Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob when an instrument shaft is engaged with the handle. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler and can provide certain motor drive profiles for predetermined positions of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids which encode a wildtype and a mutant human homolog of RAD9. This invention also provides purified and mutant wildtype human homologs of RAD9. This invention also provides methods for determining whether a subject has radiosensitivity; for predicting the effect of radiation therapy or chemotherapy on a subject; for detecting whether a subject has a predisposition to cancer; for treating a subject who is radiosensitive and for preventing or treating cancer in a subject who is radiosensitive.