Abstract: An optical waveguide is constructed so as to comprise a non-solid core layer surrounded by a solid-state material, wherein light can be transmitted with low loss through the non-solid core layer, and an electrical component is in fluid communication with the non-solid core layer. The electrical component controls movement of sample material through the non-solid core. The optical wave guide provides light confinement with structured dielectric materials. A presently preferred implementation of the invention employs anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs or ARROW). Liquid-core waveguides may also be implemented using other dielectric confinement methods where the layers are periodic, such as Bragg mirrors, holey photonic crystal fiber, and omniguides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of polymers, e.g., polynucleotides, are provided. The systems are capable of analyzing a polymer at a specified rate. One such analysis system includes a structure having a nanopore aperture and a molecular motor, e.g., a polymerase, adjacent the nanopore aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a double-stranded region in a nucleic acid by (1) providing two separate, adjacent pools of a medium and a interface between the two pools, the interface having a channel so dimensioned as to allow sequential monomer-by-monomer passage of a single-stranded nucleic acid, but not of a double-stranded nucleic acid, from one pool to the other pool; (2) placing a nucleic acid polymer in one of the two pools; and (3) taking measurements as each of the nucleotide monomers of the single-stranded nucleic acid polymer passes through the channel so as to differentiate between nucleotide monomers that are hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel and nucleotide monomers that are not hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel.

Abstract: Targeted molecular bar codes and methods for using the same are provided. The subject targeted molecular bar codes include a molecular bar code and a member of a specific binding pair, where the specific binding pair member is generally bonded to the bar code through a linking group. The subject molecular bar code may be read during translocation through a single nano-meter scale pore. The subject targeted molecular bar codes find use in a variety of different applications involving analyte detection, such as screening and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Single-channel thin film devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices comprise cis and trans chambers connected by an electrical communication means. At the cis end of the electrical communication means is a horizontal conical aperture sealed with a thin film that includes a single nanopore or channel. The devices further include a means for applying an electric field between the cis and trans chambers. The subject devices find use in applications in which the ionic current through a nanopore or channel is monitored, where such applications include the characterization of naturally occurring ion channels, the characterization of polymeric compounds, and the like.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence of double stranded nucleic acids in a sample are provided. In the subject methods, nucleic acids present in a fluid sample are translocated through a nanopore, e.g. by application of an electric field to the fluid sample. The current amplitude through the nanopore is monitored during the translocation process and changes in the amplitude are related to the passage of single- or double-stranded molecules through the nanopore. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications in which the detection of the presence of double-stranded nucleic acids in a sample is desired, e.g. in hybridization assays, such as Northern blot assays, Southern blot assays, array based hybridization assays, etc.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the development of methods that accomplish efficient, non-enzymatic, nucleic acid-directed (e.g. RNA-directed) nucleic acid (e.g. RNA) synthesis. In certain embodiments the methods provide conditions that favor oligouridylate synthesis with excellent yield and, at least, up to 30% regioselectivity favoring the RNA linkage. The methods preferably involve contacting, in the presence of lead ions (Pb2+) and/or tin ions (Sn2+) and, optionally, magnesium ions (Mg2+), a template nucleic acid with a nucleotide derivatized with an imidazolide.

Abstract: Targeted molecular bar codes and methods for using the same are provided. The subject targeted molecular bar codes include a molecular bar code and a member of a specific binding pair, where the specific binding pair member is generally bonded to the bar code through a linking group. The subject molecular bar code may be read during translocation through a single nano-meter scale pore. The subject targeted molecular bar codes find use in a variety of different applications involving analyte detection, such as screening and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Targeted molecular bar codes and methods for using the same are provided. The subject targeted molecular bar codes include a molecular bar code and a member of a specific binding pair, where the specific binding pair member is generally bonded to the bar code through a linking group. The subject molecular bar code may be read during translocation through a single nano-meter scale pore. The subject targeted molecular bar codes find use in a variety of different applications involving analyte detection, such as screening and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence of double stranded nucleic acids in a sample are provided. In the subject methods, nucleic acids present in a fluid sample are translocated through a nanopore, e.g. by application of an electric field to the fluid sample. The current amplitude through the nanopore is monitored during the translocation process and changes in the amplitude are related to the passage of single- or double-stranded molecules through the nanopore. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications in which the detection of the presence of double-stranded nucleic acids in a sample is desired, e.g. in hybridization assays, such as Northern blot assays, Southern blot assays, array based hybridization assays, etc.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence of double stranded nucleic acids in a sample are provided. In the subject methods, nucleic acids present in a fluid sample are translocated through a nanopore, e.g. by application of an electric field to the fluid sample. The current amplitude through the nanopore is monitored during the translocation process and changes in the amplitude are related to the passage of single- or double-stranded molecules through the nanopore. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications in which the detection of the presence of double-stranded nucleic acids in a sample is desired, e.g. in hybridization assays, such as Northern blot assays, Southern blot assays, array based hybridization assays, etc.

Abstract: Single-channel thin film devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices comprise cis and trans chambers connected by an electrical communication means. At the cis end of the electrical communication means is a horizontal conical aperture sealed with a thin film that includes a single nanopore or channel. The devices further include a means for applying an electric field between the cis and trans chambers. The subject devices find use in applications in which the ionic current through a nanopore or channel is monitored, where such applications include the characterization of naturally occurring ion channels, the characterization of polymeric compounds, and the like.

Abstract: Single-channel thin film devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices comprise cis and trans chambers connected by an electrical communication means. At the cis end of the electrical communication means is a horizontal conical aperture sealed with a thin film that includes a single nanopore or channel. The devices further include a means for applying an electric field between the cis and trans chambers. The subject devices find use in applications in which the ionic current through a nanopore or channel is monitored where such applications include the characterization of naturally occurring ion channels, the characterization of polymeric compounds, and the like.

Abstract: A method for sequencing a nucleic acid polymer by (1) providing two separate, adjacent pools of a medium and an interface between the two pools, the interface having a channel so dimensioned as to allow sequential monomer-by-monomer passage from one pool to the other pool of only one nucleic acid polymer at a time; (2) placing the nucleic acid polymer to be sequenced in one of the two pools; and (3) taking measurements as each of the nucleotide monomers of the nucleic acid polymer passes through the channel so as to sequence the nucleic acid polymer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for characterizing a linear polymer molecule by measuring physical changes across an interface between two pools of media as the linear polymer traverses the interface and monomers of the polymer interact with the interface, where the physical changes are suitable to identify characteristics of the polymer.

Abstract: Concentration of a target chemical in the presence of other substances in a specimen is determined by subjecting the specimen to radio frequency electromagnetic components, sequentially or otherwise, ranging to about 5 GHz. The reflected and/or transmitted signal real and imaginary components at the specimen are spectrally examined as a function of frequency to identify the presence and/or concentration of the chemical of interest. Such examination includes analysis of the effective complex impedance presented by the specimen, and/or effective phase shift between the transmitted and reflected signal at the specimen. The effects upon glucose concentration measurements of varying electrolytes, primarily NaCl, can be nulled-out by examining impedance magnitude at a cross-over frequency, for example about 2.5 GHz. NaCl concentration exhibits a very linear relationship with phase shift change at frequencies in the 2 GHz-3 GHz range.

Abstract: A portable spring leveraged device adapted for attachment to the hips in a manner that allows a person engaged in so-called "stoop labor" to bend or flex at the hips with less physical exertion, and with less stress and strain on involved musculature and vertebral joints. The device consists of a U-shaped metal or plastic frame, hinged in each arm of the U and provided with spring resistance at each hinge point. The frame is belt-mounted at the wearer's waist with the hinge points adjacent the hips and with the bottom of the U and arms providing padded contact at the wearer's chest and thighs, respectively. The two arms provide for independent leg movement for walking while the chest contact resiliently supports a major portion of the wearer's upper torso weight during leaning and stooping, thus relieving the stresses and strains normally imparted to the back muscles, ligamentous and bony support, and especially the low back structure, during, for example, use of a short hoe and/or lifting produce boxes.

Abstract: A novel encapsulation method is provided in which liposome dispersions are dried in the presence of a material to be encapsulated. As drying occurs, the individual liposomes fuse to form multilamellar structures which capture the material between lipid lamellae. Upon rehydration, lipid vesicles form which efficiently encapsulate the material.