Abstract: A method for the detection of a polynucleotide target sequence is described. The method involves the formation of a covalent or non-covalent bonded pair of nucleotide sequences formed in response to a target polynucleotide sequence, adding nucleotide sequence specific binding proteins each capable of binding one member of the pair of nucleotide sequences, and detecting the specific binding proteins complexed to the pair of nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A method for carrying out an immunoassay for an analyte in which a sample suspected of containing an analyte and reagents useful for detecting the analyte of interest are combined in an aqueous medium, wherein one of the reagents includes a support and one includes a label, the improvement comprising employing as the reagents a first and second conjugate, each comprised of a specific binding pair (sbp) member bound to a small molecule wherein the small molecules of each conjugate are different.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a binding assay is described wherein a member of a specific binding pair (sbp) and a sample are combined with a matrix of non-porous beads in a liquid medium under conditions such that the beads bind to the sbp member. The liquid medium is removed from the beads by aspiration using an aspiration tube having one or more orifices each of a diameter smaller than the minimum diameter of the smallest bead thereby allowing removal of the liquid medium while prohibiting aspiration of the beads.

Abstract: A method for the construction of recombinant DNA molecules capable of producing biologically active human nerve growth factor (hNGF) in insect cells is disclosed. Expression of the mature protein is achieved using the baculovirus expression system. The biologically active hNGF so produced is potentially of value in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and other neurological disorders.

Abstract: Receptors are disclosed that are antibodies that exhibit a binding affinity for an immune complex of a monoepitopic antigen and an antibody for such antigen that is substantially greater than the binding affinity for the monoepitopic antigen or the antibody for the monoepitopic antigen apart from the immune complex. In one embodiment the receptors are antibodies prepared against an affinity-labeled complex of an antigen and an antibody for the antigen. Normally, the monoepitopic antigen has a molecular weight less than 1500 and is an organic compound. The antibodies of the present invention find use in a method for determining a monoepitopic antigen in a sample suspected of containing such antigen. The method comprises forming an immune sandwich complex comprising the monoepitopic antigen or an analog thereof, a first monoclonal antibody that binds to the monoepitopic antigen, and a second monoclonal antibody that is an antibody of the present invention and detecting the immune sandwich complex.

Abstract: Squaraine dyes and compositions of matter containing such dyes are disclosed. The squaraine dyes have an absorption maximum greater than 600 nanometers and are particularly useful in conjunction with a helium/neon (He/Ne) laser. Some of the squaraine dyes are hydrophilic and are therefore water soluble or water compatible and others of the squaraine dyes are lipophilic.

Abstract: The present invention describes a class of dyes for use in staining cell samples and methods of making such dyes. A preferred class of dyes known as detergent dyes which possess the ability to stain cells in whole blood and are only slowly leached or lost from the stained cells over time are described. The present invention has application, for example, to blood typing for the determination of the presence of blood group antigens A, B, AB, O, and D (Rh.sub.o) and antibodies to such antigens.

Abstract: A chromatographic device is disclosed. The device comprises in combination a housing, a strip of bibulous material non-removably confined in the housing. The strip has a length and width only slightly less than the length and width of the inner walls of the housing. The inner walls of the housing have means attached thereto for supportively confining the strip in the housing. The strip is confined so that (1) the front and back of the strip are essentially free from contact with the walls of the housing and (2) the capillary action of the strip remains substantially unchanged, and (3), where the strip is paper, the strip is allowed to expand as it is traversed by the liquid medium. The bottom end of the housing contains means for enabling contact of a portion of the strip with the liquid medium. The housing further contains means for visually observing the strip and can also contain indicating means cooperative therewith to assist in determining the result of a chromatographic test.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a biological sample on a support is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hollow chamber with internal and external surfaces and a first and second end. The first end is open and is adapted for attachment to the first closure means. The second end is either closed or open. If open, the second end is adapted for attachment to a second closure means. The apparatus provides means for maintaining the support in contact with a liquid medium at all times regardless of the orientation of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides means for maintaining the original orientation of a non-integral support regardless of the orientation of the apparatus. The apparatus is useful for isolating and culturing microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel monoclonal antibodies which bind to Interleukin-1.beta. and do not bind to Interleukin-1.beta.. The antibodies bind to Interleukin-1.beta. and block receptor binding and biological activity. The antibodies find use in, for example, diagnostic methods such as an assay for the detection of Interleukin-1.beta..

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a biological sample on a support is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hollow chamber with internal and external surfaces and a first and second end. The first and is open and is adapted for attachment to the first closure means. The second end is either closed or open. If open, the second end is adapted for attachment to a second closure means. The apparatus provides means for maintaining the support in contact with a liquid medium at all times regardless of the orientation of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides means for maintaining the original orientation of a non-integral support regardless of the orientation of the apparatus. The apparatus is useful for isolating and culturing microorganisms.

Abstract: Squaraine dyes and compositions of matter containing such dyes are disclosed. The squaraine dyes have an absorption maximum greater than 600 nanometers and are particulary useful in conjunction with a helium/neon (He/Ne) laser. Some of the squaraine dyes are hydrophilic and are therefore water soluble or water compatible and others of the squaraine dyes are lipophilic.

Abstract: A method of rapid determination of the isotype class for a panel of monoclonal antibodies is described. The assay comprises adsorbing on a solid support medium antibodies directed to specific immunoglobulin heavy and light chains. Once such isotype-specific antibodies are bound to the nitrocellulose paper, the treated strips can be incubated with the monoclonal antibody of interest. Upon formation of a complex between the specific iso-type antisera and the monoclonal antibody, the complex is visualized by reaction with a chromogenic substance. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the treated nitrocellulose strips are stored in kit form. Using these prepared strips, the isotyping assay can be performed in less than two hours with a minimum of technical manipulation and expenditure of reagents.