Abstract: A number of cDNA clones whose products may interact with D1 receptors in vivo were identified. One of the clones, P24, was characterized further. P24 is localized in dendrites and spines of pyramidal cells in PFC. The extent of overlap between P24 expressing and D1 receptor expressing pyramidal cells appeared to be 100%. In contrast, only a limited number D1 receptor antibody labeled neurons in caudate expressed P24. P24 lowers the threshold of D1 receptor response to dopamine (DA) by an order of magnitude. Sequence similarity suggests P24 is a diverged member of the RAMP family. The P24 protein is therefore referred to as a D1 DA RAMP, calcyon. The isolated protein and nucleotide molecule encoding the protein, as well as primers for the nucleotide, are described. The protein and compounds modifying DA binding to the receptor or calcium release which is mediated by the Calcyon, are useful in research studies, drug screening, and therapeutically.

Abstract: Disclosed are an enhancer, insulator, and promoter from the HS5 region in the 5′ boundary area of the locus control region of human &bgr;-like globin genes. These transcription control sequences can be used to control expression of any desired gene of interest and can be used in any vector for this purpose. The control sequences are derived from the area in and around the U3 region of a solitary endogenous retrovirus (ERV) 9 long terminal repeat (LTR). Also disclosed are methods of expressing any gene of interest. For this purpose, the control sequences can be operably linked to the gene of interest (and operably linked to each other). The disclosed enhancers, insulators, and promoters can also be used with any other control sequences. Preferably, the control sequences are used in vectors to obtain expression of a gene of interest in a cell, including cells in animals.

Abstract: It has been determined that a specific metaplastie lineage that contains immunoreactivity for a trefoil polypeptide, spasmolytic peptide, is associated with and gives rise to the vast majority of human adenocarcinomas. The identification of this Spasmolytic Polypeptide Expressing Metaplasia (SPEM) is a major factor for grading of biopsies of the stomach to assess risk for gastric cancer. It also forms the basis of a method for serological screening for those at risk for gastric cancer. In a preferred embodiment, antibodies to spasmolytic peptide (hSP) are used in immunostaining of biopsies of gastric tissue obtained by endoscopy for grading biopsies Those patients having these cells, characterized by a morphology more typical of a type of cell present normally in the intestine and not stomach, Brunner's gland cells, are at risk of developing adenocarinoma.

Abstract: A welding method that enables the joining of at least two dissimilar, metallic alloys to form a weld that is free of cracks is disclosed. The method incorporates a pure (99.00% minimum by weight) nickel fill-wire, integrally assembled into the joint between the two alloyed metals to be joined. The alloys joined by this method are an iron-based, low expansivity, gamma-prime strengthened superalloy (i.e., Incoloy®) and a high carbon, powder metallurgical tool steel high in refractory metal alloying agents (i.e., CPM REX 20). Welding of the joint results in the formation of a nickel rich region within the weld, thus “inoculating” the weld against cracks. The weld joint formed by the method of the present invention can be used in the fabrication of a rotating anode bearing shaft assembly for use in an x-ray generating device.

Abstract: An irradiation chamber adapted to treat a blood stream infection by subjecting the stream to ultraviolet radiation. The chamber is provided with a window transparent to UV rays under which is an array of parallel baffle plates that define a series of interconnected channels forming a labyrinthine passage extending from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber. Each baffle plate includes a transverse protuberance which intercepts the flow of blood in the related channels to produce a Bernoulli distortion acting to agitate the blood stream. And each baffle plate is vertically tapered to induce blood from the lower regions of the stream within the channels to rise to the upper region adjacent the window. As a consequence of these internal displacements within the flow stream and the intermingling of blood regions in the course of its flow through the labyrinthine passage, all portions of the blood stream are adequately exposed to UV rays.

Abstract: A process for producing an urea preparation of reduced particle-size and narrow particle-size distribution by using an air milling process is provided. Also provided is an urea preparation of reduced particle-size, narrow particle-size distribution, and high purity.