Abstract:
The invention includes an integrated toolset of software development aids for testing of software systems directed toward the production, access, management, and retrieval of stored data by providing a fast and efficient means for a developer to recreate production data within a testing environment. The toolset consists of components which, when combined, provide an interactive on-line system where a developer is provided with access to low volume, high-quality, depersonalized, and targeted data with referential integrity and is suitable for most testing needs.
Abstract:
A method of assay for the outcome of a reaction comprises conducting a reaction between a first reactant and a second reactant to produce from the first reactant a product having at least one new structural feature not present in the first reactant or the second reactant, e.g. by cleaving the first reactant or adding to it, producing a multiple-phage tagged complex comprising at least two different viruses and said product or said first reactant, in which complex at least one of said viruses is connected to said product using a said new structural feature or is lost from said first reactant upon formation of said new structural feature, and determining the presence or amount of said complex by a dual-phage assay.
Abstract:
A vehicle safety restraint retractor comprising a spool (2) for storage of belt webbing (1), the spool being mounted for rotation about its axis (3) within the spool housing (4) the retractor comprising a resilient biasing member (10) urging one end of the spool towards a corresponding cover for the side of the retractor, for taking up axial tolerances in the spool mounting. The resilient biasing member (10) is preferably a wave washer spring positioned at the spring side of the spool, between the spool and the spool arbour cap (9) and covered with a spring cover (7). Such a wave washer reduces axial and radial float of the spool and thus substantially reduces levels of noise in normal operation of the retractor.
Abstract:
A method of detecting a molecule associated with viability of one or more cells or organisms in a sample comprises the initial step of contacting the sample with an enzyme, which enzyme is capable of adding or removing a chemical moiety to or from a nucleic acid molecule in the presence of the molecule associated with viability of the of the one or more cells or organisms. This thereby generates a novel detectable nucleic acid molecule. The next step involves detecting the presence of the molecule associated with viability of the one or more cells or organisms by detecting the novel nucleic acid molecule generated only in the presence of the molecule associated with viability of the one or more cells or organisms. A most preferred molecule associated with viability is ATP, although NAD may also be detected. A preferred enzyme for use in the methods is ligase. The method has numerous applications, in particular in monitoring viability of cells, toxicology testing and determining whether there is contamination in a sample or on a surface. Kits are also provided for carrying out the methods.
Abstract:
An improved method of detecting an enzyme in a sample, which enzyme is capable of adding or removing a chemical moiety to or from a nucleic acid molecule, thereby conferring the nucleic acid molecule with the ability to be extended to generate a novel detectable nucleic acid molecule, comprises the steps of allowing the sample to be tested for the presence of the enzyme to interact with the nucleic acid molecule; and testing for interaction of the enzyme with the nucleic acid molecule by detecting the novel nucleic acid molecule generated only in the presence of the enzyme. The preferred enzyme is a phosphatase. The methods have a number of applications, for example in enhancing the sensitivity of immunoassays, for detecting pathogen associated phosphatase, for diagnosing certain conditions and for detecting specific contaminants in a sample.
Abstract:
Methods and kits for detecting target molecules or for monitoring interactions between target molecules. In particular, the invention relates to methods based on the use of “two-component conjugate” systems comprising a catalytic label and a substrate label.
Abstract:
A microelectronic package includes a microelectronic element having faces and contacts and a flexible substrate spaced from and overlying a first face of the microelectronic element. The package also includes a plurality of conductive posts extending from the flexible substrate and projecting away from the first face of the microelectronic element, wherein at least some of the conductive posts are electrically interconnected with the microelectronic element, and a plurality of support elements supporting the flexible substrate over the microelectronic element. The conductive posts are offset from the support elements to facilitate flexure of the substrate and movement of the posts relative to the microelectronic element.
Abstract:
A structural beam has a thin metal web with a plurality of holes located along its top and bottom edges. One or more rectangular flange pieces are located on each side of the web overlying its top margin and one or more rectangular flange pieces are located on each side of the web overlying its bottom margin. The flange pieces contain holes which are aligned with the holes in the web piece and fasteners extend through the aligned holes to fasten the flange pieces to the web.
Abstract:
The assembly has two lamps, such as fluorescent tubes. A cover is a co-extrusion having a baffle between the lamps and shroud portions outermost of the cover. The baffle blocks at least some of the light output of the lamps from crossing the region between the lamps. This helps reduce glare, which is further reduced by the configuration of the shrouds.
Abstract:
An injection system for use with a luminometer, which includes a carrier movable between a liquid loading station and a liquid dispensing station and a dispenser assembly mounted on the carrier and including an injector needle arranged, when at the liquid loading station, to pass through an aperture in a part of the luminometer aligned with a test sample container therein, the container being in a test chamber with which a photomultiplier device communicates. The system also includes a sealing arrangement which prevents light from passing through the aperture in the luminometer, both when the needle extends through the aperture and when the needle has been withdrawn from the aperture.