Abstract: This invention relates generally to a volumetric pipet used to make a volumetric measurement and transfer a measured amount of liquid. More specifically the invention relates to a pipet that fills from the top, works well with automated systems because it does not require positioning devices or a supply of suction, is easy to rinse and rinses upon filling, and meets the precision requirements of class A volumetric glassware. The pipette of the invention may include a chamber for manipulation of the liquid before pipetting. The pipet is capable of delivering a repeatable predetermined volume of fluid, fills from the top and dispenses from the bottom, which eliminates a need for suction to fill the pipet. The pipet does not trap air in the measuring chamber and works without any valves making contact the sample liquid in the measuring chamber.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis or prognosis of late onset Alzheimer disease in an individual are provided which comprise detecting at least one polymorphism of a low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 6 gene.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing stem cells, hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells, mesenchymal progenitor/stem cells, mesodermal progenitor/stem cells, muscle progenitor/stem cells, or neural progenitor/stem cells in vivo in a mammalian subject. Methods are also provided for treating an immune related disease, a mesenchymal/mesoderm degenerative disease, or a neurodegenerative disease in a mammalian subject in need thereof.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention provides expression vectors comprising: (a) a first RNA polymerase III promoter operably associated with a first RNA polymerase III termination signal and (b) a second RNA polymerase III promoter operably associated with a second RNA polymerase III termination signal, wherein the first and second RNA polymerase III promoters are oriented to promote bidirectional transcription of an insert disposed between the first and the second RNA polymerase III termination signals. In other aspects, the invention provide methods for using these expression vectors for inhibiting expression of target genes, for determining the effect of siRNAs on biological processes, and for identifying siRNAs that affect biological processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flow through pipet for sample measurement. The pipet of the invention has a body defining an interior space for receiving a fluid. The drain line is provided to drain fluid above a drain line inlet, thereby establishing a repeatable upper fluid level in the body. A dispense valve on the lower end of the body selectively permit dispensing of the fluid from the body. A restriction member may be located in the interior space of the body for defining a passageway. The drain line inlet may communicate with the passageway to establish a smaller surface area for an upper surface of the fluid, thereby minimizing a variance in the fluid level. A vent line vents gas from the measuring chamber during filling of a fluid. The pipet of the invention is particularly suitable for use in an automated system due to the top fill feature, which eliminates the need for cycling back and forth between a fill vessel and a dispense vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flow through pipet for sample measurement. The pipet of the invention has a body defining an interior space for receiving a fluid. The drain line is provided to drain fluid above a drain line inlet, thereby establishing a repeatable upper fluid level in the body. A dispense valve on the lower end of the body selectively permit dispensing of the fluid from the body. A restriction member may be located in the interior space of the body for defining a passageway. The drain line inlet may communicate with the passageway to establish a smaller surface area for an upper surface of the fluid, thereby minimizing a variance in the fluid level. A vent line vents gas from the measuring chamber during filling of a fluid. The pipet of the invention is particularly suitable for use in an automated system due to the top fill feature, which eliminates the need for cycling back and forth between a fill vessel and a dispense vessel.