Abstract: Sickle-cell diseases are treated with annexin proteins that are modified to increase their half-life in the circulation.

Abstract: The amount of platelet surface proteins in a sample may be measured by collecting a sample containing platelets into a collection tube containing a platelet stabilizing composition, labeling the platelet surface protein and detecting by cytometry.

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) uses nanoscale metal particles (SERS-active particles) or surface roughness to enhance the Raman signal of Raman-active analytes contacting the surface. SERS sandwich particles contain SERS-active particles sandwiching a Raman-active substance and serve as optical tags. Preferably, the particles are rod-shaped, with each layer (SERS-active and Raman-active) formed as a distinct stripe of the particle. These freestanding particles can be derivatized with surface ligands capable of associating with analytes of interest in, for example, a biological sample. The acquired Raman spectrum of the particle encodes the identity of the ligand. Because of the simplicity and intensity of Raman spectra, highly multiplexed assays are capable using SERS particles with different Raman-active species.

Abstract: Relative quantitative information about components of chemical or biological samples can be obtained from mass spectra by normalizing the spectra to yield peak intensity values that accurately reflect concentrations of the responsible species. A normalization factor is computed from peak intensities of those inherent components whose concentration remains constant across a series of samples. Relative concentrations of a component occurring in different samples can be estimated from the normalized peak intensities. Unlike conventional methods, internal standards or additional reagents are not required. The methods are particularly useful for differential phenotyping in proteomics and metabolomics research, in which molecules varying in concentration across samples are identified. These identified species may serve as biological markers for disease or response to therapy.

Abstract: High-intensity, spiked noise is reduced in chromatography-mass spectrometry data by applying a nonlinear filter such as a moving median filter to the data. The filter is applied to individual mass chromatograms, plots of ion abundance versus retention time for each detected mass-to-charge ratio, and the filtered chromatograms are combined to form a filtered total ion current chromatogram. Standard linear filters are not effective for reducing noise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data because they assume a normal distribution of noise. LC-MS noise, however, is not normally distributed.

Abstract: An automatic peak selection method for multidimensional data that selects peaks from very noisy data such as two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data is described. Such data are characterized by non-normally distributed noise that varies in different dimensions. The method computes local noise thresholds for each one-dimensional component of the data. Each point has a local noise threshold applied to it for each dimension of the data set, and a point is selected as a candidate peak only if its value exceeds all of the applied local noise thresholds. Contiguous candidate peaks are clustered into actual peaks. The method is preferably implemented as part of a high-throughput platform for analyzing complex biological mixtures.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for performing charge coupled device (CCD)-based confocal spectroscopy with a laser spot array are provided. The methods and instruments of the invention are useful in any spectroscopic application, including, but not limited to, microscopy and microvolume laser scanning cytometry (MLSC).

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) uses nanoscale metal particles (SERS-active particles) or surface roughness to enhance the Raman signal of Raman-active analytes contacting the surface. SERS sandwich particles contain SERS-active particles sandwiching a Raman-active substance and serve as optical tags. Preferably, the particles are rod-shaped, with each layer (SERS-active and Raman-active) formed as a distinct stripe of the particle. These freestanding particles can be derivatized with surface ligands capable of associating with analytes of interest in, for example, a biological sample. The acquired Raman spectrum of the particle encodes the identity of the ligand. Because of the simplicity and intensity of Raman spectra, highly multiplexed assays are capable using SERS particles with different Raman-active species.

Abstract: Relative quantitative information about components of chemical or biological samples can be obtained from mass spectra by normalizing the spectra to yield peak intensity values that accurately reflect concentrations of the responsible species. A normalization factor is computed from peak intensities of those inherent components whose concentration remains constant across a series of samples. Relative concentrations of a component occurring in different samples can be estimated from the normalized peak intensities. Unlike conventional methods, internal standards or additional reagents are not required. The methods are particularly useful for differential phenotyping in proteomics and metabolomics research, in which molecules varying in concentration across samples are identified. These identified species may serve as biological markers for disease or response to therapy.

Abstract: Freestanding particles comprising a plurality of segments, wherein the particle length is from 10 nm to 50 &mgr;m and the particle width is form 5 nm to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for performing charge coupled device (CCD)-based confocal spectroscopy with a laser spot array are provided. The methods and instruments of the invention are useful in any spectroscopic application, including, but not limited to, microscopy and microvolume laser scanning cytometry (MLSC).

Abstract: Multiplexed assays may be performed using extraction probe comprised of solid supports and extraction phases.

Abstract: High-intensity, spiked noise is reduced in chromatography-mass spectrometry data by applying a nonlinear filter such as a moving median filter to the data. The filter is applied to individual mass chromatograms, plots of ion abundance versus retention time for each detected mass-to-charge ratio, and the filtered chromatograms are combined to form a filtered total ion current chromatogram. Standard linear filters are not effective for reducing noise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data because they assume a normal distribution of noise. LC-MS noise, however, is not normally distributed.

Abstract: Synthetic methods for the manufacture of segmented nanoparticles are described.

Abstract: Novel biological markers indicative of the action of an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drug can be used to evaluate drug efficacy and compare local and systemic drug effects. They can also aid in comparison of different drugs, doses, and delivery routes. The biological markers include cell populations, cell surface antigen expression levels, and soluble factor concentrations. Measurement values of the novel biomarkers were shown to change significantly in allergic, atopic asthmatic, and healthy subjects after administration of prednisone.

Abstract: Nonlinear retention time variations in chromatography-mass spectrometry data sets are adjusted by time-alignment methods, enabling automated comparison of spectra for differential phenotyping and other applications.

Abstract: Sickle-cell diseases are treated with annexin proteins that are modified to increase their half-life in the circulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved integrated system for biological marker identification. The system uses Microvolume Laser Scanning Microscopy (MLSC) in order to measure patterns of expression of biological markers in biological fluids. The system includes improved instrumentation for performing MLSC, and also includes improved particle detection and analysis methods. The system further comprises an informatics architecture for the analysis of data obtained from the MLSC in tandem with other medical information.

Abstract: Choroid plexus failure in a subject is diagnosed and treated by measuring the level of one or more components of cerebrospinal fluid, comparing the level to a desired level, and adjusting the level toward the desired level. Treatment can occur using an implantable device.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions containing the organic germanium polymer propagermanium are used for treating bone disorders such as myeloma bone disease, multiple myeloma, Paget's disease, secondary bone cancers, and periodontitis.