Abstract: A method for detecting interactions between first and second interacting molecules a variable sensitivity. This variable sensitivity may be obtained by providing for the overexpression of either a bait hybrid protein containing a DNA binding domain (desensitization) or a prey hybrid protein containing the DNA activation domain for a reporter gene (enhanced sensitivity). The use of exogenous activators of one or the other according to the needs of a particular system is readily accomplished.

Abstract: A method for detecting interactions between first and second interacting molecules at variable sensitivity. This variable sensitivity may be obtained by providing for the overexpression of either a bait hybrid protein containing a DNA binding domain (desensitization) or a prey hybrid protein containing the DNA activation domain for a reporter gene (enhanced sensitivity). The use of exogenous activators of one or the other according to the needs of a particular system is readily accomplished.

Abstract: A drug carrier composition comprising a drug complexed with dermatan sulfate is disclosed. The drug is preferably an anti tumor drug and may be taxol, a peptide onco-agent or vincristine. The most preferred antitumor drug is doxorubicin. The dermatan sulfate is essentially purified dermatan sulfate with a sulfur content of up to 9% (w/w) and with selective oligosaccharide oversulfation.

Abstract: This application concerns novel agents comprising cationic or chemically basic metal chelators in association with hydrophilic carriers of anionic or chemically acidic saccharides, sulfatoids and glycosaminoglycans. In certain embodiments, the agents comprise metals and metal ions. Covalent and non-covalent chemical and physical means are described for stabilizing the binding of the metal chelators to the carriers. Novel non-covalently bound compositions are described which give uniquely high payloads and ratio of metal chelator to carrier, ranging from a low of about 15% metal chelator by weight, to a characteristic range of 70% to 90% metal chelator by weight.

Abstract: This application concerns novel agents comprising cationic or chemically basic metal chelators in association with hydrophilic carriers of anionic or chemically acidic saccharides, sulfatoids and glycosaminoglycans. In certain embodiments, the agents comprise metals and metal ions. Covalent and non-covalent chemical and physical means are described for stabilizing the binding of the metal chelators to the carriers. Novel non-covalently bound compositions are described which give uniquely high payloads and ratio of metal chelator to carrier, ranging from a low of about 15% metal chelator by weight, to a characteristic range of 70% to 90% metal chelator by weight.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image-enhancing agent comprising a biodegradable, water-soluble polymer, synthetic or naturally derived and having repeating hydrophilic monomeric units with amino or hydroxyl groups. This agent also includes chelating agents comprising functional groups bound to an amino or hydroxyl group of the monomeric units. These chelating agents have a formation constant for divalent or trivalent metal cations of at least about 10.sup.8 at physiological temperature and pH. This image-enhancing agent is biodegradable to intermediary metabolites, excretable chelates, oligomers, monomers or combinations thereof of low toxicity. These image-enhancing agents may further comprise a paramagnetic metal ion for enhancement of the image arising from induced magnetic resonance signals. Images resulting from scanning of gamma particle emissions may be enhanced when the image-enhancing agent of the present invention comprises radioisotopic metal ions emitting gamma particles.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for selective access to tumor regions (or other regions of abnormal endothelial properties). This capability provides powerful contrast-enhancement agents for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. A polyatomic complex which includes intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between metal atoms is associated with a polymer or microsphere carrier matrix which will bind to endothelial determinants. A solution containing this carrier complex is injected into a human (or other) body to be imaged. The carrier complex will preferentially extravasate at locations where the blood vessel walls have increased porosity or microvascular surface changes, and especially at tumor sites. Thus, the changes in relaxation time induced by the presence of the carrier complex will provide a high-gain marker for magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for selective access to tumor regions (or other regions of abnormal endothelial properties). This capability provides powerful contrast-enhancement agents for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. A polyatomic complex which includes intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between metal atoms is associated with a polymer or microsphere carrier matrix which will bind to endothelial determinants. A solution containing this carrier complex is injected into a human (or other) body to be imaged. The carrier complex will preferentially extravasate at locations where the blood vessel walls have increased porosity or microvascular surface changes, and especially at tumor sites. Thus, the changes in relaxation time induced by the presence of the carrier complex will provide a high-gain marker for magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image-enhancing agent comprising a biodegradable, water-soluble polymer, synthetic or naturally derived and having repeating hydrophilic monomeric units with amino or hydroxyl groups. This agent also includes chelating agents comprising functional groups bound to an amino or bydroxyl group of the monomeric units. These chelating agents have a formation constant for divalent or trivalent metal cations of at least about 10.sup.8 at physiological temperature and pH. This image-enhancing agent is biodegradable to intermediary metabolites, excretable chelates, oligomers, monomers or combinations thereof of low toxicity.These image-enhancing agents may further comprise a paramagnetic metal ion for enhancement of the image arising from induced magnetic resonance signals.Images resulting from scanning of gamma particle emissions may be enhanced when the image-enhancing agent of the present invention comprise radioisotopic metal ions emitting gamma particles.

Abstract: This application describes the preparation and in vivo testing of surface coatings and matrix materials, which when applied to or caused to comprise the carriers for drugs and diagnostic agents, and administered in a fashion that allows efficient vascular access, causes the carriers to recognize determinants present or normal or focally diseased endothelium, and induces the following in vivo effects: 1) rapid, partial or total endothelial envelopment of the drug (diagnostic) carrier; 2) sequestration of the carrier and protecting entrapped agent from blood vascular clearance at an early time (2 minutes) when the endothelial pocket which envelops the carrier still invaginates into the vascular compartment; 3) acceleration of the carrier's transport across or through the vascular endothelium and/or subendothelial structures into the tissue compartment (interstitium); and 4) improvement of the efficiency with which the drug (or diagnostic) carrier migrates across the endothelium, or epi-endothelial or subendothe

Abstract: This application describes the preparation and in vivo testing of surface coatings and matrix materials, which when applied to or caused to comprise the carriers for drugs and diagnostic agents, and administered in a fashion that allows efficient vascular access, causes the carriers to recognize determinants present or normal or focally diseased endothelium, and induces the following in vivo effects: (1) rapid, partial or total endothelial envelopment of the drug (diagnostic) carrier; (2) sequestration of the carrier and protecting entrapped agent from blood vascular clearance at an early time (2 minutes) when the endothelial pocket which envelops the carrier still invaginates into the vascular compartment; (3) acceleration of the carrier's transport across or through the vascular endothelium and/or subendothelial structures into the tissue compartment (interstitium); and (4) improvement of the efficiency with which the drug (or diagnostic) carrier migrates across the endothelium, or epi-endothelial or subend

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for automatically sonicating microtiter trays and arrays of test tubes, vials, and other small sample containers. An inverted cuphorn on an ultrasonic transducer introduces sonic energy through an extended fluid bath, on a one-by-one basis, into sample containers partially immersed therein. Stepped or continuous movement sample container positioning is by an x-y positioning table driven by reversible motors under the direction of an electromechanical controller. The dwell time of each sample container in the sonic energy field is selectable.

Abstract: Fluorochrome compositions and methods for the selective detection and determination of double stranded, helical DNA are provided. DNA is quantitated by determining the fluorescence enhancement imparted from the formation of a highly specific DNA-fluorochrome adduct. The fluorochrome composition disclosed includes a divalent metallic cation and a fluorescent antibiotic, antineoplastic agent selected from mithramycin, chromomycin or olivomycin. A compatible surfactant can also be included with the fluorochrome composition to enhance solubilization of cellular matter. Moreover, a compatible membrane penetrating agent such as dimethyl sulfoxide can be included with the composition to accelerate solubilization of the cellular matter. The compositions and methods provided are also useful for the screening or quantitating of agents which interact with DNA to induce displacement of fluorochrome bound to DNA.