Abstract: This invention provides methods of quantitating nucleic acids from problematic samples, such as aged samples, formalin fixed samples, paraffin embedded samples, samples with aneuploid cells, and cells with fragmented nucleic acids. Methods include techniques to efficiently solublize the nucleic acids under non-denaturing conditions from preserved clinical samples without resort to organic extractions, to normalize cell counts regardless of aneuploidy, to access the fragmentation state of the nucleic acids, and to provide standard curves for degraded nucleic acid samples.

Abstract: Uncaging devices that can be used to uncage photoactivatable caged components are provided. Consistent, uniform and/or high throughput processing of reactions and assays that include caged components is provided. Masked multiwell plates that can be used for uncaging photoactivatable caged components are provided. Methods and apparatus for initiating assays involving caged components are provided.

Abstract: Uncaging devices that can be used to uncage photoactivatable caged components are provided. Consistent, uniform and/or high throughput processing of reactions and assays that include caged components is provided. Masked multiwell plates that can be used for uncaging photoactivatable caged components are provided. Methods and apparatus for initiating assays involving caged components are provided.

Abstract: Methods of detecting one or more nucleic acids from whole blood or plasma are provided. The nucleic acids are captured on a solid support and detected. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions and pressure-sensitive adhesive constructions fabricated using the pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions. The pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions comprise about 10 to about 40% of a styrene-isoprene block copolymer, about 5 to about 30% of a styrene-butadiene block copolymer, about 30 to about 65% of an aromatically modified tackifying resin, about 8 to about 30% of a plasticizing oil and optionally about 0.2 to about 2% of an antioxidant, wherein the percentages are based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Methods of using labeled interfering RNAs to detect and/or quantitate target mRNAs in cells are provided. Related compositions, systems, and kits are also provided. Caged interfering RNAs (e.g., photoactivatable interfering RNAs), methods of using such caged RNAs, and related systems and kits are also provided. Caged RNAs capable of repressing translation of a target mRNA or silencing transcription of a target gene are also provided, along with related methods, systems, and kits. Methods and compositions for introducing RNAs into cells, using RNAs covalently associated with protein transduction domains and/or lipids, are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for selectively attenuating expression of a target mRNA by controlling expression of an interfering RNA, an RNA capable of initiating translation repression, or an RNA capable of initiating transcriptional silencing.

Abstract: Methods of using labeled interfering RNAs to detect and/or quantitate target mRNAs in cells are provided. Related compositions, systems, and kits are also provided. Caged interfering RNAs (e.g., photoactivatable interfering RNAs), methods of using such caged RNAs, and related systems and kits are also provided. Methods and compositions for introducing interfering RNAs into cells, using RNAs covalently associated with protein transduction domains and/or lipids, are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for selectively attenuating expression of a target mRNA by controlling expression of an interfering RNA.

Abstract: Uncaging devices that can be used to uncage photoactivatable caged components are provided. Consistent, uniform and/or high throughput processing of reactions and assays that include caged components is provided. Masked multiwell plates that can be used for uncaging photoactivatable caged components are provided. Methods and apparatus for initiating assays involving caged components are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions and pressure-sensitive adhesive constructions fabricated using the pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions. The pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions comprise about 10 to about 40% of a styrene-isoprene block copolymer, about 5 to about 30% of a styrene-butadiene block copolymer, about 30 to about 65% of an aromatically modified tackifying resin, about 8 to about 30% of a plasticizing oil and optionally about 0.2 to about 2% of an antioxidant, wherein the percentages are based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A number of caged (e.g., photoactivatable) compositions are provided, for example, caged enzyme sensors, caged binding sensors, caged nucleic acid probes, caged interfering RNAs, caged antisense nucleic acids, caged ribozymes, caged biomolecular analogs, caged transcription factors, caged antibodies, caged molecular decoys, and caged aptamers. Compositions comprising a plurality of caged components are also provided, as are labeled and optionally caged modulators. Also provided are kits for making the caged compositions and methods for making and for using the caged compositions. Related systems and devices are also provided (e.g., an uncaging device that can trigger photoactivatable assays and optionally detect signals from the assays).