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: 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 is provided for nonoxidatively cleaving the phosphorus-oxygen linkage of nucleic acids and certain anticholinesterases such as insecticides using a macrocyclic copper(II) complex. A composition suited for such cleavage is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the determination of creatinine in urine which involves contacting a urine test sample with a reagent system containing Cu.sup.+2, a hydroperoxide and an oxidizible dye which provides a detectable response when oxidized in the presence of a pseudoperoxide. The reagent system also includes a buffer to maintain the urine's pH within the range of 6.6 to 8.0 and a chelating agent for the cupric ions to prevent oxidation of the dye in the absence of creatinine.

Abstract: An accurate and effective measurement of copper in subject samples is rendered possible even for minute amounts of copper, by converting copper-bonded hologalactose oxidase to the apo-form by liberation of the copper, and measuring the copper of the sample in a reaction system containing the apogalactose oxidase.

Abstract: A method of analyzing for As(III) as AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion in an Au(I) containing electroplating solution. The concentration of As(III) in the electroplating solution is maintained high enough to avoid formation of "burnt Au" oxides but low enough to avoid bond failures. A sample of the electroplating solution is withdrawn and added to a buffered solution, for example an acetate-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) buffered solution. A complexing agent for Au(I) ion is added to the buffered solution. This can be an alkali metal cyanide. Next ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate is added as a complexing agent for the AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion. The ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate--AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion is extracted, for example with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). The extract is analyzed for As(III) by atomic absorption, as electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

Abstract: A surface processing method effected before the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis is effected is disclosed. The surface processing is to modify all of the contaminants attached at least to the measurement surface of the wafer into particle-shaped residues. For this purpose, the measurement surface of the wafer is first dissolved by hydrofluoric acid to form a large number of droplets on the measurement surface. Next, the thus formed droplets are dried with the position thereof kept unchanged. After the drying, contaminants attached to the measurement surface of the wafer are left as particle-shaped residues. After this, the measurement surface of the wafer is analyzed by the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analyzing method.

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 process for carrying out a specific binding assay by reacting (a) a sample under assay for the possible presence of a substance being tested for, (b) a specific binding partner for the substance being tested for, immobilised on a solid support, and (c) a specific binding partner for the substance being tested for which is conjugated to a detectable marker, to thereby form a complex by reacting between whatever quantities are present of the substance being tested for in (a) with reagents (b) and (c). The marker is immobilised to the support via the substance being tested for, and is detected or assayed as an index of the quantity present in the sample (a) of any of the substance. The reaction ingredients (a), (b) and (c) are all mixed in a single step for reaction in a single reaction liquid.

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: Images comprised of silver such as X-rays and electrophoresis gel bands, wherein the size and darkness of the image provides useful information, are quantitated utilizing a spectrophotometer to quantify the silver which comprises the image. An image is isolated from X-ray film or an electrophoresis gel followed by removal therefrom of any silver which is present. The removed silver is complexed to cause an optical change. A spectrophotomer is then used to measure the absorbance and the absorbance measurement is compared with a calibrated reference standard.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid sample involves precipitating a substance from the liquid sample and filtering it from the liquid sample. The precipitate is then tested for the substance of interest by contacting the precipitate with a dye that forms a visible reaction when exposed to the substance. A releasing agent may be used after filtering the precipitate and prior to testing the precipitate with a dye.

Abstract: Organic and inorganic contaminants of an environmental sample are analyzed by the same GC-MS instrument by adding an oxidizing agent to the sample to oxidize metal or metal compounds to form metal ions. The metal ions are converted to chelate complexes and the chelate complexes are extracted into a supercritical fluid such as CO.sub.2. The metal chelate extract after flowing through a restrictor tube is directly injected into the ionization chamber of a mass spectrometer, preferably containing a refractory metal filament such as rhenium to fragment the complex to release metal ions which are detected. This provides a fast, economical method for the analysis of metal contaminants in a sample and can be automated. An organic extract of the sample in conventional or supercritical fluid solvents can be detected in the same mass spectrometer, preferably after separation in a supercritical fluid chromatograph.

Abstract: A swab is impregnated with a test reagent such that a test for a specific substance can be effected by rubbing the impregnated swab over the surface to be tested and then viewing the swab for a reagent reaction. The swab may have a hollow stem, and within the hollow stem is a cartridge within another cartridge. An activator solution is in one of the cartridges and a reagent is in another of the cartridges. A method for testing for a substance includes impregnating a swab, and rubbing the swab over a surface suspected of containing the substance. If the substance is present in the surface, a reaction with the substance produces an easily detectable color on the swab tip.

Abstract: The invention provides method and kits for detecting a metallic cation in a sample of a body fluid. The preferred method and kits include the use of at least two different types of antibodies having different specificities. In the preferred method, the sample of body fluid can be contacted with an effective amount of a capture antibody specific for a naturally occurring polypeptide that can bind the metallic cation to form a first antigen-antibody complex. An effective amount of an antibody specific for an epitope on a metallic cation-naturally occurring polypeptide complex or an antibody specific for a metallic cation is added to the first antigen-antibody complex to form a second antigen-antibody complex. The amount of the metallic cation in the sample of body fluid is determined by detecting the amount of the second antigen-antibody complex.

Abstract: Methods of assaying for the presence or amount of a metal ion in a sample suspected of containing such ions. In one aspect, an enzyme amplified sandwich assay is provided which relies upon the ability of the analyte (metal ion) to form a complex with two complexing agents (chelators). In this assay, the first sandwich chelator is immobilized on a solid support, while the second sandwich chelator is linked to a reporter group (e.g., an enzyme). This assay combines the specific recognition of the analyte by the first and second sandwich chelators with the great signal amplification offered by the reporter group (e.g., enzyme). In another aspect, a competitive assay is provided that relies on the competitive inhibition of complex formation between the coating ligand (i.e., the chelator attached to the solid support) and the organometallic compound attached to the reporter group (e.g., enzyme) by the metal ions of interest present in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for analyzing silicon for nonmetallic contaminants. The method comprises: (A) forming an alloy comprising silicon and a metal which promotes separation of nonmetallic contaminants present in the alloy, (B) separating the nonmetallic contaminants from the alloy, and (C) analyzing the separated nonmetallic contaminants for chemical content. The present invention is particularly useful for analyzing metallurgical grade silicon intended for use in the direct process for the production of organohalosilanes for the presence of oxides and carbides of calcium, aluminum, and silicon.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid sample involving precipitating a substance from the liquid sample and filtering it from the liquid sample. The precipitate is then contacted by an oxidizing agent and tested for the substance of interest by contacting the precipitate with a dye that forms a visible reaction when exposed to the substance.

Abstract: A target-specie responsive regulation of water treatment agent feed is achieved by the monitoring of a subject target-specie indicator. A target specie in a sample taken from the system is selected as the subject target-specie indicator, or instead an incipient reagent is added to the system sample to form a subject target-specie indicator. Such a formed subject target-specie indicator comprises a combination of the incipient reagent and a target specie. The subject target-specie indicator might then monitored by fluorescence analysis of the sample to determine at least one fluorescence emission value that can be correlated to the in-system concentration of the target specie. In combination with an inert tracer, the system consumption for the target specie can be determined. A responsive adjustment of the in-system concentration of a water treatment agent can be made.

Abstract: Agents for the diagnosis or treatment of hypoxic cells comprise a bioreductive moiety such as 2-nitroimidazole, and a metal chelating moiety which is a bis-amine oxime of which a carbon atom adjacent a nitrogen atom is linked to the bioreductive moiety. A chelated metal atom or ion preferably Technetium-99m. The agent diffuses into cells where the 2-nitroimidazole is reduced thus trapping the chelated metal in the cell.

Abstract: A swab is impregnated with a test reagent such that a test for a specific substance can be effected by rubbing the impregnated swab over the surface to be tested and then viewing the swab for a reagent reaction. The swab may have a hollow stem, and within the hollow stem is a cartridge within another cartridge. An activator solution is in one of the cartridges and a reagent is in another of the cartridges. A method for testing for a substance includes impregnating a swab, and rubbing the swab over a surface suspected of containing the substance. If the substance is present in the surface, a reaction with the substance produces an easily detectable color on the swab tip.

Abstract: Composite reactive articles are useful for quantifying cyanide ions in solution. The composite reactive articles can be porous reactive supports comprising an inert substrate having immobilized thereon finely divided gold. The porous reactive supports can be particulate, porous fibrous membranes, or solution-cast membranes. Alternatively, the composite reactive articles can comprise porous fibrous membranes having enmeshed therein the aforementioned porous supports which can be in particulate or fibrous forms.

Abstract: In electroless or electric tin, lead or tin-lead alloy plating solution which may contain copper, the concentration of a metal ion component selected from divalent tin ion, lead ion, and copper ion is quantitatively determined by taking a sample from the solution, adding a chemical agent, for example, an oxidizing agent to the sample, thereby causing the selected metal ion to develop its color, measuring the absorbance of the sample due to the metal ion by colorimetry, and determining the concentration from the absorbance. A choice of chemical agent depends on a particular metal ion on analysis. When the solution contains more than one metal ion, correction is made by repeating the process using another chemical agent.

Abstract: A layered device suitable for use in the analysis of blood samples which includes a first layer of a matrix material having dispersed therein a complex of copper and a polymer containing multiple pendant carboxyl groups which selectively combines with hemoglobin and bilirubin in fluid communication with a second layer which contains a reagent system which reacts with one or more predetermined analytes in the blood sample to provide a color change.

Abstract: A swab is impregnated with a test reagent such that a test for a specific substance can be effected by rubbing the impregnated swab over the surface to be tested and then viewing the swab for a reagent reaction. A method for testing for a substance includes impregnating a swab with a reagent, and rubbing the swab over a surface suspected of containing the substance. If the substance is present in the surface, a reaction with the substance produces an easily detectable color on the swab tip.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of one or more chemical parameters of a sample medium employs a fluorescent agent which is not responsive to the parameter to be determined and which has an excitation spectrum and an emission spectrum, and a closely adjacent chromogenic agent which responds to the parameter of the sample medium to be determined by a change in its absorption spectrum the emission spectrum of the fluorescent agent at least partically overlapping the absorption spectrum of the chromogenic agent. The absorption maximum of chromogenic agent is shifted in accordance with the parameter to be determined, causing a reduction of fluorescence decay time t in the fluorescent agent, thereby enabling quantitative determination of the chemical parameter with improved long-term stability and infrequent calibrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spot test method using a cupric chloride solution for detecting analytes in a sample which gives an immediate and distinctly colored reaction characteristic of the analyte. The invention also relates to a kit comprising the cupric chloride reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating biological substances, particularly hemoglobin or bilirubin, from blood plasma or serum which involves contacting the plasma or serum with a water insoluble complex of a polymer containing multiple pendant carboxyl groups and copper.

Abstract: Concentrations of cobalt and copper of electrolysis solution for electrowinning of zinc can be measured any time during electrowinning operation by continuously sampling the solution, diluting it, adding coloring reagent to the flow of the solution and spectrophotometrically analyzing the solution.The cobalt and copper as deleterious impurities can be removed continuously and automatically by measuring their concentrations by the above method and adding precipitation reagents for them in an amount calculated by a microcomputer on the basis of said analysis.

Abstract: A method of selectively and quantitatively removing and concentrating at least one selected ion from a multiple ion solution in which other ions are present is disclosed. The method comprises(a) bringing a complexing agent for the selected ion(s) into contact with the multiple ion solution to remove and concentrate selected ion(s) from the multiple ion solution, wherein the complexing agent is selected from the group of macrocyclic compounds having at least four --A--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- groups in which A is selected from O, O--CH.sub.2, S, S--CH.sub.2, N--R and N--R--CH.sub.2 in which R is selected from H, lower alkyl and benzyl, with the macrocyclic compounds further having a hydrocarbon side chain having an end group ##STR1## in which X is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, benzyl, phenyl, halogen, O--CH.sub.3, O--C.sub.2 H.sub.

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: 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: 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: The present invention is directed to the elimination of ascorbic acid interference in assay systems, particularly assay systems based upon oxidase-peroxidase coupled reactions. When ascorbic acid is present in a sample, it can act as a reductant thereby interfering with an assay's reagent system. The present invention eliminates this inteference by quickly oxidizing any ascorbate thereby preventing ascorbate from acting as an unwanted reductant. The ascorbate is oxidized using a dual oxidant system comprising a water soluble polymer bound to Cu.sup.+2 and an organic or inorganic oxidant such as chromate, peroxide, or a N-halo derivative. This invention is surprisingly selective and generally will not itself interfere with the assay's reagent system. Furthermore, the present invention is so fast and efficient that it can be incorporated into a convenient format, such as a conventional "dip-and-read" reagent test strip system.

Abstract: Unsegmented, continuous flow analysis, FIA, has been modified for automated measurement of the amounts of metal and metalloids with volatile hydrides. The sample is injected into a continuous carrier flow of acid, and upon reaction with sodium borhydride in a mixing coil, a gaseous hydride is generated which is blown with a gas flow to a detector, preferably an electrically heated quartz tube, and the atomic absorption is measured. The chemical interferences from other substances have been eliminated to a substantial degree by kinetic discrimination. Samples of about 1-100 nanograms can be determined at a rate of 180 samples per hour and with a detection limit in the sub-ng range.

Abstract: The invention is a process of selectively and quantitatively removing and concentrating at least one selected ion prosent in low concentration with other ions in higher concentration in a multiple ion solution. The method comprises bringing a complexing agent for the selected ion(s) into contact with a different determined quantity of said multiple ion solution to remove and concentrate the selected ion(s) from the multiple ion solution; removing the multiple ion solution, from which the complexing agent has been removed, the selected ions from the complexing agent having the selected ion(s) complexed therewith, bringing the complexing agent complexed with selected ion(s) into contact with a determined quantity of receiving liquid to break the complex and remove the selected and concentrated ion(s) from the complexing agent therein, and determining the concentration of selected ion(s) in said receiving liquid from which the concentration of selected ion(s) in the multiple ion solution can be calculated.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of a metal selected from gold, palladium and platinum, when present in solution as cyanide complex, using ion-interaction reverse phase liquid chomatography comprising concentrating the metal cyanide complex on a reverse phase concentrator column, washing the concentrator column to reduce the concentration of interfering species, stripping the metal cyanide complex onto an analytical reverse phase column, eluting the metal cyanide complex from the column, detecting and determining the concentration of the metal in solution by reference to suitable standards. This method has particular utility in the analysis of gold, platinum and palladium bearing cyanide solutions that arise in the carbon-in-pulp method of gold recovery. An apparatus which permits the rapid, accurate analysis of samples using this method is also disclosed.

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 is provided for detecting trace amounts of a plateable metal in an aqueous fluid such as drinking water or industrial effluents. The process comprises an initial concentration step in an electrochemical plating cell whereby the metal in the fluid is deposited upon a glassy carbon plating electrode which is thereafter deplated in a second electrochemical cell wherein a porous solid test matrix impregnated with electrolyte is maintained proximate to the deplating electrode for retaining in solution the resulting metal ions formed from the deplated metal. A color indicator is then added to the test matrix to provide an indication of the presence of said metal.

Abstract: An automatic digestion system (10) is provided for digesting a continuous stream of wastewater prior to its analysis by a spectrometer system (12). The digestion system (10) includes a first metering pump (34) for drawing a continuous stream of wastewater (36) from a wastewater source (32). A second metering pump (38) draws a continuous stream of diluted nitric acid (40) from a source of acid (42) and mixes the acid with the wastewater to provide a stream of acidified wastewater (46). The acidified wastewater (46) is then heated, to digest the wastewater prior to its input into the spectrometer system (12).

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of carboxylic acids in a specimen is provided. A specimen is contacted with a developing system containing a metal salt reactive with carboxylic acids present in the specimen to form metal-carboxylic acid complexes. Any such complexes are colorimetrically detected by their activity in catalyzing oxidation of a chromogen such as guaiac. The method is useful in detecting intestinal helminth infestation.

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.

Abstract: Automatic titration analysis apparatus includes a sampling mechanism, a titration mechanism, an analysis mechanism and a control mechanism. The sampling mechanism takes a prescribed quantity of a sample for analysis in accordance with a first signal. The titration mechanism titrates a prescribed quantity of a reagent for analysis of the sample and provides a titer at an end point of the titration according to second signals. The analysis mechanism receives the sample from the sampling mechanism, analyzes the sample and converts a change in the physical properties of the sample caused by the titration into an electrical quantity.

Abstract: A solid detecting reagent for gaseous hydrides and a gaseous hydride detecting method are disclosed, said reagent comprising a basic copper carbonate as a color changing component and undergoing color change upon contact with at least one gaseous hydride selected from the group consisting of arsine, phosphine, diborane, hydrogen selenide, germane, monosilane, disilane and dichlorosilane. The reagent is applicable to all of these gaseous hydrides and, upon contact therewith, rapidly changes from an initial blue color to a black color, said black color standing for a long period of time.

Abstract: An improved process for quantitatively determining nitrogen content or other elemental content in a wide variety of materials. The process avoids the use of conventional catalysts, is simpler and faster than previous techniques, and results in a very high degree of accuracy. The process involves the use of a hydrogen peroxide which is added to the digest continuously, while the digest is boiling, while refluxing with a fractionating column. The digestion process also enables quantitative determination of various elements other than nitrogen.

Abstract: Anti-Sm antibodies are produced by the hybridoma technique and employed to test for lupus erythematosus in humans.

Abstract: Described is a method for measuring hair damage by copper uptake using in the process a simple hair volume measuring device.

Abstract: A method for measuring the silver concentration of a thiosulfate ion-containing solution is described, comprising providing for hypohalogenite ion to exist in an alkalized solution containing both silver ion and thiosulfate ion, and turbidometrically measuring the concentration of the slightly soluble silver salt thus-formed.

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.