Abstract: Rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes, methods of making them, intermediates in their formation and methods of using them in sensors are provided based upon changes in color absorption upon cation contact.

Abstract: Automated drug screening method and a method of studying receptor and ion-channel activity are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining an alkali ion in a sample, wherein the alkali ion is contacted with a compound having a luminophoric moiety and an ionophoric moiety, which ionophoric moiety reacts with the alkali ion present in the sample, wherein the luminophoric moiety changes its luminescence properties, after which the luminescence is measured and the alkali ion determined utilizing the test reading, which method is characterized in that the compound utilized is a diaza-cryptand of the general Formula I: ##STR1## in which X is the luminophoric moiety, m is the number 0, 1 or 2, and o and p independently mean the numbers 0, 1 or 2.

Abstract: An on-site monitor is disclosed for providing automatic measurements of chemical concentrations in a liquid or gaseous environment. The opto-electronic monitor has an extended probe, which can be inserted into the liquid or to be in contact with the ambiance, comprising a indicator chamber for continuously supplying fresh indicator material, a light source, and a detector. The light source and the detector are either embodied outside of liquid or into the extended plastic probe inside the liquid. A delivery unit, which is activated by a timer, delivers a small amount of indicator material into the liquid or a sampling cavity. The indicator material reacts with the ions in the liquid automatically. The light source has a wavelength which matches with the indicator's absorption wavelength and the detector measures the transmission (or reflection) through the indicator material or solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing and storing biological samples prior to measuring ionized Mg.sup.2+ concentrations in order to obtain accurate and reproducible readings. A novel method for accurately reading ionized magnesium ion concentrations in biological samples is provided. A method for monitoring ionized Mg.sup.2+ concentrations and ionized Ca.sup.2+ :Mg.sup.2+ ratios in a patient, useful in diagnosing and prognosing disease states including cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, hypertension, abnormal pregnancy, head trauma, cardiac diseases, lung diseases, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, migraine, renal diseases, and fetal abnormalities is provided as well as a method of treating a patient with ionized Mg.sup.2+.

Abstract: A method is used to detect a location of contaminant entry in a processing fluid production and distribution system. A wafer is placed in a clean container. The clean container is connected to a test point within the processing fluid production and distribution system. Processing fluid from the test point of the processing fluid production and distribution system is allowed to flow through the clean container. The wafer is dried. The wafer is then tested for the existence of contaminants.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: Preparations are made of a characteristic curve of conductivity showing the relationship between sodium concentration in alcohol and conductivity of alcohol as observed at a predetermined temperature and a temperature correction curve showing the change in conductivity per unit degree centigrade of alcohol temperature versus; sodium concentration in alcohol; the corrected conductivity of a sample alcohol is determined by measuring the conductivity and temperature of the sample alcohol simultaneously and subjecting the measured conductivity to temperature correction according to the above temperature correction curve; and then the sodium concentration in the sample alcohol is determined on the basis of the corrected conductivity thus obtained. Thus, the change in sodium concentration in alcohol can be measured and monitored continuously and accurately.

Abstract: A process is provided for evaluating the global capacity of urine to form chalky renal calculus, the process comprising the steps of pouring a sample of a recently discharged urine into a container plate bearing, on its inner bottom portion, a cup containing a reaction substrate capable of initiating crystallization of calcium in the sample, allowing the sample to rest; discarding the sample from the container plate, washing the container plate with bidistilled water and discarding the water, adding a diluted HCl solution (2.3N) and spreading it over the entire surface of the substrate contained in the cup, adding an aqueous sodium acetate solution (5% w/v) and an indicating solution of ARSENAZO III (0.1% w/v) and mixing the acetate solution and the indicating solution for 15 seconds, to obtain a stained reaction mixture which can be qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. A kit for carrying out this process is also provided.

Abstract: The CaCO.sub.3 content of a scrubbing suspension, especially for a desulfurizing apparatus for flue gas is measured by injecting an acid into a constant mass flow of the suspension circulating along a bypass and measuring the pH before and after such injection. The change in pH is compared with reference measurements and used as a basis for calculating the CaCO.sub.3 concentration.

Abstract: First and second semiconductor substrate samples formed with a first oxide layer with holes and a third semiconductor substrate sample formed with a second oxide layer having no hole are prepared. The first and the third samples are subject to the same contaminating process for contaminating the surface of the first oxide layer of the first sample and the surface within the hole, and the surface of the second oxide layer of the third sample. All of the first and second layers of the first to third samples are dissolved by the HF vapor. The dissolved solutions are collected and analyzed the amount of contaminating material contained in respective solutions. The contamination amount in the hole is derived from the first, second and third contamination amount from an equation:contamination amount in the hole =first contamination amount-second contamination amount-(surface exposing ratio.times.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: Oxygen sensor for measuring resistance as a function of oxygen partial pressure, made of alkaline-earth-doped perovskitic lanthanum ferrites with the general formulaLa.sub.1-x Me.sub.x FeO.sub.3-.delta.where Me is one of alkaline earth metals, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, x is a degree of doping of the lanthanum ferrites. The oxygen sensor oxygen deficit of anion is 6=0 to 0.25, and the degree of doping of the lanthanum ferrites is x=0.1 to 0.3 and is selected to provide a temperature independent resistance property to the oxygen sensor in a lean range.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A dry test piece for measuring a magnesium concentration in a biological fluid, which comprises the following reagent components (i) to (iii): (i) o-cresolphthalein complexon; (ii) O,O'-bis(2-aminophenyl)ethylene glycol-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid; and (iii) a pH buffer agent of pH 8.5 to 11.0.

Abstract: An improved biologic electrode array and methods for manufacturing and using the same. In one aspect, a matrix of electrodes each coupled to a respective sample-and-hold circuit is provided. The electrodes and sample-and-hold circuits are integral and form an array within a single semiconductor chip, such that each sample-and-hold circuit may be loaded with a predefined voltage provided by a single, timeshared digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Further, all of the sample-and-hold circuits may be accessed through a multiplexer which may be scanned through some or all of the electrode locations. Each sample-and-hold circuit may comprise a capacitor and one or more transistor switches, the switch(es), when closed, providing electrical communication between the capacitor and a source line formed in the matrix.

Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound is disclosed that includes a complexing moiety, such as a cryptand or crown-ether portion, and a fluorescing moiety such as a coumarin portion. The coumarin portion may be substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group such as a substituted aromatic group or a substituted heterocyclic group having a heteroatom in at least one of its alpha positions. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.

Abstract: A method using concentrated aqueous solutions of sodium cobaltinitrite and a rhodamine dye is described which can be used to identify concrete that contains gels formed by the alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and to identify degraded concrete which results in a porous or semi-permeable paste due to carbonation or leaching. These solutions present little health or environmental risk, are readily applied, and rapidly discriminate between two chemically distinct gels; K-rich, Na--K--Ca--Si gels are identified by yellow staining, and alkali-poor, Ca--Si gels are identified by pink staining.

Abstract: A method and a reagent for highly accurate measuring of trace amount of metals in a sample of living body. The method and the reagent for measuring metals in a sample of living body includes:(1) a method for measuring metals in sample of living body, in which metals other than the objective metals of measurement are added to the measurement system to release the objective metals bonding to co-existing substances in the sample from the co-existing substances; and(2) a reagent for the measurement, in which metals other than the objective metals of the measurement are contained in a reagent for measuring metals in a sample of living body in order to release the objective metals bonding to the co-existing substances in the sample from the co-existing substances.

Abstract: The fertile period in a female can be detected by monitoring the calcium and magnesium concentrations in unstimulated saliva. In the three to five day period immediately prior to ovulation, the calcium and magnesium concentrations of saliva drop. This concentration monitoring can be done by any conventional means for quantitatively assaying calcium or magnesium, such as by flow through tests, test strips, cards, charts, probes, meters, and the like.

Abstract: Calix?4!arene compounds are disclosed that can be used as active components in a calcium sensitive sensor. The compounds exhibit strong calcium ion binding selectivity over sodium and potassium ions and they are stable during sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) and relates to its ability to complex specific multivalent heavy metal cations. In the presence of boric acid, RG-II monomers form dimers that are cross-linked by a borate ester. The yield of such borate ester cross-linked dimers of RG-II is enhanced in the presence of specific heavy metal cations. The present invention further relates to the utility of RG-II in assays for the detection of specific heavy metal contamination; as a reagent useful in the removal of specific heavy metal cations contaminating foods and liquids, for example, fish, wines, etc.; as a pharmaceutical composition useful as an antidote in specific heavy metal cation poisoning; as a treatment for the detoxification of specific heavy metal cations from blood and/or tissues; and in a method of remediation of waters and soils contaminated with specific heavy metal cations.

Abstract: Novel sensor devices composed of a crystalline colloidal array (CCA) polymerized in a hydrogel are disclosed. The hydrogels are characterized as being capable of shrinking and swelling in response to specific stimuli applied thereto. As the hydrogels shrink or swell, the lattice structure of the CCA embedded therein changes, thereby changing the wavelength of light diffracted by the CCA. Thus by monitoring the change in diffracted wavelength, the concentration of a stimulus is determined. The gels can be modified to sense numerous different stimuli. The sensor devices are specific in that they are modified to react with only one species or family of species. These sensors have various applications in areas including, for example, environmental and chemical systems, chemomechanical systems, sensor devices and medical diagnostic tools. Various methods for making and using these devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making bisphenol salt as the result of the reaction between bisphenol and an alkali metal hydroxide. The method comprising steps to obtain the anhydrous alkali metal bisphenoxide salt within about a 0.2 mol % stoichiometry relationship between bisphenol and alkali metal hydroxide. A method for determining stoichiometry error of a sample comprises determining variables and applying the variables to an equation to determine stoichiometry.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining ionized calcium in a sample by using a phospholipase, which comprises carrying out an enzyme reaction with the phospholipase in a buffer comprising a nitrogen heterocycle-binding sulfonic acid having a pK ranging 6.6 to 7.6 or a salt thereof.According to the method of the invention, the amount of ionized calcium in a sample, such as serum, can be accurately determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement apparatus (1) for analysing fluids, comprising a container (3) in the form of a syringe, into which a fluid may be taken in via an intake device (14) through at least one opening (5), and further comprising a sensor (7) which is either integrated in the container wall (9) or is attached to said container wall (9), the sensor(s) (7) being so disposed that it/they can come into contact with the fluid which may be taken up into the cavity (10).

Abstract: A method of extracting anionic species from a solid or liquid medium by contacting the medium with an extract solvent of supercritical carbon dioxide and a positively charged complexant ligand for solubilizing and extracting the anionic species form the medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of polyvalent metal ions using a sandwich aggregation assay. One or more chelating agents capable of forming at least 2:1 or higher ratio stoichiometry complexes with polyvalent metal ions are attached to a suitable carrier such as latex particles through covalent bonds or by non-covalent interactions, such as hydophobic interactions. Upon complexation with the metal ions, the carriers of the complexing agent aggregate, causing an increase in light absorbance or light scattering which is proportional to the concentration of metal ions in the test sample. The measurement of the light absorbance or light scattering by a suitable instrument, such as a spectrophotometer or nephelometer provides a means for measuring the concentration of metal ions.

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumptions rates.

Abstract: Fractional-volatilization separation systems and methods are disclosed which enable a stable, continuous, non-bubbling liquid flow, essentially constant surface area/volume ratio, temperature controlled, fractional volatilization of volatile/semi-volatile components in a liquid analyte or component containing sample. The fractional volatilization separator system can be utilized in small scale analytical and large scale chemical purification, concentration and desalinization applications. Continuous rapid removal of residual liquid sample can provide concentrated non-volatile component/analyte solution, and allows quick and easy washout between sequential use with different liquid samples.

Abstract: Concentration of a target chemical in the presence of other substances in a specimen is determined by subjecting the specimen to radio frequency electromagnetic components, sequentially or otherwise, ranging to about 5 GHz. The reflected and/or transmitted signal real and imaginary components at the specimen are spectrally examined as a function of frequency to identify the presence and/or concentration of the chemical of interest. Such examination includes analysis of the effective complex impedance presented by the specimen, and/or effective phase shift between the transmitted and reflected signal at the specimen. The effects upon glucose concentration measurements of varying electrolytes, primarily NaCl, can be nulled-out by examining impedance magnitude at a cross-over frequency, for example about 2.5 GHz. NaCl concentration exhibits a very linear relationship with phase shift change at frequencies in the 2 GHz-3 GHz range.

Abstract: Diaza-18-crown-6 compounds of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein X is a phenol, naphthol or quinolinol moiety selected from those of the formulae: ##STR2## R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, cyano, nitro, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.8) acyl, acetamido, mercapto, alkyl or arylsulfonyl, trifluoromethyl, aryl, and substituted aryl wherein the aryl moiety is selected from phenyl and naphthyl and the aryl substituent is selected from halo, cyano, nitro, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.8) acyl, phenyl, acetamido, mercapto, alkyl or arylsulfonyl and trifluoromethyl; provided that when R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen and X is phenol, R.sub.4 is not nitro; and provided that when X is phenol and R.sub.5 is hydrogen, R.sub.1 (or R.sub.2) and R.sub.4 are not both nitro.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for rapid measurement of a fluid bulk analyte, requiring only microscale volumes. Several fluid bulk analytes can be measured simultaneously and, for biological samples, the cell content can also be measured simultaneously. The invention comprises reporter beads for chemical analysis of fluid bulk properties such as pH, oxygen saturation and ion content. Each reporter bead comprises a substrate bead having a plurality of at least one type of fluorescent reporter molecules immobilized thereon. The fluorescent properties of the reporter bead are sensitive to a corresponding analyte. Reporter beads are added to a fluid sample and the analyte concentration is determined by measuring fluorescence of individual beads, for example in a flow cytometer. Alternatively, reporter molecules which change absorbance as a function of analyte concentration can be employed.

Abstract: A method using concentrated aqueous solutions of sodium cobaltinitrite and rhodamine B is described which can be used to identify concrete that contains gels formed by the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). These solutions present little health or environmental risk, are readily applied, and rapidly discriminate between two chemically distinct gels; K-rich, Na--K--Ca--Si gels are identified by yellow staining, and alkali-poor, Ca--Si gels are identified by pink staining.

Abstract: An optical indicator for determining the activity of an ion in a sample is provided with an ionophor which is capable of selectively binding the ion to be measured. The ionophor has at least two functional groups that can form an electron donor acceptor (EDA) complex, the complex bond being broken up by the attachment of the ion to be determined. This will lead to a change in at least one of the measurable optical properties of the indicator in dependence on the activity of the ion to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining sodium ions in a sample using .beta.-galactosidase in an aqueous medium, wherein a .beta.-galactosidase reaction is carried out in the presence of a cation which competes with the sodium ion.The method of the present invention is good in accurate determination and reproducibility and enables the simple and quick quantitative determination of sodium ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric optical amplifier doped with lanthanide ions, which are present in the amplifier in the form of a complex.The invention also relates to novel electrically neutral lanthanide complexes which can be applied with advantage in the above-described polymeric optical amplifiers. These complexes comprise host molecules which readily complex with the lanthanide and fully encapsulate it.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte sensor to measuring the amount of trace elements, such as sulfur, in molten metals such as steel is provided wherein zirconia toughened strontium .beta.-alumina is used as the solid electrolyte. The resulting sensor is highly resistant to thermal shock, and is suitable for use with molten metals at temperatures of 1350.degree. C. or higher.

Abstract: The present invention is a reagent which, when added as a conditioning solution to samples containing calcium and magnesium, selectively converts the calcium into a complex which does not interfere with magnesium ISEs, and thus allows accurate magnesium determinations by ISE in a wide variety of samples. The conditioning solution also eliminates strontium and barium interferences by the same mechanism, but these are of secondary importance because they occur in samples less frequently and because they interfere less severely. Also, the formulation of the reagent was optimized solely in order to eliminate calcium interference and its ability to remove strontium and barium interferences was surprisingly fortuitous.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a family of fluorescent indicators for metal cations. The indicators are fluorophore conjugates of pyridyl-based metal ion chelators. The indicators are very sensitive detection as quantification reagents for a variety of metals, in a variety of oxidation states, even in the presence of high concentrations of Ca.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+ or other ions, such as is found in seawater, making them highly useful for assaying physiological samples, biological samples, or environmental samples.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an analytic method for detecting trace elements in fluid solution. A cation exchange resin is packed with a radiolabelled exchange material having certain characteristics and replaces the trace element ions in the fluid which becomes labelled. The label is subsequently detected using sensitive and well known radiation detection methods.

Abstract: A method of radiochemical analysis having the steps of providing a solid phase extraction sheet material containing ion-specific sorptive or reactive particles in a porous matrix as carrier for the particles, and providing a fluid including an ion-containing radiochemical analyte, contacting the sheet material with the fluid for a time sufficient for the particles to selectively extract the analyte from the fluid, and analyzing the sheet material in a direct mode for quantitative or qualitative data relating to the radiochemical analyte. Solid phase extraction sheet materials and methods for their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring structural changes of an electrode in a rechargeable battery include an in situ x-ray study electrochemical cell holder (30) comprising top and bottom cell holder members (32, 34) including at least one beryllium window element (36) for transmission of diffractometer x-radiation. A rechargeable battery cell (43) mounted within the x-ray cell holder enclosure comprises an electrolyte/separator element (68) interposed between positive and negative electrodes (64, 66). A current collector element (70) formed of an electrically-conductive open-mesh grid is disposed between the positive electrode and the separator to enable ion-conducting contact of the electrode and separator while maintaining electrical continuity between the electrode and an external x-ray cell holder terminal (54).

Abstract: A composite reagent, for a veterinary diagnostic test, which contains a color reagent substance to produce a color by reacting with either one or both of magnesium (Mg) ions and calcium (Ca) ions, a polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, and a masking agent for interfering metal ions in a urine of an animal other than the Mg ions and the Ca ions.

Abstract: A method of hair analysis that provides an extensive history is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (1) releasing trapped hair from a hair follicle; and, (2) performing hair analysis on the released hair.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of detecting hemolysis in a whole-blood sample, a method of determining an elevation in the potassium ion concentration of a whole-blood sample, an apparatus for detecting hemolysis and/or determining an elevation in the potassium ion concentration in a fluid sample, an apparatus for detecting hemolysis and/or determining an elevation in the potassium ion concentration in a whole-blood sample, and a single-use cartridge containing a plurality of microfabricated biosensors which further contains a hemolysis detection unit.

Abstract: An ion concentration measuring apparatus for measuring the concentration of a measuring ion in a sample solution containing the measuring ion and an interfering ion having the same ionic charge number as that of the measuring ion. This apparatus comprises a first ion-selective electrode for generating a potential in response to the measuring ion, and a second ion-selective electrode in response to the interfering ion. The first ion-selective electrode is brought about in contact with a first, second and third standard solutions, each containing known concentrations of ions. A selectivity coefficient of the ion-selective electrode is calculated on the basis of the output potential of the first ion-selective electrode. The first and second ion-selective electrodes are brought about in contact with the sample solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric optical amplifier doped with lanthanide ions, which are present in the amplifier in the form of a complex. The invention also relates to novel electrically neutral lanthanide complexes which can be applied with advantage in the above-described polymeric optical amplifiers. These complexes comprise host molecules which readily complex with the lanthanide and fully encapsulate it.