Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting the growth of selected tumors utilizing recombinant viral vectors. Briefly, within one aspect of the present invention, a method for inhibiting the growth of a selected tumor is provided comprising the step of directly administering to a warm-blooded animal a vector construct which directs the expression of at least one anti-tumor agent, such that the growth of said tumor is inhibited. Representative examples of anti-tumor agents include immune activators and tumor proliferation inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant viral vectors carrying a vector construct which directs the expression of a gene product (e.g., HSVTK) that activates a compound with little or no cytotoxicity into a toxic product. Also provided are methods of destroying or inhibiting pathogenic agents in a warm blooded animal, comprising the step of administering to the animal a viral vector such as that described above, in order to inhibit or destroy the pathogenic agent.

Abstract: Novel acridinium esters that are useful, either alone or when incorporated into liposomes, as chemiluminescent agents in binding assays (e.g., immunoassays and gene probe assays) with improved-sensitivity are disclosed. In addition, the synthesis of these esters and their use in assays for detecting an analyte is described. In particular, assays for testosterone and the Rubella virus are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid supply module includes one or more sets of bulk liquid containers each supplying a respective reservoir via a liquid supply line. The bulk liquid containers and reservoirs are vented above the highest liquid level in the system. A pump periodically removes a known volume of liquid from a reservoir which is replenished from a bulk liquid container. A sensor detects a liquid/air transition in the liquid supply line to the reservoir indicative of the exhaustion of liquid resupply from the bulk liquid container. Art air vent solenoid valve in communication with the reservoir is closed when an empty bulk liquid container is replaced. Normal pump operation siphons liquid out of the bulk container after container replacement. A control system tracks pump iterations and calculates a number of executable iterations remaining before the reservoir runs dry.

Abstract: A solid state, multi-use electrochemical sensor having an electrically nonconductive substrate, a working electrode, and a semi-permeable membrane covering the working electrode. The working electrode includes an electrically conductive material adhered to a portion of the substrate. A first portion of the conductive material is covered with an electrically insulating dielectric coating, and a second portion of the conductive material is covered with an active layer. The active layer includes a catalytically active quantity of an enzyme carried by platinized carbon powder particles, which are distributed throughout the active layer. A sensor package for incorporating a sensor is provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transportation and processing of multiple protocol assays within an automated immunoassay analyzer instrument. The apparatus includes a cuvette ring movably coupled to a magnet ring. In one embodiment, the magnet ring and cuvette ring are provided having circular shapes. A temperature controlled housing is disposed about the cuvette and magnet rings to provide a rotary incubation and particle separation chamber. The cuvette ring holds a plurality of cuvettes each of which may have a different assay disposed therein. The cuvette ring advances the cuvettes around the circumference of the incubation chamber. A plurality of discrete processing centers for aspiration and dispensing fluid samples, reagents and wash fluids are disposed at predetermined positions about the incubation chamber.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample using liposomes encapsulating acridinium esters (lumisomes). Hydrophilic polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are useful as chemiluminescent markers and can be encapsulated within liposome vesicles without significant leakage of the esters from the vesicles. The lumisomes can be coupled to molecules with biological activity, such as antigens, antibodies, and nucleic acids, and used in luminescent assays.