Abstract: New assays for diagnosing NANBH utilizing novel peptide fragments derived from polypeptide antigens reactive to antibodies present in the sera of infected patients are disclosed. In producing these peptides, the portion of the polypeptide contributing to high backgrounds is deleted thereby resulting in assays with an exceptionally high signal to background ratio.

Abstract: A chromogenic assay for determination of blood coagulation Factor IX (christmas factor) utilizes Factor Xa formed by the conversion of Factor X by activated Factor IX and Factor VIII to cleave a chromogenic substrate. The sample is combined into a mixture with Factor XIa in the presence of Factor IIa (thrombin), incubated, combined with Factor X and Factor VIII, and incubated. A thrombin inhibitor, and an indicator agent which reacts with Factor Xa, are added and the resulting signal measured and correlated to the level of Factor IX in the sample.

Abstract: A prothrombin time reagent is disclosed for use in a prothrombin time test. The reagent utilizes recombinant human tissue factor, phospholipids of a natural or synthetic origin, a buffer composition and calcium ion. Stabilizers and salts may also be utilized in the reagent. In addition, a method for creating lipid micelles containing tissue factor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel test cartridges for use in the assay of liquid samples and methods of carrying out such assays. These test cartridges are particularly useful in assays which include at least one step during which the sample to be assayed and one or more components of the assay system are kept separated by a pierceable member. The test cartridges comprise a housing through which the sample flows during the assay. The housing includes a holding chamber for holding the sample and a test chamber separated by a pierceable member. The test chamber further includes a partition member which has an opening therethrough and includes at least one reagent for the assay. A transfer member movably mounted in the test chamber can move towards and pierce the pierceable member and contact the liquid sample in the holding chamber.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer (10) includes a fluid dispensing system (46) with a carrier member (18) and fluid dispensing head (72). The carrier member (18) includes a docking fixture (52) and the fluid dispensing head includes a docking receptacle (54). By engagement of the docking fixture and receptacle the carrier member carries the fluid dispensing head to a position above a recess (34) into which fluid is precisely dispensed. The carrier member also returns the fluid dispensing head to a storage location (64) substantially separating the fluids to be dispensed from the environment of the analyzer. When the fluid dispensing head is in its storage location the carrier member may disengage to perform other functions in the analyzer.

Abstract: A composition is described which is useful in the assay of folate from a hemolysate prepared from red blood cells using non-radiolabeled assay techniques such as fluorometric, colorimetric, enzymatic or chemiluminescent assay methods. Methods to ready hemolysates for the assay of folate are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides sensing electrodes and electrode assemblies for use in measuring the activity of ions in a fluid sample; measuring blocks which include a sensing module housing such sensing electrodes and a reference electrode; and a fluid analysis system which includes such measuring blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to determine the concentration of an unknown substance in a colorimetric reaction using a fluorometric reader. The change in color can be monitored by observing the change of fluorescence of a known amount of a suitable fluorophore in the reaction chamber. Under appropriate conditions the absorption spectrum of the chromophore overlaps with the emission spectrum of the fluorophore thereby allowing the change in fluorescence to be proportional to the intensity of color in the reaction and thus, proportional to the quantity of the substance of interest. Specifically, 8-methoxypyrene tri-sulfonic acid is used as the fluorophore.

Abstract: The compound 2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy-1,4-quinone, its derivatives and structural analogs are used as activators for intrinsic blood coagulation and as diagnostic reagents for the activated partial thromboplastin time test of blood coagulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assaying the sensitivity of biopsied tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents using a predetermined amount of chemotherapeutic agent in an easily deliverable form is disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonic energy coupling includes an ultrasonic transducer, a horn member defining a passageway, and a pump for moving fluid through the passageway and outwardly of the horn. The method used to accomplish the energy coupling or transfer includes vibrating the horn member with an ultrasonic transducer and pumping fluid through the passageway in the horn member and onto an object.

Abstract: A high-speed burst digital time multiplexed data system has N parallel input data paths that are multiplexed onto a serial data path for transmission from a transmitter to a receiver. Serial transmission takes place in a short burst upon command at the transmitter. Data from the serial data path is demultiplexed back into N parallel data paths at the receiver. The entire process is accomplished asynchronously without the aid of a clock or framing signal. In the preferred embodiment, a train of N sampling pulses is generated by two tapped delay lines, one at the transmitter and one at the receiver. The length of each sequential sampling pulse is determined by the tap spacing of the delay line, and the duration of the entire burst process is equal to the total delay of the delay line. A new burst may be initiated at any time after the completion of the previous burst. Thus bursts may follow each other immediately or be arbitrarily spaced to occur whenever data transmission is required.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions containing buffers and electrolytes are adjusted to levels required for calibration of both blood gas analyzers and ion selective electrolyte analyzers. A control material, composed of similar matrix, is adjusted to three levels of blood gas and electrolyte conditions. These quality control materials are used to monitor blood gas/electrolyte laboratory instrumentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein, comprising a pilin protein or a portion thereof and a heterologous polypeptide (target protein). In a preferred embodiment it relates to a method for displaying the target protein on the outer surface of a bacterial host cell capable of forming pilus. In certain embodiments, it is desirable that the pilus is a receptor for bacteriophage attachment and infection. The F pilus is preferred.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a probe used in analytic equipment--for example, that used in analysis of body fluids--in order to reduce carry-over of materials from one sample to the next. A probe wash is provided in which the simultaneous introduction of pressurized air and water creates a turbulent flow including the use of a pressurized gas stream of short duration to blow the residue of the previous sample out of the probe prior to washing with additional diluent liquid. Also, a waste receptacle is provided which uses a filtered air vent and a liquid saturated material around the probe receiving opening to prevent the escape of aerosols from the receptacle.

Abstract: In an in situ hybridization assay, cells are fixed under conditions which preserve essential morphology, followed by transcription-based nucleic acid amplification of intracellular mRNA targets. The amplified targets are visualized by hybridizing labelled probes to the target sequences. The assay thereby provides a convenient method for detecting specific gene expression associated with morphologic characteristics of diagnostic significance.

Abstract: A precision liquid reagent fluid dispensing apparatus (10) and method includes a continuously operating pump (16) inducting and pressurizing ambient air. The pressurized air is delivered at a first location into a flow-through volume (18) with provision to substantially completely abate at a second location any noncontinuous air flow or air pressure variations from the pump. A long-lived pressure sensor (32) which is substantially free of drift is associated with the flow through volume at a third location and provides a signal indicative of sensed air pressure. A controller (36) by reference to a calibration standard for the sensor provides a time-variant control signal in response to the sensed air pressure. At a forth location a duty cycle valve (38) vents pressurized air from the flow through volume in response to the control signal to provide at the second location a precisely regulated dispensing air pressure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the automatic examination of blood samples with one test station, in which blood is taken from a supply vessel and is fed through an aperture in a part held in an aperture holder. At least one test head is provided, to which is fed from a first magazine holder, supply vessels with blood, and from a second magazine holder, aperture holders are fed. After performance of at least one measurement on one aperture holder, the used aperture holder and the used supply vessel are removed from the test head and the test head is cleaned by a cleaning device.

Abstract: A novel cDNA clone, 20E, has been isolated and characterized as encoding a previously unknown polypeptide antigen recognized by antibodies in the serum of certain patients with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH). The nucleic acid sequence is not represented in the genome of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Neither is the nucleic acid sequence represented in the human genome. The data suggest that the RNA sequence corresponding to clone 20E is contained within the genome of an external infective agent other than HCV, and therefore may represent an additional etiologic agent or contributing factor to the development of NANBH in human patients. The 20E nucleic acid and corresponding polypeptide and respective variants thereof will be useful in a variety of procedures directed at prevention and diagnosis of NANBH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control and method of use. Additionally, this invention relates to the isolation and purification of stable liquid human prealbumin, a component in the biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control.