Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions to enhance the efficiency and sensitivity of molecular inversion probe (MIP) reactions. Probes include elements that allow MIP ends to abut for ligation while avoiding the possibility of polymerase strand displacement errors. Elements facilitate multiplexed detections, including MIP reaction product detections employing next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques.

Abstract: A compact for cosmetics has a base, a cover hingedly attached to the base, a drawer slidably supported on the base, and a platform intermediate the base and the cover. The cover and drawer have an open position and a closed position, the cover and the drawer being interoperable such that, in a first embodiment, when the drawer is urged inward from its closed position, the cover can be released or unlatched from its closed position. The cover then can be rotated, manually or automatically, to its open position. A spring-loaded drawer embodiment is also provided. A mirror can, optionally, be mounted in the drawer. A skirt depending downward from the cover optionally mates with a wall extending upward from the platform so that an airtight chamber is formed when the compact is in its closed position.