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: 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 bulk sample is fed with a liquid into a mixing tank (1) where it is stirred to form a dispersion. A proportion of the dispersion is recycled from the bottom of the tank through a line to the top of the tank so that at least the dispersion in the recycle loop (3) is substantially homogeneous, and a representative sample of the dispersion is taken from the recycle loop, e.g. using a slurry sampler (5).

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: The present invention provides methods for detecting metal concentration from an area including compounding a solution that includes a metal dissolved by a solvent, and a reagent combined with metal ions dissolved in the solution and referring a difference of absorption rates between a compound of the solvent and reagent and a compound of the solution and reagent. An apparatus for carrying out the processes described herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a new class of fluorescent sensor with unprecedented sensitivity, selectivity and synthetic efficiency for the identification and qualitative and quantitative detection of transition metal ions. The chemosensing properties are based on an internal charge transfer mechanism or photo-induced electron transfer and are effective in vitro. The chemosensor comprises one or more electron donating dipyrrin functionalities linked to an electron withdrawing functionality. The chemosensor forms a stable transition metal complex through internal charge transfer between the electron donating functionality and the target transition metal, which results in measurable fluorescence. Specific examples for sensing zinc and copper ions are described.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and measurement of tagged (labeled) biologically active materials in a sample are described. The tagged biologically active materials are detected using an atomic mass or optical spectrometer having a source of atoms or atomic ions. Element-labeled biologically active materials, comprising antibodies, antibody Fab? fragments, antigens, aptamers, protein complexes, growth factors, hormones, receptors and other biologically active materials attached to a stable elemental tag, can be used in specific binding assays and measured by elemental spectroscopic detection. Also described are methods for the determination of metals in samples of interest using specific antibodies to isolate the target metals and elemental spectroscopy for detection and quantitation. Kits are provided comprising reagents to detect and measure labeled biologically active materials or labeled competition analytes.

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

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of metal ions in a sample comprising the steps of: providing a sample comprising a nonpolar, liquid hydrocarbon, suspected of containing a metal ion; adding a dye such as a spirobenzopyran dye or bathocuproine and a reducing agent to the sample; wherein the dye forms a complex with the metal ion; wherein the complex has a spectral shift in light absorbance relative to the dye; observing the spectral shift; and calculating the concentration of the metal ion in the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of interaction between at least a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes in an osmotic cell. Changes in osmotic pressure are determined by measuring the amount of compression exhibited by a compressible, semi-permeable material positioned in the cell.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining the relative metal bioavailability of a metal source in an animal or group of animals. The method may be utilized to compare the relative metal bioavailability between different metal sources and it may be used to determine the relative nutritional status of a metal in an animal or group of animals.

Abstract: We disclose methods of sorting or separating mixtures of living cells (e.g., eukaryotic, prokaryotic, mammalian, pathogenic, bacterial, viral, etc.). We perform our methods by activating cell-selective photophoric labels, which photosensitize and chemically reduce a photosensitive metal compound to form metal grains, particles or crystals. The metal adheres to the cells and forms the basis for sorting or separating different cell types. Photophoric labels may include chemiluminescent agents such as peroxidase enzymes activated with peroxidase substrates capable of luminescence. Photosensitive metal compounds may be present in a light-sensitive matrix or emulsion containing photosensitizable metal compounds, which form metal grains, particles or crystals upon exposure to a developer solution. Developer solutions are formulated to substantially allow living cells to remain viable after exposure to the developing solution.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing nanoparticles, in particular metal salt nanoparticles. To the synthesis mixture is added a modifying reagent which binds, by means of a first functional group, to the nanoparticle surface and which carries a second functional group for binding to molecules which are specifically selected in dependence on the subsequent use of the nanoparticles. This dispenses with a postsynthetic, separate, application-specific modification step. A new substance class, the pentaalkyl iminobis(methylenephosphono)carboxylates, are particularly suitable for this purpose.

Abstract: A method of assigning expected recovery values to control substances used in analytical testing is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is to invent a novel method for testing the radiochemical purity of Tc-99m-TRODAT-1 through a high performance liquid chromatography on a widely available C-18 column.

Abstract: A method for testing for presence of silver metal or silver salt antimicrobial agents on a surface of substrate, comprising a) contacting the substrate with a dye solution, wherein the dye solution comprises a dye selected to provide a detectable differential color change in the dye solution contacted substrate for a substrate having silver metal or silver salt on a surface thereof relative to a substrate not having silver metal or silver salt on a surface thereof, and b) detecting a presence or absence of the differential color change in the dye solution contacted substrate.

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: 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: 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: 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: Embodiments of the invention provide an analytical method and analytical reagent solutions for determining the concentration of electrolyte components, such as copper, acid and chloride constituents in an acid or basic metal plating bath using a chemical analyzer. Common methods for measuring the concentration of copper general require two reagent solutions/two steps. This invention provides a novel analytical reagent solution that simplifies the chelating, buffering, and cleaning functions of separate regent solutions required for measuring electrolyte concentration. This has the benefits of reducing chemical inventory and associated dispensing equipment, and thus reducing chemical consumption.

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: Metal nanoparticles associated with a spectroscopy-active (e.g., Raman-active) analyte and surrounded by an encapsulant are useful as sensitive optical tags detectable by surface-enhanced spectroscopy (e.g., surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy).

Abstract: Methods for detecting biopolymers such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids in a matrix are provided, in which the methods include contacting the matrix with a sensitizing reagent that includes a substituted heteroaromatic compound; contacting the matrix with a reduceable metal salt to stain the biopolymer(s); and detecting the stained biopolymer(s). Compositions for performing the methods can include sensitizing agents, staining reagents, reducing agents, enhancing agents, and destaining agents. The compositions presented are compatible with mass spectrometry, and methods are provided for staining a biopolymer using the compositions of the invention and performing mass spectrometry on one or more biopolymers identified by the staining methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal ion specific capacitance sensor with exceptional sensitivity and wide operating range. It is versatile because different kinds of recognition elements can be immobilized directly in a self-assembling monolayer substantially completely covering the surface of the measuring noble metal electrode. The electrode then becomes selective to those metal ions in the solution that show affinity to the recognition element on the surface. Compared to previously described electrochemical sensors, the sensor according to the present invention shows many orders of magnitude better sensitivity because of the unique measuring principle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting biopolymers in a matrix, which includes contacting the matrix with a sensitizing reagent including on one or more optionally substituted heteroaromatic compounds; contacting the matrix with one or more reduceable metal salts to stain the biopolymer; and detecting the stained biopolymer. The invention also relates to compositions for carrying out the invention and compositions made according to the invention. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for detecting gold and quantitating gold in ore samples utilizing a gold-specific protein are provided, including methods for multiple sample handling. Also provided are methods for extracting gold from mineral suspensions utilizing a magnetic mineral binding reagent and gold-specific protein, or hydrophobic reagent and gold-specific protein in conjunction with a flotation reagent.

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 detecting creatinine in body fluids using an indicator which produces a fluorescent response when oxidized in the presence of a copperII/creatinine complex. A preferred indicator is 4-(1-methylhydrazino)-7-nitro benzooxadiazole (MNBDH).

Abstract: A method for evaluating concentration of metal impurities contained in a silicon wafer, which comprises dropping concentrated sulfuric acid onto a surface of the silicon wafer to extract metal impurities solid-solubilized in the inside of the silicon wafer into the concentrated sulfuric acid, and chemically analyzing metal impurities contained in the concentrated sulfuric acid. The problem imposed on high sensitivity evaluation of metals contained in silicon bulk is, in addition to increase of sensitivity of analysis apparatus itself, how to extract metals contained in a silicon wafer to a surface and recover them. This problem can be solved by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A composition which contains stabilized conjugates composed of colloidal particles and biomolecules is obtained by adding a detergent to a solution containing biomolecules before or/and during treatment of colloidal particles with this solution.

Abstract: To expediently and quantitatively estimate Cu within a silicon substrate without fully dissolving the silicon substrate and to ascertain the process contamination, there is provided a method for quantitatively determining the Cu concentration in a Cu containing silicon substrate having obverse and converse surfaces, the silicon substrate contains at least 3×1018 atoms/cm3 of boron and is heated at a temperature of no more than 600° C., the improvement comprises heating the converse surface of the substrate at a temperature between 300° C. to 350° C. for a period of 1 to 12 hours and then quantitatively analyze the Cu concentration at obverse and converse surfaces of the heated substrate.

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: Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been used extensively for solving various biological problems, such as structure identification of oligopeptides, nucleic acids, and nucleotides. One of the main advances of MS/MS is that it lends itself to the quantitative and qualitative analysis of certain analytes and complex mixtures with little or no clean up. Quantitative analysis of amino acids and acylcarnitines using tandem mass spectrometry used to screen neonatal dried blood spot samples for disorders in the metabolism of amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids is an emerging technology. The method described herein extends the use of tandem mass spectrometry to the analysis of &agr;-hydroxyketones and hexose phosphates from blood spots for newborn screening. Thus, according to this invention one test can be used to screen a number of neonatal disorders and diseases.

Abstract: Sensors, sensor arrays and sensing methods provide for detection of a chemical analyte in a fluid. Sensors include a plurality of conductive and nonconductive regions in contact with a measuring apparatus. One or more sensors include a plurality of particles that include a metallic core. Preferably, the particles also include one or more capping ligands coupled to the metallic core. Exposure of the sensors to a fluid containing a chemical analyte causes the analyte to react with the metal core, preferably by displacing one or more of the capping ligands. The chemical analyte can be detected based on a change in electrical or optical properties of the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of monitoring calibration of a spectrophotometric apparatus that comprises one or more calibration algorithms for one or more analytes. This method comprises measuring absorbance of a quality control material with the apparatus to obtain a measurement, where the quality control material exhibits an absorbance spectra characterized as having a negative slope for a continuous spectral segment from about 5 nm to about 200 nm in length, and where the spectral segment includes a principal calibration wavelength for the one or more analytes. The method then involves calculating one or more concentration values from the measurement using the one or more calibration algorithms, followed by comparing the one or more concentration values with an assigned value given to the quality control material for each of the one or more analytes, and determining if there is a violation of a pre-established quality control rule.

Abstract: The present invention is a chemiresistor for qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical species that consists of a very thin film of particles, nanoclusters, deposited on an insulating substrate and contacted by electrodes. The particles have a metallic core, preferably spheroidal, that is less than 5 nm in diameter and surrounded by an monolayer ligand shell ranging in thickness from 0.4 nm to 2 nm. The Coulomb blockade effects upon which the invention operates result in nonlinear current-voltage characteristics which dramatically improves sensitivity with much lower power dissipation. One property of the ligand shell is that its chemical composition can be chosen to be especially receptive to a particular chemical vapor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting proteins on polyacrylamide gels, comprising the steps of sensitizing the proteins with a dye composition comprising an acidic organic dye as a silver ion sensitizing agent, and optionally, a basic organic dye as an auxiliary agent, and washing them, and then silver staining complexes of the protein-dye, and to the dye composition for the same.

Abstract: Methods for detecting gold and quantitating gold in ore samples utilizing a gold-specific protein are provided, including methods for multiple sample handling. Also provided are methods for extracting gold from mineral suspensions utilizing a magnetic mineral binding reagent and gold-specific protein, or hydrophobic reagent and gold-specific protein in conjunction with a flotation reagent.

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: The present invention provides a process for forming electrical contacts to a molecular layer in a nanoscale device, the nanoscale device, and a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit comprise such devices. The process includes coating a surface of a stamp with a metal layer and forming an attached layer of anchored molecules by coupling first ends of the anchored molecules to a conductive or semiconductive substrate. The process also includes placing the metal layer in contact with the attached layer of anchored molecules such that the metal layer chemically bonds to free ends of the anchored molecules. The resulting devices produced have superior reliability as compared to conventional prepared devices.

Abstract: A reagent and kit are disclosed for determining if a patient is hypercoagulable, hypocoagulable or normal. The test involves providing a test sample from the patient and initiating coagulation in the sample in the presence of an activator, which is added to the sample in an amount which will result in intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin. Then the formation of the intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin polymerization is monitored over time so as to derive a time-dependent profile, with the results of the fibrin polymerization monitoring determining whether the patient is hypercoagulable, normal or hypocoagulable. The coagulation activator is added in an amount that triggers a thrombin explosion that is dependent on the propagation phase and amplification pathways. In this way, a single assay can assess the hemostatic potential of a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying candidate pharmacological agents to be used in the treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's disease and/or related pathological conditions.

Abstract: Methods for detecting biopolymers in a matrix are disclosed, which involve contacting the matrix with a sensitizing reagent, which may include one or more optionally substituted heteroaromatic compounds; contacting the matrix with one or more reduceable metal salts to stain the biopolymer; and detecting the stained biopolymer. Also disclosed are compositions for carrying out the invention and compositions made according to the invention. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of metal ions in a sample comprising the steps of: providing a sample comprising a nonpolar, liquid hydrocarbon, suspected of containing a metal ion; adding a dye such as a spirobenzopyran dye or bathocuproine and a reducing agent to the sample; wherein the dye forms a complex with the metal ion; wherein the complex has a spectral shift in light absorbance relative to the dye; observing the spectral shift; and calculating the concentration of the metal ion in the sample.

Abstract: The antioxidant power of an organic or inorganic liquid is determined by causing it to enter into competition with bathocuproine (BC) in a copper sulphate solution. Bathocuproine (BC) forms stable complexes with the monovalent Cu. Such a reaction is specific for Cu(I) and not for divalent Cu(II). Cu(II) in solution can be reduced to Cu(I) by a number of reducing compositions belonging to a class of compositions consisting prevailingly of both liposoluble and water soluble non-enzymatic antioxidants. When the reaction occurs in a bathocuproine (BC) buffer, the complex being formed is characterized by the concentration of the reducing agents and then, by good approximation, of the antioxidants present in the system. The quantitative analysis of such a reaction can be easily made by spectrophotometry at 480 nm both by macro- and micromethods with the use of a number of reducing standard compositions with known concentrations.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on a substrate and the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide. A chemical cleaning or stripping solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening (CHTS). In the method, an array of regions is defined on a substrate, a candidate cleaning/stripping solution is deposited onto the regions to effect cleaning/stripping of the regions; a fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on the substrate; the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide and a product of the cleaning/stripping is evaluated according to the identified metal oxide. An activated metal substrate composition is provided that comprises a metal substrate with a contaminant metal oxide coating and a fluorescent activator bound to the substrate by reaction with the metal oxide coating.

Abstract: An article for delivery of a chemical reactant includes a liquid or solvated chemical reactant pre-moistened into an applicator. A chemical reactant impervious package has a pouch adapted to enclose the applicator for storage. The chemical reactant delivery article is based on capillary action to wick the continuing supply of chemical reactant to the substrate contacting portion of the applicator and as such is operative independent of chemical reactant gravitational flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for amplifying a detection signal by enhancing or promoting the deposition of additional silver in assay detection systems where the formation of a silver spot serves as a reporter for the presence of a target molecule, including biological polymers (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) and small molecules.