Abstract: The invention is directed to a lentiviral vector system that can be used for episomal replication of a desired gene. The vector system contains a first vector containing a lentiviral gag gene encoding a lentiviral gag protein, a second vector containing an env gene encoding a functional envelope protein, and a lentiviral pol gene encoding a lentiviral pol protein. The pol protein is at least integrase, but that the integrase has been modified so that it is not capable of integration. This pol gene can be on the first or second vectors or on a third vector. The lentiviral gag and pol and the envelope protein are not on a single vector, and these vectors do not contain nucleotides to effectively package lentiviral RNA. The system also contains another vector having a nucleic acid sequence encoding a target molecule operably linked to a component of an episomal replicon and a lentiviral packaging sequence.

Abstract: A fabrication process for vacuum microelectronic devices having multiple electrode levels includes production of a first-level electrode mask on a substrate. The mask pattern is transferred to the substrate to produce a trench surrounding an emitter which is formed by thermal oxidation. The trench is filled with tungsten to form a gate electrode surrounding the emitter, and the resulting wafer is planarized. A second-level electrode is formed on the top surface of the wafer, and is planarized. Additional levels are similarly produced, and thereafter the electrodes are released.

Abstract: A control clamp for adjusting the flow rate of a liquid through a flexible hose, such as the hose of an infusion device is provided with a manually operable means for varying the flow cross section of the hose. The means comprises three clamping jaws (14,14',14") of circular sector shape, in section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hose (10), the relative spacing between the clamping jaws being variable by moving them along radii (16,16',16") which intersect the longitudinal axis (20).