Abstract: Many proteins, when produced recombinantly, suffer from improper processing, folding and lack normal solubility. Modified proteins, including those indicative of disease states, also can have such defects. The present invention is directed to methods of identifying proper and improper protein folding, aberrant processing and/or insolubility. The method relies on the use of two components: a specialized fusion protein and structural complementation. The fusion protein contains sequences from the protein of interest and one portion of a marker protein that, by itself, is not active. A host cell then provides the remainder of the marker protein that serves to “complement” the function of the fused marker protein such that their association restores activity, permitting detection.

Abstract: A method of detecting cellular damage within a subject comprises transmitting low frequency ultrasound (20 MHz or below) into a selected site within the subject wherein the selected site has been exposed to a stress capable of causing cellular death at the selected site. At least a portion of ultrasound backscattered from the ultrasound transmitted into the selected site is received. The received backscattered ultrasound is compared to a control backscatter measurement. An increase or a decrease in intensity or spectral slope of the received backscattered ultrasound when compared to the control backscatter measurement indicates cellular death or damage at the selected site within the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating asthma by raising the pH of the airways of an individual. The effect can be mediated directly by administering a pharmaceutically acceptable basic solution or alternatively, the effect can be mediated by enhancing the activity of glutaminase.

Abstract: A colonoscopic device stabilizer for stabilizing a colonoscopic device when inserted in an anus of a patient. The stabilizer includes a body adapted for receipt within the anus of a patient. The body has an opening sized and shaped for receiving the colonoscopic device when the device is inserted in the anus of the patient. The stabilizer also includes a clamp attached to the body selectively moveable between a locked position in which the clamp resists movement of the colonoscopic device relative to the body and an unlocked position in which the clamp permits movement of the colonoscopic device relative to the body.

Abstract: An endoscopic device stabilizer for stabilizing an endoscopic device when inserted in a mouth of a patient. The stabilizer includes a body adapted for receipt within the mouth of a patient. The body has an opening sized and shaped for receiving the endoscopic device when the device is inserted in the mouth of the patient. The stabilizer also includes a clamp attached to the body selectively moveable between a locked position in which the clamp resists movement of the endoscopic device relative to the body and an unlocked position in which the clamp permits movement of the endoscopic device relative to the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating asthma by raising the pH of the airways of an individual. The effect can be mediated directly by administering a pharmaceutically acceptable basic solution or alternatively, the effect can be mediated by enhancing the activity of glutaminase.

Abstract: Forceps for grasping tissue during a medical procedure. The forceps include a body, a jaw pivotally mounted on the body for movement between a grasping position and a releasing position, and a lever operatively connected to the jaw to drive the jaw from the grasping position to the releasing position. The forceps include a digit engagement member rotatably mounted on the lever. The digit engagement member has an engagement surface configured to engage a digit of an operator's hand during use.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a lateral channel from an existing oil or gas well includes a well perforating tool for perforating a well casing at a preselected depth, and a lateral alignment tool for directing a flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation in the casing to complete the lateral channel. The disclosed apparatus also is effective to provide an expanded groove within the earth strata beyond the well casing. The apparatus eliminates the need to maintain the precise alignment of a downhole “shoe” in order to direct the flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation through the well casing.

Abstract: One possible embodiment for the invention could be an additive delivery device for an irrigation system having at least one vacuum pressure breaker, whereby the additive delivery device can attach to the irrigation system without altering or otherwise changing the preexisting components of the vacuum pressure breaker. The attachment could occur at two pre-existing attachment points of the pressure vacuum breaker which were originally and substantially designed for other uses other than the introduction of additive(s) into the interior of the vacuum pressure breaker. The additive delivery device could comprise a container for holding and mixing additive with water from the irrigation system and a connector device for making container's interior and pressure vacuum breaker's interior substantially continuous.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified expressed ? tryptase polypeptide or fragment or analogue thereof, in particular, the human ? tryptase polypeptide or fragment or analogue thereof. The present invention also provides variants of such polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods of diagnosing disease states based on expression of these polypeptides and methods of screening for compounds that interact, bind and/or modulate the activity of the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbon contaminants from a surface of a specimen is provided. The method comprises the steps of: positioning a specimen within a vacuum chamber; maintaining the vacuum chamber at a suitable pressure; introducing into the vacuum chamber a process gas comprising a hydrogen precursor or a mixture of H2 and O2; and generating a plasma discharge in the vacuum chamber such that the specimen is subject to exposure to hydrogen and oxygen ions and hydrogen, oxygen, and hydroxyl radicals. Additional embodiments are described.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an endoscope handpiece having a working channel opening and having either a retainer, an endoscope-adjunct-device actuation carriage, or an endoscope-adjunct-device actuation cylinder associated with a handle or a cable of an endoscope adjunct device, wherein the cable is insertable into the working channel opening. Examples of endoscope adjunct devices include, without limitation, a grasper, biopsy forceps, and a snare. An endoscope component includes either an endoscope-handpiece retainer, an endoscope-adjunct-device actuation carriage, or an endoscope-adjunct-device actuation cylinder which is attachable to an endoscope handpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The formula I compounds inhibit the tyrosine kinase activity of growth factor receptors such as VEGFR-2, FGFR-1, PDGFR, HER-1, HER-2, thereby making them useful as anti-cancer agents. The formula I compounds are also useful for the treatment of other diseases associated with signal transduction pathways operating through growth factor receptors.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The formula I compounds inhibit the tyrosine kinase activity of growth factor receptors such as VEGFR-2, FGFR-1, PDGFR, HER-1, HER-2, thereby making them useful as anti-cancer agents. The formula I compounds are also useful for the treatment of other diseases associated with signal transduction pathways operating through growth factor receptors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a lateral channel from an existing oil or gas well includes a well perforating tool for perforating a well casing at a preselected depth, and a lateral alignment tool for directing a flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation in the casing to complete the lateral channel. The disclosed apparatus eliminates the need to maintain the precise alignment of a downhole “shoe” in order to direct the flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation through the well casing.

Abstract: A dual sighting optical sight is provided. The sight provides non-inverted images through a rear window and at least one side window so that a user may view a target from either a rear or a side, respectively, of the weapon to which the sight is mounted. The sight is adjustable to a plurality of different positions so that the user can use the sight and weapon from other than directly behind the sight weapon.