Abstract: The present application discloses the use of light-gated cation-selective channelrhodopsins (Ch Rs) for the optogenetic control of the secretion of a polypeptide of interest in adipocytes. Engineered adipocytes comprising a channelrhodopsin (ChR) polypeptide, and/or a nucleic acid encoding same, and a secretory polypeptide precursor comprising a bioactive polypeptide and a signal peptide suitable for secretion of the bioactive polypeptide by the engineered adipocytes, and/or a nucleic acid encoding same, are disclosed. The use of such engineered adipocytes for the management or treatment of diseases/conditions in which the secretion of a polypeptide of interest is beneficial, such as the secretion of insulin in diabetic patients, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses the use of light-gated cation-selective channelrhodopsins (Ch Rs) for the optogenetic control of the secretion of a polypeptide of interest in adipocytes. Engineered adipocytes comprising a channelrhodopsin (ChR) polypeptide, and/or a nucleic acid encoding same, and a secretory polypeptide precursor comprising a bioactive polypeptide and a signal peptide suitable for secretion of the bioactive polypeptide by the engineered adipocytes, and/or a nucleic acid encoding same, are disclosed. The use of such engineered adipocytes for the management or treatment of diseases/conditions in which the secretion of a polypeptide of interest is beneficial, such as the secretion of insulin in diabetic patients, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for taking a visual or verbal representation of a conversational policy and translating the representation into an XML file. The XML file can then be output in one or more formats, such as code used in a policy, a Word version of the XML file, or a visual representation of the XML file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for taking a visual or verbal representation of a conversational policy and translating the representation into an XML file. The XML file can then be output in one or more formats, such as code used in a policy, a Word version of the XML file, or a visual representation of the XML file.

Abstract: A kit for use in ultrasound imaging can include a deployment device configured for partial insertion in vivo, a 3-D imaging catheter, moveably coupled to the deployment device including a 2D ultrasound transducer phased array mounted thereon and configured to provide 3-D images, and a deployable tool coupled to the 3-D imaging catheter and configured to move in vivo in response to guidance thereof via the deployment device using the 3-D images.

Abstract: A padded shoulder protection device for essentially protecting against micro-trauma to one's shoulder due to carrying objects on the shoulder. The padded shoulder protection device includes a semi-flexible layered and padded member having four projecting portions, a neck-receiving edge, and further includes eight straps and four buckles with four of the straps being attached to respective projecting portions and the remaining four straps being attached either to a padded belt member or to four strap members with each strap member having a respective suspender-like clip attached thereto. The semi-flexible layered and padded member includes a layer of foam material, a layer of plastic material, and a layer of either rubber or leather.