Abstract: An isolated and purified human protein activator of apoptosis is described. A cDNA sequence which encodes the native kinase of death is disclosed as well as the structural coding region and the amino acid residue sequence. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate the biological and/or pharmacological activity of the activator and hence regulate apoptosis. Biologically-effective antisense molecules, as well as dominant negative mutant versions of the apoptosis activator are described which are suitable for therapeutic use. The invention is also drawn toward the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders related to apoptosis.

Abstract: Human E3 ubiquitin protein ligase is described. A structural region which encodes the polypeptide is disclosed as well as the the amino acid residue sequence of the protein ligase. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate a biological and/or pharmacological activity of the molecule and hence regulate cellular and tissue physiology. The invention is also drawn toward the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders mediated by E3 ubiquitin protein ligases.

Abstract: An isolated and purified human Ste20-like serine/threonine signal transduction kinase is described. A cDNA sequence which encodes the native signal transduction molecule is disclosed as well as the structural coding region and the amino acid residue sequence. Methods are provided which employ the sequences to identify compounds that modulate the biological and/or pharmacological activity of the transduction molecule and hence regulate cell physiology. Biologically-effective antisense molecules, as well as dominant negative mutant versions of the biomolecule are described which are suitable for therapeutic use. The invention is also drawn toward the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pathophysiological disorders mediated by the signal transduction molecule.

Abstract: A novel human E3 ubiquitin protein ligase is provided as well as a nucleic acid structural region which encodes the polypeptide and the amino acid residue sequence of the human biomolecule. Methods are provided to identify compounds that modulate the biological activity of the molecule and hence regulate cellular and tissue physiology.

Abstract: A precision sighting device is provided for viewing dark recesses as well as obstructed areas in general which are difficult to see with the naked eye comprising a longitudinally extendable/retractable rigid rodlike member, a focusable light source mounted at one end of the rodlike member, longitudinally parallel and adjacent to the rodlike member by at least one holding bracket such that light may be emitted from the focusable light source and directed lengthwise and parallel to the rodlike member toward an opposite end of the rodlike member, a tandem ball joint at said opposite end of the rodlike member formed in part by a first ball integral to said opposite end of the rodlike member, and a mirror pivotally connected by a flange extending from a peripheral portion of the mirror, to a second ball of said tandem ball joint--such that light emitted from the focusable light source may form a focal point or area on the center of the mirror at an exponential number of positions of the mirror with respect to a fo