Abstract: The present application is directed to a novel approach for rapid, selective and sensitive detection of heavy metals using a solid-phase bioactive lab-on-paper sensor that is ink-jet printed with sol-gel entrapped reagents to allow colorimetric visualization of the enzymatic activity. The bioactive paper assay is able to detect a range of heavy metals, either alone or as mixtures, in as little as 10 min. The paper-based assay was immune to interferences from non-toxic metal ions such as Na+ or K+, could be used to detect heavy metals that were spiked into tap water or lake water, and provided quantitative data that was in agreement with values obtained by atomic absorption. The paper-based sensor is of value for rapid, on-site screening of trace levels of heavy metals in resource limited areas and developing countries.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endo-?-N-acetylglucosaminidase enzyme isolatable from the fungus Trichoderma virde and to methods of producing the enzyme and uses of said enzyme.

Abstract: A process for detecting and/or identifying, in a biological sample, bacteria exhibiting a resistance to carbapenems by producing carbapenemase, includes: a) contacting said sample with a reaction medium including at least one carbapenem-class antibiotic, and cloxacillin; b) incubating the whole so as to allow the bacteria to grow; and c) detecting the strains exhibiting enzymatic resistance to carbapenems. Advantageously, the medium employed in step a) also contains phenylalanine-arginine-beta-naphthylamide (PAbetaN).

Abstract: A method and kit are provided for enhancing the tolerance of an assay reagent to compounds in an assay sample, the assay reagent including a luciferase enzyme. The method includes contacting the luciferase with a tolerance enhancement agent in an amount sufficient to substantially protect luciferase enzyme activity from interference of the compound and minimize interference by at least about 10% relative to an assay not having tolerance enhancement agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion protein including sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase, a fluorescence donor for FRET, and a fluorescence acceptor, one of the fluorescence donor and the fluorescence acceptor being linked to the N-terminus side of the ATPase, the other of the fluorescence donor and the fluorescence acceptor being inserted between the above one of the fluorescence donor and the fluorescence acceptor and the ATPase or being inserted in an amino acid sequence of the ATPase, the amino acid sequence corresponding to (i) amino acids 1 through 6 in SERCA2a, (ii) amino acids 369 through 380 in the SERCA2a or (iii) amino acids 572 through 583 in the SERCA2a.

Abstract: A cellulose gel medium having good visibility of microbial colonies, a cellulose gel culture substrate for manufacturing the cellulose gel medium, a method for manufacturing the cellulose gel culture substrate, a method for screening cellulase-producing microorganisms or cellulase activity with greater efficiency and rapidity, and a culture substrate, which includes a cellulose gel containing cellulose and water as medium-solidifying components, the cellulose has the viscosity of 12 to 35 mPa·S as measured at 26° C. with a solution prepared by dissolving the cellulose at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL in dimethylacetamide containing 8% (W/V) lithium chloride.

Abstract: A full process control for use with a molecular assay and a method of determine the efficacy of the molecular assay. A full process control can include a fixed cell, and specifically can include a fixed vegetative cell. A method of determining the efficacy of a molecular assay can include providing an internal control, mixing the internal control with a sample, lysing the internal control and the sample, and detecting the lysis product. The full process control and/or the internal control can be Bacillus subtilis cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The method can include selecting plant material. Selecting can include excluding plant material that has been exposed to high temperatures or that has had high moisture content.

Abstract: The present technology discloses biotinidase assay, biotinidase substrates (I) and a kit wherein the biotinidase substrate includes a label molecule separated from the biotin carbamoyl group by a linker X longer than about 4 ? but shorter than about 27 ?.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ICE-cleaved alpha-synuclein fragments as biomarkers for alpha-synuclein-associated disease or disorder and/or for ICE-regulator therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides formulations comprising isolated Disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT) or variants, isomers, analogs and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying mutations associated with cancer, such as melanoma. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and compositions for assessing particular mutations as markers for cancer, such as melanoma. Such methods and compositions allow medical providers to diagnose cancer, such as melanoma, based upon the presence of one or more particular mutations in a subject, as compared with an otherwise healthy control. The methods and compositions are also useful in guiding the type of therapy to be applied, and monitoring the effects of the therapy applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal of ACE protein. The present invention further relates to methods, processes, ACE modulators, pharmaceutical compositions and uses of the ACE crystal and the structure co-ordinates thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic nanoparticle having a Curie temperature which is within a biocompatible temperature range, a method for preparing same, and a nanocomposite and a target substance detection composition comprising the magnetic nanoparticle. As the magnetic nanoparticle of the present invention has a Curie temperature within the temperature range of 0 degrees centigrade to 41 degrees centigrade, the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic properties of the magnetic nanoparticle may be controlled within a biocompatible temperature range at a temperature at which a biological control agent is not destroyed, and the temperature of the magnetic nanoparticle is adjusted to control the magnetic properties thereof such that the properties of the magnetic nanoparticle may be used only when ferromagnetic properties are required, such as in the case of signal amplification in detecting, separating, and delivering biological control agents.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a sugar chain by high performance liquid chromatography uses a column packed with a stationary phase including anion and cation exchangers. A fluorescence-labeled sample is prepared for the analysis by decomposing glycosaminoglycans to be analyzed into their constitutional units being disaccharides, capturing the disaccharides by glycoblotting, releasing the disaccharides by acid treatment, and subsequently reductively aminating the released disaccharides. In this method, two or more types of glycosaminoglycans can be simultaneously analyzed.

Abstract: This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, t, R1, R2, L, Q, X, Y, Z and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.

Abstract: Modified PH20 hyaluronidase polypeptides, including modified polypeptides that exhibit increased stability and/or increased activity, are provided. Also provided are compositions and formulations and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions and articles of manufacture useful for the treatment of Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus bacteria and spores, and related conditions. The disclosure further relates to methods and compositions for the identification of a phage associated lytic enzyme to rapidly and specifically detect and kill Bacillus anthracis and other bacteria. Related articles of manufacture, methods of degrading spores and methods of treatment of infections or bacteria populations of, or subjects exposed to or at risk for exposure to, Bacillus anthracis are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for making and using substrates of deamidase of prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein (Dop) are described herein. More particularly, modified prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein (Pup) and functional fragments thereof that serve as exemplary Dop substrates are described and encompassed herein. Screening methods to identify modulators of Dop and Pup activity and use of modulators identified thereby are also described. Methods of using modulators that are identified as inhibitors of Dop and Pup activity for treating diseases/conditions associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, such as tuberculosis and leprosy, are also envisioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal structure of a plasma membrane proton pump type ATPase. The invention further describes method for identification of modulators of ATPases as well as uses of such modulators. Based on the provided three dimensional structure of the ATPase, various method, such as computer implemented methods may be used for identification of modulators, such putative modulators may be further analysed using in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm there functionality. Several modulator interaction regions are described as target of regulation by ATPase modulators.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods for analyzing one or more amine-containing compounds in one or more samples using isobaric labels and parent-daughter ion transition monitoring (PDITM). In various embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of: (a) labeling one or more amine-containing compounds with different isobaric tags from a set of isobaric tags, each isobaric tag comprising a reporter ion portion; (b) combining at least a portion of each of the isobarically labeled amine-containing compounds to produce a combined sample; (c) subjecting at least a portion of the combined sample to PDITM; (d) measuring the ion signal of one or more of the transmitted reporter ions; and (e) determining the concentration of one or more of the isobarically labeled amine-containing compounds based at least on a comparison of the measured ion signal of the corresponding reporter ion to one or more measured ion signals of a standard compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the likelihood of embryo or oocyte survival. This method involves providing a sample of an embryo, an oocyte, or surrounding liquid or cells, and screening the sample for ceramidase expression or activity. The ceramidase expression or activity obtained through said screening is then correlated to a prediction of the likelihood of embryo or oocyte survival. Also disclosed is a kit.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for treating or preventing diseases and disorders associated abnormal cell growth, for example, treating or preventing cancer or tumor growth, by administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a compound that downregulates DDX3, for example a fused diimidazodiazepine ring compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also encompasses the use of DDX3 as a biomarker for diagnostic and treatment purposes, for example, to identify a hyperproliferative disorder susceptible to treatment by down regulation of DDX3.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for an activity in an isolated organ, e.g., eye, from a teleost, e.g., zebrafish. Methods of isolating eyes from zebrafish are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in a model of ocular disease or disorder are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye and for screening the agent for cell death and/or toxic activity in the eye or other organ or tissue are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents for an activity in isolated eyes of zebrafish in multi-well plates.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening a compound that can increase spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers. The compound is identified by contacting Ephexin5 with a test compound and selecting the compounds that inhibit Rho GEF activity of Ephexin5. Additionally, the invention also provides methods for increasing spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers by contacting a neuron with an Ephexin5 inhibitor.

Abstract: Soluble variants of recombinant proteins produced in a prokaryotic host cell, where the high expression levels often cause the original proteins to aggregate into insoluble inclusion body aggregates. The variant polypeptides retain biological function while increasing protein solubility with comparable or higher recoverable levels of biologically active protein when expressed in a suitable expression host. Methods of identifying critical residues and substituting them are provided to produce the variants.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for inducing cell senescence by recombinant interferon with altered spatial configuration, wherein the interferon is encoded by a nucleotide sequence having the sequence of SEQ ID NO.2.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a detection method capable of detecting articular cartilage degeneration or damage in which the abnormality cannot be detected in a radiograph in a simple method and with high accuracy, a method of evaluating the rate of progression of articular cartilage degeneration or damage, and the like. The present invention as a means for achieving the object provides a method of detecting articular cartilage degeneration or damage which cannot be detected in a radiograph, by using the concentration of keratan sulfate in a sample derived from blood as an index, and the like. Further, the present invention provides a method of evaluating the rate of progression of articular cartilage degeneration or damage by using the concentration of keratan sulfate in a sample derived from blood as an index, and the like.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, test units, systems, assays and kits for qualitative and/or quantitative detection of microorganisms or microbes. Some aspects of the invention utilize a test strip comprising a test area and a self-calibrating control area that permits quantitative measurements to be obtained rapidly at the test site. The test strip is ready-to-use and does not require any preparation. The present systems and methods provide valuable tools for sensitive early detection of microbial contamination.

Abstract: Screening assays that allow for the identification of agents that increase acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) acylase expression and/or AHL acylase activity in ?-proteobacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such agents are useful, for example, for inhibiting quorum sensing activity of such bacteria by increasing degradation of long chain, but not short chain, AHLs and, therefore, can be useful for treating infections by such bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of modulating HSF1 activity comprising modifying the acetylation of the DNA binding domain of the HSF1.

Abstract: The present invention provides ?2 microglobulin as a biomarker for qualifying or assessing peripheral artery disease in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the visualization of acidic organelles based upon organelle enzyme activity. The organelle substrates of the invention are specific for enzyme activity of the organelle and label these organelles, such as lysosomes, rendering them visible and easily observed. Substrates of the present invention include substrates that produce a fluorescent signal. The fluorogenic acidic organelle enzyme substrates of this invention are designed to provide high fluorescence at low pH values and are derivatized to permit membrane permeation through both outer and organelle membranes of intact cells and can be used for staining cells at very low concentrations. They can be used for monitoring enzyme activity in cells at very low concentrations and are not toxic to living cells or tissues.

Abstract: A method of reducing the production of glutamate from glutamine by glutaminase C in a cell or tissue. The method involves inhibiting activating phosphorylation of glutaminase C under conditions effective to reduce production of glutamate from glutamine. Methods for treating or preventing a condition mediated by the activating phosphorylation of glutaminase C, detecting a condition mediated by the activating phosphorylation of glutaminase C, and screening for compounds capable of treating or preventing cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing the antibiotic resistance of a microorganism, said method comprising the steps of (a) providing a reference mass spectrum of an antimicrobial compound, its enzymatic modification product, its molecular target, or of a substrate compound of a its modifying enzyme; (b) exposing a microorganism, a cell lysate thereof, or a growth medium supernatant thereof, to said antimicrobial compound or said substrate compound in aqueous liquid to thereby provide an exposed sample; (c) acquiring a mass spectrum of the exposed sample; (d) comparing the mass spectrum acquired in step c) with the reference mass spectrum of step (a), and (e) determining from said comparison whether modification of said antimicrobial compound, its modification product or its molecular target or of said substrate has occurred following said exposure, and establishing that said microorganism is potentially resistant to said antimicrobial compound when said modification is observed.

Abstract: This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, Q, X, Y, Z and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine.

Abstract: A novel class of hydroxylases is described having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6 and 8, and variants and fragments thereof having HIF hydroxylation activity. The polypeptides of the invention have in particular prolyl hydroxylase activity. An assay method monitors the interaction of the HIF hydroxylase with a substrate. Modulators of HIF hydroxylase are provided for use in the treatment of a condition associated with increased or decreased HIF levels or activity or for the treatment of a condition where it is desirable to modulate HIF levels or activity.

Abstract: The invention encompasses the use of a lipolytic enzyme obtainable from one of the following genera: Streptomyces, Corynebacterium and Thermobifida in various methods and uses, wherein the lipolytic enzyme hydrolyzes a glycolipid or a phospholipid or transfers an acyl group from a glycolipid or phospholipids to an acyl acceptor. The present invention also relates to a lipolytic enzyme that hydrolyzes at least a galactolipid or transfers an acyl group from a galactolipid to one or more acyl acceptor substrates, wherein the enzyme is obtainable from Corynebacterium species.

Abstract: The invention is directed to treatment of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions associated with changes of qualitative and/or quantitative composition of blood extracellular DNA and treatment of systemic DNA mutation diseases accompanied with development of somatic mosaicism and elevation of blood extracellular DNA. The inventive method comprises introducing a DNASE enzyme into the systemic blood circulation of a patient in doses and regimens which are sufficient to decrease average molecular weight of circulating extracellular blood DNA in the blood of said patient.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of active highly phosphorylated lysosomal sulfatase enzymes, their pharmaceutical compositions, methods of producing and purifying such lysosomal sulfatase enzymes and compositions and their use in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or treatment of diseases and conditions, including particularly lysosomal storage diseases that are caused by, or associated with, a deficiency in the lysosomal sulfatase enzyme.

Abstract: A method is provided for conducting a droplet-based enzymatic assay, e.g., for diagnostic purposes. On a droplet actuator, a droplet comprising an enzyme of interest is provided along with a droplet comprising a substrate which is potentially modified in the presence of the enzyme. Droplet operations are executed to combine the enzyme and substrate droplets on the droplet actuator, thereby yielding an assay droplet on the droplet actuator. Detecting modification of the substrate by the enzyme in the assay droplet occurs on the droplet actuator. Modified substrate preparations for conducting such enzymatic assays are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed which inhibit SIR2 base exchange more than deacetylation, thus enhancing SIR2 deacetylation activity. Methods of using the compounds for enhancing SIR2 deacetylation activity and increasing longevity of an organism are also disclosed. Methods for screening for compounds that enhance SIR2 deacetylation activity and increase longevity of an organism are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A method and engineered proteins for use therewith suitable for studying SERCA that are capable of being used in vivo and do not require protein purification or chemical labeling of SERCA, or reconstitution into artificial membranes. The engineered protein for calcium handling within human cells includes a two-color SERCA construct having three component proteins fused together. The three component proteins include a blue fluorescent protein (cerulean), SERCA2a and a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), or a red fluorescent protein (tagRFP acceptor), SERCA and a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The method of determining SERCA activity for optimization of cardiac function includes resolving structure changes of the two-color SERCA construct. The two-color SERCA constructs are catalytically active and able to pump calcium following the step of resolving structure changes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation. The invention further includes methods for prolonging patency of hemodialysis access.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides having any cellulolytic activity, e.g., a cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanse, ?-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and/or oligomerase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts. The invention also provides compositions or products of manufacture comprising mixtures of enzymes comprising at least one enzyme of this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation.