Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes.

Abstract: Novel binding assay techniques have been developed which improve accuracy and sensitivity via accounting for interfering factors. They rely on use, in a simultaneous incubation, of two or more different labels, some of which are used primarily to detect analyte, and others to detect interfering substances originating in the sample. The mathematical relationships between the labels allow corrections that lead to more accurate and sensitive determination of the presence and concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A novel signal amplification system for immunoassays that minimizes non-specific signals is disclosed. Immunoassay methods, reagents and test kits are described for obtaining immunoassays of enhanced sensitivity. The reagents include antibody-variant DNA conjugates, wherein the variant DNA is a substrate for an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, such as, QB replicase. Immunoassay methods to detect, or to detect and quantitate, analyte in test samples comprise transcribing the variant DNA of said antibody-DNA conjugates that are bound to analyte, to RNA, and replicating the RNA transcripts, wherein the presence or quantity of variant RNA replication products can be correlated with the presence or quantity of analyte in the test samples. Further, methods are provided to detect, or to detect and quantitate, simultaneously two or more analytes in a test sample.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system All of the sub-units of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyze. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor for measuring hematocrit and a sensor housing for a blood analysis instrument using the conductivity sensor are described. The conductivity sensor includes a seven-electrode conductivity measurement cell in which three symmetric pairs of electrodes are arranged on opposite sides of a central electrode. The central electrode is connected to an AC source and the outermost pair of electrodes, which provide a return path for the current, are maintained at a ground or reference potential. The two inner pairs of electrodes measure the voltage drop along the current flow path. This arrangement confines the measurement current and potential within the sensor chamber, thereby preventing the sensor from interfering with other electrochemical sensors that may be provided in the blood analysis instrument. The sensor housing provides a linear arrangement of flow cells defining a fluid flow path through the housing.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and fusion proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes. The invention also concerns vaccines comprising MN proteins/polypeptides which are effective to immunize a vertebrate against neoplastic diseases associated with the expression of MN proteins.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a novel oncogene named MN or alternatively MN/CA IX. The MN protein has been determined to be the first tumor-associated carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme that has been described. Abnormal expression of the MN gene is shown to signify oncogenesis, and diagnostic/prognostic methods for pre-neoplastic/neoplastic disease to detect or detect and quantitate such abnormal MN gene expression, e.g., immunoassays and nucleic acid hybridization assays, are provided. Also disclosed are methods to treat pre-neoplastic/neoplastic disease involving the MN gene and protein, e.g., methods comprising the use of MN-specific antibodies, conjugated or unconjugated to cytotoxic agents, and the use of MN antisense nucleic acids.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and fusion proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a creatinine sensor material having a first layer of a protonated pH sensitive fluorophore immobilized in a hydrophobic polymer, wherein the fluorophore can react quantitatively with ammonia and the transducing moiety of the fluorophore is neutrally charged when deprotonated; a second layer of creatinine deiminase and a polymer; and a third layer of a polymer. The present invention also provides a method for detecting creatinine using the creatinine sensor material and optical sensing devices that incorporate the creatinine sensor material.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes and primers are described for detecting fungi that cause disease in humans and animals, as well as spoilage of food and beverages. These probes can detect rRNA, rDNA or polymerase chain reaction products from a majority of fungi in clinical, environmental or food samples. Nucleic acid hybridization assay probes specific for Acremonium sp., Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus unguis, Aspergillus ustus, Beauveria sp., Bipolaris sp., Blastoschizomyces sp., Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida guilliermondii, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Chrysosporium sp., Cladosporium sp., Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii serotype B, Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus terreus, Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp.

Abstract: New methods are provided for the amplification of a midivariant DNA containing an inserted target specific nucleic acid sequence(s) to enable detection of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a test sample. One method employs midivariant DNA as a template for the synthesis of RNA catalyzed by QB replicase. Two midivariant DNA/probe conjugates including a nonreplicable portion of midivariant DNA and a target specific nucleic acid sequence (probe) are described. An amplification method including the steps of hybridization and ligation of the midivariant DNA/probe conjugates followed by replication of the DNA template has enabled detection of less than 200 template molecules. In a modified amplification method one of the midivariant DNA/probe conjugates further includes a RNA polymerase promoter sequence to enable transcription of the midivariant DNA template into RNA. The sequential ligation-transcription-replication method enables the detection of a single template molecule.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urea sensor material having a first layer of a protonated pH sensitive fluorophore immobilized in a hydrophobic polymer, wherein the fluorophore can react quantitatively with ammonia and the transducing moiety of the fluorophore is neutrally charged when deprotonated; a second layer of urease and a polymer; and a third layer of a polymer. The present invention also provides a method for detecting urea using the urea sensor material and optical sensing devices that incorporate the urea sensor material.

Abstract: A polymeric material which to form a stable, reproducible interface between the ionic and electronic domains of an ion selective sensor, or an ion selective field effect transistor, or the like is provided. When employed in an ion selective sensor, the polymeric material is advantageously provided over a solid internal reference electrode and an ion selective membrane is provided thereover. According to one embodiment, the polymeric material of the invention includes less than about 1.63.times.10.sup.21 immobilized charged sites per gram (less than about 2.72 millaequivalents/gram). According to another embodiment, the polymeric material includes immobilized sites of charge opposite that of mobile ions involved in the redox couple. A preferred polymeric material comprises a copolymer of methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammoniumchloride and methylmethacrylate. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the ion selective membrane has little or no plasticizer.

Abstract: An improvement to the coated wire electrode has been accomplished via inclusion of a fortiophore into a sensor device. Sensor devices of the present invention include: an internal reference element; a membrane; and a fortiophore. Fortiophores are neutral charge carriers, which complex reversibly a corresponding ion of the conductive material used as the internal reference element. The fortiophore provides an electrochemically defined and reproducible solid internal contact between the membrane and the internal reference element. This solid internal contact, for example, in ion selective sensors, provides more reproducible potential offsets and better precision, and faster wet up. The fortiophores can be utilized in other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing dye-based reference materials useful for calibrating or qualifying instrument systems that are diagnostic spectroscopically for hemoglobin and CO-ox fractions. The dye-based reference materials are non-proteinaceous and may be interpreted by CO-oximeter instrument systems as providing a spectrum substantially equivalent to the spectrum of blood, particularly with regard to hemoglobin and hemoglobin CO-ox fractions. Dye-based reference materials may be formulated to provide CO-ox fractions approximating those seen in a clinical setting, including normal physiological CO-ox fractions. The dye-based reference materials may be combined with other ingredients thus making the materials useful as references for pH and blood gas instruments and/or electrolyte instruments in addition to CO-oximeter instrument systems.