Abstract: Disclosed is a testing device and methods for the identification of an analyte of interest in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, the testing device includes a front panel having at least one sample application aperture; a rear panel having at least one solvent application aperture; a sample collection matrix disposed between the rear panel and the front panel, the sample collection matrix being in communication with the sample and solvent application apertures of the front and rear panels; and at least one insertable test strip containing a reagent enabling detection of the analyte of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a substantially pure nucleic acid sequence encoding a mammalian 35 kDa non-dystrophin component (&dgr;-sarcoglycan) of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Also disclosed are the amino acid sequence and an immunogenic peptide of &dgr;-sarcoglycan. The peptide when used to immunize a mammal, stimulates the production of antibodies which bind specifically to the &dgr;-sarcoglycan. Methods to identify mutations in the &dgr;-sarcoglycan gene associated with autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy are also disclosed. The identification of such mutations enables the design of nucleic acid probes which hybridize specifically to a mutant form of &dgr;-sarcoglycan, or the complement thereof, but not to the DNA of the wild-type form of the gene (or the complement thereof), under stringent hybridization conditions. Such probes are useful, for example, in connection with the diagnosis of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transgenic knockout mouse whose genome has a homozygous disruption in its endogenous sarcospan gene, wherein the disruption prevents the synthesis of functional sarcospan in cells of the mouse. The mouse is characterized as exhibiting from 1.4 to 6.8 fold larger epididymal fat pad deposits as compared to the epididymal fat pad deposits of a wild type mouse. Methods for production of the mouse are presented. Also disclosed are cells derived from the transgenic knockout mouse. The mouse can be used in a method for identifying therapeutic agents for the treatment of an individual diagnosed with a metabolic disorder associated with a reduction or loss of expression of wild-type sarcospan. An example of such a disorder is weight gain in the individual associated with a reduction or loss of expression of wild-type sarcospan. These specific methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mouse, cells derived therefrom, and methods for using the mouse, the mouse being homozygous for a disrupted &dgr;-sarcoglycan gene, the disruption in the gene having been introduced into the mouse or an ancestor of the mouse at an embryonic stage. The disruption prevents the synthesis of functional &dgr;-sarcoglycan in cells of the mouse and results in the mouse having a reduced amount of &bgr;- and &egr;-sarcoglycan and sarcospan, and a disruption of the sarcoglycan-sarcospan complex in smooth muscle of the mouse. Also disclosed is a mouse, cells derived therefrom, and methods for using the mouse, the mouse being homozygous for a disrupted &bgr;-sarcoglycan gene, the disruption in the gene having been introduced into the mouse or an ancestor of the mouse at an embryonic stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a target nucleic acid fragment directly from a specimen obtained from a patient by in situ hybridization. The method is comprised of several steps which are performed in the listed order. A sample of the specimen is deposited onto a slide. The sample is fixed onto the slide with fixative, the fixative comprising either methanol-acetic acid at a ratio of from 99:1 to 80:20, or formalin-acetic acid at a ratio of from 99:1 to 80:20. The nucleic acids of the fixed sample are contacted with a probe complex specific for the target nucleic acid fragment, under conditions appropriate for hybridization. Non-hybridized probe complex is rinsed from the sample. The rinsed sample is stained with Evans Blue. The hybridized probe complex is visually detected by microscopy, with the presence of the probe complex being an indication of the presence of the target nucleic acid fragment.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a nucleic acid sequence encoding a recognition component of the N-end rule pathway. This nucleic acid sequence is characterized by the ability to specifically hybridize to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1 under stringent hybridization conditions. Such conditions are defined below. Also disclosed is a nucleic acid sequence encoding a recognition component of the N-end rule pathway which is characterized by the ability to specifically hybridize to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 2 under stringent hybridization conditions. Also disclosed are DNA expression vectors containing nucleic acid sequences of the type described above, as well as cells transformed with such expression vectors. Further disclosed are applications for the compositions described above.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the production of second generation catalytic antibodies. The disclosed methods offer a variety of advantages relative to prior art techniques. For example, the methods of the present invention do not require prior identification of the active site of an enzyme, the activity of which is desired in the catalytic antibody. Additionally, the disclosed methods enable the production of antibodies which catalyze chemical reactions which do not occur in nature.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for aiding in the diagnosis of congenital muscular dystrophy associated with in-frame deletion in the laminin-2 .alpha.2 polypeptide chain in an individual. In a preferred diagnostic method embodiment, an experimental muscle tissue sample is provided from the individual and treated if necessary to render components available for antibody binding. The components of the sample are then separated on the basis of molecular weight. The separated protein components are then transferred to a solid support while maintaining the relative positions established in separation step. The transferred components are then stained with an affinity reagent which is known to bind to a C-terminal domain of the laminin-2 .alpha.2 polypeptide chain. Individual afflicted with congenital muscular dystrophy associated with in-frame deletion in the laminin-2 .alpha.2 polypeptide chain on the basis of positive staining in combination with reduced molecular weight of the laminin-2 .alpha.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and methods for using same. More specifically, disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the UBC9 protease.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for assembling a consortium of specific degraders of a xenobiotic compound of interest. A first population of microorganisms is provided, the first population being isolated from a first source containing the xenobiotic compound of interest. The first population of microorganisms is then incubated under conditions appropriate for growth with media containing the xenobiotic compound of interest as a carbon source. The population of then screened for the ability to initiate degradation of the xenobiotic compound of interest. Accumulating intermediate are identified in the degradation pathway of the xenobiotic compound of interest. A second population of microorganisms is then isolated from a source containing the accumulating intermediate in the xenobiotic degradation pathway, or structural homologs thereof. The second population of microorganisms is then incubated under conditions appropriate for growth with media containing the accumulating intermediate as a carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor-mediated ion channel activity (NMDA receptor activity), comprising contacting a neuronal cell (e.g., hippocampal neuron, spinal cord cell) with an effective amount (e.g., 1 to 500 .mu.M) of a derivative of pregnenolone sulfate. Derivatives of pregnenolone sulfate that inhibit NMDA receptor activity include pregnenolone sulfate derivatives in which the A ring includes at least one double bond; PS in which the A ring is fully unsaturated; PS derivatives in which the double bond at the C5-C6 position is reduced; and PS in which the moiety at the C3, C5, C6, C7, C11, C17, C20 and/or C21 position is modified. It further relates to PS derivatives which have modifications at other positions (e.g., C10, C10, C13, C18, C19), alone or in combination, and are inhibitors of NMDA receptor activity. The present invention also relates to a method of modulating or altering (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inhibiting the binding of an arenavirus to a cellular receptor. The method involves providing, in soluble form, a reagent comprising .alpha.-dystroglycan or a portion thereof, the reagent being characterized by the ability to bind to the arenavirus thereby inhibiting the binding of the arenavirus to the cellular receptor. The reagent is contacted with an arenavirus particle prior to infection of a cell by the arenavirus particle. Also disclosed are methods for treating an arenavirus infection in a patient and preventing an arenavirus infection in an individual at risk. These methods involve providing a therapeutic composition comprising .alpha.-dystroglycan or a portion thereof which is characterized by the ability to bind to arenaviruses, thereby inhibiting the binding of arenaviruses to a cellular receptor; and administering the composition to the patient or individual at risk.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel UVB/UVA-absorbing chromophores that are present in the natural products of a marine hydroid, and derivatives thereof, useful as sunscreening agents. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for protecting skin from the damaging effects of solar ultraviolet radiation. This method comprises topically applying to the skin an effective coating of a sunscreen composition of the present invention. Additional embodiments of the invention use these natural UV-absorbing compounds, or derivative thereof, as additives as a means of providing UV-protective plastics, paints, and waxes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delivering an active protein or peptide to the colon. The steps of the method include providing a multiparticulate dosage core particle comprising 3 components, the total weight of the 3 components in dry form defining a batch size. The multiparticulate core particle is produced by the method comprising: a) providing an aqueous PEG solution, the dry weight of the PEG component representing from about 2.5% to about 15% of the batch size (weight/weight), the water component of the aqueous PEG solution representing approximately 30-60% of the batch size (weight/weight); b) providing a homogenous mixture of the active protein or peptide and microcrystalline cellulose, both in dry form, the active protein or peptide comprising from about 50% to about 95% of the batch size (weight/weight) and the microcrystalline cellulose comprising from about 2.

Abstract: The 5'-flanking region and core regulatory domains that underlie neuronal specific expression of the human .gamma.-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA.sub.A) receptor .beta.1 subunit gene are identified herein. Sequence analysis, mapping of transcriptional initiation sites, and transfection of reporter gene constructs into primary cultures demonstrate that neuronal and region specific activity resides in a TATA-less minimal promoter of 186 bp, comprising an initiator, the major transcriptional start site, a presumptive TFIID binding site, and an enhancer. Enhancer sequence contained within a 26 bp region at the 5'-end of the minimal promoter is essential for activity but not for tissue specificity. Moreover, .beta.1 promoter activity is subject to autologous inhibition, indicating that GABA-induced receptor mRNA downregulation results from an inhibition of gene transcription.

Abstract: Disclosed are substantially pure nucleic acid sequences encoding vertebrate cdc37. The protein encoded by this nucleic acid is characterized by the ability to bind specifically to mammalian proteins selected from the group consisting of cdk4, cyclin D, cdk2, Rb, hsp90, hsp60, hsp70, Raf-1, MEK-1, SAPK, MAPK, ERK1, P13-K and the src family of tyrosine kinases. In addition, the protein is further characterized by the ability to bind glycosaminoglycan. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on the isolation of the nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusion device, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting device for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toothpaste composition comprising ultra low viscosity guar and carrageenan as a combination viscosity builder. In preferred embodiments of the toothpaste composition the combination viscosity builder comprises less than about 10% of the toothpaste composition by weight, and more preferably, about 0.5% to about 5% of the toothpaste composition by weight. The low viscosity guar preferably comprises less than about 50% of the combination viscosity builder by weight, and more preferably, about 20% to about 30% of the combination viscosity builder by weight. Also disclosed is a dry blend comprising about 20-30% low viscosity guar, about 50-60% iota-type carrageenan and about 20-30% lambda-type carrageenan. The specifications which relate to these components of the dry blend are identical to those discussed above in connection with the toothpaste composition. The dry blend, when appropriately hydrated, has a water viscosity of at least about 40 cps.

Abstract: A carton knife for opening a carton includes a body member and a blade supported by the body member. The blade has a cutting surface and a cutting edge disposed thereon, the cutting surface and the cutting edge being adapted for cutting movement through the carton during operative engagement of the knife with the carton. A guide is disposed on the body member and is adapted to engage and slide along an edge of the carton to maintain the knife at a predetermined orientation relative the carton during the operative engagement, in which the cutting surface is disposed at an oblique angle relative the edge of the carton. The oblique angle serves to maintain a leading portion of the cutting edge closer than a trailing portion to the edge of the carton. Advantageously, during cutting, the blade is biased towards the edge of the carton and thus away from product inside the carton. Moreover, the orientation of the blade generates a force vector towards the edge during cutting for improved tactile sensitivity.

Abstract: A container is assembled from several panels generally comprised of one or more layers of relatively rigid stiffening material (such as corrugated cardboard) sandwiched between two layers of a strong, flexible material, such as woven polypropylene. These panels form four side wall assemblies and, in combination with a flexible bottom panel, form a self-supporting, generally cubic material receiving box. An integral closure assembly, including cover flap, front flap and side flaps, advantageously enable the container to conveniently and safely secure relatively large volumes of dense debris without spillage even when the fully laden container is dropped during handling. The container, when empty, may be collapsed for convenient storage.