Abstract: A system for creating the learning organizational tool known as a concept map to thereby facilitate learning includes a manipulation-sensing device with a wireless data transceiver, an information integration platform, and a data processing device. The wireless manipulating-sensing device allows users to physically manipulate the concept map and then transmit/receive data related to the results of the physical manipulation via a wireless network. The wireless manipulation-sensing device includes a plurality of conceptual modules for recording data in the process of learning a concept map, a plurality of connecting modules for recording data of the connection relations between the conceptual modules, and a plurality of connecting wires connected between the plurality of conceptual modules and the plurality of connecting modules to form connection relations therebetween.

Abstract: The open frame form of the polyhedron-shaped game structures are disclosed for playing a three-dimensional racing game. A variety of spacers and polyhedron shapes are introduced to configure the shape of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the game structure is constructed with cubic frame and orbital routes. Each player has single set of game pieces and advances each game piece on the game structure according to the number shown on the die. The players are challenged to race and capture the opponent's game pieces according to their strategic plan. After orbiting the game structure, the first player who races back all of his or her game pieces to the predetermined finish point becomes the winner.

Abstract: A construction kit such as for the depiction of atoms and their electron arrangements in elements and compounds. This kit comprises a plurality of ring components each having plural connection points for connection to other ring components. The connection points typically comprise male connectors or female connectors with each ring component including one or more male connectors, one or more female connectors, or both male and female connectors, so that multiple ring components can be connected in different configurations to form three-dimensional objects in the form of hemispheres or spheres.

Abstract: In an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of a grid structure, a joining element for connecting rigidly at least a first and a second elongated modules of the grid structure, characterised in that it comprises: a body of the joining element; at least a first and a second tubular projections of the body for axial attachment of the first and respectively second elongated modules; and a housing of the body for securing the body to a further module of the grid structure; the at least first and second tubular projections being in direct communication with the housing for contact of the further module to the at least first and second elongated modules.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models of molecules, including proteins, and molecular model construction kits, including an alpha helix construction kit, a beta sheet construction kit, and a nucleic acid construction kit. The three-dimensional models of molecules include one or more elongated tubular strands representing alpha carbons and the bonds between the alpha carbons. The alpha helix and beta sheet construction kits include amino acid backbone units, hydrogen bond units, and side chain units. The nucleic acid construction kits include base units, hydrogen bond units, sugar units, and phosphate units.

Abstract: A computer implemented molecular modeler displays information concerning structural validity to the user. The display of information may be updated substantially continuously while the user modifies the molecular model. The display of information may comprise a color coded indicator and/or text associated with the atoms of the molecular model.

Abstract: A computer implemented molecular modeler displays information concerning structural validity to the user. The display of information may be updated substantially continuously while the user modifies the molecular model. The display of information may comprise a color coded indicator and/or text associated with the atoms of the molecular model.

Abstract: The nuclear receptor for the steroid hormone 1&agr;,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, its ligand binding domain, three-dimensional model thereof and a method for selection of suitable vitamin D3 binding to the 1&agr;,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor. A three-dimensional model for residues 142-427 of the ligand binding domain of the human nuclear receptor for 1&agr;,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 used to identify the interaction of the conformationally flexible natural hormone 1&agr;,25(OH)2D3 and a number of related analogs with the receptor ligand binding domain. A method for identification and generation of new potential analog drug forms of dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Abstract: A solid free form model of a complex structure, such as a molecular structure, and a method of making such a model. The model includes a first elongated strand extending along a first path corresponding to the locations of selected elements to represented, a second elongated strand extending along a second path spaced from the first path and a connecting leg extending between the first and second strands along a path corresponding to the vector along which a force, such as a hydrogen bond, acts on the modeled elements.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models of molecules, including proteins, and molecular model construction kits, including an alpha helix construction kit, a beta sheet construction kit, and a nucleic acid construction kit. The three-dimensional models of molecules include one or more elongated tubular strands representing alpha carbons and the bonds between the alpha carbons. The alpha helix and beta sheet construction kits include amino acid backbone units, hydrogen bond units, and side chain units. The nucleic acid construction kits include base units, hydrogen bond units, sugar units, and phosphate units.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, tetrahedral truss and its method of construction are provided. The truss comprises a three-dimensionally periodic skeletal array of an interconnected plurality of skeletal-tetrahedric units, the array being in the pattern of the crystallographic structure known as "cubic-diamond" (FIG. 1). Each of the skeletal-tetrahedric units is a skeletal arrangement of elongate members joined in the pattern of an equilateral skeletal tetrahedron (FIG. 4), and is preferably assembled from four hexagonic triplanar-rings (FIG. 4A) being of the form created by joining six bilateral-elements in a closed ring, triplanar pattern (FIG. 3), the bilateral-elements each having equal sides and having an included angle of about 109.degree.28' (FIG. 3).