Abstract: Described herein are compositions, methods, a system, and kits for detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in samples, such as samples of water including but not limited to waste water treatment plant effluent, using a live-cell fluorescence-based nuclear translocation reporter system. Upon binding of a ligand to a fluorescent-labeled reporter protein, the protein (and therefore the fluorescence) is translocated in a ligand level-dependent manner from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of live mammalian cells; this translocation is detectable as diffuse (cytoplasmic) fluorescence converting to localized, brightly fluorescent nuclei. The described kits can be used to reliably detect very low levels of EDC contamination, including in high throughput analysis systems as described.

Abstract: The instant invention provides polyvalent RNA nanoparticles comprising RNA motifs as building blocks that can form RNA nanotubes. The polyvalent RNA nanoparticles are suitable for therapeutic or diagnostic use in a number of diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for thawing a frozen specimen that includes a cryovial containing a frozen specimen, a centrifuge tube containing a medium, and an adaptor for suspending the cryovial over the centrifuge tube in an inverted position, wherein the adaptor has an elongated tubular body defining opposed proximal and distal ends, and it has an axial bore extending from the distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof to define an outer periphery and an inner periphery, and wherein the outer periphery is dimensioned for insertion into the centrifuge tube and the inner periphery is dimensioned to receive the cryovial in an inverted position.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies against complement regulatory protein sgp 120 are provided.