Abstract: The invention provides insect cell-based systems for assaying G-protein-coupled receptor interactions. The insect cells may express a heterologous mammalian G-protein-coupled receptor, a heterologous G alpha protein and one or more insect effector proteins that couple the heterologous G alpha protein to an endogenous insect signalling pathway. In such systems, binding of a ligand to the heterologous G-protein coupled receptor mediates a detectable change in the insect cell. The protein components of the system may be expressed from coding sequences that are stably maintained by transformed insect cells.

Abstract: An interactive presentation and/or entertainment system, such as interactive personal computer software and/or interactive television, allows a participant to modulate the emotions of a character or personality, thereby influencing the branches to an interpersonal relationship over time. As a result, a broad range of computerized dramatic situations or stories are presented that closely resemble human interpersonal relationships. Source image/sound data may include prerecorded video, prerecorded audio, computer-based audio, computer-based imagery, computer-generated dialogue, and/or computer-generated characters. The range of emotional choices made by a participant may include all emotions that human beings can experience and, in turn, represent by thought, word, or action.