Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing a test sample for use in an assay for detecting an analyte bound by an intracellular ligand. The methods typically involve contacting the test sample with an assay reagent comprising: a lysis reagent; and a protease that has proteolytic activity for said intracellular ligand; to form a mixture compatible for use in an immunoassay without subsequent extraction steps. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: A timing management node that assigns and adjusts timeout values for a time-constrained complex distributed system based on the nature of a system request, preferences of a customer furnishing a system request, and/or a current state of a complex distributed system. A timing management node evaluates information regarding a system request and information regarding a current state of a complex distributed system to generate timing requirements for the system request. Timing requirements are compiled in a timing policy messager and passed amongst nodes of a complex distributed system with process flow. Timing requirements may be revised during request processing to reflect events that have occurred within the distributed system. A timing policy message contains a timeout value and a total time elapsed parameter for a system request, to permit a complex distributed system to make smarter processing decisions based on a known time remaining to process the given system request.

Abstract: A prank call server that performs 911 prank call filtering over a 911 emergency call system, prior to routing a 911 call to a PSAP. The inventive prank call server identifies prank calling devices, regardless of current service subscription, by retrieving and analyzing emergency call data pertaining to detected prank 911 calls. The prank call server assigns a unique global identifier to each 911 call detected on the 911 emergency call system. Unique global identifiers enable a PSAP to uniquely identify prank 911 calls that are identified thereon. A PSAP transmits a prank call signal and a relevant unique global identifier to the prank call server, for each prank 911 call that is detected. A prank call signal/unique global identifier combination triggers the prank call server to store all available call data for a referenced prank 911 call in to a prank call database, for subsequent prank call filtering analysis.

Abstract: A composition comprising neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), which has been enriched from urine, has a molecular weight of about 24.9 kDa to about 25.9 kDa, and comprises a plurality of isoforms having isoelectric points (pIs) ranging from about 5.9 to about 9.1; a composition comprising NGAL, which has been enriched from recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, has a molecular weight of about 25.9 kDa to about 27.9 kDa, and comprises a plurality of isoforms having pIs ranging from about 5.6 to about 9.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing a test sample for use in an assay for detecting an analyte bound by an intracellular ligand. The methods typically involve contacting the test sample with an assay reagent comprising: a lysis reagent; and a protease that has proteolytic activity for said intracellular ligand; to form a mixture compatible for use in an immunoassay without subsequent extraction steps. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing a test sample for use in an assay for detecting an analyte bound by an intracellular ligand. The methods typically involve contacting the test sample with an assay reagent comprising: a lysis reagent; and a protease that has proteolytic activity for said intracellular ligand; to form a mixture compatible for use in an immunoassay without subsequent extraction steps. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: The invention provides a lysis reagent and method for preparing a test sample for use in an assay, wherein the method yields a homogeneous lysis mixture suitable for use in automated pipetting systems without the need for a centrifugation step. The lysis reagent includes a glycol and an alcohol. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: An improved extractive reagent composition and method for extracting an immunosuppressant drug, such as sirolimus, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, from blood samples while yielding a test sample extract that has low vapor pressure and is compatible with immunoassay components. The inventive reagent composition comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at least one divalent metal salt and water. The sample extracts resulting from use of each of these combinations have low vapor pressure and are compatible with immunochemistry assays.

Abstract: The invention provides a lysis reagent and method for preparing a test sample for use in an assay, wherein the method yields a homogeneous lysis mixture suitable for use in automated pipetting systems without the need for a centrifugation step. The lysis reagent includes a glycol and an alcohol. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: An improved extractive reagent composition and method for extracting an immunosuppressant drug, such as sirolimus, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, from blood samples while yielding a test sample extract that has low vapor pressure and is compatible with immunoassay components. The inventive reagent composition comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at least one divalent metal salt and water. The sample extracts resulting from use of each of these combinations have low vapor pressure and are compatible with immunochemistry assays.

Abstract: Engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and specifically to their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease.

Abstract: A composition comprising neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), which has been enriched from urine, has a molecular weight of about 24.9 kDa to about 25.9 kDa, and comprises a plurality of isoforms having isoelectric points (pIs) ranging from about 5.9 to about 9.1; a composition comprising NGAL, which has been enriched from recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, has a molecular weight of about 25.9 kDa to about 27.9 kDa, and comprises a plurality of isoforms having pIs ranging from about 5.6 to about 9.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing a test sample for use in an assay for detecting an analyte bound by an intracellular ligand. The methods typically involve contacting the test sample with an assay reagent comprising: a lysis reagent; and a protease that has proteolytic activity for said intracellular ligand; to form a mixture compatible for use in an immunoassay without subsequent extraction steps. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: The invention provides a lysis reagent and method for preparing a test sample for use in an assay, wherein the method yields a homogeneous lysis mixture suitable for use in automated pipetting systems without the need for a centrifugation step. The lysis reagent includes a glycol and an alcohol. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: An improved extractive reagent composition and method for extracting an immunosuppressant drug, such as sirolimus, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, from blood samples while yielding a test sample extract that has low vapor pressure and is compatible with immunoassay components. The inventive reagent composition comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at least one divalent metal salt and water. The sample extracts resulting from use of each of these combinations have low vapor pressure and are compatible with immunochemistry assays.