Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for measuring the metabolism of the heart. The invention also provides methods for screening for compounds that can effect the metabolism of the heart under normal and abnormal, such as stressed, e.g., ischemic, conditions. An isolated heart is used in these methods. These screening methods can be used to identify therapeutic drugs.

Abstract: Peptide compositions which inhibit the binding of one protein to another protein, and corresponding methods of use are disclosed. These peptide compositions include at least one peptide which binds to one protein, and at least one peptide which binds to the other protein. In the preferred embodiment, the peptide composition is composed of a combination of cyclic ICAM-1-based and LFA-1-based peptides which inhibit the binding of LFA-1 to ICAM-1. Such LFA-1/ICAM-1-based peptide compositions can be used to treat disease states such as rejection of transplanted organs, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for identifying and producing L-nucleic acids which interact with a target molecule having a natural configuration, as well as the L-nucleic acids produced by this method. Also disclosed is the use of D-nucleic acids which bind to the optical antipode of the target molecule as a matrix for producing L-nucleic acids with an identical sequence, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits which contain the disclosed L-nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful in inhibiting integrin-associated diseases are provided. The compositions contain a polypeptide having one or more D-amino acids that inhibit integrin binding to its associated binding polypeptide. The compositions include retro-inverso polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for displaying results of hybridization experiments using a biochip is provided. In the method, a plurality of control spots spotted in each of a plurality of sections defined on a biochip is measured. The measured data are plotted on a graph for each section, and all of the graphs are simultaneously displayed on a single screen in the same arrangement as that of the sections on the biochip. By simultaneously displaying all of the graphs on a single screen, it is possible to skim the whole biochip to find experimental errors. Also, experimental errors can be quantified with respect to the dispersion of control data on the basis of the linearity of the data points and slope angles defined for each data points on a graph.

Abstract: Method which, after concentration of a feed juice from about 65.degree. Brix to about 80.degree. Brix, involves applying a shear of sufficient magnitude and duration to prevent the formation of a high methoxyl gel in the juice concentrate.

Abstract: Biocompatible and biodegradable poly(phosphoester-urethanes), compositions comprising the poly(phosphoester-urethanes), and methods of use as a drug delivery device and an implant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to extracts of the genus Nerium useful in ameliorating cell-prolferative disease, methods of preparing these extracts, and methods of using these extracts.

Abstract: A DNA fragment isolated from the DNA of T-even bacteriophage which suppresses the degradation of abnormal proteins in bacterial cells is disclosed. The DNA fragment can be isolated by treating the DNA of T-even bacteriophage with a restriction enzyme to cleave the DNA into fragments, at least one of said fragments consisting essentially of a sequence of nucleotide bases which code for protein that functions to suppress degradation of abnormal proteins in bacterial cells, inserting the DNA fragments into cloning vehicles, such as plasmids, to produce hybrid cloning vehicles, transforming bacterial cells by introducing the hybrid cloning vehicles therein, and selecting the transformants which exhibit suppressed protein degradation mechanisms. The DNA fragment can then be isolated from the selected transformants. The stabilizing DNA fragment can be introduced into bacterial host cells to increase the yield of foreign proteins expressed by cloned DNA.

Abstract: A perennial, vegetatively propagated St. Augustinegrass genotype having resistance to the PDP southern chinch bug, resistance to seasonal drought, moderate resistance to gray leaf spot disease, sparse hairs on the adaxial surfaces of the young leaf blades, and bluish colored leaves.