Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds which modulate the activity of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are provided. Invention methods employ DNAs encoding alpha and beta subunits of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and the polypeptides encoded thereby. Test cells useful for conducting invention assays include mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA. Various combinations of subunits (i.e., one or more &agr;2, &agr;3, &agr;4, &agr;5, &agr;6 and &agr;7 subunits in combination with &bgr;2, &bgr;3 and/or &bgr;4 subunits) can be employed for the invention assays.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes and the proteins encoded thereby. In a particular embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode mGluR1, mGluR2, mGluR3 and mGluR5 subtypes of human metabotropic glutamate receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, these nucleic acids are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits. In addition to disclosing novel metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, the present invention also comprises methods for using such receptor subtypes to identify and characterize compounds which affect the function of such receptors, e.g., agonists, antagonists, and modulators of glutamate receptor function.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human NMDA receptor protein subunits and the proteins encoded thereby. The NMDA receptor subunits of the invention comprise components of NMDA receptors that have cation-selective channels and bind glutamate and NMDA. In one aspect of the invention, the nucleic acids encode NMDAR1 and NMDAR2 subunits of human NMDA receptors. In a preferred embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode NMDAR1, NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B, NMDAR2C and NMDAR2D subunits of human NMDA receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of NMDA receptor subunit proteins, these nucleic acids are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits.

Abstract: Automated measurement apparatus and methods for automated drug screening procedures are provided. The apparatus is capable of initiating and measuring rapid or transient events, such as cell receptor and/or ion channel activity. In particular, the apparatus is capable of aligning with predetermined positions, one or more samples contained in a multi-well container, initiating the reaction with reagent addition and measuring a resultant attribute for a period of time. The apparatus can substantially continuously measure and record data corresponding to the measured attribute before, during and after initiation of the reaction so that a time course of the rapid or transient event may be determined. After the reaction(s) are complete in one or more wells of the multi-well container, the apparatus can align one or more different wells to be assayed with the predetermined position and repeat the cycle until a predetermined number of wells are assayed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype mGluR6, and the proteins encoded thereby. In addition to being useful for the production of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype mGluR6, nucleic acids of the invention are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits. In addition to disclosing a novel metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype, mGluR6, the present invention also comprises methods for using the invention receptor subtype to identify and characterize compounds which affect the function of such receptor subtype, e.g., agonists, antagonists, and modulators of glutamate receptor function.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human NMDA receptor protein subunits and the proteins encoded thereby. The NMDA receptor subunits of the invention comprise components of NMDA receptors that have cation-selective channels and bind glutamate and NMDA. In one aspect of the invention, the nucleic acids encode NMDAR1 and NMDAR2 subunits of human NMDA receptors. In a preferred embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode NMDAR1, NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B, NMDAR2C and NMDAR2D subunits of human NMDA receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of NMDA receptor subunit proteins, these nucleic acids are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits.

Abstract: DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing the DNA, methods for producing &agr; and &bgr; subunits and isolated or substantially pure &agr;4, &agr;7 and &bgr;4 subunits are provided. In addition, cells that expresses these subunits singly or combination with other subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and methods using the cells are provided.

Abstract: A platelet .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 based ceramic composite consists of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder, promoters and controllers. The composite is prepared by mixing aluminum oxide powder with promoters and controllers. The mixture is shaped and sintered to form an object. In one embodiment of the invention, the promoters are either salts or oxides of alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals. The salts are oxidized during sintering.

Abstract: A candle including a shaped mass of suitable material, such as for example wax or other petroleum by-products solid at room temperature and the like, which provides a source of combustible fuel during burning thereof is disclosed. The shaped mass includes a central portion disposed at a lower part thereof, and a pair of divergent branch portions joined atop the central portion. In the preferred embodiment, upper portions of the branch portions as well as the central portion are preferably disposed substantially in the vertical direction to permit safe and even burning of the candle, and to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A high Mg content Al-Mg alloy sheet for press-forming, having superior strength and deep drawing formability. The alloy has intermetallic compounds containing Cr dispersed into the metal structure thereof. The mean grain diameter of the metal structure ranges from about 5 to 30 .mu.m. The process for manufacturing the alloy is also disclosed. The composition of the alloy includes Al, Mg, Be, Cr, Ti, B, Cu Fe, Si and associated inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A magnetically anisotropic R-T-B-M powder material which is starting with an R-T-B-M raw alloy material having a c-axis crystal orientation of an R.sub.2 T.sub.14 B-type intermetallic compound phase. In one embodiment, the starting material is compressed sintered in a magnetic field and recompressed in a magnetic field. In a second embodiment, the starting material is hot-pressed and homogenized. A method of manufacturing anisotropic magnets such as bond and full density magnets made from the magnetically anisotropic R-T-B-M powder material is disclosed.

Abstract: A metallic implant base is coated with two bioactive ceramic layers. An inner bioactive ceramic layer is coated on the implant base. An outer bioactive ceramic layer is coated on the inner bioactive ceramic layer. The inner bioactive layer is vitrified at a ratio of not less than 50 volume percent, thereby improving the bonding of the inner bioactive layer to the metallic implant base and preventing migration of the metal ions from the metallic implant base. The outer bioactive ceramic layer is vitrified to a ratio of substantially less than 50 volume percent, thereby providing a desired porosity.

Abstract: To improve high-temperature strength, as well as increased resistance to wear due to sparking, a Ni-based alloy sparking plug electrode material for use in an internal combustion engine is provided. Such a Ni-based alloy sparking plug electrode material contain, by weight, from 3.1 to 4.3 of Al, from 0.5 to 1.5% of Si, from 0.45 to 0.65% of Mn, from 0.002 to 0.01% of C, from 0.005 to 0.05% of at least one of Mg and Ca, and, as necessitated, from to 2% of Cr, with the balance substantially Ni and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: An edge protector for an electrolysis electrode onto which a thick-electrodeposited copper product is deposited for producing an electrolytic copper product, has an outer surface shape in the central portion thereof which reduces the thickness in that portion to improve uniformity of cooling, and thereby reduce stress cracking as a result of the reduced buildup of thermal stresses. The outer surfaces may be inclined planes or suitable curved shapes that converge from an outer jaw toward an inner jaw. In one embodiment an edge protector is taught such that its top end is angled downward from its center outward at an angle of less than twenty degrees to prevent creation of sharp edges and difficulty in removal. A spreader bar has a shape which enables clamping of the edge protector onto an electrolysis electrode without excessive expansion of the outer jaw, thereby lengthening service life, and easing installation. Both a hollowed and a tapered spreader bar are taught for end insertion.

Abstract: A novel heat-generating composition comprises an electrically conductive powder, and a crystallizable glass frit which is alkaline-earth borate glass essentially containing at least one component of rare-earth metal oxides and Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3. A novel heat-generating composition comprises a molybdenum silicide as an electrically conductive powder, a glass frit, and an additive which is metal oxide powder and/or metal powder. A novel heat-generating composition comprises a combination of a molybdenum silicide and a nickel silicide as electrically conductive powder, a glass frit, and a nickel powder as an additive. The heat-generating composition is sintered in a nitrogen atmosphere or in air, to produce a heater, which has a low electrical-resistance value and a good heat-resistance.

Abstract: A novel crystallizable glass composition for producing a novel low temperature co-fired glass-ceramic substrate having patterns of a low electrical-resistance conductor such as Ag, Ag-Pd, Au, and/or Cu is obtained. Being subjected to a firing process, the novel crystallizable glass can precipitate mullite as main crystalline phase, and at least one subordinate crystalline phase among forsterite, spinel, sapphirine, and similar crystalline phases. And also, the novel crystallizable glass powder composition with a inorganic filler as external additive having a minimum of 1.4 m.sup.2 /g. of mean specific surface area can precipitate both mullite phase and cordierite phase. The mixing weight ratio of the filler to the crystallizable glass powder is from 0.1/99.9 to 20/80. The crystallizable glass composition comprises following oxide components expressed in terms of percent by weight on the oxide basis; 45-58% of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 20-35% of SiO.sub.2, 5-15% of B.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A resistive body of a hybrid integrated circuit has a resistance pattern on a resin film. Bonding pads permit connection of current through the resistance pattern. The resistance pattern may form part of a detecting bridge for overcurrent detection. One embodiment of the invention uses a rectangular resistance pattern with an opening in the center to force current to flow on a perimeter path for minimizing maximum temperature. Another embodiment uses a serpentine resistance pattern. A face-down resistance patter reduces interference. A direct-connection bonding pad reduces the voltage generated in a parasitic capacitance to improve the resistance of the resin film to voltage breakdown.

Abstract: A wear resistant C-BN-based cutting tool superior in toughness includes a specified amount of at least one of a Ti carbide/nitride component, a compound including at least one of Ti and Al, tungsten carbide, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the balance being C-BN and incidental impurities.

Abstract: A glazed AlN substrate includes: a sintered AlN body, a surface oxidized layer formed on the sintered AlN body, an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --SiO.sub.2 layer formed on top of the intermediate surface oxidized layer, and a glass layer formed on top of the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --SiO.sub.2 layer. In one embodiment, an additional SiO.sub.2 layer is interposed between the glass layer and the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --SiO.sub.2 layer. A method of producing the AlN substrate is also disclosed that permits firing of the glass layer at high temperatures.

Abstract: A TiCN-based cermet cutting insert superior in toughness with improved wear resistance includes a binding phase and at least two of four hard dispersion phases. One of the two hard dispersion phases includes at least one of a duplex or triplex phase structure with a core of a composite carbonitride solid solution and a single-phase structure of a composite carbonitride solid solution. The other hard dispersion phase includes one of a hard dispersion phase of titanium carbonitride and a hard dispersion phase which includes a single-phase structure of titanium carbonitride.