Abstract: An improved countertop structure and method of manufacture thereof, said countertop structure having a laminate or composite horizontal upper surface and a laminate or composite vertical face with a front corner element adapted to form a contoured surface that smoothly fairs into both the upper surface and the face. The countertop is manufactured by first mounting a piece of solid surface sheet material to a plurality of elongated structural elements extending the length of said sheet and having thermal expansion compensation slots, the structural elements being strategically placed and adhered to the bottom surface of the solid surface sheet material to permit cutting to the desired width while providing the required structural support. The solid surface is bonded to the front vertical laminate surface and the front structural element to create a joined edge piece firmly attached to said sheet and said front structural element. The joined front edge piece and sheet is finished to the desired contour.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated or purified nucleic molecules consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding human transductin-1 (TDC1), such as SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention also provides vectors comprising the isolated or purified nucleic acid sequences and cells comprising such vectors.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecules consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence encoding either transductin-1 (TDC1) or transductin-2 (TDC2), related and derivative nucleic acid molecules vectors comprising the isolated or purified nucleic acid sequences, cells comprising such vectors, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules, monoclonal antibodies and cell lines producing the monoclonal antibodies. The invention also provides methods of treating, prognosticating and monitoring hearing loss.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence encoding transductin-2 (TDC2), related and derivative nucleic acid molecules, vectors comprising the isolated or purified nucleic acid sequences, cells comprising such vectors, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules, monoclonal antibodies and cell lines producing the monoclonal antibodies. The invention also provides methods of treating, prognosticating and monitoring hearing loss.