Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally relate to anti-cocaine therapeutics. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention relate to highly efficient, thermostable, and long-lasting cocaine esterase (CocE) mutants that can protect against the toxic and reinforcing effects of cocaine in subjects. Provided herein are mutant CocE polypeptides displaying thermostable esterase activity. Also provided are methods of treating cocaine-induced conditions in a subject in need via administration of mutant CocE as well as methods for high-throughput screening of candidate esterase polypeptides.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally relate to anti-cocaine therapeutics. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention relate to highly efficient, thermostable, and long-lasting cocaine esterase (CocE) mutants that can protect against the toxic and reinforcing effects of cocaine in subjects. Provided herein are mutant CocE polypeptides displaying thermostable esterase activity. Also provided are methods of treating cocaine-induced conditions in a subject in need via administration of mutant CocE as well as methods for high-throughput screening of candidate esterase polypeptides.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally relate to anti-cocaine therapeutics. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention relate to highly efficient, thermostable, and long-lasting cocaine esterase (CocE) mutants that can protect against the toxic and reinforcing effects of cocaine in subjects. Provided herein are mutant CocE polypeptides displaying thermostable esterase activity. Also provided are methods of treating cocaine-induced conditions in a subject in need via administration of mutant CocE as well as methods for high-throughput screening of candidate esterase polypeptides.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal under-going a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.

Abstract: The Proteins of the PR-5 family having a lectin-like ? barrel domain control apoptosis in yeast through receptor binding. Receptors that specifically bind to PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain have been found to be homologous to mammalian adiponectin receptors, and such PR-5 proteins can act as functional homologues of adiponectin and control adiponectin response in mammals. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, for example osmotin, can be used in the treatment of conditions in mammals which are the result of activation or inhibition of adiponectin receptor-mediated metaboloic pathways. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, and receptors that specifically bind such proteins, can also be used in screening and rational design of new therapeutic agents for use in mammals.

Abstract: The Proteins of the PR-5 family having a lectin-like ? barrel domain control apoptosis in yeast through receptor binding. Receptors that specifically bind to PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain have been found to be homologous to mammalian adiponectin receptors, and such PR-5 proteins can act as functional homologues of adiponectin and control adiponectin response in mammals. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, for example osmotin, can be used in the treatment of conditions in mammals which are the result of activation or inhibition of adiponectin receptor-mediated metaboloic pathways. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, and receptors that specifically bind such proteins, can also be used in screening and rational design of new therapeutic agents for use in mammals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally relate to anti-cocaine therapeutics. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention relate to highly efficient, thermostable, and long-lasting cocaine esterase (CocE) mutants that can protect against the toxic and reinforcing effects of cocaine in subjects. Provided herein are mutant CocE polypeptides displaying thermostable esterase activity. Also provided are methods of treating cocaine-induced conditions in a subject in need via administration of mutant CocE as well as methods for high-throughput screening of candidate esterase polypeptides.

Abstract: An Fe—Ni-based alloy that has improved wear resistance at high temperature over Ni-based superalloys is provided. The alloy is particularly useful for manufacturing engine exhaust valves and other high temperature engine components subjected to corrosion, wear and oxidation.

Abstract: The Proteins of the PR-5 family having a lectin-like P barrel domain control apoptosis in yeast through receptor binding. Receptors that specifically bind to PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like P barrel domain have been found to be homologous to mammalian adiponectin receptors, and such PR-5 proteins can act as functional homologues of adiponectin and control adiponectin response in mammals. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, for example osmotin, can be used in the treatment of conditions in mammals which are the result of activation or inhibition of adiponectin receptor-mediated metaboloic pathways. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, and receptors that specifically bind such proteins, can also be used in screening and rational design of new therapeutic agents for use in mammals.

Abstract: The Proteins of the PR-5 family having a lectin-like ? barrel domain control apoptosis in yeast through receptor binding. Receptors that specifically bind to PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain have been found to be homologous to mammalian adiponectin receptors, and such PR-5 proteins can act as functional homologues of adiponectin and control adiponectin response in mammals. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, for example osmotin, can be used in the treatment of conditions in mammals which are the result of activation or inhibition of adiponectin receptor-mediated metaboloic pathways. PR-5 proteins having a lectin-like ? barrel domain, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, and receptors that specifically bind such proteins, can also be used in screening and rational design of new therapeutic agents for use in mammals.

Abstract: An Fe—Ni-based alloy that has improved wear resistance at high temperature over Ni-based superalloys is provided. The alloy is particularly useful for manufacturing engine exhaust valves and other high temperature engine components subjected to corrosion, wear and oxidation.

Abstract: A powder metal component particularly suited for use as a valve guide in high temperature applications. The powder metal component according to a first embodiment has a chemical composition on a weight percent basis of about 0.1-2.0% C; about 8.0-18.0% Cr; about 1.0-15.0% Mo; about 0.1-3.5% S; about 0.1%-2.0% Si; upto about 5.0% max other elements; and the balance being substantially Fe. A second embodiment according to the present invention includes about 8.0-16.0% Co.

Abstract: A method for detecting component concentrations in human gas emissions such as breath and gas emitted from skin. A gas sample containing a specified component is collected into a gas cell using a pump and a series of valves to draw the gas sample into the cell and control the gas pressure within the cell. A tunable optical radiation beam is passed through the gas cell and the amount of energy absorbed by the specified component may be measured indirectly by taking the difference between the incident and emerging beam energy or directly by optoacoustic methods. Concentrations of the specified component as small as 0.1 ppB may be determined. Additionally, the tunable optical radiation beam may be multiplexed for use with a plurality of systems utilizing the beam for medical purposes.

Abstract: A composite lightweight engine poppet valve (10, 110, 210) that has a valve head portion (12, 112, 212) and at least a portion of the stem portion (14, 114, 214) made from a titanium intermetallic material attached by way of a solid state attachment to a nickel base alloy transition piece (16, 116, 216) that is heat treated for high creep resistance. The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is first attached to one end of the transition piece. The transition piece (16, 116,216) is cut to a desired length and then attached preferably by friction welding to the titanium intermetallic stem portion (14, 114, 214) at a preselected distance (d1, d2, or d3). The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is then attached to the other end of the transition piece. In another embodiment, a second hollow stem portion (215) is attached to the transition piece (216) and the tip portion (218) is then attached thereto.

Abstract: A composite lightweight engine poppet valve (10, 110, 210) that has a valve head portion (12, 112, 212) and at least a portion of the stem portion (14, 114, 214) made from a titanium intermetallic material attached by way of a solid state attachment to a nickel base alloy transition piece (16, 116, 216) that is heat treated for high creep resistance. The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is first attached to one end of the transition piece. The transition piece (16, 116, 216) is cut to a desired length and then attached preferably by friction welding to the titanium intermetallic stem portion (14, 114, 214) at a preselected distance (d1, d2, or d3). The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is then attached to the other end of the transition piece. In another embodiment, a second hollow stem portion (215) is attached to the transition piece (216) and the tip portion (218) is then attached thereto.

Abstract: A powder metal component particularly suited for use as a valve guide in high temperature applications. The powder metal component according to a first embodiment has a chemical composition on a weight percent basis of about 0.1-2.0% C; about 8.0-18.0% Cr; about 1.0-15.0% Mo; about 0.1-3.5% S; about 0.1%-2.0% Si; upto about 5.0% max other elements; and the balance being substantially Fe. A second embodiment according to the present invention includes about 8.0-16.0% Co.