Abstract: We disclose a method of activating soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a composition comprising a corrin and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. We also disclose a composition, comprising a corrin, an NO-independent sGC activator selected from the group consisting of BAY 41-2272, BAY 58-2667, HMR1766, YC-I, and S3448, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A sizing compound and method used in forming a surface conditioner, primer, tie coat and/or wash coat for surfaces or substrates made of glass, ceramic material, or a polyolefin or substituted polyolefins such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene nitrile. The sizing compound contains a mixture of a coupling agent comprising at least one organosilicon compound and a bonding agent, namely, fluorine and is used to improve the adherence of polymer coatings and inks to the surface of the glass, ceramic material, and polyolefin substrates. The sizing compound will adhere to the above named surfaces to improve adhesion to both porous and non-porous surfaces. The sizing compound can be applied by spray, vapor, brush, dipping, cascading or mopping. When dry the sizing coating on the substrate produces a bond between the substrate and the polymeric coating or ink applied thereon.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for quantifying and/or identifying a nitroderivative compound, or a residue thereof, and are applicable for assessing in vivo nitrative stress and for aiding in diagnosis of mammalian pathologies such as asthma, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, ischemia, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. A preferred method comprises a) providing a sample containing the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the form of a diazo compound or residue thereof; b) azo-coupling the diazo compound, or residue thereof, to a target compound capable of producing a signal, to yield an azo-coupled compound; c) isolating the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, or the azo-coupled compound; d) quantitating and/or detecting the signal, to yield a quantitation and/or detection result; and e) determining from the quantitation and/or detection result the identity and/or concentration of the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the sample.

Abstract: A method of screening a substance of interest for heme independent modulation of enzymatic activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is disclosed, comprising (a) obtaining ??Cys105 mutant sGC enzyme; (b) determining activity of the mutant enzyme for forming cGMP from GTP in the presence of the substance of interest in a reaction medium; (c) determining activity as in step (b), except in the absence of the substance of interest; optionally, (d) including an activator other than the substance of interest in steps b) and c); e) comparing results of (b)–(d) to yield a comparison result; and f) from that value of that result, assessing activity of the substance of interest for modulating cGMP production by the mutant enzyme. Increased or decreased formation of cGMP in the presence of the substance of interest indicates activity of the substance for modulating heme independent cGMP production.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for quantifying and/or identifying a nitroderivative compound, or a residue thereof, and are applicable for assessing in vivo nitrative stress and for aiding in diagnosis of mammalian pathologies such as asthma, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, ischemia, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. A preferred method comprises a) providing a sample containing the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the form of a diazo compound or residue thereof; b) azo-coupling the diazo compound, or residue thereof, to a target compound capable of producing a signal, to yield an azo-coupled compound; c) isolating the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, or the azo-coupled compound; d) quantitating and/or detecting the signal, to yield a quantitation and/or detection result; and e) determining from the quantitation and/or detection result the identity and/or concentration of the nitroderivative compound, or residue thereof, in the sample.

Abstract: Murine cDNA encoding the alpha1 subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and additional sequence to the known 3? noncoding part of beta1 subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase are identified herein. The new genes are further used for expression of encoded proteins. The new part of the beta1 cDNA sequences is further used for screening of regulatory factors associated with modulation of the expression of the beta1 sGC subunit.

Abstract: Methods of using a heme-deficient mutant sGC with a substituted His105 residue, which has a high basal specific activity and displays properties similar to NO-stimulated wild type sGC, are disclosed. Preferred embodiments aid in the prevention and treatment of cyclic GMP-dependent pathophysiologies, and are useful in the development of drugs that inhibit or activate sGC. Certain embodiments provide a method of treating angina and other chronic heart diseases comprising delivery of a constitutively active &agr;&bgr;Cys105 mutant gene or enzyme to an in vivo cell are described.

Abstract: Murine cDNA encoding the alpha 1 subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and additional sequence to the known 3′ noncoding part of beta1 subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase are identified herein. The new genes are further used for expression of encoded proteins. The new part of the beta1 cDNA sequences is further used for screening of regulatory factors associated with modulation of the expression of the beta1 sGC subunit.

Abstract: Coating compositions can be applied to substrates to produce a smooth finish by the use of a coating applicator having a mat of sized glass fibers and/or strands having fibers and/or strands projecting from the surface of the mat. The coating applicator has a core with two surfaces, a mat of sized glass fibers with projecting fibers and/or strands attached to one surface of the core. The glass fibers within the strands have a residue of a sizing composition having a carrier, a film forming polymer, and compatible coupling agent. The glass fibers within the strand may be selected from bulked, texturized, hollow, hollow with etching and solid continuous and staple glass fibers and mixtures thereof. The thickness of the mat on the core to comprise the applicator is in the range of about 0.125 to about 2 inches (3 to 50 mm.).

Abstract: Coating compositions can be applied to substrates to produce a novelty finish by the use of a coating applicator having a mat of sized glass fibers and/or strands in contact with the coating. The novelty finish achieved with the glass fiber strand coating applicator has continuity of pattern, which is achieved in a fascile and efficient manner. The coating applicator has a core with an inner and outer surface and mat of sized glass fiber attached to the outer surface. The glass fibers have a residue of a sizing composition having a carrier, a film forming polymer, and compatible coupling agent. The one or more glass fibers may be selected from bulked, texturized, hollow, hollow with etching and solid continuous and staple glass fibers and mixtures thereof. The thickness of the mat on the core to comprise the applicator is in the range of about 0.125 to about 2 inches (3 to 50 mm.).