Abstract: The present invention provides a replicatable and hybridizable recombinant single-stranded RNA probe molecule comprising: a recognition sequence for the binding of an RNA-directed RNA polymerase; a sequence required for the initiation of product strand synthesis by the polymerase; and a heteroloqus RNA sequence inserted at a specific site in the internal region of the recombinant molecule and complementary to an oligo or polynucleotide of interest. This invention also provides methods for determining the presence of concentration of an oligo- or polynucleotide of interest in a sample and for simultaneously determining the presence or concentration of several different oligo- or polynucleotides of interest in a sample.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming a small building includes a continuous curved wall forming a semi-arcuate arch, the wall comprised of lightweight cellular material such as foamed blocks. The blocks may be identical and interchangeably secured in place by adhesive to form the wall, so that the arch is easily constructed. The arched wall comprises both the longitudinal sides and the top of the structure. In addition, the structure includes an outer skin which covers the entire exterior of the arched wall. The outer skin is both a weatherproof layer and a tension member to apply a compressive force uniformly to the outer surface of the arched wall and significantly augment the load strength of the arch, resulting in a structure that is made very strong with a minimum mass of material.

Abstract: This invention concerns recombinant RNA molecules comprising a recognition sequence for the binding of an RNA-directed RNA polymerase, a sequence for the initiation of product strand synthesis and a heterologous sequence of interest inserted at a specific site in the internal region of the recombinant molecule. Such recombinant RNA molecules are capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of complementary single-stranded molecules by RNA-directed RNA polymerase. The product molecules so formed are also capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of additional copies of the original recombinant RNA molecule. In a preferred embodiment of the invention Q.beta. replicase is used as the RNA-directed RNA polymerase.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of functional reporter molecules in the detection and measurement of targets in a sample. The invention is predicated on the utilization of a transcription step between the production of an appropriate reporter molecule and replication based amplification in order to increase the number of detectable species as an indirect reference to target.

Abstract: This invention concerns recombinant RNA molecules comprising a recognition sequence for the binding of an RNA-directed RNA polymerase, a sequence for the initiation of product strand synthesis-and a heterologous sequence of interest inserted at a specific site in the internal region of the recombinant molecule. Such recombinant RNA molecules are capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of complementary single-stranded molecules by RNA-directed RNA polymerase. The product molecules so formed are also capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of additional copies of the original recombinant RNA molecule. In a preferred embodiment of the invention Q.beta. replicase is used as the RNA-directed RNA polymerase. The invention also concerns methods of selectively cleaving RNA molecules at specific sites, methods of constructing recombinant RNA molecules, and methods for the autocatalytic in vitro replication of recombinant RNA molecules.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of functional reporter molecules in the detection and measurement of nucleic acid sequences in a sample, as a determination, for example, of pathogenic disease existence or potential. The invention is predicated on the utilization of a transcription step between the production of an appropriate reporter molecule and replication based amplification in order to increase the number of detectable species as an indirect reference to target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: This invention concerns recombinant RNA molecules comprising a recognition sequence for the binding of an RNA-directed RNA polymerase, a sequence for the initiation of product strand synthesis and a heterologous sequence of interest inserted at a specific site in the internal region of the recombinant molecule. Such recombinant RNA molecules are capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of complementary single-stranded molecules by RNA-directed RNA polymerase. The product molecules so formed are also capable of serving as a template for the synthesis of additional copies of the original recombinant RNA molecule. In a preferred embodiment of the invention Q.beta. replicase is used as the RNA-directed RNA polymerase.