Abstract: A sample tube assembly incorporating a fluid-tight label chamber, said label chamber being fused to or forming part of the body of the sample tube. The invention also includes a sample tube assembly wherein the tube assembly comprises; a tube portion, the bottom of which is adapted to accept an end cap; and end cap adapted to be joined to the bottom of the tube portion; and a label chamber provided in use by a space between the bottom or outer surface of the bottom of the tube portion and the inner surface of the end cap; and wherein the end cap is fused, welded or otherwise joined to the bottom of the tube portion to provide a fluid tight-seal.

Abstract: A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least first and second miscible markers. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. The detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit (22) for initiation of testing, for processing of detection signal from the detectors, and for display of readout information. Processor and control unit (22) can include a look up table (23) for storing information about marking patterns, a comparison element (35) for comparing measured values with values supplied by look up table (23), and a display (30).

Abstract: Use of 13C glucose in an analytical assay to monitor glucose metabolism by measurement of labeled exhaled CO2 is provided. A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: A device for preparing a radioactive water solution to be infused in a patient includes a reaction chamber (13) in which radioactive water vapour is formed by the catalysed reaction of oxygen gas containing oxygen-15 and hydrogen gas. A diffusion chamber (14) is provided which allows the radioactive water to penetrate, but which prevents the penetration of gasses. Tubes (26) and valves (16, 18) direct a sterile saline solution to the diffusion chamber (14), and then direct the saline solution containing radioactive water out from the diffusion chamber to a patient, or to a decay coil (22) being a part of the device. A measuring instrument is provided for measuring the radioactivity of the radioactive solution. The device is characterized in that the diffusion chamber (14), the tubes (26) the valves (16, 18), the radioactivity measuring instrument (17), and preferably also the reaction chamber 913), are mounted in the same frame 50, whereby they form a separate unit i.e.

Abstract: The method for screening binding between a target binder and potential pharmaceutical chemicals involves sending a solution (preferably an aqueous solution) of the target binder through a conduit to a size exclusion filter, the target binder being too large to pass through the size exclusion filter, and then sending a solution of one or more potential pharmaceutical chemicals (preferably an aqueous solution) through the same conduit to the size exclusion filter after target binder has collected on the filter. The potential pharmaceutical chemicals are small enough to pass through the filter. Afterwards, x-rays are sent from an x-ray source to the size exclusion filter, and if the potential pharmaceutical chemicals form a complex with the target binder, the complex produces an x-ray fluorescence signal having an intensity that indicates that a complex has formed.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting contaminant gases includes a converter, a detector, a primary channel for delivering a target gas sample through the converter to the detector, and at least two scrubbing channels for delivering a reference gas sample through the converter to the detector. Each of the scrubbing channels includes a scrubber for removing basic nitrogen compounds from the reference gas sample, while the primary channel preferably transmits the target gas sample without scrubbing. The converter converts gaseous nitrogen compounds in the target gas sample to an indicator gas, such as nitric oxide (NO), and a control system directs the flow of a gas sample among the primary channel and the scrubbing channels. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the basic-nitrogen-compound concentration can be measured by comparing the concentration of the indicator gas detected in the reference sample with the detected indicator-gas concentration in the target sample.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and testing methods for evaluating a fluid diffusion component. The apparatus includes a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction, a half-cell electrode assembly able to receive the fluid, and a change in acidity indicator in communication with the assembly. An inventive method of the invention includes the steps of passing a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction through a half-cell electrode assembly to form a sample, contacting the sample with an indicator, and detecting a change in acidity in the indicator.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a tracer in a preparation by precipitating a coloring agent from a sample of the preparation, especially where the coloring agent otherwise interferes with detection of the tracer. A sample of the preparation may be contacted with an effective amount of a precipitating agent to precipitate the coloring agent in the sample, yielding a sample supernatant having a reduced concentration of coloring agent compared to the preparation. Detection of the tracer in the supernatant may produce a result which may be evaluated to assist in quality validation in a process of manufacturing the preparation or authenticating the preparation.

Abstract: System (50) for marking a fluid by a marker, the fluid flowing from a source to a destination, the system including a sensor (58) for determining a value of a fluid property and a fluid flow controller (54) for admitting a selected amount of the marker to the fluid, wherein the selected amount is determined according to the fluid value and a predetermined concentration of the marker in the fluid in the destination.

Abstract: A method of increasing the fluorous nature of a compound includes the step of reacting the compound with at least one second compound having the formula: wherein Rf is a fluorous group, Rs is a spacer group, d is 1 or 0, m is 1, 2 or 3, Ra is an alkyl group and X is a suitable leaving group. A compound has the formula: wherein Rf is a fluorous group, n is an integer between 0 and 6, m is 1, 2 or 3, Ra is an alkyl group and X is a leaving group.

Abstract: The invention relates to new traceless linkers which use transition metal complexes to link a &pgr;-orbital containing substrate for subsequent synthesis by, for example, combinatorial chemistry or multiple parallel synthesis (MPS) to a support.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for characterizing (i.e., identification and/or quantitation) the phosphorylation states of proteins. Proteins may be post-transcriptionally modified such that they contain phosphate groups at either some or all of their serine, threonine, tyrosine, histidine, and/or lysine amino acid residues. In many cases the extent to which a protein is phosphorylated determines it bioactivity, i.e., its ability to effect cell functions such as differentiation, division, and metabolism. Hence, a powerful tool for diagnosing various diseases and for furthering the understanding of protein—protein interactions is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides method for the evaluation of washing or cleaning techniques on a substrate comprising: i. applying a selective indicator system on the substrate to be evaluated; ii. washing the substrate with water and/or detergent containing composition; and ii. contacting the washed surface with an indicator complimentary developer, whereby inadequate washing is indicated when upon contacting of the developer it acts on the unwashed indicator to develop a colour indicative of the insufficient washing or cleaning.

Abstract: Method for invisibly marking a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon. The method comprises adding to the liquid petroleum hydrocarbon at least one dye selected from the group consisting of 1,4,5,8-tetrasubstituted anthraquinones and anthraquinone dimers. The absorption maximum of the dye(s) is in the range from 710 nm to 850 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides photoluminescent markers consisting essentially of fluorene copolymers, which are colorless or nearly colorless to the naked eye and exhibit strong photoluminescence between about 380-800 nm upon exposure to ultra-violet radiation or laser light. The soluble fluorene copolymers described in this invention having a general formula as shown in Formula 1. where: R1 and R2 are C1-C24 linear or branched alkyl chain, n is the number of repeating unit, M is a co-monomer unit having structures chosen to impart distinct physical or chemical properties to the marker. Also provided in the present invention are methods of use of the markers for tagging solid or liquid products and methods to detect said markers.

Abstract: Freestanding particles comprising a plurality of segments, wherein the particle length is from 10 nm to 50 &mgr;m and the particle width is form 5 nm to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of specifying a batch, lot, or shipment of particulate material by using at least one interfacial potential property value to specify the batch, lot, or shipment of particulate material. A method of representing a grade, brand, or type of particulate material is also disclosed. At least one morphological value and/or chemical value may also be included. The values can be included on a product specification sheet.

Abstract: A photoactive moiety exhibiting an anisotropic transition dipole. The moiety exhibits emission of polarized light in response to energy absorption. In a preferred embodiment, the moiety comprises a particle from the group consisting of a crystalline arrangement of photoactive molecules and a photoactive nanocrystal. The moiety may include a matrix in which photoactive objects exhibiting an anisotropic emission dipole are embedded. The moiety may be photobleached to product the anisotropy and the photoactive objects may have a one dimensional transition dipole in their natural state.

Abstract: A method of speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS) which will permit determination of concentrations of one or more species from a sample even if the sample has been subjected to species conversion prior to species separation or degradation or incomplete separation exists. At least one predetermined stable isotope is spiked to convert the stable isotope to a speciated enriched isotope corresponding to the specie or species to be measured in the sample. The sample containing the species to be measured is spiked and the isotopic spiked specie and species to be measured are equilibrated. The species are separated from the sample and an isotope ratio determination for each specie to be measured is made. The species concentrations are then mathematically deconvoluted while correcting for species conversion and/or incomplete separation. The method may be employed to validate other methods. The method may also be employed in the preparation and analysis of speciated standard reference materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-sensitive, inexpensive biochip reader for reading a biochip as compared to a fluorescence method. The biochip reader is provided with an X-Y stage (3) for mounting a biochip (6) and scanning the biochip (6) in a two-dimensional manner, a controller (4) for the X-Y stage, a magnetic sensor (1) for reading the magnetic field strength, an ohmmeter (2), and a computer (5) for signal processing. As a result, a high-performance, inexpensive biochip reader can be provided without using an expensive laser or an expensive optical system, by employing a magnetic sensor and a disk driving mechanism generally used in a hard disk drive and the like.

Abstract: A discrimination mark having both a simple authentication function by perceptual recognition and an accurate authentication function by mechanical recognition enabled by using a combination of a mark having an authentication function by perceptual recognition with a substance having a content of a table isotope different from the natural abundance. The S/N ratio can be made large in making a mechanical recognition, so that the authentication by mechanical recognition can be implemented with high accuracy. The substance having a controlled content of a stable isotope different from the natural abundance is a rate one itself and difficult to produce. As a result, this discrimination mark has a high security level.

Abstract: Method intended for quantitative monitoring of a gas injected into a reservoir and likely to react chemically with the injection medium.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: A method of measuring inductance or inductive reactance of a sample is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an instrument for measuring the inductance or the inductive reactance of the sample; (b) subjecting a portion of the instrument to different temperatures and recording data corresponding to the performance of the instrument portion at each temperature; (c) measuring the inductance or the inductive reactance of the sample using the instrument; and (d) correcting the measurement of inductance or inductive reactance for temperature based on the performance data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and controlling the cleaning of membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention uses detectable amounts of one or more inert fluorescent tracers added to a membrane cleaning process stream to evaluate and control the removal of contaminants and impurities during cleaning. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: In a method of marking hydrocarbons by addition of at least one first marker, at least one second marker which cannot be removed completely from the hydrocarbons under the conditions of the removal of the first marker or markers is additionally added to the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the analysis of a gaseous component or of a component that can be transformed into gaseous form (23) of a sample (5) which provides that the sample (5) is filled into a sample receptacle (2) through a receptacle opening (4), and an analysis receptacle (7), which was previously supplied with a tracer reagent, is then by way of its receptacle opening (4) connected with the receptacle opening (4) of sample receptacle (2) via an adapter (10), after which step the component (23) is expelled from the sample receptacle (2) and into the analysis receptacle (7) wherein the analysis receptacle (7) is connected with the outside atmosphere in such a manner that a pressure compensation can take place. The invention further relates to a test kit, in particular, a test kit for implementing the method.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for monitoring drug compliance by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient after medication is taken, wherein such markers result either directly from the medication itself or from an additive combined with the medication. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial noses” or “electronic noses,” to non-invasively monitor compliance. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking compliance (remote or proximate) and providing the necessary alerts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the selected chemical activation of photo-activatable cross-linker molecules around ligand binding pockets and fluorescent groups in macromolecules, especially biological macromolecules, by using fluorescent ligands of the macromolecule and by selecting photo-activatable cross-linker molecules having specific activation energies so that a radiationless energy transfer (Förster transfer) from the fluorescent ligands to the cross-linker molecules, which become activated thereby, takes place.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes time-resolved fluorescence to detect the signals generated by excited fluorescent labels. Because the labels can have relatively long emission lifetime, short-lived background interference can be practically eliminated through delayed fluorescence detection. In addition, the resulting fluorescent reader can have a simple and inexpensive design. For instance, in one embodiment, the reader can utilize a silicon photodiode and a pulsed light-emitting diode (LED) to accurately excite labels and detect fluorescence on a membrane-based assay device without requiring the use of expensive components, such as monochromators or narrow emission band width optical filters.

Abstract: Use of 13C glucose in an analytical assay to monitor glucose metabolism by measurement of labeled exhaled CO2 is provided. A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: A photoactive moiety exhibiting an anisotropic transition dipole. The moiety exhibits emission of polarized light in response to energy absorption. In a preferred embodiment, the moiety comprises a particle from the group consisting of a crystalline arrangement of photoactive molecules and a photoactive nanocrystal. The moiety may include a matrix in which photoactive objects exhibiting an anisotropic emission dipole are embedded. The moiety may be photobleached to product the anisotropy and the photoactive objects may have a one dimensional transition dipole in their natural state.

Abstract: An integrated test system and method for assessing drug effectiveness and the organ function of a subject by measuring the concentration of organ marker, drug and/or one or more metabolites in a subject's body fluid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device suitable for marking a collected sample, comprising collecting means for collecting the sample and at least one detectable marker which is associated with at least a portion of the collecting means, wherein the at least one detectable marker is contractable with the sample upon collection of the sample to mark the collected sample upon contact of the sample with the at least a portion of the collecting means having the at least one detectable marker associated therewith, and wherein the at least one detectable marker is other than a component which is present in the sample before collection and is inert to any component present in the sample before collection. Kits containing the device, methods for marking samples using the device, methods for determining the integrity of a marked sample, and use of the markers for the testing of laboratories and/or laboratory personnel for certification, proficiency testing or accreditation purposes are also provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring hydrocarbon and water production from different production zones/sections in a hydrocarbon reservoir and/or injection wells and detection of different phenomena such as e.g. local variations in pH, salinity, hydrocarbon composition, temperature, pressure, microorganisms, and the difference between production of formation and/or injection water from various zones/sections. The method includes dividing regions around wells in the reservoir into a number of zones/sections, and injecting or placing specific tracers with unique characteristics for each zone/section into the formation in these regions such that tracers are placed as integrated parts of the well completion or placed and immobilized in these regions through injection, squeeze or by other techniques. The tracers can also be immobilized or placed on a filter, a casing or other constructions surrounding the well in each zone/section. The tracers are specific or introduced to give specific information from each zone/section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-stable labeling reagent of formula: 1

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of tetrameric multivalent neuraminidase within a sample is disclosed, where a positive detection indicates the presence of a target virus within the sample. Also disclosed is a trifunctional composition of matter including a trifunctional linker moiety with groups bonded thereto including (a) an alkyl chain adapted for attachment to a substrate, (b) a fluorescent moiety capable of generating a fluorescent signal, and (c) a recognition moiety having a spacer group of a defined length thereon, the recognition moiety capable of binding with tetrameric multivalent neuraminidase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe for the analysis of one or more proteins by laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry. The proteins include a tag, which in turn include a biotin group. The probe includes at least one surface including one or more of streptavidin, avidin or neutravidin molecules to bind the biotin group to the surface. The proteins can also carry a BCCP tag. The probe can form a protein array of two or more proteins at know locations on the surface of a chip. The invention also relates to methods of analysis by laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry using the probe. A scalable MALDI target volume sample volume loading kit and methods for its use are provided herein.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles associated with a spectroscopy-active (e.g., Raman-active) analyte and surrounded by an encapsulant are useful as sensitive optical tags detectable by surface-enhanced spectroscopy (e.g., surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy).

Abstract: An elongated structure includes a core, at least one and preferably a plurality of gain medium layers disposed about said core for providing a plurality of characteristic emission wavelengths, and a growth matrix or functionalized support suitable for the synthesis therein or thereon of a chemical compound. Other embodiments can be spherical, or planar with a plurality of optical gain medium dots, each providing a different emission wavelengths. Also disclosed is a technique for selectively locating micro-laser beads of interest, and then aiming a laser source at the bead(s) of interest in order to interrogate the optically encoded identification information. Also disclosed is a bead of a type that includes a functionalized support, and that further includes a gain medium coupled to a structure that supports the creation of at least one mode for electromagnetic radiation, and/or which has a dimension or length in one or more directions for producing and supporting amplified spontaneous emission (ASE).

Abstract: A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: Use of 13C glucose in an analytical assay to monitor glucose metabolism by measurement of labeled exhaled CO2 is provided. A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula I is used as a marker for organic products.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling hardness in an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method requires the use of a Compound that develops a separate detectable fluorescent signal in the presence of soluble hardness. A fluorometer is used to detect this separate detectable fluorescent signal of the Compound. The separate detectable fluorescent signal is used to ascertain the amount of soluble hardness present in the industrial water system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a test compound that binds to a target species. The method includes: incubating at least one test mixture under isothermal denaturing conditions, each test mixture comprising at least one test compound, and at least one target species, wherein the isothermal denaturing conditions are effective to cause at least a portion of the target species to denature to a measurable extent; detecting a denaturation signal of each target species in the presence of the at least one test compound by a change in the diffusion properties of the target molecule using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy; and comparing the denaturation signal of each target species in the presence of at least one test compound with a denaturation signal of the same target species in the absence of the at least one test compound under the same isothermal denaturing conditions.

Abstract: Sensors and/or taggants feature high optical gain materials which are disposed in a high scattering environment. These materials, when adequately excited, emit intense and spectrally narrow light that is dependent on the chemical environment in which high gain materials are dispersed. When two materials are placed in the same high scattering environment, the spectal emission properties of each emitter will depend on the chemical composition of the surrounding medium. The switching or transferring of energy from one emitter to the other when the chemical environment is changed in a specific manner is enabled and a shift in the spectral emissions can be detected and/or predicted.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a fluid in an air-conditioning or refrigeration system has been altered is revealed. The method comprises preparing a non-radioactive label for a fluid used in the system, where the fluid is selected from a lubricant, a fluorescent dye and combinations thereof; adding a known quantity of the label to the fluid to form a labeled mixture of the fluid; performing an analysis of the labeled mixture to obtain a base-line profile of the labeled mixture; adding the labeled mixture to the system; providing the system to a user or customer; thereafter, performing an analysis of the fluid in the system to obtain a test profile; and determining whether the fluid in the system has been altered by comparing the base-line profile with the test profile of the fluid in the system.

Abstract: A self-contained signal generating device and methods for using and making the same are provided. The device and methods may detect the presence of a number of different substances, such as proteins, and utilizes a target material binding dye, which may precipitate a target material as well as stain it, and/or undergo a detectable change, e.g., an absorption or emission frequency shift, on binding of the substance to be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for identifying differential peptide expression in one or more peptide populations. Each population is labeled with a discernable label and provides a mechanism to resolve mixed peptide populations using mass spectroscopy-based techniques. Spectra produced by the peptide sample are used to interrogate a spectral database in which peptide sequences of known spectra are stored. In addition to providing sequence information, the methods presented herein may be used to determine qualitative and quantitative measurements of peptide expression. These measurements may further be used to determine proteomic differences and novel peptide expression.