Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mass spectrometer having an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) source that comprises a discharge lamp coupled to a nebulizer, wherein the nebulizer is at, or near, atmospheric pressure. The discharge lamp curves around the vapor path and this coaxial design offers significant advantages over the prior art such as increased photon flux resulting in increased photoionization efficiency. One of the significant benefits of an increase in photon flux is that absorption of the UV radiation by solvents such as acetonitrile is minimized. The APPI source described herein also facilitates a larger photoionization interaction zone with effluent from the nebulizer, which may be heated. Additionally, no dopant is required in this coaxial APPI system.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing the loading capacity of a chromatography column through dilution of a mobile phase at the head of the column. A strong mobile phase is provided for dissolving a sample. A sample is injected into the strong mobile phase, and subsequently diluted with a weak mobile phase. The resulting sample-containing weak mobile phase is passed through a chromatography column for retention and separation of the components of the sample.

Abstract: A storage-stable aerated gel composition comprising 30 to 97% by weight of water, 0.2 to 5% by weight of a gelling agent selected from xanthan gum, sodium alginate and neutralized carboxyvinyl polymer and 2 to 5% by weight of a fine particulate hydrophobic silicone-treated silica having a surface area of from 80 to 300 m2/g. The composition is in the form of fine particles of an aqueous gel containing the water and the gelling agent, the surface of which particles are coated with a coating of the finely divided particulate hydrophobic silica. The gel composition is prepared by mixing, under high shear conditions, the water and the fine particulate silica, and then adding to the resulting mixture, the gelling agent and mixing under high shear conditions.

Abstract: Novel material for chromatographic separations, processes for its preparation, and separations devices containing the chromatographic material. In particular, the disclosure describes porous inorganic/organic hybrid particles having a chromatographically-enhancing pore geometry, which desirably may be surface modified, and that offer more efficient chromatographic separations than that known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer in a subject wherein compounds of Formula I as defined herein in combination with paclitaxel, taxotere or modified taxane or taxoid analogs provide enhanced anticancer effects over the effects achieved with the individual compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for assaying the presence and/or risk of endometrial cancer by measurement of levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and/or matrix metalloproteinase-9 in uterine washings. The method may be qualitative or quantitative, and is adaptable to large-scale screening and to clinical trials.

Abstract: An iterative and regenerative method for sequencing DNA is described. This method sequences DNA in discrete intervals starting at one end of a double stranded DNA segment. This method overcomes problems inherent in other sequencing methods, including the need for gel resolution of DNA fragments and the generation of artifacts caused by single-stranded DNA secondary structures. A particular advantage of this invention is that it can create offset collections of DNA segments and sequence the segments in parallel to provide continuous sequence information over long intervals. This method is also suitable for automation and multiplex automation to sequence large sets of segments.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of making compositions of ibuprofen in combination with a narcotic analgesic. Specifically provided is a pharmaceutical tablet composition comprising ibuprofen; a narcotic analgesic; colloidal silicon dioxide; a filler selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and powdered cellulose; a disintegrant selected from the group consisting of croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, and sodium starch glycolate; a binder consisting of an akylhydroxy methylcellulose; a starch; and a lubricant.

Abstract: Phthalocyanine compounds of the formulas I and II: wherein X1-8 are each halogen and R1-8 are each independently halogen or an anti-stacking moiety; and [MxLySz]Cw  (II) wherein M is a metal, L is an anion of a phthalocyanine compound of formula I as defined above, S is an organic or inorganic ligand, C is a counterion, x and y are numbers greater than zero, and z and w are numbers zero or greater, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds, for example for treatment of cancer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel cyclic ether vitamin D3 compounds having a cyclic ether side chain are disclosed. These compounds were first identified as metabolites of 3-epi vitamin D3 produced via a tissue-specific metabolic pathway which catalyzes the formation of a cyclic ether structure. Also disclosed are 1&agr;(OH) 3-epi vitamin D3 compounds, which are produced via the epimerization of a 3-&bgr;-hydroxyl group of 1&agr;(OH) vitamin D3 precursor in vivo. The vitamin D3 compounds of the present invention can be used as substitutes for natural and synthetic vitamin D3 compounds.

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent which comprises: one or more thyroid hormone or hormones; from about 40% to about 96% ethanol by volume; a pH adjusting agent so that the measured pH of the composition is from about 9 to about 12; and from about 4% to about 50% water by volume; which has utility in the treatment of disorders associated with an impairment of the thyroid hormone function in animals including human beings. The liquid composition may be delivered by a metered dosage delivery system such as an aerosol or pump-action spray.

Abstract: Compounds of the present invention include cell growth inhibitors which are peptides of Formula I, A-B-D-E-F-(G)r-(K)s-L  (I), and acid salts thereof, wherein A, B, D, E, F, G and K are &agr;-amino acid residues, and s and r are each, independently, 0 or 1. L is a monovalent radical, such as, for example, an amino group, an N-substituted amino group, a &bgr;-hydroxylamino group, a hydrazido group, an alkoxy group, a thioalkoxy group, an aminoxy group, or an oximato group. The present invention also includes a method for treating cancer in a mammal, such as a human, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition.

Abstract: A method of cleaning or protecting surfaces by treatment with compositions comprising N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (OdDHL) blocking compounds and/or N-butyryl-L-homoserine lactone (BHL) analogs, either in combination or separately.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of making compositions of ibuprofen in combination with a narcotic analgesic. Specifically provided is a pharmaceutical tablet composition comprising ibuprofen; a narcotic analgesic; colloidal silicon dioxide; a filler selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and powdered cellulose; a disintegrant selected from the group consisting of croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, and sodium starch glycolate; a binder consisting of an akylhydroxy methylcellulose; a starch; and a lubricant.

Abstract: The invention provides yeast cells which comprise a mutation in an endogenous yeast stp22 gene and which express a heterologous G protein coupled receptor. The instant yeast cells display enhanced sensitivity to ligand induced stimulation of heterologous G protein coupled receptors and, therefore, show improved properties in drug screening assays.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of making compositions of ibuprofen in combination with a narcotic analgesic. Specifically provided is a pharmaceutical tablet composition comprising ibuprofen; a narcotic analgesic; colloidal silicon dioxide; a filler selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and powdered cellulose; a disintegrant selected from the group consisting of croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, and sodium starch glycolate; a binder consisting of an akylhydroxy methylcellulose; a starch; and a lubricant.

Abstract: Autoinducer compounds which enhance gene expression in a wide variety of microorganisms, therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods wherein gene expression within microorganisms is regulated are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention presents a method of improving enzymatic degradation of lignocellulose, as in the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic material, through the use of ultrasonic treatment. The invention shows that ultrasonic treatment reduces cellulase requirements by ⅓ to ½. With the cost of enzymes being a major problem in the cost-effective production of ethanol from lignocellulosic material, this invention presents a significant improvement over presently available methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated MEKK proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, and antibodies raised against such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to use such proteins to regulate signal transduction in a cell. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins or nucleic acid molecules that encode such proteins and their use to treat animals having medical disorders including cancer, inflammation, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, and hormone-related diseases. When MEKK is expressed, it phosphorylates and activates MKKs 1-4 (also referred to as MEK-1, MEK-2 and JNKK1 and JNKK2).

Abstract: The present invention encompasses tools and a tool-holding retractor assembly. The retractor assembly spreads an incision and holds the incision open. At least one extension device, having a tool holder on one end, attaches to the assembly. The holder includes a selectively locking multi-axis adjustable mounting element adapted to grip a tool shaft. The mounting element acts as a universal mounting providing rotational and sliding movement of the tool shaft. The extension device adjusts to position the tool holder peripherally of the surgical field. Once the retractor is placed, the extension device provides full access to regions below the incision. The extension device allows the surgeon to chose the insertion point and insertion angle of the tool shaft.