Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of genetic mapping and genetic identity detection, including forensic identification and paternity testing. This invention is more specifically directed to the use of mass spectrometry to detect length variation in DNA nucleotide sequence repeats (including variants of common alleles), such as microsatellites and short tandem repeats, and to DNA sequences provided as primers for the analysis of DNA tandem nucleotide repeat polymorphisms at specific loci on specific chromosomes.

Abstract: Bronchodilating compositions and methods are provided. The compositions are intended for administration as a nebulized aerosol. In certain embodiments, the compositions contain formoterol, or a derivative thereof. Methods for treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of bronchoconstrictive disorders using the compositions provided herein are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful as plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) antagonists are provided. In particular, methods of antagonizing PAI with substituted and unsubstituted aryl and heteroaryl ethers and thioethers are provided.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Arrays of oligonucleotides for performing mass spectrometric analyses are provided. In one aspect, a solid support is provided that includes a plurality of single-stranded oligonucleotides immobilized thereon by a linker cleavable under conditions of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry; and matrix for performing MALDI mass spectrometry, wherein the support comprises a flat surface.

Abstract: N-(5-isoxazolyl)benzenesulfonamides and N-(3-isoxazolyl)benzenesulfonamides 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: Open systems for performing submicroliter reactions are provided. The systems can include a support for performing the reaction; a liquid dispensing system for dispensing a submicroliter amount of a liquid to a site on or in the support; a temperature controlling device for regulating the temperature of the support; and an interface for controlling the amount of liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing system are provided. Methods using the systems are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for screening nucleic acids for mutations by analyzing nonrandomly fragmented nucleic acids using mass spectrometric techniques and to procedures for improving mass resolution and mass accuracy of these methods of detecting mutations.

Abstract: Formulations of pharmaceutically-acceptable salts of thienyl-, furyl- and pyrrolyl-sulfonamides and methods for modulating or altering the activity of the endothelin family of peptides using the formulations are provided. In particular, formulations of sodium salts of N-(isoxazolyl)-thienylsulfonamides, N-(isoxazolyl)furylsulfonamides and N-(isoxazolyl)-pyrrolylsulfonamides and methods using these sulfonamide salts for inhibiting the binding of an endothelin peptide to an endothelin receptor by contacting the receptor with the sulfonamide salt are provided. Methods for treating endothelin-mediated disorders by administering effective amounts of one or more of these sulfonamide salts or prodrugs thereof that inhibit or increase the activity of endothelin are also provided.

Abstract: A patient portable photodynamic therapy device securable to a patient includes a lightweight rechargeable battery and a cold cathode fluorescent (CCF) tube powered thereby. The CCF tube is coupled in light channeling relation to a proximal portion of a biocompatible optical fiber, which includes a distal portion with an optional diffuser that uniformly distributes light as it exits the distal portion. The distal end of the optical fiber is optionally provided with an anchoring balloon that can be inflated after the optical fiber is properly positioned at a treatment site within a patient's body. The balloon securely lodges the distal portion within the tissue at the treatment site, and is deflated to facilitate the removal of the optical fiber once the treatment is complete.

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: Phosphoramidates and phosphinic amides and related compounds are provided. Also provided are methods that use the compounds for modulating the activity of the endothelin family of peptides are provided. In particular, compounds having formula: in which A, B, R1 and R2 are as described are provided. Also provided are methods for treating endothelin-mediated disorders by administering effective amounts of one or more of these compounds or prodrugs thereof. Methods for elucidating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of endothelin, as well as isolating endothelin receptors are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are assays for measuring in vivo levels of activated mannan-binding protein-associated serine protease (MASP-1 and MASP-2) activity. Also provided are compounds that are useful for assessing the in vivo levels and for monitoring in vitro and in vivo complement-activation (C-activation).

Abstract: Isolated and purified nucleic acid molecules that encode a luciferase from Renilla mulleri, Gaussia and Pleuromamma, and the proteins encoded thereby are provided. Isolated and purified nucleic acids encoding green fluorescent proteins from the genus Renilla and Ptilosarcus, and the green fluorescent proteins encoded thereby are also provided. Compositions and combinations comprising the green fluorescent proteins and/or the luciferase are further provided.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and sequences in the molecules are provided. Depending upon the sequence to be detected, the processes, for example, can be used to diagnose a genetic disease or a chromosomal abnormality, a predisposition to a disease or condition, or infection by a pathogen, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: A towel dispensing device provides a device for warming towels prior to the towels being removed from the dispensing device. The dispensing device includes an electrically powered heating member, the degree of heat being controllable by the user, for warming the space of a warming chamber containing the towels to be dispensed. The towels to be dispensed can be pre-moistened by water or other fluids as required by the user. The dispensing device can also be presented as a serialized group of warming chambers; each individual chamber being able to contain towels pre-moistened with different fluids and warmed to different temperatures prior to being dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides of the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus which have a part-sequence of at least 10 consecutive amino acids from the sequence Met Ser Ser Thr Gln Ile Arg Thr Glu Ile Pro Val Ala Leu Leu Ile Leu Cys Leu Cys Leu Val Ala Cys His Ala Asn Cys Pro Thr Tyr Arg Ser His Leu Gly Phe Trp Gln Glu Gly Trp Ser Gly Gln Val Tyr Gln Asp Trp Leu Gly Arg Met Asn Cys Ser Tyr Glu Asn Met Thr Ala Leu Glu Ala Val Ser Leu Asn Gly Thr Arg Leu Ala Ala Gly Ser Pro Ser Ser Glu Tyr Pro Asn Val Ser Val Ser Val Glu Asp Thr Ser Ala Ser Gly Ser Gly Glu Asp Ala Ile Asp Glu Ser Gly Ser Gly Glu Glu Glu Arg Pro Val Thr Ser His Val Thr Phe Met Thr Gln Ser Val Gln Ala Thr Thr Glu Leu Thr Asp Ala Leu Ile Ser Ala Phe Ser Gly Val Leu His Val Ser Thr Val Ile Pro Arg Asn Trp Val Asn Arg Arg Cys Val Gly Ile Lys Arg Asn Leu Thr Phe

Abstract: Methods for covalent attachment of oligonucleotides to solid supports such that substantially all of the oligonucleotides are attached via their 5'-ends are provided. The solid supports with attached oligonucleotides are produced. Thiol-oligonucleotides are attached to bromoacetyl-derivatized polyacrylamide supports, or conversely, bromoacetyl-oligonucleotides are immobilized on thiol-polyacrylamide supports. In a further aspect, bromoacetyl-derivatized oligonucleotides, and polyacrylamide supports with linked oligonucleotides produced by coupling bromoacetyl-derivatized oligonucleotides with thiol-derivatized polyacrylamide solid supports or by coupling thiol-derivatized oligonucleotides with bromoacetyl-derivatized polyacrylamide supports as well as methods for capture of nucleic acids by oligonucleotides attached to polyacrylamide solid supports, either by direct capture or in sandwich hybridization formats are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method for coating reinforcing agents at are used in fiber reinforced ceramic composites and other composite materials. In the first step of this method the reinforcing agent is surface cleaned. The cleaned reinforcing agent is then dipped into a solution of a surfactant and uniformly coated therewith, whereby a positive charge is imparted to the agent. The charged agent is then dipped into a suspension of the coating material, such as alumina powder. The suspension of the coating material is prepared by dispersing the particles using ultrasonification and a dispersant, such as polyacrylate. The pH of the suspension is adjusted so that the dispersant is ionized and can adsorb on the particulate coating material. After dipping the reinforcing agent into the suspension, the reinforcing agent is dried. The steps of the method, except for the cleaning step, are repeated until a coating having a desired thickness is formed.