Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing cancer, particularly bladder or prostate cancer using compounds of general formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 X, Y and z are as defined herein.

Abstract: Hybrid luminescent probes emit light of distinct wavelength ranges and intensities upon energy transfer from an in-common, acridinium ester chemiluminophore to a coupled luminophore. The probes include: (1) a target binding region with a base sequence that is substantially complementary to a portion of the target nucleic acid sequence; (2) an acridinium ester (AE) moiety attached to a first region flanking the target binding region; (3) a luminophore coupled to the AE moiety to allow energy transfer from an acridone moiety, produced by a chemical triggering of the AE moiety, to the luminophore; and (4) a quencher moiety attached to a second region flanking the target binding region, such that the first and second flanking regions are on the opposite sides of the target binding region. The probes are particularly useful in homogeneous assays for sensitive, multiplex quantification of nucleic acid target sequences without prior enzymatic amplification.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed for simultaneous detection and quantification of two or more nucleic acid targets, without need for amplification. The method depends on spectral-temporal resolution of chemiluminescence emitted from independent hybridization-induced chemiluminescent signal (HICS) probes. The utility of this method has been demonstrated by use of resolvable N-linked acridinium and 2,7-dimethoxyacridinium ester labeled probes in a homogeneous assay for sensitive and simultaneous independent quantification of several bacterial and fungal target sequences. Compositions and kits for practicing the method of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemiluminescent compounds of general formula (I) wherein: either: R1 is a reactive group capable of reacting with an amine or thiol moiety; L1 is a hydrocarbon linker moiety comprising 2-12 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with hydroxy, halo, nitro or C1-C4 alkoxy; and R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, aryl, fused aryl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 acyl, halide, hydroxy or nitro; or, alternatively: the combination R1-L1- comprises a C1-C4 alkyl group optionally substituted with hydroxy, halo, nitro or C1-C4 alkoxy; and R2 comprises a group R4-L1-, where R4 is a reactive group capable of reacting with an amine or thiol moiety; and L1 is as defined above; L2 is —C(?O)O—, —C(?O)—S— or —C(?O)N(SO2R5)—, wherein, in each case, the —C(?O) is linked to the ring carbon atom, and R5 is C1-C8 alkyl, aryl, C1-C8 alkoxy or C1-C8 acyl; R3 is a substituted C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C2-C8 alkynyl or aryl group wherein at least one of the said substituents is electron-withdrawi

Abstract: The invention relates to chemiluminescent compounds of general formula: (I) wherein: either: R1 is a reactive group capable of reacting with an amine or thiol moiety; L1 is a hydrocarbon linker moiety comprising 2-12 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with hydroxy, halo, nitro or C1-C4 alkoxy; and R2is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, aryl, fused aryl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4acyl, halide, hydroxy or nitro; or, alternatively: the combination R1-L1- comprises a C1-C4 alkyl group optionally substituted with hydroxy, halo, nitro or C1-C4 alkoxy; and R2 comprises a group R4-L1-, where R4 is a reactive group capable of reacting with an amine or thiol moiety; and L1 is as defined above; L2 is —C(?O)O—, —C(?O)—S— or —C(?O)N(SO2R5)—, wherein, in each case, the —C(?O) is linked to the ring carbon atom, and R5 is C1-C8 alkyl, aryl, C1-C8 alkoxy or C1-C8 acyl; R3 a substituted C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C1-C8 alkynyl or aryl group wherein at least one of the said substituents is electron-withdrawing such that the p

Abstract: A method for determining the activity of a substance capable of altering the structure of a nucleic acid molecule from a first to a second state which is based upon the use of labelled nucleic acid molecules and/or complementary oligonucleotides. The label is a chemiluminescent molecule and a corresponding quencher molecule whose optical properties are different depending upon whether the nucleic acid molecule exist in said first or second state.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide building processes are monitored by means of an oligonucleotide probe which in one embodiment is labelled at one end with a chemiluminescent label and at the other end with a quencher molecule. The conformation of the oligonucleotide probe changes according to whether the probe hybridises with a substantially complementary nucleic acid sequence. In the non-hybridised state the chemiluminescent label is sufficiently close proximity to the quencher that the chemiluminescent emission is substantially attenuated, but in the hybridised state the separation is such that there is little or no attenuation. Particular probes and emitter/quencher pairs are disclosed.

Abstract: A compound for use as a chemiluminescent label in immunoassay comprises an aryl acridinium ester linked to an N-succinimidyl moiety. The compound is conveniently linked to a monoclonal antibody or other protein and is used in a two-site immunoassay for the quantitation of an antigen of interest, by initiation of the luminescent reaction and subsequent measurement of the photonic emission of the immune complex formed during the immunological reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the activity of an enzyme or enediyne capable of altering the structure of a “substrate” nucleic acid from a first to a second state wherein the activity of the enzyme or enedyine is monitored using a chemiluminescent label that is either attached to the “substrate” nucleic acid or an oligonucleotide which is complementary thereto or the enzyme or enediyne product thereof.

Abstract: A moveable stowage for a ladder or other equipment on top of a vehicle comprises a stowage frame and an outer frame secured pivotally at its forward end. The moveable stowage may be releasably secured in the stowed position or held in an access position. The stowage frame is adapted to slide on at least one pivot assembly from a substantially horizontal stowed position to an access position, and the forward end of the stowage frame is pivotally connected to the outer frame in order to slide along the outer frame thus enabling the stowage frame to reach an access position approaching the vertical. Other embodiments are described, which assist in counter balancing the stowage frame.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide building processes are monitored by means of an oligonucleotide probe which in one embodiment is labelled at one end with a chemiluminescent label and at the other end with a quencher molecule. The conformation of the oligonucleotide probe changes according to whether the probe hybridises with a substantially complementary nucleic acid sequence. In the non-hybridised state the chemiluminescent label is sufficiently close proximity to the quencher that the chemiluminescent emission is substantially attenuated, but in the hybridised state the separation is such that there is little or no attenuation. Particular probes and emitter/quencher pairs are disclosed.

Abstract: A compound for use as a chemiluminescent label in immunoassay comprises an aryl acridinium ester linked to an N-succinimidyl moiety. The compound is conveniently linked to a monoclonal antibody or other protein and is used in a two-site immunoassay for the quantitation of an antigen of interest, by initiation of the luminescent reaction and subsequent measurement of the photonic emission of the immune complex formed during the immunological reaction.

Abstract: A moveable stowage for a ladder or other equipment on top of a vehicle comprises a stowage frame 10, an outer frame 11 secured pivotally 12 at its forward end, means (not shown) for releasably securing the stowage frame in the stowed position and stop means 13,14,15 and 16 to hold the stowage frame in an access position. The stowage frame 10 being adapted to slide on at least one pivot assembly 17, 18 from a substantially horizontal stowed position to an access position, and the forward end of the stowage frame 10 also being pivotally connected 19, 20 to the outer frame 11 so as to be able to slide along the outer frame thus enabling the stowage frame 10 to reach an access position approaching the vertical. Spring means (not shown) may be attached to the outer frame 11 to assist in counter balancing the stowage frame 10.

Abstract: A biphase immunoassay method is provided in which a water immiscible liquid is qualitatively or quantitatively measured by mixing a sample of the water immiscible liquid with an aqueous solution containing a specific binding partner of the analyte. Binding occurs at or across the interface between the respective liquids and the degree of association of the analyte with its binding partner is dependent upon the concentration ratio rather than absolute quantities. The degree of association may be determined and used to determine the presence and/or concentration of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining in a medium the presence or amount of an analyte which is capable of binding to a ligand partner to form a ligand complex, which method comprises: (a) contacting the medium with either: (i) a ligand partner conjugated with an enzyme being capable of catalysing a reaction, or one or more reactions in a cascade thereof, to produce hydrogen peroxide, or (ii) a ligand partner and either a competing analyte or an analog of said analyte, a competing analyte or analyte analog being capable of forming a ligand complex with the ligand partner and the competing analyte or analyte analog being conjugated with an enzyme capable of catalysing a reaction, or one or more reactions in a cascade thereof, to produce hydrogen peroxide, (b) optionally separating complexed and uncomplexed enzyme conjugates, (c) causing or allowing the reaction or cascade of reactions to occur to produce hydrogen peroxide by contacting the complexed or uncomplexed enzyme conjugate with a corresponding enzyme su

Abstract: A shutter, as used on fire engines, consists of a number of laths (13), which are hingedly connected together and can be drawn across an opening by handle and can be latched in the closed condition by a latch. The handle, which extends across the shutter, being formed by the mounting bracket (12), which is mounted on a lath (13), and the latch member (11) which is hingedly connected to the mounting bracket (12), thereby reducing the number of parts required and the need for separate opening and closing handles. The latch member (11) co-operates with a keeper (18) which is mounted on the structure (10) which surrounds the opening thereby latching the shutter in position.

Abstract: A method for allowing authentification of a bulk liquid e.g. petrol or another mineral oil based product, comprises introducing into the liquid a small amount of a chemiluminescent substance. Samples for authentification are subjected to the conditions required to trigger the chemiluminescent reaction and monitored for chemiluminescent emission.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for simultaneously or sequentially detecting multiple nucleic acid analytes in a single medium utilizing oligonucleotide hybridization probes coupled to different chemiluminescent labeling reagents. The methods may be used in a heterogeneous, homogeneous or non-homogeneous assay system. The invention also relates to specific combinations of chemiluminescent labeling reagents suitable, when coupled to an oligonucleotide probe, for use together in methods for the detection of multiple nucleic acid analytes. The invention also concerns kits useful in these methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for simultaneously or sequentially detecting multiple nucleic acid analytes in a single medium utilizing oligonucleotide hybridization probes coupled to different chemiluminescent labeling reagents. The methods may be used in a heterogeneous, homogeneous or non-homogeneous assay system. The invention also relates to specific combinations of chemiluminescent labeling reagents suitable, when coupled to an oligonucleotide probe, for use together in methods for the detection of multiple nucleic acid analytes. The invention also concerns kits useful in these methods.

Abstract: A composition for use in a specific binding assay comprising each of a plurality of substances with one or more components each capable of taking part in a respective distinguishable chemiluminescent reaction.