Abstract: The robot alignment system is used for establishing a predetermined alignment position between a movable robot member and an article that is processed by the robot. The system includes a laser transmitter that emits a focused laser beam and a target against which the focused laser beam is directed. The laser transmitter is preferably supported by the robot and the target is supported by the article that is processed by the robot. A signaling device cooperates with the target to produce a detectable signal when the focused laser beam is received at a predetermined location on the target. The detectable signal signifies establishment of a predetermined alignment position between the robot and the article that is processed by the robot.

Abstract: A test sensor having a pair of electrodes and a reagent for electrochemically measuring the concentration of the analyte in a liquid sample. The test sensor comprises a capillary channel for collecting the liquid sample and a conductor disposed outside the capillary channel. The conductor is in fluid communication with the capillary channel. The liquid test sample is collected and moved through the capillary channel. The liquid test sample contacts the conductor when the capillary channel is substantially full to signal a full condition.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I) wherein R1 is a protecting group for N?, R2 is a protecting group for NG, and R3 is aryl, and wherein the compound of formula (I) is a trypsin substrate such that trypsin cleaves the O—C single bond, which liberates R3—OH; a diagnostic device comprising same; a method for preparing the diagnostic device; and a method of using the diagnostic device to detect levels of urinary trypsin inhibitor in a biological sample; and a diagnostic kit for detecting levels of urinary trypsin inhibitor in a biological sample.

Abstract: Reagents which regulate human neuropeptide Y-like G protein-coupled receptor (NPY-like GPCR) protein and reagents which bind to human NPY-like GPCR gene products can play a role in preventing, ameliorating, or correcting dysfunctions or diseases including, but not limited to, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, hypertension, cocaine withdrawal, congestive heart failure, memory enhancement, cardiac and cerebral vasospasm, pheochromocytoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Reagents which regulate human neuropeptide Y-like G protein-coupled receptor (NPY-like GPCR) protein and reagents which bind to human NPY-like GPCR gene products can play a role in preventing, ameliorating, or correcting dysfunctions or diseases including, but not limited to, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, hypertension, cocaine withdrawal, congestive heart failure, memory enhancement, cardiac and cerebral vasospasm, pheochromocytoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Glycosylated interleukin-2 muteins are described. A method of producing the muteins using mammalian cells is included. The muteins may be incorporated into pharmaceutical preparations useful for, e.g., cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup handling subsystem for an automated clinical chemistry analyzer system which includes a nestable sample cup for holding sample mixtures, a cup dispenser mechanism for holding and dispensing a supply of the cups into a sample shuttle for transporting them, and an incubator for controlling the temperature of the cup and its contents. In one embodiment, the cups include a conical lower portion and a cylindrical upper portion having a top flange, a bottom flange and a groove formed therebetween. An apparatus is provided for holding and dispensing a plurality of such cups including a supply tube for holding the cups in a stack wherein the stack has a bottom-most cup and a next-bottom-most cup located above the bottom-most cup. The apparatus also includes an escapement located at a lower end of the supply tube which includes a disk having an aperture formed therein, a first leaf attached to a top side of the disk and a second leaf attached to a bottom side of the disk.

Abstract: The serum transfer cup is nestable in two different size blood collection tubes such as a 13 mm diameter sample tube and a 16 mm diameter sample tube of the same axial length. The serum transfer cup includes a flange stepped down from a top edge of the cup by a distinctive axial distance that permits ultrasonic identification of the presence of the serum transfer cup regardless of which sample tube nests the serum transfer cup. The serum transfer cup has a higher elevation in the 13 mm sample tube than in the 16 mm sample tube, and the different flange heights can be detected using ultrasonic signals. Thus ultrasonic measurement of the flange position of the nested serum transfer cup identifies the presence of different serum transfer cups in the 13 mm sample tube and in the 16 mm sample tube, and also identifies the 13 mm and 16 mm sample tubes with the nested serum transfer cups.

Abstract: A method of detecting creatinine in body fluids using an indicator which produces a fluorescent response when oxidized in the presence of a copperII/creatinine complex. A preferred indicator is 4-(1-methylhydrazino)-7-nitro benzooxadiazole (MNBDH).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a stream of liquid and air segments wherein the liquid and air segments are selectively aspirated into a first fluid conduit in a plurality of cycles, each cycle beginning with the aspiration of a first air segment and ending with the aspiration of a final air segment. The liquid and air segments are then transferred from the first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The volume of the final air segment of each cycle is then adjusted after the final air segment has moved into the second fluid conduit. Next, the liquid segments and the air segments of each cycle are transferred from the second fluid conduit to a third fluid conduit. The volume of the first air segment of each cycle is then adjusted after the first air segment has moved into the third fluid conduit.

Abstract: The fluid circuit for a hematology analyzer includes a block-like plastic member with passageways for fluid, and a reaction chamber recess that communicates with one or more of the fluid passageways. A detachable metallic heat transfer cover member is positioned across the reaction chamber recess to close the reaction chamber recess and establish a confined reaction chamber. A heater is placed in conductive contact with the metallic heat transfer cover member to heat the cover member and thereby conduct heat to the reaction chamber. The metallic heat transfer cover member is detachably secured to the block-like plastic member and can thus be removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule, designated as a kinase nucleic acid molecule, which encodes a novel protein kinase. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing kinase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a kinase gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 14790 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-kinase antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially purified p100 which is a human neu related protein having a molecular weight in the range from about 97,000 daltons to about 115,000 daltons which corresponds substantially to the extracellular domain of the human neu gene product, said protein being detectable in a biological fluid. In another embodiment this invention relates to assays for detecting this protein. Finally, this invention also concerns monoclonal antibodies which are capable of binding to p100.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to a dry assay device for determining the concentration of a first analyte in a sample of body fluid and a second analyte in the same sample of body fluid. The device involves the use of a strip of an absorbent material through which the sample of body fluid flows and wherein the first analyte is determined colorimetrically in a first region of the strip and the second analyte is determined by an immunoassay which takes place in a second region of the strip located downstream from the first region. The improvement involves placing the strip in a hollow casing having a top and a bottom and which is so constructed that when the top and bottom of the casing are mated there is formed a U shaped, body fluid impervious barrier around the first region of the strip to prevent the sample of body fluid from flowing in any direction other than in the direction of the second region of the strip.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical sensor having a base bearing a working and counter electrode which provides a flow path for a fluid test sample. The working and counter electrodes are configured so that a major portion of the counter electrode is located downstream on the flow path from the working electrode with the exception of a small sub-element of the counter electrode which is in electrical communication with the primary portion of the counter electrode and located upstream of the working electrode. This configuration enables the sensor when the capillary space is incompletely filled with test fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule, designated as a kinase nucleic acid molecule, which encodes a novel protein kinase. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing kinase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a kinase gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 14790 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-kinase antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Multi-analyte reference solutions having a stable partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in zero headspace packaging and methods for preparing such solutions are disclosed. The solutions have long shelf and use lives when stored at room temperature and are packaged in laminated foil containers having low or no oxygen reactivity. Access devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in the analysis for an analyte in a urine test sample in which the urine is contacted with a labeled antibody specific to the analyte and the concentration of the analyte is determined by measuring the response from the label. The improvement involves maintaining the concentration of urea in the test sample above the threshold value which value is the concentration of urea at which increases in the urea concentration do not affect the accuracy of the assay such as by interfering with the binding between the analyte and the labeled antibody.

Abstract: A method for the production of bikunin or monokunin from mammalian cell culture is described. The product exhibits glycosylation characteristic of proteins produced from mammalian cells. The method is used in a preferred example to produce a truncated human placental bikunin.

Abstract: Pancreatic islet cell antigens (ICA) that bind with antibodies found in the sera of patients afflicted with insulin-dependent (Type I) diabetes mellitus (IDDM). ICA proteins are expressed by recombinant cloning vehicles comprising DNA inserts isolated from islet cells. Full sequence native ICA proteins, or protein or peptide fragments thereof, can be used in the diagnosis of IDDM and in detecting or blocking human immunoglobulin, T-cells, or B-cells involved in IDDM.