Abstract: The present invention provides a method for expanding a population of chondrocytes that maintains chondrocyte phenotype during the expansion by culturing the population in a defined serum-free expansion medium containing one or more cytokines and under low attachment conditions. The method further solves diffusion problems during the subsequent stage of extracellular matrix production by use of a perforated polycarbonate substrate that results in a randomly organized cultured neocartilage tissue. Chondrocytes expanded and cultured in this manner can be used in various medical applications to repair cartilaginous tissues that have been injured by trauma or disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that maintains chondrocyte phenotype during serial expansion by culturing a population of chondrocytes in a defined serum-free culture medium containing cytokines and on a substrate that is modified by covalent attachment of hyaluronic acid. The underlying principle is to maintain native chondrocyte phenotype by growing the dissociated chondrocytes on a substrate modified by covalent attachment of hyaluronic acid to retain native chondrocyte morphology and function. Chondrocyte expanded in this manner can be used in various medical applications to repair cartilaginous tissues that have been injured by trauma or disease. This substratum provides a microenvironment that more closely mimics that of native articular cartilage, thereby promoting chondrogenesis in a predictable manner.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes and accessory oligonucleotides for detecting ribosomal nucleic acids from Candida albicans and/or Candida dubliniensis.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes and accessory oligonucleotides for detecting ribosomal nucleic acids from Candida albicans and/or Candida dubliniensis.

Abstract: This invention discloses hybridization assay probes for Haemophilus influenzae comprised of an oligonucleotide of about 14 to 18 nucleotides. These probes hybridize to variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene of Haemophilus influenzae. The oligonucleotide probes are complementary to the rRNA variable region of the rRNA gene. Such probe specificity offers a rapid, non-subjective method of identification and quantitation of a bacterial colony for the presence of selected rRNA sequences capable of distinguishing all strains of Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes specific for Cryptococcus neoformans and no other Cryptococcus species.

Abstract: 16S ribosomal nucleic acid hybridization assay probes specific for Streptococcus pneumoniae and no other Streptococcus species.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes specific for Staphylococcus aureus and no other Staphylococcus species.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes which distinguish for Blastomyces dermatitidis and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis for other fungal species.

Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotide probes for detecting Coccidioides immitis. The probes are capable of distinguishing between Coccidioides immitis and closely related phylogenetic neighbors. These probes are targeted to unique Coccidioides immitis 28S rRNA and gene sequences encoding 28S rRNA, and may be used in an assay for the detection and/or quantitation of Coccidioides immitis, e.g., in samples of sputum, urine, blood, tissue sections, food, soil and water.

Abstract: This invention discloses hybridization assay probes for Haemophilus influenzae comprised of an oligonucleotide of about 14 to 18 nucleotides. These probes hybridize to variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene of Haemophilus influenzae. The oligonucleotide probes are complementary to the rRNA variable region of the rRNA gene. Such probe specificity offers a rapid, non-subjective method of identification and quantitation of a bacterial colony for the presence of selected rRNA sequences capable of distinguishing all strains of Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract: This invention discloses hybridization assay probes specific for Histoplasma capsulatum and no other fungi.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes specific for Staphylococcus aureus and no other Staphylococcus species.

Abstract: A nucleotide polymer probe having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 or SEQ ID NO. 6 able to hybridize at 60.degree. C. in 0.1M lithium succinate buffer containing 10% lithium lauryl sulfate to rRNA or rDNA from Coccidioides immitis and not to rRNA or rDNA from Auxarthron thaxteri, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Geotrichum candidum, Gymnoascus dugwayensis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Malbranchea albolutea. A method to distinguish Coccidioides immitis from Auxarthron thaxteri, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Geotrichum candidum, Gymnoascus dugwayensis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Malbranchea albolutea using said probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: Probes for the detection of Streptococcus pyogenes, which are capable of distinguishing it from related species, are provided. Methods of using these probes in hybridization assays, and hybrids formed between the probes and complementary nucleic acids, are disclosed.

Abstract: The binding of a nucleic acid probe with its complementary sequence in a targeted, single stranded nucleic acid is affected by the secondary and tertiary structure of the target nucleic acid. The rate and extent of hybridization of the probe with the targeted nucleic acid can be increased by the use of "helper" oligonucleotides. Helper oligonucleotides are selected to bind to the target nucleic acid and impose a different secondary and tertiary structure on the target to facilitate the binding of the probe to the target. The resulting hybrid of probe and target nucleic acid also exhibits a higher T.sub.m than the hybrid which results from addition of the probe alone.