Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods and kits for determining the presence, absence, amount, copy number, or other characteristics of one or more polynucleotide sequences in two or more samples and use thereof in genotyping, evaluation of copy number variation, expression analysis, determination of splice variants and fusion genes, and other genetic analyses.

Abstract: An engineered payload-delivery system includes a target cell binding unit, covalently bound to a pore forming unit, and a payload portion adapted with a region capable of non-covalently binding to the pore forming unit. The pore forming unit is derived from a particular sub-serotype of Clostridium toxin, while the payload region is derived from a different sub-serotype of Clostridium toxin. The disclosed chimeric protein-based composition is capable of specifically delivering payload to neural cells.

Abstract: A system for DNA gene assembly that utilizes a DNA symbol library and a DNA linker library. The symbol library has a number of DNA symbols each having a first overhanging end and a second overhanging end different than and non-complimentary to the first end, the first and second ends being the same nucleotides for each DNA symbol. The linker library has pairs of DNA linkers, a first linker of a pair having a first overhanging end and a second overhanging end and a second linker of the pair having a first overhanging end and a second overhanging end, the first end of the first linker being the same nucleotides for each first linker and the second end of the second linker being the same nucleotides for each second linker, wherein the second end of the first linker and the first end of the second linker have complementary nucleotides. The first linker joins to the first end of a DNA symbol and the second linker joins to the second end of another DNA symbol.

Abstract: A method for designing all coverage of valid primer pairs, which satisfy various filtering constraints provided by users with respect to a given sequence database and has validated specificity to given sequences, is provided. By screening all suitable primer pairs present on a given DNA sequence database without omitting any one primer pair and also screening all primers having a coverage of 1 or more as well as primers having a coverage of 1, a user can be allowed to give rankings to the primers in order to easily select the primers having a high success rate in biological experiments from the resulting primers.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of recombinant biotechnology, in particular in the field of protein expression. The invention generally relates to methods of increasing the expression level of a protein of interest of a bacterial host cell in a production process. The invention relates particularly to improving the capacity of a bacterial host cell to express a protein of interest by expressing a phage protein during the production process which inhibits growth of the bacterial host cell. Decoupling growth of the bacterial host cell of manufacturing of the protein of interest during the production process reduces (i) the metabolic burden, (ii) oxygen demand, (iii) metabolic heat development, and (iv) avoids stress response caused by heterologous protein expression and thereby increases the capacity of a host cell to produce the protein of interest.

Abstract: Cells, including stem cells, comprising an autobioluminescent phenotype, wherein the cells emit a luminescent signal in the absence of an exogenous luminescent stimulator, are provided. The luminescent signal may be constitutive, inducible, repressible, or tissue-specific. The cells express a synthetically engineered bacterial luciferase (lux) cassette, i.e., the luxCDABEfrp gene cassette. The cells may comprise luxA, luxB, luxC, luxD, luxE, and flavin reductase. The cells may each express a combined expression level of luxC, luxD, luxE, and flavin reductase that is from ten to forty times greater than a combined expression level of luxA and luxB. Further, methods of making and using the cells comprising an autobioluminescent phenotype are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (1) comprising, a pallet, having a first surface (4a) and second, opposite, surface (4b); the first surface (4a) having defined therein, a main channel (5), and one or more inlet subsidiary channels (6a,6b) each of which is in fluid communication with the main channel (5) at a first junction (7) which is located at one end of the main channel (5), and corresponding one or more outlet subsidiary channels (8a,8b) each of which is in fluid communication with the main channel (5) at a second junction (9) which is located an second, opposite, end of the main channel (5); wherein the depth (‘d’) of the one or more inlet subsidiary channels (6a,6b) and the depth (‘?’) of the one or more outlet subsidiary channels (8a,8b) is less than the depth (‘f) of the main channel (5) so that there is step (106a,106b, 108a, 108b) defined at the first junction (7) and at the second junction (9); the second, opposite, surface (4b) having defined therein a groove (15) which can receive a means for generating a

Abstract: Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for measuring the concentration of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a sample. The nucleic acid sequences in the sample are simultaneously amplified, for example, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of an array of nucleic acid probes. The amount of amplicon corresponding to the multiple nucleic acid sequences can be measured in real-time during or after each cycle using a real-time microarray. The measured amount of amplicon produced can be used to determine the original amount of the nucleic acid sequences in the sample. Also provided herein are biosensor arrays, systems and methods for affinity based assays that are able to simultaneously obtain high quality measurements of the binding characteristics of multiple analytes, and that are able to determine the amounts of those analytes in solution. The invention also provides a fully integrated bioarray for detecting real-time characteristics of affinity based assays.

Abstract: Methods for in vitro transcription and translation using a double-stranded concatemeric DNA in a eukaryotic cell-free expression system are provided. The method includes the steps of (a) contacting a double-stranded concatemeric DNA with a eukaryotic cell-free expression system, and (b) expressing a protein in vitro from the double-stranded concatemeric DNA in the eukaryotic cell-free expression system. The double-stranded concatemeric DNA includes a plurality of tandem repeat sequences. The plurality of tandem repeat sequences includes an expression sequence including a promoter, a cap-independent translation element (CITE), and an open reading frame. A final concentration of the double-stranded concatemeric DNA in the eukaryotic cell-free expression system is in a range from about 0.1 ng/?L to about 35 ng/?L. A RCA product DNA may be used as the double stranded concatemer DNA for the methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for engineering microorganisms, which permit enhanced H2 production. The methods and compositions provided include novel chimeric gene constructs encoding H2-forming H2ase and maturation proteins, allowing for generation of H2 continuously in large quantities. In one illustrated embodiment, novel engineered algae are provided with increased levels of H2 production.

Abstract: Method for studying constituents of individual molecular complexes by labelling the molecules belonging to the same complex with at least one set of molecular constructs, wherein each set member includes a Unique Identifying Sequence (UIS), which is a nucleic acid sequence unique for each set member, and at least one Common Tag Sequence (CTS), which is a nucleic acid sequence common to all set members, by: attaching the molecular construct to the complex by ligating or hybridizing the molecular construct to a nucleic acid molecule of the complex, or ligating or hybridizing the tag to a nucleic acid linked to an affinity binder that binds specifically to a constituent of the complex; labelling the molecules belonging to the same complex using the molecular construct tags as primers or templates in a nucleic acid polymerization reaction; and analyzing the composition of the complex by analyzing combinations of UISs and CTSs.

Abstract: Multiplex immunoassays utilize the differential affinities among the conjugation pairs between the capture ligands and target analytes are proposed. Window magnetic-assisted rapid aptamer selection (window-MARAS) methods for selecting aptamers with desirable affinity toward the target analytes and methods for generating reagents for multiplex immunoassays or multiplex detection in one assay by utilizing the selected aptamers as capture ligands in reagents are described and used to demonstrate the feasibility of multiplex immunoassays based on the differential affinity of conjugation pairs between the capture ligands and target analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the production of a molecule of interest by conversion of a source of carbon in a fermentative process comprising culturing a microorganism genetically modified for the production of molecule of interest, wherein said microorganism comprises functional genes coding PTS carbohydrate utilization system and wherein the expression of proteins regulated the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate synthase (PPS) is down-regulated. The present invention also relates to the genetically modified microorganism used in the method of the invention.

Abstract: The problem of the present invention is to provide a method for preserving mammalian cells over a long period of time using a solution for cell transplantation, capable of effectively suppressing cell death when the mammalian cells have been preserved, and the solution for cell transplantation. The present invention is characterized in that mammalian cells are preserved in a physiological aqueous solution for cell transplantation, comprising 2.0 to 6.0% (w/v) of trehalose, a derivative thereof, or a salt of trehalose or the derivative (a trehalose) and 4.0 to 7.0% (w/v) of dextran, a derivative thereof, or a salt of dextran or the derivative (a dextran). The effects of a trehalose and a dextran contained in the physiological aqueous solution for cell transplantation can suppress a decrease in the cell survival rate when mammalian cells are preserved for a long period of time (at least 14 days).

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon nanotube-containing composites as biosensors to detect the presence of target clinical markers, methods of their preparation and uses in the medical field. The invention is particularly suitable for the detection in patient biological specimens of bone markers and tissue markers. The biosensors of the invention include carbon nanotubes deposited on a substrate, gold nanoparticles deposited on the carbon nanotubes and, binder material and biomolecule deposited on the gold-coated carbon nanotubes. The biomolecule is selected to interact with the target clinical markers. The biosensor can be used as an in-situ or an ex-situ device to detect and measure the presence of the target clinical markers.

Abstract: Biosensors and methods for localized surface plasmon resonance biosensing are disclosed. The biosensor can include a substrate having a substrate surface to which a plurality of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) antennae are affixed. The LSPR antennae can be affixed via an affixation surface of the LSPR antenna. The LSPR antennae can have a functional surface opposite the affixation surface. Each functional surface can be functionalized by a plurality of single-stranded DNA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new process for the production of recombinant proteins, by transient transfection of suspension-grown human embryonic kidney cells (293 cell line and its genetic variants) with an expression vector, using polyethylenimine (PEI) as a transfection reagent. In a preferred embodiment, the process uses 293E cells expressing the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EBNA 1 protein, in combination with an oriP-based episomal expression vector having an improved cytomegalovirus expression cassette comprising the CMV5 promoter. The process combines in a single step the cell growth, transfection and protein expression, is carried out without changing the culture medium, and allows to achieve high expression levels in a short period of time. The process may be carried out in a serum-free, low-protein culture medium, is easily scalable, compatible with continuous production processes, and fully adapted to high-throughput production of milligram quantities of recombinant proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of inducing and/or promoting cardiomyocyte maturation comprising: providing an immature cardiomyocyte; providing a three dimensional (3D) cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold; and inducing and/or promoting cardiomyocyte cell maturation by seeding the immature cardiomyocyte in the 3D cardiac ECM scaffold and harvesting once the cardiomyocyte has reached maturity. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a disease in a mammal comprising transplanting a mature cardiomyocyte into an ischemic heart, wherein the mature cardiomyocyte is generated comprising the steps of: providing an immature cardiomyocyte; providing a 3D cardiac ECM scaffold; and generating mature cardiomyocyte by seeding the immature cardiomyocyte in a 3D cardiac ECM scaffold or co-culturing the immature cardiomyocyte in the presence of endothelial cells or stromal cells; and harvesting once the cardiomyocyte has reached maturity.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a lymphoid proliferative disorder (such as lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma or leukemia) in a subject or determining the risk of a subject for a lymphoid proliferative disorder recurrence after transient remission, which includes high throughput T-Cell Receptor ? (TCR?) sequencing tests to identify dominant oncogenic clones in the subject suffering from the lymphoid proliferative disorder. Oligonucleotides primer compositions and kits associated with the above-described methods are also provided herein. Said subject includes living organisms, such as mammals (e.g., dogs, cats, pigs, cows, horses, goats, rabbits, humans), non-mammalian vertebrates, such as birds (e.g., chicken, ducks), fish (e.g., sharks), or frogs, and transgenic species thereof.

Abstract: A monomer is represented by Chemical Formula 1: wherein, in Chemical Formula 1, R1, R2, o, p, L1, A1, Ra, m, and n are the same as defined in the detailed description.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying unknown microbes in a sample, wherein a mass spectrometric determination down to the taxonomic level of the genus or species is supplemented by a detailed determination of a lower taxonomic level or variety by means of infrared spectrometry, using restricted reference libraries of infrared spectra. These libraries can be genus-specific, containing only infrared spectra of microbes of one genus, or species-specific, containing only infrared spectra of microbes of one species. In so doing, a robust mass spectrometric identification of the species of unknown microbes is advantageously supplemented with a detailed analysis of the subspecies and varieties by means of infrared spectrometry, primarily in order to identify medically important varieties such as pathovars like EHEC and EPEC, and antibiotic-resistant microbes like MRSA.

Abstract: Fungal glucoamylases from Aspergillus fumigatus—expressed in Trichoderma reesei host cells (AfGATR) are provided. Trichoderma reesei host cells express AfGATRs at higher, or at least comparable, levels to natively expressed AfGA Aspergillus fumigatus. AfGATRs, including AfGA1TR and AfGA2TR, exhibit high activity at elevated temperatures and at low pH, so AfGATRs can be used efficiently in a process of saccharification in the presence of alpha-amylase, such as Aspergillus kawachii alpha-amylase (AkAA). AfGATRs advantageously catalyze starch saccharification to an oligosaccharide composition significantly enriched in DP1 (i.e., glucose) compared to the products of saccharification catalyzed by Aspergillus niger glucoamylase (AnGA) or native AfGA expressed in Aspergillus fumigatus. AfGATRs such as AfGA1TR, AfGA2TR or a variant thereof can be used at a lower dosage than AnGA and natively expressed AfGAs to produce comparable levels of glucose.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for identifying synthetic inducible promoters that have specified induction and/or repression for DNA binding proteins such as an allosteric transcription factor and an inducer molecule. The method includes an in vitro selection from an unselected polynucleotide library comprising a plurality of random degeneracies, and an in vivo selection to produce an induced promoter library. Produced is an induction table, which allows the selection of a promoter with specific induction and/or repression properties. Also included are biosensors containing the synthetic inducible promoters.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, processes and apparatuses for non-invasive assessment of genetic variations that make use of decision analyses. The decision analyses sometimes include segmentation analyses and/or odds ratio analyses.

Abstract: The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for decellularising human liver tissue to produce human hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds, for example for use in therapy or disease modelling. The methods involve mechanically damaging cells in the tissue, for example by freeze thaw, and then subjecting the liver tissue to multiple cycles of osmotic stress, detergent treatment and protease and/or DNAase treatment to produce a decellularised human ECM scaffold.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing transth:yretin (TTR) target RNA and protein levels via use of dsRNAs, e.g., Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents.

Abstract: A reflective detection device, includes: oscillation element oscillating a terahertz wave; exit part from which the terahertz wave exits; incident part to which the terahertz wave reflected from a detection target is incident; and detection element detecting the terahertz wave incident to the incident part, wherein the exit part and the incident part are disposed on one side in first direction and are spaced apart from each other in second direction with respect to the detection target, the terahertz wave exiting from the exit part travels to propagate from the exit part toward the incident part in the second direction along a direction toward the detection object in the first direction, and the terahertz wave incident to the incident part travels to propagate from the exit part toward the incident part in the second direction along a direction away from the detection target in the first direction.

Abstract: Method for studying constituents of individual molecular complexes by labelling the molecules belonging to the same complex with at least one set of molecular constructs, wherein each set member includes a Unique Identifying Sequence (UIS), which is a nucleic acid sequence unique for each set member, and at least one Common Tag Sequence (CTS), which is a nucleic acid sequence common to all set members, by: attaching the molecular construct to the complex by ligating or hybridizing the molecular construct to a nucleic acid molecule of the complex, or ligating or hybridizing the tag to a nucleic acid linked to an affinity binder that binds specifically to a constituent of the complex; labelling the molecules belonging to the same complex using the molecular construct tags as primers or templates in a nucleic acid polymerization reaction; and analyzing the composition of the complex by analyzing combinations of UISs and CTSs.

Abstract: A method for nucleic acid isolation comprising: receiving a binding moiety solution within a process chamber; mixing the binding moiety solution with a biological sample, within the process chamber, in order to produce a moiety-sample mixture; incubating the moiety-sample mixture during a time window, thereby producing a solution comprising a set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles and a waste volume; separating the set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles from the waste volume; washing the set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles; and releasing a nucleic acid sample from the set of moiety-bound nucleic acid particles. The method preferably utilizes a binding moiety comprising at least one of poly(allylamine) and polypropylenimine tetramine dendrimer, both of which reversibly bind and unbind to nucleic acids based upon environmental pH.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods for analyzing complex mixtures with ultra high resolution mass spectrometry. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter provides methods for identifying and monitoring the presence of a compound within a complex mixture. In certain embodiments, the method includes providing a sample of the complex mixture; performing mass spectrometry on the sample of the complex mixture to obtain a mass spectrum; and identifying one or more peaks from the mass spectrum corresponding to the compound. In certain embodiments, the sample is obtained during production of the complex mixture, e.g., a pet food product. In certain embodiments, the sample is prepared by a single alcohol/water extraction step.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ABCG2 monoclonal antibody having the effects for resisting against tumors and for reversing drug resistance of the tumors, and uses thereof in novel tumor resisting drugs. Also disclosed is a new antigen sequence, used for inducing generation of a monoclonal antibody or a polyclonal antibody for the ABCG2. In addition, disclosed is a hybridoma for generating the ABCG2 monoclonal antibody having the effects for resisting against tumors and for reversing drug resistance of the tumors.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a material from a liquid includes a concentration stage having a tangential flow filter, a first path from the tangential flow filter, and a second path from the tangential flow filter. Under this configuration, the concentration stage accepts an initial liquid volume. A first liquid not having material collected by the tangential flow filter is passed along the first path, and concentrated liquid having material therein, which is entrapped by the filter, is directed to the second path. The apparatus also includes an aerosolizing stage coupled to the concentration stage that converts the concentrated liquid into an aerosol and a drying stage that dries the aerosol such that material extracted from the aerosol onto a material substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining event probabilities and anomalous events are provided. In one implementation, a method includes: receiving source data, where the source data is configured as a plurality of events with associated timestamps; searching the source data, where the searching provides a search result including N events from the plurality of events, where N is an integer greater than one, where each event of the N events includes a plurality of field values, where at least one event of the N events can include one or more categorical field values and one or more numerical field values; and for an event of the N events, determining a probability of occurrence for each field value of the plurality of field values; and using probabilities determined for the plurality of field values, determining a probability of occurrence for the event.

Abstract: A method of purifying a biological composition includes: disposing loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers and a biological composition within a mixing volume of a vessel; agitating the biological composition and the loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers while they are in intimate contact with each other within the mixing volume to provide modified fibers and a purified biological composition; and separating at least a portion of the purified biological composition from the modified fibers and any loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers with which it is in contact. The loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers have a modified surface layer comprising a grafted acrylic polymer comprising 10 to 100 percent by weight of a cationically-ionizable monomer unit. An article for purifying a biological composition includes: a vessel having a mixing volume disposed therein; and the loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers disposed within the mixing volume.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a novel compound, and a color conversion film, a backlight unit and a display apparatus including the same.

Abstract: Filtration membrane comprising polymeric nanofibers and/or microfibers attaching dendrimer component presenting reactive sites selective for chemicals to be filtered, and related nanofibers and microfibers, composite materials, compositions, methods and system.

Abstract: Provided herein, among other aspects, are methods and apparatuses for analyzing particles in a sample. In some aspects, the particles can be analytes, cells, nucleic acids, or proteins and contacted with a tag, partitioned into aliquots, detected by a ranking device, and isolated. The methods and apparatuses provided herein may include a microfluidic chip. In some aspects, the methods and apparatuses may be used to quantify rare particles in a sample, such as cancer cells and other rare cells for disease diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide which confers herbicide tolerance to a plant by measuring photosynthetic quantum yield wherein an increase in the electron transport rate of the samples of the transformed plant as compared to the sample of the control plant is indicative for a herbicide tolerance conferring activity of said candidate polypeptide.

Abstract: Computerized analysis methods and systems to implement the computerized analysis methods are disclosed herein. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining an unknown characteristic of a sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel use of EI24, and provides a novel use of EI24 involved in the improvement of EGFR-TKI drug resistance by inhibiting IGF-1R signaling. According to the present disclosure, the presence or absence of resistance to anti-cancer drugs may be determined by detecting an expression level of EI24. In addition, resistance to anti-cancer drugs may be inhibited, delayed, or improved using EI24 or an activating agent thereof. Moreover, by regulating a pathway of EI24-mediated resistance to anti-cancer drugs, the efficacy of existing anti-cancer drugs may be enhanced, and resistance to anti-cancer drugs may be inhibited, delayed, or improved.

Abstract: Methods for quantifying the efficiency of nucleic acid extraction from a sample comprising a mixture of species are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises adding an initial amount of one or more spike-ins to the sample, extracting nucleic acids from the sample, quantifying the amount of the one or more spike-ins in the extracted nucleic acid sample, and comparing the initial amount of the one or more spike-ins to the quantified amount of the one or more spike-ins.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for detecting a nucleic acid of interest in a solution comprising (a) contacting a solution suspected of containing the nucleic acid of interest with a PNA capture probe and a PNA reporter probe; wherein (i) the PNA capture probe comprises at least two trans-cyclopentanes; (ii) the PNA reporter probe comprises at least six biotin groups; (iii) the PNA capture probe bound to a surface; and (iv) the PNA capture probe and the PNA reporter probe each comprise a nucleobase sequence that is complementary to different non-overlapping portions of the nucleic acid of interest; (b) detecting the presence of the PNA capture probe and the PNA reporter probe bound to the surface; wherein the nucleic acid of interest is detected when 1-1000 molecules of the nucleic acid of interest are present in the solution being tested.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to various embodiments of a gas enclosure system that can have various components comprising a particle control system that can provide a low-particle zone proximal to a substrate. Various components of a particle control system can include a gas circulation and filtration system, a low-particle-generating motion system for moving a printhead assembly relative to a substrate, a service bundle housing exhaust system, and a printhead assembly exhaust system. In addition to maintaining substantially low levels for each species of various reactive species, including various reactive atmospheric gases, such as water vapor and oxygen, for various embodiments of a gas enclosure system that have a particle control system, an on-substrate particle specification can be readily met. Accordingly, processing of various substrates in an inert, low-particle gas environment according to systems and methods of the present teachings can have substantially lower manufacturing defects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits to assess an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation and/or the severity of tissue injury from radiation in a patient. The invention also relates to algorithms used to calculate an absorbed dose of radiation based on biomarker measurements of a plurality of biomarkers that are altered relative to a normal control in the event of radiation exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for characterizing and screening for the existence or predisposition to X-linked disorders associated with changes in X-chromosome inactivation. The present invention also relates to processes of reducing a disease phenotype associated with an X-linked disorder in a female subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification of methylated cytosines in a population of double stranded DNA molecules. The invention also relates to adapters and kits for synthesizing said adapters as well as to double stranded DNA libraries obtained by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides dignostic assays for identifying thyroid cancer in a biological sample, including a fine needle aspirate, as well as related compositions and kits useful in practicing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions (i.e., amplification primers and probes), methods, and kits that are particularly useful for detecting and/or quantifying nucleic acids present in a sample, such as those derived from HIV or a lentiviral vector.