Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to regulating pressure and/or fluid flow within a system. In one scenario, a system for regulating pressure includes a controller, a pneumatic pressure regulator with a dome that adjusts pressure within the system, a current-to-pneumatic converter that converts an electrical current signal to a pneumatic pressure signal, and a pressure transducer. The controller receives an outlet pressure signal from the pressure transducer indicating a current level of system pressure, compares the current system pressure level to a desired system pressure level and, upon determining that the current system pressure level is above or below the desired system pressure level, sends an electrical current signal to the current-to-pneumatic converter that converts the electrical current signal to a pneumatic pressure signal that is sent to the dome of the pneumatic pressure regulator to raise or lower system pressure to the desired system pressure level.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of renal cell cancer are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting an amplification product. Amplification is accomplished through the use of a plurality of detection probes. The present invention is also directed to a method for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence by contacting a test sample with an excess of at least three pairs of nucleic acid amplification probes.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for securing an in-ceiling surveillance camera housing assembly to a ceiling. The clamping mechanism advantageously allows easy installation of the camera housing in the ceiling via a camera housing aperture without requiring a large access aperture adjacent the camera housing aperture. The clamping mechanism also allows easy removal of the housing if, for some reason, the housing must be removed because the clamping mechanism is bidirectional and may be stowed within a groove on an outer surface of the housing. Once the clamping mechanism lowers a clamp to secure the housing assembly to the ceiling, a window and trim ring assembly is locked to the housing assembly to discourage removal of the window and trim ring assembly and prevent access to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A surveillance camera gimbal mechanism. The mechanism utilizes a rotationally adjustable disk and support arrangement to afford smoothly adjustable, fastener-free, and stable diagonal adjustment that also provides axial compliance. The diagonal adjustment mechanism is integrated with a pan and tilt gimbal mechanism to allow smooth and stable single-point manual fixation of pan and tilt positions without creating depressions in the mating parts which make readjustment difficult.

Abstract: A modular surveillance camera kit includes a group of camera heads each having a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. A group of system controllers each has a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. A group of communications modules each has a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. Each of the communications modules is couplable to a system interface. A surveillance camera system may be assembled in a selected one of a plurality of possible combinations by selecting one of the group of camera heads, one of the group of system controllers and one of the group of communications modules such that the selected system controller electrically and mechanically interconnects the selected camera head and the selected communications module.

Abstract: A surveillance camera assembly includes a mounting apparatus that is attachable to a mounting surface. A camera head assembly is secured to the mounting apparatus by moving the camera head assembly toward the mounting apparatus in a direction along an axis, and rotating the camera head assembly about the axis. The camera head assembly includes a camera head base for engaging the mounting apparatus. A camera head is coupled to the camera head base. The camera head is rotationally locked to the camera head base when the camera head base engages the mounting apparatus, and is rotatable relative to the camera head base after the camera head assembly has been rotated about the axis.

Abstract: A method for generating an acoustic source in a liquid includes transmitting an optical pulse through the liquid so the optical pulse reaches ILIB through pulse compression and ionizes a liquid volume. The pulse compression is achieved through at least one of a) group velocity dispersion induced longitudinal compression of a frequency chirped optical pulse and b) transverse self focusing via a nonlinear optical Kerr effect. The acoustic source can be generated at a controllable remote location many meters from the optical source. The optical source can be a laser or other suitable optical device.

Abstract: A camera system includes a camera assembly and a base. A mounting assembly rotatably mounts the camera assembly on the base. The camera assembly is rotatable through a range of 360 degrees relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The mounting assembly provides electrical communication between the camera assembly and the base. A first emitter and a first detector wirelessly communicate signals therebetween. One of the first emitter and the first detector is mounted on the camera assembly and the other of the first emitter and the first detector is mounted on the base. A second emitter and a second detector wirelessly communicate signals therebetween. One of the second emitter and the second detector is mounted on the camera assembly and the other of the second emitter and the second detector is mounted on the base.

Abstract: A surveillance camera assembly includes a dome window having a substantially cylindrical section with an inner surface and a first annular end. A substantially hemispherical section has a concave surface and a second annular end. The second annular end is joined to the first annular end of the substantially cylindrical section. The concave surface and the inner surface of the substantially cylindrical section conjointly define a cavity. Both the substantially cylindrical section and the substantially hemispherical section are substantially transparent when viewing outwardly from a position within the cavity. A surveillance camera is received in the cavity of the dome window and swivels relative to the dome window.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively eliminate the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively eliminate the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively eliminate the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and economical method for reducing carryover contamination in an amplification procedure. The method of the present invention enables background caused by contaminant amplification product to be reduced or eliminated through the incorporation of at least one modification into the amplification product. The modified amplification product is readily distinguishable from the target sequence in a test sample. Prior to amplifying the target in a new test sample, the sample may be treated to selectively cleave the contaminant amplification product so that it cannot be amplified in the new sample.

Abstract: A slot-forming foil enhances the performance of sailing yachts without jibs. A two-part foil is provided, including a forward foil section and an aft section pivoted to the forward section and having alternate, toggled working positions. In either working position, the two-part assembly forms a foil of principally convex airfoil contours on the leeward side and principally concave airfoil contours on the windward side. The entire assembly forms a slot in conjunction with the luff of a working sail of the vessel, improving performance and tacking angle.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel synthetic peptides having primary structural homology to a continuous sequence of amino acid residues of human growth hormone in a region spanning positions thirty-two to forty-six ("hGH.sub.32-46 ", or "deletion peptide"). In preferred forms, peptides of the invention comprehend: duplicate portions (i.e., sequence fragments) of hGH.sub.32-46 ; stereochemical analogs and fragment analogs of hGH.sub.32-46 including one or more amino acid residues in D-isomeric configuration; and, "interspecies" analogs and fragment analogs of hGH.sub.32-46 including one or more non-homologous amino acid residues duplicating variant residues present in corresponding positions in corresponding regions of heterologous species growth hormones. Peptides of the invention are administered to mammals contemporaneously with exogenous insulin to generate hypoglycemic effects greater than available through administration of insulin alone. A presently preferred heptapeptide has the sequence, NH.sub.