Abstract: An electrical connecting assembly includes a combination of a wire-binding screw and washer for fastening a conductor wire to a mechanical lug. The wire is inserted into the lug within a main bore. The screw and washer are inserted into the lug within a secondary threaded bore. The screw has a threaded body with an external thread for coupling to an internal thread of the mechanical lug. The threaded body has a bottom surface from which a boss extends with an end surface being formed-over for retaining the washer. The washer has a top surface in contact with the bottom surface of the screw and a bottom surface in contact with the conductor. The screw rotates independently of the washer, providing improved clamping force and reduced wire-strand breakage during current cycling.

Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that IDT307 and analogs thereof are fluorescent substrates transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using IDT307 and its analogs. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport.

Abstract: The present invention addresses methods of screening for ubiquination of membrane-bound transporters, such as SERT, NET and DAT. The ubiquitination of these transporters can regulate their turnover in the cell and trafficking to and from the plasma membrane, and thus provides a novel mechanism to modulate biogenic amine transporter activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the observation that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is an important regulator of biogenic amine transporter (BAT) function. By using modulator of p38 MAPK, one can alter BAT function in a specific manner. This recognition of the pathway and its interaction with the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET), along with the PPA, PKG and PDE pathways, also provides the opportunity to identify polymorphisms that will impact the efficacy of drugs that act though on these enzymes or their pathways.

Abstract: The present invention describes allelic variations in the SERT gene that are linked with the development of autism.

Abstract: Provided are in vivo screening methods to detect and identify substances that affect neuronal viability, and/or prevent neurodegeneration, and/or confer neuroprotective effects The screening methods utilize recombinant C. elegans expressing a detectable marker in neuronal sub-groups and the use of neurotoxins specific to specific neuronal cells. Also provided are methods for identifying modulators of neurotransmitter transporters such as the dopamine transporter. Therefore, the invention provides methods for identifying substances that can be used in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a target of various therapeutic agents used in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The present invention provides novel forms of SERT that lacks high affinity recognition of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The present invention therefore provides a novel target for use in screening and model development that can aid both the discovery of new medications and the discovery of novel pathways impacted in parallel with SERT blockade. Such novel targets can help identify new SSRI's with unique modifications and lead to discovery of pathways that secondarily support the therapeutic activity of these agents.