Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits kits for amplifying a target sequence by strand displacement replication using strand-displacing primers. The method uses primers that have only ribonucleotides or purine ribonucleotides and at least one 2′-substituted pyrimidine-2′-deoxyribonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel methods, compositions and kits comprising monopartite or bipartite target probes and an RNA polymerase to detect and quantify analytes comprising one or multiple target nucleic acid sequences, including target sequences that differ by as little as one nucleotide, or to detect and quantify non-nucleic acid analytes by detecting a target sequence tag that is joined to an analyte-binding substance. The method, called “target-dependent transcription,” consists of an annealing process, a DNA ligation process, a transcription process, and a detection process. The invention also comprises novel methods, compositions and kits for amplifying RNA, including strand-displacement reverse transcription and rolling circle reverse transcription.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for using an RNA polymerase for making transcription products corresponding to a target sequence by obtaining single-stranded DNA transcription substrates that comprise a single-stranded promoter that is operably joined to a single-stranded target sequence. The invention has broad applicability for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications, such as preparing cDNA corresponding to full-length mRNA, making sense or anti-sense probes, detecting gene- or organism-specific sequences, cloning, cell signaling or making RNA for use in RNAi.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for assaying for a target analyte in a sample by formation of a substrate for a replicase. The target analyte, if present in the sample, is first bound to a reporter probe. The reporter probe comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a polynucleotide that encodes at least part of a sequence for an RNA that is a substrate for replication. The second portion comprises a molecule that has affinity for an analyte. The reporter probe itself is not a substrate for a replicase. However, a replicase substrate is generated by treating reporter probe which is bound to analyte with a composition having nuclease activity in order to release the parts of the first portion, and then the released parts and one or more mononucleotides or oligonucleotides comprising missing parts of the substrate sequence are joined with a composition having ligase activity.

Abstract: An essentially pure preparation of thermostable RNase H isolated from Thermus flavus is disclosed. In one preferable form of the invention, the RNase H is capable of biological activity after incubation at temperatures equal to or greater than 70.degree. C. for at least ten minutes. The present invention is also a method of digesting RNA polymers that are in duplex form with a DNA molecule. The method comprises exposing the duplex to the isolated thermostable RNase H. The present invention is also a genetic construct capable of expressing a thermostable RNase H.

Abstract: An essentially pure preparation of thermostable RNase H isolated from Thermus flavus is disclosed. In one preferable form of the invention, the RNase H is capable of biological activity after incubation at temperatures equal to or greater than 70.degree. C. for at least ten minutes. The present invention is also a method of digesting RNA polymers that are in duplex form with a DNA molecule. The method comprises exposing the duplex to the isolated thermostable RNase H. The present invention is also a genetic construct capable of expressing a thermostable RNase H.

Abstract: A substantially pure preparation of thermostable RNase H is disclosed. In one preferable form of the invention, the RNase H is capable of biological activity after incubation at temperatures equal to or greater than 70.degree. C. for at least ten minutes. In another preferable form of the invention, the purification is from Thermus thermophilus or a closely related organism. The present invention is also a method of digesting RNA polymers that are in duplex form with a DNA molecule. The method comprises exposing the duplex to the isolated thermostable RNase H.

Abstract: A rotary slotting tool that includes a circular tool body having a V-shaped groove in its peripheral edge to establish a centering plane for individual cutter element holders. A pocket is formed in the leading face of each holder for mounting an individual cutter element. The pocket structure configuration is varied between successive holders so that successive cutter elements overhang different side faces of the associated holders. A common cutter element configuration is used for all of the cutter elements.

Abstract: An expandable picture frame assembly includes an annular enclosure and a resiliently flexible spring. The enclosure has a front, a rear, and an interior surface bounding a picture-storing cavity defined between the front and rear of the enclosure. In one embodiment, the spring member is attached to the interior surface of the enclosure and projects partially across the cavity. The spring member is capable of being flexed toward and away from the front and rear of the enclosure for holding multiple pictures in a compact stacked arrangement behind one another with only a front one being displayed through a front opening of the enclosure. In another embodiment, the flexible spring member extends across the cavity between, and is releasably engaged at its opposite ends with, oppositely facing portions of the interior annular surface of the enclosure.