Abstract: The present invention provides a method of administration of an agent which acts to remodel neuronal or vascular pathways for the long term management of sexual dysfunction in both males and females. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of ameliorating or reversing pathogenic vascular degradative modeling in the ilio-hypogastric-pudendal arterial bed and genitalia comprising administering to a human patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-pressor agent. The anti-pressor agent comprises one or more compounds selected from the therapeutic classes of direct vasodilators such as hydralazine and NO donors, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, &agr;1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, &bgr;-adrenergic receptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding canine factor VIII and allelic variants, mutants, fragments or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Methods of modulating calcium independent smooth muscle contraction, and of modulating cardiac muscle contraction, by the administration of a PAK modulating agent are described. A method of treating a subject having a state characterized by smooth muscle contraction, (e.g., hypertension, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, incontinence and menstrual cramps) or cardiac contractile dysfunction (e.g., heart failure and myocardial stunning) is also described. The method involves the administration, to a subject, of a therapeutically effective amount of a PAK modulating agent, e.g., a PAK inhibitor or stimulator. Assays, e.g., screening tests, to identify PAK modulating agents or agents that modulate muscle contraction are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides novel gene constructs which enhance the efficiency of plant cells and cells of other photosynthetic organisms. Also provided are transgenic plants and seeds which overexpress proteins. Methods to elevate the amount of plastid proteins in plants and photosynthetic organisms are exemplified.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing or treating a neurological disorder, usually associated with a lack of attentiveness, in a subject by detecting the subject's eye movement. The apparatus includes a helmet for blocking visual stimuli from the subject's visual field; at least three visual cues disposed inside the helmet within the visual field of the subject when the helmet is placed on the subject's head, the visual cues capable of being switched from on to off states; at least two electrodes for attaching to the subject's face, the electrodes producing electrical signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; signal processing means for controlling on and off states of the visual cues, receiving and processing electrical signals produced by the electrodes, and producing output signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; and means for displaying output signals produced by the signal processing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring differential and absolute concentrations of a selected gas, preferably oxygen, in two flowing gas streams is described. A reference gas and a sample gas in separate gas flow paths are passed at selected temperature, pressure and flow rate over a pair of gas sensors, connected in series with their cathodes or anodes connected together, which produce output signals proportional to the differential selected gas concentration between the sensors and the absolute selected gas pressure in each sensor. The output signals may be amplified and recorded by any conventional means.

Abstract: An everting toroid for use in delivering a powdered, fluid, or aerosolized pharmaceutical composition, or other composition, to an internal body cavity, such as the urethra, or other cavity, is contained within a tubular housing and may be extended therefrom and retracted back into the tubular housing. The composition may be distributed on the surface of the everting toroid when made from an impermeable membrane, contained within the toroid when made from a permeable membrane, or may be injected through the lumen thereof via an aerosol wand which releases the composition as the toroid and/or wand are withdrawn from the cavity.

Abstract: Psychogenic impotence or erectile dysfunction can be identified in psychogenic male patients and can be ameliorated, without substantial undesirable side effects, by sublingual administration of apomorphine dosage forms so as to maintain a plasma concentration of apomorphine of no more than about 5.5 nanograms per milliliter.

Abstract: A method of treatment, in an organism, of a vascular condition, comprising administration of at least one agent at a level which enhances NO and which does not appreciably alter normal systemic vascular tone in said organism. At least one agent is an NO donor selected from the group consisting of glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide 5-mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, erythrityl tetranitrate, sodium nitroprusside, 3-morpholinosydnonimine molsidomine, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, and N-hydroxy-L-arginine.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring kinetic and kinematic variables of multijoint motor tasks comprises a linkage having four links connected at four joints, each joint having articulation about an axis, the four axes of articulation being substantially parallel, limb coupling means for coupling a limb to the linkage, the limb coupling means maintaining alignment of centers of rotation of two joints of the limb with centers of rotation of two joints of the linkage, means for providing a load to at least one of the two joints of the linkage, means for obtaining data respecting angular position of at least one of the joints of the linkage. In an alternative embodiment, the linkage has only two links. The invention also provides methods for detecting, monitoring, and/or treating neural and/or muscular problems associated with impaired movement of limbs.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a prostaglandin such as misoprostol and TGF-B in amounts sufficient to stimulate production of chondrocyte matrix is disclosed which exhibit therapeutic synergy.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to antioxidant responsive elements (AREs). In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA construct comprising an ARE having the DNA sequence 5'-RGR AC NNN GCT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 1) operably linked to a heterologous protein coding sequence; cells and non-human organisms comprising the DNA construct; a method of screening for a compound that increases transcription of an MRNA regulated by an antioxidant responsive element; and a purified compound that binds to an antioxidant responsive element.

Abstract: This invention provides proteins, especially protein kinases and glucosidases, which are expressed under conditions of phosphate deprivation. Further provided are nucleic acids and nucleic acid constructs encoding these proteins, cells containing the nucleic acids described and transgenic photosynthetic organisms with altered phosphate-inducible enzyme activity.

Abstract: A novel protein associated with multidrug resistance in living cells and capable of conferring multidrug resistance on a cell is disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Transformant cell lines which express the nucleic acid encoding the novel protein are also disclosed. Antibodies which bind the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Diagnostic and treatment methods using the novel proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies and cell lines of the invention are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: A method for reducing brightness reversion and yellowness (b*) of bleached mechanical wood pulps. The pulp is digested in an aqueous formaldehyde solution containing carbonate, preferably in an amount up to 30% by weight of pulp. Paper made from the digested pulp can be further improved by treating with a reversion inhibitor such as a polyethylene glycol bisthiol.

Abstract: Novel substantially odor-free polymeric thiol-containing antioxidant compounds suitable for preventing light induced brightness reversion or yellowing of pulps and papers and polymeric materials are described. The novel compounds are based on a polymeric backbone having thiolactate or thioglycolate groups grafted onto the ends thereof and are soluble in water or alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computational methods for identifying the bioactive conformations of peptide domains, in particular the geometries of complexes of neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors, and the geometries of neurotrophin receptors and ligands. The invention includes a method for identifying and theoretically modelling a receptor binding site for neurotrophins, such as NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT4/5, of the common neurotrophin receptor p75.sup.NTR. The principal residues of the p75.sup.NTR binding site are Asp.sup.47p, Lys.sup.56p, Asp.sup.75p, Asp.sup.76p, Asp.sup.88p and Glu.sup.88p of the second and third cysteine-rich domains. These residues interact with residues of variable loop regions I and V and other neighboring residues of each of the neurotrophins. The invention provides a method of designing a ligand for binding with common neurotrophin receptor p75.sup.

Abstract: A novel protein associated with multidrug resistance in living cells and capable of conferring multidrug resistance on a cell is disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Transformant cell lines which express the nucleic acid encoding the novel protein are also disclosed. Antibodies which bind the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Diagnostic and treatment methods using the novel proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies and cell lines of the invention are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides novel gene constructs which enhance the efficiency of plant cells and cells of other photosynthetic organisms. Also provided are transgenic plants and seeds which overexpress proteins. Methods to elevate the amount of plastid proteins in plants and photosynthetic organisms are exemplified.

Abstract: A method for producing thick ceramic films of greater than 10 .mu.m on selected substrates is described. Conventional sol gel solutions are loaded with up to about 90% by weight of finely divided ceramic particles and mixed. The resulting slurry or paint can be either spun or dip coated or sprayed or painted onto a planar or other substrate, fired to remove the organic materials and to develop a microcrystalline structure. The fired film may then be heated. Composite films are also contemplated.