Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, methods and compositions for improving on nucleic acid polymerization, including DNA replication by in vitro primer extension to generate, for example, polymers for nanopore-based single molecule sequencing of a DNA template. A nucleic acid polymerase reaction composition is provided with polymerization enhancement moieties, which allows enhanced DNA polymerase activity with nucleotide analogs, resulting in improved length of primer extension products for sequencing applications.

Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: By providing a reusable support base or carrier which is constructed for being easily held by the user in the person's hand, and incorporating additives, therapeutic agents and/or medicinal components therein, a highly effective and easily employed, multi-purpose hand and/or skin cleaner, sanitizer, drug delivery, and exercise system is realized. Preferably, the support base or carrier is formed from soft, pliable, compressible and/or flexible material which is easily manipulated by the user in the person's hand or on the skin surface of other areas of the person's body. By employing selected additives or combinations thereof, a multi-purpose, highly effective, and unique hand or skin cleaning, sanitizing, and drug delivery system is realized in a system which also improves and enhances the individual's ability to obtain exercising of the hand.

Abstract: A product in the form of a segmented strip includes tabs to assist in dispensing individual segments from the strip. Segments of the strip are separated by lines of perforations running transverse to the strip. A tab of sufficient size to be easily grasped is adhesively secured to the strip across the line of perforations. The tab is positioned so that less than half of the area of the tab is disposed on the segment that is the first to be dispensed. The majority of the surface of the tab is disposed on a segment that will be subsequently dispensed. When the first segment is dispensed, the tab is retained on the next segment since the adhered surface on the next segment is greater. The exposed portion of the tab may then be readily located and grasped when the next segment is to be dispensed.

Abstract: A product in the form of a segmented strip includes tabs to assist in dispensing individual segments from the strip. Segments of the strip are separated by lines of perforations running transverse to the strip. A tab of sufficient size to be easily grasped is adhesively secured to the strip across the line of perforations. The tab is positioned so that less than half of the area of the tab is disposed on the segment that is the first to be dispensed. The majority of the surface of the tab is disposed on a segment that will be subsequently dispensed. When the first segment is dispensed, the tab is retained on the next segment since the adhered surface on the next segment is greater. The exposed portion of the tab may then be readily located and grasped when the next segment is to be dispensed.

Abstract: An acupressure device is especially adapted for use as an anti-nausea prophylactic. The device comprises a substantially flat base having first and second opposing surfaces and a central aperture. A rounded button is disposed within the central aperture, the rounded pressure-applying surface of the button facing in the same direction as the first surface of the base. A pluraliy of spokes extend from the button to the perimeter of the central aperture, thereby supporting the button within the aperture. The first surface of the base has an adhesive coating so that the device may be adhered to the skin with the button contacting a desired acupressure point.

Abstract: A pressure regulating ear plug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the ear plug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. The pressure regulator is preferably made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: A pressure regulating ear plug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the ear plug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. The pressure regulator is preferably made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: A pressure regulating earplug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the earplug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. Examples of the material which causes the pressure regulation include porous metal and porous ceramic material.