Abstract: A microperifusion system includes at least one perifusate reservoir module having N receptacles and at least one port to communicate a pressurizing gas into or out from the respective perifusate reservoir module. A corresponding perifusion chamber module having M microperifusion channels is mechanically coupleable to at least one perifusate reservoir module to thereby form, when coupled, a sealed fluid communication between a selected first number of the N receptacles and a selected second number of the microperifusion channels. A control system module is coupleable to each perifusate reservoir and each perifusion chamber to control a flow of pressuring gas communicated into or out from the perifusate reservoir sense an effect of a microperifusion test operation occurring in each microperifusion channel.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting genomic sequencing, the method comprising storing a set of user application programs wherein each of the programs requires an application specific subset of data, for each of a plurality of patients that have cancerous cells and that receive cancer treatment, obtaining clinical records data in original forms including cancer state information, treatment types and treatment efficacy information, storing the clinical records data in a semi-structured first database, for each patient, using a genomic sequencer to generate genomic sequencing data for the patient's cancerous cells and normal cells, storing the sequencing data in the first database, shaping at least a subset of the first database data to generate system structured data including clinical record data and sequencing data wherein the system structured data is optimized for searching, storing the system structured data in a second database, for each user application program, selecting the application specific subset o

Abstract: Tissue and other body structures may be protected using a hydrated composition made from free-flowing substantially collagen-free rehydratable polysaccharide particles and rehydratable polysaccharide sponges. Rehydration of the particles without clumping may be carried out be dispersing the particles in a biocompatible water-miscible polar dispersant such as ethanol and combining the dispersion with sufficient aqueous solvent for the particles to convert them to a cohesive hydrogel. The hydrated composition may assist in returning an injured, inflamed or surgically repaired surface to a normal state, e.g., through one or more healing mechanisms such as modulation of an inflammatory response, phagocytosis, mucosal remodeling, reciliation or other full or partial restoration of normal function.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders.

Abstract: Both a column having high-pressure resistance and capable of performing high-speed separation and analysis even with a small flow rate and a liquid chromatograph apparatus using the column are provided. A separation column according to the present invention has a monolithic rod being arranged in the center, being made of a porous material, and having a circular cross section, a filler layer arranged such that it encircles a circumferential surface of the monolithic rod, and a cylindrical support medium arranged outside the filler layer. The filler layer is formed by filling a tube-like gap between the monolithic rod and the support medium with particles or beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel MDCK cells which can be to grow viruses, e.g., influenza viruses, in cell culture to higher titer than previously possible. The MDCK cells can be adapted to serum-free culture medium. The present invention further relates to cell culture compositions comprising the MDCK cells and cultivation methods for growing the MDCK cells. The present invention further relates to methods for producing influenza viruses in cell culture using the MDCK cells of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders. In one aspect, a method for determining the efficacy of secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes for the treatment of an individual diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) comprises obtaining a sample of feces from an individual, determining a quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the sample, and correlating the quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be present in the sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of treating the individual with secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzyme administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for efficiently and accurately performing immunoassays, such as ELISAs. The invention provides an immunoassay assembly which includes a flow-through unit and an aspiration pump. The immunoassay flow-through unit includes an outer seal; at least one bed support; an inner seal; and a packed non-porous bed. The unit is releasably attached to an aspiration pump which enables the controlled flow rate of liquid passing through the packed bed of the flow-through unit. The invention also provides a method of using the immunoassay assembly to identify analytical targets of interest.

Abstract: Ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatographic materials are constructed by tethering a terminal binding functionality to a solid support via a hydrophobic linker. The backbone of the linker typically comprises sulfur-containing moieties. Suitable terminal binding functionalities are tertiary amines, quaternary ammonium salts, or hydrophobic groups. These chromatographic materials possess both hydrophobic and ionic character under the conditions prescribed for their use. The separation of proteins from crude mixtures at physiological ionic strength can be accomplished with a chromatographic material of this type by applying pH or ionic strength gradients, thereby effecting protein adsorption and desorption.

Abstract: A method for confirming a diagnosis of autism in an individual comprises obtaining a sample of feces from an individual, determining a quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the sample, and comparing the quantitative level of fecal chymotrypsin in the stool sample of the person having autism to a stool sample from an individual that has a normal fecal chymotrypsin level and does not have autism and confirming a diagnosis of autism based on the measurement of the quantitative level of fecal chymoptrypsin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for thin-layer cell smear preparation and in-situ hybridization, comprising at least one positioning device and a sealing device. The positioning device comprises at least one first opening. When the positioning device is set on a carrier device, the wall of the first opening and the carrier device form a cavity. The cavity is used to accommodate a cell suspension. The sealing device is provided on the positioning device for sealing the cavity to form an enclosed space.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit that provides an integrated system for accurately detecting a test analyte over a broad range of possible concentrations is provided. One feature of the integrated system is that it is capable of indicating whether an analyte is within the “hook effect” region. Based on this indication, a technique may be selected for correlating a measured signal intensity to an analyte concentration or range of concentrations. For example, when it is determined that the test sample falls outside the “hook effect” region, the analyte concentration may be determined using one portion of a dose response curve. On the other hand, when it is determined that the test sample falls within the “hook effect” concentration, the analyte concentration may be determined using another portion of the dose response curve. Alternatively, the sample may simply be diluted for re-performing the assay.

Abstract: Methods for clarification of cell samples using centrifugation in combination with depth filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a self-calibrated magnetic binding assay format (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) that includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating a calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional (e.g., directly or inversely) to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal. It has been discovered that the fluidics-based device of the present invention provides an accurate, inexpensive, and readily controllable method of determining the presence of an analyte in a test sample.

Abstract: A porous glass composite material comprising at least one alkoxodisilane (precursor) having the general formula (or1)3Si-spacer-Si(OR2)3,wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and may be hydrogen; substituted and unsubstituted, branched and unbranched C1-20-Alkyls; substituted and unsubstituted, branched and unbranched C1-20-alkenyls; substituted and unsubstituted, branched and unbranched C1-20-alkynyls; substituted, unsubstituted, and multiple ring aryl groups; or combinations thereof; and water. Devices including he glass composite materials are also described. Examples include chromatographic and other separation media, drug delivery vehicles, and electric and mechanical actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the enantiomer ratio of trimethylcyclopentene derivatives of structure (I), wherein Z is an alkyl radical having 1-10 C atoms, can be saturated or olefinically unsaturated, straight-chained or branched and which is substituted by an OH or CHO group, by means of capillary gas chromatography, wherein a stationary phase is applied containing a compound selected from the group of Heptakis-(2,3-di-O-methyl-6-O-tert.-butyldimethylsily)-?-Cyclodextrin and Heptakis-(2,3-di-O-acetyl-6-O-tert.-butyldimethylsilyl)-?-Cyclodextrin and at least one polysiloxane, wherein the mixing ratio of Cyclodextrin derivatives and polysiloxanes is adjusted to a value ranging from 10:90 to 50:50.

Abstract: Novel magnetic assay methods and systems. According to a preferred embodiment, a chromatographic medium is provided that is designed to be contacted with a test solution having activated magnetic particles such that the solution flows bilaterally thereacross. A magnetic field, generated by a magnet or electromagnet, is selectively applied to the medium which causes the charged particles to become substantially bound at a site on the medium specified by the position of the magnet. The assay is multi-configurable and can be modified to isolate target cells and grow cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for separating a first population of cells from a second population of cells in a sample by discontinuous density gradient separation using dense particles to target the first population of cells and a density separation medium (DSM) that is at least about 0.001 g/cm3 higher than the density of the second population of cells.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a self-calibrated magnetic binding assay format (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.) that includes detection probes capable of generating a detection signal (e.g., fluorescent non-magnetic particles) and calibration probes capable of generating a calibration signal (e.g., fluorescent magnetic particles). The amount of the analyte within the test sample is proportional (e.g., directly or inversely) to the intensity of the detection signal calibrated by the intensity of the calibration signal. It has been discovered that the fluidics-based device of the present invention provides an accurate, inexpensive, and readily controllable method of determining the presence of an analyte in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: Methods for clarification of cell samples using centrifugation in combination with depth filtration.

Abstract: Halogenated polymers of vinyl aromatic monomers comprising styrene and divinylbenzene are provided for use in a chromatographic separation method of analytes, wherein said polymer further comprises a hydrocarbyl or halocarbyl substituent comprising from 1 to 1,000,000 carbon atoms, or combinations thereof. Methods of using the halogenated polymers are also provided. The polymers and methods are particularly useful in the separation of nucleic acids labeled with hydrophobic labels such as protecting groups, fluorophores, and the like.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A method for assessing aspirin resistance and relative risk of a cardiovascular event in a patient taking aspirin is provided. The concentration of 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 in a urine sample is measured and compared to a set of standardized quartile concentrations. A concentration of urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 that falls within the second, third, or fourth quartile is indicative of aspirin resistance and an elevated risk of a recurrent cardiovascular event.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively assaying one or more target molecules in a sample uses a nucleic acid aptamer that is specific for each target molecule. A quantitative replicative procedure is used to determine a quantity of aptamer specific for each molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for azide tagging of biomolecules. In one embodiment of the invention, proteins are tagged by metabolic incorporation of prenylated azido-analog substrates. Examples of such analogs are azido farnesyl diphosphate and azido farnesyl alcohol. The azido moiety in the resulting modified proteins provides an affinity tag, which can be chemoselectively captured by an azide-specific conjugation reaction, such as the Staudinger reaction, using a phosphine capture reagent. When the capture agent is biotinylated, the resulting conjugates can be detected and affinity-purified by streptavidin-linked- HRP and streptavidin-conjugated agarose beads, respectively. The invention allows detection and isolation of proteins with high yield, high specificity, and low contamination without harsh treatment of proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a gushing factor for a beverage, in which method the quantity of hydrophobin is determined from the raw material of the beverage and/or from the beverage. The hydrophobin determination is performed immunologically using an immunological reaction between a hydrophobin antigen and an antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the purification of large scale quantities of active (infectious) adenovirus and AAV, especially for use in therapeutic applications. In particular, the invention provides improved methods for contacting such viruses with suitable chromatographic materials in a fashion such that any damage to the virus, particularly to surface components thereof, resulting from contact with such chromatographic materials is minimized or eliminated. The result is the ability to rapidly and efficiently purify commercial level quantities of active (infectious) virus suitable for use in therapeutic applications, e.g. gene transfer/therapy procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for synthesis, by inverse bead polymerization of a monomer phase, of a bead-like, cross-linked, hydrophilic copolymer which has binding activity toward ligands containing nucleophilic groups. The invention relates to support polymer materials with high binding capacity for penicillin acylase and low swelling factor, as well as to use of the same.

Abstract: Novel magnetic assay methods and systems. According to a preferred embodiment, a chromatographic medium, which preferably comprises a test strip, is provided that is designed to be contacted with a test solution having activated magnetic particles such that the solution flows bilaterally thereacross. A magnetic field, generated by a magnet or electromagnet, is selectively applied to the medium which causes the charged particles to become substantially bound at a site on the medium specified by the position of the magnet, to thus form a captured line or zone. In one preferred embodiment, the magnetic field is applied at the site on the medium at which the test solution is contacted. The degree of magnetic force applied to the membrane may be selectively adjusted to vary the width or surface area of the capture line or zone.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for rapid purification and/or identification of particles in a liquid sample are described. The technique uses centrifugation to concentrate particles against a slanted surface having an agent specifically binding to the particles. This method is applicable for the rapid identification of viruses and other difficult or impossible to culture microorganisms without replication or amplification of the microorganism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitative and quantitative proteome analysis are provided. The methods and apparatus allow for the isolation of a subset of peptides out of complex mixtures of peptides. The isolation is based on a specific chemical and/or enzymatic alteration of one or more types of peptides. This alteration modifies the biophysical, chemical or any other biochemical property of the affected types of peptides (e.g., net electrical charge and/or hydrophobicity) in such way that the altered peptides can be separated from the unaltered peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of purification of Hepatitis A Virus from the supernatant of an infected cell culture and production of a preparation of purified HAV antigen. The present invention is also directed to an HAV vaccine composition comprising a preparation consisting of purified mature HAV particles in an amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particulate material having a density of at least 2.5 g/ml, where the particles of the particulate material have an average diameter of 5-75 &mgr;m, and the particles of the particulate material are essentially constructed of a polymeric base matrix, e.g. a polysaccharide such as agarose, and a non-porous core material, e.g. steel and titanium, said core material having a density of at least 3.0 g/ml, said polymeric base matrix including pendant groups which are positively charged at pH 4.0 or which are affinity ligands for a bio-molecule. Possible pendant groups include polyethyleneimine (PEI), diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) and quaternary aminoethyl (QAE). The materials are useful in expanded bed or fluidized bed chromatography processes, in particular for purification of bio-macromolecules such as plasmid DNA, chromosomal DNA, RNA, viral DNA, bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: A composition containing a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand for topical use in the treatment of cutaneous stress.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining cholesterol in low density lipoprotein comprising the steps of (a) measuring total cholesterol level in a sample containing at least high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and chylomicron, and (b) measuring cholesterol levels in the high density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and chylomicron in the sample, wherein the cholesterol level in the low density lipoprotein is determined by subtracting a value obtained in the step (b) from a value obtained in the step (a). The present invention enables concurrent determination of cholesterol level in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol level, facilitating acquisition of two types of biological information at a time.

Abstract: A porous glass composite material is prepared comprising a gel containing water and a polymeric network containing at least one alkoxosilane derivative having a group of alterable charge, a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group. The alkoxosilane derivative is preferably a derivative of an alkoxosilane having the general formula (OR1)3Si-spacer-Si(OR2)3, wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and may be hydrogen; substituted and unsubstituted, branched and unbranched C1-20-alkyls; substituted and unsubstituted, branched and unbranched C1-20-alkenyls; substituted and unsubstituted, branched and unbranched C1-20-alkynyls; substituted, unsubstituted, and multiple ring aryl groups; or combinations thereof; and water. Devices including the glass composite include chromatographic and other separation media, drug delivery vehicles, and electric and mechanical actuators.

Abstract: An adsorbent medium is prepared comprising particles of a sponge material made of cellulose or agarose carrying functional groups such as diethylaminoethane groups. The particles may be obtained by chopping a larger block of the sponge material. The medium preferably has a water retention value of greater than 6 ml/g and a particle size of 0.5 to 10 mm, and the sponge material may be cross-linked. The adsorbent medium is especially useful for purifying DNA in an aqueous sample.

Abstract: Novel magnetic assay methods and systems. According to a preferred embodiment, a chromatographic medium, which preferably comprises a test strip, is provided that is designed to be contacted with a test solution having activated magnetic particles such that the solution flows bilaterally thereacross. A magnetic field, generated by a magnet or electromagnet, is selectively applied to the medium which causes the charged particles to become substantially bound at a site on the medium specified by the position off the magnet, to thus form a captured line or zone. In one preferred embodiment, the magnetic field is applied at the site on the medium at which the test solution is contacted. The degree of magnetic force applied to the membrane may be selectively adjusted to vary the width or surface area of the capture line or zone.

Abstract: A compound possessing physiological activity is coupled to a styrene-glycidyl methacrylate polymer through a spacer. Compounds that may be used include receptors such as proteins, and 3-[(5-(2,3-dimethoxy-6-methyl-benzoquinonyl)]-2-nonyl-2-propionic a preferred spacer is an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether derivative. Preferably, the whole surface of the styrene-glycidyl methacrylate polymer in microsphere form is covered with glycidyl methacrylate. The microsphere may be used for isolating and detecting substances such as proteins that bind to the coupled compound.

Abstract: A process for recovering a desired organic acid from a solution includes the steps of: providing an aqueous solution including at least one desired organic acid or its acid anion; adjusting the proton concentration in the aqueous solution to a desired level, with the desired proton concentration being selected, at least in part, by the amount of available protons needed to associate with the acid anions of the desired organic acid(s) to be recovered and/or acid anions that are weaker than the desired organic acids; and recovering at least a portion of the at least one desired organic acid from the aqueous phase. The desired proton concentration can be based on the amount of available protons being greater than, less than or substantially equal, to the amount of protons needed to associate with the anion of the desired organic acid(s) and acid anions that are weaker than the desired organic acid(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the isolation and purification of high-titer recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) compositions. Also disclosed are methods for reducing or eliminating the concentration of helper adenovirus in rAAV samples. Methods are disclosed that provide highly-purified rAAV stocks having titers up to about 1013 particles/ml at particle-to-infectivity ratios of less than 100 in processes that are accomplished about 24 hours or less.

Abstract: Rapid electrochemical verification of the amplification of DNA by a polymerase chain reaction in a small sample of the PCR product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the purification of a target substance from a biological sample by immobilizing the target substance on a solid phase by means of a high affinity binding pair and subsequently eluting it by adding a partner of the binding pair in a free form. In addition reagent kits for carrying out the method are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for large-scale purification of recombinant AAV (rAAV) virions that were produced in the absence of infectious adenovirus. Preferably, the rAAV is produced in a host cell line via triple-transfection with an accessory function vector, an AAV vector, and an AAV helper vector. The methods include preparing a lysate from the host cell line and passing that lysate over various combinations of ion exchange chromatography media and/or affinity chromatography media. The affinity chromatography medium is an AAV receptor or an antibody with binding affinity for AAV, e.g., heparin sulfate. A variety of cation exchange and anion exchange media are contemplated by the present invention. In certain embodiments, optional purification steps may be included, such as filtering the lysate through one or more filters, or treating the lysate with a nuclease.

Abstract: Mesoscopically ordered, hydrothermally stable metal oxide-block copolymer composite or mesoporous materials are described herein that are formed by using amphiphilic block copolymers which act as structure directing agents for the metal oxide in a self-assembling system.