Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method and system for performing an automated independent technical review. The method includes receiving an assay result of a radioactive waste container, determining whether the assay result is within a predetermined parameter, determining whether a review is required if the assay result is not within the predetermined parameter and rejecting the assay result if the review is not required and the assay result is not within the predetermined parameter.

Abstract: To detect an irradiated radiation efficiently, so that the dose can be measured with high sensitivity. A photochromic material comprising an illuminant(s) which emits a light when irradiated with a radiation and a diarylethene photochromic compound(s) having a specific structure, and a color dose meter employing it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the measurement of a cellular process, or for the measurement of the effect of a test compound on a cellular process, in one or more different populations of cells. The method comprises providing separate samples of one or more different populations of cells adhering to support particles, the support particles comprising a scintillant substance and being adapted for cell growth. In one embodiment, different samples of cells are introduced into separate reaction vessels in a fluid medium, together with a reagent labelled with a radioisotope, in the presence or the absence of the test compound, under conditions so as to cause a portion of said radiolabelled reagent to become associated with the cells. In another embodiment, multiparameter analysis may be performed to determine the effect of a test compound on a cellular process using two or more different cell populations present in the same well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, or Crohn's disease, which involves detecting the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in a human subject having at least one symptom associated with a suspected diagnosis of any of those diagnostic categories. Also disclosed is a method of treating these disorders, and other disorders caused by SIBO, that involves at least partially eradicating a SIBO condition in the human subject. The method includes administration of anti-microbial or probiotic agents, or normalizing intestinal motility by employing a prokinetic agent. The method improves symptoms, including hyperalgesia related to SIBO and disorders caused by SIBO.

Abstract: Methods for incorporating a stable isotope into a protein or peptide fragment are disclosed. The methods include providing isolated isotope-labeled protein or peptide fragments and analyzing the isolated labeld fragments. In another aspect of the invention, methods for quantitatively comparing peptides in two protein or peptide fragment mixtures are provided. In these methods, protein levels are measured using stable-isotope coded protein or peptide fragments.

Abstract: A process deploys detection devices in the carrier vehicles, collection facilities and collection boxes to determine if hazardous materials have deposited. The system is designed to provide detection, identification and measurement of chemical, biological and DNA/RNA elements. When a hazardous material is detected, an alarm notifies the worker. The system communicates with a central monitoring station that receives vehicle ID, GPS positioning and identification of the hazardous material. A HAZMAT team is then dispatched to the vehicle site. Systems that can benefit include carrier vehicles, collection boxes, collection facilities, mail carriers, cargo carriers, freight carriers, package delivery services, express delivery services, etc. The carrier vehicles may include trucks, automobiles, aircraft and ships. The collection boxes may include, containers, mail collection boxes, express delivery collection boxes, etc.

Abstract: Methods and materials for scintillation assays are disclosed. The scintillation assays rely on differences in general molecular property-based binding interactions, such as charge or hydrophobicity, to localize a radioactive substance near a scintillating material, stimulating scintillation. They are thus described as a direct adsorption scintillation assay (DASA) to distinguish them from the scintillation proximity assay (SPA). The assays are more convenient and inexpensive to implement than SPAs, which rely on specific binding of ligand-receptor pairs, antibody-antigen pairs, or other binding partners which rely on the precise and specific structural complementarity of the partners. The assays can be employed for studying enzymatic reactions, such as those involved in the synthesis of Mur-pentapeptide. The assays are readily adaptable to high throughput screening for use in conjunction with combinatorial libraries of compounds.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for rapid purification and/or identification of particles in a liquid sample are described. The technique uses centrifugation to concentrate particles against a slanted surface having an agent specifically binding to the particles. This method is applicable for the rapid identification of viruses and other difficult or impossible to culture microorganisms without replication or amplification of the microorganism.

Abstract: The method of the invention provides novel compounds, termed acid-labile isotope-coded extractants (ALICE), for quantitative mass spectrometric analysis of protein mixtures. The compounds contain a thiol-reactive group that is used to capture cysteine-containing peptides from all peptide mixtures, an acid-labile linker, and a non-biological polymer. One of the two acid-labile linkers is isotopically labeled and therefore enables the direct quantitation of peptides/proteins through mass spectrometric analysis. Because no functional proteins are required to capture peptides, a higher percentage of organic solvent can be used to solubilize the peptides, particularly hydrophobic peptides, through the binding, washing and eluting steps, thus permitting much better recovery of peptides. Moreover, since the peptides are covalently linked to the non-biological polymer (ALICE), more stringent washing is allowed in order to completely remove non-specifically bound species.

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: Nitroaromatic compounds and immunogenic conjugates comprising a novel nitroaromatic compound and a carrier protein are disclosed. The invention further presents monoclonal antibodies highly specific for the claimed nitroaromatic compounds, the compounds' protein conjugates, the compounds' reductive byproducts, and adducts formed between the compounds and mammalian hypoxic cell tissue proteins. The invention is further directed to methods for detecting tissue hypoxia using immunohistological techniques, non-invasive nuclear medicinal methods, or nuclear magnetic resonance. Diagnostic kits useful in practicing the methods of claimed invention are also provided.

Abstract: Method and system for footprinting a nucleic acid molecule. A sample consists of a nucleic acid molecule in an environment in which .OH radicals are generated when the environment is irradiated with an X-ray beam having an intensity less than 109 photons sec−1 mm−2 for an amount of time less than 1,000 msec. The sample is then irradiated with an X-ray beam having an intensity less than 109 photons sec−1 mm−2 for an amount of time less than 1,000 msec so as to generate .OH radicals in the environment. Fragmentation of the nucleic acid molecule is then detected.

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 synthesis of novel diketopiperazines, their use in inhibiting cellular events such as those involving NFK-&agr;, NFK-&bgr; and in the treatment of inflammation events, a combinatorial library of diverse diketopiperazines and process for their synthesis as a library and as individual compounds. In particular novel diketopiperazines are disclosed including their synthesis and use in cellular events such as activation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor, TNF-&agr;, TNF-&bgr; and also apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of monitoring UV-irradiation of and determining, as well as controlling, UV irradiation dosages received by a fluid 16 containing at least one protein, which method comprises the step of monitoring 21 the increase in absorbance which has a peak in the region from 305 to 325 nm, due to said UV-irradiation. The present invention also provides apparatus 1 suitable for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An element for ascertaining radiation dosage comprising: a support on which is disposed a coated layer, said coated layer comprising a hydrophobic binder and alanine; wherein the alanine, upon exposure to ionizing radiation, produces radicals that remain stable for long periods.

Abstract: An element for ascertaining radiation dosage comprising: a flexible polymeric support, a first coated layer, said coated layer comprising a electrically conducting material and a binder and a second coated layer, said coated layer comprising a binder and alanine wherein the alanine, upon exposure to ionizing radiation, produces radicals that remain stable for long periods of time.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of exposing a chemical, biological or biochemical sample to radiation. A sample in liquid or vapour phase is segmented and conveyed along a sample path. At least one generator or source for generating electromagnetic radiation is directed at the sample and at least one of reflected, emitted and transmitted radiation is measured at at least one point along the sample path. In one embodiment, the sample is a luminescent culture produced by a continuous culture system.

Abstract: An element for ascertaining radiation dosage comprising: a support on which is disposed a coated layer, said coated layer comprising a binder and alanine; wherein the alanine, upon exposure to ionizing radiation, produces radicals that remain stable for long periods.

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: Disposable dosimeter for sun radiation comprising polymeric matrix with distributed therein at least one active chemical compound capable to change its original color to a new color due to a reversible photo-chemical reaction induced upon exposing the dosimeter to UV radiation. The transparency of the matrix is sufficient to enable easy visual detection of the change of the original color to the new color. The matrix is provided with porous structure suitable for absorbing thereinto of a sunscreen loti n when it is applied to the dosimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for associating information with an article, an isotopic labeling composition to label an article with information using at least two different isotopes of an element, and an article labeled with the labeling composition. In the labeling composition, the isotopes of the labeling composition have an abundance ratio that is detectably different from the natural abundance ratio thereof. By detecting the abundance ratio(s) of the isotopes in the labeling composition, via laser ablation/magnetic spectroscopy, an NQR spectrometer, an NMR spectrometer, an IR spectrometer, or a microwave spectrometer, information about the article can be determined. The invention may be used to identify, authenticate or determine the source or origin of an article or to provide detailed information about an article.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly screening materials using, for example, mass spectrometry has been developed. More specifically, an array of materials on a fluid permeable support contained within a reaction cell having a semipermeable membrane can be rapidly screened for characteristics such as catalytic activity, selectivity, and adsorption and desorption properties.

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 predictive test for rheumatoid arthritis comprises the detection of antibodies to collagen in a biological sample from a patient by contacting the biological sample with an antigen comprising the CB10 peptide of mammalian type II collagen, or an antibody-binding fragment or variant thereof, for a time and under conditions for an antibody-antigen complex to form, and detecting the antibody-antigen complex, for example by immunoassay. A diagnostic test kit is also disclosed.

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 is used to monitor a worker's exposure to a hazardous gas in a workplace. The device includes an infrared locating member, a chemical sensor, a controller, and a power source. The infrared locating member is used to monitor the worker's exposure position. The chemical sensor is uses to monitor the worker's exposure concentration. The controller serves as a central processing unit to receive an exposure position signal from the infrared locating member, and an exposure concentration signal from the chemical sensor. The controller is provided with a built-in or externally-connected timer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for ascertaining the quality of herbs by applying the techniques of biochip for detecting the presence of biologically active, desired ingredient(s) in the herbs.

Abstract: A system and method for performing hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange in an electrospray ionization (ESI) source is described. The system includes a liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS), which is equipped with an ESI source that provides for introduction of a sheath liquid. The resulting system employs deuterated solvent, such as deuterium oxide, as the sheath liquid, which allows H/D exchange experiments to be performed on-line. This directly provides information for determining the number and position of exchangeable hydrogens, aiding in the elucidation of the structures of drug metabolites.

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

Abstract: A very sensitive dosimeter that detects ionizing radiation is described. The dosimeter includes a breakable sealed container. A solution of a reducing agent is inside the container. The dosimeter has an air-tight dosimeter body with a transparent portion and an opaque portion. The transparent portion includes a transparent chamber that holds the breakable container with the reducing agent. The opaque portion includes an opaque chamber that holds an emulsion of silver salt (AgX) selected from silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, and combinations of them. A passageway in the dosimeter provides fluid communication between the transparent chamber and the opaque chamber. The dosimeter may also include a chemical pH indicator in the breakable container that provides a detectable color change to the solution for a pH of about 3-10.

Abstract: A system for describing the physical distribution of an agent that accumulates selectively in tissue of a patient in an excised surgical specimen. The system comprises an agent which selectively concentrates in a cancer or precancer or focus of infection or other pathological condition. The system comprises a detector sensitive to the agent which is present in the surgical specimen. The system also comprises an apparatus capable of forming an image based on the information gathered by the detector, and which image describes the physical distribution of the agent in the surgical specimen so that a surgeon can be guided by the image provided by the apparatus, the apparatus connected to said detector.

Abstract: A method and device for generating droplets of immiscible fluids are provided. Extremely fine droplets may be generated, on the order of 1 picoliter or less, using focused acoustic energy to eject the droplets from a reservoir containing two or more immiscible fluids. Optionally, the droplets may be ejected onto discrete sites on a substrate surface so as to form an array thereon.

Abstract: A substance in a condensed state, for example a powdered solid, is in continuous movement in the longitudinal direction (6) of a furnace (4, 5). A reactive gas mixture is brought into contact with the substance in the condensed state. A plurality of samples of the gaseous mixture are removed at a plurality of reference points (14) spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction (6) of the furnace (4, 5); each of the gas samples is analyzed outside the furnace to determine the composition of the gas mixture and for each point (14), the extent of a chemical reaction between the condensed substance and the reactive gas mixture is deduced from the composition of the gas mixture at each of the reference points (14). In particular, the apparatus comprises a sampling and injection rod (10) introduced into the furnace (4, 5) and disposed in its longitudinal direction (6).

Abstract: A method of detecting and measuring phosphorus in samples is disclosed. The measurement of phosphorylation is made with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), coupled to a reactive collision cell. The reactive collision cell is employed to ensure interference-free detection of phosphorus ions, by the formation of product ions with a different mass to charge ratio. Accurate measurement of phosphorylation in samples is important in proteomics.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of a radioiodinated phenolic compound of the formula wherein: m and n are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, X is a group that is negatively or positively charged at physiological pH, R, R1, R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, or a carboxyl group, and I* is 123I, 131I or 125I, and its pharmaceutically-acceptable salts. The compound is formulated and used in vivo in an animal in brachytherapy in an implantable catheter. In addition, due to the rapid renal clearance of these compounds, they may be used to study renal function. A process to prepare these compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the amount of sunlight a certain location receives in a given time, wherein the device incorporates photochromic dyes that are coated, applied or impregnated on the device substrate, and wherein each dye possesses different levels of activation for indication of different amounts of sunlight received.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis unit includes a plurality of absorptive regions two-dimensionally formed so as to be spaced apart from each other by weaving a plurality of light shielding strips made of a material capable of attenuating radiation energy and a plurality of absorptive strips made of an absorptive material so that the light shielding strip is present between neighboring absorptive regions.

Abstract: The method of the invention provides novel compounds, termed acid-labile isotope-coded extractants (ALICE), for quantitative mass spectrometric analysis of protein mixtures. The compounds contain a thiol-reactive group that is used to capture cysteine-containing peptides from all peptide mixtures, an acid-labile linker, and a non-biological polymer. One of the two acid-labile linkers is isotopically labeled and therefore enables the direct quantitation of peptides/proteins through mass spectrometric analysis. Because no functional proteins are required to capture peptides, a higher percentage of organic solvent can be used to solubilize the peptides, particularly hydrophobic peptides, through the binding, washing and eluting steps, thus permitting much better recovery of peptides. Moreover, since the peptides are covalently linked to the non-biological polymer (ALICE), more stringent washing is allowed in order to completely remove non-specifically bound species.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor sheet includes a support formed with a plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions spaced apart from each other and a plurality of additional stimulable phosphor layer regions spaced apart from the plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions. According to the thus constituted stimulable phosphor sheet, it is possible to produce biochemical analysis data having excellent quantitative characteristics with high resolution even in the case of forming at a high density on the surface of a carrier a plurality of spot-like regions containing specific binding substances which can specifically bind with a substance derived from a living organism and whose sequence, base length, composition and the like are known, and specifically binding a substance derived from a living organism labeled with a radioactive labeling substance with specific binding substances contained in the plurality of spot-like regions, thereby selectively labeling the plurality of spot-like regions.

Abstract: An exhaust monitoring method for evaluating and monitoring a radioactive material concentration in exhaust by sampling the exhaust from radioactive materials handling facilities, collecting dust contained in the exhaust with an exhaust filter medium for monitoring, and performing the radioactivity measurement of the exhaust filter medium. The method is characterized in that a HEPA filter is disposed in an exhaust duct, the exhaust is sampled from the exhaust duct immediately after being filtered by the HEPA filter, and an exhaust sampling path is provided such that the sampled exhaust reaches the exhaust filter medium for monitoring within 20 seconds after passing through the HEPA filter, whereby a background for the radioactivity measurement is reduced. By performing the nuclide analysis of the exhaust filter medium, the abnormal/normal state of an exhaust path from the HEPA filter to the exhaust filter medium can be judged based on the presence/absence of the progenies of radon.

Abstract: A very sensitive dosimeter that detects ionizing radiation is described. The dosimeter includes a breakable sealed container. A solution of a reducing is inside the container. The dosimeter has an air-tight dosimeter body with a transparent portion and an opaque portion. The transparent portion includes a transparent chamber that holds the breakable container with the reducing agent. The opaque portion includes an opaque chamber that holds an emulsion of silver salt (AgX) selected from silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, and combinations of them. A passageway in the dosimeter provides fluid communication between the transparent chamber and the opaque chamber. The dosimeter may also include a chemical pH indicator in the breakable container that provides a detectable color change to the solution for a pH of about 3-10.

Abstract: A method of measuring the movement of solid particles and particle interactions in a flowing system includes the step of providing two gamma cameras set up at right angles to each other to periodically record the position of a radioactively tagged particle in the flowing system. Probability distribution functions, particle positions, particle velocities, amongst other useful information, may be determined from the camera data.

Abstract: A reverse genome probe process for detecting the presence of selected microorganisms (which may be bacteria, fungi or viruses) consists of: (a) affixing a nucleic acid preparation from each of the selected microorganisms to a solid surface; (b) preparing a “reverse” probe by labelling a nucleic acid preparation obtained from the sample; (c) contacting the reverse probe with the solid surface under conditions which permit hybridization; and (d) detecting the presence of any reverse genome probe. By using the “reverse” probe (i.e., a probe prepared from the sample, as opposed to a probe prepared from a selected microorganism), a single incubation may be used for the initial characterization of an unknown sample.

Abstract: A film-type vaporizer in a vaporization enclosure, for example the upper column of a double air-distillation column, is associated with a measurement and analysis box where a polished surface and a spillway reconstruct the flow of liquid in the vaporizer in order to check for the absence of the deposition of impurities in the liquid that is to be evaporated. If deposition occurs, the impurities involved are quantified and analyzed and appropriate action taken on the settings of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using &agr;-particle energy loss to measure the thickness and stoichiometry of films grown by molecular beam epitaxy and other methods. The apparatus for measuring the thickness of films grown on a substrate in a growth chamber, comprises a protective housing having an aperture opening into the growth chamber, a solid state detector disposed in the protective housing, a shutter for opening and closing the aperture, a shield disposed in the housing between the aperture and the solid state detector for shielding the detector, and a calibration source disposed between the shield and the detector for calibrating the measurements made by the detector. A second calibration source disposed between the shutter and the shield, for measuring deposition on the shield.

Abstract: The binding sites of binding proteins and their binding partners are characterized, at the individual amino acid level, by a combination of tritium exchange labeling and sequential degradation and analysis of tritiated fragments under slowed exchange conditions.

Abstract: A well chamber holder includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube is capable of being rotated by way of a first knob, and the second tube is capable of being rotated by away of a second knob. The first and second tubes are be positioned such that only one particular seed of a seed cartridge placed within the well chamber holder is tested at any one time.

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: An apparatus and method by which tracer compounds and combustion products in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine are more completely combusted, so that oil consumption of the engine can be more precisely and concurrently measured on a real-time basis using tunable diode laser spectroscopy. The apparatus includes a furnace capable of completely burning nonradioactive stable organobromo compounds and combustion products within the exhaust gas of the engine, without being reactive with the compounds or the resulting tracer gas or isotopic specie of the compounds. The furnace generally has at least one passage through which the exhaust gas passes. The wall surfaces of the passage are formed of a material with a high concentration of titanium, such that the exhaust gas is substantially limited to contact with the high-Ti material while within the furnace.