Abstract: An isolated and purified human Ste20-like serine/threonine signal transduction kinase is described. A cDNA sequence which encodes the native signal transduction molecule is disclosed as well as the structural coding region and the amino acid residue sequence. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate the biological and/or pharmacological activity of the transduction molecule and hence regulate cell physiology. Biologically-effective antisense molecules, as well as dominant negative mutant versions of the biomolecule are described which are suitable for therapeutic use. The invention is also drawn toward the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders mediated by the signal transduction molecule.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the screening of an organism, or a population of organisms, carrying heterozygous mutations for identifying the presence of a mutation in a gene of interest, a method is provided which utilizes mismatch binding proteins, such as MutS. The method comprises the steps of denaturing double stranded nucleic acid present in a nucleic acid sample from an organism; allowing the nucleic acid to anneal; and removing homoduplexes from the annealed sample, thereby retaining heteroduplexes in the sample. A positive signal from a probe specific for the gene of interest indicates that the organism carries a mutation in the gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the transcriptionless amplification of nucleic acids or nucleic acid sequences by means of enzymes in which the nucleic acids or sequences are divided at least partially into their individual strands before amplification and/or transcribed and the reaction mixture contains oligonucleotides with a base sequence essentially complementary to those of the ends of the nucleic acids or sequences to be amplified, where said oligonucleotides can, in certain conditions, form starting points and/or chemical components for the synthesis of nucleic acids and are built into the amplification product to be formed. The product of the components itself again corresponds to the nucleic acid or sequence to be amplified. The reaction product formed from the oligonucleotide components, possibly from the templates and other chemical components, reacts again in one step with the oligonucleotide components, the reaction being conducted substantially isothermally.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is H, alkyl, acyl, aryl, or a phosphate residue; R.sup.2 is H, OH, alkoxy, NH.sub.2, or halogen; B is a base customary in nucleotide chemistry; a is O or CH.sub.2 ; n is an integer from 1 to 100; W=O, S or Se; V=O, S, or NH; Y=O, S, NH, or CH.sub.2 ; Y'=O, S, NH, or alkylene; X=OH or SH; U=OH, SH, SeH, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, or amine, and Z=OH, SH, SeH, an optionally substituted radical from the group comprising alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, or amino, or a group which favors intracellular uptake or serves as the label of a DNA probe or attacks the target nucleic acid during hybridization, where if Z=OH, SH, CH.sub.3, or OC.sub.2 H.sub.5, at least one of the groups X, Y, Y', V, or W is not OH or O or R.sup.1 is not H; a process for their preparation and their use as inhibitors of gene expression, as probes for detecting nucleic acids and as aids in molecular biology.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplifying enzyme having a short reaction time and high fidelity is provided. The enzyme of this invention is a thermostable DNA polymerase having a nucleic acid extension rate of at least 30 bases per second and a 3'-5' exonuclease activity. Also provided are a method and kit for amplifying nucleic acid.

Abstract: Double stranded nucleic acid is denatured by subjecting a solution thereof to a voltage applied between electrodes spaced by no more than 1.5 mm in a time not previously achievable in electrochemical denaturation. PCR is practiced isothermally by periodic application of voltage to produce denaturation. Electrochemical cells and kits for use in the process are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of substituted aryllactic acid-containing cyclodepsipeptides having 24 ring atoms of the formula (I): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 have the meaning given in the description,with the aid of fungal strains of the species Agonomycetales or enzymatic preparations isolated therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the dosage of Deoxyribonucc Acid (DNA) present in an extracellular position in a medium.The process consists in the following steps:fixation of DNA present in the medium on a support.incorporation of at least one label led deoxyribonucleotide into the fixed DNA.direct or indirect detection of the incorporated marker.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of MAP kinase kinase 6. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding MAP kinase kinase 6. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of MAP kinase kinase 6 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of MAP kinase kinase 6 are provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for coevolving products from two or more reactants, along with the nucleic acid that can facilitate the reaction for making the products. The invention further discloses the products and facilitating nucleic acids produced by said method.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-purity erythritol crystal comprising a crystallization step of subjecting an erythritol-containing aqueous solution as a raw solution to crystallization, wherein an erythritol concentration of said erythritol-containing aqueous solution is adjusted to 30 to 60% by weight at the beginning of the crystallization step; said erythritol-containing aqueous solution is cooled at a cooling rate of not more than 20.degree. C./hour; a seed crystal of erythritol is added to said erythritol-containing aqueous solution in the course of the cooling, and the solution is cooled to not more than 20.degree. C. Such a process for producing a high-purity erythritol crystal of the present invention has a still higher purity and is further improved in crystal shape as compared to those produced by conventional processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides mice which are deficient in the normal expression of one or more members of the RAR or RXR class of receptors, to mice heterozygous for such deficiency, and to cell lines, preferably pluripotent or totipotent cell lines, which are heterozygous or homozygous for such deficiency. The present invention further provides the use of any of the above mice and cell lines in situations where the absence of at least one RAR or RXR receptors, or the normal expression thereof, is desirable.

Abstract: A method of improving the synthesis of full-length cDNA transcripts by Mn.sup.++ -dependent reverse transcriptases, preferably DNA-dependent DNA polymerases, is disclosed.

Abstract: A hybridization assay is provided which uses an oligonucleotide probe which includes a fluorescent reporter molecule and a quencher molecule capable of quenching the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. The oligonucleotide probe is constructed such that the probe exists in at least one single-stranded conformation when unhybridized where the quencher molecule is near enough to the reporter molecule to quench the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. The oligonucleotide probe also exists in at least one conformation when hybridized to a target polynucleotide where the quencher molecule is not positioned close enough to the reporter molecule to quench the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. By adopting these hybridized and unhybridized conformations, the reporter molecule and quencher molecule on the probe exhibits different fluorescence signal intensities when the probe is hybridized and unhybridized.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PEPCK-mitochondrial. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PEPCK-mitochondrial. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PEPCK-mitochondrial expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PEPCK-mitochondrial are provided.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of RhoC. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding RhoC. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of RhoC expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of RhoC are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel chimeric phosphoramidate oligonucleotides and their use in primer-extension methods such as DNA sequencing and nucleic acid amplification. The subject chimeric phosphoramidate oligonucleotides have both N3'-phosphoramidate linkages and phosphodiester linkages. The invention includes methods of primer extension using the subject chimeric oligonucleotides as primers. Primer extension methods of interest include nucleic acid amplification reactions, e.g. PCR, and polynucleotide sequencing reactions. In the primer extension methods of the invention, a chimeric phosphoramidate oligonucleotide primer is annealed to a polynucleotide template. After annealing, the chimeric oligonucleotide primer is extended by joining a nucleotide to the 3' end of the primer by a DNA polymerase catalyzed reaction. Other embodiments of the invention include methods of primer extension using phosphoramidate linkage containing polynucleotide templates.

Abstract: A marker gene for use in the genetic transformation of plants is driven by a promoter which is capable of acting as a callus-specific promoter, for example in monocotyledonous plants. A suitable promoter naturally drives the expression of a gene encoding a predicted 16.92 kDa protein after wounding and/or callus formation in Asparagus officinalis or an equivalent protein in other members of Liliaceae or Amaryllidaceae. A preferred embodiment is designated the AoPR1 promoter. Under the control of a promoter of the invention, the marker gene (which may for example be an antibiotic- or herbicide-resistance gene) is expressed strongly in wounded tissues and cells and cultured explants, but not constitutively throughout the whole plant. Such promoters may also be used to drive expression of genes in plant tissue culture.

Abstract: An improved method for the simultaneous sequence-specific identification of mRNAs in a mRNA population allows the visualization of nearly every mRNA expressed by a tissue as a distinct band on a gel whose intensity corresponds roughly to the concentration of the mRNA. In general, the method comprises the formation of cDNA using anchor primers to fix a 3'-endpoint, producing cloned inserts from the cDNA in a vector containing a bacteriophage-specific promoter for subsequent RNA synthesis, generating linearized fragments of the cloned inserts, preparing cRNA, transcribing cDNA from the cRNA using a set of primers, and performing PCR using a 3'-primer whose sequence is derived from the vector and a set of 5'-primers that is derived from the primers used for transcription of cDNA from cRNA. The method can identify changes in expression of mRNA associated with the administration of drugs or with physiological or pathological conditions.

Abstract: Non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus such as from the species Aspirgillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae are useful fungal biocontrol agents for preventing toxin contamination in agricultural commodities, especially those for human consumption such as peanuts and corn. These strains do not produce aflatoxin, any bis-furan ring-containing intermediates of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway and cyclopiazonic acid. They are also useful for controlling toxin damage to crops such as cotton. The strains include Aspergillus strains NRRL 21368, NRRL 21369, NRRL 21882, NRRL 30038, NRRL 30039 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated DNA sequence which codes for an antigen expressed by tumor cells which maybe recognized by cytotoxic T cells, leading to lysis of the tumor cells which express it. This invention also relates to vectors which are designed to encode the antigen expressed by tumor cells and also to cells transfected by the DNA sequence or vectors which comprise the DNA sequence. Various therapeutic and diagnostic uses arising out of the properties of the DNA and the antigen for which it codes are also part of this invention.

Abstract: Method for immobilizing nucleic acids by hybridizing the nucleic acid with a capture probe. The capture probe is protected against enzymatic extension and/or enzymatic degradation of the formed hybrid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolating biological target materials, particularly nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA or hybrid molecules of DNA and RNA, from other substances in a medium using silica magnetic particles. The methods of the present invention involve forming a complex of the silica magnetic particles and the biological target material in a mixture of the medium and particles, separating the complex from the mixture using external magnetic force, and eluting the biological target material from the complex. The preferred embodiments of magnetic silica particles used in the methods and kits of the present invention are capable of forming a complex with at least 2 .mu.g of biological target material per milligram of particle, and of releasing at least 60% of the material from the complex in the elution step of the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of nucleic acid sequence differences using coupled ligase detection reaction and polymerase chain reaction. One aspect of the present invention involves use of a ligase detection reaction coupled to a polymerase chain reaction. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a primary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a secondary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a ligase detection reaction. A third aspect of the present invention involves a primary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a secondary polymerase chain reaction. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence differences.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding the glycosyltransferase protein GtfC of Amycolatopsis orientalis. Also provided are vectors carrying the gtfC gene, transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the GtfC protein, and methods for producing glycopeptide compounds using the cloned gtfC gene.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing eukaryotic disulfide bond-containing polypeptides in bacterial hosts, and compositions resulting therefrom. Co-expression of a eukaryotic foldase and a disulfide bond-containing polypeptide in a bacterial host cell is demonstrated. In particular embodiments, the methods have been used to produce mammalian pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in soluble, biologically-active forms, which are isolatable from the bacterial periplasm. Also disclosed are expression systems, recombinant vectors, and transformed host cells.

Abstract: A method for determining a nucleic acid A, comprising the formation of a complex, including two molecules capable of hybridizing to A and of participating in formation of a triplex structure with an additional nucleic acid or nucleic acid analogue is useful for sensitive and specific determination.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, employing a nucleotide integrase, for cleaving single-stranded RNA substrates, single-stranded DNA substrates, and double- stranded DNA substrates at specific sites and for inserting a nucleic acid molecule into the cleaved substrate. One method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave one strand of a double-stranded DNA substrate. The method comprises the steps of: providing a nucleotide integrase comprising a group II intron RNA having two hybridizing sequences that are capable of hybridizing with two intron RNA binding sequences on the one strand of the DNA substrate, and a group II-intron encoded protein which binds to a first sequence element of the substrate; and reacting the nucleotide integrase with the double-stranded DNA substrate under conditions that permit the nucleotide integrase to cleave the one strand of the DNA substrate and to insert the group II intron RNA into the cleavage site.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the gene, and mutations thereto, that are responsible for the disease hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). More particularly, the invention relates to the identification, isolation, and cloning of the DNA sequence corresponding to the normal and mutant HH genes, as well as the characterization of their transcripts and gene products. The invention also relates to methods and the like for screening for HH homozygotes and further relates to HH diagnosis, prenatal screening and diagnosis, and therapies of HH disease, including gene therapeutics, protein and antibody based therapeutics, and small molecule therapeutics.

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials with remotely addressable or remotely programmable recording devices that contain at least one data storage unit are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The data storage units are non-volatile antifuse memories or volatile memories, such as EEPROMS, DRAMS or flash memory. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Ship-2. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Ship-2. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Ship-2 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Ship-2 are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding the glycosyltransferase protein GtfB of Amycolatopsis orientalis. Also provided are vectors carrying the gtfB gene, transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the GtfB protein, and methods for producing glycopeptide compounds using the cloned gtfB gene.

Abstract: The present invention features "promoter-sequestered" oligonucleosides and the use of such oligonucleosides to achieve "target-triggered" amplification. A promoter-sequestered oligonucleoside contains a contiguous nucleic acid sequence which forms a stem-loop structure in the absence of a target sequence. The stem-loop structure contains a single-stranded loop region and a double-stranded stem region. The single-stranded loop contains all, or a portion of, an RNA polymerase promoter sequence. The stem is produced from two substantially complementary nucleic acid sequences able to form an intramolecular hybrid. The secondary structure of the stem decreases the accessibility of the loop promoter sequence to form a functional double-stranded promoter.

Abstract: A class of 4,7-dichlororhodamine compounds useful as fluorescent dyes are disclosed having the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.6 are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, lower alkyl, lower alkene, lower alkyne, sulfonate, sulfone, amino, amido, nitrile, lower alkoxy, linking group, or combinations thereof, or, when taken together, R.sub.1 and R.sub.6 is benzo, or, when taken together, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is benzo; Y.sub.1 -Y.sub.4 are hydrogen or lower alkyl, or, when taken together, Y.sub.1 and R.sub.2, Y.sub.2 and R.sub.1 Y.sub.3 and R.sub.3, or Y.sub.4 and R.sub.4 is propano, ethano, or substituted forms thereof, and X.sub.1 -X.sub.3 taken separately are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, lower alkyl, carboxylate, sulfonic acid, --CH.sub.2 OH, and linking group. In another aspect, the invention includes reagents labeled with the 4,7-dichlororhodamine dye compounds, including deoxynucleotides, dideoxynucleotides, and polynucleotides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively linking a polynucleotide through its 5' or 3' end to one or more preselected materials such as insoluble matrices, solid supports, proteins, small molecular or labels are disclosed. Use of these compositions and methods in the production of diagnostic and affinity reagents are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) which includes the steps of:obtaining a sample of genomic DNA from a patient or fetus; anddetermining whether the DNA contains a mutation in a gene encoding endoglin, betaglycan, TGF-.beta. type I receptor (RI), TGF-.beta. type II receptor (RII), or TGF-.beta./activin type I receptor (TSR-I), such a mutation being an indication that the patient or fetus bears a gene making the patient or fetus susceptible to HHT.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utrons, RNA molecules which contain promoter regulatory motif(s) and DNA analogs thereof and DNA molecules that can be transcribed to produce the foregoing. In particular, the invention provides gene promoter suppressing nucleic acids which suppress transcription from a promoter of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides the TSU gene, nucleotide sequences of the TSU gene and RNA, as well as fragments, homologs and derivatives thereof. Methods of isolating TSU genes are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided. In particular, the invention relates to methods for cell replacement therapy, gene therapy or organ transplantation wherein TSU nucleic acids suppress MHC class I and II gene expression, thus preventing immuno-rejection of non-autologous cells or organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the specific coupling of the cap of the 5' end of a eukaryotic mRNA fragment by a molecule functionalized by an amine functional group. The present invention also provides a method for isolating mRNA 5' end and a method for the preparation of single-stranded cDNA end complementary to the 5' end of mRNA and of double-stranded cDNA corresponding to the mRNA 5' end. The present invention also provides a method for isolating whole-length cDNA corresponding to the entire mRNA.

Abstract: Assay method for the detection of nucleic acid sequences in homogeneous solution. The method comprises the use of fluorescence polarisation to detect hybridisation of a fluorescent nucleic acid probe or to detect fluorescent primer extension products. Assay kits for use in the above methods.

Abstract: A method for controlling Poa trivialis using a bacterium which is a Xanthomonas campestris pathovar which produces a wilt in the weed grass is described. In particular, the use of a Xanthomonas campestris which infects the Poa trivialis types to suppress or kill this weed grass is described. The method allows non-weedy grasses to develop without interference from Poa trivialis to improve lawns, golf courses and the like.

Abstract: A new family of tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them, are disclosed. These tumor rejection antigen precursors are referred to as DAGE tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them are referred to as GAGE coding molecules. Various diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the coding sequences and the tumor rejection antigens, and their precursor molecules are described.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PTEN. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PTEN. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PTEN expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PTEN are provided.

Abstract: A biodegradation method for polyorganosiloxanes (POS), particularly polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), includes contacting the POS with one or more microscopic fungi, preferably in the presence of at least one co-substrate, said fungus being selected from the family of Corticiacea, preferably of the genus Phanaerochaete or Aspergillus, more preferably Aspergillus sydowii BJS94, Phanerochaete sordida and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. A screening method comprises contacting a microscopic fungus with POS, preferably with PDMS, in the presence of a co-substrate, and evaluating the capacity of the fungus to degrade the POS. The fungi disclosed in the invention can be used in the biodegradation method. An isolate of Aspergillus sydowii BJS94 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining a molecule A comprising a sample of molecules capable of participating in formation of triplex structures is useful for sensitive determination. The principle can be used to determine any kind of analytes.

Abstract: A method for performing separation assays of biochemical samples includes computing a quality metric based on peak data produced during the separation run. The quality metric is the basis for selecting a subsequent step in the assay, including whether to re-run the separation when the quality metric indicates a low quality separation run. In a preferred embodiment, the quality metric is computed based on a peak resolution metric indicative of the peak resolution of the sample peaks in the data and a signal-to-noise ratio of the data. When a co-migrating standard is included in the separation run, the quality metric is further based on the degree of migration linearity of the reference peaks produced by the standard. The method was reduced to practice in separations to size and sort DNA fragments in high-throughput capillary array electrophoresis separations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for generating or analyzing nucleic acid populations or desired nucleic acid sequences based upon replication or amplification reactions. The invention comprises methods employing adaptors ligated to nucleic acids that preferentially permit replication or amplification of desired nucleic acid sequences or preferentially eliminate undesired nucleic acids from replication or amplification. The invention also comprises adaptors useful in the methods and in kits for replicating or amplifying nucleic acids. In one embodiment, the adaptors function to protect desired nucleic acids from cleavage by a restriction enzyme while other nucleic acids are cleaved. The protected, desired nucleic acids can then be preferentially replicated or amplified. Accordingly, the invention can be used for the amplification of desired nucleic acids and the effective removal of undesired nucleic acids from a population.

Abstract: A multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) synthesizing system in E. coli is disclosed. The use of the msDNA system to synthesize cDNA in vivo is disclosed. Construction of synthetic msDNA is also disclosed. Also processes for gene amplification and for producing a stable RNA are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence comprises: (a) providing a first primer hybridizing to the target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the primer is immobilized on an immobile solid phase support by a direct chemical linkage between the primer and the solid phase support, wherein the solid phase support forms a part of or is insertable into a container for a sample to be tested, (b) providing a second primer hybridizing to the target nucleic acid sequence in the opposite direction, wherein the second primer is labelled with a detectable label, (c) reacting the first and second primers with a sample containing nucleic acid sequences under conditions which allow amplification of the nucleic acid sequences that hybridize to the first and second primers in the container for the sample, and (d) detecting the presence of bound second primer. Alternatively, the label on the second primer can be attached or incorporated either during or after the amplification process.