Abstract: A non-reactive monomer mixture contains a monomer component and a diaryl carbonate dispersed in the mixture. The monomer component includes one or more monomer compounds having a melting point below the melting point of the diaryl carbonate. The monomer component has less than 600 ppb alkali metal, an acid stabilizer, or both less than 600 ppb alkali metal and an acid stabilizer. The monomer compounds of the monomer component and the diaryl carbonate are present in a mole ratio of from 0.9 to 1.1. The monomer mixture is at a temperature between the melting temperature of the lowest melting monomer compound and less than 5° C. above the melting point of the diaryl carbonate.

Abstract: A non-reactive monomer mixture is formed from a dihydroxy component having one or more dihydroxy compounds dissolved in a melted diaryl carbonate. The dihydroxy component has less than 600 ppb alkali metal, an acid stabilizer, or both less than 600 ppb alkali metal and an acid stabilizer. The dihydroxy compounds of the dihydroxy component and the diaryl carbonate are present in a mole ratio of from 0.9 to 1.1. The monomer mixture is at a temperature between the saturation point of the monomer mixture and the highest melting temperature of the individual dihydroxy compounds. The non-reactive monomer mixture can be stored and transported and then polymerized to form polycarbonate upon addition of a catalyst.

Abstract: A method for determination of calcium in a sample derived from a living body, by the reaction of calcium in the sample with Chlorophosphonazo-III or a compound analogous thereto in the presence of vanadate ions, followed by determination of calcium in the sample on the basis of an optical change caused by the reaction product, is excellent in various respects as follows: it is free from the problem of absorption of carbonic acid gas caused by a high pH; it is free from the problem of use of a toxic reagent containing arsenic; it makes it possible to subject a large number of samples to determination in a short time because it can be applied to an autoanalyzer; and it permits determination in a wide range because of low sample blank values.

Abstract: A fast and simple method for fractional measurement of a small particle LDL entails separating the small particle LDL and HDL from other lipoproteins, and then measuring cholesterol, triglycerides, or proteins in the separated small particle LDL.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing minerals from a cellulosic biomass. For example, the biomass may be prewashed with an acid solution and rinsed with water to remove minerals prior to acid saccharification. The removal of minerals may reduce overall acid requirements, and decrease pretreatment costs.

Abstract: A method of directed automated analysis of a plurality of analytes of a process solution includes providing a sample of the process solution containing a plurality of the analytes, admixing an enriched isotope spike for each of the plurality of analytes to be analyzed with the process solution sample thereby effecting admixture of the enriched ratio of isotopes with the naturally occurring ratio of each analyte to be analyzed, creating ions from the spikes, introducing the ions into a mass spectrometer for determination of the identity and quantity of each analyte and delivering the information to a microprocessor. If desired, the process solution sample may be diluted and/or subjected to the addition of reagents or standards prior to initiation of the analysis. The ions may be created by an atmospheric pressure ionization interface. The information obtained is processed in a computer which serves to control other portions of the practice of the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorogenic compounds for the detection of target metal ions wherein the compounds exhibit a Stokes shift greater than 50 nm and the detectable signal is modulated by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The present compounds consist of three functional elements, the ion sensing moiety (chelating moiety), the reporter moiety (fluorophore or fluorescent protein) and spacer or linker between the sensing and reporter moieties of the present compound that allows for PET upon binding of a metal ion and excitation by an appropriate wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a marker useful for detection and measurement of free radical damage. Specifically, the invention takes advantage of alterations which occur to the N-terminus of the albumin molecule, a circulating protein in human blood, in the presence of free radicals. These alterations affect the ability of the N-terminus of the albumin molecule to bind metals. Methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of an albumin containing sample, analysis and measurement of the ability of albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay specific to the altered form of serum albumin which occurs following free radical damage.

Abstract: Assays are preformed to determine nutrient deficiency levels in an individual to address the deficiencies and improve health and longevity. Nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products containing nanoencapsulated active ingredients are provided, in addition to dietary, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle recommendations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the concentration and removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions are described, comprising treating the aqueous solutions with photoswitchable ionophores.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition and methods for differential analysis of leukocytes are disclosed. In embodiments, the analysis may utilize optical measurements in flow cytometry based hematology analyzers. The reagent system includes an anionic surfactant in a hypotonic solution, an inorganic buffer to maintain the pH in a range from about 6 to about 10, and optionally a leukocyte stabilizer. The reagent system is used to lyse red blood cells and stabilize the leukocytes to enable multi-part differentiation of leukocytes in a near physiologic pH environment on a flow cytometry based hematology analyzer using axial light loss, light scatter intensity, high-numerical aperture side scatter, and time-of-flight measurements.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for testing an aged surface on an implant, methods for regenerating a hydrophilic and osteophilic surface on the implant and kits therefor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating and pretreating oxides of manganese and precipitation of oxides of manganese from manganese salt solutions. Oxides of manganese, a slurry containing oxides of manganese or manganese salt solutions are mixed with heated aqueous oxidizing solutions and processed in a continuous process reactor. Temperature, pressure, Eh value, and pH value of the mixed solution are monitored and adjusted so as to maintain solution conditions within the MnO2 stability area during processing. This results in regenerated, pretreated and precipitated oxides of manganese having high or increased pollutant loading capacities and/or oxidation states. Oxides of manganese thus produced are, amongst other uses; suitable for use as a sorbent for capturing or removing target pollutants from industrial gas streams. Filtrate process streams containing useful and recoverable value present as spectator ions may be further processed to produce useful and marketable by-products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying drug-resistant and/or drug-sensitive cells, for example, breast cancer and brain tumor cells, on the basis of different ion and/or second messenger dynamics between a drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cell. For example, the invention provides measuring the comparative decay rates of a cellular ion, such as calcium, released into the intracellular compartment of drug sensitive and/or drug resistant cells. The present invention also provides methods for screening compounds that modulate the ionic dynamics of a cell as well as methods of determining drug resistance/sensitivity of cancer cells from cancer patients and/or designing cancer therapy based on of the ionic dynamics of cancer cells from a particular patient.

Abstract: A medical test kit includes a glucose testing composition, a protein testing composition, a bilirubin testing composition, a bilinogen testing composition, an amylase testing composition, a blood testing composition, a calcium testing composition, a nitrite testing composition, a ketone testing composition and a pH testing composition. The medical test kit also includes a plurality of corresponding indicative spectra to each of its units such that a health condition of a user can easily be interpreted. Furthermore, an interactive reference chart is provided for guiding a user for the use of the kit. The kit is suitable for use for the public and is capable of encouraging self health care of society.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to sensors for detecting metal ions, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a process for preparing a vinyl polymer containing a halogen in an amount of 1,000 mg or less per kilogram, in which a vinyl polymer containing the halogen produced by atom transfer radical polymerization of a vinyl monomer is heated at a temperature in the range of 140 to 250° C. to dehalogenate the vinyl polymer; a vinyl polymer obtained by the process; and a hydrosilylation-reactive curable composition containing the vinyl polymer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of neutralizing the matrix of an acidic solution including at least one metal using a weak anion exchange resin is provided. The method includes the acts of: activating the weak anion exchange resin with a weakly acidic metal complexing reagent, the weakly acidic metal complexing reagent partially disassociating into protons and metal complexing anions, whereby some functional groups in the weak anion exchange resin are protonated and bind with the metal complexing anions; and neutralizing a sample of the acidic solution with the activated weak anion exchange resin.

Abstract: Novel reagent formulations and methods are described for the use of phosphonazo III to measure calcium, magnesium and sodium in biological fluids.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using ion-detecting microspheres containing an ionphore and a chromoionphore in clinical laboratory instrumentation such as flow cytometry for sample analysis. In one embodiment, the microspheres are contacted with a flowing stream of a sample under conditions that allow the ion-selective ionophores to complex with the ions in the sample, and to cause deprotonation of the chromoionophore. The complexes are then exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the deprotonated chromoionophore to emit a fluorescence signal pattern. Detection of the fluorescence signal pattern emitted by the deprotonated chromoionophore in microspheres containing the complexes allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample. In one embodiment, lead ion-detecting microspheres are provided that can detect nanomolar levels of lead ions with response times on the order of minutes.

Abstract: A method of detecting soluble lithium in a liquid biological sample comprising combining: (a) an amount of the biological sample; (b) 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octobromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulphonatophenyl) porphyrin; (c) alkali; (d) detergent; (e) chelating agent; and (f) optionally a suitable solvent; to produce a test sample; detecting absorbance change of the test sample relative to a lithium deficient standard sample at a wavelength of between about 475 nm and about 485 nm, between about 515 nm and about 525 nm or simultaneously between about 475 nm and about 485 nm and between about 515 nm and about 525 nm, wherein absorbance change indicates presence of soluble lithium in the biological sample. Also disclosed is a method of quantitatively measuring soluble lithium ions in a biological sample and a reagent for use in such methods.

Abstract: Plasticizer-free ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers and a polymerizable ion exchanger, wherein the methacrylated monomers have pendent alkyl groups of different length and wherein the functionalized ion-exchanger is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. The ion exchanger comprises a C-derivative of a halogenated closo-dodecacarborane anion having a polymerizable moiety. Sensors of this invention include carrier-based ion-selective electrodes or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes, particle-based optodes, or bulk optodes.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus to monitor fluid systems has at least one extraction module having a raw-sample reservoir connected by input fluid conduit to individual ones of said fluid systems, to extract raw samples for analysis from said fluid systems, one or more modification modules comprising additive materials to modify the extracted raw samples prior to analysis, an analytical device to receive at least a portion of said raw samples in an ordered sequence, and to determine concentration of at least one constituent of said sample portion, fluid-handling apparatus for transferring fluid through the analytical apparatus, and a computerized control and management system to manage operations of component modules and devices, and to report analytical results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device and method for the detection of lithium ions in a biological fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a novel compound and a optical sensor which incorporates said compound for the detection of lithium ions. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of detecting lithium ions which comprises placing the novel optical sensor into communication with a biological fluid. Once the novel compound of the present invention encounters a lithium ion(s), a fluorescence is generated, the intensity of which is measured and allows for the determination of lithium ion concentration. The present invention provides a medical professional with the ability to selectively determine lithium ion concentration in a biological fluid thereby facilitating the treatment of various diseases, such as manic-depressive illness.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free ion detective sensor for detecting a target ion in a sample is provided. The sensor comprises a copolymer of methacrylate monomers with pendant alkyl groups of different length, and an ionophore for detecting the target ion. The copolymer matrix of the present invention may be in a form of membrane or particles. The sensors of the present invention may be Carrier-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes or particle-based optodes. The ionophore may be a target ionophore selective for a target ion H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. The ion detective sensor of the present invention may further include an ion exchanger such as halogenated carboranes. Also provided is an ion detective sensor comprising halogenated carboranes as ion exchangers. Particularly, trimethylammonium-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 undecabromocarborane (TMAUBC) is used as ion exchangers.

Abstract: Ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion, wherein at least a portion of the functionalized ionophore is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. Sensors may comprise ionophores such as hydrophilic crown ethers or functionalized derivative of 3-oxapentandiaminde-type ionophores. This invention further provides sensors for detecting target ions in a sample, comprising plasticizer-free molecularly imprinted polymers, wherein the polymers comprise polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion. In particular, a magnesium ion sensor comprising a functionalized derivative of a 3-oxapentandiaminde-type calcium ion-selective ionophore is provided.

Abstract: To provide a hardness measurement reagent unaffected by an M alkalinity in hardness measurement. A hardness measurement reagent as a one-solution type reagent includes a dye chosen from Eriochrome Black T (EBT) and Calmagite, triethanolamine, a glycol compound, and a pH buffer, in which the pH buffer includes a combination of amines selected from primary amines and secondary amines and a salt of a weak base.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby the concentration of a blood substitute, such as cross-linked hemoglobin, in a serum or plasma specimen is rapidly and accurately identified and quantified. The method further takes the measured concentration of the blood substitute and uses it to correct for its effect, if any, on a measured analyte concentration, e.g., serum/plasma total protein. Further, the method allows for the determination of the concentration of true hemoglobin in the presence of blood substitutes. The method is carried out in respect of samples contained in a primary or secondary labelled tube, or a pipette tip used to dispense serum or plasma in a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: A method of determining beryllium or a beryllium compound thereof in a sample, includes providing a sample suspected of comprising beryllium or a compound thereof, extracting beryllium or a compound thereof from the sample by dissolving in a solution, adding a fluorescent indicator to the solution to thereby bind any beryllium or a compound thereof to the fluorescent indicator, and determining the presence or amount of any beryllium or a compound thereof in the sample by measuring fluorescence.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe for measuring magnesium ion, which can selectively form a complex with magnesium ion in aqueous system is disclosed. The fluorescent probe for measuring magnesium ion according to the present invention has the structure represented by the following Formula [I]: (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, metal atom or an ester-forming group; A represents a group which forms a ring structure together with carbon atom 1 and carbon atom 2; and X is a fluorescent group which may form a condensed ring together with the ring containing the group A).

Abstract: An addressable biologic electrode array includes an array of electrodes disposed on a support, the array of electrodes being selectively addressed and driven using a memory associated with each electrode of the array, the driven electrodes being driven at one of a plurality of stimulus levels by a source of electrical current or voltage external to the array.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optochemical sensor functioning in accordance with the FRET-principle and exhibiting an acceptor (chromophore or luminophore) responsive to an analyte contained in a sample medium as well as a donor (luminophore), characterized in that acceptor and donor are located in separate chemical phases, whereby the phase containing the donor is essentially impermeable to the sample medium or to components of the sample medium affecting the luminescence characteristics of the luminophore. The invention further relates to a method for qualitative and/or quantitative determination of at least one analyte and/or component of a gaseous or liquid measuring medium according to the FRET-principle, characterized by the use of the sensor according to the invention.

Abstract: A biologic electrode array is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A matrix of electrode sites is disposed on the semiconductor substrate. A matrix of optical detectors is disposed beneath the electrode sites in the semiconductor substrate, wherein each electrode site is associated with a corresponding optical detector. The optical detectors are coupled to detection circuitry formed on the semiconductor substrate. The electrode sites may include slitted electrodes, punctuated electrodes, or optically transparent electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensors for the determination of organometallic compounds comprising the following elements: a) an inorganic, organic or polymeric support, insoluble in the sample to analyze b) an indicator which reversibly reacts with the organometallic compound and whose reaction product gives a characteristic absorption, reflection or emission band in the range 150-15000 nm and which is physically trapped, adsorbed, absorbed, dissolved or chemically linked in an electrostatic or covalent way to the support c) an optical sensor which measures the absorption, reflection or emission of the functionalized support at the characteristic wavelength and transforms it in the concentration of the organometallic present in the solution. Also described is the method for the determination of the concentration of organometallic compounds by the on line use of a sensor as above defined.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: Method for a continuous recirculating peritoneal dialysis wherein the peritoneal dialysis fluid is infused into a peritoneal cavity of a patient and then, typically on a continuous process basis a portion of the dialysis fluid is sequentially drained from the cavity, cleansed through an extracorpreal dialyzer, and reinfused into the cavity. The dialysis fluid contains as an osmotic agent a substance which does not substantially permeate through pores of hollow fiber membrane of an extracorporeal dialyzer, preferably an osmotic agent having a molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 100,000. The supplemented amount of the osmotic agent is reduced or not needed during the dialysis.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic test, a self-diagnostic test apparatus, and method of manufacturing a self-diagnostic test for screening for elemental mineral imbalances in a patient utilizing an analysis of the reaction of mineral specific reagents to a sample from a patient are provided. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a test for those elements that occur naturally in the body. In such an embodiment, the invention may test for those elements that comprise about 0.001% of the body weight or less (microtrace), those elements that comprise about 4% of the body weight or less (trace), those elements that comprise up to 96% of the body weight (mass), or any combination of the above.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of inhibiting calcification of a soft tissue (e.g., an artery, a heart valve, an atherosclerotic plaque, a cancer, a kidney, a prostate, skin, muscle, cartilage, viscera, and heart muscle) in a mammal. These methods involve inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption in said mammal (e.g., a mammal diagnosed as having or at risk for a pathology characterized by calcification of a soft tissue). The inhibition is preferably by administration of a bisphosphonate to the mammal in a concentration sufficient to inhibit bone resorption without inhibiting bone mineralization. The methods of this invention can also be used to mitigate a symptom of atherosclerosis in a mammal. Such methods involve inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption in the mammal.

Abstract: Described is a new approach to fluorescence sensing based on a mixture of fluorophores, one of which is sensitive to the desired analyte. If a long lifetime analyte-insensitive fluorophore is mixed with a short lifetime analyte-sensitive fluorophore, the modulation of the emission at conveniently low frequencies becomes equal to the fractional fluorescence intensity of the sensing fluorophore. Under these conditions the modulation can be used to determine the analyte concentration. This can be used with any fluorophore which changes intensity in response to analyte, and does not require the sensing fluorophore to display a change in lifetime. The feasibility of modulation-based sensing was demonstrated using mixtures of 6-carboxyfluorescein and [Ru2,2′(bipyridyl)3]2+ as a pH sensor and of the calcium probe Fluo-3 and [Ru2,2′(bipyridyl)3]2+ as a calcium sensor.

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: 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. Another aspect of the instant claimed invention is the ability to determine whether the soluble hardness is calcium or magnesium based.

Abstract: Amounts of components in a specimen can be analyzed with excellent quantitativity. The analysis includes: measuring an amount of a component to be analyzed in a specimen; measuring an amount of a standard component present originally and homeostatically in the specimen other than the component to be analyzed; determining the amount of the specimen from the amount of the standard component thus measured and a known concentration of the standard component in the specimen; and determining a concentration of the component to be analyzed in the specimen from the amount of the specimen thus determined and the amount of the component to be analyzed thus measured. The quantitative analysis of the present invention allows a component to be analyzed to be measured with high quantitativity as shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, devices and kits for use in the calibration of coagulation tests. The control compositions include particles capable of aggregating in plasma and calcium ions which, when mixed with plasma, simulate the behavior of whole blood in a coagulation test. The methods include providing calcium ions and particles capable of aggregating in plasma, combining the particles and calcium ions with plasma to form a control composition, and applying the control composition to a coagulation test. The devices include a container having at least two compartments, with one compartment including particles that promote or induce aggregation of a protein or proteins in plasma, and the other compartment includes a solution of calcium ions. The kits include a control composition including a container of calcium ions, a container of particles capable of inducing aggregation of proteins in plasma, and one or more coagulation test devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns derivatives of calixarene having the formula: in which: R1 represents various hydrocarbon groups, R2 and R3 represent an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group or a group having the formula: O(CH2)n[O(CH2)p]q OR4, or form a heterocyclic group with the nitrogen atom, and, n equals 6, 7 or 8. These derivatives can be used for extracting strontium from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to analytical elements and methods for the selective determination of magnesium. In particular, the present invention is further directed to carboxy-quinolizine suitable for use as magnesium indicators, and more particularly, to 4-oxo-4H-quinolizine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives for use as novel fluorescent magnesium indicators.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe for measuring magnesium ion, which can selectively form a complex with magnesium ion in aqueous system is disclosed.

Abstract: A biologic electrode array assembly is formed on an integrated circuit chip that includes an array of electrodes. At least one metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) switch is coupled to at least one of the electrodes within the array. A voltage line is provided that is selectively connected to the at least one electrode via the MOS switch. A voltage source is coupled to the voltage line. In one preferred aspect of the invention, the MOS switch is a CMOS switch. In another aspect of the invention, an addressable memory is associated with the at least one electrode located within the array.

Abstract: A portable instrument for automatic collection and analysis of airborne lead concentrations in ambient air environments. Its improvements to the art of airborne lead detection and analysis permit the apparatus to analyze samples previously collected by personal monitors, for example, worn on the clothing of personnel working in contaminated sites. The apparatus also brings to the art of lead analysis a method of contaminant collection that ensures a greater capture efficiency of airborne contaminants, thereby increasing the accuracy of the instrument and its measurement capabilities while providing near real-time analysis and measurement in a portable self-contained battery-powered device. The apparatus also offers a remarkable improvement in the reduction of wastes incurred in the collection and analysis of airborne lead contaminants which is a novel method of concentrating the samples and recycling the analysis media used to concentrate and solubilize lead contaminants.

Abstract: A fluoroionophore for the fluorescent detection of potassium ions.