Abstract: The invention provides novel oligonucleotides and methods of using the same for detection or measurement of specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention also features nucleic acid arrays comprising the oligonucleotides of the invention. An oligonucleotide of the invention comprises (1) a reporter-binding sequence capable of hybridizing to a fluorophore-labeled reporter sequence and (2) a hairpin-forming sequence capable of forming a stem-loop. Formation of the stem-loop modifies (e.g., quenching) the fluorescence signals of the reporter sequence when the reporter sequence is hybridized to the oligonucleotide. This can be achieved, for example, by bringing one or more guanine based in the oligonucleotide into close proximity to the fluorophore(s) of the reporter sequence by virtue of the formation of the stem-loop. Disruption of the stem-loop, such as by hybridization of a target sequence to at least part of the hairpin-forming sequence, produces a detectable change in the fluorescence signals.

Abstract: The invention provides novel oligonucleotides and methods of using the same for detection or measurement of specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention also features nucleic acid arrays comprising the oligonucleotides of the invention. An oligonucleotide of the invention comprises (1) a reporter-binding sequence capable of hybridizing to a fluorrophore-labeled reporter sequence and (2) a hairpin-forming sequence capable of forming a stem-loop. Formation of the stem-loop modifies (e.g., quenching) the fluorescence signals of the reporter sequence when the reporter sequence is hybridized to the oligonucleotide. This can be achieved, for example, by bringing one or more guanine based in the oligonucleotide into close proximity to the fluorophore(s) of the reporter sequence by virtue of the formation of the stem-loop. Disruption of the stem-loop, such as by hybridization of a target sequence to at least part of the hairpin-forming sequence, produces a detectable change in the fluorescence signals.

Abstract: The invention provides novel oligonucleotides and methods of using the same for detection or measurement of specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention also features nucleic acid arrays comprising the oligonucleotides of the invention. An oligonucleotide of the invention comprises (1) a reporter-binding sequence capable of hybridizing to a fluorrophore-labeled reporter sequence and (2) a hairpin-forming sequence capable of forming a stem-loop. Formation of the stem-loop modifies (e.g., quenching) the fluorescence signals of the reporter sequence when the reporter sequence is hybridized to the oligonucleotide. This can be achieved, for example, by bringing one or more guanine based in the oligonucleotide into close proximity to the fluorophore(s) of the reporter sequence by virtue of the formation of the stem-loop. Disruption of the stem-loop, such as by hybridization of a target sequence to at least part of the hairpin-forming sequence, produces a detectable change in the fluorescence signals.

Abstract: A microparticulate beta-glucan is used as a vaccine adjuvant for animals and humans, binding to glucan receptors on a variety of phagocytic cells to enhance their immunological functions. The particles contain about 1-10% partially deacetylated N-acetylglucosamine and are predominantly 0.3-3 microns in diameter, preferably 1-2 microns in diameter, to cause the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells (APC's).

Abstract: An improved method for purifying glucan to small particle size glucan and drying the glucan to a solid such that the glucan may be re-hydrated and maintain substantially maintain a particle size of one micron or less so that it may be used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and pharmacological compositions where a dry material is desired such that a greater immunological benefit may be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining plastic profile members together, particularly to form picture frames. The profile members are held in place by fixture members against a locator member. The locator member is withdrawn and a heated blade positioned between the ends of the profile members. The profile members are moved against the thin blade and the end surfaces are heated to an elevated temperature. The blade is removed and the ends are welded together. During a cooling period, the retracted blade can be cleaned as desired by a blade cleaning mechanism. After the joined profiles are removed, the members are returned to positions to begin another cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining plastic profile members together, particularly to form picture frames. The profile members are held in place by fixture members against a locator member. The locator member is withdrawn and a heated blade positioned between the ends of the profile members. The profile members are moved against the thin blade and the end surfaces are heated to an elevated temperature. The blade is removed and the ends are welded together. During a cooling period, the retracted blade can be cleaned as desired by a blade cleaning mechanism. After the joined profiles are removed, the members are returned to positions to begin another cycle.

Abstract: An array of molecular chains is added to a dielectric material between two electrodes of a capacitive affinity sensor. Such an array of molecular chains greatly changes dielectric properties between the two electrodes to greatly enhance sensitivity of the sensor. In a sensor using direct binding, a viral fragment is bound to the sensor's surface. A molecular chain, comprising an anti-viral antibody, an anti-human antibody, and a protein molecule, binds to the viral fragment. In a sensor using competitive binding a hapten is bound to the sensor's surface. A molecular chain, comprising an antibody with attached aliphatic hydrocarbons, binds to the hapten. A free analyte competes with the hapten to bind with the antibody.

Abstract: Novel monoclonal antibodies are disclosed, the production of which is specified by particular genes contained, conveniently, in biologically pure cultures of self-reproducing carrier cells, such as, but not limited to, ATCC HB 8297 and ATCC HB 8298, such antibodies being reactive with at least part of endotoxin core of Gram-negative bacteria. Processes of prepaU.S. GOVERNMENT RIGHTSThe invention described herein may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the U.S. Government for governmental purposes only without the payment to the inventors of any royalties thereon.

Abstract: A human monoclonal antibody produced by a self-reproducing carrier cell, antibody being reactive with PRP capsular polysaccharide. Also disclosed is a process of preparing the antibody from the carrier cell, which is conveniently a hybridoma. Additionally, diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic compositions and methods employing the antibody are disclosed. Moreover, a laboratory reagent containing the antibody is described.

Abstract: An antibody-based bioassay for enzyme-inducing chemicals is disclosed. The percent induction of an enzyme or class of related enzymes in living cells by an enzyme-inducing chemical in a sample is determined before and after the addition to the sample of an antibody to the chemical. The concentration of the chemical before and after the addition of the antibody is determined by comparison to the percent induction by known concentrations of the chemical. This permits the determination of the concentration of the chemical in the sample.

Abstract: A human monoclonal antibody produced by a self-reproducing carrier cell, the antibody being reactive with PRP capsular polysaccharide. Also disclosed is a process of preparing the antibody from the carrier cell, which is conveniently a hybridoma. Additionally, diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic compositions and methods employing the antibody are disclosed. Moreover, a laboratory reagent containing the antibody is described.