Abstract: The invention involves durable and protective data storage disc cases. A case includes two portions that join to form an inner support at the center of a disc and an outer support surrounding the disc at its outer diameter. The inner and outer supports prevent the case from contacting, and possibly scratching, the data surface of a disc within the case, even when the case is subjected to a compressive force. Furthermore, the case may secure a disc by holding the disc at its center using a spindle and by holding the outer edge, beyond the data surface, on a rim at the outer support. In this manner, a disc is centered on the spindle, and further constrained by the rim at its outer edge. This secures the disc when the halves of the case are closed and allows the disc to be freely removed once the case is opened.

Abstract: The method is used for separating nucleic acids and other similar constructs. It involves selective introduction, enhancement, or stabilization of affinity handles such as single-strandedness in the undesired (or desired) nucleic acids as compared to the usual structure (e.g., double-strandedness) of the desired (or undesired) nucleic acids. The undesired (or desired) nucleic acids are separated from the desired (or undesired) nucleic acids due to capture by methods including but not limited to immobilized metal affinity chromatography, immobilized single-stranded DNA binding (SSB) protein, and immobilized oligonucleotides.

Abstract: RNA, preferably messenger RNA, is purified by use of selective precipitation, preferably by addition of compaction agents. Also included is a scaleable method for the liquid-phase separation of DNA from RNA. RNA may also be recovered by fractional precipitation according to the invention. We have discovered that specific classes of compounds are unexpectedly potent in causing selective precipitation of DNA away from RNA, at low concentrations and in the presence of relatively elevated ionic strength. Modification of the selective removal of DNA can also remove both RNA and DNA, leaving behind a mixture which is advantageous for the further purification of, e.g., proteins. Additional aspects of the invention include mini-preps, preferably of RNA or of plasmid and chromosomal DNA to obtain sequenceable and restriction digestible DNA in high yields in multiple simultaneous procedures.

Abstract: The invention discloses an adsorbent composition in which each ligand has a cluster of functional groups. This adsorbent composition is designed to enhace binding affinity and specificity for biomolecules. The invention also discloses a method for adsorbing a biomolecule onto the disclosed adsorbent composition. A biomolecule can be adsorbed to the disclosed composition either for qualitative analysis or purification of the biomolecule. The invention also discloses a kit for qualitative analysis or recovery of a biomolecule.

Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A sequencing methodology is disclosed that allows a single DNA or RNA molecule or portion thereof to be sequenced directly and in substantially real time. The methodology involves engineering a polymerase and/or dNTPs with atomic and/or molecular tags that have a detectable property that is monitored by a detection system.

Abstract: A sequencing methodology is disclosed that allows a single DNA or RNA molecule or portion thereof to be sequenced directly and in substantially real time. The methodology involves engineering a polymerase and/or dNTPs with atomic and/or molecular tags that have a detectable property that is monitored by a detection system.

Abstract: A system for evaluating catalyst formulations at elevated pressures is disclosed. The system comprises a parallel reactor and a sensor for detecting catalytic activity of the catalyst formulations. The parallel reactor is adapted for providing reaction conditions that include pressure greater than one bar absolute, and comprises a multisample holder for supporting a plurality of different catalyst formulations, and a reaction chamber encasing the multisample holder, the reaction chamber comprising reactor walls and pressure-tight leads extending through the reactor walls for providing the elevated pressure. The parallel reactor can be a parallel batch reactor. The multicell holder can be, for example, a honeycomb or plate.

Abstract: Identification of microorganisms based on the sequences of their 5S, 23S and particularly 16S ribosomal RNAs is growing in utility as the database of known ribosomal RNA sequences expands. Experimental identification is usually based on matching the experimentally-determined sequence of an organisms rRNA to a previously-determined sequence in the databank, or hybridization of the organisms rRNA or encoding rDNA to an oligonucleotide probe specific for an organism anticipated to be present in the sample. Here we propose the identification of microorganisms based on the overall composition (not sequence or hybridization propensity) of characteristic molecules derived from their rRNA or rDNA sequences by enzymatic cleavage or localized amplification. Ribonuclease T1 fragments of rRNA composition determination by mass spectrometry are especially favored.

Abstract: By applying a polymerization catalyst or polymerization initiator directly to a liquid-absorbent or liquid-adsorbent (hereinafter collectively referred to as “liquid-sorbent”) substrate, preferably a porous geotextile in sheet material form, to form a polymerization-initiating substrate or sheet material, a slurry of a monomer and a water-absorbent clay that is subsequently embedded in the porous substrate will have its monomer content sufficiently contacted by the polymerization catalyst or polymerization initiator for complete polymerization of the embedded monomer to form embedded polymer solids and clay, without the monomer partially polymerizing before contacting the substrate. It has been found that polymerization of the monomer while in contact with the substrate achieves best results in retention of embedded and interlocked polymer and clay solids.

Abstract: Nucleotide triphosphate probes containing a molecular and/or atomic tag on a a &ggr; and/or &bgr; phosphate group and/or a base moiety having a detectable property are disclosed, and kits and method for using the tagged nucleotides in sequencing reactions and various assay. Also, phosphate and polyphosphate molecular fidelity altering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: A sequencing methodology is disclosed that allows a single DNA or RNA molecule or portion thereof to be sequenced directly and in substantially real time. The methodology involves engineering a polymerase and/or dNTPs with atomic and/or molecular tags that have a detectable property that is monitored by a detection system.