Abstract: A method and system have been provided to perform high speed nucleic acid melting analysis while still obtaining accurate melting curve sufficient for genotyping. This rapid ability to interrogate DNA should be useful whenever time to result is important, such as in molecular point of care testing. Specifically, microfluidics enables genotyping by melting analysis at rates up to 50° C./s, requiring less than is to acquire an entire melting curve. High speed melting reduces the time for melting analysis, decreases errors, and improves genotype discrimination of small amplicons.

Abstract: A method and system have been provided to perform high speed nucleic acid melting analysis while still obtaining accurate melting curve sufficient for genotyping. This rapid ability to interrogate DNA should be useful whenever time to result is important, such as in molecular point of care testing. Specifically, microfluidics enables genotyping by melting analysis at rates up to 50° C./s, requiring less than is to acquire an entire melting curve. High speed melting reduces the time for melting analysis, decreases errors, and improves genotype discrimination of small amplicons.

Abstract: A self-improvement system utilizes psychometric testing and personal development methodologies in a computer-based system that is configured to provide a self-administered, automated self-improvement process. The system is configured to encourage a user to set goals and provides the user with tools to develop skills that are necessary for the realization of those goals. The system also substantively monitors the progress of a users development of those skills by utilizing user inputs received during the process and determining whether the user's views have changed as a result of the development process.

Abstract: A method of removing coatings, such as paint, epoxy resin, comestible polymeric coatings, from the surface of metallic containers, such as aluminum beverage cans, is disclosed. The metallic surfaces of containers are contacted with a mixture of bacteria and nutrient medium. The bacteria used are capable of removing paint, epoxy resins, and coatings from metallic surfaces, and are preferably ATCC #53922 bacteria. Also disclosed is an apparatus suitable for use in the invention, and further described is a reagent for paint removal from beverage cans.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high temperature process (e.g.>60.degree. C.) for leaching selected metal compounds e.g. gallium or germanium from ore containing those compounds. The method includes placing the ore into a culture medium containing bacteria. Bacteria capable of leaching the metal compounds from the ore leach the metals from the ore. The bacteria preferably used will be bacteria ATCC 53921 and mutations and recombinants thereof. The ore is generally crushed to between 20 and -400 mesh before placement into the culture medium cThis invention was made with Government support under Contract No. F33615-87-C-5303 awarded by the United Stated Air Force. The Government has certain rights in this invention.