Abstract: The invention provides a hairpin polynucleotide, having a loop and a stem region, characterised in that a sulfur-based nucleophile is attached to an internal nucleotide in the hairpin through a linker to enable binding to a solid support.

Abstract: A structural post arrangement and cooperating clamp assembly positioning and supporting related furniture components, such as beams. The clamping assembly includes a split clamping collar which surrounds the post and defines upper and lower rims for engagement with top and bottom jaws as coupled to a furniture component.

Abstract: The use of a red nucleic acid stain, in particular red fluorescent SYTO® dye in various methods used for the detection or characterisation of nucleic acids is described. In particular, the red nucleic acid stains have been found to be particularly compatible with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and therefore form the basis of enhanced detection methods.

Abstract: A door assembly comprising an outer door frame and a panel mounted in a panel frame, the door assembly further comprising a first outer door skin comprising a body portion of a defined first thickness and defining an aperture for receiving the panel. A first stepped portion adjacent a periphery of the aperture, the first stepped portion comprising a defined second thickness and adapted to receive the panel frame of the panel therein. The panel frame of the panel is received within the first stepped portion and the first thickness of the body portion is greater than the second thickness of the first stepped portion.

Abstract: A method for detecting specific DNA sequences and discriminating single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probes is disclosed. Oligonucleotide probes are labelled with reporter molecules preferentially attached to an internal nucleotide residue. The fluorescence emission of oligonucleotide probes varies significantly when in single-stranded and double-stranded states despite the absence of quencher moieties, allowing reliable detection of complementary DNA targets. The melting temperature of probe/target duplexes permits discrimination of targets that differ by as little as a single nucleotide residue, such that polymorphic targets may be discriminated by fluorescence quantitation and Tm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing a sensor enhanced employee safety evaluation system. Sensors that monitor employee behavior are placed at the workplace of an insured entity. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety evaluation. Based on the safety evaluation, the insurance provider can adjust the terms of the insurance policy to accurately reflect the risks associated with the insured entity. Feedback based on the safety evaluation is also provided to the insured entity and the employees of the insured entity to promote improvements in safe behavior.

Abstract: A method for detecting specific DNA sequences and discriminating single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probes is disclosed. Oligonucleotide probes are labelled with a reporter molecule preferentially attached to an internal nucleotide residue. The fluorescence emission of oligonucleotide probes varies significantly when in single-stranded and double-stranded states despite the absence of quencher moieties, allowing reliable detection of complementary DNA targets. The melting temperature of probe/target duplexes permits discrimination of targets that differ by as little as a single nucleotide residue, such that polymorphic targets may be discriminated by fluorescence quantitation and Tm.

Abstract: The invention provides a hairpin polynucleotide, having a loop and a stem region, characterised in that a sulfur-based nucleophile is attached to an internal nucleotide in the hairpin through a linker to enable binding to a solid support.

Abstract: A structural post arrangement and cooperating clamp assembly positioning and supporting related furniture components, such as beams. The clamping assembly includes a split clamping collar which surrounds the post and defines upper and lower rims for engagement with top and bottom jaws as coupled to a furniture component.

Abstract: The present invention provides for private coordination of the borrowing of items from an aggregate inventory contributed by system participants. A request is received from a system participant. The request is compared with item information associated with a universe of items maintained by the system to determine if a match for the requested title exists. If the requested item exists, a determination is made whether the item is available, whether the item owner is willing to lend it to the system participant and the relative priority of the request compared to other participant requests for the item. If approval is received, transportation of the item to the intended recipient is coordinated. The status of the item is monitored during the lending process to ensure efficient sharing of the item.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, said method comprising: (a) adding to a sample suspected of containing said target nucleic acid sequence, a fluorescently labelled probe specific for said target sequence, and DNA duplex binding agent which can absorb fluorescent energy from the fluorescent label on the probe bur which does not emit visible light, (b) subjecting the thus formed mixture to an amplification reaction in which target nucleic acid is amplified, (c) subjecting said sample to conditions under which the said probe hybridises to the target sequence, and (d) monitoring fluorescence from said sample. This method can be used for example to monitor amplification reactions such as PCR reactions, such that the amount of target sequence present in the sample may be determined.

Abstract: Chimeric molecules of nucleic acid/nucleic acid analogue, comprising a nonstandard backboned portion and a standard backboned portion having a 3′ end, useful as primers in reactions involving primer extension, such as nucleic acid amplification and sequencing.

Abstract: A portable claw device includes a cylindrical housing having a pair of diametrically opposed vertical slots formed therein. A pair of gripping claws are coupled together by a cross bar with the cross bar slidably received within the pair of diametrically opposed vertical slots of the cylindrical housing. The cross bar has a vertical support bar extending upwardly from a central portion thereof.

Abstract: A mounting device for holding a cooler in place on an external vertical surface of a vehicle or vessel, specially designed to accommodate coolers of the type which have a lid pivotally mounted on either side of a box at a (pushbotton) pivot. A pair of prongs on either side of the invention provide a pair of "U" shaped slots which slide between the box and the lid of the cooler, so that the pivots reach the bottoms of the two "U" shaped slots. An alternate embodiment provides a locking mechanism for holding the cooler in place once it has been slided onto the invention.