Abstract: Binding assays for identifying compounds that induce or modulate the T1R1/T1R3 (umami) receptor-associated taste are provided. These binding assays detect the specific binding of a compound to a T1R1/T1R3 (umami) taste receptor or detect the modulation (inhibition or enhancement) of the binding of another compound, e.g., L-glutamate, L-aspartate or lactisole to a T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptor. Compounds that are identified in these binding assays have potential application as T1R1/T1R3 umami taste modulators and therefore can be used as flavor additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for replacing a portion of an articulating bone surface with a surface region of a partial prosthesis.

Abstract: A versatile work board system having a board and hook assembly mounted to a rail assembly, and the rail assembly is mounted to a wall. A flip chart holder may optionally be hung on the board to add even more versatility to the system. The hook assembly is rotatable, thereby allowing opposite surfaces of the board to be easily and quickly exposed. The exposed surfaces may accept markers or the surfaces may allow tacking of documents, or one surface may be for markers and the other for tacking. The rail assembly includes a bracket designed to be attached to a wall and to mount a rotatable cam. The cam is received by a rail and rotation of the cam causes locking engagement of the rail to the bracket.

Abstract: Binding assays for identifying compounds that modulate human T1R2 polypeptide associated taste are disclosed. These assays detect the specific binding of compounds to a human T1R2 polypeptide or the modulation of the specific binding of a compound that specifically binds to a human T1R2 polypeptide. The binding assays may include the use of detectable labels, e.g., radionuclides, enxymes, fluorophases, and the like. Compounds identified in these binding assays have putative application as T1R2 taste modulators, particularly sweet taste, and potentially are useful additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: A folding and tilting table which is versatile, simply constructed and easy to use. The table includes a table top, an elongated support member, two leg assemblies pivotally mounted to ends of the support member, a set of wheels connected to the leg assemblies and an elongated hinge connected to the support member and to the table top. A first pair of latch assemblies restrain the table top to the support member and a second pair of latch assemblies restrain the leg assemblies. Once released, the table top may rotate from an in-use horizontal position to a vertical position for storage. Also once released, the leg assemblies may move from the use mode to storage mode quickly and easily.

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment of the intravascular extracardiac system comprises a pump with inflow and outflow conduits that are sized and configured to be implantable intravascularly through a non-primary vessel, whereby it may positioned where desired within the patient's vasculature. The system comprises a subcardiac pump that may be driven directly or electromagnetically from within or without the patient. The pump is configured to be operated continuously or in a pulsatile fashion, synchronous with the patient's heart, thereby potentially reducing the afterload of the heart.

Abstract: Binding assays for identifying ligands that modulate human T1R3 polypeptide-associated taste are disclosed. These assays detect the specific binding of compounds to a human T1R3 polypeptide or the modulation of the specific binding of another compound that specifically binds human T1R3 polypeptide. The binding assays may include the use of detectable labels, e.g., radionuclides, enzymes, fluorophores, and the like. Compounds identified in these binding assays have potential application as T1R3 taste modulators and therefore potentially are useful additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: Functional assays that use hT1R2 receptor polypeptides to screen for taste modulatory compounds are provided. In preferred embodiments these assays will use cells that stably or transiently express an hT1R2 polypeptide and which further express a suitable protein, e.g. G&agr;15, G&agr;16 or gustducin. Such functional assays will screen for the effect of compound on T1R2 activity by detecting changes in cell voltage, intracellular ions, phosphorylation, second messenger levels and the like. Compounds identified in such assays are potentially useful as taste modulators. In preferred embodiments, the effect of selected compounds is evaluated further in human taste tests.

Abstract: Methods for expressing a functional heteromeric taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli are provided. These methods comprise the co-expression of T1R2 and T1R3 nucleic acid sequences in a host cell that desirably further expresses a G protein that couples therewith, e.g., G&agr;15, G&agr;16 or gustducin. In preferred embodiments, the host cells will be mammalian cells or Xenopus oocytes. These nucleic acid sequences are expressed constitutively or under inducible conditions. In preferred embodiments the expression methods will use HEK-293 cells that also stably express G&agr;15. These methods give rise to heteromeric receptors and compositions containing that are useful in assays for identifying novel sweeteners and sweetness modulators.

Abstract: Binding assays for identifying components that modulate human T1R1 polypeptide-associated taste are disclosed. These assays detect the specific binding of compounds to a human T1R1 polypeptide or the modulation of the specific binding of another compound that specifically binds human T1R1 polypeptide. The binding assays may include the use of detectable labels, e.g., radionuclides, enxymes, fluorophores, and the like. Compounds identified in these binding assays have potential application as T1R1 taste modulators and can be used as additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Circuit boards (1100, 1500, 1600, 1700) and methods for fabricating circuit boards that include heaters for maintaining temperature sensitive components at an operating temperature are provided. Resistive traces (602, 702,704) are included in the circuit boards proximate temperature sensitive apparatus (1004, 1304, 1602, 1712). Thermally conductive patches (802, 902, 904) are interposed between the resistive traces and the temperature sensitive components. The thermally conductive patches establish zones of relatively uniform temperatures. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the temperature sensitive apparatus comprises a fluid conduit (1004).

Abstract: A versatile workstation system including two tables which are removably connected to each other, the tables for supporting two computer monitors, two keyboards and two CPU units. One of the tables is at a standard height and may be used as a desk or a conference table. The second table is two inches lower. The second table is mounted on casters to allow it to be rolled up to and away from the first table. The second table includes brackets for connecting to the first table when the tables are adjacent one another. The second table also includes a wire management structure and has a computer support bracket for computer CPUs. The second table may be used to support the monitors, the CPUs and the keyboards as well as other equipment when the second table is rolled out of the way. The combination of the two tables provide versatility for an office space and is efficaciously ergonomic.

Abstract: A multi-functional brace for a joint includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows the brace to be set for static stretch of the joint in either flexion or extension, and a range of motion assembly that allows for free movement of the joint through its natural axis over a controlled range of motion when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: A work board assembly having a board and hook assembly mountable to a rail assembly, and the rail assembly is mountable to a wall. A flip chart holder may optionally be hung on the board to add versatility to the board. The hook assembly is rotatable, thereby allowing opposite surfaces of the board to be easily and quickly exposed. The exposed surfaces may accept markers or the surfaces may allow tacking of documents, or one surface may be for markers and the other for tacking. The rail assembly includes a bracket designed to be attached to a wall and to mount a rotatable cam. The cam is received by a rail and rotation of the cam causes locking engagement of the rail to the bracket.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter that maximizes the blood flow into and out of the patient's vasculature while also providing for passive and/or active perfusion of tissue downstream of where the catheter resides in the vasculature. The inventive catheter comprises a proximal end, a first distal and a second distal end. Lumens extending from the proximal end to each of these distal ends provide for blood circulation within one or between two blood vessels. At least one aperture in one of the lumens positioned near the proximal end provides for active perfusion of blood to the patient's vasculature downstream of where the aperture resides in the vasculature when the catheter is inserted into the patient for treatment. The inventive catheter may comprise a third lumen positioned entirely within the patient's vasculature, providing passive perfusion of blood to the patient's vasculature downstream of where the third lumen resides in the vasculature when the catheter is inserted into the patient for treatment.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.