Abstract: A method of detecting sulfotransferase activity including conducting a first reaction comprising, measuring free phosphate produced by the first reaction, and comparing the measured free phosphate to a free phosphate standard curve or equation or to a free phosphate level obtained in a separate reaction. The first reaction includes combining the sulfotransferase, Golgi-resident PAP-phosphatase (gPAPP), a 5?-nucleotidase, a substrate of the sulfotransferase, and 3?-phosphoadenosine-5?-phosphosulfate (PAPS) under conditions to produce 3?-phosphoadenosine-5?-phosphate (PAP).

Abstract: Assays and methods for detecting and/or quantifying activity of a test sulfotransferase comprising by releasing a free phosphate from the PAP produced by the sulfotransferase reaction and detecting the free phosphate. The assay can includes gPAPP, a free phosphate detector and an optional control sulfotransferase. The method includes combining a test sulfotransferase with the substrate of the sulfotransferase, PAPS and gPAPP and detecting the free phosphate. The level of free phosphate directly correlates to the activity of the sulfotransferase. The assay and methods can be used to screen agents for their effect upon sulfotransferase activity.

Abstract: Assays and methods for detecting and quantifying the activity of a test kinase. The assay includes a nucleotide phosphatase at least ten times more active on ADP than on ATP and a free phosphate detector. The assay may also include a control kinase and/or ATP. Methods of the invention include combining a test kinase, a substrate of the test kinase, and a known quantity of ATP under conditions to produce ADP, combining the produced ADP with a phosphatase specific for ADP, and measuring free phosphate. The amount of phosphate produced directly correlates to the activity of the kinase.

Abstract: A kit for detecting or measuring glycosyltransferase activity including a first reagent comprising a phosphatase and a second reagent comprising a free phosphate detector, and method of detecting and measuring glycosyltransferase activity. A sugar donor, an acceptor substrate, a glycosyltransferase enzyme and a phosphatase are combined and the amount of free phosphate present in the product is measured and used to calculate the activity of the glycosyltransferase enzyme.

Abstract: Assays and methods for detecting and/or quantifying activity of a test sulfotransferase comprising by releasing a free phosphate from the PAP produced by the sulfotransferase reaction and detecting the free phosphate. The assay can includes gPAPP, a free phosphate detector and an optional control sulfotransferase. The method includes combining a test sulfotransferase with the substrate of the sulfotransferase, PAPS and gPAPP and detecting the free phosphate. The level of free phosphate directly correlates to the activity of the sulfotransferase. The assay and methods can be used to screen agents for their effect upon sulfotransferase activity.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of mycoplasma in a sample and a mycoplasm detection kit. A sample is contacted with a first and a second oligonucleotide probe, wherein the first and second oligonucleotide probes are substantially complementary to portions of a 16S ribosomal subunit of at least one mycoplasma species. The first probe may be labeled with a capture ligand. The second probe may be labeled with a first component of a detection system.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for stabilizing tissues, cells, and cell components such that desired antigenic sites, light scatter properties and cellular morphology are preserved for a useful period of time. The stabilizing solution includes glycine, lysine and formaldehyde.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for stabilizing tissues, cells, and cell components such that desired antigenic sites, light scatter properties and cellular morphology are preserved for a useful period of time. The stabilizing solution includes glycine, lysine and formaldehyde.

Abstract: A control composition, and method of preparing a control composition, that includes stabilized, mammalian granulocytes having altered physical properties so that the granulocytes function as a human lymphocyte analogs when used on an automated blood cell analyzer.

Abstract: A control composition, and method of preparing a control composition, that includes stabilized, maturation-arrested reticulocytes, and a complete blood count base including mature erythrocytes, stabilized white cells and stabilized platelets, or analogs thereof.

Abstract: A pre-determined concentration of stabilized, maturation-arrested porcine reticulocytes in a red blood cell base, useful as a reticulocyte control composition. The composition can be provided in the form of a concentrated reticulocyte composition, to be diluted to a desired final reticulocyte concentration at the time of use. The composition can also be provided in the form of a diluted, ready-to-use control composition. Also included is a method of preparing such a composition, the method involving sequential steps of forming and sedimenting Rouleaux bodies.

Abstract: A pre-determined concentration of stabilized, maturation-arrested porcine reticulocytes in a red blood cell base, useful as a reticulocyte control composition. The composition can be provided in the form of a concentrated reticulocyte composition, to be diluted to a desired final reticulocyte concentration at the time of use. The composition can also be provided in the form of a diluted, ready-to-use control composition. Also included is a method of preparing such a composition, the method involving sequential steps of forming and sedimenting Rouleaux bodies.

Abstract: A pre-determined concentration of stabilized, maturation-arrested porcine reticulocytes in a red blood cell base, useful as a reticulocyte control composition. The composition can be provided in the form of a concentrated reticulocyte composition, to be diluted to a desired final reticulocyte concentration at the time of use. The composition can also be provided in the form of a diluted, ready-to-use control composition. Also included is a method of preparing such a composition, the method involving sequential steps of forming and sedimenting Rouleaux bodies.

Abstract: A vector system that allows the rapid and effective screening of recombinant constructs. The vector system includes a marker protein useful for identifying transfected cell lines, wherein the promoter used to express the marker protein has be substantially weakened in comparison to its corresponding wild type form.