Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence or relative amounts of two or more components in a medium. A combination is provided comprising a medium suspected of containing the components, at least two sensitizer reagents and at least one reactive reagent activatable by singlet oxygen. The sensitizer reagents are capable of generating singlet oxygen and are distinguishable by wavelength of sensitization. The combination of sensitizer reagents and reactive reagents allows differential detection of the components. The sensitizer reagents are differentially activated. The amount of signal generated as a result of the activation of said reactive reagent is determined wherein the amount thereof is related to the amount of each of the components in the medium.

Abstract: Stabilized lipid construct comprising a liposome or polymerized vesicle, a targeting entity, a therapeutic entity, and a stabilizing entity are provided, as well as methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 ?m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition. The photoactive substance is activated and the effect of the activating on the optical properties of the combination is detected.

Abstract: An optical receiver and method of operating therfor. A photodiode converts a received optical signal to an electrical signal, which is provided to both high gain and low gain signal paths. First analog-to-digital converter ADC) circuitry is coupled to convert a high gain output signal into a first plurality of digital signals, while second ADC circuitry converts a low gain output signal into a second plurality of digital signals. A control unit is configured to monitor the amplitude of at least one of the low gain and high gain output signals. If the amplitude of the monitored signal falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit is configured to select data provided by the first ADC circuitry. Otherwise, data provided by the second ADC circuitry is selected.

Abstract: An optical receiver and method of operating therfor. A photodiode converts a received optical signal to an electrical signal, which is provided to both high gain and low gain signal paths. First analog-to-digital converter ADC) circuitry is coupled to convert a high gain output signal into a first plurality of digital signals, while second ADC circuitry converts a low gain output signal into a second plurality of digital signals. A control unit is configured to monitor the amplitude of at least one of the low gain and high gain output signals. If the amplitude of the monitored signal falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit is configured to select data provided by the first ADC circuitry. Otherwise, data provided by the second ADC circuitry is selected.

Abstract: A polysaccharide coated carrier having a coating of at least two successive layers of polysaccharide. The first polysaccharide layer spontaneously associates with a second polysaccharide layer and, optionally, the carrier. Each successive layer of polysaccharide spontaneously associates with a preceding layer. Spontaneous association occurs due to the presence of oppositely charged functional groups on each layer of polysaccharide or due to a spontaneous reaction between the functional groups the layers. The carrier may be any surface such as a tube, microtitration plate, bead, particle or the like and is suitable for use in diagnostic or therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 ?m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition. The photoactive substance is activated and the effect of the activating on the optical properties of the combination is detected.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 &mgr;m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: Stabilized lipid construct comprising a liposome or polymerized vesicle, a targeting entity, a therapeutic entity, and a stabilizing entity are provided, as well as methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The compositions are light emitting and comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein a photoactive compound. The composition has the characteristic that, after activation of the photoactive compound, the rate of decrease in the intensity of light emission at any time during a 20-fold decrease in the intensity is proportional to the intensity of the light emission. In one embodiment the polymeric matrix is comprised of particles of about 20 nm to about 100 &mgr;m in diameter to which is bound a specific binding pair member. The particles generally comprise a polymeric matrix having dissolved therein about 1 to about 20% by weight of a dopant. The compositions may be used in methods for determining an analyte. A combination is provided comprising (1) a medium suspected of containing the analyte, (2) and the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: Targeted therapeutic agents, comprising a linking carrier, a therapeutic entity associated with the linking carrier, and at least one targeting entity are provided, as well as methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Novel therapeutic lipid constructs comprising a polymerized liposome, an anti-cell surface targeting agent, and a radiotherapeutic metal ion are disclosed.

Abstract: Optical detector components in a fiber-optic communication system are temperature stabilized. The optical detector components may be part of an optical amplifier, a receiver, or other optical device. A temperature-controlled housing may be used to stabilize the temperature of a photodiode and/or a transimpedance amplifier of the optical detector. The housing may additionally be used to stabilize the temperature of the coils of a fiber optic amplifier and possibly other components.

Abstract: Stabilized lipid construct comprising a liposome or polymerized vesicle, a targeting entity, a therapeutic entity, and a stabilizing entity are provided, as well as methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Circuitry for generating AC signals is provided. The circuitry may be used to produce AC drive signals for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices such as MEMS devices used in fiber-optic communications network equipment. The circuitry may include an amplitude controller for producing a DC voltage, a waveform generator for producing an AC waveform having an amplitude proportional to the DC voltage, and a transformer for boosting the AC waveform to produce the AC drive signals.

Abstract: An optical amplifier control system provides real-time control of an optical amplifier in response to an analog signal having a large dynamic range. The optical amplifier control system uses a non-linear analog-to-digital converter, such as a logarithmic-scale analog-to-digital converter to achieve low relative quantization error. The amplifier control system may also use multiple analog-to-digital converters.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. One method comprises treating a medium suspected of containing an analyte under conditions such that the analyte, if present, causes a photosensitizer and a chemiluminescent compound to come into close proximity. The photosensitizer generates singlet oxygen and activates the chemiluminescent compound when it is in close proximity. The activated chemiluminescent compound subsequently produces light. The amount of light produced is related to the amount of analyte in the medium. Preferably, at least one of the photosensitizer and chemiluminescent compound is associated with a surface which is usually a suspendible particle, and a specific binding pair member is bound thereto. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic and imaging agents which are comprised of a targeting entity, a therapeutic or treatment entity and a linking carrier are provided. The linking carrier imparts additional advantages to the therapeutic agents, which are not provided by conventional linking methods. Preferred agents of the present invention comprise a lipid construct, vesicle, liposome, or polymerized liposome. In some cases, the therapeutic or treatment entity is a radioisotope, chemotherapeutic agent, prodrug, toxin, or gene encoding a protein that exhibits cell toxicity. Preferably, the agent is further comprised of a stabilizing entity that imparts additional advantages to the therapeutic or imaging agent.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. One method comprises treating a medium suspected of containing an analyte under conditions such that the analyte, if present, causes a photosensitizer and a chemiluminescent compound to come into close proximity. The photosensitizer generates singlet oxygen and activates the chemiluminescent compound when it is in close proximity. The activated chemiluminescent compound subsequently produces light. The amount of light produced is related to the amount of analyte in the medium. Preferably, at least one of the photosensitizer and chemiluminescent compound is associated with a surface which is usually a suspendible particle, and a specific binding pair member is bound thereto. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for labeling a material are disclosed. The methods comprise combining with the material (a) a photosensitizer capable upon irradiation of generating singlet oxygen and (b) a chemiluminescent compound capable of being activated by singlet oxygen wherein the photosensitizer and the chemiluminescent compound are incorporated in a particulate matrix or a non-particulate solid matrix. The particulate matrix can be solid or fluid. The methods allow for generating delayed luminescence, which can be realized upon irradiation of the matrix. The methods have application to the determination of an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte.