Abstract: The dyes of the present invention are useful for many purposes that include markers or tags for detecting the presence of a molecule or compound to which they are bound. The dyes may be either red-excitable or blue-excitable. The dyes of the invention are particularly well suited for staining of nucleic acids. For example, these dyes are particularly suitable for staining of RNA in reticulocytes. In another exemplary application, these dyes are suitable for staining DNA in nucleated red blood cells. Typically, when used in staining of nucleic acids, the dyes are formulated into reagent solutions. In addition, the invention provides compositions and methods for facilitating rapid transport of dye molecules through a cell membrane. Such rapid staining requires that a sample be contacted with a dye composition of the invention in the presence of at least one surfactant and optionally, a sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A method for analyzing an abnormal particle population in an experimental sample containing particles involves a particle property distribution index based on an average particle property (e.g., size) distribution curve for multiple normal samples in a particle analysis instrument. The process involves producing an experimental particle property distribution curve by analyzing an experimental sample containing particles in the instrument. The distribution curve of the experimental sample is analyzed to identify particle populations at the lower or upper region of the experimental distribution curve that differ from particle populations in the regions of an average particle property distribution curve. Thereafter, the number of particles within the lower or upper region of the experimental distribution curve that differs from the average curve is determined and employed for diagnosis of a relevant characteristic of the particle population.

Abstract: Ligand-aminodextran-(phycobiliprotein or tandem dye) conjugates useful for detection of a desired target biological material by providing an enhanced fluorescent signal are described. Also described is a method for a single-measurement quantification of multiple populations of cells based upon the labeling of different pairs of cell populations, each pair containing mutually exclusive cell receptors which are expressed at substantially similar receptor densities with labeled ligands for each receptor. One cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a first cell surface receptor which ligand is directly conjugated to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye; and a second cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a second cell surface receptor, which ligand is cross-linked to an aminodextran to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye.

Abstract: A dye compound having the formula I: wherein, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; R1 is H, alkyl, or an alkoxy group; R2 is CH2(CH2)mOH, wherein m is 0, 1, 2, or 3; X is O, S, or C(CH3)2; R is CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH2OH, alkyl, alkylsulfonate, or hydroxyalkyl and B− is a counteranion. Red- and blue-excitable dyes based on the above chemical structure are described, and reagents containing them are described for use in staining nucleic acid, more particularly for staining reticulocytes. Also described are methods for detecting reticulocytes using such compositions.

Abstract: A method for enumerating and distinguishing between blood cell populations in a biological sample includes the steps of contacting a biological sample with a cell membrane-permeant, red-excited, nucleic acid binding dye, without significantly disrupting the integrity of the cells; exciting this sample with light in one red wavelength; and measuring fluorescence emitted from different cell populations in the sample. This method is particularly desirable for enumerating different WBC subpopulations using flow cytometry. This method is also useful for enumerating reticulocytes or NRBC or mature RBC. This method is enhanced by pretreating the sample with a nucleic acid-specific blocking agent. Dyes useful in this method include, without limitation, SYTO®17 dye, SYTO®159 dye, SYTO®60 dye, SYTO®61 dye, SYTO®62 dye, SYTO®63 dye, and SYTO®64 dye.

Abstract: A stable protein-coated nickel particle useful in biological assays contains a nickel particle having removed from the surface thereof nickel oxide; a linker attached to said nickel particle, the linker having a free amino group; and a protein attached to said linker by covalently bonding to the free amino group. Methods of producing and using these oxide-free nickel-protein conjugates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for expression of high levels of heterologous proteins in Drosophila cells.

Abstract: A method for a single-measurement quantification of multiple populations of white blood cells (WBC) is based upon the labeling of different pairs of cell populations, each pair containing mutually exclusive cell receptors which are expressed at substantially similar receptor densities with labeled ligands for each receptor. One cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a first cell surface receptor which ligand is directly conjugated to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye; and a second cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a second cell surface receptor, which ligand is cross-linked by an aminodextran to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye. The phycobiliproteins upon laser excitation produce a different detectable fluorescence intensity for each cell population. Use of such pairs of conjugates enable two populations of cells with similar receptor densities to be distinguished with the use of a single color marker.

Abstract: A stable colloidal particle comprises a colloidal-sized core substrate having amine-reactive functional groups thereon with an aminodextran coating over its peripheral surface and a layer of colloidal-sized metallic solid overlaying the aminodextran coating. A linker comprising aminotrithiolate attached to the metallic solid has a free amino group to which a protein is attached by covalent bonding to the free amino group. Such novel particles are useful in flow cytometry, particularly useful in the simultaneous analyses of subpopulations of leukocytes. Methods of preparation of such particles, as well as methods of use are provided. These conjugates enable the simultaneous analyses of at least two different mutually exclusive subsets of white blood cells, based on the binding affinity of the conjugated protein.

Abstract: Filaments characterized by enhanced tensile strength, which are composed of starch acetate or a blend of starch acetate and cellulose acetate and metal chelates, are provided. Also provided are methods for varying the viscosity of a starch acetate solution or starch acetate and cellulose acetate solutions in the production of fibers and cigarette tow.

Abstract: A method for reducing damage or depletion of gut epithelial cells (e.g., as a result of radiation therapy or chemotherapy) by administration of one or more of the following cytokines: interleukin 11 (IL-11), interleukin 6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor/cholinergic differentiation factor (LIF/CDF), oncostatin M (OSM), or ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF).

Abstract: A method of restoring damaged or depleted cell populations by treating the patient with cytokines, particularly IL-11 and IL-6.

Abstract: A novel family of primate IL-3-like polypeptides is provided via recombinant techniques.

Abstract: The mRNA of a distinct human Interleukin-2 concentrated from a plasma source lead to the production and cloning of its cDNA and the elucidation of its sequence and that of the mature protein. Transfer vectors for production of such Interleukin-2 are disclosed along with useful intermediate expression products.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and amount of a predetermined target nucleotide sequence in a biological sample is provided. The method employs a reagent complex which consists of a labeled probe polynucleotide having a target binding region and a second polynucleotide bound to the labeled probe in a second polynucleotide binding region thereof. The second binding region is at least partially coextensive with the target binding region. This reagent complex is contacted with a sample under conditions in which the target sequence binds to the labeled probe, displacing the second polynucleotide. Labeled probe/target hybrids are separated from intact reagent complexes and the presence and amount of these hybrids are determined.

Abstract: Eucaryotic cells cotransformed with product and selection genes yield considerably greater quantities of product after a novel subcloning strategy is employed: Transformants are identified for product yield, cultured under selection pressure and the progeny screened for product yield. Novel transformation vectors contain directly ligated selection and product genes and/or eucaryotic promoters.

Abstract: Burley tobacco when cured is sought after as a component of commercial cigarette blends. The inventors have found that, to avoid its less desirable features, one may replace Burley with cured bright tobacco which has been heated in the presence of ammonia at moderate temperature.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted by halogen, CF.sub.3, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy or C.sub.1-4 alkyl;R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 alkyl;R.sub.3 is hydroxy, nitro, cyano, C.sub.2-10 acyloxy, NR.sub.6 R.sub.7 wherein R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.2-7 alkanoyl or C.sub.1-6 alkylsulphonyl; or COR.sub.8 wherein R.sub.8 is hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or NR.sub.9 R.sub.10 wherein R.sub.9 and R.sub.10 are independently selected from hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 alkyl;R.sub.4 is hydrogen, halogen, CF.sub.3, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 alkyl or any of the groups listed for R.sub.3 ; andR.sub.5 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl or benzyl optionally substituted in the phenyl ring by halogen, CF.sub.3, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy or C.sub.