Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing chronic immune disease activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a chronic immune disease. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular actin fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of chronic immune disease activity and/or characterize chronic immune disease activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial chronic immune disease diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying HA-positive progenitor toxin(s) (LL and/or L toxins) and HA-negative progenitor toxin (M toxin) from a Clostridium botulinum strain is provided. The method comprises applying a liquid containing both the HA-positive progenitor toxin(s) and the HA-negative progenitor toxin to a lactose column. Also provided is a method for separating and purifying neurotoxin (7S toxin) from HA-positive progenitor toxins, which comprises treating HA-positive progenitor toxins with an alkaline buffer and then applying the resulting liquid containing dissociated neurotoxin and non-toxic components to a lactose column. Activated pure HA-positive toxins (L and LL toxins) and neurotoxin are obtained by simple procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying patients with normal NCEP lipid levels who are in need of treatment for cardiovascular disease comprising measuring one or more LDL or HDL particle subclass levels and identifying abnormal LDL or HDL subclass levels.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the biological or pharmacological activity of a test material like a plant or herbal material, an extract of a plant or herbal material, a natural or synthetic compound or some combination thereof, can be quantified by observing the pattern of structural changes induced in a eukaryotic cell's proteins. These structural changes may be evidenced by protein phosphorylation, by protein-protein interactions and the like. The amount and nature of protein phosphorylation is qualitatively and quantitatively related to the in vitro concentration of biologically/pharmacologically active components to which the mammalian cells are exposed. Additionally, formation or loss of protein-protein complexes may be determined in whole cell homogenates through the use of non-denaturing electrophoresis and staining for proteins or protein phosphorylation.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed from a material such as porous silicon. Alternatively, the capillary column may have a rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medium for analytic and preparative electrophoresis comprising a content of acids and bases of different pKS values. Said medium contains at least two acids, whose pKS values (&Dgr;pKS) of adjacent acids are no greater than 1.0 but preferably range from 0.8 to 0.5, and contains at least two bases, whose pKS values range from approximately 1.5 to 11, whereby the difference of the pKS values (&Dgr;pKS) of adjacent bases is no greater than 1.0 but preferably ranges from 0.8 to 0.5.

Abstract: An improved method for detecting a target biomolecule directly in a polyacrylamide gel in which it has been separated from other substances. The improvement resides in, prior to binding the target to a probe and while the target biomolecule remains in the gel, (1) immersing the gel in a water miscible, aqueous extracting medium to shrink the gel by at least about ten percent and then (2) washing the gel with water to restore the gel to substantially its original size.

Abstract: The analytical process utilized in the system of this invention comprises three (3) step distinct steps wherein an analyte of interest in a test sample is initially labeled and subsequently isolated within a porous medium of a test device. Once isolated within the medium, the label is displaced from the analyte, or from the complex with the analyte, and converted, under electrolytic condition, to a metallic species which is caused test to deposit upon a working electrode of the test device. This working electrode is part of an electrode array that is positioned coincident with the porous medium, yet maintained physically remote therefrom. This deposit is then stripped from the working electrode, under anodic stripping conditions, and the current generated within the electrode array monitored. The characteristic response curve that is produced thereby can be correlated with the identity and concentration of the analyte(s) with the test sample.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is provided in which negative effects caused by abnormalities in a current-carrying path in an electrophoresis apparatus can be avoided or reduced. The current flowing in the current-carrying path during electrophoresis can be measured to detect the state of a separating medium, and the application of a voltage to the current-carrying path can be interrupted.

Abstract: Thrombotic or thromboembolic disease is detected or monitored by determining the presence or amount B in a urine sample.

Abstract: The present invention is related to mammary tumor virus (MTV). MTV represents a group of retroviruses which possess very high homology to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), a virus known to cause neoplastic mammary disease in mice. As described herein, MTV's have been identified in human, cat, and Rhesus macaque. The present invention specifically provides for recombinant nucleic acids and polypeptides derived from these MTV's as well as methods for using these biological molecules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting, identifying, and manipulating proteins or peptides from a solution uses paramagnetic beads having a coating with an affinity for the target component. In one embodiment, paramagnetic beads coated with C18 are used to adsorb proteins and peptides. The beads can be used to purify, immobilize and assay antibodies. By cycling the beads, many times greater molar amount of binding partner may be separated from a solution. A magnetic probe is used to capture the beads and transfer the beads to selected processing stages.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for identifying a substance capable of disrupting an interaction between (i) a herpes simplex virus (HSV) ICP34.5 polypeptide or a homologue thereof, or a derivative thereof, and (ii) proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) or a homologue thereof, or a derivative thereof, which method comprises: (a) providing an HSV ICP34.5 polypeptide or a homologue thereof, or a derivative thereof, as a first component; (b) providing PCNA, or a homologue thereof, or a derivative thereof, as a second component; (c) contacting the two components with a substance to be tested under conditions that would permit the two components to interact in the absence of the said substance; and (d) determining whether the said substance disrupts the interaction between the first and second components.

Abstract: A multi-array membrane strip biosensor device (10, 20) using a fluid mobile conductive polymer as reporter is described. The biosensor device (20) is designed to detect multiple analytes at low concentrations in near real-time with an electronic data collection system. The biosensor device can be small. The device can be used to detect pathogens, proteins, and other biological materials of interest in food, water, and environmental samples. The device can also be used for on-site diagnosis and against potential bioterrorism. Potential users include food processing plants, meat packaging facilities, fruit and vegetable packers, restaurants, food and water safety inspectors, food wholesalers and retailers, farms, homes, medical profession, import border crossing personnel, and the police force, military, space habitation and national security.

Abstract: A method of identifying the primary cellular and molecular targets of female-prevalent autoimmune diseases is presented. The targets are identified by X-chromosome-inactivation patterns of TDC populations. Methods of using these primary cellular and molecular targets as T-cell tolerogens are also presented. Finally, a method is presented for predicting which patients are likely to benefit from treatment methods.

Abstract: An analytical device comprising a surfactant-treated porous reaction membrane having an exposed sample-contacting surface and at least one receptor area located in a limited region of the exposed sample-contacting surface. The limited region has a higher concentration of surfactant than areas of the sample-contacting surface that are peripheral to the limited region. To make the device, a surfactant-containing solution comprising at least 0.2% surfactant is added to the reaction membrane and allowed to dry. Then, a receptor reagent is added to a limited region of the reaction membrane. In the assay, the surfactant causes the liquid sample to flow faster through the portion(s) of the reaction membrane where receptor molecules are located.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for screening, diagnosis and prognosis of hepatoma, for monitoring the effectiveness of hepatoma treatment, and for drug development. Hepatoma-Diagnostic Features (HFs), detectable by two-dimensional electrophoresis of serum or plasma are described. The invention further provides Hepatoma-Diagnostic Protein Isoforms (HPIs) detectable in serum or plasma, preparations comprising isolated HPIs, antibodies immunospecific for HPIs, and kits comprising the aforesaid.

Abstract: A process for preparing a pasta product by extruding dry or semi-dry ground cereal. The dry or semi-dry ground cereal has a water content of less than about 20 percent by weight of the ground cereal. A pasta product prepared by the process is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides highly sensitive and rapid homogeneous assays which employ particle-enhanced assay formats in concert with capillary electrophoresis and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection to determine the concentration of an analyte of interest in a sample. Such a determination is made by measuring fluorescent signal(s) (i.e., an electropherogram) produced upon LIF of species present in the reaction mixture that are capable of producing such signals. The method of this invention produces simplified electropherograms by reducing the number of signals that must be separated and subsequently measured, and therefore increases the accuracy of the detection and/or quantification of target analyte concentration in a sample.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample containing a plurality of analytes, comprises labelling the analytes with a detectable label, the label being chosen such that its detectability can be influenced by modifying the conditions of detection; separating the labelled analytes, before or after labeling,; and determining the presence of the separated analytes under the modified conditions and also, if desired, the unmodified conditions. Suitable detection apparatus comprises a support for a gel, means for detecting one or more analytes in the gel, and means for reducing the temperature of the gel to below ambient temperature, e.g., to no more than 0°C.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer in a patient deficient in p53 tumor suppression gene is described herein by administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount if a polyamine such as DENSPM in combination with an anticancer agent. Also described is a method of selecting patients for cancer treatment with a polyamine, for example, DENSPM.

Abstract: Surprisingly, the present inventors have discovered that thermal denaturation of prion protein facilitates its detection by immunological methods. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the preparation and thermal denaturation of samples for prion detection, comprising: homogenizing a candidate sample and heating said sample in a buffer, preferably one with properties that aid stabilization of the denatured form of the protein. The methods described in this disclosure can be used in the detection of PrPSc. Such detection is useful for the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. This method can be used with immunoassays of various formats, including, but not limited to, dot blot and western blot assays, which utilize polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, receptors, natural and synthetic ligands and other entities.

Abstract: The invention relates to capillary electrophoretic methods for detecting ligands or hit compounds that can bind to a selected target at or above a selected binding strength. The method allows one to rank various ligands based on their relative affinity, i.e., the relative stability of the target/ligand complex during capillary electrophoresis under selected conditions. The method also enables selective detection of strong-to-moderate binding hit compounds, even in the presence of high concentrations of weaker, competitive hit compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for screening, diagnosis and prognosis of BAD, for monitoring the effectiveness of BAD treatment, and for drug development. BAD-Associated Features (DFs), detectable by two-dimensional electrophoresis of cerebrospinal fluid, serum or plasma are described. The invention further provides BAD-Associated Protein Isoforms (DPIs) detectable in cerebrospinal fluid, serum or plasma, preparations comprising isolated DPIs, antibodies immunospecific for DPIs, and kits comprising the aforesaid.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a material for chromatography comprising an antibody capable of differentiating at least an enantiomer of amphetamine or methamphetamine, and a support, wherein the antibody is bonded to the support. The material is capable of being employed to differentiate at least an enantiomer of amphetamine or methamphetamine in a sample. Also disclosed in the present invention are the methods and kits for detecting or identifying at least an enantiomer of amphetamine or methamphetamine in a sample, and methods for separating or purifying at least an enantiomer of amphetamine or methamphetamine from a sample.

Abstract: System, method, and test strip for solid phase, electrochemical, quantitative analysis of analytes contained in biological fluid samples. Preliminary to analysis, a test sample solution can be applied to a sample collection pad associated with the solid phase test environment of the test strip. The test sample solution and a test kit reagent are thereby initially contacted, under assay conditions, within this solid phase test environment, and caused to migrate along a fluid pathway therein. Irrespective of the assay format (competitive assay, sandwich assay, etc.), a test kit reagent (e.g. labeled substance) and the analyte of interest (e.g.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods for the simultaneous separation and purification of molecular samples by electrophoresis. In a preferred embodiment, the separation and purification of molecular samples is provided in a two-dimensional array. In a further embodiment of the invention, gas removal passageways are provided to remove gas produced by electrodes that are immersed in aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for screening a sample to select a ligand to a target of interest and for obtaining information about the ligand and its binding characteristics. Specifically, the claimed multi-dimensional methods involve combining a solution of heterogeneous ligands with the target of interest to screen the ligands on the basis of one or more binding characteristics. Ligands having the first binding characteristic bind to the target of interest thereby to form a target/ligand complex. The complex then optionally is separated from the unbound components using any of a variety of separation techniques, e.g., size exclusion. At least one of the complex or unbound components then is introduced to a second “dimension”. The second dimension is capable of separating components based upon a second binding characteristic. One then elutes the ligand having the desired binding characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed toward an analytical method to determine the concentration of the free analyte fraction in a sample. More particularly, the method encompasses applying a sample comprising a free and bound analyte fraction to an affinity column capable of selectively extracting the free fraction in the millisecond time domain. The signal generated by the free fraction is then quantified by standard analytical detection techniques. The concentration of the free fraction may then be determined by comparison of its signal with that of a calibration curve depicting the signal of known concentration of the same analyte.

Abstract: An immunochromatographic device includes a sample application section; a determination section; and a capillary-flow section. The determination section has an immobilization section including one type of first antibody specifically reacting with all the types of target substances, or a plurality of types of first antibodies each specifically reacting with a corresponding type of target substance, the one type of first antibody or the plurality of types of first antibodies being immobilized. The sample application section or the capillary-flow section has a plurality of types of second antibodies each specifically reacting with all the types of target substances or a corresponding type of target substance. The plurality of types of second antibodies can be eluted. At least one type of second antibody specifically reacts with one type of target substance among the plurality of types of target substances. The plurality of types of second antibodies are labeled with different labeling substances.

Abstract: In this disclosure, novel caanabinol-based tracers suitable for use in immunoassays that detect cannabinoids in a biological sample are disclosed. These cannabinol-based tracers are particularly useful in a continuous flow displacement immunoassay. The disclosure also describes the processes for synthesizing the novel tracers, and the application of these tracers in fluorescence immunoassays for detecting and quantifying cannabinoids in biological samples.

Abstract: The fusion (F) protein, attachment (G) protein and matrix (M) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are isolated and purified from respiratory syncytial virus by mild detergent extraction of the proteins from concentrated virus, loading the protein onto a hydroxyapatite or other ion-exchange matrix column and eluting the protein using mild salt treatment. The F, G and M proteins, formulated as immunogenic compositions, are safe and highly immunogenic and protect relevant animal models against decreased caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an immunoglobulin light chain binding protein which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 39, 53 and 57 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions 59 and 60 such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin &kgr;-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a corresponding immunoglobulin light chain binding domain modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of the positions equivalent to positions 39, 53 and 57 of SEQ ID NO:1 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions equivalent to positions 59 and 60 of SEQ ID NO:1, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin &kgr;-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a fragment of (a) or (b) which contains at least one said substitution and/or insertion, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of th

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDPS) generated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as MMP-3, MMP-7, and membrane-type 1, MT1-MMP proteolysis of fibrinogen and cross-linked fibrin (and not plasmin or other proteases). Monoclonal antibodies of the invention include, but are not limited to, H5, F2, 90/2, 90/5, B4, 13, C6, A6, G6, E6, 197-1 and 197-2. This invention also provides methods of using monoclonal antibodies for detection of FDPs generated by proteolysis of fibrin(ogen) by MMPs, such as MMP-3, MMP-7, and MT1-MMP. In addition, the present invention provides methods for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and synovitides, as well as angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, renal diseases, malignancy and inflammation.

Abstract: Removal of abundant proteins from a sample enhances detection and resolution of less abundant proteins in the sample such as in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The removal is accomplished by immunosubtraction of several high abundance, interfering or contaminating proteins simultaneously.

Abstract: Multiphasic microfluidic apparatus for performing product fluid manipulation and separation in a single continuous unit are provided. Related methods, kits, and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Non-sipper microfluidic devices, e.g., planar devices that do not comprise an external capillary, are used to emulate or simulate the fluid flow profile of a device having an external capillary, e.g., a microfluidic sipper device. Samples are typically flowed through a sipper device, e.g., in sample plugs. To emulate fluid flow in a sipper device, emulator devices create sample plugs and flow them through the channels of a planar device.

Abstract: An analytical test device is described for the immunochromatographic determination of the presence of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The device is configured such that the sample is allowed to enter the detection zone simultaneously from many different directions, eliminating stagnation of the flow of the sample. By selection of the porous substrate, the device also allows for the separation of red blood cells from plasma, providing a rapid test for one or more analytes in a sample of whole blood. The device of the present invention may measure more than one analyte simultaneously from a single sample, either by having multiple immunochromatographic pathways fed by a single sample, or multiple analytes detected in the same pathway by way of multiple capture antibodies.

Abstract: A method for specifically immunoprecipitating albumin from a serum sample, using a “collapsible affinity matrix.” Also provided is a method for the co-removal of immunoglobulin using a “collapsible affinity matrix.” Removal of the highly abundant serum proteins, albumin and immunoglobulin, thereby improves the fractionation of the remaining serum proteins. Due to the collapsible nature of the matrix, less protein is trapped in the void space. Through specific removal of the abundant serum proteins by the collapsible affinity matrix and application of a two dimensional gel electrophoresis method, HiCap 2-D PAGE, the concentrations of a large number of low abundant serum proteins are estimated simultaneously, allowing the identification of several disease-related proteins in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: The use of cortisol agonist for preparing a system for diagnosis of the Metabolic Syndrome and related conditions as belly fatness, insulin resistance including increased risk of developing senile diabetes, i.e., diabetes type II, high blood fats and high blood pressure, in which system the dose of cortisol agonist is in an interval where a difference is obtained in the inhibitory effect of the autoproduction of cortisol in individuals suffering from the Metabolic Syndrome, compared to normal values.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for separating a mixture of proteins in a biological sample. Methods for detecting and profiling proteins in biological samples by the separation method and kits are also provided. These methods are particularly useful in assessing damage to cells such as cardiac and skeletal muscle cells and in the early clinical diagnosis of myocardial damage by detection of myofilament proteins in serum of a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to a simple and quick method for the detection, identification and/or quantitation of binding factors using fluorescence techniques. A fluorescent probe is incubated with a factor or group of factors, and the presence of a factor capable of binding the probe can be detected by fluorescence polarization. When coupled with a separation step, this invention allows on-line monitoring of binding complex formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting and/or characterizing the viral vector particle content of a medium. A medium is provided and contacted with an excitation energy such that, if a viral vector particle is in the medium, an electron associated with the intrinsically fluorogenic portion of the viral vector particle will be raised to an excited energy state. The excited electron is permitted to emit radiation having an emission wavelength which is detected. The viral vector particle content of the medium then can be evaluated by comparing the detected emission wavelength with a standard signal. For example, the number of viral vector particles in a medium can be quantified by comparing the detected wavelength and its corresponding intensity to a standard signal. Similar methods for evaluating the adenoviral vector particle content of a medium and the intrinsically fluorogenic adenoviral structural protein content of a medium are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein separation systems and methods capable of resolving and characterizing large numbers of cellular proteins. In particular, the present invention provides a novel mass mapping system and methods for the differential display of proteins. The present invention further provides novel methods for displaying differential protein expression between two samples. In particular, the present invention provides novel method of mapping differential expression of proteins in non-cancerous, pre-cancerous, and cancerous cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to characterize, optimize, and control the quality and production of hydrogel media. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for determining the size, size distribution, and spatial distribution of the pores of a porous substrate. More particularly, the invention provides a method for determining the size, size distribution, and spatial distribution of the pores of a polymeric hydrogel-based substrate.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing arrays of polymeric binding agents. In the subject methods, the individual polymers of the array are synthesized using solid phase synthesis techniques on the surface of a substrate. A critical feature of the invention is that one or more locations on the substrate surface are spatially and temporally protected by a protective bubble during the synthesis protocol, where the protective bubble may be produced using any convenient bubble producing means. The bubble producing means may be a component of either a substrate or a structure separate from the substrate. Also provided are the arrays produced by the subject methods, kits for use in practicing the subject methods, and methods of using the arrays in analyte detection assays, including hybridization assays, such as gene discovery, differential gene expression and gene sequencing assays.

Abstract: Methods for capturing analytes associated with surface-bound ligands are disclosed. The methods involve eluting analytes from surface-bound ligands with a first liquid to generate free analytes, and capturing the free analytes with a solid capturing material within the first liquid to generate a first liquid containing captured analytes. The first liquid may be a flowing liquid or a non-flowing liquid, and the surface to which the surface-bound ligand is attached may be a sensing surface, such as a biosensor, or a non-sensing surface. The captured analytes may be further consolidated at a location removed from the surface-bound ligand, eluted from the solid capturing material with a second liquid, and used for subsequent analysis or procedures.

Abstract: A method composition and apparatus for the hybridization and separation of molecules having a desired target sequence in a sample by contacting a sample of single stranded nucleic acids with a detectable PNA probe having a sequence complementary to the target sequence so that the target sequence, if present, will hybridize with the detectable probe to form a detectable duplex, and then separating the duplex in a denaturing medium from unbound sample components by electrophoresis. The invention also relates to methods compositions and apparatus for the hybridization and separation of molecules having a desired target sequence in a mixed sample of single stranded nucleic acids and their complementary strands by contacting the sample with a detectable PNA probe.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for screening compound libraries using frontal chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry to identify and rank these members of the library that bind to a target receptor. Methods are also disclosed which permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any members of the library have a higher affinity for the target receptor relative to a pre-selected indicator compound.