Abstract: A primer set used to screen a polynucleotide sample to detect and identify variants in the Cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene. A method of screening a polynucleotide sample to detect and identify the presence of one or more than one variant in the CYP2D6 gene in the sample. A method of predicting the potential for altered metabolism of a substance, including one or more than one pharmaceutical drug, by a first individual compared to a second control individual, where the substance is metabolized by the CYP2D6 isoenzyme, and where the second control individual is homozygous for the wild type allele of the CYP2D6*1, SEQ ID NO:1. A method of screening a population to detect and identify the presence of one or more than one variant in the CYP2D6 gene. A purified or isolated variant of SEQ ID NO:1. A purified or isolated variant of SEQ ID NO:3.

Abstract: Seating that provides comfort, facilitates healthful upright posture, has capability for exercise, and facilitates a healthful upright position, comprises a seat having left and right portions for supporting a user's left and right thighs, respectively. A seat support supports the seat. The seat support includes a pivot axis about which the seat left and right portions can pivot downwardly and upwardly relative to the seat support. A foot plate assembly comprises right and left foot support members positioned forwardly and below the seat to allow a user to exercise while seated. A connection structure links the foot plates to the seat so that the seat sections and the foot members have corresponding movement.

Abstract: The invention is an oligonucleotide-based assay system and kit useful for sorting, detecting, and identifying analytes. The system utilizes complementary oligonucleotide pairs in which one oligonucleotide of each pair is immobilized to a solid substrate and the other oligonucleotide has an analyte binding agent attached to it. The different oligonucleotide pairs hybridize at substantially the same rate, have substantially the same Tm, have nucleotide sequences designed to minimize cross-hybridization between different pairs, and hybridize together relatively rapidly at ambient temperatures without detectable cross-hybridization.

Abstract: An anti-theft case (1) is disclosed, particularly for videocassettes, DVD, compact disks, cassette tapes, comprising: first and second mutually hinged half-cases (3, 5); a separate opening and closing member (12) and a locking and unlocking member (18) of the case. In order to optimize assembling and costs of the case (1), the two half-cases (3, 5) are of a same shape and size; the opening and closing member (12) is shaped as an elongated slider and is inserted into a seat (20?, 20?) obtained in the half-cases (3, 5); and the locking and unlocking member (18) is composed of a cylindrical pin adapted to go in and out of a seat (22) obtained in the opening and closing member (12).

Abstract: A method for determining whether a disputed electronic signature is that of a purported signator includes the steps of (a) creating in a single step an ink on paper signature and an identical electronic signature of the purported signator; (b) verifying that the ink on paper signature is consistent with known ink on paper signatures of the purported signator; and (c) comparing the disputed electronic signature with the electronic signature of the purported signator to determine whether the disputed electronic signature is that of the purported signator.

Abstract: Preferred examples of a system and method for rapid collection and distribution of taxes are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for point-of-sale collection and distribution of sales taxes on a frequent, regular basis, such as daily or weekly, or other periodic time intervals, that can be used for face-to-face, e-commerce, telephone or other transactions. The disclosed embodiments provide a system and a method for transferring funds from numerous merchants to numerous taxing authorities in an efficient manner, with each merchant seeking to transfer funds to perhaps several taxing authorities and each taxing authority seeking to receive funds from many merchants. According to other examples of the invention, a centralized distribution feature allows the merchants and the taxing authorities to each communicate with a single entity or other in transferring the funds.

Abstract: A new vigor test is used to select seeds which, after appropriate polymeric coating, will perform well under adverse planting and growing conditions. For example, suitably coated hybrid corn seeds can be planted earlier than seeds now available, while still obtaining comparable or better yields. Particularly good results are obtained when seeds are coated with compositions comprising a side chain crystalline polymer and an amorphous polymer.

Abstract: A drain, waste and vent (“DWV”) fitting is made from chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: The invention is a method of performing electrophoresis that increases sample throughput and increases the efficiency and speed of the analysis of polynucleotides by electrophoresis. The method is performed by loading and running multiple sequential samples on each capillary gel without flushing or replacing the gel between samples.

Abstract: Particles dispersed in a liquid are assembled in a configuration in which all the particles lie in the same plane, and the assembled particles are processed while in that configuration. The assembled particles can for example be simultaneously exposed to electromagnetic radiation which elicits from the particles a response which provides information about the particles. The particles can for example be cells, cell fragments, or analyte-bearing beads of the type conventionally analyzed in a cytometer.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of crystalline polymers based on hydrophobic monomers, preferably on a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers which contains a crosslinking monomer, particularly side chain crystalline (SCC) polymers. The dispersions are useful for providing coatings on substrates, particularly on seeds (whose dormancy is thus extended) and on fibrous substrates, particularly human hair (which thus becomes heat-settable).

Abstract: An integrated data processing system for generating and editing data files comprising the first and second data files, each data file including an array of data objects that each has an associated object address, and object content being any of a number, a formula, a date, a text, media data, and binary data, each object address in a data file being unique with respect to that data file. The system further performs automatically updating the second file to reflect changes in the first data file, comprising one or more target data objects in the second data file, the one or more target data objects addressing a corresponding one or more source data objects in the first data file, wherein automatic updating is performed in response to a predetermined number of changes in values and/or addresses of the one or more source data objects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for anchoring a tubular element, preferably in the form of a catheter, within a passageway formed in a mammalian body, such as in a vessel, artery, duct, channel, or the like. The apparatus comprises a tubular element having a flexible, elongated, hollow tubular outer lumen with a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the outer lumen having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further comprises deployment means positioned within the outer lumen and slidable with respect to the outer lumen. The deployment means has a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of resilient anchoring members preferably formed of a pseudoelastic material. The anchoring members are coupled to the distal end of the deployment means and extend longitudinally beyond the distal end of the deployment means. Each anchoring member is reversibly movable by the deployment means between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Novel gas-permeable membranes which are particularly useful in the packaging of fresh cut fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials. The membranes have an O2 permeability of at least 775,000 ml/m2.atm.24 hrs, a P10 ratio of at least 1.3, and a ratio of CO2 permeability to O2 permeability (R) of at least 1.5, and are made by forming thin polymeric coatings on microporous polymeric films. Preferred coating polymers are side chain crystalline polymers. Preferred microporous films contain inorganic fillers, particularly such films based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene. FIG. 1 illustrates how O2 permeability and R ratio vary for different coating polymers and microporous films.

Abstract: An electrical connecting apparatus is characterized by inserting a first pin having a flange portion into a through hole of an elastic body via a seat, by disposing a second pin in the through hole so as to adjoin in the axial direction of the through hole relative to the first pin, and by bringing the first and second pins into contact in a plane region having a certain angle to the axis of the through hole.

Abstract: A rocking chair particularly suitable for use as a student desk chair as a seating surface, a back rest and a pair of generally parallel rocking rails. Preferably, the rocking chair has a relatively small footprint and has a relatively limited range of rocking motion. In one preferred, but not required embodiment, the pair of generally parallel rocking rails are both reverse cantilevered rocker rails.