Abstract: Methods of treating presbyopia or cataract in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods require administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that inhibits the formation of high molecular weight aggregates of human ?-A-crystallin. Compositions containing certain compounds are believed to be also effective in the treatment of transthyretin (TTR)-associated amyloidosis and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Methods of treating presbyopia or cataract in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods require administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that inhibits the formation of high molecular weight aggregates of human ?-A-crystallin. A method of preventing and/or treating transthyretin (TTR)-associated amyloidosis using certain of these compounds is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating presbyopia or cataract in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods require administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that inhibits the formation of high molecular weight aggregates of human ?-A-crystallin. Compositions containing certain compounds are believed to be also effective in the treatment of transthyretin (TTR)-associated amyloidosis and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits for conducting an assay to determine the presence or amount of an analyte in a fluid sample. The device includes a sample application element and a flow path matrix that facilitates fluidic flow by capillary action. The sample application element includes a non-absorbent or absorbent carrier that has a conjugate reagent that is readily solubilized by the liquid sample. In various aspects of the invention, the sample application element and the matrix are associated with a housing that allows for releasable contact between the element and the matrix. In other aspects, the invention includes methods using the device and kits including the device.

Abstract: There is provided a device for partitioning a liquefied sample into discrete volumes. The device includes a bottom member; a top member disposed adjacent the bottom member; and at least one channel member disposed between the top and bottom members. The at least one channel member is at least partially defined by the top and bottom members and has first and second end portions. The first end portion of the at least one channel has an opening to receive liquid and the second end portion of the at least one channel has a reaction compartment and a vent opening. Accordingly, when the liquefied sample is introduced to the first end portion, capillary action assists in causing the liquefied sample to travel from the first end portion to the second end portion and at least a portion of the liquefied sample is caused to remain in the reaction compartment.

Abstract: A device for conducting an assay to determine the presence or amount of an analyte in a fluid sample. The device includes a flow path that facilitates fluidic flow by capillary action. The flow path has a first fluid permeable region, a second fluid permeable region, a barrier that inhibits fluidic flow between the first and second regions, and a fluidic bridge. The bridge includes a fluid permeable material overlapping at least a portion of each of the first region, the barrier and the second region.

Abstract: A parallel, fault-tolerant computer system in which data is transferred between processes in a single CPU by two methods. In a first method, the data is copied each time it is transferred. In a second method, the data is not copied, but is passed through a shared memory, queueing system. The first method is used to ensure fault-tolerance and linear expandability. The second method is used to minimize the time required for inter-process communication. Use of the shared memory queueing system allows for faster communication between processes executing in a same CPU.

Abstract: A parallel, fault-tolerant computer system in which data is transferred between processes in a single CPU by two methods. In a first method, the data is copied each time it is transferred. In a second method, the data is not copied, but is passed through a shared memory, queueing system. The first method is used to ensure fault-tolerance and linear expandability. The second method is used to minimize the time required for inter-process communication. Use of the shared memory queueing system allows for increased vertical and horizontal modularity for processes executing in a same CPU.