Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sorting microstructures, such as macromolecules, viruses, cells, and minute particles, in a fluid using microlithographic sorting array that is reversibly sealed by a cover. A silicone elastomer cover is used in one embodiment. In another, silicon microstructures are used to case elastomeric replicas of obstacle arrays, the tops of which reversibly seal against a flat surface. The reversible seal allows access to fractionated microstructures within the structure for further analysis.

Abstract: The sequences of nucleic acids encoding proteins required for E. Coli proliferation are disclosed. The nucleic acids can be used to express proteins or portions thereof, to obtain antibodies capable of specifically binding to the expressed proteins, and to use those expressed proteins as a screen to isolate candidate molecules for rational drug discovery programs. The nucleic acids can also be used to screen for homologous genes that are required for proliferation in microorganisms other than E. Coli. The nucleic acids can also be used to design expression vectors and secretion vectors. The nucleic acids of the present invention can also be used in various assay systems to screen for proliferation required genes in other organisms as well as to screen for antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase and cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease to generate a cleaved nucleic acid fragment. The invention also relates to methods of detecting or measuring a target nucleic acid sequence, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase, cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease and detecting or measuring the release of a fragment.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system includes a cell lysis chamber, a DNA separation chamber, a DNA amplification chamber, and a DNA detection system. The multilayered microfluidic DNA analysis system is provided as a substantially monolithic structure formed from a plurality of green-sheet layers sintered together. The substantially monolithic structure has defined therein a means for heating the DNA amplification chamber and a means for cooling the DNA amplification chamber. The means for heating and means for cooling operate to cycle the temperature of the DNA amplification chamber as required for performing a DNA amplification process, such as PCR.

Abstract: cDNA including the 5′-terminal sequence of full-length mRNA with a cap structure is synthesized from a mRNA sample containing the full-length mRNA with the cap structure and non-full-length mRNA without any cap structure in mixture. At the first step, the phosphate group at 5′-terminus of the non-full-length mRNA in the mRNA sample is removed. At the second step, the cap structure at the 5′-terminus of the full-length mRNA in the mRNA sample is removed. At the third step, an oligoribonucleotide is ligated to the phosphate group at 5′-terminus of mRNA generated through the first and second steps. At the fourth step, mRNA with the oligoribonucleotide ligated at the 5′-terminus thereof at the third step is subjected to a reverse transcriptase process using a short-chain oligonucleotide capable of being annealed to an intermediate sequence within the mRNA as primer, to synthesize a first-strand cDNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing nucleic acid contamination in an amplification reaction which comprises use of a thermolabile DNase and a method of preventing or reducing false positive results due to carry-over in a nucleic acid amplification reaction, said method comprising using a thermolabile DNase to degrade carried-over non-target double-stranded DNA present in the amplification reaction mixture. A thermolabile DNase from the shrimp Pandalus borealis has been identified which is suitable for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for evolving a polynucleotide toward acquisition of a desired property. Such methods entail incubating a population of parental polynucleotide variants under conditions to generate annealed polynucleotides comprising heteroduplexes. The heteroduplexes are then exposed to a cellular DNA repair system to convert the heteroduplexes to parental polynucleotide variants or recombined polynucleotide variants. The resulting polynucleotides are then screened or selected for the desired property.

Abstract: Fatty acid desaturase 5′ regulatory elements are described, as well as nucleic acid constructs and transgenic plants that include these regulatory elements. Also described are fatty acid desaturase 3′ untranslated regions.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence encoding for oryzacystatin-I peptides and a signal peptide therefore is provided. The oryzacystatin-I peptide is approximately 12.6 kDa, and is approximately twelve amino acid residues longer than previously described oryzacystatin-I peptides. The nucleic acid sequences may be cloned into vectors, and used to transform plants conferring resistance to plant pests, including insects and nematodes, that utilize cysteine proteases, and to viruses with processing mechanisms involving cysteine proteases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to identify the alleles present in a DNA-containing sample by providing subsets of loci for amplification by multiplex PCR. The loci include the thirteen CODIS short tandem repeat (STR) loci and amelogenin. The loci within each subset are grouped so that, upon PCR amplification, the amplicons produced within a given subset do not overlap. Differential labeling of subsets makes it possible to further group the subsets into compound multiplexes for co-amplification in a single reaction vessel, and analysis in a single electrophoretic channel.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel amplification procedure for nucleic acid. The method uses a mutant RNA polymerase designed to transcribe deoxynucleotides. Using primers that bind to target nucleic acid the primers form polymerase recognition sites that permit transcription of the target in an isothermal and logrithmic manner, with the added advantage of forming multiple single stranded copies, which are readily detected by hybridization assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase and cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease to generate a cleaved nucleic acid fragment. The invention also relates to methods of detecting or measuring a target nucleic acid sequence, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase, cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease and detecting or measuring the release of a fragment.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus for DNA analysis comprises a holder for separating specific primers on the basis of size, color, weight, dimension, or degree of magnetization, the specific primers having base sequences complementary to a plurality of DNA fragments to be amplified via PCR, and the specific primers being capable of binding respectively to the DNA fragments; and a reaction-solution-holding plate having a concavity which accommodates one edge of the holder and a PCR solution containing a common primer capable of hybridizing with the base sequence of an oligonucleotide introduced into the 5′-end of each of the DNA fragments, and the DNA fragments.

Abstract: Novel peptide analogs derived from the native sequences of CAP37 peptides 20-44 and 23-42, and their use as therapeutics against bacterial infections and diseases caused by bacterial infection. The peptide analog includes a serine or threonine substitution at one of the two cysteine residues at positions 26 and 42. Substitutions of the native peptide are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for ensuring quality control in printed biological assays is provided. A multi-ejector system having a plurality of individual drop ejectors is loaded with a variety of biofluids. Biofluids include at least a carrier fluid, a biological material to be used in the testing, and markers, such as fluorescent dyes. Data regarding the biofluid loaded in each of the drop ejectors is stored along with an expected signature output of the biofluid. Particularly, the signature output represents signals from individual ones of the fluorescent markers included within the biofluid. Once a biological assay consisting of the biofluid drops has been printed, a scanner capable of detecting the markers scans the biological assay and obtains signature output signals for each of the drops of the biological assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of baculovirus RNA polymerase for the production of capped and polyadenylated transcripts in vivo and especially in vitro. More particularly, the purified RNA polymerase of the present invention may be used to produce in vitro transcription and/or in vitro transcription/translation kits.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, such as prostate cancer, are disclosed. Compositions may comprise one or more prostate-specific proteins, immunogenic portions thereof, or polynucleotides that encode such portions. Alternatively, a therapeutic composition may comprise an antigen presenting cell that expresses a prostate-specific protein, or a T cell that is specific for cells expressing such a protein. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as prostate cancer. Diagnostic methods based on detecting a prostate-specific protein, or mRNA encoding such a protein, in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences for regulating gene expression in plants. In particular, the invention relates to 5′ regulatory sequences which are useful for regulating expression of heterologous DNAs in plants and methods for identifying multiple 5′ regulatory sequences which confer a particular expression profile when operably linked to DNA sequences. The invention also relates to expression vectors containing the 5′ regulatory sequences and to transgenic plants containing the expression vectors.

Abstract: The invention provides histidine kinase polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding histidine kinase polypetides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing histidine kinase polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel molecule involved in the process of apoptosis. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human RAIDD protein and splice variants thereof—referred to as RAIDD-SV1 and RAIDD-SV2. RAIDD polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of RAIDD activity.