Abstract:
A homogeneous method for detecting amplified RNA or DNA target sequences utilizes signal-labelled DNA or RNA probes which show detectably increased fluorescence polarization when hybridized to target sequences. A convenient one-step analytical procedure requiring no nucleic acid extraction or signal separation step is thereby provided.
Abstract:
High affinity antibodies to small peptides or small peptide epitopes within proteins are prepared by substituting selected amino acids within the antigen combining site which enhance antigen binding affinity. The amino acid substitutions are selected by molecular modelling techniques involving dynamic analysis of the native and substituted structures.
Abstract:
The present invention provides sensing electrodes and electrode assemblies for use in measuring the activity of ions in a fluid sample; measuring blocks which include a sensing module housing such sensing electrodes and a reference electrode; and a fluid analysis system which includes such measuring blocks.
Abstract:
A chemical analyser (10) includes a fluid dispensing system (46) with a carrier member (18) and fluid dispensing head (72). The carrier member (18) includes a docking fixture (52) and the fluid dispensing head includes a docking receptacle (54). By engagment of the docking fixture and receptacle the carrier member carries the fluid dispensing head to a position above a recess (34) into which fluid is precisely dispensed. The carrier member also returns the fluid dispensing head to a storage location (64) substantially separating the fluids to be dispensed from the environment of the analyzer. When the fluid dispensing head is in its storage location the carrier member may disengage to perform other functions in the analyzer.
Abstract:
An automated chemical analyzer (8) includes an automated conveyor apparatus (10) for receiving a variety of sizes of test tubes, cuvettes, and sample tubes in a standard carrier member (16) receivable into the analyzer. The standard carrier members may be interlocked in ranks and placed side by side in file to replicate the size and handling convenience of conventional test tube racks. However, the conveyor apparatus also provides for receipt of the carriers either as individuals for stat handling (14), or in interlocked ranks, or as rank and file groups for routine handling (20). The interlocked ranks of carriers are automatically unlocked from one another and fed along with the carriers having stat samples therein to a recirculating endless loop conveyor device (34) which conveys the samples to at least one chemical analysis module (40), as well as providing a storage capacity both for samples in testing, and those samples awaiting verification of test results. Carriers with samples on which testing is completed and verified are discharged from the endless loop conveyor device into an off-loading facility (52-58) which again interlocks the carriers and presents them in rank and file groups for subsequent handling like conventional test tube racks.
Abstract:
The process of detecting RNA molecules in situ using the 3SR amplification process, for example where the molecules are translocation-junction-spanning molecules in cells that have undergone chromosomal translocation. Also process modifications that enhance its effectiveness.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for measuring the procoagulant activity of platelets in blood by means of a chromogenic assay which is specific for procoagulant phospholipids. These methods include the determination of the resting activity and/or excitability of platelets, which determines the threshold at which activating clotting factors (circulating in blood) are dangerous. Also methods are provided for screening drugs for their potential inhibitory effect on the activation of platelets.
Abstract:
A novel cDNA clone, 20E, has been isolated and characterized as encoding a previously unknown polypeptide antigen recognized by antibodies in the serum of certain patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH). The nucleic acid sequence is not represented in the genome of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Neither is the nucleic acid sequence represented in the human genome. The data suggest that the RNA sequence corresponding to clone 20E is contained within the genome of an external infective agent other than HCV, and therefore may represent an additional etiologic agent or contributing factor to the development of NANBH in human patients. The 20E nucleic acid and corresponding polypeptide and respective variants thereof will be useful in a variety of procedures directed at prevention and diagnosis of NANBH.
Abstract:
New assays for diagnosing NANBH utilizing novel peptide fragments derived from polypeptide antigens reactive to antibodies present in the sera of infected patients are disclosed. In producing these peptides, the portion of polypeptide contributing to high backgrounds is deleted thereby resulting in assays with an exceptionally high signal to background ratio.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a method to determine susceptibility to antimicrobial agents of a majority of clinically significant Gram positive organisms. This invention also relates to a mixture of fluorogenic substrates used to detect the growth of Gram positive Bacteria.