Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences that are useful for detecting Legionella pneumophila are herein provided. These sequences can be used in hybridization assays or amplification based assays designed to detect the presence of Legionella pneumophila in a test sample. Additionally, the sequences can be provided as part of a kit.

Abstract: An actuator and a method of controlling the actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator is a valve comprising a first port and a second port fluidly connected with the first port such that fluid communicates between the first port and the second port. A flexible member is operatively connected with the first port and the second port. The flexible member is movable between a first position permitting fluid communication between the first port and the second port and a second position reducing fluid communication between the first port and the second port. A first controller is operatively connected with the flexible member for moving the flexible member between the first position and the second position. A second controller is operatively connected with the flexible member for retaining the flexible member in the second position.

Abstract: Methods of fluid handling are disclosed. In one method, a nozzle is moved adjacent a container for a fluid. A pump fluidly associated with the nozzle is energized to move fluid with respect to the nozzle. A pressure transducer fluidly associated with the nozzle is energized to monitor transient pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle. The transient pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle is substantially continuously monitored with the pressure transducer at least during operation of the pump. It is determined whether movement of fluid with respect to the nozzle is intended or unintended based on the substantially continuously monitored pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an assay for Lyme disease which detects the antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. More specifically, the assay employs antigens derived from amino acid regions in the flagellum of Borrelia burgdorferi. These antigens are immunoreactive with antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi but are not substantially immunoreactive with antibodies to Treponema pallidum, the syphilis causing agent. DNA sequences of the antigens, clones and vectors containing the DNA sequences are also disclosed. Polypeptides derived therefrom can be used as reagents for the detection of antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi in the body fluids from individuals with Lyme disease.

Abstract: There is disclosed structured lipid containing either a gamma-linolenic acid or a dihomogamma-linolenic acid residue, together with an n-3 fatty acid residue and a medium chain fatty acid residue on the same glycerol backbone. This structured lipid is particularly well adapted to the treatment of disease or stress states. The gamma-linolenic or dihomogamma-linolenic acid residues modify the prostanoid synthesis pathway, reducing the level of series "2" prostanoids and elevating the levels of series "1" and "3" prostanoids. The n-3 fatty acid residue enhances the level of series "1" prostanoids as well as increases the production of series "3" prostanoids. The medium chain fatty acid residues enhances the absorption of the structured lipid. There is also disclosed enteral and parenteral diets as well as nutritional supplements containing the structured lipids of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are primer/probe sets useful for detecting HIV (i.e. either or both HIV 1 or HIV 2) in a test sample. The primer/probe sets are can be employed according to nucleic acid amplification procedures including PCR or RT PCR. The primer/probe sets can also be provided in the form of a kit with other reagents for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: A connecting system is provided with a connector adapted to be mounted to the end of a conduit for removably engaging a blunt cannula to establish fluid communication between the conduit and cannula. The connector has a housing which defines a passage for communicating with the conduit and which defines an opening to the passage. The housing also defines a generally frustoconical seating surface which decreases in diameter in the direction toward the opening. A generally fluid-impervious, resilient seal is retained within the housing passage against the seating surface. The seal defines a slit which can accommodate penetration by the blunt cannula and which can reseal upon withdrawal of the blunt cannula.

Abstract: Cyanide-free reagents for the determination of hemoglobin and leukocytes present in a blood sample contain an aqueous solution of at least one quaternary ammonium salt, preferably selected from the group of alkyltrimethylammonium salts, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts or alkylpyridium salts consisting of tetradecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB), dodecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and benzalkonium chlorides, and hydroxylamine salts, especially hydrochloride, sulfate and phosphates and other acid salts. The method involves mixing the reagent with a diluent- diluted blood sample, presenting it to an absorbance spectrophotometer and measuring the resulting optical density as an indicator of hemoglobin concentration. This cyanide-free reagent could be used solely for hemoglobin determinations, or , it can also be used in leukocyte counting and sizing using hematology instrumentation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of a hydroxymethylthiazole compound having formula 3: The process of the invention comprises reacting a halomethyl thiazole having the formula: ##STR1## with water, at an elevated temperature. Optionally, the reaction can be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium carbonate, which can react with any acid formed. In the process of the invention, X is a halogen atom; and R.sup.6 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and halogen atoms. The invention also contemplates the preparation of acid addition salts of the hydroxymethylthiazole, compound 3.

Abstract: A liquid heater assembly including a heater body having therein a coiled tube for passing liquids, a pair of heating elements, a thermistor, a thermostat, and a backup thermostat. Liquid enters the coiled liquid tube at an inlet end and exits the coiled liquid tube at an outlet end. The coiled liquid tube is positioned within the heater body between the pair of heating elements. The outlet end extends below a planar surface of the heater body. The thermistor detects the temperature changes of the heater body. The resistance of the thermistor is used to regulate the supply of power to the heating elements. The thermostat and the backup thermostat are connected in series between the power source and the heating elements to provide a safety shutoff when the heater body reaches a predetermined overheat temperature. The heater body is maintained at a predetermined temperature by regulating the electrical current to the heating elements.

Abstract: A nutritional formulation containing bactericidal amounts of diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides is provided. A process of inhibiting bacterial infections including the step of feeding the nutritional composition to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting multiple target nucleic acid sequences in a test sample. Also provided is a hybridization platform useful for detecting multiple target sequences in a test sample. The hybridization platform comprises a solid support material having a defined pattern of capture probes immobilized thereon.

Abstract: Reagents and composition for controlling the translation of hepatitis GB virus (HGBV)-A, -B or -C peptides from viral nucleic acid. These reagents and methods comprise control elements of the 5' NTR region of the HGBV-A, -B, or -C viral genome.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantitatively detecting the amount of a target nucleic acid sequence which may be present in a test sample. A test sample which may contain a target nucleic acid sequence comprising target sequences X and Y is contacted with two primer sets, the first set being specific for target X and the second set being specific for target Y. The test sample also is contacted at the same time with an internal standard sequence IS, which is substantially derived from a combination of the first and second target sequences, and its corresponding oligonucleotide primers. Haptens are associated with the oligonucleotide primer sets in such a way that amplified target sequence products X and Y are detected by capture on a solid phase to which anti-hapten capture reagents are attached. A signal ratio of (X+Y)/S is determined to quantitate the amount of the target nucleic acid sequence contained in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an integrant(s) of Bacillus thuringiensis. The invention further relates to such integrants, compositions comprising such integrants, as well as methods for controlling a pest(s) using these compositions.

Abstract: A cap assembly is provided for mounting over the mouth of a container which is occluded with a stopper. The cap assembly includes a housing, a moveable piercing member or penetrator within the housing, a removable overcap over the housing, and a ferrule connecting the housing to the container. A preferred form of the penetrator is fabricated from sheet metal in a progressive die stamping process. One form of the overcap includes a frangible construction that permits the upper part of the overcap to be torn away to expose the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are 3'-N-desmethyl-3'-N-substituted-6-O-methyl-11-deoxy-11,12-cyclic carbamate erythromycin A derivatives which are antagonists of lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, to methods of using the compounds and to the process of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical devices for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample. The analytical devices comprise an inlet port, a vent, a channel, and an array of structures. The structures have immobilized reagent covalently or non-covalently attached to the surface of the structures. The immobilized reagent captures analyte in the test sample where it is detected by a detection system. The present invention also provides methods and reagents for performing assays utilizing the analytical devices of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing the analytical devices of the present invention.

Abstract: Macrocyclic compounds of formula ##STR1## are potent inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase and are useful in the treatment of diseases in which matrix metalloproteinase play a role. Also disclosed are matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting compositions and a method of inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase in a mammal.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.