Abstract: The invention in part provides nucleic acid-based assays, which are particularly useful for non-invasive prenatal testing. The invention in part provides compositions and methods for RhD typing, detecting the presence of fetal nucleic in a sample, determining the relative amount of fetal nucleic acid in a sample and determining the sex of a fetus, wherein each of the assays may be performed alone or in combination.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying a ligand that binds to a macromolecular target. The methods involve (a) attaching an antenna moiety to a first ligand, wherein the ligand binds specifically to a macromolecular target; (b) providing a sample comprising the macromolecular target, the first ligand and a candidate second ligand under conditions wherein the first ligand and the macromolecular target form a bound complex; (c) detecting a subset of magnetization transfer signals between the antenna moiety of the first ligand and the second candidate ligand, wherein the signals are obtained from an isotope edited NOESY spectrum of the sample; thereby determining that the two ligands are proximal in a bound complex, and identifying a second ligand that binds to the macromolecular target.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying a ligand that binds to a macromolecular target. The methods involve (a) attaching an antenna moiety to a first ligand, wherein the ligand binds specifically to a macromolecular target; (b) providing a sample comprising the macromolecular target, the first ligand and a candidate second ligand under conditions wherein the first ligand and the macromolecular target form a bound complex; (c) detecting a subset of magnetization transfer signals between the antenna moiety of the first ligand and the second candidate ligand, wherein the signals are obtained from an isotope edited NOESY spectrum of the sample; thereby determining that the two ligands are proximal in a bound complex, and identifying a second ligand that binds to the macromolecular target.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining a binding compound for a protein family, wherein the members of the protein family bind a common ligand. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a sample containing a protein from the protein family, a first ligand and a second ligand under conditions wherein the first ligand, the second ligand and the protein form a bound complex; (b) detecting magnetization transfer between the first ligand and the second ligand in the bound complex, thereby determining that the two ligands are proximal in the bound complex; and (c) obtaining a candidate binding compound including the first ligand, or a fragment thereof linked to the second ligand, or a homolog thereof, whereby the population contains binding compounds that bind to members of the protein family.

Abstract: The invention in part provides nucleic acid-based assays, which are particularly useful for non-invasive prenatal testing. The invention in part provides compositions and methods for RhD typing, detecting the presence of fetal nucleic in a sample, determining the relative amount of fetal nucleic acid in a sample and determining the sex of a fetus, wherein each of the assays may be performed alone or in combination.

Abstract: Conformationally constrained compounds which mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins having the following structure are disclosed: wherein A, B, X, R1, and R5 are as defined herein. Such compounds have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, compounds of this invention are useful in pharmaceutical compositions as anti-inflammatory agents as well as inhibitors of central nervous disorders. Libraries containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed, as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members.

Abstract: Conformationally constrained compounds which mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins having the following structure are disclosed: 1

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining a binding compound for a protein family, wherein the members of the protein family bind a common ligand. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a sample containing a protein from the protein family, a first ligand and a second ligand under conditions wherein the first ligand, the second ligand and the protein form a bound complex; (b) detecting magnetization transfer between the first ligand and the second ligand in the bound complex, thereby determining that the two ligands are proximal in the bound complex; and (c) obtaining a candidate binding compound including the first ligand, or a fragment thereof linked to the second ligand, or a homolog thereof, whereby the population contains binding compounds that bind to members of the protein family.

Abstract: The eye glass frame is comprised of a pair of rims for receiving the lenses; side temples connected at one end to the outside edge of each rim, each side temple formed to rest behind the wearer's ears; and at least one supporting member attached to the side temple for securing the eye glass frame to the wearer's hair to properly position the lenses relative to the wearer's eyes. The glass frame may have several supporting members, which have several alternative configurations. That is, the supporting member may be comprised of at least one joint member attached to the side temple, and at least one head seating member formed at the free end of the joint member. The supporting member may be further comprised of at least one connecting member provided between the joint member and the head seating member. The head seating member has several alternative configurations.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for easing the insertion and placement of an arterial catheter in the blood vessel of a patient. The assembly includes the combination of an insertion needle and guide tube which pass through the lumen of a catheter, and prior to use extends slightly out of the distal end of the catheter. The needle, in turn, extends slightly out of the distal end of the guide tube and serves to make the initial insertion through the skin and into the blood vessel. Once initial insertion is made, as indicated by blood "flash back" to the transparent needle hub, the guide tube is advanced through the catheter to provide a tracking path for the catheter. Once the distal end of the catheter has followed the guide tube path, the guide tube and needle are withdrawn. A feature of the invention is a guide tube slide arrangement for controlling the advance and retraction of the guide tube.