Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel receptor proteins characterized by having the following domains, reading from the N-terminal end of said protein: an extracellular, ligand-binding domain, a hydrophobic, trans-membrane domain, and an intracellular, receptor domain having serine kinase-like activity. The invention receptors optionally further comprise a second hydrophobic domain at the amino terminus thereof. The invention receptor proteins are further characterized by having sufficient binding affinity for at least one member of the activin/TGF-&bgr; superfamily of polypeptide growth factors such that concentrations of ≦10 nM of said polypeptide growth factor occupy ≧50% of the binding sites of said receptor protein. A presently preferred member of the invention superfamily of receptors binds specifically to activins, in preference to inhibins, transforming growth factor-&bgr;, and other non-activin-like proteins.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided a class of compounds which are capable of selectively modulating processes mediated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-&ggr;). The identification of such compounds makes possible the selective intervention in PPAR-&ggr; mediated pathways, without exerting inadvertent effects on pathways mediated by other PPAR isoforms.

Abstract: A novel nuclear receptor, termed the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), a broad-specificity sensing receptor that is a novel branch of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been discovered. SXR forms a heterodimer with RXR that can bind to and induce transcription from response elements present in steroid-inducible cytochrome P450 genes in response to hundreds of natural and synthetic compounds with biological activity, including therapeutic steroids as well as dietary steroids and lipids. Instead of hundreds of receptors, one for each inducing compound, the invention SXR receptors monitor aggregate levels of inducers to trigger production of metabolizing enzymes in a coordinated metabolic pathway. Agonists and antagonists of SXR are administered to subjects to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals dependent upon modulating metabolism of one or more endogenous steroids or xenobiotics to establish homeostasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially pure DNA's comprised of sequences which encode proteins having the hormone-binding and/or transcription-activating characteristics of a glucocorticoid receptor, a mineralocorticoid receptor, or a thyroid hormone receptor. The invention also provides various plasmids containing receptor sequences which exemplify the DNA's of the invention. The invention further provides receptor proteins, including modified functional forms thereof, expressed from the DNA's (or mRNA's) of the invention. In addition to novel receptor DNA, RNA and protein compositions, the present invention involves a bioassay for determining the functionality of a receptor protein. By using our bioassay system we have discovered that a necessary and sufficient condition for activation of transcription of a gene (G), whose transcription is activated by hormones complexed with receptors, is the presence of the hormone and its receptor in the cell (C) where (G) is located.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of repairing damaged or diseased, specialized or differentiated tissue in mature animals, particularly neuronal tissue such as retinas. In particular, the invention relates to transplantation of adult, hippocampus-derived progenitor cells into a selected neural tissue site of a recipient. These cells can functionally integrate into mature and immature neural tissue. The invention encompasses, in one aspect, repopulating a retina of a dystrophic animal with neurons, by injecting clonally derived, adult central nervous system derived stem cells (ACSC) derived from a healthy donor animal into an eye of the dystrophic recipient. Herein disclosed is the first successful and stable integration of clonally derived ACSC into same-species but different strain recipients (e. g., Fischer rat-derived adult hippocampal derived progenitor cells (AHPCs) into dystrophic RCS rats). Surprisingly, AHPCs were also found to integrate successfully into a xenogeneic recipient (e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an example of a novel class of nuclear receptor(s), termed the steroid X receptor (SXR). SXR is expressed almost exclusively in the liver, the primary site of xenobiotic and steroid catabolism. Unlike classical steroid receptors, SXR heterodimerizes with RXR and binds to directly repeated sequences related to the half-site, AGTTCA. SXR can activate transcription through response elements found in some steroid inducible P450 genes in response to a wide variety of natural and synthetic steroid hormones, including antagonists such as PCN—ideal properties for a “steroid sensing receptor” which mediates the physiological effect(s) of hormones. SXR represents the first new class of steroid receptors described since the identification of the mineralocorticoid receptor ten years ago.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent, wherein the agent is associated with a polymeric biocompatible material.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful election of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof. When cured, thermosets comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof have thermally and/or chemically labile gem-diester groups interspersed throughout the crosslinked network. Thus, thermosets based on invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof can be easily reworked thermally or chemically by treatment with dilute acidic or basic solutions. Further provided by the present invention are adhesive compositions comprising invention gem-diesters and epoxidized derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a medication delivery system for administering an infusion therapy using a medication delivery pump and related fluid container. Medications in a flexible bag of the container are expelled from the bag by the pump into an administration set and delivered to an infusion site. The administration set limits the rate at which a spring compresses the bag. The system provides improved infusion therapy administration which is particularly advantageous for reducing errors, infections and other complications associated with manual infusion techniques.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided various methods for modulating the expression of an exogenous gene in a mammalian subject employing modified ecdysone receptors. Also provided are modified ecdysone receptors, as well as homomeric and heterodimeric receptors containing same, nucleic acids encoding invention modified ecdysone receptors, modified ecdysone response elements, gene transfer vectors, recombinant cells, and transgenic animals containing nucleic acids encoding invention modified ecdysone receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrical connector devices with integrated electronic components, including magnetic devices. The electronic components integrated into the connector are electrically connected to one another and the connector pins by an electrically conductive circuit formed directly on the connector housing. Formation of the electrically conductive circuit directly on the connector housing substantially reduces the number of assembly steps required to manufacture the connector.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided conjugates of dithiocarbamates “DC”) and pharmacologically active agents (e.g., NSAIDs). Invention conjugates provide a new class of pharmacologically active agents (e.g., anti-inflammatory agents) which cause a much lower incidence of side-effects due to the protective effects imparted by modifying the pharmacologically active agents as described herein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel assemblies which are useful for a variety of applications. Invention assemblies have low dielectric constant, making them suitable for use in a variety of electronic applications. In addition, invention assemblies are resistant to attack by acidic aqueous media, basic aqueous media and/or organic media, making it possible to subject such assemblies to a variety of processing conditions, such as, for example, chemical etching to introduce circuitry thereto.

Abstract: A mixture of monounsaturated alcohols with 14 to 24 linear carbons in the linear chain is represented by jojoba alcohol, which remains an oily liquid at moderate ambient temperature. Jojoba alcohol is prepared by chemical hydrogenolysis of jojoba oil using a metal hydride reducing agent. A similar mixture of long chain monounsaturated alcohols can be prepared by hydrogenolysis of sperm whale oil. Mixtures of long chain monounsaturated alcohols penetrate epidermal layers of the skin to the vascular cells underneath where herpes viral infection, pain and other disorders occur.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions comprising 1-(&bgr;-D-ribofuranosyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole compounds and either endogenous or exogenous neurotrophic factors. Methods of using such compounds and compositions are also provided. In one aspect, the invention provides methods of using invention compositions and compounds to enhance neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival and neuronal proliferation in mammalian cells. In a preferred embodiment, a 1-(&bgr;-D-ribofuranosyl)1H-1,2,4-triazole compound is infused directly to a desired situs. In a more preferred embodiment the 1-(&bgr;-D-ribofuranosyl)-1,2,4-triazole compound is administered orally. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of treating a neurological disease in a mammal subject. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods of treating neuronal trauma in a mammal subject.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods have been developed for the reduction of the chloride content of epoxy compound starting materials. Invention methods comprise fractionating an epoxy compound starting material into portions (e.g., fractions or cuts) having different chloride content relative to the epoxy compound starting material. Certain of these collected portions (i.e., the portions fractionated and collected after collection of the forecut and before discontinuation of the fractionation) contain substantially reduced chloride levels relative to the epoxy compound starting material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new selective method for inducibly and genetically ablating specific cell lineages in transgenic cell populations, e.g., in transgenic animals. The new method, which permits the production of stable transgenic perigees, and thus can be used at various stages of development of a transgenic cell population, allows both the timing and the degree of cellular ablation to be controlled. As a result the method can be used for a variety of therapeutic applications, as well as to study cell lineages and organogenesis, plus the capacity that residual stem cells have for regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification, isolation, sequencing and characterization of a new member of the histone deacetylase family, as well as its transcripts, gene products, associated sequence information, and related genes. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting and diagnosing carriers of normal and mutant alleles of these genes, methods for detecting and diagnosing diseases, methods of identifying genes and proteins related to or interacting with such genes and proteins, methods of screening for potential therapeutics for diseases, methods of treatment for diseases, and to cell lines and animal models useful in screening for and evaluating potentially useful therapies for diseases. In a particular aspect of the present invention, a novel family member, HDAC7, is described and its interaction with SMRT/N-CoR and mSin3A, its biochemical properties and subcellular localization are characterized.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a medication delivery pump that is configured to administer an infusion therapy using a medication delivery container. Medications in a flexible bag are expelled from the bag and delivered to an infusion site. A fluid delivery pump of the invention may have a constant force spring and a mechanical timer. The constant force spring is configured to compress a flexible fluid container. The mechanical timer assembly is coupled to the constant force spring and limits the maximum rate at which the spring compresses the fluid container. The pump may include first and second doors for charging the spring. Opening the first pump door partially charges the constant force spring and opening the second pump door fully charges the constant force spring. The pump provides improved administration of infusion therapy which is particularly advantageous for reducing errors, infections and other complications associated with manual infusion techniques.