Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for producing aptamers that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for producing photoreactive aptamers that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. In addition, the disclosure describes aptamer constructs that include a variety of functionalities, including a cleavable element, a detection element, and a capture or immobilization element.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. The described methods, devices, kits, and reagents facilitate the detection and quantification of a non-nucleic acid target (e.g., a protein target) in a test sample by detecting and quantifying a nucleic acid (i.e., an aptamer). The methods described create a nucleic acid surrogate for a non nucleic acid target, thus allowing the wide variety of nucleic acid technologies, including amplification, to be applied to a broader range of desired targets, especially protein targets. The disclosure further describes aptamer constructs that facilitate the use of aptamers in a variety of analytical detection applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. In one embodiment, a test sample is contacted with an aptamer that includes a tag and has a specific affinity for a target molecule. An aptamer affinity complex that includes an aptamer bound to its target molecule is allowed to form. If the test sample contains the target molecule, an aptamer affinity complex will generally form in the test sample. The aptamer affinity complex is optionally converted to an aptamer covalent complex that includes an aptamer covalently bound to its target molecule. The aptamer affinity complex (or optional aptamer covalent complex) can then be detected and/or quantified using any of a variety of methods known to one skilled in the art, including using a solid support, using mass spectrometry, and using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. This invention relates to the field of diagnostic histology, cytology, histopathology, and cytopathology methods and reagents for the detection of various disease states. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of aptamers in histologic, cytologic, histopathic, and/or cytopathic diagnostic methods. Aptamers may be provided that react with specific target molecules contained within a histological or cytological sample. Aptamers may be used to assess localization, relative density, and presence or absence of one or more target. Targets may be selected that are specific and diagnostic of a given disease state for which the sample was collected.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and device for performing automated SELEX. The steps of the SELEX process are performed at one or more work stations on a work surface by a robotic manipulator controlled by a computer. The invention also includes methods and reagents to obviate the need for size-fractionation of amplified candidate nucleic acids before beginning the next round of the SELEX process.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for generating nucleic acid ligands that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for generating photoreactive nucleic acid ligands that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. The disclosure further describes nucleic acid libraries having expanded physical and chemical properties and their use in SELEX and photoSELEX; methods for increasing the crosslinking efficiencies of photoaptamers; methods for producing photoaptamers having selective modifications that enhance functionality and minimize non-specific photoreactions; and methods for generating truncated nucleic acid ligands from nucleic acid ligands of longer length. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers obtained by using any of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, devices, reagents, and kits for the detection of one or more target molecules that may be present in a test sample. The described methods, devices, kits, and reagents facilitate the detection and quantification of a non-nucleic acid target (e.g., a protein target) in a test sample by detecting and quantifying a nucleic acid (i.e., an aptamer). The methods described create a nucleic acid surrogate for a non-nucleic acid target, thus allowing the wide variety of nucleic acid technologies, including amplification, to be applied to a broader range of desired targets, especially protein targets. The disclosure further describes aptamer constructs that facilitate the use of aptamers in a variety of analytical detection applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved SELEX methods for producing aptamers that are capable of binding to target molecules and improved photoSELEX methods for producing photoreactive aptamers that are capable of both binding and covalently crosslinking to target molecules. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. In addition, the disclosure describes aptamer constructs that include a variety of functionalities, including a cleavable element, a detection element, and a capture or immobilization element.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and reagents for detecting the binding of protein targets to nucleic acid ligands. Using Universal Protein Stains (UPS), proteins bound by nucleic acid ligands may be labeled with a detectable moiety. The methods and reagents are particularly useful for the detection of protein targets bound to multiplexed arrays of nucleic acid ligands. The present invention also provides novel methods for the multiplexed evaluation of photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligands. The methods allow one simultaneously to: (1) evaluate the performance (dynamic range) of a plurality of photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligands; and (2) assess the specificity of each photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligand for its cognate target protein. Photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligands with the most desirable properties can then be selected for use in diagnostic and prognostic medical assays.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and device for performing automated SELEX. The steps of the SELEX process are performed at one or more work stations on a work surface by a robotic manipulator controlled by a computer. The invention also includes methods and reagents to obviate the need for size-fractionation of amplified candidate nucleic acids before beginning the next round of the SELEX process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and device for performing automated SELEX. The steps of the SELEX process are performed at one or more work stations on a work surface by a robotic manipulator controlled by a computer. The invention also includes methods and reagents to obviate the need for size-fractionation of amplified candidate nucleic acids before beginning the next round of the SELEX process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and device for performing automated SELEX. The steps of the SELEX process are performed at one or more work stations on a work surface by a cartesian robotic manipulator controlled by a computer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and device for performing the automated SELEX process, including automated photoSELEX process embodiments, and automated affinity SELEX process embodiments. The automated photoSELEX embodiments included an embodiment wherein target protein and nucleic acid ligands are photocrosslinked in solution. The steps of the SELEX process are performed at one or more work stations on a work surface by a robotic manipulator controlled by a computer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and device for performing automated SELEX. The steps of the SELEX process are performed at one or more work stations on a work surface by a robotic manipulator controlled by a computer. The invention also includes methods and reagents to obviate the need for size-fractionation of amplified candidate nucleic acids before beginning the next round of the SELEX process.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for improved partitioning between high and low affinity nucleic acid ligands identified through the SELEX method, termed Flow Cell SELEX. The Flow Cell SELEX method achieves partitioning between high and low affinity nucleic acid ligands using surface plasmon resonance technology. The method of the present invention presents a new and powerful approach to select nucleic acid ligands by providing a partitioning method which 1) enables a significant increase in the efficiency of partitioning from traditional partitioning methods used in SELEX, 2) allows for real time monitoring of the partitioning of the high affinity ligands from the low affinity ligands 3) allows for the ability to select for a nucleic acid ligand having specific kinetic properties, 4) does not rely on radiolabeling or other means of tagging for detection, and 5) allows for use of smaller amounts of target than in traditional methods of SELEX.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of DNA ligands to the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase protein. Included in the invention are specific ssDNA ligands to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase identified by the SELEX method. Also included are ssDNA ligands that inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of DNA ligands to the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase protein. The invention encompasses specific ssDNA ligands to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase identified by the SELEX method including ssDNA ligands that inhibit the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: Increasing the wall strength of a cup having a closed cell foam wall and a solid plastic coating on at least the outer surface thereof by contacting said surface of the cup with a heated mandrel. Apparatus is also shown.

Abstract: An endless power transmission chain includes link assemblies made up of spaced apart cylindrical pins connected at their opposite ends to parallel outer link plates. Spaced apart inner link plates interconnect the link assemblies and are provided with self-lubricating bearings for journalling the interconnected pins to provide a flexible chain assembly. Chain rollers or bushings of polyurethane or similar resilient non-metal material are rotatably mounted on the link pins between the inner link plates and are directly engageable with the chain sprocket teeth for deflection to provide distribution of chain load over a greater surface area of the sprocket teeth as well as between adjacent teeth engaged with the chain. The chain includes centrally mounted bracket members secured to the link pins for connecting the chain to a series of spaced apart foils or blades for a fluid dynamic power generating apparatus using a translating foil or blade system.

Abstract: A method of improving the stiffness of a polystyrene foam container having a sidewall and a bottom, said container having been prepared from a laminate of polystyrene foam having generally spherical closed cells, and, on at least the outer surface thereof, a layer of solid polystyrene; said method comprising heating said container in the unrestrained state, said heating being sufficient to increase the thickness of the sidewall at least 10%, and cup produced by this method.