Abstract: The present invention provides lanthanide binding tags (LBT) that selectively complex trivalent lanthanide (Ln) ions and afford stable complexes with desirable physical properties, including at least one of fluorescence and anomalous x-ray scattering.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting the presence of ATP, for measuring ATP concentrations, and for detecting viable cells using a composition comprising an ATP-dependent enzyme and one or more ATPase inhibitors.

Abstract: Based on a principle that is different to that of a conventional enzymatic method, the present invention provides a novel method for assaying a glycated protein by a simple procedure, within a short period of time, and with high accuracy, and a reagent kit for assaying used in the method. The method for assaying a glycated protein in a sample is realized by treating a glycated protein-containing sample with protease to liberate a glycated peptide, preferably an ?-glycated peptide, particularly preferably an ?-glycated dipeptide, from a glycated protein, allowing an oxidase to react with the liberated glycated peptide, and determining the produced hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method for treating arteriosclerotic lesions is provided wherein the method is characterized by administering a chemical compound to the patient, the compound being a porphyrin complexed with a radioactive metal. Cells which exhibit an affinity for the porphyrin element indicate sites of plaque buildup. The radioactive metal within the compound is cytotoxic to cells in and surrounding the plaque and may allow tomographic scanning of the plaque as well. The complexed compound can be introduced to the patient a desired number of times to provide the necessary radiation treatment and ongoing monitoring of plaque removal.

Abstract: The activity of a cell surface protease, particularly an ADAM, is determined in a rapid and sensitive assay employing a whole cell system. The assays are effective to identify effector molecules that affect the activity of a cell surface protease directly or indirectly, and to screen for therapeutic agents that modulate those effector molecules. The assays can also be used to screen for therapeutic agents that modulate the activity of a cell surface protease associated with a disease or medical condition. Kits comprising at least one component of the present assays are also provided.

Abstract: A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion.

Abstract: The instant methods and compositions represent an advance in controlling drug resistance in microbes. AcrAB-like efflux pumps have been found to control resistance to drugs, even in highly resistant microbes. Accordingly, methods of treating infection, methods of screening for inhibitors of AcrAB-like efflux pumps, and methods of enhancing antimicrobial activity of drugs are provided. Pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of an AcrAB-like efflux pump and an antimicrobial agent are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing assays on materials, particularly biological materials, are provided. The devices and methods make use of self-sealing members, which can be applied to a flat surface to form wells to facilitate immobilization of materials on the flat surface, then removed to yield a flat surface that facilitates the performance of processes on and/or detection of the immobilized material.

Abstract: Sigma factors are a unique family of essential proteins found in bacterial, but not eukaryotic cells, which are responsible for recognition of promoter DNA and delivery of the catalytic domain of RNA polymerase to a gene signaled to be expressed. The present invention relates to methods for identifying agents that are capable of inhibiting bacterial gene expression via inhibition of sigma factor activity. In particular, the invention relates to the interaction of bacteriophage T4 AsiA protein and the C-terminal DNA binding domain of sigma factor (the SR4 domain) and the use of the structural information derived from this interaction to model, prepare and identify agents capable of binding and inhibiting sigma factor activity. Moreover, the invention relates to the design of AsiA mimics, including small organic molecules, peptides or proteins that binds SR4 and abrogates sigma factor activity, or screening for AsiA mimics that show bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal properties.

Abstract: There is provided a method for a selective assay of component, particularly cholesterol, in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) which is one of serum lipoproteins. In the assay, an enzymatic reaction of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or cholesterol esterase (CE) which well reacts with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and VLDL is carried out at least in the presence of calixarene or a salt thereof. It is also carried out in the presence of one or more substance(s) selected from albumin and basic amino acids in addition to calixarene or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A cancer screening method is provided, wherein the method is characterized by administering a compound to a patient, the compound being a complex of a fluorescent marker and a radioactive marker, in a dose emitting between 5 Gy and 20 Gy radiation. Cells are then collected preferably through non-invasive or minimally invasive means. If fluorescence is observed in the exfoliated cells, tomographic scanning is conducted to further locate and/or confirm suspected malignant areas or metastatic areas. Further observation or treatment may be conducted either through fluorescence guided endoscopy, photo-dynamic therapy, and/or radiation treatment.

Abstract: The present provides compounds capable of modulating IL-4 receptor-mediated IgE production, as well as IL-4 induced processes associated therewith, methods and kits for identifying such compounds that utilize a CLLD8 protein as a surrogate analyte and methods of using the compounds in a variety of in vitro, in vitro and ex vivo contexts.

Abstract: Transmembrane potential measurement methods using cationic dyes, and anionic dyes are provided. Compositions of the cationic and anionic dyes and microfluidic systems which include the dyes and membranes are provided in conjunction with processing elements for transmembrane potential measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in vitro testing of the efficacy of a potentially active substance comprising monitoring the effect of said potentially active substance on an artificial skin, comprising a composite product forming a collagen support comprising at least one porous collagen layer covered on at least one side with a collagen membrane component selected from the group consisting of a collagen membrane prepared by compression of a collagen sponge at a pressure of at least about 50 bar and of a collagen membrane comprising a collagen film prepared by drying a collagen gel separately from the porous collagen layer, thereby providing a reliable method for finding new potentially active substances.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the effect of each of a plurality of test agents on cells from a subject, and a method to profile patient cell responses to test agents.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of decreasing apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein and of treating atherosclerotic diseases and dyslipidemic diseases by reducing plasma phospholipid transfer protein activity, and methods of identifying chemical compounds for use in such treatments.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a lysed eukaryotic cell in a sample, said method comprising: (i) adding adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to said sample under conditions which allows the conversion of ADP to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by cellular adenylate kinase, (ii) detecting ATP in said sample and relating that to the presence of adenylate kinase and thus to the presence of lysed cells. The method is useful in detecting the cell lysis, for example when screening for drugs which are required to cause lysis, for example for use in tumor therapy. However, in addition, cells may, in a preliminary step, be lysed and the contents quantitated in order to establish for example the health of condition of the cells or to detect the presence of cells in sample such as milk or urine, for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: It is desirable to enhance reproducibility and control of batch fermentation processes. Some examples of these processes include: alcoholic beverage manufacture, and acetone and pharmaceutical production. A cellular yield curve defines the relationship between substrate utilization and cellular growth. The cellular yield curve is be used to create a mass balance between all of the reacting chemical species. This mass balance methodology is utilized to monitor the course of the reaction. The accurate description of the fermentation that is produced can facilitate reproducibility. Also, careful tracking of the course of the reaction can enable precisely timed interventions that will have an effect on the final outcome.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for characterizing a duplex nucleic acid, e.g., a duplex DNA molecule. In the subject methods, a fluid conducting medium that includes a duplex nucleic acid molecule is contacted with a nanopore under the influence of an applied electric field and the resulting changes in current through the nanopore caused by the duplex nucleic acid molecule are monitored. The observed changes in current through the nanopore are then employed as a set of data values to characterize the duplex nucleic acid, where the set of data values may be employed in raw form or manipulated, e.g., into a current blockade profile. Also provided are nanopore devices for practicing the subject methods, where the subject nanopore devices are characterized by the presence of an algorithm which directs a processing means to employ monitored changes in current through a nanopore to characterize a duplex nucleic acid molecule responsible for the current changes.

Abstract: A BIER vessel evaluates biological indicators for sterilization processes. By flowing gaseous sterilant, such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide, through a chamber (12) before, during, and after introducing the indicators, the indicators are instantaneously exposed to preselected steady state conditions, allowing accurate and reproducible evaluation of the indicator response. A door (32) to an opening (30) in the chamber opens for introducing the indicators to the chamber without appreciably disturbing the steady state conditions therein. After a preselected time, the biological indicators are removed and evaluated for remaining biological activity.