Abstract: A fire pit designed to be stored and shipped in a flat configuration, and assembled without tools in a matter of minutes into a freestanding, durable structure capable of functioning as well or better than a non-collapsible fire pit. The fire pit comprises an essentially flat base with a unique slot and flange structure adapted to receive and support side panels. The side panels include female sides with vertical corner members on their side edges that allow flat male sides to mate securely with the female sides, and with the intersecting edges of the sides both covered and reinforced for a neat appearance and robust structure. A top includes a slot and flange structure that fits over and unifies and hides the upper edges of the sides, completing the assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to generate a signal used to detect the presence or quantity of a biomarker in a sample. The signal generating reaction is initiated when the biomarker under assay interacts with a specific binding partner. The interaction produces a structural change in the binding partner that is recognized by additional binding partners capable of generating a signal. The reaction produces a localized cluster of signaling molecules that can be detected above background. The signaling cluster is detectable within minutes when interrogated in a chamber of specific dimensions. The presence of the signaling clusters is a qualitative indication of the presence of the analyte, while the number of signaling clusters detected is a direct quantification of the number of biomarker molecules in the sample. The reaction can be formatted to detect proteins, nucleic acids, cells or other informative biomarkers.

Abstract: New methods are provided for the amplification of a midivariant DNA containing an inserted target specific nucleic acid sequence(s) to enable detection of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a test sample. One method employs midivariant DNA as a template for the synthesis of RNA catalyzed by QB replicase. Two midivariant DNA/probe conjugates including a nonreplicable portion of midivariant DNA and a target specific nucleic acid sequence (probe) are described. An amplification method including the steps of hybridization and ligation of the midivariant DNA/probe conjugates followed by replication of the DNA template has enabled detection of less than 200 template molecules. In a modified amplification method one of the midivariant DNA/probe conjugates further includes a RNA polymerase promoter sequence to enable transcription of the midivariant DNA template into RNA. The sequential ligation-transcription-replication method enables the detection of a single template molecule.

Abstract: An assay method incorporating at least two different chemiluminescent compounds for detection and/or quantitation of at least two substances in a test sample is described. The synthesis of chemiluminescent reagents or conjugates for use in such methods as well as kits incorporating such reagents are also disclosed. The assays have particular application in the field of clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: The assay described herein is predicated on an observation that when acridinium ester labeled tracers are bound to their corresponding binding conjugate immobilized on a metal oxide solid phase, the measurable chemiluminescent light emission of the labeled tracer bound to the solid phase is quenched as compared to the free fraction tracer that is unattached to the solid phase. According to the invention, a non-separation specific binding assay to detect or quantify the presence of an analyte is provided where the entire reaction mixture is flashed (including unreacted tracer) and modulated signal (because of the quench effect) is associated with a reference, thus determining the amount or presence of said analyte in said sample. Disadvantages inherent in heterogeneous assays employing multiple separations may be avoided using this non-separation method.

Abstract: A novel process for the use of antisense oligonucleotides and analogs thereof has been developed. Namely, this technique is useful for the elimination of contamination in the nucleic acid amplification area. Elimination of unwanted contamination has made gene probe analyses much more reproduceable.

Abstract: Novel non-competitive assay techniques have been developed which not only improve sensitivity, but also are convenient and less susceptible to interfering factors. They are compatible with existing instruments and can be run in one or more test tubes. The analyte is reacted with labeled specific binder, after which the mixture is reacted with (1) an insoluble material attached to an analyte derivative and (2) a solid phase carrying a binder. The solid phase is then separated, and the label attached to the solid phase is measured. Variations of the procedure include the use of a reversible bridge for attaching the insoluble material to the analyte mimic and the conduct of the assay in various porous media, such as paper, chromatographic and electrophoretic media, and dipsticks.

Abstract: An assay method incorporating at least two different chemiluminescent compounds for detection and/or quantitation of at least two substances in a test sample is described. The synthesis of chemiluminescent reagents or conjugates for use in such methods as well as kits incorporating such reagents are also disclosed. The assays have particular application in the field of clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: New methods are provided for the amplification of a midivariant DNA containing an inserted target specific nucleic acid sequence(s) to enable detection of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a test sample. One method employs midivariant DNA as a template for the synthesis of RNA catalyzed by QB replicase. Two midivariant DNA/probe conjugates including a nonreplicable portion of midivariant DNA and a target specific nucleic acid sequence (probe) are described. An amplification method including the steps of hybridization and ligation of the midivariant DNA/probe conjugates followed by replication of the DNA template has enabled detection of less than 200 template molecules. In a modified amplification method one of the midivariant DNA/probe conjugates further includes a RNA polymerase promoter sequence to enable transcription of the midivariant DNA template into RNA. The sequential ligation-transcription-replication method enables the detection of a single template molecule.

Abstract: An assay method incorporating at least two different chemiluminescent compounds for detection and/or quantitation of at least two substances in a test sample is described. The synthesis of chemiluminescent reagents or conjugates for use in such methods as well as kits incorporating such reagents are also disclosed. The assays have particular application in the field of clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: A method for determining an immunoglobulin of the IgX class in a sample where X is either M, A, D or E. Anti-IgG is added to IgG to prevent binding of rheumatoid factor before the sample containing IgX is added to insolubilized IgG.