Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the detection of ligands which bind to and activate steroid hormone receptors. Specifically, the present invention provides test kits and assay methods for the selective identification of steroid hormone receptor ligands from a test sample. Importantly, the test kits and assay methods described herein are cell-free and enzyme-free, and do not require expensive-to-manufacture nuclear extracts for their performance. Instead, the test kits and assay methods described herein employ reporter constructs comprising hormone response elements, which when bound by a ligand-activated steroid hormone receptor force a change in a physical property, a mechanical property, an optical property, a photochemical property or an electrochemical property of the reporter construct. Accordingly, a measured change in a physical, mechanical, optical, photochemical or electrochemical property of the reporter construct (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the detection of ligands which bind to and activate steroid hormone receptors. Specifically, the present invention provides test kits and assay methods for the selective identification of steroid hormone receptor ligands from a test sample. Importantly, the test kits and assay methods described herein are cell-free, and do not require expensive-to-manufacture nuclear extracts for their performance. Instead, the test kits and assay methods described herein employ single polypeptide polymerases, such as T7 RNA polymerase, linked to a reporter construct. Activity of the enzyme is inhibited, rather than activated, by ligand-bound steroid hormone receptor complexes which only form in the presence of a target ligand. Accordingly, a measured change in a physical property of the reporter construct (e.g. fluorescence output) may be used to determine the presence of a target ligand in a sample under investigation.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vitro test kits, assays and methods useful for screening a test sample for the presence of a ligand which is characterized by its ability to form a complex with a steroid hormone receptor and elicit a genomic response when in a cell. Advantageously, the activity-based assays which form the basis of the test kits and methods described herein, are particularly useful in detecting the presence of a ligand of unknown structure, for example, a designer drug used by equine, canine and human athletes in sports doping. Different assay prototypes are disclosed in which activation of the hormone receptor by a ligand binding interaction may be detected, for example, though activation of a reporter molecule. In certain examples, the present invention provides test kits, assays and methods involving aptame: fluorophore reporter constructs for detection of a ligand from (e.g.) a sample taken trackside from an athlete.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the detection of particles and for particle analysis. The apparatus comprises a sample holder comprising a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a contact region where, in use, the surface of a fluid sample may contact the projection. The surface of at least the contact region of the projection exhibits properties that allow the surface of the contact region to be substantially wetted by a fluid sample when the apparatus is in use so that the fluid sample forms a meniscus having its apex in contact with the contact region of the projection. The invention also relates to methods for using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting, measuring or controlling particles and/or electromagnetic radiation, comprising providing a deformable material containing a deformable aperture defining a path for particles or radiation, adjusting the deformable aperture to a prescribed geometry and/or size by deforming the deformable material to change at least one of the parameters of the path defined by the deformable aperture, and causing the particle or radiation to be detected, measured or controlled to enter the deformable aperture. The method includes the step of monitoring the geometry and/or size of the deformable aperture and controlling the adjustment of the size of the deformable aperture in response to such monitoring. The required apparatus is easily fabricated from inexpensive materials.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting, measuring or controlling particles and/or electromagnetic radiation, comprising providing a deformable material containing a deformable aperture defining a path for particles or radiation, adjusting the deformable aperture to a prescribed geometry and/or size by deforming the deformable material to change at least one of the parameters of the path defined by the deformable aperture, and causing the particle or radiation to be detected, measured or controlled to enter the deformable aperture. The method includes the step of monitoring the geometry and/or size of the deformable aperture and controlling the adjustment of the size of the deformable aperture in response to such monitoring. The required apparatus is easily fabricated from inexpensive materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the detection of particles and for particle analysis. The apparatus comprises a sample holder comprising a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a contact region where, in use, the surface of a fluid sample may contact the projection. The surface of at least the contact region of the projection exhibits properties that allow the surface of the contact region to be substantially wetted by a fluid sample when the apparatus is in use so that the fluid sample forms a meniscus having its apex in contact with the contact region of the projection. The invention also relates to methods for using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting, measuring or controlling particles and/or electromagnetic radiation, comprising providing a deformable material containing a deformable aperture defining a path for particles or radiation, adjusting the deformable aperture to a prescribed geometry and/or size by deforming the deformable material to change at least one of the parameters of the path defined by the deformable aperture, and causing the particle or radiation to be detected, measured or controlled to enter the deformable aperture. The method includes the step of monitoring the geometry and/or size of the deformable aperture and controlling the adjustment of the size of the deformable aperture in response to such monitoring. The required apparatus is easily fabricated from inexpensive materials.