Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: Methods, reagents and reaction mixtures for determining total iron binding capability is disclosed.

Abstract: Novel bipyridyl-osmium complex conjugates, their preparation, and their use in electrochemical assays are described. The redox reversible-osmium complexes can be prepared to exhibit unique reversible redox potentials and can thus be used in combination with other electroactive redox reversible species having redox potentials differing by at least 50 millivolts in electrochemical assays designed for use of multiple electroactive species in the same cell and in the same sample without interference between the two or more redox coupled conjugate systems.

Abstract: A method for evaluating ratios of metallic impurities in lithographic materials is disclosed. The method comprises: separating said metal from said lithographic material by microwave heating; then adding said metal to an acid to form a solution; and finally analyzing said solution by a instrument to measure ratio of said metal.

Abstract: The concentration of a hexamethylenetetramine-containing inhibitor in an acid pickling solution that has accumulated dissolved iron from use of the solution in pickling ferriferous material can be estimated with sufficient accuracy for practical control of the pickling process by alkalinizing a sample of the pickling solution to a pH of at least 10.8, so that any iron content of the solution precipitates from the solution, separating the precipitate from the liquid remainder of the alkalinized sample, and determining by colorimetry the concentration in the liquid remainder of formaldehyde produced by acid catalyzed hydrolysis of the hexamethylenetetramine to formaldehyde and ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrogen oxide detecting element. Although there has been a demand for effecting detection of a nitrogen oxide by using a semiconductor type gas sensor, no semiconductor type sensors have existed which can detect the nitrogen oxide with good selectivity against other interfering gases (CO, H2) for an extended period of time with good durability. Then, by causing a gas detecting portion to include an oxide containing more than a predetermined amount of Bi and maintaining this gas detecting portion at a temperature range where its electron-conductivity is exhibited, it has become possible to detect the nitrogen oxide.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: Method and reagent for the determination of iron in a biological sample in which the bound iron is released, the released iron is reduced to Fe2+, a color reagent solution is added and the color complex that is formed is measured photometrically, characterized in that a water-soluble EDTA-complexing compound in particular an indium and/or scandium salt is added to the sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the determination of an analyte in a sample containing free haemoglobin in which the determination is carried out by an optical measurement and the value measured for the analyte concentration is mathematically corrected. This method is in particular suitable for determining the parameters total protein, iron and albumin in a medical sample e.g. in a serum or plasma sample. The correction of the measured value for the analyte concentration is achieved by the steps (a) measuring the blank value of the sample to be analysed, (b) measuring the blank value of a haemoglobin-free reference sample, (c) measuring the uncorrected value for the analyte concentration and (d) correcting the value obtained in step (c) by correlation with the values obtained in step (a) and (b) in order to obtain the corrected value for the analyte concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a hydride formation analytical apparatus which forms hydrides of target components contained in a sample liquid and then analyzes them. The hydride formation analytical apparatus comprises a sample-introducing part, a reagent-introducing part, a reaction part, a gas-liquid separating part and a detecting part, wherein an acid-feeding part and a reducing agent-feeding part are part of the reagent-introducing part; the hydride gas of the sample is formed by the aid of the acid and the reducing agent fed into the above reaction part; and this is introduced into the detecting part for analysis.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a batch of scrap material, subsequent to processing of the batch, to determine the content of precious metal present in the batch prior to processing of the batch, includes introducing a predetermined amount of a tracer into the batch, prior to processing, processing the batch and the tracer into a homogenous mixture, assaying a sample portion of the homogenous mixture to assess the amount of tracer in the sample portion, and to assess the amount of precious metal in the sample portion, and ascertaining the content of the precious metal in the batch prior to processing of the batch by applying to the assayed amount of the precious metal a ratio between the predetermined amount of tracer introduced into the batch prior to processing and the assessed amount of tracer in the sample portion.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminescent assay methods for determining an analyte of interest, which methods include forming one or more compositions which include, in the aggregate, (a) a sample to be tested for the analyte of interest, (b) a component capable of specifically binding with the analyte, (c) a label reagent which, when oxidized, is capable of electrochemiluminescence, (d) an amine which, when oxidized, forms a reducing agent, and (e) an electrolyte solution; subjecting such a composition containing the sample to conditions sufficient for specific binding to occur between the analyte of interest, if present, and one or more of the other components in the composition; thereafter, a composition containing the label reagent and amine, and reflecting the outcome of applying the aforementioned binding conditions, is exposed to conditions, such that both the label reagent and the amine are oxidized, the amine forms a reducing agent which interacts with the label reagent, electrochemiluminescence occurs, and the lumine

Abstract: Stabilized aqueous coenzyme solutions which contain up to ca. 60 mM of a heavy metal salt and optionally a complexing agent in a defined ratio to the heavy metal salt as well as their use for the determination of dehydrogenases in particular lactate dehydrogenase or corresponding substrates in an alkaline environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line decomposition of a hydrogen peroxide solution, for use in fabricating a semiconductor device, includes a membrane tube having a porous plug inserted in each end, with the porous plugs defining a space where a platinum catalyst is disposed. A first coupling tube is inserted into one end of the membrane tube to supply a hydrogen peroxide sample to the membrane tube. The hydrogen peroxide contained in hydrogen peroxide sample is decomposed into water and oxygen gas according to an action of the platinum catalyst. A second coupling tube is inserted into a second end of the membrane tube to discharge a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to an analytical instrument, where the decomposed hydrogen peroxide solution is analyzed on-line.

Abstract: A polyfunctional amine, such as cyclam, substituted with 4-(N,N-dimethylao) benzonitrile, exhibits triple fluorescence and complexes with metal ions. The complexation of metal ions with the fluorophore changes the triple fluorescence characteristics of the fluorophore. Thus, this substituted polyfunctional amine provides an effective indicator for the qualitative and quantitative detection of metals.

Abstract: The invention provides platinum-based probe compounds having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, PROBE is a probe biomolecule for associating to a target biomolecule, M is a detectable marker moiety, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. Also provided are platinum-based labeling compounds having the structure: ##STR2## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, M is a detectable marker moiety, A is a displaceable leaving group, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. The invention further provides platinum-based linker compounds having the structure: ##STR3## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, A and B are the same or different reactive moieties, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. Other Pt.sup.II and Pt.sup.IV compounds are also provided. Moreover, the invention provides methods for the preparation and use of these compounds, as well as diagnostic kits which contain the compounds.

Abstract: A method of continuous flow analysis is provided which enables a plurality of color-forming components contained in a sample to be simultaneously analyzed with utmost ease. The method involves irradiating the sample with a measuring light which generates a wavelength having absorption bands with respect to such color-forming components, measuring the absorbance of each of the components in a color-formed state while the components are being adjusted stepwise in their color-forming state, and comparing the resultant absorbances of the components with each other. Preferably, a plurality of measuring cells are used to stepwise adjust the sample in its color-forming state, the measuring cells being connected in tandem such that a color former and/or a masking agent are incorporated in the sample while the latter is being caused to successively flow through these cells so that the sample is adjusted in its color-forming state at each of the measuring cells and measured in respect of its absorbances.

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

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

Abstract: An inventive method and reagent for the colorimetric determination of nickel and cobalt is provided. The method and reagent uses dithiothreitol and a phosphate buffer to quantitatively detect nickel and cobalt at 465 nm and 485 nm, respectively. The method and reagent are accurate over a nickel concentration range of 1.76 to 35.2 ppm, and over a cobalt concentration range of 0.587 to 17.6 ppm. The invention is valid in protein solutions, requires no extractions and uses stable reagents. Common metals found in biological system do not interfere with the method.

Abstract: A sampling method for collecting metallic contaminants from a surface of a wafer having an oxide film thereon. A sampling vessel comprises a bottom having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, a cylindrical wall extending from the edge of the bottom, and a step section having a plane intercepting an arc plane of the cylindrical wall for adapting the orientation flat of the wafer. Sampling liquid containing 0.1 to 10% HF and hydrogen peroxide dissolves the oxide film and collects the metallic contaminants by swinging the sampling vessel on the convex outer surface of the bottom.

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

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

Abstract: The invention provides platinum-based probe compounds having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, PROBE is a probe biomolecule for associating to a target biomolecule, M is a detectable marker moiety, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. Also provided are platinum-based labeling compounds having the structure: ##STR2## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, M is a detectable marker moiety, A is a displaceable leaving group, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. The invention further provides platinum-based linker compounds having the structure: ##STR3## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, A and B are the same or different reactive moieties, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. Other Pt.sup.II and Pt.sup.IV compounds are also provided. Moreover, the invention provides methods for the preparation and use of these compounds, as well as diagnostic kits which contain the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new hydrophilic metal complexes and their use as luminescent marker groups in immunoassays.

Abstract: A novel electrochemiluminescent (ECL) reaction between diaminoaromatic ligands and soluble metal ions, specifically reactions between aminoaromatic ligands, such as 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4,DAT), 3,4-diaminotoluene (3,4,DAT) and 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (2,3-DAN) and metal ions such as Au(I), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Fe(III), Ru)III), Se(IV) and V(V). Such reactions form the basis for ECL assays in detection of various substances, such as the reactants. The ECL interaction between these substances can also form the basis for binding methods in the detection of other substances, such as nucleic acids and antibodies wherein the metal ion ligand ECL complex may be used as a label. The ECL assays are considered useful for carrying out field and laboratory analyses for the detection of TNT breakdown products and toxic metals in wastewater streams, soil, and ground water supplies.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns new metal complexes with a charged linker and their use as luminescent marker groups in an immunoassay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for digesting diphosphonic acid substituted cation exchange resins that have become loaded with actinides, rare earth metals, or heavy metals, in a way that allows for downstream chromatographic analysis of the adsorbed species without damage to or inadequate elution from the downstream chromatographic resins. The methods of the present invention involve contacting the loaded diphosphonic acid resin with concentrated oxidizing acid in a closed vessel, and irradiating this mixture with microwave radiation. This efficiently increases the temperature of the mixture to a level suitable for digestion of the resin without the use of dehydrating acids that can damage downstream analytical resins. In order to ensure more complete digestion, the irradiated mixture can be mixed with hydrogen peroxide or other oxidant, and reirradiated with microwave radiation.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to iron sensors. Immobilized in close proximity of the potential or pH measuring surface of a proton sensing device, minute quantities of an iron chelator such as siderophores or transferring cause detectable variation of the potential or pH upon the binding of iron. The sensing devices for measuring this change in potential or pH include the iron chelator-modified ion-selective field effect transistors (IC-ISFET) and/or pH indicator papers of the present invention.

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. In another embodiment, the sample is filtered without the prior use of a precipitating agent.

Abstract: A method for removing ferric-ferrous oxides from a liquid containing ferric-ferrous oxides and ferrous ions and to a method for determining the amount of ferrous ion in a liquid. The invention has particular utility for use in a method to accurately determine the corrosion rates of ferrometals in contact with aqueous liquids by filtering ferric-ferrous oxides from the aqueous liquid prior to determining the ferrous ion content of the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in an ECL assay wherein electromagnetic radiation emitted by said composition is detected, which composition comprises (a) a metal-containing ECL moiety which, when oxidized by exposure to an effective amount of electrochemical energy, is capable of being converted to an excited state from which electromagnetic radiation is emitted upon exposure of the excited ECL moiety to conditions sufficient to induce said emission; (b) an amine or amine moiety which, when oxidized by exposure to an effective amount of electrochemical energy, forms a strong reducing agent in said composition; and (c) an electrolyte capable of functioning as a medium in which said ECL moiety and said amine or amine moiety can be oxidized by exposure to electrochemical energy.

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

Abstract: A detecting agent for detecting at least one member selected from the group consisting of halogen gases and acidic gases which is contained in a gas, wherein the detecting agent comprises a discoloring component which comprises a hydroxide of a transition metal and Congo Red. Halogen gases and acidic gases which are contained in hydrogen, nitrogen, argon, or helium can be detected under a dry condition with a high sensitivity in accordance with the present invention.

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

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for measuring the concentration of metal ions in solution, particularly lead in blood. The device comprises a mercury free electrode (16), which is separated from the test solution (21) by a layer of material (20) which permits passage therethrough of the ions to be measured. In preferred embodiments an insulating layer (18) having an array of photoablated holes (19) is disposed between the electrode and the ion-permeable layer (20). Also disclosed are methods for operating the device and measuring ion concentration using anodic stripping voltametry, and assay kits incorporating devices as described together with appropriate meters and circuitry.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an antigen associated with Alzheimer's disease and to antibodies specific for said antigen. This invention further relates to methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease utilizing assays containing Alzheimer's associated antigen, antibodies specific for said antigen and samples from an individual suspected of having Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: In order to determine iron in serum by releasing the bound iron through addition of a protein denaturing agent, reduction of the released iron to Fe.sup.2+, addition of a color reagent solution and photometric measurement of the color complex that forms, a mixture of a denaturing agent containing urea or a urea derivative and a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether are added to the sample solution.

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: The invention provides platinum-based probe compounds having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, PROBE is a probe biomolecule for associating to a target biomolecule, M is a detectable marker moiety, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. Also provided are platinum-based labeling compounds having the structure: ##STR2## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, M is a detectable marker moiety, A is a displaceable leaving group, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. The invention further provides platinum-based linker compounds having the structure: ##STR3## wherein: Pt is a platinum atom, A and B are the same or different reactive moieties, and X and Y are stabilizing substituents. Other Pt.sup.II and Pt.sup.IV compounds are also provided. Moreover, the invention provides methods for the preparation and use of these compounds, as well as diagnostic kits which contain the compounds.

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 relates to the field of immunossays for metal ions. The invention presents: metal ion-ligand coordination complexes ("MLC"), novel ligands, antibodies specific for MLC, immunoassays utilizing the foregoing, and methods for selecting said antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of insoluble cytoskeletal proteins, or fragments thereof, which are characteristic of the origin of the tissue. The invention relates as well to the method for detecting such proteins by breaking down and solubilizing the protein for immunological detection and quantitation. The method allows detection of tissue lesions or other pathological foci and metastases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunoassays for metal ions. The invention presents: metal ion-ligand coordination complexes ("MLC"), novel ligands, antibodies specific for MLC, immunoassays utiliizing the foregoing, and methods for selecting said antibodies.

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: 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.