Abstract: An antibody microarray screen including a substrate, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that are purified immunoglobins, wherein the antibodies are spotted on predetermined positions on the substrate, and fluids unprocessed for immunoglobulin isolation (e.g., anti-sera, ascites fluids, or hybridoma culture media), wherein the unprocessed fluids are spotted on the predetermined positions on the substrate. Production of drug-metabolizing enzyme antibody microarrays containing closely related cytochromes P450 is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing an antibody microarray, an internal control molecule for use in an antibody microarray, a method of determining optimal spotting concentrations of IgG and a method to increase a detectable signal with microarray analysis are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assessing arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites-dependent hypertension by measuring glucuronidated dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) and DHET metabolites in a biological sample which contains the epitopes unique to DHET (using any methods including GC/MS, LC/MS or ELISA). An example of the glucuronidated DHET metabolite is DHET-alcohols such as omega or omega-1 oxidated DHET and DHET esterified glycerol. The method further includes determining the amount of glucuronidated molecules containing a DHET-specific epitope which is immunoreactive with antibodies produced against DHETs.

Abstract: A method of assessing arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites-dependent hypertension by measuring glucuronidated dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) and DHET metabolites in a biological sample which contains the epitopes unique to DHET (using any methods including GC/MS, LC/MS or ELISA). An example of the glucuronidated DHET metabolite is DHET-alcohols such as omega or omega-1 oxidated DHET and DHET esterified glycerol. The method further includes determining the amount of glucuronidated molecules containing a DHET-specific epitope which is immunoreactive with antibodies produced against DHETs.

Abstract: A screen for detecting, identifying, and characterizing chemicals as toxicants is based on the affect of the chemical on gene expression in animal cleavage stage embryos. A microarray screen for detecting and measuring the affects of chemicals on gene expression in animal cleavage stage embryos. A screen for detecting, identifying and characterizing chemicals as toxicants based on the common or differential affects on gene expression in animal cleavage stage embryos and neurulation stage embryos. Markers of chemical exposure and teratogenesis identified using the screen disclosed herein. A treatment that enables the transfer of biotinylated PCR products or DNA to a membrane following gel electrophoresis by depurinating the PCR or DNA products and denaturing the PCR products or DNA.

Abstract: An antibody microarray screen including a substrate, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that are purified immunoglobins, wherein the antibodies are spotted on predetermined positions on the substrate, and fluids unprocessed for immunoglobulin isolation (e.g., anti-sera, ascites fluids, or hybridoma culture media), wherein the unprocessed fluids are spotted on the predetermined positions on the substrate. Production of drug-metabolizing enzyme antibody microarrays containing closely related cytochromes P450 is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing an antibody microarray, an internal control molecule for use in an antibody microarray, a method of determining optimal spotting concentrations of IgG and a method to increase a detectable signal with microarray analysis are disclosed.

Abstract: A screen for detecting, identifying, and characterizing chemicals as toxicants is based on the affect of the chemical on gene expression in animal cleavage stage embryos. A microarray screen for detecting and measuring the affects of chemicals on gene expression in animal cleavage stage embryos. A screen for detecting, identifying, and characterizing chemicals as toxicants based on the common or differential affects on gene expression in animal cleavage stage embryos and neurulation stage embryos. Markers of chemical exposure and teratogenesis identified using the screen disclosed herein. A treatment that enables the transfer of biotinylated PCR products or DNA to a membrane following gel electrophoresis by depurinating the PCR or DNA products and denaturing the PCR products or DNA.

Abstract: A method of testing the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of a chemical includes the steps of exposing test cells to the chemical in vitro, intracellularly metabolizing the chemical into a mutagenic or cytotoxic metabolite and then detecting gene/protein/cell damage in the test cells as an indication of the mutagenicity/cytotoxicity of the chemical.A cell line is provided for testing cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of the chemicals, the cell line consisting essentially of fibroblasts normally having no detectable cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase enzyme activity. The fibroblasts are transformed with chimeric gene constructs containing cytochrome P450 coding sequences and have intracellular cytochrome P450 oxidative metabolizing activity.

Abstract: A method of testing the mutagenicity of a chemical includes the steps of exposing test cells to the chemical in vitro, intracellularly metabolizing the chemical into a mutagenic or cytotoxic metabolite and then detecting gene/protein/cell damage in the test cells as an indication of the mutagenicity/cytotoxicity of the chemical.A cell line is provided for testing mutagenicity of the chemicals, the cell line consisting essentially of fibroblasts normally having no detectable cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase enzyme activity. The fibroblasts are transformed with chimeric gene constructs containing cytochrome P450 coding sequences and have intracellular cytochrome P450 oxidative metaboli zing activity.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener driving tool includes a return system for efficiently and rapidly returning a drive piston to the static position and effecting a fastener feeding operation. A housing defines a pressure fluid reservoir connected by a pneumatic control system to a first side of a drive piston to move a driver blade through a drive track in a drive stroke. A pressure fluid actuated fastener feed assembly advances fasteners along a feed path to the drive track. Following a drive stroke, the return system connects the reservoir to the second side of the drive piston for moving the drive piston and driver blade in a return stroke. The return system also connects the reservoir to the fastener feeding assembly for feeding of a fastener. The return system includes two separate return valves operable at different flow capacities and fluid pressures for drive piston return and for fastener feeding.

Abstract: A tool for driving uncollated nails includes a tool body with a nose portion defining a drive track wherein a driver blade moves in drive and return strokes. A magazine carried by the body supports a row of nails, and a pusher urges the nails along a feed path toward the drive track. The magazine is adjustable for tailoring the feed path width to the nail size. Individual nails are advanced from the magazine to a drive position in the drive track by an escapement mechanism operated in timed relationship with the driver blade, and an advanced nail is held in the drive position by a magnet assembly supported by the tool nose portion. Nails are positively advanced and are properly oriented by the escapement mechanism independently of the number of nails, the pusher force, or other conditions in the magazine. The tool magazine is quickly and conveniently loaded with nails supplied in an oriented condition from a loading chute.

Abstract: An electric nailer includes a body and a fastener magazine pivotally connected thereto. The nailer also includes a switch for energizing the nailer that is engagable by a safety to prevent actuation. The safety is moved out of engagement with the switch upon pivoting of the magazine. The magazine includes a pusher assembly defined in part by portions of an elongated tube joined together to define a gap. A pusher is slideably mounted within the gap and biased to push fasteners toward the nose of the nailer. The magazine also includes a fastener track that includes a reduced portion and an enlarged portion to accommodate fasteners of different sizes. A shoe may be releasably attached to the bottom portion of the magazine and in one embodiment is V-shaped including a raised portion at one end. In another embodiment the shoe has a flat workpiece engagement portion.

Abstract: A tool for driving fasteners includes a housing defining a handle portion and a nose portion. A driver is reciprocally mounted within the housing as is an assembly for driving the driver through a fastener driving stroke. A muffler is mounted in the housing adjacent and in fluid communication with the nose portion. The muffler includes a chamber defined within the housing and a tubular muffler element mounted within the chamber. The tubular muffler element includes a plurality of holes therein and communicates with at least one exhaust port. A second muffler element is mounted within the chamber and encircles the tubular muffler element.

Abstract: A tool for driving fasteners includes a casing defining a nose portion and a handle portion within which is a reservoir for pressurized fluid. A driver is mounted in the nose portion that is reciprocated by a piston attached thereto and an assembly for returning the piston to a static position after a driving stroke is also included. The return assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication through an inlet with pressurized air and with an outlet that is in communication with a location beneath the return piston. A diaphragm is mounted within the chamber and is biased by a shoe and spring into sealing engagement with the inlet and the outlet. Another metered inlet is also included in the chamber that is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid and controls the sealing action of the diaphragm. The chamber for the return assembly is also in fluid communication with a second chamber within which is mounted a differential area piston.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool including a body having a handle and a head portion. A drive assembly includes a driver blade movable along a drive path defined by a nose assembly located below the head portion. A magazine assembly extends from the nose assembly and includes a frame member fixed relative to the tool body, a first track member slidably movable relative to the frame member and a second track member slidably movable relative to the first track member. The track members define a fastener slideway opened for loading of fasteners by movement of the second track member. The nose assembly includes a nose member mounted on the first track member, and movement of the first track member opens the feed path for removal of a jammed fastener. One track member is J-shaped for slidably supporting points of the fasteners and one side of the fastener shanks. The other track member slidably supports the opposite side of the fastener shanks.

Abstract: A compression tacker for driving fasteners includes a frame defining a nose portion and a grip portion. A front jaw is pivotally and removably mounted on the nose portion to define a drive track. A plunger is reciprocated in the drive track. The front jaw includes a locking mechanism that upon actuation by the operator of the tool, unlocks the jaw from the frame and allows it to be pivoted relative to the frame to expose the drive track. A handle for actuating the plunger is mounted on the frame and includes a bearing about which a spring is mounted. A workpiece engaging jaw may be removably fastened to the nose portion. The workpiece jaw includes upper and lower surfaces for engaging different workpieces.

Abstract: An electric fastener driving tool includes a body of clamshell construction formed of two, similar, molded plastic body parts. The body includes a head portion and a handle portion, and a magazine for supplying fasteners to be driven is supported by the base of the head portion and by the handle. Walls and projections integral with the body parts define a solenoid chamber within the head cavity and support a switch and circuit board within the handle. The body is held in assembled condition and the magazine is attached to the body by bolts of equal length. A solenoid with a central axial opening is mounted in the solenoid chamber. An armature formed of magnetic and nonmagnetic, electrically insulated segments is slidably mounted in the axial solenoid opening. A spring contacting an integral body wall and the insulating armature segment biases the armature in the return direction.