Abstract: Assays using enzymatic degradation of RNA/DNA heteroduplexes are provided for the detection of target nucleic acid molecules. Such enzymatic degradation may be obtained by enzymes including RNaseH. Exemplary methods include Probe Trapping (PT), Hybrid Energy Transfer (HET), and Fluorescent Probe Degradation (FPD). The assays make use of an RNA or chimeric RNA/DNA probe which recognizes a target DNA sequence and forms an RNA/DNA heteroduplex that is the substrate for the enzyme RNaseH which degrades the RNA portion of the probe. Degraded probe fragments diffuse away from the DNA target leading to a detectable signal and allowing the DNA target to hybridize to another probe. Probe degradation is cycled over time. The assays disclosed herein are suitable for use in detecting DNA sequences and could be used in a medical diagnostic.

Abstract: The method of both the surface grinding, or fining, and the polishing of a lens are accomplished on the same surfacing machine spindle, precisely reproducing the curvature and alignment from fining to polishing, thereby resulting in improved surface quality and optical properties. The fine grinding and polishing are accomplished using plain water by sequentially securing to and releasing from the lap, via a high shear-low peel strength adhesive, (a) a fixed abrasive fining pad, and then (b) a polishing pad consisting of a water soluble matrix containing the polishing particles.