Abstract: The instrument includes a cartridge carousel assembly which receives analytical cartridges. The cartridges are self-contained units which incorporate a sample metering/separation system which is operated by centrifugal force. The cartridge carousel is composed of a cartridge rotor plate which includes a center and a plurality of cartridge ports which are located in spaced relation radially outward from the center of the plate. The cartridge ports include a cartridge dock which is shaped to receive the cartridges and a balance weight dock which is located radially inward from the cartridge dock. The cartridge dock is shaped to receive a balance weight. A locking mechanism is provided which holds the cartridge in the cartridge dock during rotation of the cartridge rotor plate. A balancing mechanism is provided which includes a balance weight which is movable to the balance weight dock when a cartridge is inserted into the cartridge dock.

Abstract: Liposomes containing therapeutic genes are conjugated to multiple blood-brain barrier and brain cell membrane targeting agents to provide transport of the encapsulated gene across the blood-brain barrier and brain cell membrane. Once across the blood-brain barrier and brain cell membrane, the encapsulated gene expresses the encoded therapeutic agent within the brain to provide treatment and diagnosis of disease.

Abstract: A method for in vitro mutagenesis and recombination of polynucleotide sequences based on polymerase-catalyzed extension of primer oligonucleotides is disclosed. The method involves priming template polynucleotide(s) with random-sequences or defined-sequence primers to generate a pool of short DNA fragments with a low level of point mutations. The DNA fragments are subjected to denaturization followed by annealing and further enzyme-catalyzed DNA polymerization. This procedure is repeated a sufficient number of times to produce full-length genes which comprise mutants of the original template polynucleotides. These genes can be further amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and cloned into a vector for expression of the encoded proteins.

Abstract: An analytical instrument for analyzing fluids. The instrument includes a cartridge carousel assembly which receives analytical cartridges. The analytical cartridges include a centrifugal force-operated sample metering/separation system, a pressure-operated sample transport system, and a test element which provides a detectable analytical property of a fluid sample. The cartridge carousel assembly includes a cartridge rotor plate which has a plurality of cartridge ports which receive the cartridges. A rotary drive mechanism rotates the cartridge rotor plate to provide rotation of the plate which activates the centrifugal force-operated sample metering/separation system of the cartridge. The instrument includes a sample transport actuator which activates the pressure-operated sample transport system of the cartridge. In addition, the instrument includes a detector which measures the detectable analytical property of the fluid sample after the sample metering and transport systems have been activated.

Abstract: A crash pad for use in vehicle interiors. The crash pad includes an energy-absorbing honeycomb which has a cover plate attached thereon to prevent noise from being generated due to contact between the crash pad and vehicle interior surface during normal vehicle operation. The cover plate is attached on one side to the honeycomb with the other side being molded to match the shape of the interior surface of the vehicle. The cover plate includes positioning devices which locate and hold the crash pad during interior panel fabrication. The cover plate protects the honeycomb and the technician during handling and installation. The cover plate also helps to retain the shape of the honeycomb and provides a suitable surface for labels that may contain product identification and other information needed during use of the pads in mass production of vehicles.

Abstract: A composition for delivering an agent to cells in vitro or to tissues or organs in vivo. The composition comprises either avidin or an avidin fusion protein bonded to a biotinylated agent to form an avidin-biotin-agent complex. A method is further provided for delivering an agent to cells using the avidin-biotin-agent complex which involves administering the complex to an individual subject. The avidin-biotin-agent complex is used in therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A photographic color effects lighting filter system made up of a series of lighting filters which are designed to be placed in front of one or more lighting sources. The lighting color effects filter series is made up of groups of filters wherein each of the filter groups is composed of a plurality of filters wherein each filter within a given group provides selective absorption of light having a color corresponding to one of the primary, secondary or intermediary colors. Each of the filters within a given group has a specific effective absorption density. The effective absorption densities are calibrated so that the selected absorption densities are the same for each of the different color groups.