Abstract:
The invention relates to polymers comprising metal-containing nucleic acid duplexes. Methods of using the metal-containing nucleic acid duplexes to provoke physiological responses in a host animal are provided, such as immunological methods that produce antibodies in the host.
Abstract:
In various aspects, the invention provides molecular systems for storing and retrieving information. In some embodiments, polymers capable of selectively binding metal ions, such as nucleic acids, are used to record information in the form of a particular molecular conformation. Electrochemical assay methods employing nanopores may be used to read and write information using such polymeric media. In some embodiments, information may be recorded in a nucleic acid polymer by magnetically modulating the translocation of the nucleic acid through a channel in a medium, while simultaneously modulating the electrostatic potential across the channel. In this way, the incorporation of a divalent metal ion in the nucleic acid duplex may be modulated to store information. In an alternative aspect, the invention provides analogous processes for detecting a base pair mismatch in a nucleic acid polymer.
Abstract:
Mammalian cells and tissues are cultured and preserved by mixing the cells or tissues with an extender derived from phosphatidyl-choline of plant origin, e.g. soybeans, and lowering the temperature of the mixture sufficiently to preserve the mammalian cells and tissues in viable form.
Abstract:
Organic circuit elements and methods are disclosed. An organic circuit element includes a plurality of members, each of which includes an oligonucleotide duplex. The plurality of members includes at least one donor member for receiving conduction electrons from an electron donor, at least one acceptor member for communicating with an electron acceptor to provide a region of attraction for the conduction electrons, and at least one regulator member intersecting with at least one of the plurality of members to define at least one electric field regulation junction, for cooperating with an electric field regulator to regulate an electric field at the junction. A method of regulating an electronic signal between first and second locations in a conductive nucleic acid material includes varying an electrostatic potential at a third location in the nucleic acid material interposed between the first and second locations. The third location may include the regulation junction.
Abstract:
In various aspects, the invention provides an electrochemical analysis system comprising a fluid-dispensing counter electrode positionable to dispense an electrolyte onto a coated working electrode, wherein electrical energy applied to the system induces a detectable signal that is indicative of a property of the coating on the working electrode.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting a mismatch in a nucleic acid duplex by measuring the impedence of a nucleic acid layer on an electrode, for example by AC impedance spectroscopy.
Abstract:
Plant stresses such as pest infestations, disease, drought, flood, and excessive temperatures can lead to significant losses of crops each year. There is a continuing need to develop novel plant varieties that are less susceptible to damage or loss by such stresses. The present invention provides for the isolation, characterization and use of an entirely novel class of plant genes, generally designated ROB5 . Transgenic plants expressing ROB5 can show a dramatic improvement in their capacity to tolerate a variety of stress conditions. Moreover, ROB5 expression can further lead to marked increases in plant growth rates and plant vigor. The present invention encompasses all such ROB5 genes and peptides encoded thereby, plants expressing corresponding ROB5 constructs, and plant products thereof.
Abstract:
This invention provides a shunt for implantation between the anterior chamber of the eye and the epithelial-lined space through the frontal sinus bone of a patient for the treatment of glaucoma. The shunt includes a tube having a length sufficient to span the distance between the anterior chamber of the eye and the epithelial-lined space of the patient, the tube having an open anterior chamber end and a closed epithelial-lined space end, and a seal device associated with the tube between the anterior chamber and epithelial-lined space ends, for sealing a hole in the frontal sinus bone, and for anchoring the tube against movement from the frontal sinus bone. The shunt also includes a fluid pressure openable valve in the tube, located at or near the epithelial-lined space sinus end, allowing for controlled flow of aqueous humor through the tube when implanted. The invention also extends to a method of treating glaucoma in a patient by surgically implanting the shunt between the anterior chamber of the eye and the frontal sinus.
Abstract:
In various aspects, the invention provides molecular systems for storing and retrieving information. In some embodiments, polymers capable of selectively binding metal ions, such as nucleic acids, are used to record information in the form of a particular molecular conformation. Electrochemical assay methods employing nanopores may be used to read and write information using such polymeric media. In some embodiments, information may be recorded in a nucleic acid polymer by magnetically modulating the translocation of the nucleic acid through a channel in a medium, while simultaneously modulating the electrostatic potential across the channel. In this way, the incorporation of a divalent metal ion in the nucleic acid duplex may be modulated to store information. In an alternative aspect, the invention provides analogous processes for detecting a base pair mismatch in a nucleic acid polymer.