Abstract: Diagnostic agents and methods for detecting the presence of metastatic activity in biological samples such as plasma are disclosed. The agent and method preferably immunologically detect matrix metalloproteinases in complexed form with endogenous inhibitors of MMP's. A kit for detecting the metalloproteinases is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inertial barrier system can be constructed with barrier units of various, sequentially increasing barrier weights (i.e., masses). The inertial barrier units are each constructed from similar parts, namely, a frangible hollow container of conical or other generally circular cross section having upper and lower portions, with the lower portion being joined to the upper portion by a substantially annular horizontal ledge; an inner core of frangible material and formed substantially as a hollow conic member with an annular flange at the open base of the conic member, the flange being dimensioned to fit onto and be supported by the ledge of the container; and a frangible cover to fit the open top of the container. The inner core is orientable in either an upwards position or a downwards position, each of which has the flange of the core resting on the ledge of the container.

Abstract: A method of protecting a roadway maintenance or construction site in which a crash cushion is suspended beneath a straddle carrier-type vehicle. The crash cushion preferably comprises an inertial system of free standing sand filled plastic containers or other suitable impact attenuator which in some cases is used with a backup structure. The vehicle is connected to a towing vehicle and is towed to the maintenance or construction site or can also be used in a self-propelled configuration. When the crash cushion is located in a position to block oncoming traffic at the site, it is lowered onto the roadway and disconnected from the straddle carrier-type vehicle. The towing vehicle and straddle carrier-type vehicle can then be removed from the site leaving the crash cushion in a fixed and favorable position relative to oncoming traffic.

Abstract: An inertial barrier system can be constructed with barrier units of various, sequentially increasing barrier weights (i.e., masses). The inertial barrier units are each constructed from similar parts, namely, a frangible hollow container of conical or other generally circular cross section having upper and lower portions, with the lower portion being joined to the upper portion by a substantially annular horizontal ledge; an inner core of frangible material and formed substantially as a hollow conic member with an annular flange at the open base of the conic member, the flange being dimensioned to fit onto and be supported by the ledge of the container; and a frangible cover to fit the open top of the container. The inner core is orientable in either an upwards position or a downwards position, each of which has the flange of the core resting on the ledge of the container.

Abstract: A method of protecting a roadway maintenance or construction site in which a crash cushion is mounted on the bed of a trailer or other unpowered wheeled vehicle. The crash cushion preferably comprises an intertial system of free standing sand-filled plastic containers or other suitable impact attenuator which in some cases is used with a backup structure. The unpowered vehicle is then connected to a powered towing vehicle and is towed to the maintenance or construction site. When the unpowered vehicle and its crash cushion are located in position to block oncoming traffic at the site, the unpowered vehicle is disconnected from the towing vehicle, to enable release of the towing vehicle for other purposes. The trailer bed of the unpowered vehicle is lowered relative to the vehicle wheels such that the bed rests on the roadway to thereby maintain the crash cushion in a fixed and favorable position relative to oncoming traffic.

Abstract: A restraining cap is provided on the top of a New Jersey type roadway barrier to prevent vehicles from vaulting the barrier or from rolling. The cap can favorably be formed of a continuous series of channel sections with a horizontal web and depending flanges. In a favorable embodiment, the web extends three inches beyond the vertical edge of the barrier, and the flanges extend downward three inches. The sections can be bolted to the barrier top, and can be easily replaced when damaged.