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A novel microarray-based approach to simultaneous detection, quantitation, and identification of multiple microorganisms found in water and air supplies is presented. The rapid DNA/RNA probe-based approach avoids time consuming cell cultivation procedures by utilizing the inherent amplification property of rRNA combined with highly sensitive proximal CCD detection. Specifically, optimal DNA probes for simultaneously capturing Escherichia coli and Vibrio proteolyticus were arrayed in a 4 x 4 matrix using a novel microarray printer capable of depositing hundreds of probes within a single well (1cm2) of a conventional 96 well microtiter plate. Following hybridization of a 16S rRNA microorganism mixture to the DNA microarray, detection, imaging, quantitation and identification was performed within seconds employing the complimentary PC-based proximal CCD detector/imager.

The widespread use of new, cleaner-burning fuel formulations, including those containing methanol, is increasingly likely. Unfortunately, some of the alternate fuels under consideration are more chemically active than gasoline and have been found to have an adverse effect on many components of fuel handling systems. Therefore, the search continues for cost-effective sealing and fuel-handling materials that will not degrade in the presence of methanol-containing fuels. This paper examines the impact of three fuels, Fuel C and two blends of Fuel C and methanol, on standard automotive O-rings fabricated from two grades of fluorosilicone elastomers and one grade of fluorocarbon elastomer.