Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, purified mammalian NPFF receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian NPFF receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of isolating mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian NPFF receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of NPFF receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid which comprises a nucleotide segment having a sequence encoding a viral envelope protein comprising a viral surface protein and a corresponding viral transmembrane protein wherein the viral envelope protein contains one or more mutations in amino acid sequence that enhance the stability of the complex formed between the viral surface protein and transmembrane protein. This invention also provides a viral envelope protein comprising a viral surface protein and a corresponding viral transmembrane protein wherein the viral envelope protein contains one or more mutations in amino acid sequence that enhance the stability of the complex formed between the viral surface protein and transmembrane protein. This invention further provides methods of treating HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a method of inhibiting activation of a human &agr;1d adrenergic receptor which comprises contacting the receptor with a compound so as to inhibit activation of the receptor, wherein the compound binds selectively to a human &agr;1d adrenergic receptor. This invention provides for a compound which binds selectively to a human &agr;1d adrenergic receptor. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the above-defined compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention further provides for a method of treating a subject afflicted with a disease which is susceptible to treatment by antagonism of the human &agr;1d adrenergic receptor which comprises administering to the subject an amount of the above defined compounds effective to treat the disease.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of increasing or maintaining the blood supply in the penis of a male subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of vascular endothelial growth factor effective to increase or maintain the blood supply in the subject's penis. This invention provides a method of treating erectile dysfunction in a subject which comprises-administering to the subject an amount of vascular endothelial growth factor effective to increase the blood supply in the subject's penis and thereby treat the subject's erectile dysfunction. This invention provides a method of increasing or maintaining the blood supply in the penis of a subject which comprises introducing a nucleic acid comprising a gene encoding a vascular endothelial growth factor into a suitable cell under conditions such that the nucleic acid expresses vascular endothelial growth factor so as to thereby increase or maintain the blood supply in the subject's penis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the anhydrous and hydrate forms of N-(3-ethynylphenyl)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)-4-quinazolinamine mesylate. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing N-(3-ethynylphenyl)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)-4-quinazolinamine mesylate and to methods of treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering N-(3-ethynylphenyl)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)-4-quinazolinamine mesylate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a BCNG protein or a portion thereof or BCNG-related protein or a portion thereof. The present invention further provides a method for identifying a nucleic acid in a sample which encodes a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. The present invention also provides a method for testing whether a compound affects the expression of a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. In addition, the present invention further provides a method for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a BCNG protein or a BCNG-related protein. Also, the present invention provides a method for identifing a compound capable of modulating BCNG protein or BCNG-related protein activity. Further, the present invention also provides a method of treating a condition in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of the provided compound, effective to treat the condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispersible pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of L-DOPA ethyl ester, a therapeutically effective amount of a decarboxylase inhibitor, a filler, a disintegrant, and a lubricant. The present invention also provides a method of preparing the pharmaceutical composition described herein.

Abstract: A DNA sequence including a gene coding polypeptide having polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-hygroscopic, crystalline salts of levodopa ethyl ester (LDEE), wherein the salt is the octanoate salt, the myristate salt, the succinate salt, the succinate dihydrate salt, the fumarate salt or the fumarate dihydrate salt of levodopa ethyl ester. The subject invention also encompasses compositions comprising a levodopa ethyl ester salt and a carrier and processes for making these compositions. In addition, the subject invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions comprising a levodopa ethyl ester salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as processes for making these pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the treatment of a subject in need of treatment for osteoarthritis comprising administering to said subject an amount of an inhibitor of spermidine biosynthesis sufficient to effect a substantial inhibition of spermidine biosynthesis. This invention also provides the use of an inhibitor of spermidine biosynthesis in the treatment of a subject in need of treatment of osteoarthritis in an amount sufficient to effect a substantial inhibition of spermidine biosynthesis. This invention further provides a method of preparing a therapeutic composition for the treatment of a subject in need of a treatment for osteoarthritis and the invention further provides a method of identifying an inhibitor of spermidine biosynthesis, whereby the inhibitor is a spermidine synthase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and synthetic peptides comprising the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 3. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides and methods of killing dividing cells and treating abnormalities and tumors in a subject using the peptides.

Abstract: A compound having the structure: wherein R1 is H, OH, a photoactivatable moiety, a fluorescent moiety, or a radioactive moiety; wherein R2 is H, OH, a photoactivatable moiety, a fluorescent moiety, or a radioactive moiety; wherein R3 is H or OH; wherein R4 is H, OH, a photoactivatable moiety, a fluorescent moiety, or a radioactive moiety; and wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3, or R4 is a photoactivatable moiety, a fluorescent moiety, or a radioactive moiety. Optically pure enantiomers and salts of the compound are also described. Also, the synthesis of the compound, and uses of the compound, such as in a method for detecting the localization of, or identifying, receptors, enzymes or other targets, whether in a cell or in a subject.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition which comprises an admixture of two compounds, wherein one compound retards attachment of HIV-1 to a CD4+ cell by retarding binding of HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein to CD4 on the surface of the CD4+ cell and the other compound retards gp41 from adopting a conformation capable of mediating fusion of HIV-1 to a CD4+ cell by binding noncovalently to an epitope on a gp41 fusion intermediate, wherein the relative mass ratio of the compounds in the admixture ranges from about 100:1 to about 1:100, the composition being effective to inhibit HIV-1 infection of the CD4+ cell. This invention also provides a method of inhibiting HIV-1 infection of a CD4+ cell which comprises contacting the CD4+ cell with an amount of the above composition effective to inhibit HIV-1 infection of the CD4+ cell so as to thereby inhibit HIV-1 infection of the CD4+ cell.

Abstract: Liposomal encapsulated benzoquinazoline thymidylate synthase inhibitor formulations are provided. The liposomes have improved pharmacokinetics and enhanced efficacy as anti-tumor agents compared to the free drug. The formulations include liposomes comprising at least one phosphatidylcholine, a cholesterol, and a benzoquinazoline thymidylate synthase inhibitor.

Abstract: Compounds of the saframycin-ecteinascidin series with cytotoxic properties having the following general formula, their uses and synthesis, are disclosed: wherein R1 and R4 is H, a C1 to C4 alkyl group, or an acyl group; wherein R2 is an ether, ester, amide, or a phthalimide group; wherein R3 is ═O, OH, an ether group, an acyl group such as OC(O)Me, OC(O)Bn and OC(O)Et, or a sulfide group; wherein R5 is H, halogen, OH, an ether group, an acyl group, or an amide group; wherein R6 is ═O, OH, OCH3, CN, or an acyloxy group; wherein R7, is ═O, OH, halogen, an ether group, or an acyl group; wherein R8 and R9 are independently H, CH3, OCH3, OC2H5, CF3, halogen such as Br and F, or R8 and R9 are joined together as a methylenedioxy group, or other five or six membered ring; wherein R10 and R11 are independently CH3, OCH3, OC2H5, SCH3, or SC2H5; wherein R12 is H, a C1 to C4 alkyl group, or an acyl group; and wherein the chiral center marked * has the R or the S configuration.

Abstract: This invention pertains to compounds which specifically inhibit the adenosine A3 receptor and the use of these compounds to treat a disease associated with A3 adenosine receptor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds.

Abstract: Removable, clip-on meal assistance system for a food holder (2), such as a tray or plate, for foodstuffs is provided. The system includes at least one container (3) of foodstuffs to accompany a main dish and an accessory (4) formed from a gripper (11) and means (12) for receiving the container(s). The gripper is able to be more or less elastically deformed to permit an accessory to be held on the support by gripping it. Accessory for the system and foodstuff container supported by the accessory also may be provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to dihydropyrimidines which are selective antagonists for human &agr;1a receptors. This invention is also related to uses of these compounds for relaxing lower urinary tract tissue, treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and for the treatment of any disease where the antagonism of the &agr;1a receptor may be useful. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the above-defined compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: This invention pertains to compounds which specifically inhibit the adenosine A1 receptor and the use of these compounds to treat a disease associated with A1 adenosine receptors in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the magnetic resonance signal of an intracellular population of predetermined nuclei in a cell-containing sample by: a) applying to the sample a first radio frequency pulse, in a magnetic field, b) after a set time interval (TI), applying to the sample a second radio frequency pulse sufficient to cause a measurable signal, and c) measuring the measurable signal for the sample so produced, which method is utilized in methods of (i) determining the effectiveness of chemotherapy, (ii) detecting and characterizing tumors, and (iii) determining cell death in a cell-containing sample.