Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that can be used for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, for monitoring the progression of these diseases, and for monitoring therapeutic intervention of these diseases are provided. These methods are effected by determining the relative amount of .alpha.-sAPP and the ratio of .alpha.-sAPP to total sAPP in body fluids, tissues or in cell culture.

Abstract: The invention provides fast and highly accurate mass spectrometer based processes for directly sequencing a target nucleic acid (or fragments generated from the target nucleic acid), which by means of protection, specificity of enzymatic activity, or immobilization, are unilaterally degraded in a stepwise manner via exonuclease digestion and the nucleotides, derivatives or truncated sequences detected by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Automated drug screening method and a method of studying receptor and ion-channel activity are provided.

Abstract: Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization is performed in a manner to thermalize large analyte ions in a plume of desorbed material for spectroscopic analysis. The thermalized ions have a low or zero mean velocity and are presented at a well-defined instant in time, reducing artifacts and sharpening the spectral peaks. In one embodiment the light is delivered to a matrix or sample holder having a cover, baffle or compartment. The baffle or compartment impedes or contains a plume of desorbed material and the analyte undergoes collisions to lower its mean velocity and directionality. Thus "thermalized" the analyte ions are passed to a mass analysis instrument. In a preferred embodiment an optical fiber butts up against a thin transparent plate on which the specimen resides, with the matrix side in a vacuum acceleration chamber. A mechanical stage moves the specimen in both the x- and y-directions to select a point on the specimen which is to receive the radiation.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cell lines that contain artificial chromosomes, methods for preparation of artificial chromosomes, methods for purification of artificial chromosomes, methods for targeted insertion of heterologous DNA into artificial chromosomes, and methods for delivery of the chromosomes to selected cells and tissues are provided. Also provided are cell lines for use in the methods, and cell lines and chromosomes produced by the methods. In particular, satellite artificial chromosomes that, except for inserted heterologous DNA, are substantially composed of heterochromatin are provided. Methods for use of the artificial chromosomes, including for gene therapy, production of gene products and production of transgenic plants and animals are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides fast and highly accurate mass spectrometer based processes for directly sequencing a target nucleic acid (or fragments generated from the target nucleic acid), which by means of protection, specificity of enzymatic activity, or immobilization, are unilaterally degraded in a stepwise manner via exonuclease digestion and the nucleotides, derivatives or truncated sequences detected by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of conditions of abnormally increased intraocular pressure, particularly those caused by glaucoma, by administration of phosphonylmethoxyalkyl nucleoside analogs are provided. Compositions formulated and packaged for intraocular administration for use in the methods are also provided. Administration of the compound may be by intravitreal injection, aqueous humor injection, injection into the external layers of the eye, such as subconjunctival injection or subtenon injection, or may be, when penetrating derivatives are used, by topical application to the eye. The degree of reduction in pressure is dosage-dependent, and significant reduction in pressure is obtained. A single injection can produce prolonged, and perhaps permanent, lowering of the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Automated assays for detecting and measuring ion channel and cell surface receptor activity and for identifying compounds that modulate or potentiate such activity are provided. Among the assays are fluorescent indicator-based assays that use cells containing effective levels of a fluorescent indicator that is responsive to changes in ion concentration. Activation of the ion channels or receptors is initiated in the automated measurement apparatus by injection into one or more predetermined cell-containing wells of a reagent which is a known or possible activator or inhibitor of the ion channels or receptors of interest. The resulting activity of the ion channels or receptors, which causes changes in ion concentration in the cytoplasm, is determined by measurement of fluorescence intensity changes of the indicator in response to an excitation wavelength.

Abstract: The isolation and characterization of genes involved in proteolytic processing in species of the genus Pichia is described. The availability of such genes has enabled the generation of strains of Pichia which are deficient in proteolytic activity, which strains are useful as hosts for the expression of proteolytically sensitive recombinant products. The isolation and characterization of additional genes from species of the genus Pichia is also described, as well as uses therefore.

Abstract: Methods of use of compounds for the treatment of disorders characterized by the cerebral deposition of amyloid are provided. Among the compounds provided for use in the methods are those of the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is preferably 2-methylpropenyl, 2-butenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclohexylmethyl; R.sub.2, R.sub.4, and R.sub.8 are each preferably independently methyl or ethyl; R.sub.3 is preferably iso-butyl or phenyl; R.sub.5 is preferably iso-butyl; R.sub.6 is preferably H or methyl; R.sub.7 --(Q).sub.n is preferably benzyloxycarbonyl or acetyl; Q is preferably --C(O)--; and X is preferably an aldehyde, .alpha.-ketoester or .alpha.-ketoamide.

Abstract: The invention provides fast and highly accurate mass spectrometer based processes for detecting a particular nucleic acid sequence in a biological sample. Depending on the sequence to be detected, the processes can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality; a predisposition to a disease or condition, infection by a pathogenic organism, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human NMDA receptor protein subunits and the proteins encoded thereby. The NMDA receptor subunits of the invention comprise components of NMDA receptors that have cation-selective channels and bind glutamate and NMDA. In one aspect of the invention, the nucleic acids encode NMDAR1 and NMDAR2 subunits of human NMDA receptors. In a preferred embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode NMDAR1, NMDAR2A and NMDAR2C subunits of human NMDA receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of NMDA receptor subunit proteins, these nucleic acids are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits.

Abstract: N-(5-isoxazolyl)benzenesulfonamides and N-(3-isoxazolyl) benzene-sulfonamides and methods for modulating or altering the activity of the endothelin family of peptides are provided. In particular, N-(5-isoxazolyl)-biphenylsulfonamides and N-(3-isoxazolyl)biphenylsulfonamides and methods for inhibiting the binding of an endothelin peptide to an endothelin receptor or increasing the activity of endothelin peptides by contacting the receptor with a sulfonamide are provided. N-isoxzolyl-4-biphenylsulfonamides are particularly preferred. These compounds exhibit activity as endothelin receptor B antagonists. Methods for treating endothelin-mediated disorders, particularly inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, by administering effective amounts of one or more of these sulfonamides or prodrugs thereof that inhibit or increase the activity of endothelin are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, serial and parallel dispensing tools that can deliver defined and controlled volumes of fluid to generate multi-element arrays of sample material on a substrate surface. The substrates surfaces can be flat or geometrically altered to include wells of receiving material. In one embodiment, the invention provides a tool that allows the parallel development of a sample array. To this end, the tool can be understood as an assembly of vesicle elements, or pins, wherein each of the pins can include a narrow interior chamber suitable for holding manual liter volumes of fluid. Each of the pins can fit inside a housing that forms an interior chamber. The interior chamber can be connected to a pressure source that will control the pressure within the interior chamber to regulate the flow of fluid within the interior chamber of the pins.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cell lines that contain artificial chromosomes, methods for preparation of artificial chromosomes, methods for purification of artificial chromosomes, methods for targeted insertion of heterologous DNA into artificial chromosomes, and methods for delivery of the chromosomes to selected cells and tissues are provided. Also provided are cell lines for use in the methods, and cell lines and chromosomes produced by the methods. In particular, satellite artificial chromosomes that, except for inserted heterologous DNA, are substantially composed of heterochromatin are provided. Methods for use of the artificial chromosomes, including for gene therapy, production of gene products and production of transgenic plants and animals are also provided.

Abstract: A method for dissociating a complex of a biotin compound and a biotin-binding compound, by contacting the complex with an amine, is disclosed.

Abstract: DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA, methods for producing alpha and beta subunits and recombinant (i.e., isolated or substantially pure) alpha subunits (specifically .alpha..sub.4 and .alpha..sub.7) and beta subunits (specifically .beta..sub.4) are provided. In addition, combinations of subunits (i.e., .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2, .alpha..sub.3, .alpha..sub.4, and/or .alpha..sub.7 subunits in combination with .beta..sub.4 subunits; or .beta..sub.2, .beta..sub.3 and/or .beta..sub.4 subunits in combination with .alpha..sub.4 and/or .alpha..sub.7 subunits) are provided.

Abstract: Methods of use of compounds and compounds for the treatment of disorders characterized by the cerebral deposition of amyloid are provided. Among the compounds are those of formulae (I), (II) and (III): ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is preferably 2-methyl propene, 2-butene, norleucine; R.sub.2, R.sub.4, and R.sub.8 are each independently methyl or ethyl; R.sub.3 is preferably iso-butyl or phenyl; R.sub.5 is preferably iso-butyl; R.sub.6 is H or methyl; R.sub.7 --(Q).sub.n is preferably benzyloxycarbonyl or acetyl; Q is preferably --C(O)--; R.sub.B is preferbly iso-butyl; R.sub.A =--(T).sub.m --(D).sub.m --R.sub.1, is which T is preferably oxygen or carbon, and D is preferably a mono-unsaturated C.sub.3-4 alkenyl being more preferred; and X is an alcohol, particularly a secondary alcohol.

Abstract: Methods of use of compounds and compounds for the treatment of disorders characterized by the cerebral deposition of amyloid are provided Among the compounds are those of formulae I and II: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is preferably 2-methyl propene, 2-butene, cyclohexyl or cyclohexylmethyl; R.sub.2, R.sub.4, and R.sub.8 are each independently methyl or ethyl; R.sub.3 is preferably iso-butyl or phenyl; R.sub.5 is preferably iso-butyl; R.sub.6 is H or methyl; R.sub.7 --(Q).sub.n is preferably benzyloxycarbonyl or acetyl; Q is preferably --C(O)--; R.sub.B is preferbly iso-butyl; --R.sub.A =--(T).sub.m --(D).sub.m --R.sub.1, is which T is preferably oxygen or carbon, and D is preferably a mono-unsaturated C.sub.3-4 alkenyl being more preferred; and X is preferably an .alpha.-ketoester or .alpha.-ketoamide or aldehyde.