Abstract: A method for the multiplexed diagnostic and genetic analysis of enzymes, DNA fragments, antibodies, and other biomolecules comprises the steps of constructing an appropriately labeled beadset, exposing the beadset to a clinical sample, and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify, in real-time, beads within an exposed beadset and textual explanations, based on the accumulated data obtained during real-time analysis, are generated for the user. The inventive technology enables the simultaneous, and automated, detection and interpretation of multiple biomolecules or DNA sequences in real-time while also reducing the cost of performing diagnostic and genetic assays.

Abstract: An improved method of making a series of bead or microsphere or particle populations characterized by subtle variation in a proportion or ratio of at least two fluorescent dyes distributed within a single bead of each population is provided. These beads, when excited by a single excitation light source are capable of giving off several fluorescent signals simultaneously. A set containing as many as 64 distinct populations of multicolored, fluorescent beads is provided and when combined with analytical reagents bound to the surface of such beads is extremely useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a single sample. Thus, methods of staining polymeric particles, the particles themselves, and methods of using such particles are claimed.

Abstract: A method for the multiplexed diagnostic and genetic analysis of enzymes, DNA fragments, antibodies, and other biomolecules comprises the steps of constructing an appropriately labeled beadset, exposing the beadset to a clinical sample, and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry is disclosed. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify, in real-time, beads within an exposed beadset and textual explanations, based on the accumulated data obtained during real-time analysis, are generated for the user. The inventive technology enables the simultaneous, and automated, detection and interpretation of multiple biomolecules or DNA sequences in real-time while also reducing the cost of performing diagnostic and genetic assays.

Abstract: A sample analyzing system includes at least one sensor located at least partially within a sample retaining area. In addition, the sensor has at least one edge defining a sample detection location. This sample detection location defines an area within which the sensor is capable of detecting a presence or an absence of the sample. The system analyzes sample data by first introducing the sample into the sample retaining area and then mixing a reagent with the sample to commence formation of a reagent product. After mixing and upon detecting the absence of the sample from the sample detection location by the at least one sensor, an edge of the sample is moved past an edge of the at least one sensor and into the sample detection location. Then, upon detecting the presence of the sample in the sample detection location by the at least one sensor, the edge of the sample is moved past the edge of the at least one sensor and out of the sample detection location.

Abstract: A method for selective mono-N-alkylation of primary amines to produce secondary amines that are substantially free of overalkylated tertiary amines and quaternary ammonium salts, under mild reaction conditions without the necessity of protecting groups. Compounds of the class of secondary amines are produced by reacting an alkyl halide with an alkyl amine in anhydrous solvent, preferably dimethyl sulfoxide or N,N-dimethylformamide, in the presence of 0.1 to 3 molar equivalents of a cesium base. Optionally, the extent and selectivity of mono-N-alkylation is enhanced by addition to the reaction mixture of a powdered molecular sieve material for removal of water produced by the reaction, and/or tetrabutylammonium iodide to promote halide exchange. The invention permits selective and efficient mono-N-alkylation of a wide variety of substrates at 23° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a zero dead time for flow analyzers, flow cytometers, and other measurement devices. A circular buffer is used to store data from a flow analyzer in a plurality of data storage areas, until it is convenient to implement more time consuming data processing procedures. User specified parameters, including sampling rate and/or sampling period, size and number of data storage areas, size of the circular or other buffer, signal-to-noise threshold, order of processing when a plurality of Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) is used, and fixed trailing distance, are used to provide flexible and convenient operation by a user. The probability of missing a rare event occurring within the laser beam or other light beam of a flow analyzer or other measurement device is reduced to zero.

Abstract: A flexible transparent container for improved storage of oxygen sensitive parenterally administerable agents comprising an inner, primary container enclosed in a substantially oxygen impermeable outer envelope with an oxygen absorber, capable of consuming essentially all residual oxygen after the outer envelope is sealed, and for sufficient period also the oxygen penetrating said envelope. The inner container is made of a polypropylene containing flexible polymeric material compatible with lipophilic agents capable of forming both permanent and peelable seals, while the envelope is made of a substantially water impermeable flexible multilayered polymeric material comprising a first outer substantially water impermeable polymeric film with oxygen barrier forming capacity, assembled with a second, inner polymeric film with a supplementary oxygen barrier forming capacity. The container essentially maintains its characteristics after being subjected to sterilization by steam or radiation.

Abstract: A separation medium having a base matrix and matrix-bound groups which exhibit recombinant Protein A containing a cysteine. The groups are of formula: —B—X—rProtein A-cys where B is a bridge which binds to the base matrix and X includes a heteroatom N or S from rProtein A-cys. In a preferred embodiment X is a thioether sulphur and/or a secondary amine (—NH—). An alternative embodiment features a variant of Protein A in which the C-terminal residue is cysteine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of manufacture comprising a partial or complete tubular primary part defining a tube axis and having an at least partially curved circumferential wall at least partially encircling the axis; said wall comprising a joint edge, defining a) a joint line along said edge on said wall, b) a joint plane drawn to contain said joint line, c) a joining direction having at least a direction component perpendicular to said joint line and said joint plane, d) a locking plane at least partially at the surface or within a section through said wall in which both said joint line and said joining direction lies and e) a normal direction being perpendicular to said joint plane; and at least one locking structure, the improvement comprising that the locking structure includes at least one positive or negative hook structure in said locking plane, extending in the joining direction away from the joint line and having an undercut in the locking plane and that the hook structure is exposed from a

Abstract: The instant diagnostic system includes a measurement device including a laser diode and communicatable with a computer. The diagnostic system further includes a memory medium readable by the computer and storing computer instructions executable by the computer. The instructions include the following sequential, non-sequential, or independent steps. A template relating to a beam profile of the laser diode along a flow path of the measurement device is built. A fluorescent sample is captured by the measurement device. The sample is time-wise aligned to the template. The sample is normalized relative to the template. The normalized sample is integrated to determine a total amount of fluorescence in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable polycondensates, to the production of said polycondensates, and to their use for releasing specific substances. The polycondensates are derived from at least three components chosen from the following group: a) dianhydrohexites b) bivalent (polyvalent) organic carboxylic acids and c) polyvalent organic carboxylic acids which, in addition to two carboxylic acid functions, have at least one other, optionally capped, i.e., OH and/or COOH function.

Abstract: A compression device for exerting pressure on an arm, shoulder, and/or trunk of a patient in need thereof (for example, a patient with hyperalgia or recovering from surgery in which the lymphatic system is affected), including an arm compression hose, a shoulder part for exerting pressure on the shoulder and trunk area, and a band-shaped fastening means for positioning the shoulder part and exerting pressure on the shoulder part. The arm compression hose exerts a pressure that decreases from a maximum pressure at the wrist or hand to a minimum pressure near the shoulder end of the arm, where the minimum pressure is approximately 70% of the maximum pressure. One or more lining pockets can be constructed on the inner lining of the compression device, where each lining pocket can hold one or more compression pads to increase tissue pressure in one or more body areas in need thereof. The compression pads each can have a shape that approximately conforms to the shape of the body part to which it is applied.

Abstract: It has been discovered that lipophilic hormones that interact with cytosolic or nuclear receptors regulate APP expression and synthesis, through modification of APP mRNA stability and/or regulation of APP gene transcription and translation activities. These studies demonstrate that the treatment of brain cells with estrone or 17&bgr;-estradiol results in a reduction in the level of APP holoprotein expression, without a concomitant change in the total level of cell protein. The reduction in the level of APP holoprotein caused by estrone or 17&bgr;-estradiol is also expected to reduce the production of neurotoxic APP fragments. In as much as estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease, this discovery opens the possibility that estrogen therapy may prevent some of the neurodegenerative and cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, aging and other disease conditions associated with such neurodegenerative and cognitive decline.

Abstract: Amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing which is activated by cell-surface neurotransmitter receptors, is described. An assay for testing an agent for the capacity to regulate, and particularly to stimulate, secretion of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a description of the characteristics of agents identified by the assay, and a method of altering APP processing in an individual are also disclosed. The assay, agents, and method of altering APP processing are particularly useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases involving APP processing, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preparing pharmaceutical closures for containers made of flexible polymeric materials which are suitable to be filled with parenterally administerable fluids prior to their sealing and sterilization. The process involves a specific relaxation period for the elastomer material of the closure which thereby can settle and develop resealing characteristics. The closures will have an excellent resealing capacity after being penetrated by a piercing device for establishing fluid communication with the container, even after multiple entries into the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure-proof glass bodies (3) composed of two half-spheres (1,2) comprising or not a cylindrical intermediate part (10) and having complementary surfaces (4) which are brought into contact with each other, whereby the outer surfaces of a formed seam are even and flat. The glass elements are assembled in a non detachable way by gluing them together with a curable glue which is applied to said complementary surfaces. A glued seam (6) which is formed, for example, by a light or heat-curable glue, can be covered with a permanently elastic sealing material and then with a band and/or tape. The inventive glass bodies are characterized in that they are simple to manufacture and safe to operate when they are used in the oceanographic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a composition of lipid particles comprising a bioactive protein, capable of being subjected to high shear forces without substantial loss of activity, and a lipid agent. The characterizing features of the method are the introduction of a protein preparation and a lipid agent to a homogenization station, whereupon the resulting fluid mixture of protein an lipid agent is subjected to high pressure homogenization. The so formed lipid particles are collected and if necessary further processed into a pharmaceutical formulation.

Abstract: A jig is described that is suitable for mounting in a paint shaker. The jig includes a first (top) section and a second (bottom) section. Each of the top section and the bottom section includes a respective substantially cylindrical frame having a respective outer surface and an inner surface. Each respective inner surface has a plurality of respective openings for holding tubular containers, such as caulking tubes. The top section and the bottom section fit together in direct, seating contact to form a substantially cylindrical jig capable of holding a plurality of caulking tubes. The bottom section also has a plurality of third openings for receiving nozzle portions of the caulking tubes. When the top section and the bottom section are fitted together, with caulking tubes contained therein, nozzles of the caulking tubes do not project out from the top section.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a container body and a cover assembly. The container body has a chamber unit to receive cosmetic substances therein. The cover assembly is mounted removably on the container body so as to close the chamber unit. The cover assembly has a cover body unit and a magnifying glass unit that is attached to the cover body unit and that forms enlarged images of the cosmetic substances thereon.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach ‘Prunus persica’ tree with the following combination of unique features that are desirable in a new variety. 1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 2. Production of very firm, white flesh fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 3. Fruit that will stay firm on the tree 10 to 17 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 4. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality. 5. Middle season maturity of white flesh fruit. 6. Fruit with a skin with pink overspread with light yellow. 7. Vigorous half-open growth. 8. Saccharinity, flavor and aroma of the fruit are not lower even in the rainy season.