Abstract: A method is provided for genotyping a target sequence at at least two allelic sites by a 5? nuclease amplification reaction.

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

Abstract: Titanium dioxide pigments having improved gloss and durability are disclosed. These pigments are prepared by continuous processes, where pH, temperature, and addition times of hydrous silica and alumina coatings are carefully controlled.

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: Disclosed is a method for determining a sequence of one or more nucleotides in a target polynucleotide. In the method, a target-specific primer is contacted with a polynucleotide sample under conditions effective for the primer to anneal specifically to a primer-complementary region in one or more target polynucleotides, to form one or more target-primer hybrid(s) wherein each target-specific primer contains (i) a target binding segment and (ii) a mobility-reducing moiety which does not bind the target. The hybrid(s) are reacted with a primer extension reagent in the presence of at least one labeled 3′-nucleotide terminator complementary to a selected nucleotide base-type, optionally in the presence of one or more extendable nucleoside monomers, under conditions effective to form one or more primer extension products which terminate with at least one labeled 3′-nucleotide terminator.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition of lorazepam and its pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives are provided for intranasal administration of at least one predetermined volumetric unit dose in the form of a spray by means that delivers one or more therapeutically prescribed unit doses that are highly accurate as to the volume discharged and which leave no significant quantity of the composition in the delivery means.

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 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: The invention relates to a simple, cost effective method for immobilizing synthetic nucleic acid molecules onto a solid support The invention further concerns the use of such immobilized molecules in nucleic acid hybridization assays, sequencing by hybridization assays, and genetic analyses and combinatorial analyses involving nucleic acids or proteins for screening applications.

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 coated titanium dioxide pigment which includes a base titanium dioxide pigment; a first deposit of a phosphate compound contiguous with the base titanium dioxide pigment; a deposit of a silica or zirconia compound contiguous with the phosphate deposit; a second deposit of a phosphate compound contiguous with the silica or zirconia compound; and a deposit of an alumina compound contiguous with the second phosphate deposit. Titanium dioxide pigments of the present invention are easily dispersible, and display excellent durability and gloss.

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 invention concerns a novel class of 3′-modified, pro-fluorescent nucleotides. The invention also pertains to methods for using such nucleotides.

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: An electronic tag comprising a controller having a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, line drivers and receivers to interface with a main computer terminal. The electronic tag also has a plurality of switches that are connected to the controller so as to allow the input of data. Data may include selling price, description of the item, designer or brand name. Part of the data may be displayed on a display that is connected to the controller. The tag may be equipped with a receiver so that it may receive signals from another location that is connected to a micro-converter that converts the signals into a format recognized by the controller. A transmitter may also be connected to the controller so that information may be transferred from the controller to another location in the system.

Abstract: An electronic sound generating message emitting circuitry with message storing on a programmable computer chip mounted to a garment hanger. The sound emitting circuitry comprising an electronic circuit which includes a sound synthesizer, sound producing means and a power supply coupled together for emitting pre-stored messages from a programmed synthesizer chip. A radio signal receiver and transmitter coupled together for transmitting stored messages from the programmable computer chip to a main computer upon receiving an activation signal. Information such as delivery date, price, etc. can be transmitted making receiving of goods and inventory faster and less expensive. The message emitted can be used as a form of direct advertisement emitting sales messages upon pressing of a button or upon vibrations produced by movement of the hanger. The garment hanger can be reused since the computer chip is programmable and the synthesizer chip in the sound producing means is replaceable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved charcoal starter that employs a unique charcoal release system which permits the charcoal to be deposited into a barbecue through the bottom thereby eliminating the splashing of lighted ashes. The charcoal starter device uses wadded paper or other readily combustible, non-polluting material as a fire starter. The device has a housing having an inner and outer surface surrounding a central space open on the top and bottom. A heat shield is attached to the outer surface of the housing. A handle is attached to the heat shield. The housing has a plurality of apertures adjacent to the bottom of the housing. The unique release system employs a central post having a slidable push-bar wrapped around it. A two ended spring is positioned with one end below the push-bar and the other at the flared portion of the central post. The central post is portioned in the center of the inner space and connected to the inner surface of the housing by support bars.