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.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding human MEKK proteins, and isolated MEKK proteins, are provided. The invention further provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and nonhuman transgenic animals carrying a human MEKK transgene. The invention further provides human MEKK fusion proteins and anti-human MEKK antibodies. Methods of using the human MEKK proteins and nucleic acid molecules of the invention are also disclosed, including methods for detecting human MEKK activity in a biological sample, methods of modulating human MEKK activity in a cell, and methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of human MEKK.

Abstract: A therapy for preventing tumor recurrence in patients with Ta, T1, and Tis transitional cell carcinoma. The therapy is an adjuvant intravesical therapy, i.e., it is employed on patients following transurethral resection of the Ta, T1, or Tis carcinoma. The therapy comprises the steps of reducing the volume of urine in the bladder of the patient to a value of about 10 ml or less; and then administering an aqueous solution containing at least 2 mg/ml of MMC to the bladder of the patient for a period of at least about 120 minutes. The volume of solution administered to the bladder of the patient is at least about 20 ml. Preferably, the therapy is administered to the patient weekly multiple times. Preferably, the therapy further comprises the step of reducing the amount of urine produced by the patient during the time MMC is administered to the patient to a value of 1 ml/min or less.

Abstract: Novel proteins are disclosed.

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: The present invention makes available a rapid, effective assay for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically interact with and modulate the activity of a cellular receptor or ion channel. The subject assay enables rapid screening of large numbers of polypeptides in a yeast expression library to identifying those polypeptides which induce or antagonize receptor bioactivity. The subject assay is particularly amenable for identifying surrogate ligands for orphan receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated yeast cells which comprise a mutation in an endogenous yeast CAV1 gene, which exhibit increased signaling via the pheromone response pathway. In a preferred embodiment, the cav1 mutant yeast cells of the invention also express a heterologous G protein coupled receptor that functionally couples to the pheromone response pathway. 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: Apparatus for determining the location of a signal-generating source (e.g., a conferee in a telephone conference) includes at least three sensors (e.g., microphones) arranged in a plurality of sets, each having two or more sensors. A surface-finding element responds to receipt at each sensor set of signals (e.g., speech) from the source for identifying a geometric surface (e.g., the surface of a hyperboloid or cone) representing potential locations of the source as a function of sensor locations and time difference of arrival of the signals. A location-approximating element coupled to two or more of the sets identifies a line that further defines potential source locations at the intersection of the surfaces. A location signal representing those potential locations is generated in accord with parameters of that line. Further functionality generates generating the location signal as a function of closest intersections the plural ones of the aforementioned lines.

Abstract: A nonhuman animal having somatic and germ cells in which at least one allele of an endogenous SLP-76 gene is functionally disrupted is provided. The animal may be heterozygous or, more preferably, homozygous for the SLP-76 gene disruption and is preferably a mouse. In homozygous animals, the percentage of peripheral T cells is substantially decreased compared to wildtype animals, whereas the percentage of B cells and macrophages in the periphery is substantially normal, indicating that SLP-76 disruption causes a profound block in T cell development. The animals of the invention can be used, for example, as controls to evaluate the efficacy of SLP-76 inhibitors and to identify disease conditions that can be treated with SLP-76 inhibitors. A transgenic nonhuman animal having a functionally disrupted endogenous SLP-76 gene but which has been reconstituted with an exogenous SLP-76 transgene (e.g., a human SLP-76 gene or a SLP-76 gene whose expression in targeted to a particular cell population) is also provided.

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: The invention is directed to novel 6-aromatic substituted uracil compounds of formula I therapeutic compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating Herpes simplex virus Type I and Type II recurrent infections and Herpes simplex virus Type I and Type II encephalitis in humans using the compounds and/or therapeutic compositions.

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.