Abstract: A real-time quantitative PCR assay that utilizes a duplex, synthetic DNA standard to ensure optimal quality assurance and quality control. One embodiment of the invention facilitates amplification of mtDNA by focusing on a 105-base pair target sequence that is minimally homologous to non-human mtDNA. The present invention can also be used to identify the presence of PCR inhibitors and thus indicate the need for sample repurification.

Abstract: An explosive matrix assembly is provided in which a single detonating cord is configured into a first set of at least five parallel sets of paired portions lying in the same plane, with adjacent parallel pairs being spaced about two inches apart. The detonating cord is further configured so that there is a second set of at least five more parallel portions that are substantially orthogonal to the first set and that lie on top of the first set. Finally, the detonating cord is further configured so that there is a pair of portions that operably secure the matrix to an appropriate explosive initiator.

Abstract: The tulip antenna has two orthogonally intersecting conductive plates. Each intersecting plate has two ends, and one of these ends is smoothly tapered. The intersecting plates intersect such that the tapered end of both plates together form a tapered side when the intersecting plates intersect. An inner conductor of a coaxial cable is connected to the two intersecting plates at the tapered side of the intersecting plates. The inner conductor and the surrounding insulator pass through a tuning stub and then through a metallic ground plate. The tuning stub is connected to the ground plate. An aperture in the ground plate is sized such that the insulator can pass through it, just as the insulator can pass through the tuning stub. The tuning stub increases the upper frequency limit over which the antenna operates. The outer conductor of the coaxial cable is attached to the ground plate.

Abstract: The tulip antenna has two orthogonally intersecting conductive plates. Each intersecting plate has two ends, and one of these ends is smoothly tapered. The intersecting plates intersect such that the tapered end of both plates together form a tapered side when the intersecting plates intersect. An inner conductor of a coaxial cable is connected to the two intersecting plates at the tapered side of the intersecting plates. The inner conductor and the surrounding insulator pass through a tuning stub and then through a metallic ground plate. The tuning stub is connected to the ground plate. An aperture in the ground plate is sized such that the insulator can pass through it, just as the insulator can pass through the tuning stub. The tuning stub increases the upper frequency limit over which the antenna operates. The outer conductor of the coaxial cable is attached to the ground plate.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, and a cell line capable of producing the same, has been produced with the ability to detect the primary metabolites generated from the pyrolysis of smokeable, or “crack”, cocaine. This monoclonal antibody, while being highly specific for anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME) and ecgonidine (ECD), does not cross-react at a significant level with the primary cocaine metabolites of powdered or injected cocaine. Also, crack cocaine conjugates capable of evoking an immune response in animals have been produced.

Abstract: In a circuit for producing output pulses which correspond to pre-selected voltage pulses occurring in an input signal train; means connected to derive from said input signal train a succession of unidirectional pulses, at least some of which pulses occur in time coincidence with the leading and trailing edges of said pre-selected voltage pulses; means including a one-shot multi-vibrator connected to receive said unidirectional pulses and produce a first series of pulses having a uniform duration less than the duration of said pre-selected voltage pulses, means including a bi-stable multi-vibrator connected to receive and produce from said first series of pulses a second series of pulses equal to one half the number of pulses in said first series occurring in a given time interval, and means including a discriminator circuit connected to receive said first and second series of pulses and derive a third series of pulses which corresponds to said pre-selected voltage pulses occurring in said input signal train.

Abstract: A vehicle barricade including a barrier plate which can be raised or lowe and a counterweighted sector mounted near the side of the barrier plate. The counterweight is mounted on the sector so that the barrier plate will remain in the raised or lowered position without independent mechanical aid. The barricade is so constructed and secured that it is able to withstand impact from either heavy or light vehicles. The barricade may also be reenforced by placing auxiliary pillars adjacent to the barrier plate and which pillars cooperate with the barrier plate to further secure it when raised.

Abstract: 1.