Abstract: A sample introduction system for a flow cytometer allows easy change of sample containers such as test tubes and facilitates use in high pressure environments. The sample container includes a cap having a pressure supply chamber and a sample container attachment cavity. A sample container may be automatically positioned into the attachment cavity so as to sealably engage the end of the sample container as its outer surface. This positioning may be accomplished through some sample introduction mechanism. To facilitate cleaning, HPLC tubing and fittings may be used in a manner which facilitates removing of the entire tubing from both the nozzle container and other sample container cap to permit its replacement to avoid contamination. The sample container support may include horizontal stops which loosely limit the movement of the sample container and thus avoid further stresses upon it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel purified and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding mammalian Ca.sup.2+ /calmodulin stimulated phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) and cyclic-GMP-stimulated phosphodiesterases (cGS-PDEs). Also provided are the corresponding recombinant expression products of said nucleotide sequences, immunological reagents specifically reactive therewith, and procedures for identifying compounds which modulate the enzymatic activity of such expression products.

Abstract: A direct jet monitor illuminates the jet of a flow cytometer in a monitor wavelength band which is substantially separate from the substance wavelength band. When a laser is used to cause fluorescence of the substance, it may be appropriate to use an infrared source to illuminate the jet and thus optically monitor the conditions within the jet through a CCD camera or the like. This optical monitoring may be provided to some type of controller or feedback system which automatically changes either the horizontal location of the jet, the point at which droplet separation occurs, or some other condition within the jet in order to maintain optimum conditions. The direct jet monitor may be operated simultaneously with the substance property sensing and analysis system so that continuous monitoring may be achieved without interfering with the substance data gathering and may be configured so as to allow the front of the analysis or free fall area to be unobstructed during processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting spin transitions for a paramagnetic substance that are induced in the absence of a magnetic field. The method includes the steps of placing a substance under investigation in a high magnetic field. The magnetic field is then rapidly turned off and then reenergized. An ESR signal obtained after the magnetic field is reenergized is used as a baseline. This process is then repeated except that when the magnetic field strength is reduced to zero, the substance is exposed to radio frequency (rf) electromagnetic energy. Any spin transitions induced in the substance by absorption of the rf energy are detected by comparing the resulting ESR signal, detected when the magnetic is reenergized, to the baseline ESR signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel purified and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding mammalian Ca.sup.2+ /calmodulin stimulated phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) and cyclic-GMP-stimulated phosphodiesterases (cGS-PDEs). Also provided are the corresponding recombinant expression products of said nucleotide sequences, immunological reagents specifically reactive therewith, and procedures for identifying compounds which modulate the enzymatic activity of such expression products.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: A method of treating a hemoglobinopathic condition such as sickle cell anemia, by pulse treatment with erythropoietin. In one embodiment, each of one or more treatment regimens includes a first time period during which erythropoietin is administered to a hemoglobinopathic patient and a second time period during which erythropoietin is withheld from the patient. During the first time period, sufficient erythropoietin is administered to increase F-reticulocyte formation in the patient. The pulse treatment preferably includes a plurality of the treatment regimens, in which case the durations of the second time periods are selected to achieve a cumulative increment of F-cell count sufficient to effectively treat the patient'This invention was made partly with government support under one or more of grants HL20899 and HL21676 from the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in this invention.

Abstract: Reference materials of differing indices of refraction or acoustic impedances are incorporated into liquid compositions to monitor the solidification process of these liquid compositions. Light or acoustic waves are used to indirectly measure the difference between the index of refraction or acoustic impedance of the solidifying composition and the reference material. The method provides an accurate in situ indication of the completion of the solidification process as well as a monitor of the degree of solidifications during the solidification process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for demobilizing the motile subgingival bacteria and for removing soft plaque from the teeth on a substantially daily basis as a means to prevent, treat and/or limit periodontal diseases. A piezoelectric multimorph transducer is used to generate low-energy vibrations, these vibrations are applied to the teeth and gingival fluids to cause mild cavitation within the fluid to remove subgingival plaque and to demobilize motile bacteria. An electronic circuit for driving the transducer at its resonant frequency or multiples thereof and for electrically isolating the user are included.