Abstract: Peptides and peptide compositions are identified which inhibit the growth of abnormal cells. In one embodiment, the peptides are useful for inhibiting the growth of cells dependent on autocrine activation of the PDGF receptor. Such peptides may be used in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders including cancer, fibrotic disorders, myeloproliferative diseases and blood vessel proliferative (angiogenic) disorders characterized by inappropriate PDGF receptor activity. A biomedical device is further disclosed which has associated with it a peptide or peptide composition according to the present invention.

Abstract: Signal primers are employed for detection of nucleic acid target sequences by fluorescence quenching mechanisms. The signal primer comprises a first and a second oligonucleotide and is partially single-stranded and partially double-stranded. In the presence of target, the second oligonucleotide of the signal primer is displaced from the first and a conformational change in a reporter probe occurs which changes the distance between the members of a donor/quencher dye pair linked to the reporter probe. The change in proximity between the dyes causes an increase or a decrease in fluorescence quenching, which is detected as an indication of the presence of the target sequence.

Abstract: Signal primers are employed for detection of nucleic acid target sequences by fluorescence quenching mechanisms. The signal primer comprises a first and a second oligonucleotide and is partially single-stranded and partially double-stranded. In the presence of target, the second oligonucleotide of the signal primer is displaced from the first and a conformational change in a reporter probe occurs which changes the distance between the members of a donor/quencher dye pair linked to the reporter probe. The change in proximity between the dyes causes an increase or a decrease in fluorescence quenching, which is detected as an indication of the presence of the target sequence.

Abstract: Methods for determining quantities of nucleic acid sequences in samples undergoing amplification utilize amplification ratio estimates (R*) in operations to accurately perform absolute quantitation even when amplification factors for the target and control sequences undergoing amplification are different, time dependent or vary as a function of starting concentrations of nucleic acid sequences. These operations also take into account conversion efficiencies associated with the conversion of probes upon generation of target or control amplicons, but do not require the explicit calculation of such efficiencies. The operations also recognize that a preferred R* should be determined based on a preferred statistical criterion to improve quantitation. In addition, the use of standard samples having known starting concentrations of target and control sequences therein may enable accurate absolute quantitation without the explicit calculation of amplification ratio estimates.

Abstract: Primers and methods for adapter-mediated multiplex amplification of the IS6110 insertion element of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) complex and a 16S rDNA target common to essentially all mycobacteria are described. In certain embodiments, the primers are optimized for efficient multiplex amplification in thermophilic SDA. The multiplex Strand Displacement Amplification methods of the invention are capable, in a single amplification reaction, of simultaneously identifying M. tuberculosis and providing a screen for substantially all of the clinically relevant species of mycobacteria. Also disclosed are internal control sequences designed for coamplification with the two targets, allowing assessment of amplification efficiency and/or quantitation of the targets.

Abstract: Amplification primers and methods are disclosed for complex-specific amplification of target sequences in the dnaJ genes of the Mycobacterium Avium Complex species. Also provided are assay probes for detection of the amplification products and/or identification of the MAC species which is present.