Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that function in vivo to stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent fashion. These insulin secretagogue peptides are shown to stimulate insulin release in rat islet cells in vitro, and in vivo. The peptides of the present invention provide a new therapy for patients with decreased endogenous insulin secretion, in particular type 2 diabetics. In particular, the invention is a polypeptide selected from a specific group of VIP/PACAP-related polypeptides, or functional equivalents thereof. The invention is also directed to a method of treating a metabolic disease in a mammal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the insulin secretagogue peptides to said mammal. Also disclosed are methods of making the peptides, both recombinant and synthetic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying a membrane dipeptidase (MDP)-binding homing molecule that selectively homes to lung endothelium. The method includes the steps of contacting MDP with one or more molecules; and determining specific binding of a molecule to the MDP, where the presence of specific binding identifies the molecule as a MDP-binding homing molecule that selectively homes to lung endothelium. Such MDP-binding homing molecules can be linked to a moiety and, when administered to a subject as a conjugate, can selectively direct the moiety to lung endothelium in the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying nucleic acids and polypeptides derived from fungi that are useful as antifungal targets for diagnosis and/or treatment of fungal diseases. The invention also provides isolated fungal-specific nucleic acids and polypeptides comprising antifungal targets. Methods for identifying antifungal agents that interact with and/or alter the function the antifungal targets are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ginseng extract, HT1001, comprising a saponin fraction which is about 20-50% by weight of the ginseng extract. The extract is also described in terms of ultraviolet absorbance peak display and total ion count peaks display. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use for the extract for treating brain disorders, depression, and improving memory are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, in particular, to a process for preparing cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone by selectively oxidizing cyclohexane with Fe/Pd catalyst in a flow of hydrogen and oxygen gases in the mixture of acetone and acetic acid.

Abstract: Methods of assaying insects for pesticide resistance and to identify insect species are based on feeding disruption caused by pesticides such as the biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis toxin (Bt). The assay end-point is feeding disruption, measured by the fecal production of insects exposed to a diagnostic dose of pesticide in a test diet. Pesticide resistance can be assessed at the level of an individual insect or at population levels. Apparatus useful in such assays are described.