Abstract: The invention relates to reagents and methods for improving the efficiency of multiplex nucleic acid amplification, in particular where overlapping amplicons are to be generated. The invention also relates to reagents and methods for improving the efficiency of multistep nucleic acid amplification, in particular the performance of two separate amplification reactions designed to occur in sequence in the same reaction mixture or vessel. The invention further relates to reagents and methods for improving multistep nucleic acid amplification reactions by controlling the output of the first amplification reaction. In particular, primers are provided that minimise the formation of aberrant amplification products. Such primers are particularly useful where first and second amplification reactions take place in a single reaction mixture or vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of organ and tissue transplantation and specifically to methods allowing rejection of transplanted organs and tissues by a transplant patient. The present invention provides methods for non-invasive and ex vivo or in vitro detection of the presence or absence of transplant rejection, i.e. transplant health or rejection. The present methods allow for effective and continuous monitoring of transplant status with a minimal or absent discomfort for a transplant patent.

Abstract: The invention relates to prenatal detection methods using non-invasive techniques. In particular, it relates to prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by detecting fetal and maternal nucleic acids in a maternal biological sample. More particularly, the invention applies multiplex PCR to amplify selected fractions of the respective chromosomes of maternal and fetal chromosomes. Respective amounts of suspected aneuploid chromosomal regions and reference chromosomes are determined from massive sequencing analysis followed by a statistical analysis to detect a particular aneuploidy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of organ and tissue transplantation and specifically to methods allowing rejection of transplanted organs and tissues by a transplant patient. The present invention provides methods for non-invasive and ex vivo or in vitro detection of the presence or absence of transplant rejection, i.e. transplant health or rejection. The present methods allow for effective and continuous monitoring of transplant status with a minimal or absent discomfort for a transplant patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to prenatal detection methods using non-invasive techniques. In particular, it relates to prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by detecting fetal and maternal nucleic acids in a maternal biological sample. More particularly, the invention applies multiplex PCR to amplify selected fractions of the respective chromosomes of maternal and fetal chromosomes. Respective amounts of suspected aneuploid chromosomal regions and reference chromosomes are determined from massive sequencing analysis followed by a statistical analysis to detect a particular aneuploidy.

Abstract: The invention relates to prenatal detection methods using non-invasive techniques. In particular, it relates to prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by detecting fetal and maternal nucleic acids in a maternal biological sample. More particularly, the invention applies multiplex PCR to amplify selected fractions of the respective chromosomes of maternal and fetal chromosomes. Respective amounts of suspected aneuploid chromosomal regions and reference chromosomes are determined from massive sequencing analysis followed by a statistical analysis to detect a particular aneuploidy.

Abstract: The invention relates to prenatal detection methods using non-invasive techniques. In particular, it relates to prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by detecting fetal and maternal nucleic acids in a maternal biological sample. More particularly, the invention applies multiplex PCR to amplify selected fractions of the respective chromosomes of maternal and fetal chromosomes. Respective amounts of suspected aneuploid chromosomal regions and reference chromosomes are determined from massive sequencing analysis followed by a statistical analysis to detect a particular aneuploidy.

Abstract: The invention relates to prenatal detection methods using non-invasive techniques. In particular, it relates to prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by detecting fetal and maternal nucleic acids in a maternal biological sample. More particularly, the invention applies multiplex PCR to amplify selected fractions of the respective chromosomes of maternal and fetal chromosomes. Respective amounts of suspected aneuploid chromosomal regions and reference chromosomes are determined from massive sequencing analysis followed by a statistical analysis to detect a particular aneuploidy.

Abstract: Liquid chemical supply ampules, commonly called "bubblers", which are used in semiconductor and fiber optic component production lines are automatically refilled without the need to interrupt operation of the production lines. The bubbler ampules utilize a supply of the liquid chemicals from which the ampules produce a gas stream which is saturated with the chemicals. An individual ampule will be connected by means of a selectively operable series of transfer valves to two separate chemical bulk supply tanks. The bulk supply tanks can include one fixed and one replaceable tank; or two replaceable tanks.

Abstract: A modular automatic refill system using a plurality of individual microprocessor controlled modules to control a plurality of liquid chemical temperature controllers is provided wherein replenishing liquid chemical is automatically supplied from a chemical bulk supply unit to a plurality of bubbler ampules in the corresponding liquid chemical temperature controllers based on sensed level depths in a manner that avoids contamination of the replenishing chemical and permits separate and independent operation of the individual microprocessor controlled modules.