Abstract: According to the present invention, compounds selected from the thiozole class of organic molecules are employed as antagonists for receptor-operated ion channels (ROICs) useful in the treatment of a variety of disease states in which ROICs are implicated. ROICs of particular interest are receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCCs). Compounds of particular interest with respect to the subject invention are compounds of the thiazolidinedione class of organic molecules, more particularly ciglitazone. Disease states in which particular utility is expected include vasculoproliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis following angioplasty, and other conditions in which PDGF is known to play a role. The utility of the present invention with respect to further studies on the operation of ROICs and ROCCs and their role in disease will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the viability of a tissue of interest, particularly that presents as dead but may be merely stunned or hibernating with reduced or no obvious activity, such as contractility. Dynamic measurement of oxidative metabolism or other metaboic function permits distinguishing between different stages of compromised tissue such as myocardium. Measurements can be made using near-infrared illumination and detection coupled with infusion of one or more metabolic substrates to the region of interest to evaluate whether a metabolic pathway cascade or a trans-membrane ionic potential are intact and thereby provide an indication of the viability of the cell. One preferred instrument includes a catheter having a tip configured to be positioned adjacent to the tissue to be monitored. Optical fibers extend through the catheter to transmit a monitoring light beam from the tip into the tissue, and to receive a cytochrome-redox-response-dependent light beam from the tissue.

Abstract: The expression of APOBEC-1 in the liver of transgenic mice can cause liver dysplasia and liver tumors, and the expression of human APOBEC-1 in the intestine, stomach, or brain can cause obesity. Promiscuous editing of other mRNAs is correlated to these phenotypic changes. The instant invention discloses novel techniques for detecting aberrantly edited mRNAs, and hence, genes responsible for non-wild type phenotypes.

Abstract: A universal penetration test apparatus for measuring resistance of a material to a challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a pad saturated with the challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a compression assembly for compressing the material between the pad and a compression member. The apparatus also includes a sensor mechanism for automatically detecting when the challenge fluid penetrates the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the mammalian fsh15w6 gene, a novel gene associated with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) in humans. The invention encompasses fsh15w6 nucleic acids, recombinant DNA molecules, cloned genes or degenerate variants thereof, fsh15w6 gene products and antibodies directed against such gene products, cloning vectors containing mammalian fsh15w6 gene molecules, and hosts that have been genetically engineered to express such molecules. The invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds that modulate the expression of fsh15w6 and to using such compounds as therapeutic agents in the treatment of fsh15w6 disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Abstract: A self-doped conducting polymer having along its backbone a .pi.-electron conjugated system which comprises a plurality of monomer units, between about 0.01 and 100 mole % of the units having covalently linked thereto at least one Bronsted acid group. The conductive zwitterionic polymer is also provided, as are monomers useful in the preparation of the polymer and electrodes comprising the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of the formula: ##STR1## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein n is zero or 1; R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 are independently hydrogen, nitro, amino, halo, haloalkyl, cyano, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, azido, acylamino, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, trialkylsilyl-substituted alkoxy, aryloxy, substituted aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, a heterocyclic group, a heterocyclicoxy group, aralkoxy, or haloalkoxy; and R.sup.c and R.sup.d are defined in the specification. These compounds have high binding to the glycine site of the NMDA receptor. Also disclosed are methods of treating pathophysiologic conditions associated with neuronal degeneration, convulsions, anxiety, chronic pain, pyschosis, opiate tolerance, and inducing anesthesia.

Abstract: The present invention presents a unique class of physiological suppressors of cell division and cleavage. In particular, the present invention presents p21-activated protein kinase PAK I, also known as protease activated protein kinase I (with the same abbreviation "PAK I") which has been purified to apparent homogeneity. PAK I is inactive, e.g. as a protein of about 60 kDa (denoted "p60", as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and is active when autophosphorylated, for example, following limited proteolysis, or binding of Cdc42, e.g., as a protein of about 58 kDa (denoted "p58" as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). The present invention also presents a fragment of PAK I, a peptide denoted p37, which contains the catalytic domain of PAK I. The purification, characterization, nucleotide and amino acid sequences of PAK I and p37 are also disclosed. Another aspect of the invention discloses the cytostatic activity of PAK I and its fragments.

Abstract: An efficient, regiocontrolled approach to the synthesis of 8-fluoropurines by direct fluorination of purines with dilute elemental fluorine, or acetyl hypofluorite, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a purine compound is dissolved in a polar solvent and reacted with a dilute mixture of F.sub.2 in He or other inert gas.

Abstract: Isolated human herpesvirus type 8 nucleic acid sequences expressed in latently infected human cells including primary Kaposi's sarcoma cells, primary pulmonary tumor cells, and a body cavity based lymphoma cell line are disclosed. Methods of detecting HHV-8 infection and methods of inhibiting expression of the nucleic acid sequences in vivo are also disclosed.

Abstract: Silicon carbide films and microcomponents are grown on silicon substrates at surface temperatures between 900 K and 1700 K via C.sub.60 precursors in a hydrogen-free environment. Selective crystalline silicon carbide growth can be achieved on patterned silicon-silicon oxide samples. Patterned SiC films are produced by making use of the high reaction probability of C.sub.60 with silicon at surface temperatures greater than 900 K and the negligible reaction probability for C.sub.60 on silicon dioxide at surface temperatures less than 1250 K.

Abstract: Radiation-hard, steady-state imaging bolometer. A bolometer employing infrared (IR) imaging of a segmented-matrix absorber of plasma radiation in a cooled-pinhole camera geometry is described. The bolometer design parameters are determined by modeling the temperature of the foils from which the absorbing matrix is fabricated by using a two-dimensional time-dependent solution of the heat conduction equation. The resulting design will give a steady-state bolometry capability, with approximately 100 Hz time resolution, while simultaneously providing hundreds of channels of spatial information. No wiring harnesses will be required, as the temperature-rise data will be measured via an IR camera. The resulting spatial data may be used to tomographically investigate the profile of plasmas.

Abstract: A glucocorticoid-induced protein, TIGR, that is produced by cells of the trabecular meshwork can be used to diagnose glaucoma. The TIGR protein, anti-TIGR antibodies, and TIGR encoding sequences also provide a diagnostic for glaucoma and its related diseases.

Abstract: Mechanical means are provided to control the voltages induced in the windings of a generator/motor. In one embodiment, a lever is used to withdraw or insert the entire stator windings from the cavity where the rotating field exists. In another embodiment, voltage control and/or switching off of the output is achievable with a variable-coupling generator/motor. A stator is made up of two concentric layers of windings, with a larger number of turns on the inner layer of windings than the outer layer of windings. The windings are to be connected in series electrically, that is, their voltages add vectorially. The mechanical arrangement is such that one or both of the windings can be rotated with respect to the other winding about their common central axis. Another improved design for the stator assembly of electromechanical batteries provides knife switch contacts that are in electrical contact with the stator windings.

Abstract: The present invention provide nucleic acids encoding polypeptides which confer salt tolerance and plants an other organisms. The nucleic acids can be used to produce transgenic cultivars suitable for growth under saline conditions.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor capable of detecting and quantifying urea in fluids resulting from hemodialysis procedures. The sensor is based upon measurement of the pH change produced in an aqueous environment by the products of the enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of urea. The sensor may be fabricated using methods amenable to mass fabrication, resulting in low-cost sensors and thus providing the potential for disposable use. In a typical application, the sensor could be used in treatment centers, in conjunction with an appropriate electronics/computer system, in order to determine the hemodialysis endpoint. The sensor can also be utilized to allow at-home testing to determine if dialysis was necessary. Such a home monitor is similar, in principle, to devices used for blood glucose testing by diabetics, and would require a blood droplet sample by using a finger prick.

Abstract: The Prf gene of tomato has been cloned and analyzed. Prf encodes a protein with leucine-rich repeat, nucleotide binding, and leucine zipper motifs, identifying it as a member of the resistance gene class that includes RPS2, RPM1, N and L6. When expressed in transgenic plants, Prf confers Fenthion sensitivity and resistance to a wide variety of phytopathogens, including not only Pseudomonas syringae but also unrelated pathogens such as Xanthomonas campestris.

Abstract: A peptide comprising a free terminal alpha amine is treated with an aryl sulfonamide activating agent, resulting in an activated amide. The resulting activated amide is deprotonated with a base and modified by the addition of a substituent group. The aryl sulfonamide activating group is cleaved using a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The method is particularly useful for the modification of peptides at specific N-alpha positions, and is compatible with conventional solid phase peptide synthesis, including those that utilize Fmoc protecting groups.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing a mammal capable of expressing an exogenously supplied gene in cells of the airway are disclaimed. Liposome-nucleic acid complexes are prepared then delivered via aerosol to the lung airway. The invention provides a direct method for transforming pulmonary cells as a means for treating disorders of the lung as for providing a means for delivering substances systematically following expression in the lung.

Abstract: A newly discovered family of AIDS-associated viruses, designated ARV, is described. The viruses were isolated from AIDS patients from San Francisco and (a) are type D retroviruses; (b) have Mg.sup.++ --dependent reverse transcriptase activity; (c) induce human multinucleated cells without immortalizing the cells; (d) are replicable in HUT-78 human T cells; and (e) induce viral protein(s) in HUT-78 that binds to Ig from AIDS patients. The infected HUT-78 cells and immunogenic polypeptides derived from the viruses are useful for diagnosing AIDS.