Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for collecting and handling difficult sample types.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for collecting and handling difficult sample types.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for collecting and handling difficult sample types.

Abstract: A mechanical pitch shifter for changing the pitch of a stringed musical instrument is disclosed. The mechanical pitch shifter engages the musical instrument string between the end of operational length and point of string termination. This device comprises a base clamp 1 and thumbscrew 2 to attach to the musical instrument. This devise comprises a top bar 6 and cam 8 to engage and disengage the musical instrument string. Reaction force of the string is opposed by the thumbscrew 2. Fine tuning of the string pitch is achieved by turning a thumbwheel 3 thus changing the displacement between top bar 6 and base clamp 1.

Abstract: A speaker cabinet design for providing adjustability of the number of speaker cabinets contained in a speaker array comprises female connectors (50) along the front and back edges on the top and right sides. A user of the cabinet can attach a mating second cabinet to any side of the first cabinet by inserting male connector (40) in the pass through assembly and securing to the female connector at all locations on that side. A user can connect a second speaker cabinet in a series or parallel electrical connection. This allows the user to build up to the desired number of speakers without purchasing a full speaker array. Furthermore, once the desired array is complete the user can remove only the number needed for transport. A variety of different speakers can be preloaded in the cabinet at the factory, thus giving the user flexibility in sound without having to remove and install different speakers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a family of materials useful for removing immune complexes from blood preferentially to soluble antibodies. The material comprises analogs of proteins which bind to the Fc region of immunoglobulin. The analogs are produced by truncating or otherwise altering the amino acid sequence of the binding protein to reduce their affinity for Fc. An array of such analogs disposed about the surface of an insoluble matrix has the ability to form multiple points of attachment to the multiple Fc's in a complex so as to bind complex strongly, whereas only weak associations are developed between the Fc region of soluble IgG and individual analogs. The preferred analogs are truncated proteins homologous to a portion of the domains of Protein A or Protein G which bind with Fc. Complex may be removed from whole blood or serum using the material and conventional plasmapheresis techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a family of materials useful for removing immune complexes from blood preferentially to soluble antibodies. The material comprises analogs of proteins which bind to the Fc region of immunoglobulin. The analogs are produced by truncating or otherwise altering the amino acid sequence of the binding protein to reduce their affinity for Fc. An array of such analogs disposed about the surface of an insoluble matrix has the ability to form multiple points of attachment to the multiple Fc's in a complex so as to bind complex strongly, whereas only weak associations are developed between the Fc region of soluble IgG and inidivdual analogs. The preferred analogs are truncated proteins homologous to a portion of the domains of Protein A or Protein G which bind with Fc. Complex may be removed from whole blood or serum using the material and conventional plasmapheresis techniques.