Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for determining whether a test protein is capable of interacting with a retinoid X receptor protein. The method involves: (a) providing a host cell which contains (i) a reporter gene operably linked to a protein binding site; (ii) a first fusion gene which expresses a first fusion protein, the first fusion protein including a retinoid X receptor protein covalently bonded to a binding moiety which is capable of specifically binding to the protein binding site; and (iii) a second fusion gene which expresses a second fusion protein, the second fusion protein including the test protein covalently bonded to a gene activating moiety; and (b) determining whether the test protein increases expression of the reporter gene as an indication of its ability to interact with the retinoid X receptor protein. Also disclosed is purified DNA encoding retinoid X receptor-interacting proteins and the polypeptides expressed from such DNA.
Abstract:
A mechanical interface for providing high bandwidth and low noise mechanical input and output for computer systems. A gimbal mechanism includes multiple members that are pivotably coupled to each other to provide two revolute degrees of freedom to a user manipulatable about a pivot point located remotely from the members at about an intersection of the axes of rotation of the members. A linear axis member, coupled to the user object, is coupled to at least one of the members, extends through the remote pivot point and is movable in the two rotary degrees of freedom and a third linear degree of freedom. Transducers associated with the provided degrees of freedom include sensors and actuators and provide an electromechanical interface between the object and a computer. Capstan band drive mechanisms transmit forces between the transducers and the object and include a capstan and flat bands, where the flat bands transmit motion and force between the capstan and interface members. Applications include simulations of medical procedures, e.g. epidural anesthesia, where the user object is a needle or other medical instrument, or other types of simulations or games.
Abstract:
The invention provides a modular network sensor assembly operable to sense environmental conditions at a computer or equipment rack. The network sensor assembly includes a flexible body operable to be folded along a central fold line. The central fold line separates the flexible body into a first panel and second panel. A number of mounting tabs are hingedly attached to either the first panel or second panel. These mounting tabs are operable to secure the network assembly to the computer rack. A number of sensor tabs are located along the central fold line. Addressable sensors capable of sensing environmental conditions are positioned proximate to the sensor tabs, and communicatively coupled to a common bus. A memory device is also communicatively coupled to the common bus and is operable to store configuration information and data associated with the sensed environmental conditions sampled by the addressable sensors.
Abstract:
A robotic medical system comprises an operator control station having a master input device, a catheter instrument, and an instrument driver in communication with the operator control station. The catheter instrument includes an elongate flexible catheter member, a flexible control element, such as, e.g., a cable, extending within the catheter member, and a proximal drivable assembly configured to axially move the control element relative to the catheter member to perform a kinematic function at a distal end of the catheter member, such as a deflection of the distal end of the catheter member. The instrument driver is configured to operate the drivable assembly to axially move the control element in response to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. The drivable assembly is mounted to the instrument driver, thereby providing mechanically close relationship between the drivable assembly and the instrument driver and minimizing the errors between the actual and predicted kinematic functions otherwise introduced into the system via intervening structure between the drivable assembly and instrument driver.
Abstract:
A method enables online purchase of customizable home construction plans. The method includes accessing a web based software package, customizing the home, and ordering the construction plans. The software package is a second aspect. The software allows the consumer to select different predefined features and add them to a stock floor plan. The selection of different features enables the customization of the home plan. The features selected are displayed to the consumer through a series of layers. The layers are superimposed on each other according to a predefined logic so that the consumer views what the home actually will look like rather an amalgamation of pieces. When the consumer is satisfied with the customized plan, the consumer orders formal plans and construction plans are sent to the consumer.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for evaluating a stroke, for example for determining whether a subject has had an ischemic stroke, determining the severity or likely neurological recovery of a subject who has had an ischemic stroke, and determining a treatment regimen for a subject who has had an ischemic stroke, as are arrays and kits that can be used to practice the methods. In particular examples, the method includes screening for expression in ischemic stroke related genes (or proteins), such as white blood cell activation and differentiation genes (or proteins), genes (or proteins) related to hypoxia, genes (or proteins) involved in vascular repair, and genes (or proteins) related to a specific peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) response to the altered cerebral microenvironment. Also provided are methods of identifying one or more agents that alter the activity (such as the expression) of an ischemic stroke-related molecule.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an adapter (2) for a manually operated dispensing device (120) for a fluid that is/can be pressurized in a container. The dispensing device includes a housing (148) having a passage channel (30). A tubular adapter housing (34) connects the uptake tube (32) and the channel (30) of the housing (148) of the dispensing device (120). The adapter housing (34) has a connecting sleeve (42) for connection to the connecting nipple of the housing (148) and an uptake tube sleeve (44) for connection to the uptake tube (32). There are several inlets (46) for the fluid in the upside down position of the dispensing device. The adapter housing (34) defines at least one section of the inlets. An inlet valve (48) is defined within the adapter housing (34) for releasing the inlets substantially simultaneously when a pressure acts on the fluid in the container in the substantially upside down position of the container. A shut-off valve (50) is positioned inside a large diameter valve chamber (52) of the adapter housing (34), in such a way that the valve (50) can be freely displaced axially between two end positions.
Abstract:
A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.
Abstract:
A system for collecting data in a room. The system includes a plurality of sensor devices positioned at various locations in the room. The sensor devices include a sensor configured to detect at least one condition and a controller configured to control the sensor. The system also includes at least one data storage device configured to store the detected at least one condition and an interface mechanism for enabling communication of the stored at least one condition. The system further includes a data collector for interfacing with the interface mechanism to receive the stored at least one condition from the at least one data storage device.