Abstract: Strains of the Lactobacillus delbrueckii species are identified and distinguished from other species by a DNA probe containing an EcoRI fragment, or subfragment thereof, of the plasmid pY85, which hybridizes specifically to chromosomal DNA of strains of the L. delbrueckii species.

Abstract: A process for sequencing DNA segments having complementary strands comprising (a) synthesizing simultaneously truncated products and full-length products starting from both 3' ends of the complementary strands of the DNA segment, which serves as a template, by introducing specific oligonucleotide primers annealing to the 3' ends of both complementary strands of the DNA segment, a deoxyribonucleotide elongator for each of adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, a thermally stable DNA polymerase and a terminator for each of adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, (b) thermally cycling step (a), (c) separating out the resultant truncated products and full length products according to size, and (d) selectively detecting all truncated products and full length products according to size, and (e) selectively detecting all truncated products and full-length products generated from a given strand of template.

Abstract: An improved, "gap filling" embodiment of the Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) is described. Gap filling LCR is LCR wherein at least one of the probes is recessed so that a gap is formed between the adjacent probes when they are hybridized to target. The gap is filled using polymerase and deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates before ligation of the probes together. There are single and double gap versions, depending on whether one or two probes are recessed and require filling before ligation. The improvement resides in selecting and using target sequences such that only a single type, or two types, of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate(s) are required to fill double gaps each being 1-10 bases in length, preferably 1-3 bases. Probes having specific sequences are claimed for a number of pathogens.

Abstract: The effectiveness of selected antineoplastic agents may be determined in individual patients by comparing the level of expression of one or more selected growth-regulated genes in neoplastic cells taken from the patient before and shortly after the initiation of therapy. A decrement in expression is prognostic of eventual remission, while a lack of decrement indicates that remission is unlikely. The test may also be accomplished by comparing the level of expression of growth-regulated genes in neoplastic cells in culture before and after incubation of the cells with the selected antineoplastic agents.

Abstract: A kit for an amplified hybridization assay is described in which a family of signal-generating secondary probes bind to a primary probe that hybridizes to the target sequence of interest. Thus, an enormously amplified signal is generated by the hybridization event. The assay can be used for a variety of laboratory and clinical purposes and is automatable. A hybridization assay kit is also described. The kit is used for the detection of a target nucleotide sequence. One embodiment of the kit includes a plurality of secondary probes, each secondary probe capable of binding to a distinct binding site of the primary probe.

Abstract: Novel tethered hapten intermediates and related conjugates based on 3- phenyl-1-adamantaneacetic acid, as well as methods for making and using such conjugates. Haptens based on the above core structure may be substituted at any position on the phenyl ring, especially at the para position. Using tethered intermediates, immunogens, tracers, solid supports and labeled oligonucleotides are all described; as are methods for using the intermediates to prepare the conjugates, methods of using the conjugates to make and purify anitbodies, as assay tracers, and in nucleic acid hybridization assays. Kits containing haptenated oligonucleotides and anti-hapten conjugates are also described.

Abstract: A triple-stranded nucleic acid having a first nucleic acid strand that has a region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues; a second nucleic acid strand, at least a portion of which is hydrogen bonded in a Watson-Crick manner to the region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues of the first strand; and a third nucleic acid strand, at least a portion of which is hydrogen bonded to the portion of the region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues of the first strand, the portion of the region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues to which both the second strand and the third strand are bonded defining the triple-stranded nucleic acid.

Abstract: A nucleic acid isolate capable of hybridizing only to y-chromosome specific DNA sequences of cattle, sheep goats and other ruminants. A method for determining the sex chromosome constitution of a tissue or cell sample using the nucleic acid isolate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Strains of the Lactobacillus helveticus species are identified by a probe having a DNA fragment which hybridizes specifically to DNA of strains of the L. helveticus species.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for amplifying a specific nucleic acid sequence. The process involves synthesizing single-stranded RNA, single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA. The single-stranded RNA is a first template for a first primer, the single-stranded DNA is a second template for a second primer, and the double stranded DNA is a third template for synthesis of a plurality of copies of the first template. A sequence of the first primer or the second primer is complementary to a sequence of the specific nucleic acid and a sequence of the first primer or the second primer is homologous to a sequence of the specific nucleic acid. The amplification process may be used to increase the quantity of the specific nucleic acid sequence to allow detection, or to increase the purity of the specific nucleic acid sequence as a substitute for conventional cloning methodology.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a deletion fragment from a target nucleic acid, the target having a region of known nucleotide sequence identical to one terminus of the deletion fragment. In the process, the target nucleic acid is provided as a single stranded molecule. A terminus primer which is homologous to the region of known nucleotide sequence, and a set of deletion primers each of which has a fixed site region, a spacer region and a tail are also provided. The set of deletion primers contain a mixture of oligonucleotides which have homologous fixed site regions and homologous tails, and which collectively have all four bases at each nucleotide position in essentially all combinations thereof in their spacer regions. The single strands are treated with the terminus primer and the set of deletion primers to form a primer extension product wherein the target nucleic acid is used as a template.

Abstract: The human tryptophan oxygenase gene sequence and chromosomal location are described. Procedures for the diagnosis of genetic Tourette syndrome and many psychiatric and behavioral disorders by genetic tests to identify deletions or defective alleles in the human tryptophan oxygenase (TO) gene and cDNA probes for use in such tests are also described.

Abstract: A carrier matrix of polyvinyl alcohol-coated glass is dissolvably impregnated with reagent. The matrix is manufactured by slurrying glass fibers in an excess of water and polyvinyl alcohol and forming a layer, which is then dried and impregnated with reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oncoprotein specific for hepatocellular carcinomas and to a nucleotide sequence that codes for such a protein. The invention further relates to screening and diagnostic methodologies (and kits based thereon) that make use of the oncoprotein (or antibodies specific for same) and the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of a target retroviral DNA (such as HIV-I DNA) can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of that target DNA and one or more additional target DNA's. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a T.sub.m within the range of from about 65.degree. to about 74.degree. C., while all of the T.sub.m 's are within about 5.degree. C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acids, or in "multiplexing", using multiple capture probes, all of which have T.sub.m 's which are greater than 50.degree. C. and within 15.degree. C. of each other.

Abstract: A method of detection of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) target sequence in which such a sequence serves as a cofactor for a catalytic reaction in which a complementary, labeled nucleic acid probe is cleaved such that the target sequence is released intact and can repeatedly recycle through the reaction pathway, thereby providing signal amplification.

Abstract: Fluorochemical emulsions comprised of a fluorochemical droplet discontinuous phase and aqueous continuous phase with at least one specific binding species immobilized on the fluorochemical droplets are shown. The emulsions may include a primer material to couple to specific binding species to the fluorochemical droplets. The emulsions may be used in diagnostic procedures or biochemical reactors where binding of the immobilized specific binding species to its binding partner is desired. The droplets may also incorporate a species which is detectable by spectrophotometric, fluorometric or colormetric means or a precursor to a detectable species.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing multiple copies of a target nucleic acid sequence autocatalytically under conditions of substantially constant temperature, ionic strength, and pH are provided in which multiple RNA copies of the target sequence autocatalytically generate additional copies. These methods are useful for generating copies of a nucleic acid target sequence for purposes which include assays to quantitate specific nucleic acid sequences in clinical, environmental, forensic and similar samples, cloning and generating probes.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides having tandem sequences of inverted polarity, i.e., oligonucleotides comprising regions of the formula: ##STR1## wherein --C-- symbolizes any method of coupling the nucleotide sequence of opposite polarity,are useful for forming an extended triple helix with a double-helical nucleotide duplex. The inverted polarity also stabilizes the single-strand oligonucleotides to exonuclease degradation.

Abstract: A DNA probe is disclosed which is capable of hybridizing to a portion of the genome of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes but which does not hybridize to portions of the genomes of other Listeria species and other humilytic bacteria. This probe is useful to identify food sources infected with Listeria monocytogenes and to distinguish these food services from those infected nearly with non-pathogenic Listeria species. In addition, methods for the detection of pathogenic Listeria in samples using the disclosed probes are provided.