Abstract: A matrix mixing robot includes a plurality of precision pumps (such as precision syringe pumps), a distributor and a processor system. Each pump, under the control of the processor system, draws an associated stock solution from a stock solution source, and pumps the drawn stock solution out through an outlet. The distributor, also under the control of the processor system, directs a stock solution from a particular pump outlet to a selected solution receptacle. A multi-port distribution valve may be associated with each precision pump. Each valve, under control of the processor system, can connect its associated pump to one the pump's inlets or outlets.

Abstract: Cloning systems are provided for constructing expression vectors. In one aspect of the invention, a kit is provided for constructing one or more recombinant expression vectors. The kit comprises: a linear driver DNA comprising a promoter sequence, a donor recombination site, and at least one selectable marker, the linear driver DNA being capable of being ligated with one or more linear donor DNA comprising a donor DNA sequence to form one or more circular donor DNA; and a circular acceptor vector comprising an origin of replication and an acceptor recombination site capable of recombining with the circular donor DNA to form the recombinant expression vector for expressing the donor DNA sequence.

Abstract: A railroad rail inspection system is provided for use in conjunction with a non-railbound vehicle having an equipment bay. The system comprises a detector carriage adapted for being propelled over a two-rail railroad track by the non-railbound vehicle. A magnetic induction sensor system adapted for magnetic induction inspection of at least one rail of the track is attached to the detector carriage. The system further comprises a data acquisition system in communication with the magnetic induction sensor system, the data acquisition system including at least one data processor adapted for processing induction data received from the magnetic induction sensor system. The system further comprises a power supply system adapted for supplying electrical power to the magnetic induction sensor system. The data acquisition system and the power supply system are configured for disposition and operation within the equipment bay of the non-railbound vehicle.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for use in conjunction with a rail inspection system having a detection carriage with a plurality of sensor units configured to sense discontinuities in a rail of a railroad track as the detector carriage travels along the railroad track. The system includes a data processing and recording computer connectable to the plurality of sensor units for receiving sensor data therefrom. At least one processor card may be included in the data processing and recording computer that includes at least one data object builder configured for building data objects using the sensor data from the plurality of sensor units. The at least one processor card may also include device for synchronizing the data objects with respect to location along the rail. The system may further include a defect detection module in the data processing and recording computer.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, and methods are provided for use in a recombinational cloning or subcloning methods for constructing expression vectors which comprise: ligating a library of double-stranded linear donor DNAs, where each member of the library includes a donor DNA sequence, with a double-stranded linear driver DNA which includes a promoter sequence and a donor recombination site to form a single circular donor DNA, the single circular donor DNA not including an origin of replication, where the donor DNA sequence is under the transcriptional control of the promoter; and contacting the circular donor DNA and a circular acceptor acceptor vector in the presence of a recombinase to form a single fused circular vector, the circular acceptor vector comprising an origin of replication and an acceptor recombination site capable of recombining with the circular donor DNA.

Abstract: A matrix mixing robot includes a plurality of precision pumps (such as precision syringe pumps), a distributor and a processor system. Each pump, under the control of the processor system, draws an associated stock solution from a stock solution source, and pumps the drawn stock solution out through an outlet. The distributor, also under the control of the processor system, directs a stock solution from a particular pump outlet to a selected solution receptacle. A multi-port distribution valve may be associated with each precision pump. Each valve, under control of the processor system, can connect its associated pump to one the pump's inlets or outlets.

Abstract: A brush assembly for engaging and conducting electricity to or from a surface is provided. The brush assembly comprises a monolithic, electrically conductive bus block and a bristle holder removably attached to the bus block. The bristle holder is formed as a monolithic block having a plurality of parallel bristle holes formed therethrough. The brush assembly further comprises a plurality of bristle assemblies, each bristle assembly having an elongate, electrically conductive bristle and an electrically conductive bristle cap having a sleeve, the proximal end of the bristle being secured within the sleeve so that the bristle is in electrical communication with the sleeve. At least a portion of the bristle cap of each bristle assembly is removably disposed within an associated bristle hole so that the bristle of each bristle assembly extends through its associated bristle hole and downwardly away from the lower bristle holder surface. Each bristle cap is in electrical communication with the bus block.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for producing recombinant baculoviruses expressing genes of interest by inserting a selectable marker gene, specifically the puromycin resistance (pac) gene, adjacent to the gene of interest into the baculovirus genome, and selecting for viruses that express the selectable marker. Selection of the recombinant virus in the presence of a selection condition, such as puromycin-containing cell culture media, simplifies virus production by eliminating the need for cloning, and testing the virus for gene expression. Such expression systems are readily adapted to an automated method for expression foreign genetic material in a high throughput manner.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for use in conjunction with a rail inspection system having a detection carriage with a plurality of sensor units configured to sense discontinuities in a rail of a railroad track as the detector carriage travels along the railroad track. The system comprises a data processing and recording computer connectable to the plurality of sensor units for receiving sensor data therefrom. At least one processor card may be included in the data processing and recording computer that includes at least one data object builder configured for building data objects using the sensor data from the plurality of sensor units. The at least one processor card may also include means for synchronizing the data objects with respect to location along the rail. The system may further comprise a defect detection module in the data processing and recording computer.

Abstract: A railroad rail inspection system is provided for use in conjunction with a non-railbound vehicle having an equipment bay. The system comprises a detector carriage adapted for being propelled over a two-rail railroad track by the non-railbound vehicle. A magnetic induction sensor system adapted for magnetic induction inspection of at least one rail of the track is attached to the detector carriage. The system further comprises a data acquisition system in communication with the magnetic induction sensor system, the data acquisition system including at least one data processor adapted for processing induction data received from the magnetic induction sensor system. The system further comprises a power supply system adapted for supplying electrical power to the magnetic induction sensor system. The data acquisition system and the power supply system are configured for disposition and operation within the equipment bay of the non-railbound vehicle.

Abstract: A railroad rail inspection system is provided for use in conjunction with a non-railbound vehicle having an equipment bay. The system comprises a detector carriage adapted for being propelled over a two-rail railroad track by the non-railbound vehicle. A magnetic induction sensor system adapted for magnetic induction inspection of at least one rail of the track is attached to the detector carriage. The system further comprises a data acquisition system in communication with the magnetic induction sensor system, the data acquisition system including at least one data processor adapted for processing induction data received from the magnetic induction sensor system. The system further comprises a power supply system adapted for supplying electrical power to the magnetic induction sensor system. The data acquisition system and the power supply system are configured for disposition and operation within the equipment bay of the non-railbound vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel recombinant baculovirus expression systems for expressing foreign genetic material in a host cell. Such expression systems are readily adapted to an automated method for expression foreign genetic material in a high throughput manner. In other aspects, the present invention features a novel automated method for determining the function of foreign genetic material by transfecting the same into a host by way of the recombinant baculovirus expression systems according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing rails for structural defects, the rails being associated with a railroad track include providing and using a first rail traveling vehicle for movement along a segment of rails followed by a second rail traveling vehicle for disposition behind the first rail traveling vehicle along the rails for testing with the first rail traveling vehicle having a first digital computer and a first analog computer and the second rail traveling vehicle having a second computer for display of data associated with the rails. A first modem assembly is provided in the first vehicle with a second modem assembly being provided in the second vehicle in communication with the first modem whereby data may be exchanged between the rail traveling vehicles. During testing, the first rail traveling vehicle transmits complete digital and analog rail structural and defect location information data to the second computer for analysis and action by the operators of the second vehicle.

Abstract: Medicaments, and methods of identifying the same, are described that are useful for treating papillomavirus diseases that have the characteristics of preventing, interfering with, or reversing the binding of the appropriate papillomavirus proteins E1 or E2 to a nucleotide sequence homologous to a nucleotide sequence present in the papillomavirus genome, or of the formation of a complex consisting of papillomavirus proteins E1 and E2, or the binding of the complex to the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Native Type II GAP (GTPase activating protein), its uses in cancer diagnosis, and methods for obtaining and purifying native and recombinant Types I and II GAPs are described.

Abstract: Guanosine triphosphatase activating protein (GAP) DNA sequences are described that are useful as cancer diagnostics, particularly to detect cancer cells that express the ras oncogene protein p21 by measuring the level of GAP gene expression or amplification.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying inhibitors of papilloma virus replication are described consisting of soluble cellular extracts supplemented with purified viral E1 and E2 proteins.

Abstract: Medicaments, and methods of identifying the same, are described that are useful for treating papillomavirus diseases that have the characteristics of preventing, interfering with, or reversing the binding of the appropriate papillomavirus proteins E1 or E2 to a nucleotide sequence homologous to a nucleotide sequence present in the papillomavirus genome, or of the formation of a complex consisting of papillomavirus proteins E1 and E2, or the binding of the complex to the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Antibodies exhibit specificity toward single amino acid differences between proteins. These antibodies may be produced by synthesizing a peptide of the appropriate amino acid sequence contained in the protein, immunizing a host with the peptide, and extracting sera from the host to obtain the antibodies. The antibodies and the desired protein are then immunoprecipitated under conditions of partial denaturation to expose the epitope of the protein. The antibodies may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Antibodies exhibit specificity toward single amino acid differences between proteins. These antibodies may be produced by synthesizing a peptide of the appropriate amino acid sequence contained in the protein, immunizing a host with the peptide, and extracting sera from the host to obtain the antibodies. The antibodies and the desired protein are then immunoprecipitated under conditions of partial denaturation to expose the epitope of the protein. The antibodies may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.