Abstract: The ballistic transfer transfection technology employs a cold gas shock wave to accelerate microprojectiles that carry matter into cells by mechanical force. The present invention relates to a device that splits the cold gas shock wave into several individual shock waves that spread the pressure of the initial shock wave to several projectile launching devices. The number of cells transfected by this new device is increased manyfold, compared to the original apparatus. The use of the technology in a clinical context is facilitated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing ovarian dysgenesis, comprising analysis of DNA from a patient which encodes a portion of the receptor for follicle-stimulating hormone.

Abstract: A rapid method for diagnosing mastitis is described. The method is based on DNA sequence identification comprising the steps of determining the presence of the following DNA sequences in a milk sample: a DNA sequence specific for somatic cells for indicating inflammation; a DNA sequence specific for a mastitis pathogen for indicating infection; and a DNA sequence specific for an antibiotic-resistance-encoding gene of a pathogen for assisting a proper drug therapy. Test kits and genus- or species-specific oligonucleotides and their use in said method are also described.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the RNA component of telomerase, diagnosing cancer, and determining its prognosis using polynucleotides that hybridize to the RNA component of mammalian telomerase in a sample.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences of two circular single-stranded DNAs associated with Banana Bunchy Top Virus and the proteins encoded by the open reading frames in the nucleotide sequences are provided. A method for detecting Banana Bunchy Top Virus using the PCR technique based on the nucleotide sequences is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding human plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase. Also provided are materials and methods for the recombinant production of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase products which are expected to be useful in regulating pathological inflammatory events.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated p15. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the p15 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated tyrosinase. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning and expression of the Agouti gene and analogous genes in transformed, transfected and transgenic mice. The present invention provides an animal model for the study of diabetes, obesity and tumors for the testing of potential therapeutic agents. The present invention provides oligonucleotide probes for the detection of the Agouti gene and mutations in the gene. The present invention also relates to the isolation and recombinant production of the Agouti gene product, production of antibodies to the Agouti gene product and their use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed for transfecting eukaryotic cells using a DNA segment coupled to a site-specific chromosome-binding polypeptide. The polypeptide-DNA conjugate is referred to herein as a polypeptide-linked-rDNA (PLR) molecule. One example of a PLR molecule comprises a DNA segment containing a nucleotide sequence from a normally functioning human gene, coupled by means of a covalent crosslinking reagent to a site-specific chromosome-binding polypeptide (such as a transcription regulating polypeptide that binds to a specific nucleotide sequence in chromosomal DNA). After the PLR molecule enters the cytoplasm of a cell, such as by electroporation, the chromosome-binding polypeptide enables transport of the PLR molecule through the cytoplasm and into the nucleus, using a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) domain of the polypeptide. Inside the nucleus, the polypeptide scans the chromosomes until it binds to a specific chromosomal binding site.

Abstract: A waveguide binding assay method involves detecting the scattering of light directed into the waveguide, the scattering being the result of scattering labels specifically bound to the waveguide within the penetration depth of an evanescent wave. The waveguide may be transparent plastic or glass and the binding is typically by oligonucleotide hybridization or immunological capture. Light scattering labels include colloidal metals or non-metals, including gold, selenium and latex. A light absorbing member consisting of dye or concentrated particles may also be employed to enhance signal. Real-time binding and dissociation can be monitored visually or by video imaging, such as with a CCD camera and frame grabber software. Hybridization mismatches of as few as one base can be distinguished by real-time melting curves.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially purified cryptdin peptides having a consensus amino acid sequence:X.sub.1 -C-X.sub.2 -C-R-X.sub.3 -C-X.sub.4 -E-X.sub.5 -C-X.sub.6 -C-C-X.sub.7or having a consensus amino acid sequence:X.sub.1 -L-X.sub.2 -C-Y-C-R-X.sub.3 -C-K-X.sub.4 -E-X.sub.5 -G-T-C-X.sub.6 -C-C-X.sub.7wherein X.sub.1 to X.sub.7 each independently is 0 to 10 amino acids. The invention also provides cryptdin analogs, which are devoid of one or more amino acids N-terminal to the first cysteine. In addition, the invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding cryptdin peptides. The invention further provides methods for detecting inflammatory pathologies in a subject and for treating an inflammatory pathology in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a cryptdin peptide.

Abstract: Telomerase activity in a sample can be measured using a two reaction protocol involving telomerase substrate and primer extension steps. The presence of telomerase activity in a human somatic tissue or cell sample is positively correlated with the presence of cancer and can be used to diagnose the course of disease progression in a patient.

Abstract: A means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner is disclosed. A cleaving enzyme having 5' nuclease activity without interfering nucleic acid synthetic ability is employed as the basis of a novel method of detection of specific nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation and cloning of the structural gene, hipP, for the NTHi pili serotype 5 and the LKP operon. The invention relates to DNA molecules capable of hybridizing to the DNA sequences of the Haemophilus influenzae genome related to the pili. The invention further relates to a DNA molecule which encodes a pili protein, particularly a tip adhesion protein. The DNA molecules of the invention can be used in a method for assaying a sample, such as a blood sample, for the presence of Haemophilus influenzae in the sample. Accordingly, the invention further relates to the use of the DNA molecules as a diagnostic. The invention also relates to a recombinant Haemophilus influenzae pili protein, such as a tip adhesion protein. The protein can be employed in a method for immunizing an animal, such as a human, as a therapeutic or diagnostic.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining relative copy number of target nucleic acids and precise mapping of chromosomal abnormalities associated with disease. The methods of the invention use target nucleic acids immobilized on a solid surface, to which a sample comprising two sets of differentially labeled nucleic acids are hybridized. The hybridization of the labeled nucleic acids to the solid surface is then detected using standard techniques.

Abstract: Method for the sensitive detection of a target nucleic acid by hybridization with a probe nucleic acid. The latter contains a part which can hybridize with the target nucleic acid and a nucleic acid-specific part which does not hybridize with the target nucleic acid. The method further comprises cleavage of the probe nucleic acid, hybridization of a cleavage product of the probe nucleic acid containing the part that does not hybridize with the target nucleic acid with a matrix nucleic acid containing a part that can be hybridized with the cleavage product and a part that cannot be hybridized with the probe nucleic acid. The method also comprises the determination of the hybrid consisting of the cleavage product and the matrix nucleic acid and a reagent kit suitable for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositons for convergent synthesis of branched polymers useful as molecular probes. The invention also includes several novel branched polymeric structures particularly useful for detecting target polynucleotides. Branched polymers of the invention comprise at least two branches: at least one branch is a target binding moiety capable of specifically binding to a target molecule of interest and one or more branches are signal generation moities capable of directly or indirectly generating a detectable signal. In accordance with the method of the invention branched polymers are assembled from components having phosphorothioate groups and/or haloacyl- or haloalkylamino groups. The phosphorothioate and haloacyl- or haloalkylamino groups react rapidly and efficiently when brought into contact to form thiophosphorylacyl- or thiophosphorylalkylamino bridges which complete the assembly of a branched polymer.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are useful for sequencing polymers using mass spectrometry. The methods involve differing ratios of hydrolyzing agent to polymer disposed upon a reaction surface adapted for use with a mass spectrometer. The methods further involve integrating data obtained from mass spectrometry analysis of a plurality of series of hydrolyzed polymer fragments, and optionally provide statistical interpretation paradigms and computer software therefor. The apparatus involves a mass spectrometer sample holder, having hydrolyzing agent disposed thereon, which is useful for adapting any mass spectrometer for polymer sequencing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for removing autofluorescence background from microscopic images or from flow cytometer measurements. The microscopic images can be fluorescent in situ hybridization images or images of living cells. The methods involve the steps of: (1) detecting fluorescence from a cell before "uncaging" a caged fluorochrome label on a probe; (2) uncaging the fluorochrome; (3) detecting fluorescence from the cell; and (4) subtracting fluorescence detected before uncaging from fluorescence detected after uncaging. Also disclosed is a method for tracking the movement of a target molecule in a living cell. Also disclosed is a fluorochrome-uncaging flow cytometer. The fluorochrome-uncaging flow cytometer includes a first fluorescence excitation light beam, an uncaging light beam, a second fluorescence excitation light beam, an electronic data system, a first photodetector operably linked to the electronic data system, and a second photodetector operably linked to the electronic data system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.