Abstract: A method for adjusting the maturation state of mammalian sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is disclosed. A mammalian ejaculate is provided and incubated under controlled conditions. Aliquots of the ejaculate are assayed during incubation period at intervals to determine maturation state and changes in the maturation state by observing the percent positive cells in the aliquot. The assays are repeated with successive aliquots at intervals during incubation to observe real time changes in the maturation state. The ejaculate remaining is processed for the desired ART after the percentage of positive cells in the latest aliquot being assayed begins to decline.

Abstract: In accord with the present invention, the fertility quality of an ejaculate can be determined by assaying sperm, in aliquots of the ejaculate or of an ejaculate produced previously by the same male, at intervals over a period of time. Fertility quality is determined by the number of times the level of expression of a marker on the sperm goes through a maximum level of expression during the period of time and if desired by sperm state and fertilization procedure used. The marker should be capable of correlation with the level of Fc receptor (FcR) expression on the sperm. The fertility quality of the ejaculate is related to the number of times a maximum level of expression is reached.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the maturation state of mammalian sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is disclosed. A mammalian ejaculate is provided and incubated under controlled conditions. Aliquots of the ejaculate are assayed during incubation period at intervals to determine maturation state and changes in the maturation state by observing the percent positive cells in the aliquot. The assays are repeated with successive aliquots at intervals during incubation to observe real time changes in the maturation state. The ejaculate remaining is processed for the desired ART after the percentage of positive cells in the latest aliquot being assayed begins to decline.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for adjusting the maturation state of mammalian sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A mammalian ejaculate is provided and incubated under controlled conditions. Aliquots of the ejaculate are assayed during incubation period at intervals to determine maturation state and changes in the maturation state by observing the percent positive cells in the aliquot. The assays are repeated with successive aliquots at intervals during incubation to observe real time changes in the maturation state. The ejaculate remaining is processed for the desired ART after the percentage of positive cells in the latest aliquot being assayed begins to decline.

Abstract: IUI insemination (introduction of washed sperm into the uterus) should occur during a period of time when sperm Fc receptor (FcR) expression is going through a minimum, i.e., in a window of time about the minimum. In order to be ready to inseminate at the time when the FcR expression goes through a minimum, sperm are prepared for insemination according to standard practice. Time of the IUI procedure itself is adjusted to occur at the preferred sperm state, again within the clinic's permitted timeframe for the physician to treat the patient by instilling the washed sperm into the uterus. The level of FcR expression is determined by time-based assay and insemination is performed based on the fertility state of sperm as determined by the assay.

Abstract: A method for providing semen optimized for use in artificial insemination is described. Methods involve monitoring sperm cell metabolism by assays that produce results in real time, while sperm are still being processed into doses for use in insemination. Processing is modified in response to assay results, to optimize sperm performance.

Abstract: A method for providing semen optimized for use in artificial insemination is described. Methods involve monitoring sperm cell metabolism by assays that produce results in real time, while sperm are still being processed into doses for use in insemination. Processing is modified in response to assay results, to optimize sperm performance.

Abstract: A method for providing semen optimized for use in artificial insemination is described. Methods involve monitoring sperm cell metabolism by assays that produce results in real time, while sperm are still being processed into doses for use in insemination. Processing is modified in response to assay results, to optimize sperm performance.

Abstract: A method for providing semen optimized for use in artificial insemination is described. Methods involve monitoring sperm cell metabolism by assays that produce results in real time, while sperm are still being processed into doses for use in insemination. Processing is modified in response to assay results, to optimize sperm performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for enriching components or cells from a sample and conducting genetic analysis, such as SNP genotyping to provide diagnostic results for fetal disorders or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, i.e. aneuploidy. In addition, the present invention provides methods to determine when there are insufficient fetal cells for a determination and report a non-informative case. The present invention involves quantifying regions of genomic DNA from a mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying DNA polymorphisms from the mixed sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and kits for measuring ?-amylase activity in samples such as flour, stock, or amylase concentrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and kits for measuring ?-amylase activity in grain and plant products such as flour or stock.

Abstract: A method is described for treating a specimen of semen containing sperm cells to increase the relative number of sperm cells of a desired sex type in a treated specimen to increase the potential for conceiving an offspring of the desired sex. A specimen of semen is treated after a predetermined time to increase the relative ability of a at least a portion of the semen to conceive an offspring of the desired sex. The treatment preferably comprises contacting the sperm cells with an agent that preferentially effects sperm cells of a selected sex type. In some preferred embodiments, the semen is separated into two components. A first component has a higher number of sperm of the desired sex type than sperm of a non desired sex type and a second component has a higher number of sperm of the non desired sex type relative to sperm of the desired sex type.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and kits for measuring &agr;-amylase activity in grain and plant products such as flour or stock.