Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of Salmonella in a sample using novel oligonucleotide sequences. Also presented is a kit for putting the method into practice and novel nucleic acid sequences for ompF. The ompF gene was found to be 100% inclusive for Salmonella species and 100% exclusive for non-Salmonella species for the strains tested thus making it an excellent marker for identification of both the species of Salmonella: S. enterica and S. bongori. Two hundred and eighteen isolates belonging to Salmonella enterica (subspecies I-VI) and Salmonella bongori were examined using novel primers designed to detect the ompF gene. The target was present in all the 218 Salmonella isolates including all the subspecies of Salm. enterica and Salm. bongori. The ompF gene was absent in 180 non-Salmonella strains tested.

Abstract: A method including (a) providing an amplification reagent including an array of sites, and a solution having different target nucleic acids; and (b) reacting the amplification reagent to produce amplification sites each having a clonal population of amplicons from a target nucleic acid from the solution. The reacting can include simultaneously transporting the nucleic acids to the sites at an average transport rate, and amplifying the nucleic acids that transport to the sites at an average amplification rate, wherein the average amplification rate exceeds the average transport rate. The reacting can include producing a first amplicon from a nucleic acid that transports to each of the sites, and producing subsequent amplicons from the nucleic acid or from the first amplicon, wherein the average rate at which the subsequent amplicons are generated exceeds the average rate at which the first amplicon is generated.

Abstract: A random access, high-throughput system and method for preparing a biological sample for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing are disclosed. The system includes a nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus and a PCR apparatus. The nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus magnetically captures nucleic acid (NA) solids from the biological sample and then suspends the NA in elution buffer solution. The PCR testing apparatus provides multiple cycles of the denaturing, annealing, and elongating thermal cycles. More particularly, the PCR testing apparatus includes a multi-vessel thermal cycler array that has a plurality of single-vessel thermal cyclers that is each individually-thermally-controllable so that adjacent single-vessel thermal cyclers can be heated or cooled to different temperatures corresponding to the different thermal cycles of the respective PCR testing process.

Abstract: Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include high density nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutated Activin A type I receptor proteins (ACVR1) and isolated nucleic acids encoding same. The invention also relates to the use of mutated ACVR1 in the diagnosis and treatment of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, wherein the polynucleotide molecule lacks at least one detectable antigenic epitope of North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides vaccines comprising genetically modified North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising the isolated polynucleotide molecules. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules further comprising at least one nucleotide sequence that encodes a detectable heterologous antigenic epitope, and vaccines comprising North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising such isolated polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermostable enzymes, such as DNA polymerases and restriction endonucleases, that are substantially free from contamination with nucleic acids. The invention also provides methods for the production of these enzymes, and kits comprising these enzymes which may be used in amplifying or sequencing nucleic acid molecules, including through use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method for amplifying and detecting a target gene rapidly with high sensitivity under isothermal conditions. In such method, a sequence to be amplified can be freely designed regardless of the template sequence, an amplified product can be amplified and detected within a short period of time with high sensitivity, and thus, the gene expression level can be determined more easily than is possible with prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Methods of isolating target double-stranded polynucleotides with internal single-stranded regions are provided. Compositions and kits comprising double-stranded polynucleotides with internal single-stranded regions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of amplifying a target nucleotide sequence in 16S rRNA or in 16S rDNA that includes (a) contacting a sample that includes a 16S rDNA and/or the reverse transcription product of a 16S rRNA with an oligonucleotide primer having the nucleotide sequence of TCC TAC GGG AGG CAG CAG (SEQ ID NO 1) and an oligonucleotide primer comprising the nucleotide sequence of CGG TTA CCT TGT TAC GAC TT (SEQ ID NO 2); and (b) performing a primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reaction to amplify the target nucleotide sequence in the 16S rRNA or the 16S rDNA. Also included are methods of measuring the prokaryotic content of a sample and/or determining the taxonomic classification of a prokaryotic organism in a sample by detecting and/or analyzing the amplification product.

Abstract: A biochip used for quantitative analysis of a target DNA contained in a sample. The biochip includes a type I chamber that includes a primer designed to bind to the target DNA, an internal standard DNA of a first amount that has a sequence different from a sequence of the target DNA, and is amplifiable with the primer, and a fluorescent probe that is designed to bind to a part of a PCR product of the target DNA and to a part of a PCR product of the internal standard DNA. The fluorescent probe fluoresces differently for the PCR product of the target DNA and the PCR product of the internal standard DNA. The biochip also includes a type II chamber that includes the internal standard DNA of a second amount the primer, and the fluorescent probe. The first and second amounts are different.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the progression of the bisulfite-mediated conversion of DNA during DNA methylation analysis. The method is based on the reaction of the enzyme uracil-DNA-glycosylase (UNG) with at least one labeled DNA reporter molecule, the reporter molecule comprising at least one unmethylated cytosine residue in its sequence. After bisulfite-mediated conversion of unmethylated cytosine residues in uridin residues UNG removes the uracil bases from the DNA backbone, thus making it susceptible to heat-induced hydrolytic cleavage. Finally, the labels released from the DNA reporter molecule during this fragmentation process are detected.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of removing amplicons of non target and/or target nucleic acid sequences having one or more modified (e.g., methylated) nucleotides from a sample wherein the sample comprises the non target nucleic acid and a target nucleic acid sequence to be amplified.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence or absence of a nucleic acid variant in a target region. These methods include amplifying the target region with a forward primer and a reverse primer in the presence of a selector blocker. The selector blocker includes a sequence complementary to the target region in the absence of the nucleic acid variant. The methods further include detecting amplification of the target region where amplification of the target region indicates the presence of the nucleic acid variant in the target region. The nucleic acid variant can include deletions, mutations or insertions.

Abstract: Provided in certain embodiments are new methods for forming azido modified nucleic acid conjugates of reporter molecules, carrier molecules or solid support. In other embodiments are provided methods for enzymatically labeling nucleic acids with an azide group.

Abstract: Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that incorporate an aza-benzazolium ring moiety are described, including cyanine dyes substituted by a cationic side chain, monomeric and dimeric cyanine dyes, chemically reactive cyanine dyes, and conjugates of cyanine dyes. The subject dyes are virtually non-fluorescent when diluted in aqueous solution, but exhibit bright fluorescence when associated with nucleic acid polymers such as DNA or RNA, or when associated with detergent-complexed proteins. A variety of applications are described for detection and quantitation of nucleic acids and detergent-complexed proteins in a variety of samples, including solutions, electrophoretic gels, cells, and microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of using DNA polymerase fusions at high pH in PCR, DNA sequencing and mutagenesis protocols.

Abstract: An automated method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample, where the method is performed within a housing of a self-contained, stand-alone analyzer. The method includes purifying the nucleic acid after it has been immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support. A pipette of the analyzer is used to form a reaction mixture comprising the purified nucleic acid and all reagents required to perform a nucleic acid amplification. Amplification products are synthesized that include a nucleotide sequence contained in the nucleic acid or the complement of the nucleic acid. The amplification products are exposed to a probe in a mixture, where the probe forms a hybrid with one of the amplification products. The formation of the hybrid in the mixture provides an indication of the presence of the nucleic acid in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel primers for identification of astrocytoma, it's grades and glioblastoma prognosis. Further, disclosed is a method of diagnosing the presence of different grades of diffuse astrocytoma and glioblastoma, in a human subject, which involves detection of the expression levels of said genes in tumor tissue samples in comparison to normal brain. Also disclosed is a method of distinguishing between the two types of Glioblastoma—the progressive and de novo types. Also disclosed is a method of prognosis of glioblastoma based on the expression of the gene PBEF1, wherein the higher level of expression of the gene in the tumor sample, indicates poorer survival of the human subject. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and/or prognosis of astrocytoma. The invention further provides kits for the detection and prognosis of the said diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions, including, without limitation, algorithms, computer readable media, computer programs, apparatus, and systems for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, data obtained from sequencing by synthesis methods. The methods of the invention include correcting one or more phenomena that are encountered during nucleotide sequencing, such as using sequencing by synthesis methods. These phenomena include, without limitation, sequence lead, sequence lag, spectral crosstalk, and noise resulting from variations in illumination and/or filter responses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing the diversity of the catalogue of T and/or B lymphocytes in an individual, based on the amplification, from a sample, of genomic DNA fragments by PCR multi-n-plexes, with n?2, carried out with a combination of at least 3 primers defining at least 2 primer couples, each of which includes a primer specifically hybridizing upstream and/or in a given V or D gene and a primer specifically hybridizing downstream and/or in a given J gene, in order to obtain the amplification of at least two fragments characteristic of two distinct V-J or D-J rearrangements from each primer couple. The invention also relates to the applications of this method, in particular in the treatment follow-up or in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of certain diseases.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for replacing one or more amino acids in a polypeptide with an amino acid of choice to form mutant proteins. Both naturally and non-naturally occurring amino acids can be inserted. A population of mutant proteins can be created in which an amino acid residue has replaced an existing residue at random locations along the primary sequence of the protein. The provided techniques allow for the study of proteins and development of proteins with improved functionalities.

Abstract: Devices and system for preparing samples are described. Such devices can comprise fluidic chambers, reservoirs, and movable structures for controlling the movement of samples. The device can also comprise functional elements for performing specific operations.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

Abstract: Methods are provided for ligating a 3? adapter and a 5? adapter to a target polynucleotide so as to avoid adapter dimer formation. Embodiments of the methods include adding a blocking oligonucleotide after the first ligation in which a 3? adapter is ligated to the target polynucleotide so that the blocking oligonucleotide is capable of hybridizing to excess 3? adapter and the ligated 3? adapter. Subsequently, a 5? adapter is ligated to the target polynucleotide thus avoiding adapter dimer formation.

Abstract: A size standard, kit includes a size standard, method of defining a size standard and method of analysis using a size standard. The size standard is intended to include size standard elements which have a size greater than and/or less than and/or different from the components of a sample which are to be sized. This means that the same characteristic unit, such as a dye, can be used to label the component and the size standard. A further characteristic unit, from amongst a limited number of such characteristic units is liberated from use only on size standards for use on components. The method is therefore particularly useful in multiplex amplification of STRs.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for making closed nucleic acid structures in which one or both strands are continuous. The closed nucleic acid structures can be used as sequencing templates among other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a particle which includes a core comprised of self-assembled one or more nucleic acid molecules, the core being characterized by an ability to adopt at least two configurations: a first configuration having a first greatest dimension greater than 2 ?m and; a second configuration having a second greatest dimension less than 500 nm, wherein addition of a film coating converts the core from its first configuration to its second configuration. Methods of making and using of provided particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods and uses for the qualitative and quantitative detection of microbial nucleic acids using at least a first control nucleic acid, or a first and a second control nucleic acid in different concentrations. The method is based on amplification of nucleic acids, for example the polymerase chain reaction. Further provided are kits comprising components for performing said methods and uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to probes which detect a polymorphism(s) in exon 12 of the NPM1 gene, a kit therefor, and the method of detecting the polymorphism(s) thereof.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying the variety/line of a plant of the genus Saccharum with the use of novel DNA markers that allow high-precision identification of a wide range of varieties/lines of plants of the genus Saccharum. A method for identifying the variety/line of a plant of the genus Saccharum, comprising using a simple sequence repeat polymorphism in at least one DNA sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 12 is provided.

Abstract: Described herein are oligonucleotides useful for detecting, isolating, amplifying, quantitating, monitoring, screening and sequencing GBS genes and methods of using the described oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for analyzing plant acetohydroxy acid synthase large subunit (AHASL) genes. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the detection of wild-type AHASL alleles and mutant AHASL alleles that encode imidazolinone-tolerant AHASL proteins. The methods involve the use of PCR amplification and novel compositions comprising allele-specific and gene-specific primers to detect the presence of mutant and/or wild-type alleles present at the individual AHASL genes of a plant. Specifically, the methods and compositions are useful for analyzing the three AHASL genes of Triticum aestivum and the two AHASL genes of Triticum turgidum ssp. durum.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a sample for nucleic acid amplification reaction, including: a procedure of dissolving a solid phase reagent at least containing DNA polymerase, cyclodextrin, and a binder, in a liquid containing a nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for selectively amplifying a mutant allele of a gene. These methods include (a) contacting a sample containing a mutant and a normal allele of a gene with at least one primer that selectively modifies the normal allele of the gene and causes further amplification of the normal allele to fail or to be substantially reduced; and (b) selectively amplifying the mutant allele of the gene or a portion thereof. Other methods for detecting a mutant allele of a gene in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Mutants of bacteriophage phi29 DNA polymerase with increased protein stability and increased half-life, compared to wild type DNA polymerase. The disclosed mutants are more stable in reaction mixtures with or without DNA. The inventive phi29 DNA polymerase mutants generate more amplification product. The inventive phi29 DNA polymerase mutants amplify genomic DNA with less bias compared to wild type DNA polymerase. Selected mutations increase the affinity of polymerase for DNA template.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and primer pairs for rapid, high-resolution forensic analysis of DNA and STR-typing by using amplification and mass spectrometry, determining the molecular masses and calculating base compositions of amplification products and comparing the molecular masses with the molecular masses of theoretical amplicons indexed in a database.

Abstract: The invention is related to a novel primate specific brain isoform of the potassium channel KCNH2 and genetic association with risk for schizophrenia and response to therapy.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalizing genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: Nucleic acid from cells and viruses sampled from a variety of environments may purified and expressed utilizing microfluidic techniques. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, individual or small groups of cells or viruses may be isolated in microfluidic chambers by dilution, sorting, and/or segmentation. The isolated cells or viruses may be lysed directly in the microfluidic chamber, and the resulting nucleic acid purified by exposure to affinity beads. Subsequent elution of the purified nucleic acid may be followed by ligation and cell transformation, all within the same microfluidic chip. In one specific application, cell isolation, lysis, and nucleic acid purification may be performed utilizing a highly parallelized microfluidic architecture to construct gDNA and cDNA libraries.

Abstract: Aspects of the present teachings describe a method and apparatus for automatically controlling a block temperature to reduce undershooting and overshooting of the temperatures of a sample contained in the block and participating in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The adaptive thermal block temperature control begins when a sample temperature enters a sample window region between a preliminary setpoint temperature and a target setpoint temperature for the sample. Based on thermodynamic behavior of the sample and the predetermined phase of PCR, predicting a time period measured subsequent to the preliminary setpoint temperature when the sample will reach the target setpoint suitable for the predetermined phase of PCR. During this time period, varying the block temperature ramp rate with a series of cooling and heating changes to ensure the block temperature reaches the target setpoint temperature at approximately the same time as the sample reaches the same.

Abstract: A cover member for a substrate supporting a biological sample comprises first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing surfaces, a void in the second surface which, when juxtaposed with a substrate, forms a chamber, and a fluid inlet toward the first end and in fluid communication with the void. The void is bounded by void walls having one or more contoured regions for enhancing fluid movement within the chamber. A treatment module for a biological sample comprises the cover member, a support surface for a substrate bearing the biological sample and clamp means operable to releasably retain the cover member in juxtaposition with the substrate for an incubation period. A method for incubating the biological sample with one or more reagents uses the cover member.

Abstract: A method for assembling multiple target loci to a single assembled nucleic acid sequence involves assembling the multiple target loci to a single assembled nucleic acid sequence through two polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). A pair of primers for a primary amplification include a target-specific sequence and a 5?-flanking assembly spacer sequence. A primary amplified product amplified by the pair of primers for a primary amplification is assembled to a single shortened nucleic acid sequence in a convenient and easy manner through a set of primers for a secondary amplification, thus enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple target loci. Accordingly, the method and a kit of the present invention may simultaneously detect and analyze multiple variabilities in DNA sequences of a sample, thus remarkably reducing sequencing costs for detecting variabilities, and providing a critical approach and means for achieving the concept of customized medicine.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by certain genetic variants being susceptibility variants for prostate cancer. The invention relates to methods of determining increased susceptibility to prostate cancer, as well as methods of determining decreased susceptibility to prostate cancer, using such variants. The invention further relates to kits for determining a susceptibility to prostate cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a method for detecting common wheat among from wheat varieties contained in a sample of interest such as a food raw material or a processed food specifically, with high sensitivity, and in a qualitative and/or quantitative manner; a method for discriminating between common wheat and a wheat variety other than common wheat (e.g., durum wheat) contained in a food raw material or a processed food and detecting the common wheat in a qualitative and/or quantitative manner; and a primer set, a nucleic acid probe, and a detection kit, each of which can be used in the methods employing a PCR method.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preparing DNA sequencing libraries. In particular, the method relates to preparing DNA sequencing libraries from kilobase scale nucleic acids. The invention also provides methods for assembling short read sequencing data into longer contiguous sequences. The method is useful for various applications in genomics, including genome assembly, full length cDNA sequencing, metagenomics, and the analysis of repetitive sequences of assembled genomes.

Abstract: A process for the production of an antigen specific antigen binding domain using a transformed host containing an expressible DNA sequence encoding the antigen specific antigen binding domain, wherein the antigen specific antigen binding domain is derived from a variable region of the immunoglobulin isotype NAR found in fish.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel detergents for use in various procedures including, for example, nucleic acid amplification reactions such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods for preparing the modified detergents are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for nucleic acid amplification, which enables clusters of amplified nucleic acid fragments to be sequenced by a sequencer to be formed at a high density and improves throughput of nucleic acid sequence analysis by amplifying the number of nucleic acids in the cluster to 10,000 molecules or more; and a method for nucleic acid amplification for enhancing read accuracy, which achieves a high cluster density and increases the number of the amplified fragments in the cluster by the steps of previously forming a pattern of primer DNAs on a base material and fixing bulky template DNA molecules synthesized from DNA samples thereon to induce amplification reaction.