Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: The highly lubricious hydrophilic coating for a medical device comprises a mixture of colloidal aliphatic polyurethane, an aqueous dilution of PVP and specific dendrimers to enhance the physical integrity of the coating, to improve adhesion and to covalently bind or load one of a certain antithrombolitic drug or a certain antibiotic drug or other agent within the dendrimer structure.

Abstract: The highly lubricious hydrophilic coating for a medical device comprises a mixture of colloidal aliphatic polyurethane, an aqueous dilution of PVP and specific dendrimers to enhance the physical integrity of the coating, to improve adhesion and to covalently bind or load one of a certain antithrombolitic drug or a certain antibiotic drug or other agent within the dendrimer structure.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture are provided for conducting specific binding assays to determine the concentration or presence of at least one analyte in a sample. At least two dendrimer-reagent preparations with different analyte specificities may be immobilized on a solid phase. Alternatively, at least one dendrimer-reagent preparation having multiple specificities may be immobilized on a solid phase. Immobilization is facilitated by coupling specific binding assay reagents such as polypeptide receptors or analytes with water soluble polymers. Such water soluble polymers, for example star polymers such as dendrimers, provide production advantages of lot-to-lot uniformity and homogeneity, and can enhance sensitivity due to low non-specific binding to the solid phase.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed, comprising dendrimers to which a first polypeptide is controllably coupled. Such polypeptide-dendrimer compositions are effective for controllably coupling a second polypeptide to the dendrimer. The first and second polypeptides have separate and distinct defined biological activities, for example, two antibodies with first and second binding specificities or an antibody and an enzymatic label. Such compositions are useful as indicators in specific binding assays, e.g., immunoassays. Methods for sequentially coupling two different polypeptides to a dendrimer to form compositions of the invention also are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for conducting specific binding assays to determine the concentration or presence of at least one analyte in a sample. Dendrimer-reagent preparations with particular analyte specificities are mixed in solution with a sample to form dendrimer-reagent-sample complexes. The complexes are then immobilized on a solid phase. Immobilization is facilitated by coupling specific binding assay reagents such as polypeptide receptors or analytes with water soluble polymers. Such water soluble polymers, for example star polymers such as dendrimers, provide production advantages of lot-to-lot uniformity and homogeneity, and can enhance sensitivity due to low non-specific binding to the solid phase.