Abstract: The present invention provides for private coordination of the borrowing of items from an aggregate inventory contributed by system participants. A request is received from a system participant. The request is compared with item information associated with a universe of items maintained by the system to determine if a match for the requested title exists. If the requested item exists, a determination is made whether the item is available, whether the item owner is willing to lend it to the system participant and the relative priority of the request compared to other participant requests for the item. If approval is received, transportation of the item to the intended recipient is coordinated. The status of the item is monitored during the lending process to ensure efficient sharing of the item.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, said method comprising: (a) adding to a sample suspected of containing said target nucleic acid sequence, a fluorescently labelled probe specific for said target sequence, and DNA duplex binding agent which can absorb fluorescent energy from the fluorescent label on the probe bur which does not emit visible light, (b) subjecting the thus formed mixture to an amplification reaction in which target nucleic acid is amplified, (c) subjecting said sample to conditions under which the said probe hybridises to the target sequence, and (d) monitoring fluorescence from said sample. This method can be used for example to monitor amplification reactions such as PCR reactions, such that the amount of target sequence present in the sample may be determined.

Abstract: Chimeric molecules of nucleic acid/nucleic acid analogue, comprising a nonstandard backboned portion and a standard backboned portion having a 3′ end, useful as primers in reactions involving primer extension, such as nucleic acid amplification and sequencing.

Abstract: A method of forming a tissue equivalent is described. A length of polyester tube is threaded over a mandrel (H) and attached at either end by clips at A and D. A block (F) is then screwed into place. The polyester is then pre-soaked by injecting through Tap (2) an acidified collagen solution for approximately one hour. After a suitable period of time the excess solution is aspirated off. Following this stage, a second, alkaline solution is injected into the apparatus which contains smooth muscle cells (SMC). Thus, neutralisation of the collagen impregnated within the fabric of the tube occurs leading to spontaneous fibrillogenesis within the interstices of the cloth, eliminating the risk of delamination. The apparatus is then incubated. The collagen contracts down onto the fabric tube and the cell-impregnated gel becomes incorporated into the presoaked collagen. The pre-impregnated collagen and the collagen provided in the aqueous mixture contract down as one into a coherent whole with the SMC.

Abstract: A portable claw device includes a cylindrical housing having a pair of diametrically opposed vertical slots formed therein. A pair of gripping claws are coupled together by a cross bar with the cross bar slidably received within the pair of diametrically opposed vertical slots of the cylindrical housing. The cross bar has a vertical support bar extending upwardly from a central portion thereof.

Abstract: A mounting device for holding a cooler in place on an external vertical surface of a vehicle or vessel, specially designed to accommodate coolers of the type which have a lid pivotally mounted on either side of a box at a (pushbotton) pivot. A pair of prongs on either side of the invention provide a pair of "U" shaped slots which slide between the box and the lid of the cooler, so that the pivots reach the bottoms of the two "U" shaped slots. An alternate embodiment provides a locking mechanism for holding the cooler in place once it has been slided onto the invention.

Abstract: Histidine derivatives of formula I are useful inter alia in peptide synthesis. ##STR1## wherein: X represents --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 Ar, in which Ar is a phenyl substituent optionally substituted by one or more halogen, alkoxy, alkyl or nitro groups;Y, which differs from X, represents hydrogen, a protective group capable of inhibiting self coupling during formation of a peptide bond, an amino acid residue, a peptide chain or an antibiotic residue;E represents OH,OM,M representing an alkali metal or ammonium, OR, R representing an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl group, an amino acid residue, a peptide chain or an antibiotic residue;the compound I being optionally in the form of a hydrate or acid salt.In compounds I of especial interest, X represents benzyloxymethyl or p-bromobenzyloxymethyl, Y represents t-butyloxycarbonyl and E represents --OH.