Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising inorganic solids for use as pigments in paints, papers and plastics.

Abstract: The present invention provides titanium dioxide pigments with improved gloss and/or durability. The titanium dioxide pigments are made by treating titanium dioxide with a plurality of metal salts under conditions suitable to form the titanium dioxide pigment having improved gloss and/or durability, wherein at least one metal salt is capable of providing a monovalent anion. Preferred pigments of the present invention are substantially-sulfate free.

Abstract: The present invention provides slurries and methods of making slurries having improved stability comprising below about 78 weight-percent rutile titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the slurry, an amorphous alumina compound surface treated titanium dioxide, a polyacrylic acid dispersing agent having a molecular weight in the range of from about 2,000 to about 5,000 that is neutralized with a neutralizing agent having a monovalent group, and water; wherein the slurry has a pH of from about 6 to about 8. The slurries of the present invention resist gel formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing substantially anatase-free titanium dioxide by mixing titanium tetrachloride with a silicon compound to form an admixture, and introducing the admixture and oxygen into a reaction zone to produce the substantially anatase-free titanium dioxide. The reaction zone has a pressure of greater than 55 psig.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high solids slurries of anatase titanium dioxide pigment comprising greater than about 75% by weight of anatase TiO2 pigment dispersed in water. A process for producing the slurries of the present invention is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) dry milling the anatase titanium dioxide pigment, preferably by pressure rolling, and b) mixing the dry milled pigment with water in the presence of an acrylic acid dispersant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating titanium dioxide pigments that have reduced moisture retention. By leaching oxidizer discharge and removing alumina containing compounds, one is able to generate a low volatile pigmentary bases. These low volatile pigmentary bases may be processed into finished low volatile pigments that may be combined with polymers to form polymer matrices. These pigments may be incorporated into polymer matrices at high temperatures without significant lacing.

Abstract: The invention concerns polymorphisms in the &bgr;1- and the &bgr;2-adrenergic receptors. The invention also pertains to methods and molecules for detecting such polymorphisms. The invention further pertains to the use of such molecules and methods in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection for cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing a titanium dioxide pigment having improved gloss properties which involves heating an aqueous slurry of base titanium dioxide pigment to a temperature below about 75° C., coating the base titanium dioxide pigment with a silica compound at a temperature below about 75° C. to form a silica coated titanium dioxide pigment; and coating the silica coated titanium dioxide pigment with an alumina compound at a temperature below about 75° C. to form the titanium dioxide pigment having improved gloss.

Abstract: A process for controlling the formation of TiO2 particles in a multi-stage vapor-phase oxidation reactor wherein the process includes the steps of limiting the fraction of TiCl4 converted into TiO2 in the reaction stream of a first or intermediate stage of the reactor under conditions that control the mean residence time distribution of the reacting mass. By running the reaction in this manner, the growth of TiO2 particles produced is so controlled that after subsequent standard finishing steps (e.g. milling) the fraction of particles having an average size of less than 0.5 &mgr;m is reduced or minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid molecule using primer oligonucleotides arrayed on a solid support and doing primer extension. By providing sequence information from both oligonucleotide primers in which the 3′ terminal nucleotide of the oligonucleotide primer is hybridized to the nucleic acid molecule and oligonucleotide primers in which the 3′ terminal nucleotide is not hybridized to the nucleic acid molecule the invention is advantageous in that less primers are needed to fully sequence a nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hyperspectral imaging apparatus and methods for employing such an apparatus for multi-dye/base detection of a nucleic acid molecule coupled to a solid surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for printing arrays of molecules and methods for printing these arrays. More particularly, the invention relates to a gene pen apparatus that may be used for delivering arrays of oligonucleotides on solid supports from a multiplicity of reagent reservoirs through flow controlling means. The flow controlling means may for example, be either a pin valve means or a wicking means.