Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-endogenous, constitutively activated forms of the human 5-HT2A and human 5-HT2C receptors and uses of such receptors to screen candidate compounds. Further disclosed herein are candidate compounds identified by the screening method which act at the 5HT2A receptors. Yet further disclosed is a new class of compounds which act at the 5HT2A receptors.

Abstract: Mutations have been discovered in mammalian G protein-coupled serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors which render the mutated receptors constitutively active. An alignment methodology based on the highly conserved sixth transmembrane domain has been discovered for the monoamine receptors which accurately predicts the amino acid position in the third intracellular loop which, when mutated, produces constitutive activation of the receptor. Constitutive activation of the G protein-coupled serotonin receptors has been shown by the demonstration of an enhanced affinity and potency for serotonin, by increased basal activity of the second messenger system in the absence of agonist, and by reduction of the basal second messenger activity by inverse agonists.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are quinoline derivatives having dual mechanistic properties, referred to in this patent document as “acetylcholine enhancers”, i.e., compounds which evidence acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity, and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist activity. A particularly preferred compound is 2-[2-(1-benzylpiperizin-4-yl) ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-9-methoxy-1H-pyrrolo [3,4-b] quinolin-1-one hemifumarate, referred to herein as Compound A (“Cm.A”).

Abstract: A method of enhancing the survival of neuronal cells in a mammal, the cells being at risk of dying, the method including the step of administering to the mammal one of the following substances: IGF-I; a functional derivative of IGF-I; IGF-II; a functional derivative of IGF-II; IGF-III; or a functional derivative of IGF-III.

Abstract: This application discloses a novel anti-idiotypic antibody, IMelpg2 and equivalents thereof, as well as, antibody fragments, peptides or antisera capable of reacting with at least one of the idiotopes of: (a) murine monoclonal antibody MEM136 and derivatives thereof; (b) a monoclonal antibody secreted by hybridomas from any species having the same immunological specificity as antibody MEM136; or (c) any polyclonal antibodies from any species having the same immunological specificity as antibody MEM136, wherein (a), (b), or (c) is capable of reacting with a specific determinant (epitope) of a MPG antigen are described, together with their preparation and use in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of tumors such as melanoma or other diseased cells that express the MPG epitope recognized by antibody MEM136.

Abstract: B-cell lymphomas express surface immunoglobulin (immunoglobulin) containing unique idiotypic (idiotype) determinants which may be exploited as tumor specific markers. The inventor has produced murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) reactive with the idiotype marker derived from 67 patients with low grade, follicular, small cleaved cell lymphoma. Out of 199 monoclonal antibodies, 47 (24%) were found to react with pooled normal human serum immunoglobulin in concentrations ranging from 0.6 .mu.g/ml to 160 .mu.g/ml. Of these 40 monoclonal antibodies, 90% cross-reacted with idiotype present in normal serum in levels <50 .mu.g/ml. Thirty-two of these anti-idiotypes were directed against a shared idiotope expressed on another patient's lymphoma cells. The frequency of shared idiotope expression defined by each antibody ranged from 0.26% to 3.9% of the B-cell lymphomas tested. A panel of five anti-idiotype antibodies reacted with 80% of AIDS associated lymphomas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a capillary column containing a dynamically cross-linked composition and method of use. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dynamically cross-linked composition comprises: 1.0% polyethylene oxide; 1.0% polyethylene glycol; 1.0% ethylene glycol; 100 mM TRIS-CHES buffer; and 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulphate, where the pH of the composition is between about 8.0 and about 9.0 and the viscosity of the composition is less than about 500 centipoise. The disclosed compositions can be used for the analysis of surfactant:proteinaceous material complexes and the generation of calibration curves over an extensive range of molecular weights, using capillary electrophoretic techniques. The disclosed compositions are particularly suited for capillary electrophoretic systems having UV-based detection.

Abstract: A novel bidentate conjugate has two different chemical moieties, or bidentate members, attached through an adequate spacer moiety. Each bidentate member acts as a small molecule ligand and is capable of specifically binding to a different macromolecular substance. The bidentate members are relatively small molecules, usually less than about 7,000 Daltons in size. The spacer moiety is selected so that both bidentate members can simultaneously bind to their respective specific binding partners. Where the specific binding partners are multivalent, large complexes can be formed. The formation of these complexes can be inhibited by the presence of an unconjugated monovalent bidentate member, such as free analyte from a test sample. The bidentate is of particular use in turbidimetric or nephelometric inhibition immunoassay procedures.

Abstract: A trifunctional conjugate is provided having three chemical moieties, attached through a spacer moiety. At least two of the chemical moieties are relatively small molecules, usually less than about 7,000 Daltons in size. The spacer moiety is selected to impart certain steric properties to the conjugate. In one embodiment, the binding of a macromolecular specific binding partner to one of the chemical mouths sterically inhibits the binding of a different macromolecule to another chemical moiety. In another embodiment, the binding of a first chemical moiety to a macromolecule restricts the subsequent binding of a second chemical moiety to a proximate location on the same macromolecule.

Abstract: A mailing device for etiologic agents and/or biomedical materials is disclosed. The mailing device comprises a front panel joined to a back panel, the back panel being longer than the front panel. Three sides of each panel are sealed together, preferably by an adhesive, most preferably by heat sealing, such that an opening to an internal region is created, said opening defined by the top, unsealed portion of the front panel, and the top unsealed portion of the back panel which exceeds the height of the front panel. The region of the back panel extending above that of the front panel is referred to as a "flap" or "flap region". The flap region includes means for folding the flap along a substantially parallel line to said opening, said line being located above the opening, preferably from between about one-fourth to about one-half of the distance of the flap upwards from said opening and most preferably about one-fourth of the distance of said flap upward from said opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a methodology for analyzing isoenzymes using capillary zone electrophoresis ("CZE") techniques. Briefly, an isoenzyme-containing sample and a substrate capable of being catalyzed by said isoenzyme into a reaction product are introduced into a capillary column comprising a buffer. Most preferably, the buffer contains the substrate prior to introduction of the sample into such substrate-buffer. CZE separation techniques are applied to the column such that the isoenzymes are separated from each other into discrete zones. The separation techniques are terminated such that product is rapidly generated by the catalytic conversion of substrate by the isoenzymes, and accumulated, within each discrete zone, followed by detection of product. Information regarding the relative distribution of the isoenzymes can be derived from the relative distribution of the product.

Abstract: External markers and method for the identification of protein-and-peptide-containing samples utilizing capillary electrophoresis analysis. As disclosed, at least two external markers are added to the sample: one of the markers is a neutral charge species and one of the markers is an ionic species. Dimethylformamide is a preferred neutral charge species and benzoic acid is a preferred ionic species. Identification of constituent species is determined by comparing the migration ratios of the constituent species with migration ratios for each constituent species member.

Abstract: Method and electrolyte buffer useful in the analysis of samples comprising glycoproteins by capillary zone electrophoresis. The buffer comprises at least one agent capable of complexing with sugar moieties of glycoproteins. The buffer preferably further comprises at least one pH modifier. An embodiment of the buffer comprises boric acid as the complexing agent and sodium hydroxide as the pH modifier.

Abstract: An indirect potentiometric method and diluent for the analysis of lithium are disclosed. The diluent includes effective amounts of a pH buffer, at least one lithium salt, and a non-cationic surfactant containing at least one hydrophobic group, at least one hydrophillic group and being substantially free of polyoxyethylene groups. Most preferably, the pH buffer is tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-phosphate, the lithium salt is lithium chloride, and the surfactant is 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7 diol.

Abstract: A specimen slide in accordance with the present invention comprises a front panel including a test material placement side and a portion of a test sheet, the test material placement side including at least one aperture which is configured to accept a test sample through the aperture onto the test sheet, and a back panel including a developing side through which the opposite side of the test sheet is exposed. An indicating means is located on the developing side portion of the test sheet within proximity to, but not directly on, the portion of the test sheet directly opposite to the aperture.

Abstract: A method and specimen slide for obtaining fecal occult blood specimens. The slide includes first and second portions each including front and back panels. The first portion includes one or more apertures formed through its front panel which exposes a reagent-carrying sheet and the back panel of the first portion includes a flap that may be opened for the application of additional reagents to the back of the sheet. The second portion includes an aperture in its front panel and a flap formed in its back panel. A sheet is carried between the front and back panels of the second portion onto which a fecal specimen may be smeared. The sheet includes pre-perforated removable portions that may be easily accessed through the flap. As an alternative embodiment, the back panel of the second portion may include a removable tab to which is fixed the specimen sheet. The tab and specimen sheet may be removed for easy access to the removable portions of the specimen sheet.