Abstract: The present invention is in the field of molecular biology and is directed to novel reverse transcriptase enzymes and compositions, and to methods and kits for producing, amplifying, or sequencing nucleic acid molecules using these novel reverse transcriptase enzymes or compositions. In particular the Invention relates to a polymerase selected from the group of. a polymerase (O15) as encoded by a nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 9 or a nucleic acid that is at least 98% identical thereto, a polymerase (O15) with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 10 or a polymerase that is at least 90% identical thereto, a polymerase (O57) as encoded by a nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 11 or a nucleic acid that is at least 98% identical thereto, a polymerase (O57) with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 12 or a polymerase that is at least 90% identical thereto. a polymerase (O58) as encoded by a nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO.

Abstract: Method and compositions for improving DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase reactions are provided. Addition of anti-foam reagents to the reactions improves fluid handling, especially of small volumes and allows enhanced accuracy of optical detection, without substantially inhibiting enzymatic activity.

Abstract: An annular fairing having aerodynamic, thermal, structural and acoustic attributes couples a launch abort motor to a space vehicle having a payload of concern mounted on top of a rocket propulsion system. A first end of the annular fairing is fixedly attached to the launch abort motor while a second end of the annular fairing is attached in a releasable fashion to an aft region of the payload. The annular fairing increases in diameter between its first and second ends.

Abstract: Methods for making cDNA molecules, for amplification of RNA by PCR and for preparation of cDNA libraries are provided. Kits for making cDNA molecules also are provided. Compositions are also provided comprising mixtures of reagents, including reverse transcriptases, buffers, cofactors and other components, suitable for immediate use in conversion of RNA into cDNA and RT PCR without dilution or addition of further components. These compositions are useful, alone or in the form of kits, for cDNA synthesis or nucleic acid amplification (e.g., by the Polymerase Chain Reaction) or for any procedure utilizing reverse transcriptases in a variety of research, medical, diagnostic, forensic and agricultural applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. More specifically, the invention provides methods for nucleic acid amplification which use primers having equivalent priming efficiency.

Abstract: Methods for making cDNA molecules, for amplification of RNA by PCR and for preparation of cDNA libraries are provided. Kits for making cDNA molecules also are provided. Compositions are also provided comprising mixtures of reagents, including reverse transcriptases, buffers, cofactors and other components, suitable for immediate use in conversion of RNA into cDNA and RT PCR without dilution or addition of further components. These compositions are useful, alone or in the form of kits, for cDNA synthesis or nucleic acid amplification (e.g., by the Polymerase Chain Reaction) or for any procedure utilizing reverse transcriptases in a variety of research, medical, diagnostic, forensic and agricultural applications.

Abstract: An annular fairing having aerodynamic, thermal, structural and acoustic attributes couples a launch abort motor to a space vehicle having a payload of concern mounted on top of a rocket propulsion system. A first end of the annular fairing is fixedly attached to the launch abort motor while a second end of the annular fairing is attached in a releasable fashion to an aft region of the payload. The annular fairing increases in diameter between its first and second ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. More specifically, the invention provides methods for nucleic acid amplification which use primers having equivalent priming efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. More specifically, the invention provides methods for nucleic acid amplification which use primers having equivalent priming efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. More specifically, the invention provides methods for nucleic acid amplification which use primers having equivalent priming efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of making cDNA molecules, amplification of RNA by PCR and cDNA libraries. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the methods of the invention. Methods for improved and more efficient conversion of RNA into cDNA are provided, which in turn can be used in a variety of procedures in molecular analysis of gene expression.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite (MMC) material machining tool and a method for forming such a tool. In one embodiment, the MMC machining tool of the present invention is comprised of a support disk. In this embodiment, the MMC machining tool is further comprised of a plating material which is bonded to at least a portion of the support disk. The present embodiment further recites a plurality of diamond particles coupled to the plating material such that the plurality of diamond particles are securely plated to at least a portion of the support disk. In this embodiment, the plurality of diamond particles are securely plated to the support disk in a manner such that the plurality of diamond particles are adapted to machine metal matrix composite material.

Abstract: Methods for making cDNA molecules, for amplification of RNA by PCR and for preparation of cDNA libraries are provided. Kits for making cDNA molecules also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods, compositions and kits for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. Specifically, the invention involves replacing at least one nucleotide of an oligonucleotide with nucleotide residue having altered base-pairing characteristics, such as inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and methylated nucleotide derivatives, so as to more equalize the efficiency with which that oligonucleotide and a second oligonucleotide hybridize to a target molecule, and then amplifying the target molecule using, for example, the polymerase chain reaction. Improved amplification results from the improvement in the relative hybridization efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. More specifically, the invention provides methods for nucleic acid amplification which use primers having equivalent priming efficiency.

Abstract: A method for mixing particles in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, such as ceramic reinforcing particles in a molten metal or metal alloy matrix for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. The particles can be introduced under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head that includes teeth positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix. The present invention may be practiced either under vacuum or atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing particles in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, such as ceramic reinforcing particles in a molten metal or metal alloy matrix for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. The particles can be introduced under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head that includes teeth positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix. The present invention may be practiced either under vacuum or atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. More specifically, the invention provides methods for nucleic acid amplification which use primers having equivalent priming efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for mixing nonmetallic reinforcing particles into a molten metal or metal alloy for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials under atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the particles are introduced into the matrix under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube positioned in the matrix. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head. The impeller head includes one or more teeth and is positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region which exists in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule. More specifically, the invention involves replacing at least one nucleotide of an oligonucleotide with a nucleotide having altered base pairing characteristics, so as to more equalize the efficiency with which that oligonucleotide and a second oligonucleotide hybridize to a target molecule and then amplifying the target molecule using, for example, the polymerase chain reaction. Improved amplification results from the improvement in relative hybridization efficiencies.