Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modification of rhizobacteria to reduce or eliminate gibberellin production. The modified rhizobacteria are used in methods and compositions that alter the physiology of nodulating plants. These methods and compositions involve combining the modified rhizobacteria with a nodulating plant, or a seed or part thereof, or providing the modified rhizobacteria to a nodulating plant, or seed or part thereof. In another aspect, the invention involves the nodulating plants produced by these methods, wherein the nodulating plants have altered physiology as a result of association with the modified rhizobacteria.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A new method of producing a mixture of gibberellins which is predominantly GA4 and GA7 but also contains GA3 has the steps of providing a seed of Gibberella fujikuroi Strain LTB-1027 or mutants derived therefrom, inoculating the seed into a culture medium rich in carbohydrate and relatively low in nitrogen, incubating the culture for at least four days, separating the Gibberella fujikuroi Strain LTB-1027 from the culture broth, and extracting the gibberellins to produce a gibberellin mixture which is at least 50% GA4 and GA7. The method produces a gibberellin mixture in which the combined titer of GA4 and GA7 exceeds 800 mg/liter. The production method also produces a gibberellin mixture with approximately equal titers of gibberellins GA4 and GA7. A variation of the method produces a gibberellin mixture which contains over 40% GA4.

Abstract: A method of detecting nucleic acid utilizes hybridization between the nucleic acid to be detected which is present on an immobilizing support and a DNA probe which is complementary to at least a portion of the desired nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid. The present DNA probe includes a hapten attached via a linker which a hapten is gibberellin or a gibberellin derivative. After hybridization by reaction between the nucleic acid to be detected and the DNA probe, the unreacted DNA probe is removed, and then labelled anti-hapten antibody is allowed to bind with the DNA probe of the hybrid and the labelling is used to detect the nucleic acid.Accordingly, stable detecting sensitivity may be achieved regardless of the label mixing ratio or labelling ratio, and thus regardless of the nucleotide sequence composition of the nucleic acid being tested.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental articulator has both a base and head enabling gnatho-condylar movements and locking by threaded screws. The movable members receive disposable rubber holders which can allow direct contact with plaster of the casts, anchoring of the casts by screws through stoppers on the holders or by embedding the holders which are disposable and rubber in the cast. The column has a post which can be locked at adjustable heights relative to the base.

Abstract: The salt of GA.sub.4 and/or GA.sub.7 with an amine of formula R.sup.1 CH.sub.2 NHR.sup.2 wherein R.sup.1 is optionally substituted phenyl, thienyl or pyridyl and R.sup.2 is alkyl or alkynyl. The salts are useful in the preparation of GA.sub.4 /GA.sub.7 and their separation from GA.sub.3.