Abstract: A reversion mutation assay that is unique in providing a quantitative readout for mutagenesis. This assay is based on the creation of a functional GFP-?-lactamase fusion protein as a reporter providing both antibiotic resistance and fluorescence. This dual reporter is placed in a multicopy plasmid to increase the number of targets, with a reversion site at the N-terminus. Rare mutations at the reversion site allow read-through of the fusion protein, producing both beta-lactamase (providing antibiotic resistance) and GFP (emitting fluorescence). In the presence of carbenicillin, beta-lactamase production confers a selective advantage that allows amplification of mutant plasmids, raising the level of fluorescence emitted by GFP to levels that are detectable by fluorimetry. A window of time can be found where fluorescence is proportional to the number of mutation events at the reversion site, making fluorescence a quantitative measure of mutagenesis.

Abstract: Methods of using a progressive cavity pump as a bioreactor are disclosed. Methods of isolating a biological product, such as pancreatic islet cells, using the bioreactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants that predispose to risk of type 2 diabetes, basal cell carcinoma and breast cancer. It has been discovered that certain genetic variants confer risk of these diseases when inherited from one parent, but not the other. The invention provides methods of disease management, including diagnostic methods, utilizing such parental origin effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high efficiency method of expressing immunoglobulin molecules in eukaryotic cells. The invention is further drawn to a method of producing immunoglobulin heavy and light chain libraries, particularly using the trimolecular recombination method, for expression in eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides methods of selecting and screening for antigen-specific immunoglobulin molecules, and antigen-specific fragments thereof. The invention also provides kits for producing, screening and selecting antigen-specific immunoglobulin molecules. Finally, the invention provides immunoglobulin molecules, and antigen-specific fragments thereof, produced by the methods provided herein.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and screening of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients and for the monitoring of EAC treatment using a panel or panels of small molecule metabolite biomarkers are disclosed. In other aspects, methods for detection and screening for the progression of high-risk conditions (BE and HGD) to EAC and to monitoring treatment using a panel or panels of small molecule metabolite biomarkers are disclosed. The biomarkers are sensitive and specific for the detection of EAC, and can also be used to classify Barrett's esophagus (BE) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD), which are widely regarded as precursors of EAC.

Abstract: Described are methods of determining if a subject has a genetic predisposition to developing prostate cancer (PCa).