Abstract: A panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing and binding to human inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS or type II iNOS) enzyme have been developed. The monoclonal antibodies may also be employed in an assay to detect the presence and/or quantitate the amount of human iNOS.

Abstract: Processes for preparing controlled samples of particles, including microorganisms and cells are described. A sample of particles is provided and separated into a predetermined number of desired particles by particle separation means. The predetermined number of particles is dispensed into a receptacle or onto a surface in accordance with a sorting instruction, with the receptacle or surface being positioned by collecting means so as to receive the dispensed particles. A sorting instruction from the particle dispensing means activates the collecting means such that when a sorting instruction has been actuated, so as to deliver a predetermined number of particles into a receptacle or onto a surface which is positioned accurately for sufficient time to collect all sorted particles, the collecting means advances and positions a subsequent surface or receptacle for receipt of particles, the collector means thereafter signaling the particle separation means to commence the next sorting instruction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting biological analytes comprising suspending a target analyte in a suspending solution containing polymeric particles marked with a probe, wherein the probe has an affinity for said target analyte; adding recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker to the suspending solution; forming a complex of the target analyte, the polymeric particles marked with a probe, and the recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker; contacting a gelatin surface with the suspending solution; adding developer to the suspending solution in contact with the gelatin surface in the presence of phenol to attach the complex to the gelatin surface; washing the gelatin surface; and detecting the complex attached to the gelatin surface.

Abstract: The invention teaches derivatives of mycophenolic alcohol and methods of preparing immunogens and other conjugates useful in immunoassays for quantitatively measuring concentrations of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and/or active metabolites of MPA in patient specimens. Antibodies produced from the disclosed immunogens capable of binding to MPA with cross-reactivity of no more than 5% with inactive metabolites and commonly co-prescribed drugs. Further, immunoassays for measuring the concentration of MPA using such antibodies are taught.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay for the identification of agents which can modulate TOR-mediated phosphorylation of substrate proteins. The assays of the invention utilize substrate proteins whose amino acid sequence contains the Ser/Thr motif recognized by TOR. Naturally occurring TOR which may be used in the methods of the invention include TOR isolated from a variety of species, particularly mammalian tissues.

Abstract: Test system for the determination of in-vivo active hemostasis proteases or of trypsin or subtilisin in biological fluids and the usage thereof to determine the in-vivo activation of hemostasis or to diagnose pancreatitis.

Abstract: The application discloses markers associated with organ transplant rejection and associated conditions, and in particular provides materials and methods for the diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of chronic rejection of transplanted organ such as heart and kidney. Examples of the markers include ribosomal protein L7, ?-transducin, 1-TRAF (also known as TANK) or lysyl-tRNA synthetase, or antibodies against these antigens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining whether a woman has, or is likely to develop, ovarian cancer based upon assays of the alpha subunit of haptoglobin.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to screen for a modulator of enzymatic activity comprising the step of monitoring the association or dissociation of a pair of polypeptides which can associate as a dimer. The polypeptide pair comprises a first polypeptide comprising detection means and a site of post-translational modification and a second polypeptide comprising detection means.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample suspected of containing any one of a plurality of the analytes. A combination is provided comprising in a medium (i) the sample, (ii) a binding partner for each of the analytes, (iii) for each of the analytes, a first reagent comprising a member of a signal producing system, a ligand and an analyte analog, and (iv) a second reagent comprising a binding partner for the ligand. The binding of the binding partner for the ligand is affected by the presence of an analyte and alters the amount of signal produced by the member of the signal producing system. The signal thus is modulated if one or more of the analytes are present in the sample. The amount of the signal is determined and is related to the presence of one or more of the analytes in the sample. The method may be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of particle separation comprising preparing a suspension of particles containing at least one recognizable target particle in a suspending solution, labeling the target particle with a conjugate marker, wherein the conjugate marker comprises at least one recognition unit for the recognizable target particle and at least one peroxidase enzyme, contacting a gelatin surface with the suspending solution, adding developer to the suspending solution in contact with the gelatin surface and in the presence of phenol to attach the target particle to the gelatin surface, and washing the gelatin surface to remove unattached particles. The method may also include detecting the presence of the target particle on the gelatin surface as well as detaching and recovering the attached particles after removal of the non-target particles.

Abstract: ?-diketone fluorescent tags are disclosed, particularly those enabling the use of excitation energy in the near visible or visible spectrum. In some cases, these tags allow the use of cost-effective excitation devices such as LED's. The compounds form fluorescent chelates (complexes) with lanthanide (III) rare earth metal ions (such as Eu3+). The fluorescent complex may be included in a latex microparticle, such as a styrene latex particle. Ideally, the complex has an absorption maximum ? equal to or greater than 360 nm, and the compound is characterized by a pKa<9.0. Kits and methods for detecting target molecules (e.g. immunoassays) are also disclosed. Such methods and kits typically use a ligand for binding to the target molecule and a labeling agent attached to the ligand. The fluorescent complexes described above are at least part of the labeling agent.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample suspected of containing any one of a plurality of the analytes. A combination is provided comprising in a medium (i) the sample, (ii) a binding partner for each of the analytes, (iii) for each of the analytes, a first reagent comprising a member of a signal producing system, a ligand and an analyte analog, and (iv) a second reagent comprising a binding partner for the ligand. The binding of the binding partner for the ligand is affected by the presence of an analyte and alters the amount of signal produced by the member of the signal producing system. The signal thus is modulated if one or more of the analytes are present in the sample. The amount of the signal is determined and is related to the presence of one or more of the analytes in the sample. The method may be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Abstract: The invention relates to assays for measuring ubiquitin ligase activity and for identifying modulators of ubiquitin ligase enzymes.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining the prethrombotic state, in particular determining an amount or presence of circulating microparticles and/or stimulated procoagulant cells.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for detecting and isolating sugarcane proteins that interact with the HC-Pro and P1 proteins of SrMV and other proteins involved in gene silencing, particularly in sugarcane. The method uses a two hybrid assay with an HC-Pro, P1, or other silencing-related protein-containing bait protein and a prey protein containing a polypeptide encoded by a DNA molecule in a cDNA library. The method also includes identification of false positives through reverse two-hybrid assays and using in vitro techniques such as farwestern blots or pull down assays where plant physiological conditions may be replicated. Finally, interactions may be confirmed in planta. Some novel proteins used in and discovered using the these methods are also identified. Methods of using viral and plant proteins to regulate silencing in plants such as sugarcane are also discussed.

Abstract: A novel chemiluminescent compound is provided. In one embodiment, the novel compound is employed in an assay to detect analytes. The assay to detect analytes includes the steps of binding the novel compound to the analyte and detecting the novel compound.

Abstract: The instant invention describes an analytical assay to accurately measure an analyte in the presence of an interfering substance.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for assaying for ubiquitin agents that are enzymatic components of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and, more particularly, methods and compositions for assaying for agents that modulate the activity of such ubiquitin agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of novel in vivo combinatorial enzyme complexes for use in screening candidate drug agents for bioactivity.

Abstract: When insoluble magnetic carrier particles are used in immunoassay, a method is provided which is suitable for saving labor and for treating a large number of samples within a short time while avoiding problems including difficulties in the stability of sensitized insoluble magnetic particles and in their preparation. In assaying an antigenic substance in test samples, no use is made of insoluble magnetic particles carrying an antibody specific to the said antigenic substance but insoluble magnetic carrier particles are provided in a state free from adsorbing said antibody, etc. Then the antigenic substance per se to be assayed is adsorbed on the insoluble magnetic carrier particles followed by reaction with a labeled antibody specific to the said adsorbed antigenic substance. Thus, the antigenic substance in the test sample can be efficiently assayed in a mode suitable for automation.

Abstract: The invention provides a scintillation proximity assay for detecting peptidoglycan synthesis. The assay is especially suitable for high throughput screening of compounds affecting peptidoglycan synthesis.

Abstract: A method for the multiplexed diagnostic and genetic analysis of enzymes, DNA fragments, antibodies, and other biomolecules comprises the steps of constructing an appropriately labeled beadset, exposing the beadset to a clinical sample, and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify, in real-time, beads within an exposed beadset and textual explanations, based on the accumulated data obtained during real-time analysis, are generated for the user. The inventive technology enables the simultaneous, and automated, detection and interpretation of multiple biomolecules or DNA sequences in real-time while also reducing the cost of performing diagnostic and genetic assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay for an analyte in solution. The assay relies, in part, on associating two catalytic activities in close proximity to each other (e.g., by conjugating each enzyme to a ligand that binds the analyte) and providing substrates that produce a colored product only when both activities are bound to the same molecule in solution.

Abstract: An isolated protein sequence or peptide from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding region of human papillomavirus (HPV) that is soluble in an aqueous medium, and characterized by a relative paucity of tryptophan, methionine and cysteine residues, and a relative abundance of glycine and asparagine residues. Also disclosed are isolated protein sequences or peptides from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding regions of HPV 16 and 18 and methodologies for detecting or diagnosing cancer or cellular abnormalities. Detection or diagnosis of Cancer or cellular abnormalities may include detecting or diagnosing pre-cancerous or pre-malignant conditions, cervical dysplasia, cervical carcinoma, koilocytosis, hyperkeratosis, intraepithelial lesions, and other cancers.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for assaying for ubiquitin agents that are enzymatic components of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and, more particularly, methods and compositions for assaying for agents that modulate the activity of such ubiquitin agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of bacterial transglycosylase reactions. The invention is directed to methods for assaying for transglycosylase activity, methods of identifying inhibitors of transglycosylase activity, inhibitors identified by such methods, and methods of identifying the stage of inhibition at which such inhibitors act.

Abstract: A method for the assay of N samples each containing a compound to be tested, comprises providing N reaction vessels each containing a population of carrier beads and other reagents for performing the assay, where N is at least 2 e.g. 80-4000. Each population of carrier beads is distinguishable from every other population. After adding the samples to the reaction vessels and performing the assays, the contents of all the reaction vessels are mixed and subjected to analysis by flow cytometry. By means of flow cytometry, each carrier bead is rapidly analysed to identify its population and also to determine the presence or concentration or biological activity of the compound to be tested.

Abstract: Methods of using a complex (scuPA/suPAR) which has thrombolytic activity under physiological conditions and in the presence of IgG, or of at least one IgG-derived peptide, which complex comprises a single chain urokinase type plasminogen activator (scuPA) and a soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), for the treatment and/or prevention of thromboembolic disorders associated with the formation of fibrin clots are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection and quantitation 8-OH-Ade in biological specimens. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a group of highly specific monoclonal antibodies reactive with the modified nucleoside structure 8-OH-Ade, and to various immunoassays for 8-OH-Ade utilizing these monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention may be used in assays for diagnosing or monitoring the progression of certain types of cancer, in addition to a variety of other diseases associated with mutagenesis resulting from oxidative damage of DNA. Assays utilizing the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention may also be used to analyze or monitor toxicant exposure, such as from environmental sources. The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention were prepared with the immunogen 8-OH-adenosine coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), not to 8-OH-Ade directly.

Abstract: A microorganism mixture consisting of a first microorganism that secretes a substance upon perception of an environmental factor and a second microorganism that expresses a marker gene upon perception of the secreted substance is disclosed. The present invention provides a means for measuring environmental factors, such as osmotic pressure, simply and with high accuracy.

Abstract: A humanized antibody that binds to human 4-1BB and that allows binding of human 4-1BB to a human 4-1BB ligand. In one aspect, the antibody is an IgG4 antibody. Also provided is a method for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to said subject.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for assessing the risk of peptic ulcer by determining the presence and topographic phenotype of gastritis in an individual, by determining quantitatively the pepsinogen I and gastin-17 concentrations in a serum sample from the said individual, selecting a method-specific reference value and cut-off value for respective analyte, assessing the topography and phenotype of gastritis based on a comparison of the pepsinogen I and gastrin-17 concentrations so determined with their respective method-specific reference and cut-off values, and correlating the so assessed gastritis phenotype with the risk for peptic ulcer. Preferably also Helicobacter antibodies are determined in the sample.

Abstract: An analytical system for rapid detection and identification of different analytes directly from a test sample by mixing test material with a germinogenic source and enzyme-free spores, allowing the mixture to stand for a time to allow analyte-induced spore germination and subsequent de novo activity of an enzyme capable of producing a germinant in the presence of the germinogenic source and detecting the presence of a germination-derived product. The germinant which is formed promotes further spore germination with concomitant additional de novo enzyme synthesis or activation which results in a propagating cascade of analyte-independent germination after which a germination-derived product can be easily detected. The technique is particularly efficient to conduct thousands of parallel assays in an array of microscopic wells.

Abstract: The use of an assay for adenylate kinase in an in vitro test for the effect of external conditions on the growth characteristics of bacterial cells. Such tests in particular include tests for the sensivity of a bacteria to an antibiotic or a biostatic agent, and tests to assess the growth stage and health of the bacteria. Methods of carrying out these tests and kits for effecting them are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for producing biosensors and a biosensor for determination of creatinine. The biosensor comprises at least two enzymes, for the amperometric determination of enzymatically degradable substances in biological liquids, the enzymes being immobilized on a working electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid, quantitative, specific, high through-put methods for screening test substances for their ability to inhibit activity of an ouabain-resistant Na+-K+-ATPase involved in a variety of biological processes such as regulation of osmotic balance and cell volume, maintenance of the resting membrane potential, establishment of the ionic composition of cerebrospinal fluid and aqueous humor, electrical activity of muscle and nerve, and receptor-mediated endocytosis, cardiac muscle contractility, neurotransmitter metabolism and vascular muscle cell contraction. These methods can be employed to identify compounds for use in therapeutic applications for disease processes in which dysfunction of the Na+-K+-ATPase contributes to a pathological process. The present invention also includes kits which are used in the methods provided herein.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample suspected of containing any one of a plurality of the analytes. A combination is provided comprising in a medium (i) the sample, (ii) a binding partner for each of the analytes, (iii) for each of the analytes, a first reagent comprising a member of a signal producing system, a ligand and an analyte analog, and (iv) a second reagent comprising a binding partner for the ligand. The binding of the binding partner for the ligand is affected by the presence of an analyte and alters the amount of signal produced by the member of the signal producing system. The signal thus is modulated if one or more of the analytes are present in the sample. The amount of the signal is determined and is related to the presence of one or more of the analytes in the sample. The method may be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Abstract: A competitive assay to determine the presence and concentration of an intracellular analyte (e.g., cAMP) in a sample is provided. All of the steps of the assay can be performed on the same assay plate, thereby eliminating the need to transfer the cells from a tissue culture plate on which the cells are grown, induced and lysed to a separate assay plate. The assay procedure includes combining, in a reaction chamber provided with a capture antibody, an antibody for the analyte, the sample to be assayed, and a conjugate of the analyte and an enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase. The mixture is incubated and washed and an enzyme labile substrate (e.g., a chemiluminescent, fluorescent or calorimetric substrate) is added. The assay can also be performed with a tagged analyte (e.g., an analyte having a radioactive or fluorescent tag) instead of an enzyme conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor, which can be found in body fluids of animals including but not limited to the cow, cat, dog, horse, human, sheep, and pig. The invention provides methods for detecting conception or the absence of conception in an animal, the latter being recognized by the absence of early conception factor in a suitable body fluid collected from the animal. Apparati for detecting early conception factor in a body fluid from an animal comprising the antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleotide coding sequences and polypeptide sequences for synaptic activation binding proteins that are characterized by induction in the central nervous system following neuronal activity in rat hippocampus. Such proteins are identified by (i) substantial homology at the nucleotide or protein sequence level to specifically defined rat, human or mouse coding sequences or proteins, (ii) ability to bind to and affect the activity of effector proteins in the CNS, such as metabotropic glutamate receptors, (iii) binding specificity for a particular binding sequence, and (iv) presence in the sequence of a PDZ-like domain. Nucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful in screening and diagnostic assays.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide useful for specific amplification of HCV RNA, or highly sensitive detection and identification of HCV RNA, and a combination thereof. A detection method using RNA amplification step, wherein the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 11 is used as a first primer and the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 6 or 7 as a second primer, the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 12 is used as a first primer and the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 7 as a second primer, or the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 13 is used as a first primer and the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 9 as a second primer.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate for lysing calls and purifying nucleic acid having a matrix and a coating and an integrity maintainer for maintaining the purified nucleic acid. Also provided is a method of purifying nucleic acid by applying a nucleic acid sample to a substrate having an anionic detergent affixed to a matrix, the substrate physically capturing the nucleic acid, bonding the nucleic acid to a substrate and generating a signal when the nucleic acid bonds to the substrate indicating the presence of the nucleic acid. A kit for purifying nucleic acid containing a coated matrix and an integrity maintenance provider for preserving the matrix and purifying nucleic acid is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to assays for measuring ubiquitin ligase activity and for identifying modulators of ubiquitin ligase enzymes.

Abstract: The invention relates to assays for measuring ubiquitin ligase activity and for identifying modulators of ubiquitin ligase enzymes.

Abstract: An isolated chemokine is disclosed. The isolated chemokine is expressed preferentially in breast tissue or can be detected in breast milk. It includes from about 100 to about 132 amino acids, has a deduced molecular weight of from about 10 to about 16 kDa, and has a deduced isoionic point of from about pH 10.1 to about pH 10.7. Antibodies and binding portions thereof recognizing the subject chemokine and peptides which include the antigenic portions of the subject chemokines are described. DNA molecules which encode the subject chemokines as well as nucleic acid molecules which, under stringent conditions, hybridize to nucleic acid molecules encoding the subject chemokines or to a complement thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring a level of pyridinoline and/or deoxypyridinoline in a sample. In the method, a non-hydrolyzed sample containing one or more peptide-bound collagen pyridinium crosslinks selected from the group consisting of pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, or both, is contacted with a protease reagent under conditions effective for the protease reagent to cleave the crosslinks from attached collagen amino acids and peptides, so that peptide-bound forms are converted to native, peptide-free pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. After proteolysis, the level(s) of native, peptide-free pyridinoline and/or deoxypyridinoline are measured. Preferably, proteolysis is effective to ensure that at least 80% of total pyridinium crosslinks are present as the native, peptide-free forms. The method is particularly useful in screening or monitoring collagen degradation activity. Kits and reagents for use in the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in vitro method to conduct genomic replication of the viral genomes of viruses that utilize RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication (RDRP viruses), such as HCV. The method employs a construct comprising the 3′ and 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the viral genome which are operably linked on the 5′ and 3′ ends of a reporter sequence, in antisense orientation, such that when viral replication is occurring within the cell which produces RDRP, the reporter protein will be made. The method of the invention provides an efficient means for measuring genomic replication in RDRP viruses, and also for the rapid screening of compounds for their ability to inhibit genomic replication of RDRP viruses, including the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioassay materials useful for the detection of toxic substances and, more particularly, to packaging materials for food and other products, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The invention provides a unique composite material capable of detecting and identifying multiple biological materials within a single package. The biological material identification system is designed for incorporation into existing types of flexible packaging material such as polyvinylchloride or polyolefin films, and its introduction into the existing packaging infrastructure will require little or no change to present systems or procedures.