Abstract: A novel 14-crown 4-ether derivative is disclosed for use in a dry analytical element for assaying lithium.

Abstract: A chromogenic cryptand found to be especially selective in the determination of lithium in blood of the general formula (I): ##STR1## where: n=1 or 2,R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, same or different, are hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or lower alkylidene; andQ is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing a detectable response upon complexation of said compound with lithium ion and has the structure: ##STR2## wherein: X is CH, C--OH or N; and Z is p-nitrophenylazo, 2,4-dinitrophenylazo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino, bis-(4-dimethylaminophenyl) hydroxymethyl, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo; or isothiazolyl-5-azo.A reagent composition and synthesis of a preferred chromogenic cryptand are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a new class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic hemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, which have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;m is 1 to about 3;n is 0 to about 3;A is an aliphatic or aromatic subunit, e.g.

Abstract: A heavy metal-free composition and its method of use in an ion selective electrode-based assay are disclosed. The heavy metal-free composition includes a borate compound and an alkalinity adjusting compound, and is used to dilute a test sample; buffer the test sample; and substantially reduce the effects of interferents present in the test sample on the ion selective electrode-based assay. The heavy metal-free composition and its method of use are especially useful in an ion selective electrode-based assay for carbonate ion concentration in a test sample, like blood serum, blood plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: A regenerable activated bauxite adsorber alkali monitor probe for field applications to provide reliable measurement of alkali-vapor concentration in combustion gas with special emphasis on pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (PFBC) off-gas. More particularly, the invention relates to the development of a easily regenerable bauxite adsorbent for use in a method to accurately determine the alkali-vapor content of PFBC exhaust gases.

Abstract: A sensor (10) is provided for detecting the concentration of potassium ions which comprises a molecule which selectively complexes potassium ions. The molecule, e.g., 2,2-bis(3,4-(15-crown-5)-2-nitrophenylcarbamoxymethyl)tetradecanol-14, has at least one binding site and is provided with a fluorophore group, e.g., Rhodamine-B, at that site. The molecule is one that expands upon complexation of potassium ions, such that the intensity of fluorescence increases. The change in fluorescent intensity is a direct measure of the concentration of potassium ions. A detector employing the sensor is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic crypt and compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and--Q-- is ##STR2## wherein X is CH, N, or COH; and Y includes ##STR3## except that when Q is ##STR4## wherein Y is p-nitrophenylazo, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, isothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino or bis-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)hydroxymethyl, then the following condition cannot be present: that simultaneously b is equal to 0 to 1, d is equal to 0 or 1, j is equal to 1, n is equal to 1 or 2, a is equal to 1, e is

Abstract: Compositions and test articles comprisng ionophore of an optically active isomer of bis(12-crown-4-methyl)dialkyl malonate, wherein alkyl group is methyl and the second alkyl group has 4 to 20 carbon atoms, with a reporter substance incorporated in a hydrophobic carrier are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method for determining the approximate consumption rate of alcohol by a human subject includes the steps of using are blood sample from such subject to develop a subject serum panel. Such serum panel includes at least twelve constituents, preferably more. Two of the constituents are HDL and magnesium. The subject blood serum panel is then statistically compared with a reference panel providing categories of rates of alcohol consumption such as light-to-moderate, moderate-to-heavy and very heavy. The reference panel also includes HDL and magnesium as constituents. That category of alcohol consumption which best characterizes such subject is then identified, thereby diagnosing the approximate alcohol consumption rate and, therefore, the presence or absence of probable alcohol abuse. Selenium, copper and/or zinc may also be included as constituents. Reference and subject panels may also be developed to include considerations of gender and ranges of age.

Abstract: A method for the detection of trace transition elements and rare earth elements in a sample also containing alkali metals or alkaline earth elements. The sample is flowed through a chelator column which retains the transition elements and rare earth elements. Then a first eluent (e.g. ammonium acetate) is passed through the column to strip the alkali and alkaline earth metals retained on the column. Then a second eluent (e.g. a strong acid) is passed through the chelator column to remove the transition elements in a chelator effluent which flows through an ion exchange resin concentrator to retain only the transition elements and rare earth elements. Then, a chelator complexing agent (e.g. pyridine-2,6 dicarboxylic acid or an oxalate) flows through the concentrator column to remove the transition elements and rare earth elements.

Abstract: Single or multi-cell reservoir sensors with single illumination sources and one or more detectors per cell unit have an arrangement whereby a gaseous, vapor or liquid sample enters the cell body and interacts with a sensing solution to detect and quantify a given species. Entrance of the sample into the sensor is through an opening in the cell body which may be covered with a membrane to contain the sensing reagent and to presort the species entering the cell. Reservoir cells can be used with organic, inorganic or biochemical sensing materials. A variety of sensors as alcohol, drugs of abuse, organic halides, cyanide and inorganic ions are provided.

Abstract: An indirect potentiometric method and diluent for the analysis of lithium are disclosed. The diluent includes effective amounts of a pH buffer, at least one lithium salt, and a non-cationic surfactant containing at least one hydrophobic group, at least one hydrophillic group and being substantially free of polyoxyethylene groups. Most preferably, the pH buffer is tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-phosphate, the lithium salt is lithium chloride, and the surfactant is 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7 diol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of assaying the content of Mg ions in a human body fluid such as serum, urine or saliva by the use of a reactant solution containing isocitrate dehydrogenase, NADP.sup.+, isocitrate and an excess amount of a chelating agent. Almost all Mg ions as existing in a human body fluid sample to be examined are bonded with the chelating agent, and the remaining Mg ions react with NADP.sup.+ to form NADPH. Increase of the thus formed NADPH is measured to obtain a standard curve of a straight line, and the content of Mg ions in the same is determined on the basis of the standard curve. If such an excess amount of a Mg-chelating agent is not added to the reactant solution, the intended standard could not be in the form of a straight line but is in the form of a tangent curve. Using the tangent curve, the content of Mg ions in the human body fluid sample cannot be assayed accurately.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tetra substituted cyclohexane having an ionophore in the one and two positions wherein the ionophore may be the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of a crown, a podand and a cryptand wherein the ionophore is capable of complexing with a metal or ammonium cation. Positions four and five are substituted by an electron donor group and an electron acceptor group. Also disclosed is a method for detecting the concentration of cations in a fluid by subjecting the fluid to the tetra substituted cyclohexane composition which will thereby complex the cation in the fluid. The cations are preferably alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations. The fluid may be an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid or body fluids.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and ##STR2## wherein X is CH, N or COH; andY includes ##STR3## except that when Q is ##STR4## wherein Y is p-nitrophenylazo, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, isothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino or bis-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)hydroxymethyl, then the following condition cannot be present: that simultaneously b is equal to 0 or 1, d is equal to 0 or 1, j is equal to 1, n is equal to 1 or 2, a is equal to 1, e is equal to 1

Abstract: A pledget containing an anticoagulant for use with a blood sample is provided. The pledget includes a filler material, such as dextran, to increase the volume anticoagulant to minimize interference with free ion measurements in the blood.

Abstract: An activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test is described which does not require blood which has been anticoagulated with citrate. The test enables the citrate anticoagulant step to be combined with the contact activation step and hence enables one to employ fresh non-anticoagulated blood specimens to directly perform the APTT Test.

Abstract: A chemical analysis method for indirect detection thin layer chromatography of cations that provides a rapid indication of the amount and type of cation present with minimal equipment requirements. The method includes four steps. The first step is to equilibrate a thin layer cation exchange chromatography plate with a color-forming cation, such as with copper II, to form a prepared plate. The second step is to deposit a sample on the prepared plate to form a spotted plate, the sample containing a cation of interest, such as sodium I. The third step is to develop the spotted plate with a liquid solution containing the color-forming cation, such as a solution of copper II ions, to chromatograph the cation of the sample to form a developed plate.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen.

Abstract: A single, stable reagent and automatable methods utilizing the reagent for the assay of calcium in serum and aqueous samples, such as urine. (Aqueous samples contain little or no protein.) The reagent includes arsenazo III, 8-hydroxyquinoline, a buffer that does not bind calcium competitively with arsenazo III and that provides a reagent pH from about 8.5 to about 10, the buffer being in sufficient amount to maintain pH within +/- 0.1 pH units of the reagent pH when the reagent is added to a sample of unknown calcium content, dimethylsulfoxide and water. Importantly, dimethylsulfoxide permits the incorporation of 8-hydroxyquinoline into a single, stable reagent, which is at an alkaline pH that is optimal for calcium measurement by the calcium-arsenazo III complex. 8-Hydroxyquinoline eliminates assay interference due to magnesium ion. Also, at least one non-ionic surfactant in sufficient amount to minimize lipid turbidity may be added to the reagent.

Abstract: Tetra-substituted aryl cyclic formazan dyes are useful in assaying for lithium. The dyes have the structure: ##STR1## in which X represents CN or NO.sub.2 ;Y represents CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 ; andR.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each independently represent butyl, halogen, alkoxy or NO.sub.2.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and--Q-- is ##STR2## wherein X and CH, N, or COH; and Y includes ##STR3## except that when Q is ##STR4## wherein Y is p-nitrophenylazo, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, isothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino or bis-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)hydroxymethyl, then the following condition cannot be present: that simultaneously b is equal to 0 or 1, d is equal to 0 or 1, j is equal to 1, n is equal to 1 or 2, a is equal to 1, e is

Abstract: Correcting an initial measurement of the concentration of a first water soluble species dissolved in a water-based component of a biological fluid that also includes a second water soluble species and a volume occupying component, the initial measurement having been taken using an original sample of the fluid that had been diluted by an amount of additional aqueous solution to form a diluted sample is disclosed; the concentration of the second water soluble species is measured in an undiluted sample of the biological fluid to obtain a direct concentration and is measured using a diluted sample of the fluid to obtain an indirect concentration, and the initial measurement of concentration of the first species is adjusted based on a combination of the direct and indirect concentration determinations of the second species.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing a gas mixture which contains a dust-like solid by separating and directing to analysis a certain quantity of the gas mixture along a sample-taking conduit, wherein a known quantity of liquid is mixed with the separated gas mixture in order to absorb the gas mixture into the liquid. The analysis is performed by analyzing the liquid which has absorbed the gas mixture. The liquid is mixed with the separated gas mixture which is being directed to analysis immediately after the gas mixture has been separated, and the separated gas mixture and the liquid are directed together along the sample-taking conduit to analysis.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent comprising(a) one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and--Q-- is ##STR2## wherein X is CH, N, or COH; andY includes ##STR3## and (b) one or more interfering cation complexing compound masks.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a new class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic hemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, methods of using the chromogenic hemispherands and test devices containing the chromogenic hemispherands. The chromogenic hemispherands of the invention have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;m is 1 to about 3;n is 0 to about 3;P is an aliphatic or aromatic subunit, e.g., --CR.sub.2 CR.sub.2 OCR.sub.2 CR.sub.

Abstract: A method of measuring calcium ions is disclosed wherein a calcium sensitive reagent, calcichrome, is immobilized on a porour polymer film. The reaction of the calcium sensitive reagent to the Ca(II) is then measured and concentration determined as a function of the reaction.

Abstract: Contact lenses can be sterilized effectively in a short time, by using a kit for contact lens sterilization which comprises an oxidizing agent for sterilizing contact lenses and a reducing agent for making nontoxic the oxidizing agent still remaining after sterilization and wherein the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent each have such a property and form that they do not substantially react with each other in the kit and that when they are placed in water substantially simultaneously, the major portion of the oxidizing agent dissolves in water more rapidly than the major portion of the reducing agent. Further, with this kit, the sterilized contact lenses can be made nontoxic without fail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining lithium ion concentrations in an aqueous sample are provided wherein the selectivity is improved by the addition of orotic acid. The orotic acid precipitates sodium and potassium ions which can interfere with the lithium ion determination.

Abstract: A method of preparing an integral multilayer analytical element such as for analysis of calcium comprising a water-impermeable light-transmissive support, a reagent layer containing a water-soluble indicator capable of reacting with an analyte to produce an optically detectable change, and a porous spreading layer containing a spreading action controller and/or an acid capable of decomposing the calcium compounds in a sample, superposed in this order, wherein the spreading action controller and/or the acid is dissolved in an organic solvent which does not dissolve the above water-soluble indicator, this solution is incorporated into the porous spreading layer, and this superposed material is dried. In the method of the present invention, the migration of the water-soluble indicator in the reagent layer at the time of incorporating the spreading action controller or the acid into the spreading layer is inhibited by using a particular organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a general assay methodology suitable for the detection of organic analytes which are neither aldehydes nor ketones and for inorganic substances. The methodology utilizes prepared sensitized films of derivatizing agents and specific developer solutions for the selective and controlled formation of light scattering crystals whose presence serves as a qualitative and/or quantitative measure of the individual analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: A rapid, microwave-based Kjeldahl digestion method wherein microwave energy is applied to an acid/sample mixture at the beginning of, and thereafter during the digestion. After the application of microwave energy is discontinued, the digestate is diluted by pulsed addition of water, followed by continuous addition of water. Dilution in this manner prevents a sudden surge in gas evolution, and eliminates the need for an intervening cooling step, thereby reducing processing time. Also provided is a method for fat separation from a fat-containing protein sample during the digestion.

Abstract: A process for determining the degree of saturation of a solution comprising a solvent and a compound of limited solubility which involves the steps of (1) diluting a feed solution of the compound of limited solubility, (2) passing a sample of the diluted feed solution through a bed of a solid solution of the compound and a tracer in which the tracer is intrinsically incorporated into the crystal structure of the compound, so that the diluted feed solution being tested becomes saturated with the compound by dissolution of a portion of the solid solution in the bed, (3) measuring the concentration of the tracer in the sample after passage through the bed of solid solution, thus measuring the amount of the compound dissolved from the solid solution to saturate the diluted feed solution, and (4) determining the degree of saturation of the compound in the feed solution from the measured values

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the physical and chemical properties of a sample fluid by measuring an optical signal generated by a fluorescent substance and modulated by an absorber substance. The emission band of the fluorescent substance overlaps the absorption band of the absorber substance, and the degree of overlap is dependent on the physical and chemical properties of the sample fluid. The fluorescent substance and absorber substance are immobilized on a substrate so that an effective number of molecules thereof are sufficiently close for resonant energy transfer to occur, thereby providing highly efficient modulation of the fluorescent emissions of the fluorescent substance by the absorber substance.

Abstract: A process for determining the presence of the chrysotile form of asbestos in a bulk sample is provided. A small sample of a material suspected to contain asbestos is mixed with a phosphate buffer solution containing Clayton Yellow dye. The sample is then exposed to ultraviolet light. Fluorescence of the sample indicates the presence of chrysotile.

Abstract: A process for determining the degree of saturation of a solution comprising a solvent and a compound of limited solubility which involves the steps of (1) diluting a feed solution of the compound of limited solubility, (2) passing a sample of the diluted feed solution through a bed of a solid solution of the compound and a tracer in which the tracer is intrinsically incorporated into the crystal structure of the compound, so that the diluted feed solution being tested becomes saturated with the compound by dissolution of a portion of the solid solution in the bed, (3) measuring the concentration of the tracer in the sample after passage through the bed of solid solution, thus measuring the amount of the compound dissolved from the solid solution to saturate the diluted feed solution, and (4) determining the degree of saturation of the compound in the feed solution from the measured values.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to an apparatus and method for water testing and, more particularly, to a simple dipstick type method for use in comparison with a color chart and suggested courses of action to correct deficiencies in water quality. Briefly stated, a detailed color chart is attached to the side of a container having a plurality of dipsticks contained therein. Each dipstick has disposed thereon a plurality of pads, the total number corresponding to the number of characteristics of the water to be tested. Additionally disclosed is a course of corrective action which may be undertaken by the unskilled user thereby greatly simplifying the process by reducing it to its simplest factors.

Abstract: Novel tetra-substituted aryl cyclic formazan dyes are useful in assaying for Li.sup.+.

Abstract: Method of measuring electrolyte concentration in a urine sample, by preparing a calibrating solution containing ions of the electrolytes to be measured, preparing a diluent containing the same ions, diluting the urine sample with the diluent, measuring the electrolyte in the diluted urine with an electrode using the calibrating solution, and calculating the concentration of electrolyte based on the measured value. Additionally, the concentration of the same electrolytes in a blood sample can be measured without dilution, using the same calibrating solution.

Abstract: A method of preparing an integral multilayer analytical element such as for analysis of calcium comprising a water-impermeable light-transmissive support, a reagent layer containing a water-soluble indicator capable of reacting with an analyte to produce an optically detectable change, and a porous spreading layer containing a spreading action controller and/or an acid capable of decomposing the calcium compounds in a sample, superposed in this order, wherein the spreading action controller and/or the acid is dissolved in an organic solvent which does not dissolve the above water-soluble indicator, this solution is incorporated into the porous spreading layer, and this superposed material is dried. In the method of the present invention, the migration of the water-soluble indicator in the reagent layer at the time of incorporating the spreading action controller or the acid into the spreading layer is inhibited by using a particular organic solvent.

Abstract: An agent and process are used for the determination of calcium in liquids. The agent contains essentially orthocresolphthalein complexone, an acid and a zwitterionic buffer and is characterized in that the buffer contains at least one sulphonic acid amine of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and denote H or alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or cycloalkyl having in each case up to 8 C atoms andR.sub.3 denotes alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having up to 8 C atoms.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentrations of total calcium and at least one monovalent ion in a sample includes the steps of mixing the sample with a diluent that has a pH within the range pH 6.5 to 7.0 and includes 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol phosphate and is free of the monovalent ion. An aliquot of the diluted sample is concurrently contacted with a calcium-specific ion selective electrode and an ion selective electrode specifically responsive to the monovalent ion, the response of the calcium-specific ion selective electrode is measured as an indication of the concentration of total calcium in the sample, and the response of the monovalent ion specific ion selective electrode is measured as an indication of the concentration of the monovalent ion in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic cryptahemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, which have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;a, b, m and n, same or different, are 1 to about 3; and x, y, same or different, are 1 to about 4.A test device utilizing one or more of the compounds for performing such measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: Invented are new tetracarboxylate compounds which are chelators for calcium ions. Also invented is a useful method of measuring intracellular calcium concentrations using these novel compounds as an optical indicator.

Abstract: Preparation of an absorbent quantitative test device in the form of a flat patch. When placed on the skin of a subject, the device collects a fixed volume of sweat. It is particularly intended to be used in screen testing for cystic fibrosis by measuring the chloride level in sweat and providing a visual indication when the level is in excess of a predetermined concentration. A fill tab indicator undergoes a color change when the fixed volume of sweat has been collected signifying completion of the test. The device includes two concentric circular reaction areas of chemically treated absorbent paper or the like. The sweat sample is introduced into the device at the center of the first or inner circular reaction area which contains a chemical composition capable of reacting with all chloride in the sweat sample below a predetermined concentration value to screen out that amount of chloride.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing, monitoring and controlling the onset and progression of certain dementias, such as AD. The onset and progression of dementia are diagnosed and monitored by following changes in the relative concentrations of two forms of albumin in either serum or CSF. The onset and progression of dementia are controlled and memory loss is impeded or the impairment of memory is improved by dietary supplementation or the administration of Mg.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a metal ion in an aqueous environment, which comprises contacting a micelle-forming material, a hydrophobic or amphiphilic dye, and a hydrophobic ionophore capable of selectively binding the ion with a sample of the aqueous environment to form a mixture and measuring a change in absorbance of light by the dye. Compositions method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent comprising one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and-Q- is ##STR2## wherein X is CH, N, or COH; andY includes ##STR3## except that when Q is ##STR4## wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of p-nitrophenylazo, 3-phenylisothiazalyl -5-azo, isothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino and bis-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)hydroxymethyl, then the following condition cannot be present: that simultaneously b is equal to 0 or 1, d is equal to 0 or 1, j is equal to 1, n is e

Abstract: A kit and method for detecting lithium ions in a sample. The kit includes a lithium ion selective color indicator which is a leuco precursor of an arylmethane dye dispersed in a matrix. In use, the color indicator is contacted with a sample and any color change therein is monitored. A color change in the indicator indicates the presence of lithium ions in the sample.

Abstract: A device for treating water to reduce the concentration of cations or anions therein includes a water-tight container (4) of flexible material, designed to be able to lie substantially flat (FIG. 3) when empty and having an aperture (5) for the introduction of liquid, a strainer (7) extending across the aperture, and a closure (6) for the aperture, and a quantity of ion-exchange material (b 8) occupying a minor proportion of the available interior volume of the container. A soil extraction outfit and a soil testing outfit are described, which incorporate the water treatment device.