Abstract: A kinetic energy and blast energy absorbing material includes: a micro-truss structure including: a plurality of first struts extending along a first direction; a plurality of second struts extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third struts extending along a third direction; and a compressible fluid comprising a liquid or gel and a nanoporous material, wherein the micro-truss structure contains the compressible fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-throughput assay to measure intracellular polyglutamine protein aggregation using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Three libraries of over 3000 biologically active small molecules were screened for inhibitory activity, and a lead compound was characterized in detail. Y-27632, an inhibitor of the Rho-associated kinase p160ROCK, diminished polyglutamine protein aggregation at micromolar concentrations, and reduced neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of polyglutamine disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are invertebrate and vertebrate synaptic vesicle amino acid transporter compositions which define a novel family of transporter proteins, recombinant vectors and cells comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding vertebrate synaptic vesicle amino acid transporter proteins and antibodies directed against such proteins. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such compositions in screening assays and treatment regimens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of alleviating neuropathic pain in a subject by administering an effective amount of an active fragment of prosaposin to the subject. The invention also provides a method of preventing neuropathic pain in a subject by administering an effective amount of an active fragment of prosaposin to the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of alleviating neuropathic pain in a subject by administering an effective amount of an active fragment of prosaposin to the subject. The invention also provides a method of preventing neuropathic pain in a subject by administering an effective amount of an active fragment of prosaposin to the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating cystic fibrosis and other pathological conditions in mammals using hepatocyte growth factor ("HGF"). The invention also provides articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF.

Abstract: A fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor including a basic fibroblast growth factor receptor has been purified. Various forms have been identified including soluble forms lacking any transmembrane segment. DNA sequences encoding full-length fibroblast growth factor receptors and polypeptides comprising a portion of an FGF-R ligand-binding domain have been isolated and sequenced. These DNAs include DNAs encoding for a basic FGF-R and a human FGF-R and are operably linked to control sequences and expressed in a culture of a compatible host transformed, transfected or electrophoresed by a cloning vehicle containing the DNA sequence. The invention also comprises antibodies to the receptor, methods of synthesizing the growth factor receptor proteins, methods for providing analogs of the fibroblast growth factor receptors.

Abstract: The use of plant suspension cultures to remove ionic metallic species and TNT-based explosives and their oxidation products from aqueous solution is described. Several plant strains were investigated including D. innoxia, Citrus citrus, and Black Mexican Sweet Corn. All showed significant ability to remove metal ions. Ions removed to sub-ppm levels include barium, iron, and plutonium. D. innoxia cells growing in media containing weapons effluent contaminated with Ba.sup.2+ also remove TNT, other explosives and oxidation products thereof from solution. The use of dead, dehydrated cells was also found to be of use in treating waste directly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting blood flow abnormality or variation in a human or non-human body, said method comprising administering into the cardiovascular system of a said body a contrast enhancing amount of an intravascular paramagnetic metal containing magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, subject said body to a magnetic resonance imaging procedure capable of generating from magnetic resonance signals from said body a series of temporally spaced images of at least a part of said body into which said agent passes, and detecting temporal variations in said signals or images whereby to identify regions of abnormal or modified blood flow in said body and to indicate the degree of blood flow abnormality or modification therein.

Abstract: Radiopharmaceuticals and method are provided for scintigraphic evaluation of the liver. The radiopharmaceuticals comprise a radionuclide (technetium) labeled neoglycoprotein which provides for specific binding of the radiopharmaceutical to hepatocytes and allows for accurate determination of rates of binding and release of Tc-99m to and from the liver. The observed rates may then be used to determine diseased states, conveniently using an appropriate algorithm for the calculation.

Abstract: Botryococcus braunii var. showa is chemotaxonomically distinct from previously cultured strains of the species in quality and quantity of hydrocarbons produced in vitro. Morphological and cultural differences distinguish this variety from other cultured strains of Botryococcus braunii. In particular, the variety is characterized by the ability to produce and secrete large amounts of botryococcenes during all phases of its growth cycle.