Abstract: Genes and polypeptides encoded thereby of human chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase are provided. Vectors and host cells comprising these genes and transgenic animals capable of expressing them are also provided. In addition, methods of identifying polymorphic chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase in humans and activators or inhibitors of this enzyme are provided.

Abstract: An ultrathin optical panel, and a method of producing an ultrathin optical panel, are disclosed, including stacking a plurality of glass sheets, which sheets may be coated With a transparent cladding substance or may be uncoated, fastening together the plurality of stacked coated glass sheets using an epoxy or ultraviolet adhesive, applying uniform pressure to the stack, curing the stack, sawing the stack to form an inlet face on a side of the stack and an outlet face on an opposed side of the stack, bonding a coupler to the inlet face of the stack, and fastening the stack, having the coupler bonded thereto, within a rectangular housing having an open front which is aligned with the outlet face, the rectangular housing having therein a light generator which is optically aligned with the coupler. The light generator is preferably placed parallel to and proximate with the inlet face, thereby allowing for a reduction in the depth of the housing.

Abstract: A slow-release insect repellent composition comprising an insect repellent, an oleophilic chemical soluble in the insect repellent, and a carbohydrate matrix wherein the combination of the insect repellent and oleophilic chemical is entrapped in the matrix such that the repellent is released from the matrix, a fabric substrate containing the composition and method for preparing the composition.

Abstract: An optical panel includes stacked optical waveguides having stepped inlet facets collectively defining an inlet face for receiving image light, and having beveled outlet faces collectively defining a display screen for displaying the image light channeled through the waveguides by internal reflection.

Abstract: An optical panel is disclosed. A plurality of stacked planar optical waveguides are used to guide light from an inlet face to an outlet face of an optical panel. Each of the optical waveguides comprises a planar sheet of core material having a central plane. The core material has an index of refraction which decreases as the distance from the central plane increases. The decrease in the index of refraction occurs gradually and continuously.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides of pRb2/p130 or mutants or fragments thereof which inhibit cdk2 kinase activity. Method of inhibiting cdk2 kinase activity in cells with these peptides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for restoring reading vision and increasing the amplitude of accommodation in presbyopic patients. The method involves topically administering to the patient an amount of a composition sufficient to inhibit acetylcholine esterase activity in the eye of the patient. The invention discloses dose ranges of acetylcholine esterase inhibitor in the composition used for restoring reading vision and increasing the amplitude of accommodation in presbyopic patients and successful correction of presbyopia in these patients. The methods disclosed herein are also used to treat other disorders such as dry eye syndrome, hyperopia, myopia, amblyopia, glaucoma and cataracts.

Abstract: Chimeric viral proteins and nucleic acid constructs that code for them and are useful as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK) play an important role in phosphorylating and regulating the activity of G protein-coupled receptors. Complementary DNAs (cDNAs) that encode two novel members of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) family are provided in the present invention. These cDNAs encode GRK5 (590 amino acids) and GRK6 (576 amino acids) which represent two new members of the GRK family that have distinct tissue distribution and substrate specificity. The availability of the cDNAs enables the generation of reagents to modulate the activity of endogenous kinases. These include dominant negative mutations and antisense oligonucleotides or stably transfected antisense constructs to block expression of the kinase to generate a cell with a reduced ability to desensitize to various agents. Expression of GRK5 and GRK6 also permits identification of specific inhibitors and activators of these two kinases.

Abstract: A protein which is capable of inhibiting epidermal growth factor-induced cellular proliferation is disclosed, as well as a method of obtaining it from a host cell, and a method of obtaining the same in purified form. Therapeutic uses of, and pharmaceutical compositions containing EGFI, TC4 and CDC25 are also described. In addition, the use of EGFI-related gene therapy is described.

Abstract: A novel skin lightening preparation and its method of use are described. The composition and method are characterized by reduced skin irritation, while providing skin lightening that is at least as effective as known over-the-counter preparations.

Abstract: A topical composition for delivering an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable drug, including laureth-4, propylene glycol, dimethylsorbide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent is described as an improved drug delivery composition. Further, a method of transepithelial delivery of a drug to a human by topical application to the skin of a human of a composition including laureth-4, propylene glycol, dimethylsorbide, a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent of water and ethanol and an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable drug has beneficial delivery effects.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of dry skin by applying an effective amount of thyroid hormone in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the skin.

Abstract: A novel skin lightening preparation and its method of use are described. The composition and method are characterized by reduced skin irritation, while providing skin lightening that is at least as effective as known over-the-counter preparations.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of acne is provided which results in the reduction of vestibular side effects following administration of oral tetracycline antibiotics.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of zucapsaicin (cis-8-methly-N-vanillly-6-nonenamide), the cis-isomer of capsaicin, to treat myocardial disorders, including the prevention, suppression or reversal of an abnormal cardiac rhythm, such as ventricular tachycardia. In vitro, zucapsaicin exhibits electrophysiologic properties distinct from capsaicin. In contrast to capsaicin, zucapsaicin significantly shortens the action potential duration at a dose of 10.sup.-5 M and has no effect on the amplitude of Phase 1 of the action potential in normal Purkinje cells. Zucapsaicin also prevents the induction of ventricular tachycardia of focal Purkinje origin when given intravenously after coronary occlusion in a dog model of acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the semi-continuous production of microcellular foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, a roll of polymer sheet is provided with a gas channelling means interleaved between the layers of polymer. The roll is exposed to a non-reacting gas at elevated pressure for a period of time sufficient to achieve a desired concentration of gas within the polymer. The saturated polymer sheet is then separated from the gas channelling means and bubble nucleation and growth is initiated by heating the polymer sheet. After foaming, bubble nucleation and growth is quenched by cooling the foamed polymer sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for alleviation of both visible and non-visible, or pre-emergent, dermatological lesions associated with changes in normal keratinization, cutaneous infection, epidermal formation or pilosebaceous function, such as acne, psoriasis, seborrhea, ingrown hairs and pseudofolliculitis barbae, and hyperpigmented skin. The inventive compositions comprise a dermatologically absorbable topical antimicrobial, antibiotic, antibacterial or antifungal agent; a dermatologically absorbable alpha or beta hydroxy acid; and a dermatologically absorbable zinc compound in a suitable carrier.

Abstract: An assembly and method for mounting linear structures in locked longitudinal alignment, which includes retainer bars joinable to a bracket for mounting linear structures and a pin assembly having wedge pins protruding outwardly from a base wherein the wedge pins engage opposing apertures in a locked, spring-loaded interface tightened into alignment by a retainer screw. The locked interface between opposing edges of the wedge pin and the apertures impart strong resistance to displacement forces, thereby providing a system for joining and mounting permitting adjustment and alignment of independently suspended linear structures and subsequent tightening down of the linear structures.

Abstract: Antibodies raised against derivatives of inositol are used to assay for specific isomers of inositol in a sample by first converting any inositol present in the sample to the derivative that was used to raise the antibody and then conducting an immunoassay for the inositol derivative in a conventional manner.