Abstract: Methods of screening candidate drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are provided. Employing tissue slices of mutant mouse hippocampal cells having an extra copy of a mutant form of the presenilin-1 gene, it is found that these cells have enhanced potentiation to tetanic stimuli. By subjecting both wild-type and mutant hippocampal cells to tetanic stimuli in the presence of a candidate drug, reduction of the enhanced potentiation of the mutant cells without significant change in the potentiation of the wild-type cells indicates a successful candidate.

Abstract: Genes for familial hemeplegic migraine (FHM), episodic ataxia type-2 (EA-2), common forms of migraine, and other episodic neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, have been mapped to chromosome 19p13. A brain-specific P/Q type calcium channel subunit gene, covering 300 kb with 47 exons is provided. The exons and their surroundings reveal polymorphic variations and deleterious mutations that are linked to various types of cation channel dysfunctions causing episodic neurological disorders in man or animals.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for identifying novel conformers of proteins not known to exist as different conformers. By using chimeric genes replacing a native signal sequence with a different signal sequence resulting in the production of a conformer, one can compare the native protein with the product of the chimeric gene. Where the conformations are different, the different protein may be used for production of antibodies, elucidation of mechanisms associated with the native and different conformer protein, assays for the presence of the different conformer in physiological samples, identification of compounds specifically binding to the conformer, particularly drugs, etc. Where the formation of the conformer is associated with a diseased state, the conformer may be used in screens to identify compounds as drug candidates.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided comprising ingestibles and a thermochromic composition which is informative as to the temperature history of the ingestible, either prior or contemporaneous with use. Various solid or liquid ingestible compositions are provided for determining storage temperature, temperature of the user, temperature of the ingestible, particularly comestibles, and the like. Of particular interest are polydiacetylene polymers which may be formulated to provide compositions having transition temperature over a broad temperature range.

Abstract: A device is provided for the filter and collection of one or more material. The device incorporates a manifold with an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, with an adjustable control handle on the top of the manifold and a baffle plate in the inside of the manifold. The manifold is sealed to the top opening of a collection chamber. During procedures which require withdrawal of material not to be collected, the control handle and baffle plate are adjusted to a pass-through mode which connects a internal adjustable conduit, which transverses through the baffle plate, with the lumen of the inlet and outlet conduits to form a continuous lumen with which to withdraw material not to be collected through. During procedures which require the withdrawal of material to be collected, the control handle and baffle plate are adjusted to a solids mode which orients the baffle plate to face both the lumen of the inlet and outlet conduits.

Abstract: A cell-free method for translation and assembly of retroviral, particularly HIV, capsid and capsid intermediates is disclosed. Also disclosed are novel HIV capsid assembly intermediates and novel host proteins which bind to such assembly intermediates. The invention also includes a screening method for compounds that alter retrovirus capsid assembly, and a method of treating HIV using compounds which inhibit the HIV capsid assembly pathway.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating diabetes mellitus in a patient in need thereof are provided. The methods include administering to a patient a composition providing a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand, e.g., a gastrin, and/or an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor ligand, e.g., TGF-&agr;, in an amount sufficient to effect differentiation of pancreatic islet precursor cells to mature insulin-secreting cells. The composition can be administered systemically or expressed in situ by cells transgenically supplemented with one or both of a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand gene, e.g., a preprogastrin peptide precursor gene and an EGF receptor ligand gene, e.g., a TGF-&agr; gene. The methods also include transplanting into a patient cultured pancreatic islets in which mature insulin-secreting beta cells are proliferated by exposure to a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand and an EGF receptor ligand.

Abstract: The ethyl ester of derivatives of benzoyl ecgonine are provided having a linking group at the para position of the benzoyl group. The derivatives are used to bond to immunogenic polypeptides for production of antisera and monoclonal antibodies. The antisera and antibodies find use in assays, for treatment of cocaine overdose and detoxification.

Abstract: An injectable slow-release partial opioid agonist or opioid antagonist formulation is provided comprising a partial opioid agonist or opioid antagonist in a poly(D,L-lactide) excipient with a small amount of residual ethyl acetate. Upon intramuscular injection of the composition, a partial opioid agonist or opioid antagonist is released in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. The composition finds use in the treatment of heroin addicts and alcoholics to reduce consumption of the abused substances. Of particular interest are the drugs buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone.

Abstract: Described are compositions, methods, and articles of manufacture for the closure of retinal breaks with a non-toxic polymer. Transformation to a gel-like coat is achieved by photochemical reactivity, chemical reactivity, and by physicochemical response.

Abstract: Substituted phenylalanines are provided comprising an hydantoin, urea or 2-hydroxyl, 2-methylpropionyl group, dimers thereof and alkyl, polyfluoroamido and haloarylamino derivatives thereof, as well as radiolabeled derivatives thereof. The compounds bind specifically to the androgen receptor and find use in indications associated with the androgen receptor, such as cell hyperplasia dependent on androgens, hirsutism, acne and androgenetic alopecia.

Abstract: Diyne monomers are used as photochromic agents in devices or formulations. The devices and formulations may be applied to body parts for semi-pemanent attachment at various sites to allow for detection of levels of ultraviolet radiation. Clear films may be placed on eyeglass lenses to detect UV radiation occurring between the lens and the eye.

Abstract: ADMA is determined in a physiological sample by first removing interfering components: proteins by precipitation; and amines and citrulline, by means of a cation exchange column, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the ADMA to citrulline with DDAH. The citrulline is then determined spectrophotometrically.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequence probes are provided for the detection of lesions associated with neoplastic cells. The sequences can be used for identifying the locus associated with the lesion, for determining cancer susceptibility of cells, as well as categorizing and characterizing tumor cells for prognosis and therapy.

Abstract: Novel methods are provided whereby encoding sequences preferentially directing gene expression in ovary tissue, particularly in very early fruit development, are utilized to express genes encoding isopentenyl transferase in cotton ovule tissue. The methods permit the modification of the characteristics of boll set in cotton plants and provide a mechanism for altering fiber quality characteristics including fiber dimension and strength.

Abstract: Recombinant genetic information (DNA or RNA), comprising a Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV)-specific nucleotide sequence and the use thereof for diagnostics, vaccination or protein production. Recombinant CAV protein and the use thereof for diagnostics, vaccination or production of CAV-specific antibodies. The use of CAV-specific antibodies thus obtained.

Abstract: An injectable slow-release naltrexone formulation is provided comprising naltrexone in a poly(D,L-lactide) matrix with a small amount of residual ethyl acetate. Upon intramuscular injection of the composition, naltrexone is released in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. The composition finds use in the treatment of heroin addicts and alcoholics to reduce consumption of the abused substances.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the modification of polysaccharide structures using polysaccharidase binding or catalytic domains either alone or in tandem to modify the structure of polysaccharides. These methods and compositions are exemplified by the use of cellulase binding and catalytic domains to polish cotton, and to alter dying characteristics, texture and porosity of cellulose fibers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are offered for reducing nerve injury pain associated with shingles (herpes-zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia), where intradermal delivery of lidocaine is maintained for a predetermined period of time. The lidocaine appears to specifically affect the damaged nerve fibers, while leaving the undamaged and normal nerve fibers with retention of response to other stimuli. Lidocaine formulations are provided which allow for the necessary dosage of the lidocaine in the dermis during the period of treatment. The formulation may be covered with an occlusive or non-occlusive dressing, which protects the lidocaine formulation from mechanical removal and enhances the transport of the lidocaine into the dermis. Long term relief is realized after maintenance of the administration of lidocaine has been terminated.

Abstract: Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), its process for preparation, its cDNA, and utilization of cDNA to modify the expression of SPS in the plant cells are provided.