Abstract: Vector preparations and cloning constructs suitable for use in cloning are provided. Vector preparations are double-stranded DNA molecules having two 3? termini, each terminus having a single base pair overhang that is capable of hybridizing to a single base pair overhang on a double stranded polynucleotide sequence to be cloned. The overhang of the vector preparation is suitably a dCMP and the overhang of the polynucleotide sequence to be cloned is suitably a dGMP. In other embodiments, the overhang of the polynucleotide sequence to be cloned is any ddNTP and the corresponding overhang of the vector preparation is any base that pairs to the ddNTP. The latter embodiment is particularly suited to preparing recombinant molecules having only a single insert. Methods of cloning, methods of preparing libraries of recombinant molecules and kits for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A rule based computerized method of developing, implementing and administering legislation is disclosed which includes developing a computerized database containing a set of declarative rules in accordance with which the legislation can be developed, written in and delivered; utilizing the computerized database to develop the policy for the legislation in accordance with the set of rules, and/or utilizing the computerized database to write the legislation in accordance with the set of rules, and/or utilizing the computerized database to design the service to administer the legislation in accordance with the set of rules, and/or utilizing the computerized database to administer and/or evaluate the legislation in accordance with the set of rules; wherein the policy development, writing of legislation, service design, administration and/or evaluation are functionally integrated by the computerized database.

Abstract: A shredding machine includes a housing which defines a passageway through which a sheet of material to be shredded may pass, a punching mechanism comprising a plurality of punch members, a mechanism to move the punch members from a retracted position in which the punch members are spaced from the passageway to an advanced position in which the punch members extend through the passageway, and a feeding mechanism for feeding the sheet of material through the punching mechanism so that repeated movement of the punch members between the retracted and the advanced positions effects shredding of the material. A method of shredding sheet material comprises feeding a sheet of material to be shredded past a punching mechanism and repeatedly punching the sheet material so as to shred the entire sheet.

Abstract: Systems and method of providing online discount offer programs to users provide for receiving travel information associated with the user and presenting a set of discount offers to the user based on the travel information. A modified set of discount offers can be presented to the user in response to input from the user, where the input identifies a change in the travel information.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing viral genomic and complementary DNA expression libraries and novel viral polypeptides without requiring virus cultivation prior to library construction. The method includes direct isolation of viral particles from the environment by differential filtration and centrifugation. The viral nucleic acids are extracted and used to construct libraries that may be screened by one of several methods to identify useful coding sequences or may be used to produce novel polypeptides.

Abstract: A shredding machine includes a housing which defines a passageway through which a sheet of material to be shredded may pass, a punching mechanism comprising a plurality of punch members, a mechanism to move the punch members from a retracted position in which the punch members are spaced from the passageway to an advanced position in which the punch members extend through the passageway, and a feeding mechanism for feeding the sheet of material through the punching mechanism so that repeated movement of the punch members between the retracted and the advanced positions effects shredding of the material. A method of shredding sheet material comprises feeding a sheet of material to be shredded past a punching mechanism and repeatedly punching the sheet material so as to shred the entire sheet.

Abstract: A poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based plastisol composition including a poly(vinyl chloride) polymer (homopolymer or copolymer), a plasticizer, and an infrared-reflective pigment is applied in a layer on a substrate and coalesced to produce a PVC layer including an infrared reflective pigment. The layer can be made into a free film and applied to an extruded vinyl or metal sheet to prepare vinyl or metal siding or trim pieces with an outer layer of the PVC including an infrared-reflective pigment.

Abstract: A rule based computerized method of developing, implementing and administering legislation is disclosed which includes developing a computerized database containing a set of declarative rules in accordance with which the legislation can be developed, written in and delivered; utilizing the computerized database to develop the policy for the legislation in accordance with the set of rules, and/or utilizing the computerized database to write the legislation in accordance with the set of rules, and/or utilizing the computerized database to design the service to administer the legislation in accordance with the set of rules, and/or utilizing the computerized database to administer and/or evaluate the legislation in accordance with the set of rules; wherein the policy development, writing of legislation, service design, administration and/or evaluation are functionally integrated by the computerized database.

Abstract: A shredder for sheet material comprises a shredding mechanism and an air feeding mechanism. Conveniently the air feeding mechanism comprises a vacuum pump. An air flow path extends through the shredding mechanism of the shredder and the pump is disposed after the shredding mechanism in the air flow path. The air feeding mechanism comprises a collection device for collecting shredded particles, which may include a permeable bag.

Abstract: Methods are described for producing recombinant DNA molecules from suitable host vectors and nucleic acids subjected to 3'-terminal transferase activity. In one embodiment, the method takes advantage of the single 3'-deoxy-adenosine monophosphate (dAMP) residues attached to the 3' termini of PCR generated nucleic acids. Vectors are prepared with recognition sequences that afford single 3'-terminal deoxy-thymidine monophosphate (dTMP) residues upon reaction with a suitable restriction enzyme. Thus, PCR generated copies of genes can be directly cloned into the vectors without need for preparing primers having suitable restriction sites therein. The invention also contemplates associated plasmid vectors and kits for implementing the methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to materials and methods for the quasi-random and complete fragmentation of DNA using restriction endonuclease reagents capable of cutting DNA at a dinucleotide sequence. The invention is also directed to methods for labeling DNA using template-specific oligonucleotides, for shotgun cloning, for sequencing of DNA, for epitope mapping and for anonymous primer cloning, all using fragments of DNA generated by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods are described for producing recombinant DNA molecules from suitable host vectors and nucleic acids subjected to 3'-terminal transferase activity. In one embodiment, the method takes advantage of the single 3'-deoxy-adenosine monophosphate (dAMP) residues attached to the 3' termini of PCR generated nucleic acids. Vectors are prepared with recognition sequences that afford single 3'-terminal deoxy-thymidine monophosphate (dTMP) residues upon reaction with a suitable restriction enzyme. Thus, PCR generated copies of genes can be directly cloned into the vectors without need for preparing primers having suitable restriction sites therein. The invention also contemplates associated plasmid vectors and kits for implementing the methods.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding a novel restriction endonuclease (designated R.C.nu.iJI) and variants thereof are disclosed along with method and materials for production of the same by recombinant methods. A bacterial host cell line transformed with DNA encoding R.C.nu.iJI is also disclosed, as well as methods for expressing R.C.nu.iJI in the bacterial host system and subsequent materials and methods for purification of the enzyme.