Abstract: Oligonucleotide primer sets, probes, and combinations of the primer sets and probes are provided herein. These reagents are useful for amplifying and detecting HIV-1 target sequences in a test sample.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which stain DNA of a preselected single chromosome or region of a chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the DNA present in the preselected chromosome or chromosome region. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and compositions are presented for ligating ligands together which bind to a common receptor. One embodiment includes polynucleotide probes having photoreactive functional groups. The probes are capable of assuming substantially contiguous reactive positions on a target polynucleotide placing the photoreactive group in juxtaposition. Activation of the photoreactive functional groups with radiant energy form a probe reaction product in which the probes are bound to each other.

Abstract: A method for producing a Y chromosome specific probe selected from highly repeating sequences on that chromosome is described. There is little or no nonspecific binding to autosomal and X chromosomes, and a very large signal is provided. Inventive primers allowing the use of PCR for both sample amplification and probe production are described, as is their use in producing large DNA chromosome painting sequences.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which stain DNA of a preselected single chromosome or region of a chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the DNA present in the preselected chromosome or chromosome region. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions.

Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-color, comparative hybridization assay method using an array of nucleic acid target elements attached to a solid support for the simultaneous detection of both gene expression and chromosomal abnormalities in a tissue sample. The method of the invention employs a comparative hybridization of a tissue mRNA or cDNA sample labeled in a first fluorescent color, a tissue chromosomal DNA sample labeled in a second fluorescent color, and at least one reference nucleic acid labeled in a third fluorescent color, to the array. The fluorescent color presence and intensity at each of at least two target elements are detected and the fluorescent ratios (i) of the first and third colors and (ii) the second and third colors determined. Gene expression and chromosomal abnormalities are thus simultaneously detected.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for performing assays for target polynucleotide strands include contacting a sample with a reagent which includes a first and a second polynucleotide probe. The first and second probes are capable of assuming a first position wherein the probes are bound to each other and a second position wherein the probes are bound to a target. The probes include label moieties capable of interacting to produce a signal indicative of the probes being in one of the two positions.

Abstract: A method for producing a Y chromosome specific probe selected from highly repeating sequences on that chromosome is described. There is little or no nonspecific binding to autosomal and X chromosomes, and a very large signal is provided. Inventive primers allowing the use of PCR for both sample amplification and probe production are described, as is their use in producing large DNA chromosome painting sequences.

Abstract: A method for producing a Y chromosome specific probe selected from highly repeating sequences on that chromosome is described. There is little or no nonspecific binding to autosomal and X chromosomes, and a very large signal is provided. Inventive primers allowing the use of PCR for both sample amplification and probe production are described, as is their use in producing large DNA chromosome painting sequences.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which counterstain genomic DNA are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the total genomic DNA of a multi-chromosomal organism, especially man, and the segment mixture is approximately representative of such total genomic DNA. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions. Instead of intercalating with DNA as in prior art chemical counterstains, these probe compositions hybridize with complementary segments that are present in the genomic DNA of a specimen.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which stain DNA of a preselected single chromosome or region of a chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the DNA present in the preselected chromosome or chromosome region. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a target polynucleotide sequence wherein the target polynucleotide sequence is used as a template to direct hybridization of first and second polynucleotide probes to contiguous portions of the target. The hybridized probes are then ligated, preferably by covalent linkage of photoreactive functional groups present on each of the probes, to produce a ligated reaction product. The ligated reaction product is then multiplied with a polymerase such as Q-beta replicase to produce an enzyme reaction product which is then detected. The presence of the enzyme reaction product is indicative of the presence of the target polynucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes substantially complementary to nucleic acid sequences within the bcl-1 locus are disclosed as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers substantially complementary to nucleic acid sequences within that locus that are useful in detecting t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocations associated with hematopoietic cancers. Further, the bcl-1 locus probes are useful in detecting bcl-1 amplifications found in about twenty percent of solid tumors, particularly in squamous cell and mammary carcinomas. Diagnostic/prognostic methods for cancer are disclosed, as well as cancer research methods using the bcl-1 probes of this invention.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which stain DNA of a preselected single chromosome or region of a chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the DNA present in the preselected chromosome or chromosome region. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes substantially complementary to nucleic acid sequences within the bcl-1 locus are disclosed as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers substantially complementary to nucleic acid sequences within that locus that are useful in detecting t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocations associated with hematopoietic cancers. Further, the bcl-1 locus probes are useful in detecting bcl-1 amplifications found in about twenty percent of solid tumors, particularly in squamous cell and mammary carcinomas. Diagnostic/prognostic methods for cancer are disclosed, as well as cancer research methods using the bcl-1 probes of this invention.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and compounds for covalently linking xanthine or lower alkyl substituted derivatives of xanthine to DNA and the resulting xanthine or lower alkyl substituted xanthine derivative labeled DNA reagents. Reagents for the in situ detection of a chromosome or a region of a chromosome are disclosed. These reagents include a multiplicity of DNA sequences that are complementary to different portions of the chromosome or chromosome region to be detected. Multiple xanthine or lower alkyl substituted xanthine derivative labels are covalently linked to the DNA sequences. These xanthine or lower alkyl substituted xanthine derivative labeled reagents are contacted under hybridizing conditions with the chromosome or chromosome region of interest. Any binding of the reagent with the chromosome or chromosome region of interest may then be detected by immunological techniques.

Abstract: Techniques for producing cloned DNA sequences are provided which sequences are complementary to DNA occurring in one selected region of one chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome, such as the human genome. Such cloned DNA sequences can be labeled and formed into probes by conventional procedures, there are provided methods for making probe compositions which comprise mixed DNA segments derived from such a DNA sequence. An improved DNA sequence transamination procedure is provided utilizing trifluoroacetate chaotrope anions. With high concentrations of low complexity DNA, high levels of transamination are thereby achieved. These segments are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups that are transaminated preferably chaotropically into the segments.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which stain DNA of a preselected single chromosome or region of a chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the DNA present in the preselected chromosome or chromosome region. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions.

Abstract: The invention includes a blowing agent composition useful in the production of insulating styrenic foams comprising ethylchloride, propane and a halogenated ethane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (FC-142b) and mixtures thereof. The invention further includes a method to produce dimensionally stable insulating styrenic foams using the blowing agent composition by confining operating temperatures within a narrow range. The blowing agent composition has a significantly reduced ozone reactivity potential compared to previous commercial styrenic foam blowing agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sequential multi-step processing of slide surface portions. The apparatus includes subassemblies and assemblies and a computer driven control system therefor. The apparatus permits at least one step of such a process sequence to be carried out with minimal amounts of processing liquids which is advantageous for specimen treatment with costly reagents, such as aqueous compositions containing probes. Immunochemical and in situ hybridization procedures can be carried out.