Abstract: The way to design a “filled” site (which contains an interspersed element) primer set to target a particular locus is to design one of the two primers such that it encompasses that unique information (e.g., interspersed element+flanking genomic sequence+direct repeat). The way to design an “empty” site primer is to design one of the two primers such that the entire direct repeat sequence in addition to flanking genomic sequence is included on both sides. To improve efficiency, the “empty” site primer designed around the direct repeat should not be too long. This primer design of the present invention allows for the ability to test any type of interspersed genetic element containing characteristic direct repeat sequences (direct repeats). This gives the option of many new polymorphic marker sites because Alu elements are not the only interspersed genetic elements having direct repeats flanking their core sequence.

Abstract: The way to design a “filled” site (which contains an interspersed element) primer set to target a particular locus is to design one of the two primers such that it encompasses that unique information (e.g., interspersed element+flanking genomic sequence+direct repeat). The way to design an “empty” site primer is to design one of the two primers such that the entire direct repeat sequence in addition to flanking genomic sequence is included on both sides. To improve efficiency, the “empty” site primer designed around the direct repeat should not be too long. This primer design of the present invention allows for the ability to test any type of interspersed genetic element containing characteristic direct repeat sequences (direct repeats). This gives the option of many new polymorphic marker sites because Alu elements are not the only interspersed genetic elements having direct repeats flanking their core sequence.

Abstract: A copper chromite hydrogenation catalyst of enhanced activity is obtained by an ante-pre-reduction treatment in which a copper chromite catalyst precursor is soaked in a reducing atmosphere at temperatures below a pre-reduction temperature (typically about 140.degree. C.) at which appreciable pre-reduction of the catalyst can be detected. This catalyst is characterized by particles of reduced copper substantially all of which have an average particle size of less than about 300.times.10.sup.-10 m (300.ANG.), which have an average particle size of less than about 100.times.10.sup.-10 m (100.ANG.), and which are substantially uniformly distributed on a chromium-containing support. Typically such catalysts exhibit a copper surface area of about 18.5 m.sup.2 /g as determined by N.sub.2 O decomposition at 20.degree. C., compared to a corresponding copper surface area of 4.5 m.sup.2 /g for a catalyst which has been produced by conventional pre-reduction of the same catalyst precursor.

Abstract: Butane-1,4-diol is produced by vapor phase hydrogenolysis of an alkyl ester of a C.sub.4 dicarboxylic acid, e.g. diethyl maleate, over a reduced Cu-Cr or Cu-Zn mixed oxide catalyst. Two adiabatic hydrogenolysis zones are used. The mixture exiting the first of these zones is cooled (by, for example, 5.degree. C.) and the resulting cooled mixture is fed to the second zone in which is reequilibriates at a lower temperature to increase the butane-1,4-diol yield at the expense of gamma-butyrolactone. Typical reaction conditions include use of temperatures of 150.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., pressures of 25 to 70 bar, and a H.sub.2 :ester molar ratio of 100:1 to 800:1. When using a maleate ester it is often advantageous to hydrogenate this to the corresponding succinate ester in an upstream hydrogenation zone prior to entry to the first hyrogenolysis zone.