Abstract: Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain AmpC beta-lactamases. The primers can be employed in methods to detect the presence or absence of an AmpC beta-lactamase gene in samples, and to identify nucleic acid characteristic of AmpC beta-lactamase genes in samples, particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to antagonists of calcitonin gene related peptide and in particular the invention relates to amino terminal modifications to peptides to improve their ability to bind to a member of the CGRP-receptor superfamily.

Abstract: This invention relates to antagonists of calcitonin gene related peptide and in particular the invention relates to amino terminal modifications to peptides to improve their ability to bind to a member of the CGRP-receptor superfamily.

Abstract: A device useful for draining fluid from the pleural cavity of a patient includes two enclosed chambers. The first chamber has at its upper end a one-way directional valve. The valve, which is provided with a connector for connection with a catheter draining fluid from the patient's pleural cavity, operates only to allow fluid to flow into the first chamber. The lower end of the first chamber, which is releasably connected to the second chamber, is optionally provided with a second one-way directional valve that operates only to allow fluid to flow from the first chamber into the second chamber. The second enclosed chamber of the device of the invention has an upper end and a closed lower end. The upper end of the second chamber is releasably connected to the lower end of the first chamber to provide a substantially fluid-tight connection. The device is provided with an outlet to the ambient atmosphere; the outlet can be disposed in either the first or the second enclosed chamber.

Abstract: Oliognucleotide primers are provided that are specific for nucleic acid characteristic of certain beta-lactamases. The primers can be employed in methods to identify nucleic acid characteristic of family-specific beta-lactamase enzymes in samples, and particularly, in clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating neurocardiogenic syncope. The method involves administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl; and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, nitro, amino, trifluoromethyl, and lower acylamino; at least one of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 being a nitrogen containing group,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides the chromosome location of an autosomal dominant gene associated with high bone mass. As a result of this localization, the presence of a polymorphism linked to the autosomal dominant gene in a subject can be detected by analyzing human chromosome 11 of the subject for the presence of the polymorphism located about 30 cM around D11S987 and linked to the autosomal dominant gene. The analysis of chromosome 11 can be accomplished by amplifying the polymorphism, separating the amplified polymorphism to generate a polymorphism pattern, and correlating the presence or absence of the polymorphism with the respective presence or absence of the autosomal dominant gene associated with high bone mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable sideholes catheter, comprising an inlying catheter having multiple sideholes on its distal side; and an outlying catheter having an irrigation port on its proximal side. Further described are uses for an adjustable sideholes catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of breast cancer. Also provided are various methods of treating breast cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method of synthesis of bicyclic hexahydroaporphine compounds which may provide improved therapy for diseases characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure. More specifically, the present invention relates to the preparation of agents which may provide for improved treatment of patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The present invention describes the intraocular pressure lowering capabilities of several of the bicyclic hexahydroaporphine structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying compressive and tensile loads on bones having a frame with a work surface and a stepper motor. The stepper motor is operably connected to a rotational force to linear force converter which is in turn connected to an articulating arm for applying force to a first pair of pads. A second pair of pads is mounted to the work surface such that a bone may be placed across the second pair of pads such that either end of the bone is supported by the second pair of pads and such that the activation of the stepper motor causes the upper pair of pads to exert compressive bending strain on the lateral surface of the bone and such that the lower pair of pads exert tensile bending strain on the medial surface of the bone. A method of modifying hard tissue morphology is also described.

Abstract: A process for the transfer and/or expression of any gene into cells, organisms or species is disclosed. The process involves isolating the gene, introducing the gene into a vector comprised of at least one retrotransposon genetic element to provide a hybrid gene. The hybrid gene is introduced into a donor cell capable of packaging and transmitting the retrotransposon to other cells, organisms or species. The hybrid gene is transferred to a recipient cell wherein the hybrid gene replicates by reverse transcription and is inserted into the recipient cell's genome. The gene is preferably expressed as RNA and/or protein, giving the phenotype of the gene.

Abstract: A method of removably securing a basketball net to a basketball basket ring wherein an attachment clip is provided at each loop of a conventional basketball net for securing the net to a conventional basketball basket ring. An installation disk, having substantially the same diameter as a basket ring is provided to spread the attachment clip end of the clip and net combination to the diameter of the basket ring such that the clips may be easily secured to the ring. An apparatus for practicing the before described method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide, characterized in that it corresponds to the following sequence of amino acids:Xaa.sub.1 Pro Xaa.sub.2 Pro Xaa.sub.3 Xaa.sub.4 Phe Tyr Gly Leu Metin which a.sub.n with n equal to 1, 2, 3 or 4 represents any amino acid, and in particular in that the peptide is ranakinin having the following formula:Lys Pro Asn Pro Glu Arg Phe Tyr Gly Leu MetThe invention also relates to the use of this peptide in pharmacological applications.