Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for detecting fetal nucleic acids and methods for diagnosing fetal abnormalities. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for determining whether fetal nucleic acid is present in a maternal sample including obtaining a maternal sample suspected to include fetal nucleic acids, and performing a sequencing reaction on the sample to determine presence of at least a portion of a Y chromosome in the sample, thereby determining that fetal nucleic acid is present in the sample. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods for quantitative or qualitative analysis to detect fetal nucleic acid in a maternal sample, regardless of the ability to detect the Y chromosome, particularly for samples including normal nucleic acids from a female fetus.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polymerases for efficient and controlled sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a polymerase enzyme including at least one mutation that enhances ability of the polymerase as compared to a wild-type polymerase to incorporate a nucleotide into a nascent strand of DNA or cDNA including at least one modified nucleotide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for sequencing DNA or RNA samples that would be impossible to do via standard means. Samples that are part of mixtures or are degraded or modified may be sequenced so that the individual from whom the sample originated can be determined or useful biological information can be associated with the sample. Methods are described that allow high efficiency sequencing of degraded nucleic acid samples such as are typically found with FFPE. Samples from severely degraded sources or that have been treated with preservatives such as formalin may be sequenced. In addition to permitting identification of samples, information about disease or treatment status may also be determined.

Abstract: Methods and kits for selective preparing cDNA relatively free of sequences found in rRNA and subcellular RNAs are disclosed. The methods and kits utilize approximately 200 hexamer sequences which target messenger RNA. The methods and kits are useful in preparing samples for sequencing analysis, especially when performing single molecule sequencing by synthesis.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for assessing by sequencing the type and quantity of in vivo or in vitro breakdown products and stability of nucleic acids such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and other target oligonucleotides. In general, the disclosed methods involve the use of tester oligonucleotides that comprise a double-stranded region, an optional loop (in the case of hairpin testers), and a single-stranded 3? overhang that is complementary to the full-length and a shortened target oligonucleotide. A tester is designed so that the 3? end of a respective target oligonucleotide anneals to the overhang immediately adjacent to the 5? end of the tester. The juxtaposed ends of the tester and target at adjacent positions allow for a ligase to ligate the chain if there is a match between a tester and its respective target.

Abstract: Correlations between polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, diabetes and/or myocardial infarction are provided. Methods of diagnosing and treating metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, diabetes and/or myocardial infarction are provided. Systems and kits for diagnosis and treatment of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, diabetes and/or myocardial infarction are provided.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) pad is provided. The CMP pad includes a groove pattern disposed on a polishing surface of the pad. The groove pattern is formed of an alternating sequence of spaced apart grooves. The alternating sequence of grooves comprises a groove of a first size and a groove of a second size, wherein the first and second groove sizes are different relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically-modified non-human mammals and genetically-modified animal cells containing a disrupted RAMP1, RAMP2, or RAMP3 gene. Also provided by the invention are methods of screening for agents that modulate the activity or expression of a RAMP and methods of treating mammals to modulate liver function and/or muscle metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and/or purified rat apoptosis-specific eucaryotic initiation Factor-5A (eIF-5A) and deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) nucleic acids and polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating apoptosis using apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS, and antisense oligonucleotides and expression vectors of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS useful in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel processes for determination of functional binding of agents to receptors. The invention provides assays that measure the ligand-dependent interaction between nuclear receptors and nuclear receptor coregulators, including coactivators and corepressors. The invention further provides assays that can measure the ability of test agents to act as effectors of such interactions. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising agents identified using the assays of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically-modified non-human mammals and genetically-modified animal cells containing a disrupted RAMP1, RAMP2, or RAMP3 gene. Also provided by the invention are methods of screening for agents that modulate the activity or expression of a RAMP and methods of treating mammals to modulate liver function and/or muscle metabolism.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to diagnostics and therapeutics involving isolated molecules that can be used to inhibit cardiac apoptotic cell-death.

Abstract: A line of sight adjustment mechanism for an optical gun sight which includes windage and elevation screws which bear against an internal component of the sight that defines the line of sight of the sight. A spring biases the internal component against the windage and elevation screws. Hardened steel balls are set into the internal component and affixed thereto at approximate positions to provide point contact between the internal component and the windage and elevation screws, and between the internal component and the spring. Adjustment friction is thus reduced with a resultant reduction in tracking error.

Abstract: A mechanism for varying the power of a telescopic gun sight wherein the erector lenses are moved longitudinally of the sight. A cam sleeve is used in combination with plastic cam followers. Screws are passed through the cam followers and threaded into the erector lens cells to bias runners formed on the lens cells against the inside surface of the erector lens tube thereby loosening manufacturing tolerance requirements while providing smoother and more accurate lens movement and power change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing spherical bodies to a supporting member by staking. The spheres are fed one by one into a bore of a setting apparatus where they are picked up by the front end of a staking punch which reciprocates in the bore. The punch advances the sphere to the supporting member and imbeds the sphere in the surface of the supporting member while at the same time forming integral tangs from the supporting member which partially encircle the sphere and hold it in place. The punch then withdraws to pick up a fresh sphere and a new supporting member is moved into place to receive the fresh sphere.