Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for detecting the expression of genes encoding cytochrome p450, nuclear X receptors, phase H transferases, and solute carrier family uptake pumps. The materials include sets of primers, PCR amplicons and arrays. The methods of the invention include hybridization assays. Kits and assays for the detection of the expression of the genes are also provided by the invention. In addition, the invention provides the use of the materials and methods of the invention in drug screening assays.

Abstract: The disclosure describes materials and methods for detecting the expression of genes and generating a gene expression profile from drug-treated rat primary cells or established rat cell lines using a unique combination of rat cytochrome p450 enzyme, nuclear xenobiotic receptor, transferase and transporter gene sequences. The materials include sets of primers, PCR amplicons and arrays. The methods include hybridization assays. Assays for the detection of the expression of the genes are also provided. In addition, the disclosure provides the use of the materials and methods in drug screening assays and, specifically, the detection of potential drug-drug interaction(s).

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for detecting the expression of ABC transporter genes. The materials include sets of primers and PCR amplicons. The sets of primers are used to generate PCR amplicons, wherein each PCR amplicon is a unique portion of an ABC transporter gene. The methods of the invention include hybridization assays, such as DNA microarrays. Kits and assays for the detection of ABC transporter gene expression are also provided by the invention. In addition, the use of the materials and methods of the invention in drug screening assays is provided.

Abstract: Preferably for use in a directory enquires system, the invention provides a method and system for processing user records to determine common entries therebetween. When two user records are determined to store common information then link data is generated (18) and stored in each user record (22) indicating a link between the two records. This link information is then used in subsequent searching (20) of the user records to determine the most likely result from a list of possible results obtained from a search of the user records. In a directory enquiries system (14) the user records contain user ID and telephone number details as well as address book data of each user's friends, family, or other acquaintances. The address book data is used to determine whether a link between user records should be formed.

Abstract: A computer security system for use in a network environment comprising at least a plurality of user computers arranged to communicate over a network, the system comprising a warning message exchange system operable to allow the communication from the user computers of warning messages relating to suspect data identified as a possible security threat; a message counting system operable to maintain a count for every particular piece or set of suspect data based on the number of warning messages communicated relating thereto; and network security means operable to act against any particular piece or set of suspect data for which the count maintained therefor exceeds at least one threshold value

Abstract: Samples are tested for mutations in the BRCA1 gene using a hierarchical approach. First, each sample is amplified in one or more multiplex PCR amplification reactions. Each multiplex PCR reaction produces a mixture of amplified fragments. The sizes and amounts of these fragments are evaluated and compared to standard values reflecting the sizes and amounts of fragments produced when the same multiplex amplification is performed on the wild-type BRCA1 gene. Differences between the observed fragment sizes and/or amounts and those for the wild-type gene are indicative of a mutation with the BRCA1 gene of the sample. Next, one or more of the exons of the BRCA1 gene are sequenced, preferably only for those samples where no mutation was detected by analysis of the multiplex PCR fragments. The sequencing procedure can be performed by amplification and sequencing of the multiplex amplification mixture.

Abstract: Samples are tested for mutations in the BRCA1 gene using a hierarchical approach. First, each sample is amplified in one or more multiplex PCR amplification reactions. Each multiplex PCR reaction produces a mixture of amplified fragments. The sizes and amounts of these fragments are evaluated and compared to standard values reflecting the sizes and amounts of fragments produced when the same multiplex amplification is performed on the wild-type BRCA1 gene. Differences between the observed fragment sizes and/or amounts and those for the wild-type gene are indicative of a mutation with the BRCA1 gene of the sample. Next, one or more of the exons of the BRCA1 gene are sequenced, preferably only for those samples where no mutation was detected by analysis of the multiplex PCR fragments. The sequencing procedure can be performed by amplification and sequencing of the multiplex amplification mixture.

Abstract: A method is provided for simultaneously determining the positions of a selected nucleotide base in a target region of both strands of a denatured duplex nucleic acid polymer. The nucleic acid polymer is combined with a reactant mixture comprising first and second oligonucleotide primers, said primers binding to the sense and antisense strands, respectively, of the nucleic acid polymer at a location flanking the target region; a thermostable DNA polymerase; a chain-terminating nucleotide triphosphate complementary to the selected nucleotide base; and other reagents for synthesis of chain extension products to form a reaction mixture. This mixture is processed through a plurality of thermal cycles, each including at least a chain extension phase and a denaturation phase to produce chain extension products. These chain extension products are evaluated to determine the positions of the selected bases.