Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: A channel adapted to be attached to a building structure comprises a pair of lips defining a slot therebetween and a back portion having a rounded cross-sectional profile. Preferably, the back portion has an half-elliptical profile. This channel is adapted to form a channel assembly with a fixing co-operable therewith. In one embodiment, the fixing comprises a dome-shaped head constructed from a circular profile with flats on opposite sides thereof. Preferably, the dome-shaped head is made up of a series of radii that define part of an ellipse. Preferably also or in a another embodiment, the fixing comprises profiles that are stepped inwardly of opposite edges of the head between the flats. These profiles locate and bear against opposite edges of the lips when the head is rotated within the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a modulator of RHBDL4, said method comprising (i) providing a first and second sample of cells; (ii) contacting said first sample of cells with a candidate modulator of RHBDL4; (iii) measuring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation in said first and second samples of cells, wherein a difference between the transactivation measured in said first and second samples of cells identifies said candidate modulator of RHBDL4 as a modulator of RHBDL4. The invention also relates to RHBDL4 protease assays and to uses of RHBDL4 protease and methods of cleavage of RHBDL4 substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins of the conserved Rhomboid family, which are involved in various signalling pathways within cells. Rhomboid proteins are found to possess a novel serine protease activity which cleaves within the transmembrane domain of a polypeptide substrate. Methods and uses of this activity are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lightweight car-mounted snowplow which includes one or more plow blades, a mounting member or mesh belt, and retainers, which may comprise straps, for securing the plow blade or blades to a vehicle or the bumper of a vehicle. The snow plow may include plow blade sections having a leading and a trailing end and having enhanced blade edges located at the bottom of each plow blade section. The plow head may be inverted to change the angle at which snow is deflected. The plow blade may be constructed from a lightweight polymer, such as for example plastic, and may include hollow portions for creating storage space for one or more of the remaining plow components.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: An alignment system for use in connection with a patient handling system and a nuclear medicine gantry is provided. The alignment system includes a nuclear camera alignment fixture mountable to the nuclear detector. The nuclear camera alignment fixture includes a pair of lasers mounted in a known position relative to a center of the nuclear detector and oriented substantially toward the nuclear medicine gantry. The nuclear camera alignment fixture further includes a pair of laser targets provided on the nuclear medicine gantry. Each laser target has a fixed location with respect to an axis of rotation of the nuclear medicine gantry. The nuclear detector is moved relative to the nuclear medicine gantry until a laser beam from each laser hits a respective laser target. The alignment system is also capable of aligning the patient handling system with respect to the axis of rotation of the nuclear medicine gantry.

Abstract: Protozoan Rhomboid Proteins. The invention relates to the identification of protozoan Rhomboid proteins that are involved in the invasive processes of protozoan pathogens, such as P falciparum. Modulation of these Rhomboid proteins may this be useful in treating protozoan pathogen infection. Methods and means relating to the modulation of protozoan Rhomboid proteins are provided herein.

Abstract: An alignment system for use in connection with a patient handling system and a nuclear medicine gantry is provided. The alignment system includes a nuclear camera alignment fixture mountable to the nuclear detector. The nuclear camera alignment fixture includes a pair of lasers mounted in a known position relative to a center of the nuclear detector and oriented substantially toward the nuclear medicine gantry. The nuclear camera alignment fixture further includes a pair of laser targets provided on the nuclear medicine gantry. Each laser target has a fixed location with respect to an axis of rotation of the nuclear medicine gantry. The nuclear detector is moved relative to the nuclear medicine gantry until a laser beam from each laser hits a respective laser target. The alignment system is also capable of aligning the patient handling system with respect to the axis of rotation of the nuclear medicine gantry.

Abstract: Protozoan Rhomboid Proteins This invention relates to the identification of protozoan Rhomboid proteins that are involved in the invasive processes of protozoan pathogens, such as P. falciparum. Modulation of these Rhomboid proteins may thus be useful in treating protozoan pathogen infection. Methods and means relating to the modulation of protozoan Rhomboid proteins is provided herein.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins of the conserved Rhomboid family, which are involved in various signalling pathways within cells. Rhomboid proteins are found to possess a novel serine protease activity which cleaves within the transmembrane domain of a polypeptide substrate. Methods and uses of this activity are provided.