Abstract: Nanostepper/sensor systems and methods for analyzing a polymer are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically addressing and interrogating microarrays are disclosed. The described microarrays include a plurality of features disposed on a substrate. Each of the features has a first electrode disposed on the substrate, a second electrode disposed on the substrate, and a probe disposed between the first electrode and second electrode. The substrate also includes addressing circuitry in operable relation to the features. Method of using the microarrays are also described.

Abstract: RNA may be transcribed using a nucleotide reagent as the promoter. The reagent may enable RNA to be transcribed without sequence specification and without protein cofactors, by means of an RNA polymerase that is known to be DNA-dependent such as the RNA polymerase of the phage T7, or by means of new, mutated RNA polymerase with the ability to synthesize a transcription product of polynucleotide matrix with a higher yield when the matrix is RNA than when the matrix is DNA. This type of RNA polymerase can be obtained by effecting mutations on a coding gene for a wild-type RNA polymerase, and then by selecting the mutated RNA polymerase with the ability. The invention can be applied notably to the detection, synthesis or quantification of RNA.

Abstract: A device for electronic detection of a target includes a probe, e.g. an oligonucleotide, attached to a pad of resistive material, wherein the pad is adjacent a first electrode and also is adjacent a second electrode. In use, the probe is contacted with a sample containing the target, e.g. a target nucleic acid, under conditions and for a time sufficient to allow target to bind the probe. An enhancement reaction is then applied to result in a change in an observable property of the device. The observable property is then monitored using measurement apparatus operably associated with the device. Typically, multiple devices will be present on an array of devices, allowing multiplex analysis of multiple different targets using a single array of devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for transcribing RNA using a nucleotide reagent as the promoter. Such a reagent enables any type of RNA to be transcribed without sequence specification and without protein cofactors, by means of an RNA polymerase that is known to be DNA-dependent such as the RNA polymerase of the phage T7, or by means of new, mutated RNA polymerase with the ability to synthesize a transcription product of a polynucleotide matrix with a higher yield when the matrix is RNA than when said matrix is DNA. This type of RNA polvmerase can be obtained by effecting mutations on a coding gene for a wild-type RNA polvmerase and then by selecting the mutated RNA polymerase with said abilitv The invention can be applied notably to the detection, synthesis or quantification of RNA.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making alternate S and Z twist plied yarn from individual singles yarns includes the steps of tensioning the singles yarns as they move in a path through the process, twisting the individual yarns in either an S or Z direction, snubbing the yarn to restrain ply twisting so the twist in the singles yarn can equalize itself, stopping the forward movement of the yarn, then bonding the ply-twisted yarns at a node while applying twist, stopping the twisting operation, then repeating the procedure while twisting in the opposite direction. The ply twisted yarn has a lower defect level of less than 2.5 defects per 100 inch length of yarn.

Abstract: A chimera oligonucleotide is provided that can be used in a process for obtaining transcripts and/or amplification of a target sequence of a nucleic acid, having, at its 3' end, a downstream sequence. The oligonucleotide comprises successively, from 5' to 3', 1) a first oligonucleotide segment, of the DNA type, comprising a sense sequence of a promoter of an RNA polymerase, 2) a second oligonucleotide segment, of the DNA type, capable of hybridizing with the downstream sequence, and 3) a third oligonucleotide segment, of the RNA type, capable of hybridizing with a part of the target sequence contiguous to the downstream sequence, the third segment being blocked at 3'. A process using the chimera oligonucleotide and an enzyme system containing DNA polymerase activity, RNA polymerase activity, and a third activity, for example, an RNase H activity provides transcription products of the target.

Abstract: An alternate twist plied yarn formed from a plurality of strands of singles yarn twisted in alternating directions in lengthwise intervals of first half-cycles of twist at a predetermined twist level followed by second half-cycles of twist at the same twist level with reversal nodes therebetween, the singles twisted yarns being ply-twisted together in alternating directions in lengthwise intervals of first half-cycles of ply-twist followed by second half-cycles of ply-twist, there being a bond formed adjacent each node wherein the first half-cycle of ply-twist is located within the bond and the second half-cycle of ply-twist originates at one end of the bond, the twist level in the singles twisted yarn is between 25% in the same direction and 60% in the opposite direction of the twist applied to the singles yarns before plying.

Abstract: A method for recording and reproducing an X-ray image comprising the steps of:(1) causing a photostimulable phosphor in a binder layer to absorb image-wise or pattern-wise modulated X-rays,(2) photostimulating said phosphor with stimulating electromagnetic radiation selected from visible light and infrared light to relase from the phosphor in accordance with the absorbed X-rays electromagnetic radiation different in wavelength characteristic from the radiation used in the photo-stimulation, and(3) detecting said light emitted by photostimulation, wherein said phosphor is an alkali earth metal(s) halogermanate or an alkali earth metal(s) halo(silicate-germanate) doped with Eu.sup.2+ and/or Ce.sup.3+ and/or thallium, and optionally co-doped with a rare earth metal ion other than Eu.sup.2+ or Ce.sup.3+ or with Na.sup.+, K.sup.+ or Li.sup.+ or a mixture of at least two of these co-dopants.

Abstract: An escape ladder at rest is an elongated cylindrical body divided lengthwise with a plurality of rung devices hingeably attached between rear quadrants and between front quadrants lockable in a horizontal position and foldable into the tubular body when left and right quadrants and mated together. Right quadrants and left quadrants are interlocked together to allow the interlocked quadrants to slideably move only lengthwise in relation to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a table game resembling football played with cues, players and a ball, the players being mounted on a housing supported on a rotary ball whereby the players can roll along the table to engage the ball.

Abstract: A high pressure metal halide discharge lamp of the sodium-scandium type which has the maintenance thereof improved by the addition of a small quantity of lead metal powder. The lead metal powder is added to the discharge sustaining fill in an amount of from between about 0.4 and 1.2 wt. % of the total amount of discharge sustaining fill.

Abstract: Mercury metal-halide HID lamp has as a discharge-sustaining filling mercury, neodymium iodide and cesium iodide, with the gram mol ratio of neodymium iodide to cesium iodide being about 1:1. Sodium iodide may also be included as a discharge-sustaining material to supplement the foregoing materials. The lamp has a protective outer envelope which carries on the inner surface thereof finely divided phosphor which specifically is calcium sulfide activated by europium and sensitized by one of lead or tin, in order to lower the color temperature of the lamp and improve the color rendering properties thereof.