Abstract: Conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) obtained by dotting carboxylated CNTs with metal nanocrystals by chemical functional groups, are described, as well as a method for fabricating a pattern or film of the conductive CNTs which involves repeatedly depositing conductive CNTs on a substrate to achieve high surface density. A biosensor is described, in which bioreceptors that bind to target biomolecules are selectively attached to conductive CNTs or a conductive CNT pattern or film. By use of the conductive biosensor, various target biomaterials that bind or react with the bioreceptors can be precisely measured directly or by electrochemical signals at large amounts in one step. Additionally, the biosensor can be used for an electrical detection method capable of providing precise measurement results even with a small amount of source material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel genus of small peptides, much smaller than human TGF&agr;, was discovered as having TGF&agr; biological activity and therefore are useful as pharmacologic agents for the same indications as full length TGF&agr; polypeptide. There is further disclosed that TGF&agr; and consequently the genus of small peptides disclosed herein, was found to have therapeutic activity to stimulate hematopoiesis in patients undergoing cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy and to act as a cytoprotective agent to protect a patient undergoing cancer cytotoxic therapy from gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as mucositis and otherwise support the barrier function of the GI tract when it is harmed by cytotoxic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials related to immediate early genes. Specifically, the invention provides isolated immediate early gene nucleic acid, cells that contain isolated immediate early gene nucleic acid, substantially pure polypeptides encoded by immediate early gene nucleic acid, and antibodies having specific binding affinity for a polypeptide encoded by immediate early gene nucleic acid. In addition, the invention provides cDNA libraries enriched for immediate early genes cDNAs, isolated nucleic acid derived from such cDNA libraries, and methods for treating conditions related to a deficiency in a neuron's immediate early gene responsiveness to a stimulus.

Abstract: Novel antimicrobial peptides from bovine and murine neutrophils are provided. The peptides, designated bovine granulocyte peptide A (BGP-A) and murine granulocyte peptide A (MGP-A) were purified to homogeneity from peripheral blood granulocytes. The amino acid and nucleotide sequence of BGP-A and MGP-A are also provided. A synthetic version of BGP-A and MGP-A is also provided. The purified BGP-A peptide is shown to have antimicrobial activity indistinguishable from that of natural BGP-A. Synthetic carboxamidated analogs of BGP-A (BGP-A-amide) and MGP-A (MGP-A-amide) are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are TGF-60 mimetics that PEGylated TGF-&agr; polypeptides and PEGylated TGF-60 related polypetides or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for electrochemical detection and localization of genetic point mutations, common DNA lesions and other base-stacking perturbations within oligonucleotide duplexes adsorbed onto electrodes and their use in biosensing technologies are described. An intercalative, redox-active moiety (such as an intercalator or nucleic acid-binding protein) is adhered and/or crosslinked to immobilized DNA duplexes at different separations from an electrode and probed electrochemically in the presence or absence of a non-intercalative, redox-active moiety. Interruptions in DNA-mediated electron-transfer caused by base-stacking perturbations, such as mutations or binding of a protein to its recognition site are reflected in a difference in electrical current, charge and/or potential.

Abstract: A composition comprising of a monomer component comprised of at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate and at least one inhibitor, and a second component comprised of a resultant aggregate structure formed from an alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer, an alkyl esterified fatty acid and an opacificant agent where said composition forms a resultant aggregate structure when said composition contacts an anionic environment. The compositions are useful for filling, occluding, partially filling or partially occluding an unfilled volume or space in a mass in an anionic environment. The composition are also useful for ablating diseased or undesired tissue by cutting off the blood supply to the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides related to human TGF-&agr;, having TGF-&agr; biological activity, which are useful for many of the indications that full-length TGF-&agr; polypeptide is useful. Also provided are methods of use of such peptides, as well as human TGF-&agr; and biologically related polypeptides. For example, methods for treating or preventing cachexia in subjects are provided as well as methods for stimulating hematopoiesis in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. In addition, the use of TGF-&agr; related peptides to related neurodengenerative diseases is also provided. Methods of the invention also provide protection for patients undergoing cytotoxic therapy from side effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis.

Abstract: A composition useful as an embolic agent that selectively creates an embolic blockage in the lumen of a blood vessel, duct, fistula or other like body passageways by combining a monomer component and a second component wherein, said monomer component comprises of a alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer and at least one inhibitor agent; and said second component that functions as an opacificant agent and a polymerization retardant.

Abstract: A composition comprising of a monomer component comprised of at least one alkyl cyanoacrylate and at least one inhibitor, and a second component comprised of a resultant aggregate structure formed from an alkyl cyanoacrylate monomer, an alkyl esterified fatty acid and an opacificant agent where said composition forms a resultant aggregate structure when said composition contacts an anionic environment. The compositions are useful for filling, occluding, partially filling or partially occluding an unfilled volume or space in a mass in an anionic environment. The composition are also useful for ablating diseased or undesired tissue by cutting off the blood supply to the tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for electrochemical detection and localization of genetic point mutations and other base-stacking perturbations within oligonucleotide duplexes adsorbed onto electrodes and their use in biosensing technologies are described. An intercalative, redox-active moiety (such as an intercalator or nucleic acid-binding protein) is adhered and/or crosslinked to immobilized DNA duplexes at different separations from an electrode and probed electrochemically in the presence or absence of a non-intercalative, redox-active moiety. Interruptions in DNA-mediated electron-transfer caused by base-stacking perturbations, such as mutations or binding of a protein to its recognition site are reflected in a difference in electrical current, charge and/or potential.