Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying recombinant HCV single or specific oligomeric envelope proteins selected from the group consisting of E1 and/or E1/E2 characterized in that upon lysing the transformed host cells to isolate the recombinantly expressed protein a disulphide bond cleavage or reduction step is carried out with a disulphide bond cleavage agent. The present invention also relates to a composition isolated by such a method. The present invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic application of these compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of HCV E1 protein and peptides for prognosing and monitoring the clinical effectiveness and/or clinical outcome of HCV treatment.

Abstract: A solid culture of Zang Zhi (Antrodia camphorata) having triterpenoid compounds, water-soluble polysaccharides and chitin. The solid culture is prepared by a method including the steps of: incubating a stock strain of Zang Zhi in a bag for growth of mycelia, followed by an incubation in the air for fruiting the Zang Zhi body.

Abstract: Disclosed are new methods comprising the use of in situ hybridization to detect abnormal nucleic acid sequence copy numbers in one or more genomes wherein repetitive sequences that bind to multiple loci in a reference chromosome spread are either substantially removed and/or their hybridization signals suppressed. The invention termed Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) provides for methods of determining the relative number of copies of nucleic acid sequences in one or more subject genomes or portions thereof (for example, a tumor cell) as a function of the location of those sequences in a reference genome (for example, a normal human genome). The intensity(ies) of the signals from each labeled subject nucleic acid and/or the differences in the ratios between different signals from the labeled subject nucleic acid sequences are compared to determine the relative copy numbers of the nucleic acid sequences in the one or more subject genomes as a function of position along the reference chromosome spread.

Abstract: A method for in vitro construction of a library of recombined homologous polynucleotides from a number of different starting DNA templates and primers by induced template shifts during an polynucleotide synthesis is described, wherebyA. extended primers are synthesized bya) denaturing the DNA templatesb) annealing primers to the templates,c) extending the said primers by use of a polymerase,d) stop the synthesis, ande) separate the extended primers from the templates,B. a template shift is induced bya) isolating the extended primers from the templates and repeating steps A.b) to A.e) using the extended primers as both primers and templates, orb) repeating steps A.b) to A.e),C. this process is terminated after an appropriate number of cycles of process steps A. and B.a), A. and B.b), or combinations thereof.Optionally the polynucleotides are amplified in a standard PCR reaction with specific primers to selectively amplify homologous polynucleotides of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specific identification method of an MRSA and MRC-NS, which is speedy, simple and reliable. Specifically, the present invention provides a diagnostic method of an MRSA or MRC-NS, which comprises performing a reaction with a sample by making combined use of a part of a mecDNA, which is an integrated adventitious DNA existing on a chromosome of the MRSA or MRC-NS and carrying an mecA gene thereon, and a part of a nucleotide sequence of a chromosomal DNA surrounding the integrated DNA; and also a diagnostic method of an MRSA or MRC-NS by PCR, LCR or hybridization, which comprises performing a reaction with a sample by using a nucleotide sequence of a chromosomal DNA surrounding an integrated site of a mecDNA in a chromosome of an MSSA or MSC-NS, wherein said method makes use of an occurrence of a negative reaction when said sample contains a mecDNA integrated therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of arbitrary sequence oligonucleotide fingerprinting (ASOF), a novel technology which eliminates gel electrophoresis as a step in polymorphic marker analysis, species identification and transcriptional profiling. ASOF greatly increases the speed and throughput of analysis, with aconcomitant decrease in cost. Furthermore, the miniaturization and automation of ASOF analysis leads to an exceedingly increased throughput of nucleic acid analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoded by a novel, prostate specific gene (UC41) and diagnostic techniques for the detection of human prostate cancer utilizing such nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. Genetic probes and methods useful in monitoring the progression and diagnosis of prostate cancer are described. Methods of treatment for prostate cancer utilizing antisense constructs or antibodies specific for UC41 gene products are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood, using DNA extraction followed by nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for mutant DNA. In particular, the invention relates to detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in humans or animals that contain a mutation associated with the neoplasm through detection of the mutated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions.

Abstract: A method for in vitro mutagenesis and recombination of polynucleotide sequences based on polymerase-catalyzed extension of primer oligonucleotides is disclosed. The method involves priming template polynucleotide(s) with random-sequences or defined-sequence primers to generate a pool of short DNA fragments with a low level of point mutations. The DNA fragments are subjected to denaturization followed by annealing and further enzyme-catalyzed DNA polymerization. This procedure is repeated a sufficient number of times to produce full-length genes which comprise mutants of the original template polynucleotides. These genes can be further amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and cloned into a vector for expression of the encoded proteins.

Abstract: The present invention makes available methods and reagents for novel manipulation of nucleic acids. As described herein, the present invention makes use of the ability of intronic sequences, such as derived from group I, group II, or nuclear pre-mRNA introns, to mediate specific cleavage and ligation of discontinuous nucleic acid molecules. For example, novel genes and gene products can be generated by admixing nucleic acid constructs which comprise exon nucleic acid sequences flanked by intron sequences that can direct trans-splicing of the exon sequences to each other. The flanking intronic sequences can, by intermolecular complementation, form a reactive complex which promotes the transesterification reactions necessary to cause the ligation of discontinuous nucleic acid sequences to one another, and thereby generate a recombinant gene comprising the ligated exons.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive, degenerative disease that involves the central and peripheral nervous system and the heart. A gene, X25, was identified in the critical region for the FRDA locus on chromosome 9q13. The gene encodes a 210 amino acid protein, frataxin, that has homologues in distant species such as C. elegans and yeast. A few FRDA patients have been found to have point mutations in X25, but the vast majority are homozygous for a variable, unstable GAA trinucleotide expansion in the first X25 intron. Mature X25 mRNA was severely reduced in abundance in individuals with FRDA. Carriers and individuals at risk for developing FRDA can be ascertained by the methods of the present invention. Further, the methods of the present invention provide treatment to those individuals having FRDA.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the synthesis of double stranded DNA, particularly complementary DNA for the construction of directional complementary DNA libraries. The method comprises synthesizing a first strand of DNA complementary to a selected RNA or DNA template by contacting with the template a linker/primer comprising a selected restriction site, a suitable RNA or DNA dependent DNA polymerase, and substrates comprising a deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate analog. The linker/primer and deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate analog are selected such that incorporation of the nucleotide analog in the first strand substantially protects the double stranded DNA from cleavage, under conditions sufficient to cleave or substantially cleave the linker/primer, at the selected restriction site.

Abstract: Chain reaction cloning methods and reagents and kits for performing such methods are provided. Chain reaction cloning allows ligation of double-stranded DNA molecules by DNA ligases and bridging oligonucleotides. Double-stranded nucleic acid molecules are denatured into single-stranded molecules. The ends of the molecules are brought together by hybridization to a template. The template ensures that the two single-stranded nucleic acid molecules are aligned correctly. DNA ligase joins the two nucleic acid molecules into a single, larger, composite nucleic acid molecule. The nucleic acid molecules are subsequently denatured so that the composite molecule formed by the ligated nucleic acid molecules and the template cease to hybridize to each. Each composite molecule then serves as a template for orienting unligated, single-stranded nucleic acid molecules. After several cycles, composite nucleic acid molecules are generated from smaller nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to methods facilitating the cloning of nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the invention relates to the use of polymerase inhibitors, including but not limited to anti-polymerase antibodies (such as anti-Taq antibodies) and fragments thereof, to inactivate residual polymerase activity remaining after the amplification (particularly via PCR) of a target nucleic acid molecule. The invention further provides compositions, particularly storage-stable compositions, comprising one or more components, such as one or more restriction endonucleases and one or more polymerase inhibitors, that are useful in cloning amplified or synthesized nucleic acid molecules by the above-described methods. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules produced by these methods, and to genetic constructs (such as vectors) and host cells comprising these nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: A thermocycling apparatus comprising a plurality of capillaries for moving DNA-containing samples between two or more discrete zones maintained at selected elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A method for performing Gap-filling Ligase Chain Reaction (Gap-LCR) using an internal control which has been modified to contain a unique site for a restriction enzyme and which has approximately the same length and identical four LCR probe sites as the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method of amplifying a mixture of different-sequence DNA fragments which may be formed from RNA transcription, or derived from genomic single- or double-stranded DNA fragments. The fragments are treated with terminal deoxynucleotide transferase and a selected deoxynucleotide, to form a homopolymer tail at the 3' end of the anti-sense strands, and the sense strands are provided with a common 3'-end sequence. The fragments are mixed with a homopolymer primer which is homologous to the homopolymer tail of the anti-sense strands, and a defined-sequence primer which is homologous to the sense-strand common 3'-end sequence, with repeated cycles of fragment denaturation, annealing, and polymerization, to amplify the fragments. In one embodiment, the defined-sequence and homopolymer primers are the same, i.e., only one primer is used. The primers may contain selected restriction-site sequences, to provide directional restriction sites at the ends of the amplified fragments.

Abstract: A set of contiguous and partially overlapping RNA sequences and polypeptides encoded thereby, designated as PS112 and transcribed from prostate tissue is described. A fully sequenced clone representing a continuous sequence of PS112 is also disclosed. These sequences are useful for the detecting, diagnosing, staging, monitoring, prognosticating, preventing or treating, or determining the predisposition of an individual to diseases and conditions of the prostate, such as prostate cancer. Also provided are antibodies which specifically bind to PS112-encoded polypeptide or protein, and agonists or inhibitors which prevent action of the tissue-specific PS112 polypeptide, which molecules are useful for the therapeutic treatment of prostate diseases, tumors or metastases.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying an oligonucleotide, which method has application to the detection of a polynucleotide analyte. An oligonucleotide is reversibly hybridized with a polynucleotide, for example, a polynucleotide analyte, in the presence of a 5'-nuclease under isothermal conditions. The polynucleotide analyte serves as a recognition element to enable a 5'-nuclease to cleave the oligonucleotide to provide (i) a first fragment that is substantially non-hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte and (ii) a second fragment that lies 3' of the first fragment (in the intact oligonucleotide) and is substantially hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte. At least a 100-fold molar excess of the first fragment and/or the second fragment are obtained relative to the molar amount of the polynucleotide analyte. The presence of the first fragment and/or the second fragment is detected, the presence thereof indicating the presence of the polynucleotide analyte.

Abstract: The present invention discloses hybridization assay probes, amplification primers, nucleic acid compositions and methods useful for detecting Neisseria nucleic acids. Hybridization assay probes and amplification primers that selectively detect Neisseria meningitidis and distinguish those Neisseria meningitidis from Neisseria gonorrohoeae are disclosed. Other hybridization probes selectively detect Neisseria gonorrohoeae and not Neisseria meningitidis are also described.

Abstract: We describe herein the isolation and purification of a multi-protein complex for DNA replication from MDA MB-468 human breast cancer cells as well as human breast tumor tissue and xenografts from nude mice injected with human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. This complex, designated the "DNA synthesome", fully supports the in vitro replication of simian virus 40 (SV40) origin-containing DNA in the presence of the viral large T-antigen. Since the SV40 virus utilizes the host's cellular proteins for its own DNA replication, our results indicate that the DNA synthesome plays a role not only in viral DNA synthesis but in human breast cell DNA replication as well. Our studies demonstrate that the following DNA proteins are incorporated into the DNA synthesome: DNA polymerase .alpha., DNA primase, DNA polymerase .delta., proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), replication protein A (RP-A), replication protein C (RF-C), DNA topoisomerase I and II, and DNA polymerase .epsilon..

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of genetic mapping and genetic identity detection, including forensic identification and paternity testing. This invention is more specifically directed to the use of mass spectrometry to detect length variation in DNA nucleotide sequence repeats (including variants of common alleles), such as microsatellites and short tandem repeats, and to DNA sequences provided as primers for the analysis of DNA tandem nucleotide repeat polymorphisms at specific loci on specific chromosomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure-specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.

Abstract: A method of detection is provided that permits differentiation of each of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus anthracis from other microorganisms, using oligonucleotide primers for amplification of the target nucleotide sequences characteristic to Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus anthracis, consisting of the oligonucleotide (A) having a nucleotide sequence obtained from SEQ ID NO:1 and containing at least one site that can amplify a nucleotide sequence characteristic to Bacillus cereus, the oligonucleotide (B) having a nucleotide sequence obtained from SEQ ID NO:3 and containing at least one site that can amplify a nucleotide sequence characteristic to Bacillus thuringiensis, and the oligonucleotide (C) having a nucleotide sequence obtained from SEQ ID NO:5 and containing at least one site that can amplify a nucleotide sequence characteristic to Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional nucleoside didesoxyribosyl or nucleoside deoxyribosyl transferase which has one or more of the following additional activities (desoxy) nucleoside kinase, nucleoside reductase desaminase, or DNA polymerase activity. Utilizing the multifunctional enzyme results in a variety of nucleic acid products. These products can be prepared using sequential reactions in a single batch process wherein the sequential reaction can be caused to occur by varying process conditions in a manner which turns on or off the requisite activities causing the sequential reactions to occur. An example of a product prepared in this manner is dideoxyribofuranoside triphosphate. Certain of the resultant products have pharmaceutical activities, e.g. antiviral agents. Lactobacillus leichmannii (DSM 20076) is a source of the multifunctional nucleoside deoxyribosyl transferase.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing a double-stranded cDNA corresponding to the 5' end of an mRNA. In the subject methods, an mRNA is first contacted with an oligo dT primer under first strand cDNA synthesis conditions. Next, the resultant hybrid is contacted with a random primer under first strand cDNA synthesis conditions, such that a cDNA complementary to the 5' end of the mRNA is produced. The resultant hybrid molecule is converted to two different double-stranded cDNAs, a first cDNA comprising the oligo dT primer and a second cDNA lacking the oligo dT primer. The two double-stranded cDNAs are then separated from each other. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications, and find particular use in the synthesis of 5' enriched cDNA libraries. Also provided are cDNA libraries produced by the subject methods, as well as kits for performing the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses hybridization assay probes, amplification primers, nucleic acid compositions and methods useful for detecting Borrelia nucleic acids. Hybridization assay probes and amplification primers that selectively detect Lyme disease-associated Borrelia and distinguish those Borrelia from Borrelia hermsii are disclosed. Other hybridization probes selectively detect Borrelia hermsii and not Lyme disease-associated Borrelia are also described.

Abstract: A test method and test kit for determining a risk of diabetic complications based upon abnormal aldose reductase genetic material expression is described. Cells isolated from a patient which exhibit elevated levels of aldose reductase genetic material expression at pathophysiologic levels of glucose (about 20 mM) which can occur commonly in the cells of diabetic patients are evaluated based upon a level of expression of DNA or RNA in the cells with the glucose at the pathophysiologic level. The cells can be used to isolate DNA or RNA for a probe which detects the abnormal aldose reductase gene expression. The method can be used to determine when particular aldose reductase inhibitors can be effective for a particular patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a nucleotide sequence of DNA product amplified by polymerase chain reaction not requiring removal of primers and/or 2'-deoxyribonucleoside-5'-triphosphates and/or derivatives thereof, which comprises reacting ribonucleoside-5'-triphosphates comprising ATP, GTP, CTP, UTP and derivatives thereof and one or more of 3'-deoxyribonucleotide-5'-triphosphates comprising 3'-dATP, 3'-dGTP, 3'-dCTP, 3'-dUTP and derivatives thereof in the presence of an RNA polymerase and a DNA product which has been amplified by polymerase chain reaction and contains a promoter sequence for the RNA polymerase to afford a nucleic acid transcription product, separating the obtained nucleic acid transcription product and determining a nucleic acid sequence from the resluting separated fractions.

Abstract: A method of forming a macromolecular microgene polymer comprises allowing DNA polymerase to act on oligonucleotides A and B complementary at least partially to each other to effect polymerase chain reaction. According to the present invention, there can be obtained a polymer consisting of a repeating microgene, which is efficiently and simply formed.

Abstract: Mercuric ion is cytotoxic and mutagenic to cells. However, the mechanisms of mercuric ion-induced cytotoxicity are not well understood. Studies have suggested that these effects may be due in part to the alteration and inhibition of a variety of cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA repair, RNA transcription, and protein synthesis. However, prior art studies utilizing whole cells, cell extracts, or purified DNA polymerases to examine these activities are not able to specifically identify the precise mechanism or site of the effect or adequately represent the highly ordered environment in which DNA replication occurs in the intact cell. We disclose a novel method for measuring the activity and fidelity of DNA replication using the complex of proteins called the DNA synthesome, an isolated multiprotein form of DNA polymerase. The DNA synthesome is a highly organized complex of proteins capable of supporting all phases of SV 40 origin-specific DNA replication in vitro.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the chromosomal identity of a sample of genomic DNA. The genomic DNA is amplified and labeled by polymerase chain reaction using primers substantially complementary to interspersed repetitive DNA sequences. The amplified and labeled genomic DNA fragments are then contacted with chromosomal DNA of known identity under conditions in which the chromosome-specific, but not the interspersed repetitive DNA sequences, of the amplified and labeled genomic DNA fragments are available for hybridization. Specific hybridization to chromosomal DNA of known identity determines the chromosomal identity of the sample of genomic DNA.

Abstract: A molecular sensing apparatus comprises a first electrode (10), a second electrode (12), a first molecule (20), a second molecule (22), and a third molecule (34). The first molecule (20) has a first chain of nucleic bases (30) and a first group (24). The first group (24) is bound to the first electrode (10). The second molecule (22) has a second chain of nucleic bases (32) and a second group (26). The second group (26) is bound to the second electrode (12). The third molecule (34) is bound to the first molecule (20) and the second molecule (22). A method which uses the molecular sensing apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The methods to synthesize these chemicals in a laboratory are theorized to be related to natural processes that resulted in the creation of primordial life in the early atmosphere of Earth. The theory of the origin of primordial life in the Earth's early atmosphere is derived from an earlier U.S. Disclosure Document entitled "Method and Apparatus to Create Primordial Life from Inanimate Materials" that is substantially repeated in the application.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a DNA molecule is disclosed. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of exposing a DNA molecule to an effective amount of a chemical modification reagent wherein the reagent converts guanine to 8-hydroxyguanine. The oxidized product is then exposed to a DNA glycosylase enzyme and the DNA molecule is cleaved at the site of the 8-hydroxyguanine. The fragments are then resolved by electrophoresis and the position of guanine residues within the DNA molecule is determined. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modification reagent is a thiazine dye and the enzyme is FPG protein.

Abstract: A method of synthesis of new and useful single-stranded DNAs which have a stem-loop configuration (ss-slDNA). The method is an in vivo or an in vitro synthesis. Replicating vehicles which produce these ss-slDNAs. The ss-slDNAs are described. Uses for these slDNAs are disclosed. They can be used for introducing random mutations, they lend themselves for replication by a variant of the PCR method. They can also be used for regulating gene function. Other uses are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides novel assays for primase activity and for identifying modulators of primase activity. The assays include both solid-phase and liquid-phase methods that are amenable to high throughput screening methods. The assays of the invention are readily adaptable to numerous types of primase, and are capable of identifying novel classes of primase activity modulators.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting the presence of genetic alterations in the human 5q13 chromosomal region. More specifically, the invention relates to nucleic acids, probes, primers, and methods of using the same, for the amplification and/or the detection of alterations in the human 5q13 chromosomal region, and their correlation to spinal muscular atrophy.

Abstract: An electric field amplified oligonucleotide ligase analysis includes combining a plurality of oligonucleotide probes carried on a support at a binding site with a solution including a target molecule, a plurality of oligonucleotide segments including a marker and ligase. A first electric field surrounding the plurality of oligonucleotide probes is generated to attract the target molecule to a first of the plurality of oligonucleotide probes to which it hybridizes. A first of the plurality of oligonucleotide segments also hybridizes with the target molecule and covalently bonds to the first oligonucleotide probe due to the presence of ligase in the solution. The target molecule is separated by generating a second electric field surrounding the plurality of oligonucleotide probes. The generation of the electric fields are alternately repeated to amplify the hybridization signal.

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: 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: High throughput DNA sequencing vectors for generating nested deletions using enzymatic techniques and/or transposition-based techniques are disclosed. Methods of constructing contigs of long DNA sequences and methods of generating nested deletions are also disclosed. A truncated lacZ derivative useful in measuring the copy number of the lacZ derivative in a host cell is also disclosed.

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: Methods of synthesizing polynucleotides are disclosed involving the simultaneous ligation of a set of oligomer 5'-phosphates onto a template-bound primer. The set of these oligomers can be preselected to contain oligomers which are complementary to the template strand or the oligomers can be supplied as a library and allowed to self select. The synthesis by ligation can proceed unidirectionally or bidirectionally from the primer and can be used to synthesize both strands simultaneously by the use of two primers. The ligation is preferably performed with a ligase enzyme. The methods of synthesis are useful in a variety of applications, including cloning, amplification, labeling, diagnostic assays, mutation analysis and screening, gene expression monitoring and sequence analysis.

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 preparing a cDNA from a mRNA using a reverse transcriptase wherein reverse transcription is performed at a temperature at which the mRNA does not take a secondary structure, for example, at a temperature of 45.degree. C. or more. The method is performed, for example, using a heat-labile reverse transcriptase in the presence of a substance exhibiting chaperone function having chaperone function such as saccharides. The method is performed, for example, in the presence of metal ions necessary for activation of the reverse transcriptase and a chelating agent for the metal ions such as a deoxynucleotide triphosphate. The method is capable of reverse transcription over the full length of mRNA template even if the mRNA is a long chain mRNA and, as a result, producing a full length cDNA.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated Siva nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins involved in immune cell apoptosis. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing Siva nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a Siva gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated Siva proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-Siva antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The sensitivity and reliability (robustness) of CMV mRNA detection is greatly dependent on the selection of suitable oligonucleotides for amplification, since there is sequence variation among strains of CMV potentially in every region of the genome. The present invention is concerned with oligonucleotides that can be used in the amplification and detection of human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) mRNA. These novel oligonucleotides show an improved sensitivity and robustness of CMV mRNA detection if compared with known sequences when used in amplification and detection. Furthermore a method for the diagnosis of HCMV disease is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis infections using a female urine sample.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing polynucleotides are disclosed involving the simultaneous ligation of a set of oligomer 5'-phosphates onto a template-bound primer. The set of these oligomers can be preselected to contain oligomers which are complementary to the template strand or the oligomers can be supplied as a library and allowed to self select. The synthesis by ligation can proceed unidirectionally or bidirectionally from the primer and can be used to synthesize both strands simultaneously by the use of two primers. The ligation is preferably performed with a ligase enzyme. The methods of synthesis are useful in a variety of applications, including cloning, amplification, labeling, diagnostic assays, mutation analysis and screening, gene expression monitoring and sequence analysis.