Abstract: Automated biological testing systems may advantageously allow users to perform some maintenance or upkeep of the system, such as replacing or refilling reagent, or replacing gaskets, hoses, filters, and other components. A manifold seal and filtration system including a gasket, retaining ring, and filter is usable with a manifold of such a system to transport reagent from a bottle to the testing system. The gasket includes features to prevent leakage and erroneous installation, and may be replaced by a user during normal maintenance or to select a gasket material to accommodate a particular type of reagent. The retention ring and filter include features to prevent particulate from passing into the testing system when reagent bottles are changed, and to prevent accidental displacement during removal of the gasket, or flushing of the manifold to clean the filter.

Abstract: Automated biological testing systems may advantageously allow users to perform some maintenance or upkeep of the system, such as replacing or refilling reagent, or replacing gaskets, hoses, filters, and other components. A manifold seal and filtration system including a gasket, retaining ring, and filter is usable with a manifold of such a system to transport reagent from a bottle to the testing system. The gasket includes features to prevent leakage and erroneous installation, and may be replaced by a user during normal maintenance or to select a gasket material to accommodate a particular type of reagent. The retention ring and filter include features to prevent particulate from passing into the testing system when reagent bottles are changed, and to prevent accidental displacement during removal of the gasket, or flushing of the manifold to clean the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for diagnosing prion-mediated pathological conditions and presence of aberrant prion protein in animal derived products, utilizing mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry-based methods are described for the detection or quantification of targeted proteins in biological samples e.g., plants, animals, and microorganisms, parts (e.g., tissue or cells) thereof, and products derived from plants, animals or microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for diagnosing prion-mediated pathological conditions and presence of aberrant prion protein in animal derived products, utilizing mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method of producing from sources of microorganisms enzymes having multiple improved characteristics. Soil samples are collected from a wide variety of sources that are diverse geographically and environmentally. The microorganisms are screened using microbiological screens to select microorganisms that produce enzymes that are active over a broad range of temperatures. Enzymes from selected microorganisms are screened for improved thermostability, extended active temperature range, extended active pH range, extended shelf-life, and improved protease resistance.