the aforementioned tagging material.