Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for altering the fate of a cell, tissue or organ type by altering Notch pathway function in the cell. The invention is further directed to methods for altering the fate of a cell, tissue or organ type by simultaneously changing the activation state of the Notch pathway and one or more cell fate control gene pathways. The invention can be utilized for cells of any differentiation state. The resulting cells may be expanded and used in cell replacement therapy to repopulate lost cell populations and help in the regeneration of diseased and/or injured tissues. The resulting cell populations can also be made recombinant and used for gene therapy or as tissue/organ models for research. The invention is directed to methods for of treating macular degeneration comprising altering Notch pathway function in retinal pigment epithelium cells or retinal neuroepithelium or both tissues.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods for determining the interaction between a nucleic acid molecule and a nucleic acid binding molecule. The methods of the invention are particularly suitable for the analysis of genes associated with pathologic disorders and for the identification of novel therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for communicating between a host and a peripheral. In one embodiment, a method comprises the steps: establishing, in a manner transparent to the host, a wireless data link between a wireless hub device and a wireless peripheral device coupled to the peripheral, the wireless hub device coupled to and configured to communicate with the host, wherein the host is configured to communicate with peripheral devices over a wireline link at a plurality of data rates when connected via the wireline link; and controlling a flow of data between the host and the wireless hub device so that the host is unaware of the wireless data link, wherein the data is to be communicated between the host and the peripheral.

Abstract: A control method, apparatus, and system capable of securely distributing a shared secret network encryption key from a host to a wireless peripheral device. The sharing of the secret network encryption key is accomplished without the intervention of a man-machine interface at the peripheral. Embodiments enable a wireless device to receive and store multiple encryption keys, to select the appropriate encryption key depending on the network in range of the device, and thus to freely associate with multiple networks.

Abstract: A polling method, apparatus, and system to detect the attachment and detachment of Universal Serial Bus devices in a wireless system. A hub provides a wired connection to the host and wireless attachment points for its devices, The host periodically queries the hub for changes in the hub's status register by sending a polling message through each of its wireless ports, and awaits a response. A peripheral device that wishes to attach to the system responds by sending its unique peripheral address. If a device currently occupies the port, the hub sends out the device's unique address in the polling message. If the device is still present, it responds by sending its unique peripheral address. If a response is not received after multiple retries, the device is considered detached. The hub thus determines the status of the ports and updates the status register, which is queried by the host.

Abstract: A polling method, apparatus, and system to detect the attachment and detachment of Universal Serial Bus devices in a wireless system. A hub provides a wired connection to the host and wireless attachment points for its devices. The host periodically queries the hub for changes in the hub's status register by sending a polling message through each of its wireless ports, and awaits a response. A peripheral device that wishes to attach to the system responds by sending its unique peripheral address. If a device currently occupies the port, the hub sends out the device's unique address in the polling message. If the device is still present, it responds by sending its unique peripheral address. If a response is not received after multiple retries, the device is considered detached. The hub thus determines the status of the ports and updates the status register, which is queried by the host.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for altering the fate of a cell, tissue or organ type by altering Notch pathway function in the cell. The invention is further directed to methods for altering the fate of a cell, tissue or organ type by simultaneously changing the activation state of the Notch pathway and one or more cell fate control gene pathways. The invention can be utilized for cells of any differentiation state. The resulting cells may be expanded and used in cell replacement therapy to repopulate lost cell populations and help in the regeneration of diseased and/or injured tissues. The resulting cell populations can also be made recombinant and used for gene therapy or as tissue/organ models for research. The invention is directed to methods for of treating macular degeneration comprising altering Notch pathway function in retinal pigment epithelium cells or retinal neuroepithelium or both tissues.

Abstract: A polling method, apparatus, and system capable to detect the attachment and detachment of Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices in a wireless USB system. A USB hub provides a wired connection to the host, while providing wireless attachment points for its devices. The USB host periodically queries the hub looking for changes in the hub's status register. During each period, the hub sends a polling message through each of its wireless ports, and awaits a response. A peripheral device that wishes to attach to the system responds to the message by sending its unique peripheral address. If a device currently occupies the port, the hub sends out the device's unique assigned address as part of the polling message. If the device is still present, it responds by sending its unique peripheral address. If the host does not receive a response after multiple retries, the device is considered detached.

Abstract: A control method, apparatus, and system capable of securely distributing a shared secret network encryption key from a host to a wireless peripheral device. The sharing of the secret network encryption key is accomplished without the intervention of a man-machine interface at the peripheral. Embodiments enable a wireless device to receive and store multiple encryption keys, to select the appropriate encryption key depending on the network in range of the device, and thus to freely associate with multiple networks.