Abstract: An automated file-conversion system and process for a media-generation system includes a computer system configured to receive at least one contact data file. Upon receipt of the contact data file, the computer system automatically determines the file type by identifying the hexadecimal identifier embedded within the contact data file. Once the file type of the contact data file is identified, the computer system automatically selects a compatible software module that is able to access the file so that the data can be placed in a standardized format and segmented. After the data has been segmented, the computer system saves the contact data file in a standardized file type that is compatible for processing by a media-generation system.

Abstract: Claimed are a series of somatostatin agonists typically characterized by alkylation of the amide nitrogen, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A1-cyclo{D-Cys-A2-D-Trp-A3-A4-Cys}-A5-Y1 ??(I) The present invention is directed to a somatostatin antagonist according to formula (I), wherein A1 is an optionally substituted aromatic ax-amino acid; A2 is an optionally substituted aromatic ?-amino acid; A3 is Dab, Dap, Lys or Orn; A4 is ?-Hydroxyvaline, Ser, Hser, or Thr; A5 is an optionally substituted D- or L-aromatic-amino acid; and Y1 is OH, NH2 or NHR1, where R1 is (C1-6)alkyl; wherein each said optionally substituted aromatic-amino acid is optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, NO2, OH, CN, (C1-6)alkyl, (C2-6)alkenyl, (C2-6)alkynyl, (C1-6)alkoxy, Bzl, O-Bzl, and NR9R10, where R9 ad R10 each is independently H, O, or (C1-6)alkyl; and wherein the amine nitrogen of each of amide peptide bond and the amino group of A1 of formula (I) is optionally substituted with a methyl group, provided that there is at least one said methyl group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt the

Abstract: The present invention features a novel class of cyclic polypeptides that have U-II antagonist and agonist activity. The invention also features methods for treating physiological or psychological conditions characterized by an excess or an under expression of Urotensin-II.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of decreasing the rate of proliferation of medullary thyroid carcinoma cells which comprises contacting medullary thyroid carcinoma cells with one or more SSTR2 agonist. A somatostatin receptor antagonist having the formula Cpa-cyclo(D-Cys-4-Pal-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys)-Nal-NH2 is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features conjugates of therapeutic or cytotoxic agents and biologically active peptides and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides and methods of inhibiting fusion between the virion envelope of Flaviviruses and membranes of the target cell, the process that delivers the viral genome into the cell cytoplasm. The invention provides for methods which employ peptides or peptide derivatives to inhibit Flavivirus:cell fusion. The present invention is based in part on the discovery that E1 envelope glycoprotein of hepaciviruses and E2 envelope glycoprotein of pestivirus have previously undescribed structures, truncated class II fusion proteins. The present invention provides peptides and methods of treatment and prophylaxis of diseases induced by Flaviviruses.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel class of cyclic polypeptides that have U-II antagonist and agonist activity. The invention also features methods for treating physiological or psychological conditions characterized by an excess or under expression of Ur4otensin-II.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptide agents and uses thereof that are analogs of biologically active peptides such as somatostatin and bombesin. The compounds of the invention have the general formula X-Y-Z-Q, where X is a cytotoxic agent, therapeutic agent, detectable label or chelating group, and Q is a biologically active peptide. In peptide agents of the invention Y is optionally a hydrophilic polymer or peptide, and Z is a linking peptide bonded to Q at the amino terminus of Q, having two, three, four, or five, amino acid residues selected to link X to Q, while retaining the biological activity of Q. Methods of using these peptide agents in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: A linear (i.e., non-cyclic) analog of biologically active amphibian bombesin, mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), or mammalian growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), having an active site and a binding site responsible for the binding of the peptide to a receptor on a target cell. Cleavage of a peptide bond in the active site of naturally occurring bombesin, GRP, or GRF is unnecessary for in vivo biological activity. The analog has one of the following modifications: (a) a deletion of an amino acid residue within the active site and a modification of an amino acid residue outside of the active site, (b) a replacement of two amino acid residues within the active site with a synthetic amino acid, a ?-amino acid, or a ?-amino acid residue, or (c) a non-peptide bond. instead of a peptide bond between an amino acid residue of the active site and an adjacent amino acid residue.

Abstract: Novel peptides of the formula A.sub.1 -A.sub.2 -C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 -A.sub.5 are disclosed which promote the release of growth hormone when administered to animals. These peptides can be used therapeutically.

Abstract: Novel peptides of the formula A.sub.1 -A.sub.2 -Ala-Trp-DPhe-A.sub.5 are disclosed which promote the release of growth hormone when administered to animals. These peptides can be used therapeutically.