Abstract: Methods of treating a host suffering from neuroma pain are provided. In the subject methods, a topical local anesthetic composition is applied to a keratinized skin site of the host proximal to the neuroma responsible for the neuroma pain. Preferably, the topical local anesthetic composition comprises eucalyptol in addition to an effective amount of a local anesthetic. The subject methods find particular use in the treatment of pain associated with Morton's neuroma.

Abstract: Arrays of polymeric targets stably associated with the surface of a rigid solid support are provided. In the subject arrays, the polymeric targets are arranged at least according to size. The polymeric targets of the subject arrays are generally biopolymeric compounds, e.g. nucleic acids and proteins, where ribonucleic acids and proteins are the preferred polymeric targets. The subject arrays find use in a variety of different applications, and are particularly suited for use in high through gene expression analysis applications.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing a double-stranded cDNA corresponding to the 5' end of an mRNA. In the subject methods, an mRNA is first contacted with an oligo dT primer under first strand cDNA synthesis conditions. Next, the resultant hybrid is contacted with a random primer under first strand cDNA synthesis conditions, such that a cDNA complementary to the 5' end of the mRNA is produced. The resultant hybrid molecule is converted to two different double-stranded cDNAs, a first cDNA comprising the oligo dT primer and a second cDNA lacking the oligo dT primer. The two double-stranded cDNAs are then separated from each other. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications, and find particular use in the synthesis of 5' enriched cDNA libraries. Also provided are cDNA libraries produced by the subject methods, as well as kits for performing the subject methods.

Abstract: The method of the invention provides the use of a replacement-type targeting construct to delete large fragments of genomic DNA by gene targeting. The replacement targeting construct, which may contain a selectable marker, is constructed to contain two regions of sequences which are homologous to the 5' and 3' flanking sequences of the targeted locus. After transfection of the targeting construct into the desired cell line, gene targeted-mediated deletions are identified by selection and further characterized. The invention is useful in any situation where one would want to create a large genomic deletion. Examples of suitable loci include MHC Class I and II antigens and immunoglobulin genes, including, for example, variable and constant region of kappa, lambda, or heavy chains.

Abstract: A pressure control valve unit for a hydraulic brake device is provided which considerably reduces noise, vibration, and harshness, and is compact and inexpensive. The pressure control valve unit comprises a switching valve and a normally-open inlet valve sequentially located in the main brake line in a housing cavity between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder(s). During a brake pressure control action, the difference in pressure acting on the master cylinder side and that on the wheel cylinder side causes the switching valve to switch to a constricted channel, thereby noticeably reducing the amount of noise vibration harshness.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions comprising a polysaccharide oncotic agent, a physiologically compatible buffer, a simple hexose sugar, dissolved chloride salts of calcium, sodium and magnesium, and a dissolved organic salt of sodium are disclosed. The solutions are effective substitutes for blood and may be used to preserve the biological integrity of the organs of a mammalian donor organism as shown by superior anatomical integrity of cryopreserved organs and tissues of subjects perfused with the solution. The solutions may be used for maintaining a partially or substantially completely exsanguinated subject at normal temperatures and at temperatures substantially below those normally maintained by a mammal and may be used in conjunction with hypobaric environments to maintain such partially or completed exsanguinated subjects alive without infusing blood back into the subject.

Abstract: Two component, storage stable apatitic cement compositions, as well as methods for their production, are provided. The dry component of subject apatitic cements comprises basic calcium source particles at least partially coated with a partially neutralized acidic calciumim phosphate. The dry component of subject compositions is prepared by combining basic calcium source particles with dissolved acidic phosphate in at least a partially aqueous medium, whereby the basic calcium source particles become partially coated with a partially neutralized acidic calcium phosphate. The reaction is terminated prior to completion of the reaction between the acidic phosphate and the basic calcium source by removing the available water from the reaction mixture. In a first mode, the subject cement may be produced by mechanically mixing an acidic phosphate source with basic calcium source particles in the presence of an aqueous solvent and stopping the reaction between the acid and base prior to completion.

Abstract: Carbonated hydroxyapatite compositions and their preparation are described. The compositions are biologically resorbable and are prepared as flowable masses which can be administered by syringe to set in situ to serve as a support structure, filler, prosthesis or the like.