Abstract: The VSET method comprises: providing a polynucleotide acid sample comprising at least one target site, and a first region of nucleotides immediately adjacent to the target site; preferably genomic DNA; preferably amplifying the polynucleotide; then combining the polynucleotide sample with: three dideoxynucletides selected from the group of ddGTP, ddATP, ddCTP, and ddTTP; and one deoxynucleotide selected from the group consisting of and dGTP, dATP, dCTP, and dTTP wherein the nucleotide of the deoxynucleotide is not the same as the nucleotide in the dideoxynulceotide; and a mini-sequencing primer complementary to the first region of nucleotides; extending the mini-sequencing primer with a dideoxynucletide or deoxynulceotide whose base is complementary to the base at the target site, to provide extension products; and then identifying the extension products, preferably by (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods for determining genotypes and haplotypes of genes are described. Also described are single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes in the ApoE gene and methods of using that information.

Abstract: Methods of the invention comprise assays for markers indicative of cancer, precancer, and other diseases or disorders. Assays of the invention are preformed on heterogeneous samples obtained from patients by non-invasive or minimally-invasive methods. Such assays may be employed alone or in combination with other disease screening techniques.

Abstract: This invention pertains to rice plants, plant material and seeds characterized by harboring a specific transformation event particularly by the presence of the bar gene under control of a CaMV 35S promoter, at a specific location in the rice genome. The rice plants of the invention combine glufosinate tolerance with optimal overall agronomic performance, genetic stability and adaptability to different genetic backgrounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the molecular cloning and expression of a gibberellin (GA) 20-oxidase gene and its use, for example in transgenic plants. Aspects of the invention include recombinant DNA which encodes a polypeptide exhibiting GA 20-oxidase activity, a recombinant polypeptide exhibiting GA 20-oxidase activity, and transgenic plants which express a GA 20-oxidase gene or reverse GA 20-oxidase sequences.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of diagnosing and treating carcinomas, including metastatic thyroid carcinomas using differential gene expression. Also disclosed are novel nucleic acid sequences whose expression is differentially regulated in metastatic and non-metastatic thyroid carcinomas.

Abstract: Amplification of chromosomal DNA in situ to increase the amount of DNA associated with a chromosome or chromosome region is described. The amplification of chromosomal DNA in situ provides for the synthesis of Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) painting probes from single dissected chromosome fragments, the production of cDNA libraries from low copy mRNAs and improved in Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temporally regulating analysis of nucleic acids in a specimen. The specimen, such as blood or hair, is contained in a vessel pre-packaged with all reagents needed for the analysis, having one or more barriers that can be selectively breached. Preferably, the barrier is a wax having a discrete melting point. The vessel may be stored until specimen is added, then the vessel containing the specimen can again be stored. Breaching the barrier allows the user to select when reagents will contact the specimen. A number of barriers can be incorporated to segregate a number of reagents. This invention provides a simple, self-contained and portable vessel for collecting, transporting, and processing a specimen for nucleic acid analysis at a desired time. The invention also avoids sample and environmental contamination.

Abstract: Methods are described for detecting protein-protein interactions, among two populations of proteins, each having a complexity of at least 100. Encoded proteins are fused either to the DNA-binding domain of a transcriptional activator or to the activation domain of a transcriptional activator. Two yeast strains, of the opposite mating type and carrying one type each of the fusion proteins are mated together. Productive interactions between the two halves due to protein-protein interactions lead to the reconstitution of the transcriptional activator, which in turn leads to the activation of a reporter gene containing a binding site for the DNA-binding domain. This analysis can be carried out for two or more populations of proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and systems for the production of useful organic product from diverse lignocellulose-containing biomass having increased yield and efficiency over existing processes. In particular, the present invention integrates dilute acid hydrolysis and alkaline delignification techniques in processes that enhance the efficiency and yiel of lignocellulostic biomass processing and enable the economic production lignin-based biodegradable plastics and other useful organic products.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed using the depolymerization of a nucleic acid hybrid to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze for the presence of a predetermined endogenous nucleic acid. Applications of those processes include the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms, identification of single base changes, speciation, determination of viral load, genotyping, medical marker diagnostics, and the like.

Abstract: A composition containing a nuclease, preferably Exonuclease I, and a phosphatase, preferably Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase, wherein the enzymes are combined in a single composition yet each enzyme retains significant functional activity over time. Combining Exonuclease I and Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase into one composition allows simplified processing of amplified DNA to degrade residual primers and nucleotide triphosphates thereby facilitating subsequent DNA analysis.

Abstract: Novel, highly conserved cell cycle regulatory genes (Emg1 and ENIP1) are described along with methods employing Emg1 and ENIP1 to detect compounds that are agonistic or antagonistic to cell cycle progression.

Abstract: A composition containing a nuclease, preferably Exonuclease I, and a phosphatase, preferably Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase, wherein the enzymes are combined in a single composition yet each enzyme retains significant functional activity over time. Combining Exonuclease I and Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatase into one composition allows simplified processing of amplified DNA to degrade residual primers and nucleotide triphosphates thereby facilitating subsequent DNA analysis.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel polypeptides which are capable of binding to native and methylated LDL (low density lipoprotein), the isolated polypeptides, called LBPs (LDL binding proteins), and biologically active fragments and analogs thereof, are described. Also described are methods for determining if an animal is at risk for atherosclerosis, methods for evaluating an agent for use in treating atherosclerosis, methods for treating atherosclerosis, and methods for treating a cell having an abnormality in structure or metabolism of LBP. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccine compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid detector for detecting a base sequences of a target DNA of interest, which comprises a DNA chip in which probe DNA and electrochemiluminescent material such as tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) metal complex, or derivatives thereof are immobilized on a surface of gold electrode; an electrochemical apparatus for applying a predetermined voltage to the DNA chip with respect to a reference electrode; and an optical measurement apparatus for measuring electrochemiluminescence generated from the DNA chip. The present invention also provides a method for producing the said detector for nucleic acids, and method for detecting nucleic acids using the same in a cost-saving way with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence and identity of a variation in a nucleotide sequence between a first polynucleotide and a second polynucleotide comprising, first, providing a sample of the first polynucleotide and selecting a region of the first polynucleotide potentially containing the variation. Then, the selected region is subjected to a template producing amplification reaction to produce a plurality of double stranded polynucleotide templates which include the selected region. Next, a family of labeled, linear polynucleotide fragments is produced from both strands of the template simultaneously by a fragment producing reaction using a set of primers. Then, the location and identity of at least some of the bases in the selected region of the first polynucleotide is determined using the labels present in the fragments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the number of repeat units in a repeat region of a target nucleic acid. In a first aspect, the method of the invention includes the steps of annealing a primer to a target nucleic acid; performing a first primer extension reaction using a first primer extension reagent; separating the target-primer hybrid and unreacted first primer extension reagent; performing a second primer extension reaction using a second primer extension reagent, wherein at least one of the first or second primer extension reagents includes an extendible nucleotide having a label attached thereto; separating the target-primer hybrid from unreacted second primer extension reagent; measuring a signal produced by the label; treating the label so as to render the label undetectable; and repeating the above steps until the signal is substantially less than a signal detected in a previous cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preservation of a saliva sample for use in subsequent quantitative chemical assays. The method involves collecting a saliva sample at a location, directly into a specimen cup. The specimen cup contains a predetermined volume of aqueous solution of pH buffered saline and enzymatic inhibitor and is optionally adapted with a constituent compound specific, qualitative test unit.