Abstract: Methods for collecting neonatal meconium samples, preparing meconium specimens for testing and for chemically analyzing neonatal meconium samples to determine their chemical composition are provided. A novel extraction method is employed in accordance with the invention to provide a non-aqueous, concentrated "cocktail" meconium extract containing substantially all of many possible target analytes in a single extraction step. Preliminary screening by fluorescence polarization immunoassay methods may be performed on the cocktail extract to qualitatively determine the presence of the target analytes in the meconium sample. If a positive preliminary result is obtained, new and improved quantitative GC/MS confirmatory procedures are provided by this invention to unequivocally identify and quantitate the amount of target analyte present in the sample in terms of nanograms of analyte per gram of meconium tested.

Abstract: A process for determining an end member age of an illite component in an earth sample which contains a diagenetic illite component and a detrital illite component. As a first step, the sample is separated into a plurality of fractions so that the fractions will have different mean ages of illite. Next, the relative percentage of one of the illite components is determined for each fraction. The mean age of total illite in each fraction is determined using potassium-argon age analysis. The determined relative percentages are then correlated with the determined mean ages to generate a linear relationship. The end member age for each illite component can then be determined by using the linear relationship since zero percent of one of the illite components corresponds to the end member age of the other illite component.

Abstract: A data collection and sample handling apparatus having a frame which supports a tray for holding a plurality of test containers. The tray has a plurality of through holes and each test container is mateable within a corresponding through hole. At least one detector assembly is used to detect data from the contents or sample contained within each test container. Each detector assembly is supported by the frame. The tray is positioned on a top of the frame such that at least one test container is exposed to each detector assembly while at least one other test container is isolated from the detector assembly. A drive mechanism automatically moves the tray with respect to the detector assemblies. The drive mechanism is also used to position each test container within a corresponding detector assembly.

Abstract: An improved method for radio-labelling leucocytes in vitro with Tc-99m d,1-HMPAO (Technetium-99m-d,1-hexamethyl propyleneamine oxime) for use in scintigraphic imaging of inflammatory lesions enhances the labelling efficiency by incubating the leucocytes with Tc-99m d,1-HMPAO in the presence of an acid citrate dextrose solution and by depleting residual RBCs from the leucocytes prior to such incubation step. The RBC depletion is accomplished by means of a rocking step.

Abstract: A method for the generation of phenylthiocarbamyl (PTC) amino acids from phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) or anilinothiozolinone (ATZ) amino acids. The method involves a base-catalyzed ring opening of the PTH or ATZ in the presence of a reducing agent. The method affords an alternative to the established aqueous acid conversion reaction of the Edman degradation in which ATZ and PTC amino acids are converted to the PTH amino acid. A further method is described for the generation of reactive ATZ amino acids from PTH amino acids. These methods facilitate the analysis of protein at low molar amounts by allowing the synthesis of amino acid derivatives which can be analyzed in quantities which are much lower than those required for conventional PTH amino acid analysis.

Abstract: A method for filtration assaying a particulate sample labelled with low-energy radioactive isotopes measurable by scintillation counting. The method aspect of the invention includes the step of providing a sample comprising sample particles labelled with low-energy radioactive isotopes in a liquid medium. Scintillant particles are added to the liquid medium. The sample is then filtered with a filter medium adapted to retain the sample particles and the particles of scintillant, such that after filtration the sample particles are each surrounded by scintillant. A photodetector is then used to detect light emitted by the scintillant on the filter medium.

Abstract: A process for determining the suitability of soil washing for various types of soils, sludges and other solids is disclosed. The process may be applied to relatively small soil samples which have been contaminated in order to determine the suitability and economics for treating the tested soil using a full-scale soil washing process. The process involves the steps of identifying the contaminated particle size ranges contained in the soil sample, identifying an effective extractant for removing the contaminant of interest, and identifying an effective leachate treatment approach for the particular soil sample of interest.

Abstract: An autoradiographic process for obtaining information on one or two dimensional location of radioactively labeled substances contained in a sample selected from the group consisting of tissue of an organism and a medium containing tissue of an organism and/or substances such as DNA originating from an organism,which comprises:placing said sample and a stimulable phosphor sheet having a phosphor layer comprising a stimulable phosphor dispersed in a binder together in layers for a certain period to cause said phosphor sheet to absorb at least a portion of radiation energy emitted by the radioactively labeled substances in said sample;scanning said phosphor sheet with an electromagnetic wave to release at least a portion of radiation energy stored in said phosphor sheet as stimulated emission; anddetecting the stimulated emission to obtain locational information on the radioactively labeled substances in the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining residual oil saturation of a watered-out reservoir using two water soluble tracers having different partition coefficients in oil. The partitioning tracers are selected from the group consisting of tritiated or carbon 14 tagged alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, water and oil insoluble inorganics and organic radioactive isotopes. The tracers are injected into the formation, and their production curves are analyzed over a period of time to determine chromatographic separation of the tracers.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and automatically injecting H.sub.2.sup.15 O, having: a target box adapted to be irradiated with a deuteron beam, a gas supplying device for supplying a hydrogen gas and a nitrogen gas as raw-material gases to the target box a radioactive-isotope conveying pipe connecting the target box and a vacuum pump for maintaining the interior of the target box and the interior of the radioactive-isotope conveying pipe in a vacuum state. In addition, the apparatus has an injection-fluid producing device and an automatic injection device, wherein the target box, the injection-fluid producing device and the automatic injection device are fluidly communicated with one another.

Abstract: A method for determining a connective tissue breakdown product in a body fluid from an animal includes steps of providing a standard comprising the breakdown product having a radioactive label, the standard having a known specific radioactivity, combining the standard and a sample of the body fluid, removing from the combined standard and sample a purified breakdown product fraction containing labelled breakdown product from the standard together with breakdown product from the sample, and measuring the specific radioactivity of the fraction as a measure of the quantity of the breakdown product in the sample. Also, methods for assessing a condition of a selected connective tissue in an animal in vivo, and for assessing in vivo a disease process that includes destruction of a specified connective tissue component, and for assessing in vivo the efficacy of a therapy for treatment of such a disease process, include the steps of the method for determining a connective tissue breakdown product.

Abstract: A method for performing liquid scintillation counting by the liquid scintillation counter that measures radioactive samples on a measurement support, such as a filter plate or alike, which has the sample associated therein. According to the method, the detection material, such as scintillator, is added to the measurement support before the measurement. The method according to the invention is characterized by adding detection material, such as scintillator, in melted form into the measurement support and performing the measurement after the detection material has solidified. On the filter plate is added for instance a mixture of paraffin and scintillator. One component in the detection material can be plastic scintillator.

Abstract: A method of determining the radioactivity of specific actinides that are carried in urine or fecal sample material is disclosed. The samples are ashed in a muffle furnace, dissolved in an acid, and then treated in a series of steps of reduction, oxidation, dissolution, and precipitation, including a unique step of passing a solution through a chloride form anion exchange resin for separation of uranium and plutonium from americium.

Abstract: The invention is an optical sensor useful for the detection of ionizing radiation emitted from an analyte in a fluid. The sensor is composed of a permeable scintillator having a high surface area to scintillator volume ratio and an optical waveguide located in working relation to the scintillator to collect light photons generated in response to an ionizing radiation source. The sensor is especially useful for biomedical applications. Increased sensitivity allows for miniaturization and implantation in a blood vessel of a small experimental animal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for separation and analysis of free and bound hydrophobic components in whole blood. In this process, whole blood is passed through an internal surface reverse phase material having particles large enough to allow blood cells to pass through. These particles have hydrophobic pores that are small enough to prevent penetration by proteinaceous substances and large enough to allow penetration by free hydrophobic components. Thus, free hydrophobic components are retained by the internal pore surfaces. A non-denaturing solvent is used to wash the whole blood through the material, and a hydrophobic or organic solvent may be separately used to wash the hydrophobic components from the material. This process may be combined with qualitative, quantitative, and selective detection techniques, such as radiolabelling.

Abstract: 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthoic acid marked with tritium; its preparation; and its use as a radioactive marker, in the titration of nuclear receptors of retinoids in the presence of contaminating CRABP, or in the measurement of the affinity of retinoids for these nuclear receptors.

Abstract: A detection and quantification technique for radioisotope labeled components separated in a capillary separation channel. The section of the separation channel containing the separated components is significantly cooled to substantially eliminate diffusion of the components while detection is being carried out. The section can be frozen and autoradiography technique or solid state electronic imaging technique can be utilized to obtain an image representative of the relative amounts of separated components.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for measurement of serotonin uptake sites in a sample, in which a radioligand is incubated with a sample and then the radioactivity of the radioligand bound to the sample is determined, wherein the improvement comprises using tritium-labeled 6-nitro-2-N-piperazinylquinoline or an acid addition salt thereof as the radioligand.

Abstract: A method for determining the function of a unique cytochrome activity of the type which uniquely catalyses the N-demethylation of erythromycin in a patient's body, the method including the steps of ingesting a known quantity of a N-methyl carbon labeled erythromycin solution, the N-methyl carbon demethylated from the erythromycin being metabolized to an exhaled carbon labeled metabolite. A sample of exhaled breath containing a known amount of exhaled carbon metabolite is collected at a known interval of time after ingestion of the erythomycin solution. The quantity of labeled carbon metabolite is detected in the exhaled sample to determine the rate of labeled carbon elimination after the known time interval as an indication of the unique cytochrome function.

Abstract: Novel radio labeled dyes are provided for detecting proteins on gels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the utilization factor [U] in a photochemical mercury enrichment process (.sup.196 Hg) by measuring relative .sup.196 Hg densities using absorption spectroscopy.

Abstract: A sensitive and general method of post-separation detection and quantification of chemical compounds is described. The method involves separation of unlabeled compounds by chromatography, electrophoresis or other means and selective binding of the separated compounds to ligands containing highly neutron-activatable elements, followed by neutron irradiation. The neutron-activatable elements are converted to their radiation-emitting isotopes by neutron absorption, and detection is done by autoradiography, fluorography or other means of radiation detection. The theoretical sensitivity of the method is in the attomole (10.sup.-18 mole) range.

Abstract: Cyclodextrins can be coupled to biorecognition molecules such as antibodies. The cyclodextrins so coupled provide a cavity or complexation zone into which active agents such as labels, drugs and the like may be incorporated. The active agent forms a noncovalently bonded inclusion complex within the cavity of the cyclodextrin. It remains associated with the cyclodextrin and the coupled biorecognition molecule and thus can be delivered to the other half of the biospecific recognition pair. A process for producing these materials is also disclosed. The process includes the steps of activating a primary hydroxyl site on a cyclodextrin; linking a biorecognition molecule to the activated primary hydroxyl site on the cyclodextrin in either a direct covalent linkage or through a covalently linked spacer; and introducing a guest molecule (active agent) into the cavity of the derivatized cyclodextrin to form an inclusion complex.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved autoradiography enhancer composition and method of use. The enhancer composition uses an acid anhydride as a dehydration agent.

Abstract: Method for integrating isotope dilution analysis with chromatography. One embodiment of the invention includes a liquid chromatographic column, a radiochemical detector, an eluent that contains an additive at saturation and a radiochemically labeled derivative of the analyte to be determined. When the analyte, which is not radioactive, is injected, its movement through the column occurs more slowly than the movement of the radioactive derivative situated on the column outside the analyte band. As a result, radioactivity enters the analyte band and isotope dilution occurs. The distribution of radioactivity within the band is used to determine the amount of analyte injected.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of nutriment absorbed in living organisms comprising animals, fish and plants comprises adding to the animal, fish or plant food one or more elements from the lanthanide series as tracers. After the nutriment has been absorbed, a sample is taken from a localized part of the living organism, for example a fish scale, and the sample is analyzed by ICP (inductively coupled plasma) to determine the amount of tracer and thus the amount of absorbed nutriment in the living organism.

Abstract: Novel radio labelled dyes are provided for detecting proteins on gels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of radiation are provided by making use of the change that occur in the electrical and optical properties of an electroconductive polymer which is exposed to radiation while in contact with doping gas. Said method and apparatus can be applied to the purpose of detection or determination of all radiations including electron beams, gamma-rays, alpha-rays and neutron rays.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of contacting a peroxide containing substance with non-volatile, alpha-keto acid radiolabeled with --C.sup.14 in the carboxyl group and determining radioactivity evolved .sup.14 CO.sub.2 and thereby calculating the amount of peroxide in the substance.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the release of a substance from a substrate, e.g., the release of ions through membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting amino acid derivatives in which 2-anilino-5-thiazolinone derivatives of amino acids are reacted with radioactive iodine siotope-labeled amino compounds or with fluorescent amino compounds to form phenylthiocarbamyl amino acid derivatives. The phenylthiocarbamyl amino acid derivatives are detected with a high level of sensitivity by a radioactive detector or a fluorescence spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting proteins on gels utilizing .sup.14 C-labeled dyes.

Abstract: A continuous tritium radioactivity measuring system is disclosed, in which a sample gas containing tritium is mixed with hydrogen gas, water vapor and lower hydrocarbon gases with the assistance of a catalyst for causing an isotope exchange reaction between the tritium contained in the sample gas and hydrogen. The resultant tritium gas and lower hydrocarbons containing tritium are removed from the remaining hydrogen water, and radioactivity detection is performed thereon.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the stack gases of a purge cascade of a gaseous diffusion plant for uranium activity. A sample stream is taken from the stack gases and contacted with a volume of moisture-laden air for converting trace levels of uranium hexafluoride, if any, in the stack gases into particulate uranyl fluoride. A continuous strip of filter paper from a supply roll is passed through this sampling stream to intercept and gather any uranyl fluoride in the sampling stream. This filter paper is then passed by an alpha scintillation counting device where any radioactivity on the filter paper is sensed so as to provide a continuous monitoring of the gas stream for activity indicative of the uranium content in the stack gases.

Abstract: Residual oil saturation is determined by injecting water containing CO.sub.2, a base-generating material and at least one radioactively labeled material which is or becomes a selectively water-soluble tracer material mixed with the injected CO.sub.2, so that the arrival of the oil and water-partitioning tracer material is demarked by a decrease in CO.sub.2 concentration and the arrival of at least one of tracer material detected by a radioactivity analysis.

Abstract: Pancreatic exocrine function is determined by a breath test method wherein a radioactive labelled ester such as cholesterol octanoate is ingested in the body and is hydrolyzed by pancreatic enzymes and oxidized to labelled Co.sub.2 which is expired in the breath. The rate of appearance of labelled Co.sub.2 in the breadth is a function of the rate of hydrolysis by pancreatic enzymes which in turn reflects pancreatic exocrine function. Before ingestion, the ester is mixed with a carrier substrate such as a triglyceride to form a lipid matrix containing the ester and the lipid matrix is suspended in aqueous solution. To insure that low levels of expired labelled Co.sub.2 is due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, the ester is ingested simultaneously with a differentially labelled unesterfied carboxylic acid or the test method is repeated with an added step of simultaneously ingesting the ester with exogenously provided pancreatic enzymes.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for confining the pollution of an isostatic pressing enclosure.At the end of an isostatic pressing operation, a glove box is sealingly fixed above the enclosure, the plug is removed from the latter and deposited within the glove box, after which the sampling and inspection operations necessary for detecting any contamination are performed.Application to the compression of radioactive waste by isostatic pressing.

Abstract: 9-Azido-6-halo-3-lower alkyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepines are prepared from their 9-amino congeners. The compounds are useful as photoaffinity probes for .alpha..sub.2 -adrenoceptor sites in biological samples.

Abstract: A process and apparatus has been developed for radioassay of ligand in solution which eliminates the separation step required in conventional techniques. A chamber is provided containing a quenching solution, a plurality of ligand molecules and a plurality of receptor molecules. One of pluralities forms a free species labelled with a beta particle emitter while the other is immobilized on a solid support, e.g., the chamber wall or a microbead, within the chamber. Ligand introduced with the sample competes with ligand molecules already in the chamber for receptor sites on the receptor molecules and the free species is allowed to diffuse about the chamber. A beta particle detector in communication with the chamber at a fixed position detects only those beta particles emitted from within the quenching distance of the quenching solution. The quenching properties of the solution are used in place of the conventional separation step.

Abstract: Microencapsulation of solid phase scintillators in gels selectively permeable to diffusible radioactive label. These encapsulated scintillators are used to monitor the concentration of radioactive-tagged subtances in fluid systems.

Abstract: A solid phase scintillation counting method is provided wherein a scintillating material is added to an inert carrier and a radioactive substance is caused to contact the carrier either before or after the scintillating material has been applied. The treated carrier is then counted in the solid state in a liquid scintillation counter without the necessity of dissolving the radioactive substance in a liquid solution containing a scintillator. The invention provides a highly efficient and very convenient method for counting low energy radioactive isotopes such as .sup.14 C and .sup.3 H.

Abstract: A multiple profile reagent card for simultaneously or sequentially performing multiple analyses of analyte is formed by applying ribbons of reagent impregnated matrix material parallel to each other on a substrate and then removing portions of at least the matrix material to create separate matrices along each ribbon of matrix material. The multiple profile reagent card facilitates automatic processing of immunochemical, diagnostic and/or serological tests.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for carrying out multiple simultaneous transfers of fluid. The method and apparatus are particularly directed toward immunoassays wherein immunologically active compounds, such as antigens and haptens, are detected through their associated antibodies. The device relies on the ability to transfer fluids, such as biological samples and reagents, between a reservoir and an associated receptacle. By providing a receptacle having a port at its lower end and which is otherwise hermetically sealed, such fluid transfer can be effected by immersing the port beneath the surface of the fluid in the reservoir and manipulating the pressure on the remaining surface area outside the port. The transfer of biological fluids at positive pressure provides enhanced fluids flow characteristics, particularly reduction or elimination of the tendency of these fluids to froth or bubble.

Abstract: A method of geochemical prospecting for buried sulphur mineralization which comprises collecting relatively organic free soil samples and determining the carbon isotope composition of the carbonate fraction.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the in situ levels of tritium in ground water at depth in the earth. A tritium analyzer is made to fit in a sonde or probe which is placed in a borehole. This analyzer can perform a programmed cycle and has a sample intake to allow ambient water to enter; a reaction chamber; a drying chamber; an ion chamber; a cryogenic gas pump, and a spent capsule collection chamber. After the water sample is brought into the unit, it rises into the reaction chamber where it reacts with a preweighed quantity of calcium carbide in a capsule to yield acetylene. Next the acetylene vapor passes through the drying chamber to remove excess water and then flows into the evacuated ion chamber. Following this, the ion chamber is sealed off and a count of tritium beta decay events is started. Following the completion of the count, a valve is opened to remove the acetylene from the ion chamber with the cryogenic gas pump.

Abstract: Method of producing liquid equivalent solid gamma ray calibration standards comprising the steps of adding a first organic solvent to a calibrated aqueous solution of radioactive material, either in the form of a single isotope or mixed isotopes, to form a first solution; mixing the first solution with a polymerizible resin dissolved in a second organic solvent together with a hardening catalyst to form a second solution; and curing the second solution. With isotope standards requiring highly acidic conditions, a stabilizing agent is added to the first solvent to complex with metal and hydrogen ions so as to prevent plate-out.

Abstract: A radionuclide quality control test kit includes a disposable chromatography chamber. A premeasured amount of a solvent solution is provided in the chamber. A disposable test strip has spaced opposite first and second ends. The first end is immersible in the solvent solution in the chamber upon being spotted by a radiopharmaceutical to be tested to enable the solvent solution to ascend the strip to the second end whereat radiochemical impurities of the radiopharmaceutical migrating to the second end are radiologically countable to permit computation of such impurities.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneous multiple analysis of biochemical substances is described. A manifold plate containing numerous small wells for receiving fluid test media contains a small hole in the bottom of each well; the plate is mounted on a vacuum chamber base which draws the fluid through each well hole leaving suspended solids entrapped on pieces of filter paper inserted in each well. The entrapped substances can then undergo active combination with a series of other reagents added to the wells and again removed via an applied vacuum. After reactions are complete the filter paper and entrapped solids are removed for further analysis.

Abstract: A method of imaging organs with .sup.99m Tc radiopharmaceuticals, especially of hepatobiliary imaging and negative myocardial infarct imaging in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal a hepatobiliary or myocardial imaging amount of a cationic lipophilic complex of Tc-99m and detecting the Tc-99m complex in the mammal. A method for the preparation of cationic lipophilic complexes of Tc-99m.