Abstract: The present invention relates to novel parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) receptors (PTH1R and PTH3R) isolated from zebrafish. The receptors of the present invention share homology with previously identified parathyroid hormone (PTH)/parathyroid related protein (PTHrP) receptors. Isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the zebrafish PTH1R and PTH3R receptors. PTH1R and PTH3R receptor polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of PTH1R and PTH3R receptor activity and to diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for testing a telephone or communications line to determine if the line qualifies for a particular type or class of communications service, for example DSL service. In accordance with one embodiment, a potential customer can download a software program. The program first performs a DSL distance qualification calculation. If the customer's line passes this step, the program determines whether the line coupled between the customer and a central office servicing that customer is electrically qualified for DSL communications. A series of tests to measure signal levels, noise, and other characteristics are performed by a test server, which generally include local loop tests to determine the presence of bridged taps, load coils, and subscriber line concentrators. After the tests are completed, the customer can receive the results, order completion and other instructions.

Abstract: A system for machine- and human-mediated exchange of information, provided in response to receipt of an information query. The received query is first assigned to a selected category or classification, by a human classifier or through automatic parsing of the statement of the query by a computer. A search for a positive response to the query is performed automatically, using an information repository (including, but not limited to, one or more databases) that corresponds to the query classification. If the repository provides no positive response, the system allows a group of one or more human responders having relevant information to bid on providing a positive response to the query. A responder can also route the query to other responders. Optionally, a responder cost bid is compared with a user-supplied upper limit on cost. If a bid is accepted and the responder is selected, the responder provides a positive response to the query.

Abstract: A composition for treating tumors comprising a combination of at least one oxidizing agent and at least one aldehyde or precursor thereof, which aldehyde forms an insoluble thiazoline with cysteine. Optionally a compound which inhibits glutathione-s-transferase is included.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for capturing and analyzing video images of sediment from the bottom of a body of water such as a river or sea. The apparatus includes a video imager with a close-up focus of lens adapted to collect images of sediment at the bottom of the body of water. A waterproof housing surrounds the video imager. The video images are analyzed using any appropriate algorithm to determine grain size.

Abstract: A container has a body with side walls and a bottom, as well as a cover connected to the side walls but below the rim. The cover is shaped as an offset dome or a sloped roof such that the bung is adjacent a side wall and at the highest point of the cover when the container is upright. A ridge runs from the bung to the side wall diametrically opposite the bung, thereby creating a downward slope from the ridge to the line of intersection of the cover with the side walls. The line of intersection of the cover with the side walls may be horizontal or at a slight angle upwardly to the position of the bung. An air tube may be placed within the bung and extend to the point of intersection of the side wall with the bottom which is farthest from the position of the bung. An alternative air tube or a second air tube may be placed within the bung and extend to the point of intersection of the side wall with the cover which is farthest from the position of the bung.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a substrate for cytochrome p450 which, after oxidation by cytochrome p450, reacts with thiol groups is conjugated to a saccharide to provide a tumor-specific compound which has low toxicity to normal cells. In one embodiment of the present invention, the saccharide conjugate of the cytochrome p450 substrate is administered in conjunction with a saccharide conjugate of a cytotoxic phenol, which provides a synergistic effect in destroying tumors.

Abstract: Growth or metastasization of malignant tumors can be inhibited by administering to a patient in need thereof sufficient lactose to block crucial lectins on the affected organ so that the tumor cells cannot anchor to other locations in the body. Lactose can be administered alone, or in combination with conjugates of cytotoxic drugs. Preferably, lactose is conjugated to a cytotoxic substance so that the primary tumor is treated concurrently with prevention of metastasis. Additionally, by conjugating a cytotoxic drug to lactose, the cytotoxic drug is maintained in close proximity to the tumor because of the receptors on the tumor which bind the lactose (and therefore the cytotoxic agent bound thereto) to the tumor cells. By using a conjugate of lactose with a cytotoxic agent, one dose is generally sufficient to destroy the receptor sites on the tumor and prevent metastasis of the tumor while treating the tumor.

Abstract: A decorative ornament which can be mounted on an inside or outside wall of a house or other structure and which simulates the appearance of a column. The ornament comprises an upper section which simulates the capital of a column, a lower section which simulates the base of a column, and a folded wire strung between the upper and lower sections which has parallel segments simulating the fluting of a column. When mounted on a wall facing a garden or on an inside wall, the ornament can serve as a trellis with the wires supporting plants, flowers or vines.

Abstract: Tumor coils which have both saccharidase and tyrosinase activity are selectively treated by administration of a conjugate of a cytotoxic compound which is a substrate for tyrosinase and at least one saccharide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. Among the cytotoxic phenolic compounds which are substrates for tyrosinase which can be used are 4-hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxyanisole, L-3,4-dihydrophenylalanine, dopamine, tertbutylcatechol, hydroquinone, resorcinol, 6-hydroxydopa, and methyl gallate. The efficacy of the treatment is enhanced by also administering a compound that inhibits the action of glutathione reductase.

Abstract: A metallic housing encloses a suspended substrate circuit and is arranged so that the waveguide input/output port within the housing has double-ridge transitions to the suspended substrate circuit.

Abstract: Tumor cells which have .beta.-glucuronidase and tyrosinase activity are selectively treated by administration of a conjugate of a cytotoxic compound which is a substrate for tyrosinase and glucuronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof particularly the methyl-triacetylated form of glucuronic acid. Among the cytotoxic phenolic compounds which are substrates for tyrosinase which can be used are 4-hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxyanisole, L-3,4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine, dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine), terbutylcatechol, hydroquinone, resorcinol, 6-hydroxydopa (3,4,6-trihydeoxyphenylalanine) and methyl gallate.The efficacy of the treatment is enhanced by also administering a compound that inhibits the action of glutathione reductase.

Abstract: The metabolism of tumor cells which have .beta.-glucuronidase activity is inhibited by administering to a patient a conjugate of glucuronic acid and a thiocarbamate compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 cycloaliphatic, and M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an electropositive, ionically bonded metal, and the radical ##STR2## and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 cycloaliphatic groups.

Abstract: A composition for therapy of tumors having high tyrosinase activity contains the reaction product of penicillamine with a cytotoxic aldehyde, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The preferred compounds are 5,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid or 5,5-dimethyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof. Treatment preferably comprises an intra-arterial drip. Diagnosis of tumors suitable for treatment by means of these compositions may be accomplished by administering a radioactive copper salt and scanning for accumulations of radioactivity. This will indicate sites of high tyrosinase activity.

Abstract: Lubricating compositions are provided which comprise from about 60 to about 80% by weight of at least one saturated dicarboxylic acid, and from about 20 to about 40% of a carrier for said dicarboxylic acid. The lubricating compositions are particularly well suited for use in metal-to-metal lubricating, and are particularly useful in automobile engine lubrication.

Abstract: A composition for treating impotence contains a vasodilator, a vasoconstrictor, and a penetration enhancing ingredient in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical application. The composition is applied topically to treat impotence.

Abstract: Free fatty acids from fish oils, DHA and EPA, are useful in treating diabetes mellitus. The free fatty acids were an order of magnitude more effective in treating diabetes than unhydrolyzed fatty acids derived from fish oil.

Abstract: An infant food formulation substantially approximating human milk in fatty acid composition comprising a mixture of DHA and EPA in a ratio of approximately 3:2 by weight, immunoglobulins to mimic the immunoglobulin content of mother's milk, a source of protein, a source of carbohydrate, a source of ash, and sufficient water to provide an easily assimilable infant formula, the DHA, the EPA, and the immunoglobulins being encapsulated in capsules having a diameter of less than 350.mu..

Abstract: Drug-resistant tumor cells are rendered drug-sensitive by administering to the tumor cells a pump-affecting compound which suppresses the pumping action of P-glycoprotein on the tumor cells. In the case where the tumor cells have higher .beta.-glucuronidase activity than that of the surrounding tissues, the pump-affecting compound is in the form of a .beta.-D-glucuronide.