Abstract: Apparatus and method for noninvasively determining cardiac performance parameters including 1) lengths of systolic time intervals, (2) contractility index, (3) pulse amplitude ratios while performing the Valsalva maneuver, (4) cardiac output index, and (5) a pulse wave velocity index. A catheter having at least one balloon is inserted into the esophagus and pressurized and positioned adjacent the aortic arch to sense aortic pressure. The effects of aortic pressure on the balloon are utilized to determine at least one of the cardiac performance parameters. The catheter may include a second balloon which is spaced from the aortic balloon a distance such that when the second balloon is in a position adjacent the left atrium to sense left atrial pressure the aortic balloon is in a position adjacent the aortic arch to sense aortic pressure, this distance being related to the distance between the left atrium and aortic arch in most adult persons.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of determining the onset of osteoporosis by measuring the vibrational response of the musculoskeletal system. Risk of fracture of bones due to osteoporosis is mainly determined by three risk factors: muscle strength, bone mass, and postural stability. Because these three risk factors for fractures are interrelated and dependent on muscle function, they can be determined by quantifying physiologic vibration non-invasively using a low-mass accelerometer placed at an appropriate muscle belly. Muscle vibrations are produced by force fluctuations of unfused motor units during contraction and are expressed by the lateral expansion of muscle fibers. Muscle vibrational characteristics span a broad (0-100 Hz) frequency regime, directly reflecting the force provided by the muscle fibers being utilized and the nature of the dynamic mechanical milieu experienced by the skeleton during postural or locomotory muscle activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal charged iminodiacetic acid (IDA) cellulose for detecting a test sample having a histidine tag. The present invention also provides methods for determining cloned protein expression and function. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for the handling of denatured proteins with subsequent renaturation in situ (parenthetically after binding to metal charged IDA cellulose). A wide range of applications are contemplated for the metal charged IDA cellulose including two-dimensional high throughput screening of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral compositions containing anti-caries agents distributed in an oral vehicle. In particular, the present invention provides oral compositions containing calcium, arginine and a cariostatic anion distributed in an oral vehicle. A method for preparing oral compositions containing anti-caries agents is also provided by the present invention. A method of reducing dental caries is described which comprises delivering a therapeutically effective amount of an oral composition containing calcium, arginine and a cariostatic anion into the oral cavity.

Abstract: A method of treating headache is provided using a water soluble magnesium salt. Specifically, a method of treating a headache is provided for an individual having a serum ionized magnesium concentration of 0.44 mmoles/L to 0.53 mmoles/L and having at least one headache symptom by administering an amount of a water soluble magnesium salt sufficaent to inhibit at least one headache symptom in the individual within 24 hours and to raise the serum ionized magnesium concentration in the individual to within a normal ionized magnesium concentration range of 0.54 mmoles/L to 0.67 mmoles/L. Headache symptoms which may be inhibited include: pain, aura, photophobia, nausea, unilateral pain and phonophobia.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the isolation and characterization of an invertebrate calcium channel subunit gene.

Abstract: Compositions of &agr;-pinene in combination with at least one of &agr;-pinene oxide, myrtenol and nonanal are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the composition containing &agr;-pinene and &agr;-pinene oxide may additionally include trans-verbenol. A lure for Tomicus piniperda is made up of one or more release devices which dispense &agr;-pinene and at least one of &agr;-pinene oxide, myrtlenol nonanal and trans-verbenol. A method for attracting pine shoot beetles, Tomicus piniperda, uses the composition disclosed, optionally as part of a trap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the correlation time for global tumbling for analysis of proteins and other macromolecules by NMR spectroscopy. The method comprises placing a macromolecule, hydrated and without significant structure perturbation, within a reverse micelle in a suitable fluid medium of low viscosity. A high pressure NMR cell for use with the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an extracellular matrix for wound healing comprising peptides from two or more fibronectin domains in a backbone matrix. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides a hyaluronic acid backbone derivatized with the minimal FN sequences that are optimal for tissue cell recruitment. These constructs can be used to accelerate the healing of acute gaping cutaneous wounds and chronic cutaneous ulcers. The invention thus further provides a method of enhancing wound healing which comprises applying the extracellular matrix to a wound.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inhibiting picornavirus genome replication in a subject. In particular, methods for interfering with VPg uridylylation and elongation are provided. The methods comprise administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one of VPg, VPg analog, VPg homology or biologically active fragment thereof as well as oligonucleotides, divalent cations, ribonucleotide or deoxyribonucleotide. Also provided are methods of identifying an inhibitor of picornaviral replication which comprise adding a potential inhibitor of picornaviral replication to an in vitro assay and analyzing levels of VPg uridylylation reaction products.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a taxane derivative of the formula in which R2 represents an RO—, RS— or RR′N— in which R represents an unsubstituted or substituted straight chain or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, or cycloalkyl, saturated heterocyclic, cycloalkenyl, unsaturated heterocyclic, aryl or heterocyclic aromatic; R′ is a hydrogen or R defined above; R and R′ can be connected to form together with the nitrogen a cyclic structure; Y is oxygen or sulfur; R3 represents an unsubstituted or substituted straight chain or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl radical, an unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl; which comprises reacting a &bgr;-lactam of the formula in which R311 represents a radical R3 defined above or a protected R3 whenever R3 includes one or more active hydrogens; with a baccatin III derivative of the formula: in which M is an alkali metal

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition processes utilize as precursors volatile metal complexes with ligands containing metalloid elements silicon, germanium, tin or lead.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microporous or macroporous affinity filtration membrane wherein the matrix of the membrane is composed of chitin and the pores are made by dissolution of porogen during the preparation of the membrane. The invention also relates to a method for the purification of wheat germ agglutinin using chitin microprous or macroporous membranes.

Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine which includes a turbocharger which includes a compressor and a turbine in communication with ambient air wherein that air is pressurized by the compressor to greater than ambient pressure. An intercooler, in communication with the outlet of the compressor, reduces the temperature of the greater than ambient pressure air. An intake manifold, in communication with the outlet of the intercooler, distributes the cooled and above ambient pressure air into an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine, which may be a diesel engine, a spark ignition gasoline engine or a direct ignition gasoline engine, is provided with an exhaust manifold in communication with the turbine of the turbocharger.

Abstract: A detailed three-dimensional structure for the complex formed between Ras and the Son of sevenless (Sos) protein is provided. Crystals of this complex are also included in the invention. The present invention farther provides procedures for identifying agents that can inhibit tumor proliferation through the use of rational drug design predicated on the crystals and crystallographic data disclosed.

Abstract: A method for chemical vapor deposition of a film comprising tantalum onto a substrate includes introducing into a deposition chamber: (i) a substrate; (ii) a source precursor in the vapor state; and (iii) a reactant gas, and maintaining the temperature of the substrate within the chamber as from about 70.degree. C. to about 675.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to deposit a film comprising tantalum on the substrate. The source precursor has a formula (I):Ta(F.sub.5-q-p)(X.sub.q-p)(R.sub.p) (I)wherein X is selected from the group consisting of bromine, iodine, chlorine, and combinations thereof; q is an integer from 0 to 4; p is an integer from 0 to 4; and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl.

Abstract: A gene is regulated by introducing into a cell an inducible, tissue-specific antisense DNA construct. The antisense DNA construct comprises any inducible, tissue-specific gene, into which a DNA sequence antisense to any DNA sequence of the gene targeted for regulation has been inserted. The inducible, tissue-specific antisense DNA construct transcribes a hybrid messenger RNA containing an RNA sequence antisense to a sequence of the messenger RNA of the gene targeted for regulation. The hybrid messenger RNA also contains the RNA sequence of the inducible, tissue-specific gene. Some examples of suitable inducible genes include those selected from the group consisting of mammalian cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) (GTP, EC 4.1.1.32), mammalian atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), and mammalian alpha myosin heavy chain (.alpha.-MHC). In a preferred embodiment, the inducible, tissue-specific gene is the rat PEPCK gene.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a new series of derivatives and analogues of adenine and adenosine, i.e., 3'-adenosine derivatives, which inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity. These newly synthesized compounds include the most potent inhibitors of adenylyl cyclases known. The present invention also discloses a method for measuring the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting a mammal's prior exposure to radiation or radiomimetic agents. Labeled antibodies are employed to determine the quantity of transferrin receptors on the red blood cells of the mammal. The quantity of transferrin receptors on the red blood cells of the mammal is correlated to the mammal's prior exposure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of right to left shunt. The method comprises introducing, into the blood circulation of an individual, to be treated, a therapeutically effective amount of the stabilized microbubbles. In a preferred embodiment, oxygen is additionally administered to the individual.