Abstract: An Internet technology-based system (e.g., Web site) allows users to filter and evaluate the quality, validity, interpretation and significance of information through a process of online discussion and ratings. The system leverages the inter-connection of the Internet to tap the expertise of users anywhere in the world, such that filtering and evaluation emerges dynamically from the process of discussion and rating. In an illustrative implementation, the system infrastructure includes a series of data bases, a rating process, discussion forum, mechanisms for site organization and operation, and user interfaces. The database may include an index of citations, users, visitors, authors, experts, editors, and journal open access policy. The databases, rating process, discussion forum, and other elements of the system function to facilitate communication by the fostering of comment and criticism about the stated literature. In turn, one would expect improved understanding and interpretation of the literature.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana Rps2 polypeptide, substantially pure Rps2 polyneptide; and methods of using such DNA to express the Rps2 polypeptide in plant cells and whole plants to provide, in transgenic plants, disease resistance to pathogens. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the RPS family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional RPS disease-resistance genes.

Abstract: Drug-delivery stents capable of providing release of two or more drugs such as everolimus and estradiol are provided. The stents can be used for treating a disease such as restenosis and vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a self-balancing vehicle base. A platform is supported on the base and is displaceable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. A support device engages the platform and supports at least a portion thereof during displacement between the first position and the second position. A method is also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a plant disease-resistance gene that includes the steps of (a) providing a plant tissue sample; (b)introducing by biolistic transformation into the plant tissue sample a candidate plant disease-resistance gene; (c) expressing the candidate plant disease-resistance gene within the plant tissue sample; and (d) determining whether the plant tissue sample exhibits a disease-resistance response, whereby a response identifies a plant disease-resistance gene.

Abstract: A method including introducing an expandable body into a blood vessel at a point coextensive with a vulnerable plaque lesion, and expanding the expandable body from a first diameter to a different second diameter sufficient to modify the shape of an inner diameter of the blood vessel at the point coextensive with the lesion without rupturing the lesion. An apparatus including a cannula having a dimension suitable for insertion into a blood vessel and including an expandable body coupled thereto, the expandable body including a first outer diameter suitable for insertion through the blood vessel and a second outer diameter greater than the first diameter and having a maximum dimension to modify the shape of an inner diameter of the blood vessel and retain a same perimeter. A kit including a cannula including an expandable body and a stent. An expandable framework comprising a polymer material. An apparatus including an expandable body.

Abstract: A guidewire with a sensor which can detect NO and/or superoxide levels is disclosed. This invention can be useful for in vivo analysis of vascular health.

Abstract: An automated purchasing method for buyers using a high volume database and a high volume software program that is compatible with SAP® business management software having an SAP material master database includes creating a new record upon having received a request for purchase of a new item, determining whether the new item is a high volume item, determining whether the new item has a matching entry in a high volume database, and either automatically or manually updating a purchasing info record and source list entry for the item. A requisition and purchase order for the new item may then be sent to a vendor. Optimized prices may be negotiated from the vendor based on documented records of the total items purchased from various respective manufacturers and vendors. Updates or discounts then applicable to the given purchase order are returned and updated in the high volume system such that those discounts and pricing updates are available for subsequent requests and purchases via the high volume program.

Abstract: Drug-delivery stents capable of providing release of two or more drugs such as everolimus and estradiol are provided. The stents can be used for treating a disease such as restenosis and vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana Rps2 polypeptide; substantially pure Rps2 polypeptide; and methods of using such DNA to express the Rps2 polypeptide in plant cells and whole plants to provide, in transgenic plants, disease resistance to pathogens. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the RPS family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional RPS disease-resistance genes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a plant disease-resistance gene that includes the steps of (a) providing a plant tissue sample, (b)introducing by biolistic transformation into the plant tissue sample a candidate plant disease-resistance gene; (c) expressing the candidate plant disease-resistance gene within the plant tissue sample; and (d) determining whether the plant tissue sample exhibits a disease-resistance response, whereby a response identifies a plant disease-resistance gene.

Abstract: A housing for dispensing material, particularly granular material, has a ramp shaped bottom surface inclined towards a front discharge chute. The chute is retained in a compartment which is integrally formed together with the housing. The housing is formed from two substantially identical half sections which are removably joined together, each of the housing half sections including a half section for the retaining compartment for the chute. In its assembled position, the chute has a plate-like gate element, pivotable between closed and opened positions, through actuation of an armature mechanically linked to the gate. The housing sections can be formed from known injection molding processes.

Abstract: A housing for dispensing material, particularly granular material, has a ramp shaped bottom surface inclined towards a front discharge chute. The chute is retained in a compartment which is integrally formed together with the housing. The housing is formed from two substantially identical half sections which are removably joined together, each of the housing half sections including a half section for the retaining compartment for the chute. In its assembled position, the chute has a plate-like gate element, pivotable between closed and opened positions, through actuation of an armature mechanically linked to the gate. The housing sections can be formed from known injection molding processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana Rps2 polypeptide; substantially pure Rps2 polypeptide; and methods of using such DNA to express the Rps2 polypeptide in plant cells and whole plants to provide, in transgenic plants, disease resistance to pathogens. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the RPS family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional RPS disease-resistance genes.

Abstract: A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product includes a rack unit having a plurality of support structures capable of extending out from the rack unit, a plurality of dispensing units each containing a product for dispensing and arranged on the support structures and including restraining means to restrain all but a first support structure of the plurality of support structures when a first support structure is extended from the rack unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana Rps2 polypeptide; substantially pure Rps2 polypeptide; and methods of using such DNA to express the Rps2 polypeptide in plant cells and whole plants to provide, in transgenic plants, disease resistance to pathogens. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the RPS family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional RPS disease-resistance genes.

Abstract: A locking system for supporting legs removably mounted to a tray, table or other structure to be supported includes cooperating engagement elements for removably connecting a supporting element, such as a pole or leg, to a clamp. The connected pole and clamp are removably retained, as a unit, in a retaining element extending from the structure to be supported. A stop element is provided on the clamp, the retaining element, or both, so that the clamp and the pole are retained as a single unit in a desired position within the retaining element when the locking system is assembled. The system may be readily assembled and disassembled into its individual components without employing any special tools.

Abstract: A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product stored in bulk includes a storage portion for storing loose product and a removable dispensing barrel located within the bottom of the storage portion. The dispensing barrel includes an inlet positioned adjacent a first end of the barrel and an outlet positioned adjacent a second end of the barrel opposite the first end. The first end of the barrel is removably fastened to the storage portion. The apparatus also includes an auger located within the dispensing barrel having a major diameter and a first end removably fastened to the first end of the dispensing barrel, and a brush member positioned adjacent the auger for brushing excess product away from the major diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana Rps2 polypeptide; substantially pure Rps2 polypeptide; and methods of using such DNA to express the Rps2 polypeptide in plant cells and whole plants to provide, in transgenic plants, disease resistance to pathogens. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the RPS family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional RPS disease-resistance genes.

Abstract: A display shelf is slidably coupled to a gondola by support members so that the tray may be moved between a display position and a stocking position.