Abstract: The nucleic acid amplification reactions of the present invention are conducted isothermally, using non-thermal denaturation procedures, such as occurs in chemical- or electrostatic-based denaturation. Embodiments are set forth for automated forms of the claimed procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods of introducing site-directed mutations into circular DNA molecules of interest by means of mutagenic primer pairs. The mutagenic primer pairs are also selected so as to be either completely complementary or partially complementary to each other, wherein the mutation site (or sites) is located within the region of complementarity. A mutagenic primer pair is annealed to opposite strands of a circular DNA molecule containing the DNA sequence to be mutagenized. After annealing, first and second mutagenized DNA strands, each incorporating a member of the mutagenic oligonucleotide primer pair is synthesized by a linear cyclic amplification reaction. After the linear cyclic amplification mediated synthesis step is completed, the reaction mixture is treated with a selection enzyme that digests the parental template strands. After the digesting step, a double-stranded circular DNA intermediate is formed.

Abstract: In a method for the desalination of seawater, there is evaporated and condensed the seawater, within a primary system, and a secondary medium, preferentially untreated water, within a compressor-containing, self-contained secondary system spatially separated from the primary system. The seawater is evaporated by heating in the presence of the secondary medium previously heated in the compressor at excess pressure, the latter medium is evaporated in the secondary system through condensation of the seawater vapour and the seawater vapour is led through a cyclone separator.

Abstract: Novel fluorescent heterodimeric DNA-staining energy transfer dyes are provided combining asymmetric cyanine azole-indolenine dyes, which provide for strong DNA affinity, large Stokes shifts and emission in the red region of the spectrum. The dyes find particular application in gel electrophoresis and for labels which may be bound to a variety of compositions in a variety of contexts. Kits and individual compounds are provided, where the kits find use for simultaneous detection of a variety of moieties, particularly using a single narrow wavelength irradiation source. The individual compounds are characterized by high donor quenching and high affinity to dsDNA as a result of optimizing the length of the linking group separating the two chromophores.

Abstract: A soft trim part is provided which is particularly suitable for an automobile interior dashboard or armrest. The trim part includes a core part made of expanded polypropylene ("EPP") to which a decorative layer (made of fabric and/or foil) is fused. To manufacture such a trim part, an edge zone of the EPP core part is heated above a melting temperature and the decorative layer is applied and pressed thereon, fusing the decorative layer to the EPP core part. The fused area cools to form a skin-like carrier layer which is relatively stiff and solid, holding the decorative layer to the core part.

Abstract: 68772 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing 68772 polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of proliferative diseases such as leukemias, solid tumor cancers and metastases; chronic inflammatory proliferative diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis; proliferative cardiovascular diseases such as restenosis; prolifertive ocular disorders such as diabetic retinopathy; and benign hyperproliferative diseases such as hemangiomas, among others, and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: Unimolecular and bimolecular hybridization probes for the detection of nucleic acid target sequences comprise a target complement sequence, an affinity pair holding the probe in a closed conformation in the absence of target sequence, and either a label pair that interacts when the probe is in the closed conformation or, for certain unimolecular probes, a non-interactive label. Hybridization of the target and target complement sequences shifts the probe to an open conformation. The shift is detectable due to reduced interaction of the label pair or by detecting a signal from a non-interactive label. Certain unimolecular probes can discriminate between target and non-target sequences differing by as little as one nucleotide. Also, universal stems and kits useful for constructing said probes. Also, assays utilizing said probes and kits for performing such assays.

Abstract: 68772 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing 68772 polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of proliferative diseases such as leukemias, solid tumor cancers and metastases; chronic inflammatory proliferative diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis; proliferative cardiovascular diseases such as restenosis; prolifertive ocular disorders such as diabetic retinopathy; and benign hyperproliferative diseases such as hemangiomas, among others, and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: A method, diagnostic sequences and primers are provided that are useful in identifying the Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. The method involves identifying a RAPD-amplified DNA fragment common to Listeria monocytogenes, then identifying the most conserved regions of that DNA fragment, and the preparing specific primers useful for detecting the presence of a marker within the fragment whereby that set of primers is then useful in the identification of all Listeria monocytogenes. Markers within the same fragment that are specific to the Listeria genus are also identified and are useful for the identification of all Listeria spp.

Abstract: Very rapid diagnosis and sensitivity testing can significantly stem the growing Tuberculosis epidemic in the United States, caused by susceptible AIDs patients and the occurrence of antibiotic resistant mycobacilli. Thus I have invented an automated computerized microscope, the ATBD unit, and slide module to diagnose and test patient's sputum by examining individual living mycobacteria from the patient sample with no culturing required. The diagnosis and sensitivity testing is accomplished in minutes or hours, instead of the current weeks to months. The system inserts a plasmid, specific for M. tuberculosis, carrying the luciferase gene into the mycobacteria by improved electroporesis on the slide. Luminescence indicates tuberculosis. Then the mycobacteria are bathed in antibiotics, and if the luminescence is not turned off, the patient's bacteria are resistant. A phage carrying the luciferase gene can also be used to infect the M.TB.

Abstract: A method and a reagent for detecting cells of a living organism contained in various samples of the organism by detecting genes specific for each animal species. This method is useful for detecting bleeding into feces. It is possible for confirming the bleeding of the human body to use an Alu sequence as the sequence specific for the animal species. As genes are used as the indicator in this method, fecal occult blood can be detected more specifically at a higher sensitivity than by the conventional technique using hemoglobin as the indicator.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding HI1648 of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are vectors and transformed host cells for expressing the encoded protein, and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit said protein.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing interior trims for transport means, in particular motor vehicles, that consist of a bearing dimensionally stable part and of a decorative part that forms the visible side of the interior trim. The bearing, dimensionally stable part is made of plastic materials stiffened by reinforcing inserts. In order to considerably improve the process, the plastic materials consist of natural or recycled polyols and isocyanates and a material made of natural fibers is used for the reinforcing inserts. The material made of natural fibres is laid into a heatable (foaming) mold whose shape corresponds to that of the interior trim to be produced, the reactive, foamable polyurethane mixture is injected into the mold at a dosing pressure from 100 to 300 bars, then foamed and hardened in the mold at a reaction pressure form 3 to 300 bars.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequence defining a polymorphic locus useful for identification of an individual. Also disclosed are oligonucleotide primers useful in amplification of the locus and methods for detecting the amplified locus.

Abstract: The present invention addresses compositions and methods for cleaving nucleic acids. The invention allows one to reliably detecting point mutations in long and short target regions of nucleic acids in a safe, non-labor intensive, and cost effective manner. The methods and compositions of the present invention allow for the use of various RNases, such as RNase A, RNase I and RNase T2, in the detection of mutations. The present invention also identifies reaction conditions that result in significant improvement in specific mismatch cleavage in the NIRCA.TM. assay.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetic material, and specifically portions of DNA, for identifying the presence or absence of a mutation in the drug metabolism gene CYP2C9 and CYP2A6. Further, the invention comprises a method for determining such mutations and a kit incorporating the genetic material of the invention for performing the said methods so as to determine the presence or absence of mutations in the drug metabolizing gene CYP2C9 and CYP2A6.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and composition of matter for PCR-based gene dosage analysis. The invention provides internal control DNA sequences that are the same length and same G-C content. The method does not require sized separation of the amplified products. Instead, the method utilizes hybridization and ELISA like colormetric screening. The invention further provides for tightly controlled internal standards for comparing gene dosage by placing one copy of various chromosome markers on one plasmid.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids which encode a wildtype and a mutant human homolog of RAD9. This invention also provides purified and mutant wildtype human homologs of RAD9. This invention also provides methods for determining whether a subject has radiosensitivity; for predicting the effect of radiation therapy or chemotherapy on a subject; for detecting whether a subject has a predisposition to cancer; for treating a subject who is radiosensitive and for preventing or treating cancer in a subject who is radiosensitive.

Abstract: Methodology is provided for developing probes for identifying sequence differences between two related DNA populations, sets of DNA fragments or collections of restriction-endonuclease-cleaved DNA or CODA. The method employs an initial stage to obtain a representation of both DNA populations, namely using the PCR to produce relatively short fragments, referred to as amplicons. Tester amplicons containing target DNA, sequences of interest, are ligated to adaptors and mixed with excess driver amplicons under melting and annealing conditions, followed by PCR amplification. The process may be repeated so as to greatly enrich the target DNA. Optionally, the target DNA may then be cloned and the DNA used as probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for the detection of genetic polymorphisms or mutations related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1B. The polymorphism or mutations generally occur in the protein P0 gene in chromosome 1. Also provided are mutant forms of protein P0 and methods for screening compounds to identify compounds that enhance binding between mutant P0 proteins.