Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.

Abstract: A sandwich immunoassay kit for detecting ciguatoxins based on a combination of two anti-ciguatoxin CTX3C monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridomas, 3D11 (deposited at IPOD, AIST under accession number FMRM PB-8293) and 10C9 (FMRM PB-8292). In particular, one of the antibodies is labeled and each of them binds specifically to a different site of ciguatoxin CTX3C.

Abstract: Substrate comprising a discrete first layer comprising a first surface, an opposing second surface and a polymeric first material, wherein the first layer has a thickness of from about 1 micron to about 1000 microns and a hardness of from about 10 to about 80 on the Shore A scale; a discrete second layer comprising a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a second material, wherein the second layer has a hardness of from about 1 to about 70 on the Shore OOO scale and a thickness of from about 0.001 cm to about 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the high-throughput, quick screening, optimization, regeneration, reduction and activation of catalysts. More specifically, the present invention is a method and apparatus to quickly screen, optimize and regenerate multiple fast deactivating catalysts while maintaining a predefined range of time-on-stream.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include polypeptide formulations and methods for making, using and characterizing them. Embodiment of the invention include stabilized polypeptide formulations, for example stable glucose oxidase formulations that can be used with glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. Another embodiment of the invention includes methods to characterize the concentration of nonionic surfactants in stabilized polypeptide formulation for example stable insulin formulations that can be used in the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: Carbohydrate-derived side-chain polyethers that may be synthesized by condensation polymerization of monomers derived from natural occurring carbohydrates. These compounds are protein resistant, biodegradable and may be functionalized at location other that the chain ends. Various devices, apparatus and articles of manufacture may be formed, at least in part, of the compounds of the present invention to achieve desirable protein resistance, biodegradability and/or functionalization.

Abstract: A method for providing improved estimates of properties of a chemical manufacturing process is disclosed. The method employs a process model that includes, or is modified by, scores or other gains obtained from the mathematical transformation of data obtained from an on-line analyzer. Chemical manufacturing processes using the method also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods of determining values of physical or chemical properties of polymers. In these methods, at least two polymer training samples are provided. Characteristics of the polymer microstructures of the training samples are correlated with values of physical or chemical properties of the training samples. These correlations are subsequently applied to the respective characteristics of polymer test samples in order to determine the values of physical or chemical properties of the test samples.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide ionic polymers that can provide for polymer-comprising substrates whose surfaces can stably and easily immobilize ligands such as sugar chains interacting with biological substances, in which the ligand portion exists stably even in water or buffer, and its detection capability does not decrease for a long period of time; and substrates comprising the polymers. The ionic polymer of this invention comprises two or more ionic functional groups (A) and two or more biointeracting groups represented by formula L-X-B-[wherein, L denotes a ligand capable of interacting with a biological substance, X denotes a spacer, and B denotes a binding group] as side chains covalently bound to a main chain polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A system for quickly and automatically extracting and analysing residual solvents is realised for operating directly in the premises where the packing materials are being manufactured, printed and/or laminated. The system provides for a single unit equipped with a display and a keyboard, and comprises an extraction (desorption) chamber (1), an analysis chamber with valves and separating columns, a detection system (17), and a data processing system (19). The extracting or desorption chamber comprises a desorption cell (1) for receiving a vial (36; 37) containing said sample, and means are provided to keep the inside of said cell (1) at a pressure higher that that of the surrounding environment until a new sample has been introduced into the cell, thus accomplishing a “washing” of cell for eliminating polluting solvents coming from the desorption of a preceding sample and/or solvents present in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A process for maintaining a property P of a polyisobutene around a target value V during a continuous polymerisation of isobutene in a reactor containing a boiling liquid reaction phase in equilibrium with a gas phase above the liquid phase. The process comprises continuously introducing, into the reactor, a catalyst and a C4 hydrocarbon feed and continuously withdrawing, from the reactor, the liquid reaction phase which is subsequently subjected, continuously, to at least one purification step to isolate the polyisobutene. The property P is chosen amongst the viscosity and the average molecular mass of the polyisobutene.

Abstract: A method of using Raman Spectra for determining the progress of a graft polymerization reaction is disclosed. The method entails (a) measuring at the beginning of the reaction and at a plurality of time intervals in the course of the reaction, continuously and on-site, the Raman spectrum in the wave number range of 100 to 4000 cm?1 of one or more of the monomers and/or polymers entailed in the reaction and of at least one internal standard and (b) recording the spectra and (c) adding reaction partners necessary to the reaction continuously and/or discontinuously and (d) calculating the change in concentration of the monomers and polymers by comparing the spectra of the monomers or polymers with the internal standard.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid is provided which encodes a transferrin receptor protein of a strain of Haemophilus or a fragment or an analog of the transferrin receptor protein. The nucleic acid sequence may be used to produce peptides free of contaminants derived from bacteria normally containing the Tbp1 or Tbp2 proteins for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecule may be used in the diagnosis of infection. Also provided are recombinant Tbp1 or Tbp2 and methods for purification of the same. Live vectors expressing epitopes of transferrin receptor protein for vaccination are provided.

Abstract: A combinatorial, high-throughput screening method is described for developing new coatings having a performance characteristic of a coating property which results in a substantial increase in the discovery rate of new coating materials. The method includes the steps of providing an array of wells (18) for receiving candidate coating materials having a parameter; placing coating materials in each well (16) while varying the coating material parameter correlating the coating material position in the array to the variation of the coating material parameter; applying a coating leveling force to and optionally drying the coating materials in the array of coating wells (19); testing the coatings with regard to the desired performance characteristic (21) and correlating the result of the test to the well position in the array that thereby coating materials having the desired performance characteristic may be discovered.

Abstract: Modular device and method for carrying out experiments in parallel on process substances to develop technical methods, comprising at least a multiplicity of individual reactors which are controllable independently of one another said reactors being comprised of pressure-tight chambers having separable sample vessels, and optionally, stirring devices, heating instruments, cooling instruments, or both, a monitoring unit for monitoring or controlling at least the pressure and the temperature in the individual reactors, pressure-tight lids having independent feed lines and optionally independent discharge lines for individual process substances; a plurality of the lids being simultaneously sealable upon the rectors by a common sealing means (11).

Abstract: A method of determining the proportion of short-chain branching in an olefin copolymer process stream is disclosed. The short-chain branching may also be determined as a function of molecular weight in a sample having a range of molecular weights. In the method, at least two olefin copolymer training samples are provided. The respective samples have different, known proportions of short-chain branching. The infrared (e.g. FT-IR) absorbance spectra of the training samples in a wavenumber range are obtained. Calibration information is determined from the training samples by chemometrically correlating the differences in the infrared absorbance spectra of the training samples to the differences in the degree of short-chain branching in the training samples. This step generates calibration information that allows the degree of short-chain branching in a sample to be determined once its infrared absorbance spectrum is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated method for carrying out reactions with high spatial resolution on libraries of different materials and for analysis of the products obtained using a simple robot system and an analyzer, for example a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of performing concentration determinations of aqueous solutions of polyaspartic acid and/or salts thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A waveguide probe for the detection of pathogens in a sample which comprises a laser, a first and a second tubes that converge at a point to form a proximal end. A magnet is positioned in the end to configure to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled antibody complexes in the field of view. The proximal end is polished to form an aperture.

Abstract: In a process of treating a radical polymerizable compound containing a stable free radical compound, there is provided a method for measuring the concentration of the stable free radical compound rapidly and with high precision, from the absorption intensity of electron spin resonance.

Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods for monitoring the progress and properties of parallel chemical reactions. The invention repeatedly receives a measured value or values associated with the contents of each of a plurality of reactor vessels and displays the measured over the course of a combinatorial chemical reaction. Reaction parameters associated with individual reactor vessels are changed in response to the value measured during the reaction. Reaction parameters include temperature, pressure, stirring speed. The reaction occurring in one or more reactor vessels is quenched in response to values measured during the reaction. The measured values are used to calculate experimental results including temperature change, pressure change, percent conversion of starting material, and viscosity. The measured values and experimental results are displayed. In another aspect, the invention features a method for controlling a combinatorial chemical reactor.

Abstract: A method involving the automatic, online dilution of polymer and/or colloid solutions, such that, when the diluted polymer stream flows through suitable detectors, non-equilibrium processes, such as polymerization, degradation and aggregation, can be monitored. The dilution involves a reacting or stock solution of polymer and/or colloid, and at least one solvent. The online dilution technique can also be used to assess the effects of solvent quality and other solutes on polymer/colloid characteristics and reactions, and also permits equilibrium characterization of polymers/colloids by making a single stock solution of the polymer/colloid.

Abstract: The solvent accessible reduced carbon atoms in a molecule of interest are labeled with heavy hydrogen. The carbon atoms are labeled under anaerobic, aqueous conditions by exposing the molecule of interest to a hydrogen atom abstractor in the presence of a heavy hydrogen source and a heavy hydrogen donor. If the hydrogen atom abstractor is hydroxyl radical, an electron scavenger source is provided. Optionally, an internal reference is provided to facilitate experimental reproducibility.

Abstract: A method and system for the development of materials includes a high-throughput data-generation cycle, a knowledge-generation cycle, and a knowledge repository or database. The data-generation cycle generates high-quality data for the virtual and experimental evaluation of new catalytic materials. The knowledge-generation cycle generates working hypotheses, relating performance to catalyst properties, from analysis and modeling of experimental and virtual data and data from literature, from correlations generated from experimental, theoretical, and/or modeling findings, and optionally from computational chemistry modeling investigations, in order to identify better materials.

Abstract: A waveguide probe for the detection of pathogens in a sample which comprises a laser, a first and a second tubes that converge at a point to form a proximal end. A magnet is positioned in the end to configure to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled antibody complexes in the field of view. The proximal end is polished to form an aperture.

Abstract: A rapid analysis method for the determination of Fries rearrangement products in aromatic polycarbonate resins utilizes in-line determination of polymer concentration and in-line fluorescence detection of Fries rearrangement products. The method avoids time consuming sample preparation required by previous methods, allows for separation of interfering low molecular weight components, and is suitable for automation.

Abstract: This invention provides an online polymer monitoring apparatus for rapid determination of molecular weight and/or size, and/or other properties of importance to the polymer quality. The apparatus uses fast sample extraction, preparation and delivery techniques to convert complex polymer sample solution into the diluted polymer analyte solution. This analyte solution is then passed through the flow-through detectors for measurement of the polymer molecular weight, the polymer concentration and/or the identification and concentrations of the selected species of importance to the polymer quality. The continuous stream of the above measurement data, thus, allows accurate determination the status of the polymer for many polymer containing process streams, such as an ongoing polymerization reaction mixture, polymer resin fluid, melt or solid polymer flow.

Abstract: A method of determining the proportion of short-chain branching in an olefin copolymer process stream is disclosed. The short-chain branching may also be determined as a function of molecular weight in a sample having a range of molecular weights. In the method, at least two olefin copolymer training samples are provided. The respective samples have different, known proportions of short-chain branching. The infrared (e.g. FT-IR) absorbance spectra of the training samples in a wavenumber range are obtained. Calibration information is determined from the training samples by chemometrically correlating the differences in the infrared absorbance spectra of the training samples to the differences in the degree of short-chain branching in the training samples. This step generates calibration information that allows the degree of short-chain branching in a sample to be determined once its infrared absorbance spectrum is obtained.

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: With rotating and translating a rotation-translation drum installed in a vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometry interface to constitute a mass spectro-meter, a liquid sample incorporating a dissolved substance to be analyzed in its mass is emitted for the drum from a sample supplying nozzle of the mass spectrometry interface, and the dissolved substance is isolated as a spiral filament on the drum. Then, a laser beam is irradiated onto the filament from a laser source via a laser beam inlet situated at the vacuum chamber and thereby, the dissolved substance is ionized without exposing to the air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for monitoring the surface concentration of a drug in a polymer blend matrix and the reaction kinetics of the biodegradable polymers. Detailed information on surface concentration, degradation rates, degradation kinetics and mechanism, is provided by using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIMS) measurements. Also provided is a method for determining oligomers in hydrolyzed biodegradable polymers.

Abstract: Workstation, apparatuses and methods for the high-throughput synthesis, screening and/or characterization of combinatorial libraries. The invention relates to an array, which permits various high-throughput methods for synthesis, screening and/or characterization in the same array, without requiring sample transfer from the array. In a preferred embodiment, the synthesis, screening, and/or characterization steps are carried out in a highly parallel fashion, where more than one compound is synthesized, screened, and/or characterized at the same time. The invention may be practiced at the microscale. The array may comprise thermal channels, for regulating the temperature of the wells in the array. The wells of the array may comprise a membrane, which is used in various screening and characterization methods. The invention also relates to a covered array, comprising the array and an array cover, as well as an apparatus comprising the array, which comprises the array, an array cover and a stage.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of 19F NMR spectroscopy to monitor and quantitate solid-phase reactions and fluorine-containing solid-phase reagents useful therefor.

Abstract: A method for molecular imprinting polymers with large biomolecules. The imprinted polymer composite is made by the interfacial polymerization of a monomer in the presence of the print molecule and host polymer. Since polymerization occurs at the interface between an organic solvent and an aqueous solution, the print molecule can be disposed in the phase that allows the print molecule to remain in its native configuration. The choice of the host polymer and the monomer to be polymerized can be varied to enhance the specificity of the composite toward the biomolecule that is selected to be imprinted.

Abstract: A test method for a coating liquid for an electrophotographic photoconductor includes calculating a peak area ratio of a component to be analyzed in a coating liquid by pyrolysis gas chromatography, and comparing the peak area ratio with a pre-obtained peak area ratio of the component in a reference coating liquid having a known content of the component, to determine the ratio and/or content of the component in the coating liquid. A control method for controlling a coating liquid based on the test result as obtained is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates methods for conditioning affinity chromatography resins to decrease leaching of the ligand during purification. The methods involve incubating the resin in a buffered solution of a hydroxyalkylamine compound (e.g., ethanolamine) prior to use of the resin for an affinity purification. The treatment removes unstably bound ligand from the resin.

Abstract: In a rapid and non-invasive method for characterizing aromatic polycarbonates, fluorescence intensities are determined at least two wavelength ranges and used to calculate a compositional or physical property of the sample. The method is suitable for determining the relative amounts of linear and branched polycarbonates, and it is fast enough to monitor the progress of polymerization reactions.

Abstract: A visual blood glucose test strip has two membranes that each incorporate a reagent that reacts with glucose in a blood sample applied to the membranes to cause a color change. One of the membranes also includes an inhibitor and a dye. A blood sample applied to the strip causes the two membranes to form two different colors. Comparing the colors to a calibrated color chart permits a user to determine the glucose concentration in the blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating biosensors, using hydrophilic polyurethane. Bio-active reagents, including enzymes, antibodies, antigens, cells and receptors, are mixed with hydrophilic polyurethane and the mixture is directly coated over a signal transducer to form a sensing film which serves as a signal detector. The method using hydrophilic polyurethane allows the simplification of the fabrication of biosensors without conducting complicated chemical reactions and washing steps, such as crosslinking. The bio-active reagent entrapped within the hydrophilic polyurethane film can retains its high activity for an extended period of time and the intrinsic potentiometric response of the underlying ion-selective polymeric membrane is not affected by the bio-active reagent immobilized polyurethane film coated on its sensing surface. Therefore, the biosensors are superior in specificity, selectivity, and stability.

Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods for monitoring the progress and properties of parallel chemical reactions. The invention repeatedly receives a measured value or values associated with the contents of each of a plurality of reactor vessels and displays the measured over the course of a combinatorial chemical reaction. Reaction parameters associated with individual reactor vessels are changed in response to the value measured during the reaction. Reaction parameters include temperature, pressure, stirring speed. The reaction occurring in one or more reactor vessels is quenched in response to values measured during the reaction. The measured values are used to calculate experimental results including temperature change, pressure change, percent conversion of starting material, and viscosity. The measured values and experimental results are displayed. In another aspect, the invention features a method for controlling a combinatorial chemical reactor.

Abstract: A new method, solid phase precipitation and extraction (SPPE), is disclosed and is particularly advantageous for purifying mixtures of synthetic peptides directly from a cleavage/deprotection mixture.

Abstract: A combinatorial array comprises fluid-impervious, sealed or sealable, flexible, self-supported pouches, each pouch comprising therein one or more members of a library of materials. A method for producing the members of the library is also disclosed. The method can utilize an automated process for introducing components into the pouches. Analysis of products can be by destructive or non-destructive methods.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A method for preferentially observing an exposed position (1c) of a macromolecule. A sample is obtained having a macromolecule (1a) with a first proton (1) and a second molecule (2a) with a second proton (2); then applying a magnetic field (4) to the sample and irradiating the sample with a pulse sequence (5) that preferentially demagnetizes protons of the macromolecule (1, 3) relative to the second proton (2); allowing the second proton (2) to exchange (6) with an exposed proton (1) of the macromolecule; and detecting the magnetization from the relatively magnetized second proton (2), which is now bound to the exposed position (1c) of the macromolecule. The invention also provides a method for observing a position in the macromolecule that bind a ligand.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved optical method and optical sensing device for determining the levels of polyhydroxyl-substituted organic molecules in vitro in aqueous or organic media. Specifically, a dye is combined with an conjugated nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic aromatic boronic acid-substituted bis-onium compound in the presence of a sugar, such as fructose or glucose. The viologens are preferred as the aromatic conjugated nitrogen containing boronic acid substituted compounds. The method is useful to determine sugar levels in fermentation and process streams.

Abstract: A test method is described for discovering polymer or polymer-forming components having favorable properties. The method comprises the steps of preparing one or more sets of polymer solutions or solutions of polymer-forming components of different composition, introducing a specified volume of the polymer solution or solution of polymer-forming components into a set of sample vessels, forming a polymer film optionally exposing the polymer film to an increased temperature, determining, sequentially or in parallel, one or more physical properties, and selecting the polymer samples having the most favorable properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for characterization of single polymers. In particular, the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for determination of the velocities of single elongated polymers. Center-of-mass velocity, center-to-center velocity, end-to-end velocity and rise-time velocity are determined using time-correlated measurements of single elongated polymers in two or more detection zones. The invention also relates to methods of determinating lengths and molecular masses of single polymers and to methods of determining the distance between landmarks on a single polymers based on their velocities. The invention further relates to methods of single-molecule DNA restriction fragment analysis.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of &agr;-hydroxy-&bgr;-amino acid and amide derivatives and &agr;-ketoamide derivatives and novel derivatives made by these methods are provided. These methods involve reacting a N-terminally blocked (protected) aminoaldehyde with an isonitrile and a carboxylic acid to give an amino-&agr;-acyloxy carboxamide. The acyloxy group may be removed to give the derivative. Alternatively the protecting group is removed and acyl shift occurs to give the derivative. These derivatives are useful in the synthesis of compounds such as peptidyl &agr;-ketoamides and &agr;-hydroxy-&bgr;-carboxylic acid and amide derivatives. Certain of these compounds have been reported to have activity as inhibitors of proteases, such as serine proteases and cysteine proteases.