Abstract: The electrical conductivity of DNA and other oligonucleotide constructs is dependent on its conformational state. Such a dependence may be harnessed for the electronic sensing of external analytes, for instance, adenosine or thrombin. Such a DNA sensor incorporates an analyte receptor, whose altered conformation in the presence of bound analyte switches the conformation, and hence, the conductive path between two oligonucleotide stems, such as double-helical DNA. Two distinct designs for such sensors are described that permit significant electrical conduction through a first or “detector” double-helical stem only in the presence of the bound analyte. In the first design, current flows through the analyte receptor itself whereas, in the second, current flows in a path adjacent to the receptor.

Abstract: The electrical conductivity of DNA and other oligonucleotide constructs is dependent on its conformational state. Such a dependence may be harnessed for the electronic sensing of external analytes, for instance, adenosine. Such a DNA sensor incorporates an analyte receptor, whose altered conformation in the presence of bound analyte switches the conformation, and hence, the conductive path between two oligonucleotide stems, such as double-helical DNA. Two distinct designs for such sensors are described that permit significant electrical conduction through a first or “detector” double-helical stem only in the presence of the bound analyte. In the first design, current flows through the analyte receptor itself whereas, in the second, current flows in a path adjacent to the receptor.

Abstract: The electrical conductivity of DNA and other oligonucleotide constructs is dependent on its conformational state. Such a dependence may be harnessed for the electronic sensing of external analytes, for instance, adenosine or thrombin. Such a DNA sensor incorporates an analyte receptor, whose altered conformation in the presence of bound analyte switches the conformation, and hence, the conductive path between two oligonucleotide stems, such as double-helical DNA. Two distinct designs for such sensors are described that permit significant electrical conduction through a first or “detector” double-helical stem only in the presence of the bound analyte. In the first design, current flows through the analyte receptor itself whereas, in the second, current flows in a path adjacent to the receptor.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of mechanisms, techniques and systems for managing, labeling, detecting, locating, and utilizing Hidden Objects utilizing RFID technology, handheld data processing units, and a centralized server computer maintaining a database of information related to a plurality of Hidden Objects. The teaching of the present invention has application across a wide variety of industries including constructions, utility, governmental, military, waste water management, etc.

Abstract: The electrical conductivity of DNA and other oligonucleotide constructs is dependent on its conformational state. Such a dependence may be harnessed for the electronic sensing of external analytes, for instance, adenosine. Such a DNA sensor incorporates an analyte receptor, whose altered conformation in the presence of bound analyte switches the conformation, and hence, the conductive path between two oligonucleotide stems, such as double-helical DNA. Two distinct designs for such sensors are described that permit significant electrical conduction through a first or “detector” double-helical stem only in the presence of the bound analyte. In the first design, current flows through the analyte receptor itself whereas, in the second, current flows in a path adjacent to the receptor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses enzymatic DNA molecules capable of cleaving RNA, referred to herein as the “Bipartite DNAzymes.” The Bipartite I DNAzyme is capable of self-cleavage at an internal ribonucleotide. The Bipartite II DNAzyme is capable of sequence-specific cleavage of RNA substrates. The sequence of the substrate binding arms of the Bipartite II DNAzyme can be modified to allow the DNAzyme to bind to and to cleave many different RNA molecules. This feature allows the Bipartite II DNAzyme to selectively cleave RNA in vitro, and it may allow the Bipartite II DNAzyme to selectively cleave RNA in cells, such as bacteria or virus infected cells, or cancer cells, where the RNA, or protein products encoded by the RNA, are implicated in various diseases. Methods of making and using the disclosed enzymes are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nucleic acid complex having double-stranded sections with a domain of guanine nucleotides. The domain comprises of a pair of substantially uninterrupted guanine sequences which bond together. This domain can interact with other similar domains such that two nucleic acid complexes with these domains have the ability to bind together to form DNA superstructures. The present invention also relates to a method of forming a nucleic acid superstructure using the engineered nucleic acid complexes.

Abstract: Process for the dimerisation of acrylonitrile (ACN) to predominantly linear C.sub.6 dimers using organic phosphinites or phosphonites as catalyst in the presence of a proton-donating solvent and, optionally, a hydrocarbon co-solvent, the ACN and solvent(s) being substantially dry, and a small amount of a compound of a metal of Group IVA to VIIA, VIII or IB to VB being added to the reaction mixture to reduce the amount of polymeric by-product.