Abstract: Chemically defined conjugates of biologically stable valency platform molecules, such as copolymers of D-glutamic acid and D-lysine or polyethylene glycol, and polynucleotide duplexes of at least 20 base pairs that have significant binding activity for human lupus anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. The duplexes are preferably homogeneous in length structure and are bound to the valency platform molecule via reaction between a functional group located at or proximate a terminus of each duplex and functional groups on the valency platform molecule. These conjugates are tolerogens for human systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: A method of cleaving substrate DNA with a restriction enzyme, wherein the substrate DNA is resistant to cleavage by the restriction enzyme, is disclosed. The method comprises co-incubating the substrate DNA and the restriction enzyme with an activating DNA sequence. The activating sequence comprises an oligonucleotide comprised of the restriction enzyme recognition site and cleavage permissible flanking sequences joined directly to both the 5' and 3' ends of the recognition site. Exemplary restriction enzymes which may be used in practicing the present invention include Nae I, BspM I, Hpa II, Nar I, and Sac II.

Abstract: Chemically defined conjugates of biologically stable polymers, such as copolymers of D-glutamic acid and D-lysine, and polynucleotide duplexes of at least 30 base pairs that have significant binding activity for human lupus anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. The duplexes are preferably homogeneous in length and structure and are bound to the polymer via reaction between an amino-reactive functional group located at or proximate a terminus of each duplex. These conjugates are tolerogens for human systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: A system of surface tiles for flooring or the like, and the method of their installation. The tiles each include a backing board, a number of spaced parallel stationary slats fixed on the backing board, and a longitudinally movable slat in each space between successive stationary slats and dovetailed between them. The movable slats are movable to stagger their ends relative to the ends of the stationary slats, and to extend from one tile to the next to interlock the tiles. Tiles are installed by: a. placing a number of tiles in a longitudinal row; b. moving the movable slats of a single working tile to desired staggered positions relative to the stationary slats; c. cutting the working tile transversely into tow end pieces; d. placing one of the end pieces on one end of the row with its cut edge outward of the row; e. moving the movable slats of the row to fill empty spaces between stationary slats; and f.