The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating, characterizing, and diagnosing cancer. In particular, the present invention provides gene expression profiles associated with solid tumor stem cells, as well as novel stem cell cancer markers useful for the diagnosis, characterization, and treatment of solid tumor stem cells.

Compositions and methods for treating and diagnosing cancer

Past, current and potential utilisation of active and intelligent packaging systems for meat and muscle-based products: A review

Recurrent gene fusions of androgen regulated genes and ETS family member genes in prostate cancer are described. Compositions and methods having utility in prostate cancer diagnosis, research, and therapy are also provided.

Recurrent gene fusions in prostate cancer

Chromophores in porous silicas and minerals: preparation and optical properties

Polypeptide sequences and polynucleotide sequences are provided. Also provided are annotative information concerning such sequences and uses for these sequences.

Methods and systems for annotating biomolecular sequences

. A fluorometric luminescence immunoassay method includes forming a sample by exposing a first immune reaction reactant to a second immune reaction reactant capable of reacting with the first reactant, one of the first and second immune reaction reactants being labelled with a photoluminescent energy transfer donor and the other being labelled with a photoluminescent energy transfer acceptor complementary to the photoluminescent donor. At least the photoluminescent donor has the property of photoluminescence, and the photoluminescent donor and acceptor are chosen so that when the first immune reaction reactant reacts with the second immune reaction reactant, the donor and the acceptor are capable of interacting to produce a detectable luminescence lifetime change. The sample is excited with radiation, and the resulting emission is detected. The apparent luminescent lifetime is then calculated to determine the presence of a reaction product of the first and second immune reaction reactants.

Fluorescent energy transfer immunoassay

A fiber optic pH sensor based on single fiber phase fluorescence lifetime measurements of commercially available fluorescence indicators is described. The apparatus is a straightforward modification of an existing phase fluorometer and exhibits accuracy and precision of approximately 0.02 pH unit. The approach is applicable to other analytes and indicators, as well as evanescent wave sensing schemes.

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Fiber Optic pH Sensor Based on Phase Fluorescence Lifetimes.

To develop an improved fiber optic biosensor both the optical component selection and the signal coupling efficiency were investigated. The emission filter and fiber connectors were carefully chosen to reduce their contribution to noise in the system. We used long, fused silica fibers that had several centimeters of cladding removed along the distal end. This exposed core is coated with the recognition molecules that bind analyte-fluorophore complexes from the sample solution. A fluorescent signal generated in the evanescent wave region of the unclad, immersed portion of the probe is lost as it enters the cladded portion of the fiber because of a V-number mismatch. To minimize the mismatch, the core radius is reduced along the uncladded region to form a continuous taper. An assay using the tapered fiber and the described optical configuration is presented that demonstrates instantaneous signal generation in response to nanogram amounts of a toxic material.

Fluorometer and tapered fiber optic probes for sensing in the evanscent wave

The invention relates to compositions and kits for homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution. Metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a macromolecule and the macromolecule is subsequently stripped of metal ion, it may then be used to signal binding of metal ions. The covalently bound fluorescent label exhibits changes in anisotropy proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. Kits comprise a fluorescent molecule and a macromolecule.

Determination of metal ions in solution by photoluminescence anisotropy

Fluorescence-based biosensors employing biological recognition molecules such as proteins offer unmatched selectivity and sensitivity for real time determination and imaging of analytes such as metal ions. In some cases the analyte can be quantitated by changes in fluorescence anisotropy (polarization) which offers all the advantages of classical ratiometric techniques, as well as certain optical advantages, especially for microscopy. This chapter introduces the principles of such sensors and displays some examples of the results which may be obtained by their use.

Richard B. Thompson

Papers

Fluorescent energy transfer immunoassay

Fiber Optic pH Sensor Based on Phase Fluorescence Lifetimes.

Fluorometer and tapered fiber optic probes for sensing in the evanscent wave

Determination of metal ions in solution by photoluminescence anisotropy

Protein-Based Biosensors with Polarization Transduction