Abstract: An instrument for analyzing and dispensing objects larger than about 70 &mgr;m in diameter is based on a flow cytometer with a novel fluidic switch arrangement for diverting a portion of a sample stream in response to detector signals in a flow cell. The instrument is particularly adapted for dispensing multicellular test organisms like nematodes or large microspheres for use in screening large libraries of potential pharmaceutical agents. Hydrodynamic focussing is used to center and align the objects in the flow cell. The objects pass through a sensing zone where optical or other characteristics of the objects are detected. The detector signals are processed and used to operate a fluidic switch that is located downstream from the sensing zone. The fluid stream containing the detected objects emerges from the flow cell into air where a fluid stream controlled by the fluidic switch diverts portions of the stream containing no sample objects or sample objects not meeting predetermined characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention involves the isolation and characterization of the first discovered phytochrome-regulated transcriptional factor, a protein designated CCA1 which binds to the promoter region of the chlorophyll binding protein gene (Lhcb1*3) of Arabidopsis. The Lhcb1*3 gene of Arabidopsis is known to be regulated by phytochrome in etiolated seedlings where a brief illumination by red light results in a large increase in the level of mRNA from this gene. A DNA binding activity, designated CA-1, that interacts with the promoter region of Lhcb1*3 was previously discovered in cellular extracts. This binding activity was used to obtain a cDNA clone for a transcription factor that binds specifically to the Lhcb1*3 promoter. Modification of the expression of CCA1 using techniques of genetic engineering results in unexpected changes in the timing of plant flowering. When CCA1 is overexpressed, it appears that the normal circadian rhythms of the plant are disrupted.

Abstract: A microbicidal organic polymer material for use in manufacturing of contact lenses, catheters, condoms, surgical sutures and gloves, medical examination devices and similar uses is provided by polymers to which is tightly adsorbed a disinfectant organic dye. Many polymers such as polyvinyl chloride and acrylic polymers show exceptional avidity for a number of microbicides, of acidic, basic, aromatic and/or hydrophobic character such as methylene blue and gentian violet. Consequently, devices constructed of these polymeric materials release no free dye to an aqueous solution. The material is generally a natural or synthetic polymer that releases no particles or fines into wounds or body orifices. Presence of adsorbed disinfectant organic dye allows the polymer to inhibit microbial growth in a number of different situations. Several common microbes are killed by being incubated in the present of an embodiment of the invention that contains a combination of methylene blue and gentian violet.

Abstract: A process for disinfecting protein solutions operates by flowing the solutions through a bed of iodinated organic polymer that acts as a gel filtration material. The preferred types of gel filtration material is Sephadex brand cross-linked dextrans, either G-25 or A-25 (DEAE modified Sephadex). The various types of cross-linked dextrans are readily iodinated before use by being mixed dry with elemental iodine at an elevated temperature such as 37.degree. C. Sephadex brand cross-linked dextrans can be readily iodinated to 50% weight of iodine to weight of dextrans or more. The preferred level of iodination is 30-40%. Before use the used it is first swelled in aqueous medium and then poured into a chromatographic column. Six ml of swelled 30% iodine Sephadex A-25 can effectively destroy virus in at least one liter of 5% human IgG.

Abstract: A graffiti protected glass window for a vehicle can be quickly refurbished by changing a thin plastic guard window overlying the glass pane. The plastic guard window is retained within a resilient elastomeric mount which also retains the glass pane within the rigid window frame. A window guard seating space is defined along one side in a upper portion of the seating space defined in the mount for accommodating the glass pane. The side of the mount into which the window guard seating space is defined is molded so as to be slightly inwardly inclined to assist in weather sealing the window guard. The mount is selectively locked and unlocked by the use of a conventional locking channel and locking strip. The window guard is easily removed and reinserted using conventional hand tools.