Abstract: A method for the preparation of a ketone from a narcotic alkaloid having an allyl alcohol moiety is disclosed. The method includes mixing the narcotic alkaloid with an acid in the presence of a catalyst wherein the method is carried out in the substantial absence of hydrogen gas. The method is useful for preparing hydromorphone and hydrocodone compositions having novel impurity profiles. Compositions comprising hydromorphone and hydrocodone are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are formulations suitable for application to mammalian eyes which contain a lipid binding protein and a polar lipid, present as a soluble complex in an aqueous electrolyte. The formulations described have shear-thinning (non-Newtonian viscosity) and surface tension properties to natural tears and are therefore useful as artificial tear substitutes for the treatment of dry eyes (e.g. keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and useful in ophthalmic applications in general.

Abstract: The present invention makes available a rapid, reproducible, robust assay system for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically interact with and modulate the activity of a cellular protein, e.g., a receptor or ion channel. The subject assay enables rapid screening of large numbers of compounds to identify those which act as an agonist or antagonist to the bioactivity of the cellular protein. In this system, the first cell is treated with a compound, and functional interaction of this compound with a cellular receptor yields a secreted signal. A second cell, bearing a receptor for this secreted signal, makes use of an indicator gene in a signaling pathway coupled to this second receptor. The subject assays include methods of identifying compounds which specifically modulate, for example, heterologous receptors coupled to the pheromone response pathway in yeast.

Abstract: The invention deals with the derivatives of benzilidine having basic formula as follows (I): wherein X can be cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, or acetone, while Y and Z can be either electron withdrawing, electron donating or steric group. Y may or may not be the same with Z. Methyl, ethyl, methoxy group or halogen were prefered in the experiment. The benzilidine cyclohexanone, benzilidine cyclopentanone, and benzilidine acetone derivates were found to be novel compounds showing anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities that enable them to be used for drug.

Abstract: A material for chromatographic separations, processes for its preparation, and separation devices containing the chromatographic material. In particular, porous inorganic/organic hybrid materials are provided with a decreased concentration of surface organic groups. These particles may be surface modified and have enhanced stability at low pH.

Abstract: A sensor for pentachlorophenol comprises a sensor electrode carrying a pentachlorophenol hydroxylase, and a counter electrode. An assay method comprises maintaining a potential difference between the electrodes and observing a current associated with enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of the pentachlorophenol.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a ketone from a narcotic alkaloid having an allyl alcohol moiety is disclosed. The method includes mixing the narcotic alkaloid with an acid in the presence of a catalyst wherein the method is carried out in the substantial absence of hydrogen gas. The method is useful for preparing hydromorphone and hydrocodone compositions having novel impurity profiles. Compositions comprising hydromorphone and hydrocodone are also disclosed.

Abstract: Organometallic complexes comprising a divalent lanthanide metal cation complexed with from one to three polydentate ligands which preferably contain one or more pyrazolyl groups, such as trispyrazolylborate anions, are useful in light emitting devices e.g., in electroluminescent flat panel displays. In the complexes, several classes of which are novel, the lanthanide metal is preferably Eu since the Eu complexes have the ability to exhibit bright electroluminescence ranging from yellow to orange to blue.

Abstract: Novel proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transformed yeast cell containing a first heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a mammalian G protein coupled receptor and a second heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a mammalian G protein &agr; subunit (mammalian G&agr;). The first and second heterologous DNA sequences are capable of expression in the cell, but the cell is incapable of expressing an endogenous G protein &agr;-subunit (yeast G&agr;) The cells are useful for screening compounds which affect the rate of dissociation of G&agr; from G&bgr;&ggr; in a cell. Also disclosed is a novel DNA expression vector useful for making cells as described above. The vector contains a first segment comprising at least a fragment of the extreme amino-terminal coding sequence of a yeast G protein coupled receptor. A second segment is positioned downstream from the first segment (and in correct reading frame therewith), with the second segment comprising a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous G protein coupled receptor.