Abstract: Methods and compositions according to embodiments of the present invention are provided that specifically and sensitively detect alcohol consumption and whether alcohol consumption is moderate or high in a subject. Aspects of the present invention relate to assays of panels of proteins for detecting non-consumption, moderate consumption and high consumption of ethanol by a subject.

Abstract: An automatic solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling apparatus having a mobile sampler arm with a holder for a probe carrying a fiber 9 and an intermediate bracket for transferring the probe between a probe storage tray and the gas chromatograph injector. In the various probe handling stages, the probes are collected by a magnetic member attached to the end of the plunger in the holder, at the free end of the holder's body and at the lower end of the block for guiding the probe needle. The magnetic member interacts with a ferromagnetic connector attached to one end of the fiber and with a ferromagnetic flange attached to the end of the needle containing the fiber in order to place the probe on the transfer bracket or remove it therefrom. The apparatus can perform analyses on fibers that have already been exposed, extract analytes from samples, and subsequently transfer them for desorption in the gas chromatograph in a fully automatic way.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring the levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF), and 5,10-MTHF in a biological sample. The method includes employing an isotope dilution liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry (LC-MRM/MS) methodology.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the direct quantitative analysis of multiple pesticides on individual seeds with or without fluorescent pigments. The seed varieties include corn, cotton, wheat, soybean and canola.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating heparin preparations, e.g., for suitability for use as a drug or for use in making a drug, by determining the absence, presence or amount of a structural signature that is indicative of the methods used to make the heparin preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting bowel transplant rejection. The detection method according to the invention is a method for the in vitro detection of bowel transplant rejection comprising steps for measuring the concentration at markers in a fluid sample, calculating the difference for each marker with a reference concentration, comparing for each marker the difference with a discriminatory threshold variation and assigning a score. The present invention is particularly applicable in the medical field, more specifically in the field of transplantations and transplant rejection detection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying patients to be treated by dopamine agonist therapy comprising the step of analyzing a plasma or urine sample from said patient for concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), norepinephrine metabolites (NE metabolites), dopamine, dopamine metabolites, serotonin, serotonin metabolites, or fasting triglycerides, wherein one or more of: (a) NE metabolites, (b) NE/NE metabolites: dopamine/dopamine metabolites, (c) NE and serotonin, (d) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin, (e) NE and serotonin metabolites, (f) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin metabolites, or (g) NE is/are greater than about 30% over normal level; or dopamine/dopamine metabolites are less than about 30% below normal; or said patient has hypertriglyceridemai and/or hypertension . The present invention is also directed to treating identified patients with dopamine agonist therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying patients to be treated by dopamine agonist therapy comprising the step of analyzing a plasma or urine sample from said patient for concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), norepinephrine metabolites (NE metabolites), dopamine, dopamine metabolites, serotonin, serotonin metabolites, or fasting triglycerides, wherein one or more of: (a) NE metabolites, (b) NE/NE metabolites: dopamine/dopamine metabolites, (c) NE and serotonin, (d) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin, (e) NE and serotonin metabolites, (f) NE/NE metabolites and serotonin metabolites, or (g) NE is/are greater than about 30% over normal level; or dopamine/dopamine metabolites are less than about 30% below normal; or fasting triglycerides are greater than about 150 mg/dl and/or said patient has hypertension. The present invention is also directed to treating identified patients with dopamine agonist therapy.

Abstract: A method for ingredient analysis includes the steps of: providing a database, which stores a plurality of standard ingredient data; analyzing a sample to obtain a plurality of inspection data via a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method; and respectively comparing the inspection data with the corresponding standard ingredient data to analyze all ingredients contained in the sample simultaneously. The method may be applied to a device for ingredient analysis. Thus, by cooperating the database with the HPLC method, all ingredients contained in the sample can be analyzed via at least one analysis procedure so that the procedures for ingredient analysis are simpler and quicker and the accuracy of the analysis result can be enhanced.

Abstract: A flash system and method is disclosed to control the rate of flashing a reservoir fluid sample from reservoir conditions to a given pressure and temperature in order to produce a liquid and a gas phase of the sample. The flash system comprises a flash apparatus including a separating chamber, a metering valve positioned at an inlet of the separating chamber, and a gas flow meter positioned at an outlet of the separating chamber. A pump is provided to displace the sample from a sample chamber to the flash apparatus, wherein the pump speed and the discharge rate of the metering valve can be automatically controlled. The flash system may be used in a laboratory environment and at the site of an oilfield reservoir. The present disclosure provides a universal flash system and method that can limit operator actions to a minimum of simple operations to ensure the repeatability of the process independent of the operator's skill.

Abstract: Capillary membrane sampling-flow injection analyzer (CMS-FIA) analyses of drinking water samples for quantity measurements of total trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants therein are provided. With the necessity to chlorinate drinking water to remove harmful bacteria and other potential toxins, trihalomethane and haloacetic acid byproducts are generated that may harm humans after consumption as well. A reliable manner of measuring such drinking water supplies for such trihalomethane and/or haloacetic acids at locations far from the source and closer to dispensers is highly desirable. The CMS-FIA analysis method of the invention has been found to be nearly as reliable as source measuring methods for the same purpose, but with the versatility to measure for such trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants anywhere along the drinking water supply line.

Abstract: Apparatus for GPC/TREF and TREF/GPC characterization of a polymer sample. The apparatus provides for the automated and integrated use of multiple TREF columns and a GPC system employing a multiple flow through detectors. In addition, a method for TREF/GPC characterization of a polymer sample by GPC analysis of TREF fractions at increasing TREF elution temperatures from multiple TREF columns operated in a coordinated and synchronized temperature cycle for increased sample throughput. Also, a method for GPC/TREF characterization of a polymer sample by GPC fractionation followed by TREF fractionation of the GPC fractionations.

Abstract: The invention provides, in certain embodiments, a method of detecting an indicator of renal injury or renal disease. The method entails assaying a urine sample for periostin, wherein the presence of periostin at an elevated level indicates the presence and/or degree of renal injury or renal disease. Also provided, are methods of determining progression of these conditions, as well as methods of determining subjects' response to treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among prostate cell proliferative disorders or for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to measure isotopic characteristics of a number of sample types. Embodiments of the invention combine novel and existing components to produce more accurate isotopic information. Further, embodiments of the invention allow for isotopic readings to be taken and analyzed outside of a laboratory. An example of such an embodiment is an apparatus comprising a combustion furnace; a reactant tube passing through the combustion furnace; an injector coupled to one, or a combination of, the combustion furnace, and reactant tube, to introduce a sample; a laser isotopic measurement device coupled to the reactant tube on the exit end; and a processor electrically coupled to one, or a combination of, the injector, the combustion furnace, the reactant tube, and the isotopic measurement device, in which a carrier gas transports the sample through the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing or monitoring a psychotic disorder, or predisposition thereto, comprises measuring, in a sample taken from a subject, the levels of one or more peptide biomarkers listed herein.

Abstract: A novel compound causing an oral cavity stimulus such as acridness, which is expressed by the following structural formula (I):

Abstract: According to the method of evaluating prostatic disease of the present invention, amino acid concentration data on concentration values of amino acids in blood collected from a subject to be evaluated is measured, and the state of prostatic disease including at least one of prostatic cancer and prostatic hypertrophy in the subject is evaluated based on the concentration value of at least one of Tau, Thr, Ser, Asn, Glu, Pro, Gly, Ala, Cit, ABA, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Phe, His, Trp, Orn, Lys, and Cys2 contained in the measured amino acid concentration data of the subject.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosis and prognosis using biomarkers comprising albumin-bound protein/peptide complex (ABPPC).

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized gas chromatograph and injector for the same. Said micro-GC is compact and simple and economical to construct. Dead volumes are largely avoided in order to achieve reliable and reproducible measured results. Said miniaturized gas chromatograph comprises at least one injector, one separation column and a detector which are combined on a circuit board to give a gas chromatography module. The injector comprises a first sheet with channels, which is provided with a second sheet with channels and which may be displaced relative to the latter, whereby at least one of the sheets is provided with a layer of plastic, in particular a chemically inert plastic on the side of the sheet facing the other side.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A fluid separation system (10) for separating compounds of a sample fluid in a mobile phase comprises a detector (50) adapted to detect separated compounds by providing an optical stimulus signal to the sample fluid and receiving a response signal to the optical stimulus signal. The detector (50) comprises a light source (100) adapted to provide an output light beam (230) as the optical stimulus signal. The light source (100) comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (200, 200A, 200Z) each adapted to emit a light beam (210, 210A1, 210A2, 210Z1, 210Z2) having a respective wavelength, and a diffracting element (220). The plurality of light emitting elements (200, 200A, 200Z) are arranged that emitted light beams (210, 210A1, 210A2, 210Z1, 210Z2) impinging, on the diffracting element (220) are diffracted by the diffracting element (220) to form the output light beam (230).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus by which PCBs in insulating oil can be analyzed with high accuracy in a convenient, inexpensive, and rapid manner. The method for analyzing polychlorobiphenyls by measuring the concentration of polychlorobiphenyls in insulating oil comprises a step of, as pretreatment, bringing particles of a copolymer that contains divinylbenzene and a methacrylate organic monomer as monomer components into contact with insulating oil containing polychlorobiphenyls, so as to separate polychlorobiphenyls in insulating oil from oil content that is an impurity. The methacrylate organic monomer preferably has a diol type hydroxyl group.

Abstract: In this invention, a biomarker discovery method has been developed using specific biotin-labeled oligonucleotide ligands and magnetic streptavidin beads. In one embodiment, the oligonucleotide ligands are firstly generated by whole-cell based SELEX technique. Such ligands can recognize target cells with high affinity and specificity and can distinguish cells that are closely related to target cells even in patient samples. The targets of these oligonucleotide ligands are significant biomarkers for certain cells. These important biomarkers can be captured by forming complexes with biotin-labeled oligonucleotide ligands and collecting the complexes using magnetic streptavidin beads, whereupon the captured biomarkers are analyzed to identify the biomarkers. Analysis of biomarkers include HPLC-Mass Spectroscopy analysis, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and the like. The identified biomarkers can be used for pathological diagnosis and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention describes a microengineered SFC system for rapidly and efficiently separating the constituents of a complex mixture. The SFC system includes a microchannel that is microfabricated from a suitable substrate so that it forms a chromatographic column for separation of chemicals. The surface area of the microchannel of the column is sufficiently small as to permit use of miniature and relatively inexpensive pumps, and the thermal mass of the microengineered column is sufficiently low as to permit rapid temperature cycling using a miniature, low power and inexpensive heating element. At least a portion of this microchannel is packed with suitable sorbent materials or includes surfaces which are suitably coated with sorbent, or both, so as to retain and elute analyte under certain conditions. As a result analyte passing within this microchannel undergoes chromatographic separation.

Abstract: Described are techniques for use in connection with analyzing a droplet. One or more droplets of a sample are formed on a surface of a digital microfluidic device. The droplets are manipulated to perform processing using said one or more droplets generating one or more resulting droplets. The one or more resulting droplets may be transferred from the microfluidic device to another device for analysis. The one or more droplets may also be provided to the digital microfluidic device from yet another device or analysis instrument.

Abstract: A method for screening a drug for cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction is provided and can include incubating the drug with a microsome-containing biological sample and then quantitating at least one cytochrome P450 isoform. The isoforms can be selected from 2B6, 3A4, 1A2, and 3A5 isoforms. In some embodiments, the method uses liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS). A quantitated value can be compared to a threshold value and the drug can be determined to exhibit an acceptable CYP induction potential when the quantitated value does not exceed the threshold value. Isolated peptides are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (Aze) in food consumable by humans and animals are provided. Also provided are methods and systems for inactivating Aze in food and byproducts, as well as other methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders associated with Aze.

Abstract: This liquid feeding system has the first and second pumps each of which is provided with a plunger. Liquid sucked through each of the pump suction ports is discharged out of the discharging port through the first pump and/or second pump. Under the starting operation mode, the second pump is stopped and only the first pump is operated. When the discharging pressure at the discharging port reaches up to a predetermined value, the starting operation mode is changed over to the normal operation mode. Under the normal operation mode, the first pump is stopped and only the second pump is operated.

Abstract: A method for automatically without any required manual interaction packing a media bed in a column (3) from a slurry being a dispersion of said media particles and a liquid, said method comprising the steps a)-f) which all are performed automatically: a) filling the column (3) with a certain volume of slurry; b) packing a media bed from the slurry to a predefined target bed height or a predefined target bed compression; c) testing the separation efficiency of the packed bed; d) automatically unpacking the bed if test results not are acceptable or alternatively flow conditioning the packed bed if test results not are acceptable and return to c); e) calculating new volume of slurry to be filled into the column based on the test results; f) repeat from a).

Abstract: The present invention is a system for continuous, single-pass countercurrent tangential chromatography having multiple single-pass modules. A single-pass binding step module is used for binding product from an unpurified product solution with a resin slurry. A single-pass washing step module is used for washing impurities from the resin slurry. A single-pass elution step module for eluting an output of the washing step module is used as purified product solution. A single-pass regeneration step module is used for regenerating the resin slurry. In the current invention, the resin slurry flows in a continuous, single-pass through each of the single-pass modules, and one or more of the single-pass modules comprise two or more stages with permeate flow directed countercurrent to resin slurry flow within that single-pass module. The present invention replaces conventional column chromatography and may be made disposable.

Abstract: A method for examining Alzheimer's disease comprising (1) the measurement step of measuring an amount of lidocaine or a metabolite thereof in a cerebrospinal fluid derived from a lidocaine-administered test subject, and (2) the determination step of determining whether the test subject has Alzheimer's disease or not on the basis of the measured amount.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating a modified peptide from a complex mixture of peptides, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a proteinaceous preparation from an organism, wherein the preparation comprises modified peptides from two or more different proteins; (b) contacting the preparation with at least one immobilized modification-specific antibody; and (c) isolating at least one modified peptide specifically bound by the immobilized modification-specific antibody in step (b). The method may further comprise the step of (d) characterizing the modified peptide isolated in step (c) by mass spectrometry (MS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), and/or MS3 analysis, or the step of (e) utilizing a search program to substantially match the spectra obtained for the modified peptide during the characterization of step (d) with the spectra for a known peptide sequence, thereby identifying the parent protein(s) of the modified peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a biomolecule-linker conjugate of uniform stochiometry. It especially relates to a conjugate consisting of a biomolecule of a molecular weight between 5 kD and 500 kD and a hydrophilic linker molecule said linker having a molecular weight between 1 and 15 kD and between 4 and 60 charged residues, characterized in that said conjugate comprises at least one biomolecule-linker product of uniform stoichiometry in a pre-selected amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new HPLC methods for the analysis of the drug substance clopidogrel and related substances. In a first method the mobile phase comprises two or more liquids, and the relative concentration of the liquids is varied to a predetermined gradient. In a second method the mobile phase comprises a polar protic organic solvent, and the stationary phase comprises a gel. The present invention also relates to a method for analysing a substance, comprising the detection and optional quantification of one or more specific impurities.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of tubular kidney diseases comprising the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a urine sample, the polypeptide marker being selected from the markers characterized in Table 1 by values for the molecular masses and migration times.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure present systems and methods for the reversible solubilization of (aryl ether ketones) (PAEKs). A thioacetalization process is employed to modify the PAEKs into poly (aryl ether thioacetals) which, unlike PAEKs, are substantially soluble in common solvents. This modification allowing selected analysis techniques to be more easily performed on PAEKs1 such as gel permeation chromatography. The thioacetalization may be reversed through a deprotection reaction to recover the original PAEK without substantial degradation, allowing for non-destructive characterization of the PAEK. Advantageously, the thioacetalization process is generally applicable to a broad range of PAEKs, unlike presently known methods of solubilizing PAEKs. Solubilization of PAEKs further expands the utility of the PAEKs, opening up additional routes to chemical modification of PAEKs, as well as allowing for the possibility of processing PAEKs from solution.

Abstract: A method of determining the relative component proportions of at least one each of: a buffer; an acid or a base; a solvent; and optionally a salt, for providing a liquid mixture of pre-defined pH and ionic strength, wherein the relative component proportions are determined using the equation of Debye-Hückel, wherein the ion size parameter a in the Debye-Hückel equation is determined as the weighted mean ion size of all species contributing to the ionic strength of the liquid mixture, and wherein the ionic strength of each species is used as weighting parameter. The present method is also applicable in a method of providing a liquid mixture. Further there is provided a buffer preparation device.

Abstract: Imidazolium-based dicationic liquid salts and methods of using such imidazolium-based dicationic liquid salts in techniques such as ESI-MS are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is graphically representing each of a number of measurement data sets as a variation of at least one parameter, wherein each measurement data set results from a measurement, by: [A] selecting a plurality of the measurement data sets to be graphically represented, [B] graphically representing one of the selected measurement data sets as a primary measurement data set in a first graphical style, and [C] graphically representing each one of the at least one remaining selected measurement data sets as secondary measurement data set in a graphical style deviating in at least one feature from the first graphical style. Upon a first change request, a different one of the selected measurement data sets is graphically represented as the primary measurement data set in the first graphical style, and continuing with [C].

Abstract: To provide a process, whereby a low molecular weight organic compound having at most 20 carbon atoms present in a trace amount in a cloth made of chemical fibers treated with a water and oil repellent agent, can be accurately analyzed.

Abstract: Provided is a method comprising introducing a sample comprising a plurality of oligonucleotides into an ion pair high performance liquid chromatography column having a buffered mobile phase and allowing at least a portion of the oligonucleotides to separate; allowing the oligonucleotides to elute from the column; and introducing the oligonucleotides into a mass spectrometer and quantifying at least a portion of the oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry. In the method, at least a portion of the oligonucleotides are co-eluting oligonucleotides that differ in mass by no more than 20%; and the buffered mobile phase causes at least 50 mole percent of co-eluting oligonucleotides to have the same charge when they enter the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of liquid in a high performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The method includes operating a pump, measuring the liquid pressure downstream of the pump, measuring the liquid flow rate downstream of the pump, and controlling the operation of the pump. In the method, it is automatically determined whether the pump is controlled to achieve a desired pressure or controlled to achieve a desired flow rate. Fuzzy logic can be applied in the method to determine the switch between the control modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the analytical determination of poloxamers in a liquid protein sample.

Abstract: To use a monolithic silica body in chromatography with a HPLC column or a GC column and to simplify the use thereof as a separation medium, it is intended to provide a method of cladding a main body of a monolithic adsorbent or separating agent with glass so as to protect the outer surface, and to provide a separation medium prepared by the method. To this end, a monolithic silica body alone is formed by molding, and the molding is coated with a glass body; and then the glass body and the monolithic silica body are fused and integrated at the melting temperature of the glass body at an appropriate pressure. The surface of the resulting monolithic silica body clad with glass is strongly protected by the glass, and the homogeneity of the interior of the monolithic silica body is maintained, and thus uniform flow of a sample solution ensures analytical accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of synthesizing organic arsenicals. Many of these compounds have potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against numerous human tumor cell lines, both of solid and hematological origin, as well as against malignant blood cells from patients with leukemia.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature apparatus, kits and methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mineralocorticoid in biological samples. The methods, apparatus and kits feature a high performance liquid chromatography system with a column for receiving one or more biological samples potentially having mineralocorticoid, said chromatography system receiving one or more biological samples at a first time and separating the compounds in retained peaks comprising at least mineral corticoid retained peak for a mineralocorticoid in the event said mineralocorticoid is present at a mineralocorticoid retention time. And, a mass spectrometer in fluid communication with the high performance liquid chromatography system receives one or more of said retained peaks including the mineralocorticoid retained peak at the mineralocorticoid retention time, and produces a signal to allow said mineralocorticoid to be identified by retention peak and mass charge values.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous materials for use in solid phase extractions and chromatography. The materials feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion-exchange functional group. The materials exhibit superior wetting and ion-exchange performance.

Abstract: A high performance liquid chromatography method to routinely and reproducibly detect and quantitate metal complexes is provided. The metal complexes used in the method of the invention can be different metal complexes, or they can be stereoisomers of the same metal complexes. The high performance liquid chromatography method of the present invention is suitable for the separation of diastereomers of the same metal complexes. Also provided is a chiral high performance liquid chromatography method to separate enantiomers of metal complexes. Superoxide dismutase mimetic compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as agents for treating viral diseases. These compounds are inhibitors of RNA-dependent 5 RNA viral replication and are useful as inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase, as inhibitors of HCV replication and for treatment of hepatitis C infection in mammals.