Abstract: Methods for reducing a concentration of hexavalent chromium within a first aluminum slurry by adding a reducing agent to form a second aluminum slurry are provided. The reducing agent causes a chemical reduction reaction with the hexavalent chromium compound of the first aluminum slurry to form a trivalent chromium compound within the second aluminum slurry such that a first weight ratio of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium in the first aluminum slurry is decreased to a second weight ratio of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium in the second aluminum slurry, with the second weight ratio being less than the first weight ratio.

Abstract: Methods for reducing a concentration of hexavalent chromium within a first aluminum slurry by adding a reducing agent to form a second aluminum slurry are provided. The reducing agent causes a chemical reduction reaction with the hexavalent chromium compound of the first aluminum slurry to form a trivalent chromium compound within the second aluminum slurry such that a first weight ratio of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium in the first aluminum slurry is decreased to a second weight ratio of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium in the second aluminum slurry, with the second weight ratio being less than the first weight ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods and systems for sequencing a template nucleic acid using a polymerase based, nucleic acid binding reaction involving examination of the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more unlabeled nucleotides. The methods rely, in part, on identifying a base of a template nucleic acid during nucleic acid synthesis by controlling the sequencing reaction conditions. Template nucleic acid bases may be identified during an examination step followed by an optional incorporation step.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to customize massively-multiplayer-online-game (MMOG) Avatars beyond what can be displayed during general game-play. General game play refers to when a user is in a game with control of their Avatar. One knowledgeable in the art would understand that MMOGs are limited by their game engines to the complexity of Avatars that may be displayed to a user during general game-play, while maintaining acceptable frame rates. Furthermore one knowledgeable in the art would understand that Avatar complexity may further be limited due to the target machine the MMOG is designed to run on. The current invention describes methods to produce a custom Avatar image for non-game use, wherein the custom Avatar has higher resolution and greater choices than are available in-game.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods and systems for sequencing a template nucleic acid using a polymerase based, nucleic acid binding reaction involving examination of the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more unlabeled nucleotides. The methods rely, in part, on identifying a base of a template nucleic acid during nucleic acid synthesis by controlling the sequencing reaction conditions. Template nucleic acid bases may be identified during an examination step followed by an optional incorporation step.

Abstract: A method for producing a tube segment and a tube for an evacuated tube transport system and a method for producing the tube segment.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.

Abstract: A method for producing a tube segment and a tube for an evacuated tube transport system and a method for producing the tube segment.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to customize massively-multiplayer-online-game (MMOG) Avatars beyond what can be displayed during general game-play. General game play refers to when a user is in a game with control of their Avatar. One knowledgeable in the art would understand that MMOGs are limited by their game engines to the complexity of Avatars that may be displayed to a user during general game-play, while maintaining acceptable frame rates. Furthermore one knowledgeable in the art would understand that Avatar complexity may further be limited due to the target machine the MMOG is designed to run on. The current invention describes methods to produce a custom Avatar image for non-game use, wherein the custom Avatar has higher resolution and greater choices than are available in-game.

Abstract: Enhancing the experience of a user reading a book or e-book by playing content, including, but not limited to; audio, lighting, smell, temperature, air currents, motion, and haptic effects, alone or in any combination, thus creating an environmental immersive experience for the user. Predetermined content is played on one or more playback devices when a user is reading a predetermined area of the printed book, or e-book. The user may select a subset of available playback devices to utilize for a reading session.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at enhancing pinball gameplay through non-synchronous multiplayer competitive and cooperative play. In the primary embodiment this is achieved by treating the logic and circuitry of an individual pinball machine as a “Client,” that is connected to a server or “Host”. The Host is in bidirectional communication with the individual pinball machines or Clients. The status of the Client, such as score, progress on completing features and other game metrics may be communicated to the Host at predetermined intervals. These game metrics may be communicated by the Host to all Clients. When a gameplay objective is completed on a client, the player is presented with a gameplay choice. This choice may be to change the status of his Client or change the status of another player's Client.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods and systems for sequencing a template nucleic acid using a polymerase based, nucleic acid binding reaction involving examination of the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more unlabeled nucleotides. The methods rely, in part, on identifying a base of a template nucleic acid during nucleic acid synthesis by controlling the sequencing reaction conditions. Template nucleic acid bases may be identified during an examination step followed by an optional incorporation step.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods and systems for sequencing a template nucleic acid using a polymerase based, nucleic acid binding reaction involving examination of the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more unlabeled nucleotides. The methods rely, in part, on identifying a base of a template nucleic acid during nucleic acid synthesis by controlling the sequencing reaction conditions. Template nucleic acid bases may be identified during an examination step followed by an optional incorporation step.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at enhancing pinball gameplay through non-synchronous multiplayer competitive and cooperative play. In the primary embodiment this is achieved by treating the logic and circuitry of an individual pinball machine as a “Client,” that is connected to a server or “Host”. The Host is in bidirectional communication with the individual pinball machines or Clients. The status of the Client, such as score, progress on completing features and other game metrics may be communicated to the Host at predetermined intervals. These game metrics may be communicated by the Host to all Clients. When a gameplay objective is completed on a client, the player is presented with a gameplay choice. This choice may be to change the status of his Client or change the status of another player's Client.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, methods and systems for determining the sequence of a template nucleic acid using a polymerase-based, sequencing-by-binding procedure. An examination step involves monitoring the interaction between a polymerase and template nucleic acid in the presence of one or more nucleotides. Identity of the next correct nucleotide in the sequence is determined without incorporation of any nucleotide into the structure of the primer by formation of a phosphodiester bond. An optional incorporation step can be used after the examination step to extend the primer by one or more nucleotides, thereby incrementing the template nucleotides that can be examined in a subsequent examination step. The sequencing-by-binding procedure does not require the use of labeled nucleotides or polymerases, but optionally can employ these reagents.