Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement, comprising a solid carrier and a matrix arranged on the solid carrier, said matrix comprising at least one enzymatically convertible or modifiable molecule and comprising at least one enzyme that can be released by the conversion or modification of the molecule, said enzyme being capable of converting at least one color-changing substrate located in the matrix and/or on the solid carrier.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for distinguishing and identifying plants by measuring partial hydrolysis of polysaccharides on account of polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme activity at pre-determined incubation times and temperatures. Methods also are disclosed for identifying the source organism of a heterologous polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme in a plant by measuring partial hydrolysis of polysaccharides on account of polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme activity at pre-determined incubation times and temperatures. The reaction mixture has unique chemical and physical properties that can be used to construct viscosity curves for measuring polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme activity. The viscosity curves can be compared among plants to distinguish or identify the plants from one another. Likewise, viscosity curves can be compared among source organisms to identify the source organism of the heterologous polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme in the plant.

Abstract: Pseudomonas saccharophila G4-forming amylase (PS4), and variants thereof, advantageously can be used in an enzyme-catalyzed high temperature liquefaction step to produce ethanol from starch, e.g., cornstarch. PS4 produces significant amounts of maltotrioses, which can be utilized by S. cerevisiae in a subsequent fermentation step to produce ethanol. This property of PS4 advantageously allows ethanol to be produced from liquefacted starch in the absence of a saccharification step. PS4 variants are provided that exhibit improved properties, such as thermostability and/or altered exo-specific and endo-specific amylase activity.

Abstract: The inventors have modified the amino acid sequence of a maltogenic alpha-amylase to obtain variants with improved properties, based on the three-dimensional structure of the maltogenic alpha-amylase Novamyl. The variants have altered physicochemical properties., e.g. an altered pH optimum, improved thermostability, increased specific activity, an altered cleavage pattern or an increased ability to reduce retrogradation of starch or staling of bread.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody mimetic of carbohydrate binding module (CBM) which specifically binds to an epitope on HIV glycoprotein. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting HIV glycoprotein.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a stabilizing system includes a stabilizing agent present in an amount or concentration sufficient to completely or substantially prevent or reduce degradation or inactivation of a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a body fluid and a detection agent capable of detecting the HbA1c.

Abstract: By detecting an antibody which immunologically reacts with amylase ?2-A in a sample, AIP or FT1DM is examined or the possibility of developing FT1DM is determined. For instance, detection of this antibody is carried out by an immunological method using an antigen which immunologically reacts with this antibody. The antigen is preferably a partial fragment containing the amino acid sequence of amino acid numbers 299 to 511 of human amylase ?2-A (SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abstract: The pharmaceutical use of lipases related to the Thermomyces lanuginosus (Humicola lanuginosa) lipase comprising amino acids 1-269 of SEQ ID NO: 2, optionally in combination with a protease and/or an amylase. Examples of medical indications are: Treatment of digestive disorders, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes type I, and/or diabetes type II. The lipases of the invention have, e.g., an improved digestion performance in vitro, an improved activity at a pH in the neutral range, an improved stability at low pH, an are stable against protease-degradation, and/or are stable in the presence of pepsin and bile salts. The invention also relates to methods of determining digestion performance in vitro of lipases, as well as to certain novel variants of the lipase of T. lanuginosus.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to the production of dried co-products from stillage produced by an ethanol production facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for identifying and producing stabilized chimeric proteins.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal conditions. In the methods, a sample of gastrointestinal secretions is obtained from a control group; or a group who has been diagnosed with either healthy gastrointestinal tracts or with a gastrointestinal condition, like chronic diarrhea. The control group samples are analyzed in any suitable manner to determine the levels of gastrointestinal secretions, including one or more autophagy-related proteins, cytokeratins, digestive enzymes, or other proteins. The results of the sample analysis are used to create a database containing profiles of normal and abnormal gastrointestinal secretions. As the database is created and specific secretion level abnormalities are identified, patients may be diagnosed with these abnormalities and be treated by adjusting the levels of specific secretions.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed compositions, washes, rinses, devices, systems and methods for biomarker stabilization, in part in bodily fluids, as well as methods and formulations for improving the sampling and testing of fluids for biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for predicting the in vivo glycaemic response to carbohydrates in a food. Provided is a method wherein a food is digested in vitro in more than one compartment. Also provided is the use of such a method for determining the suitability of a food for a subject who would benefit from a normalization of blood glucose levels.

Abstract: The invention provides barley gain comprising a reduced level or activity of starch synthase IIa protein and a starch content of at least 41% (w/w) and methods of producing, identifying and using same. The grain may comprise an amylase content of at least 50%, a ?-glucan content of 5-9% (w/w) or greater than 9% (w/w), and/or a fructan content of 3-11% (w/w). The fructan may comprise a degree of polymerization from about 3 to about 12. For example, the plant and grain comprises a sex6-292 allele and/or an amo1 mutation. A food or beverage product, and methods of producing a food or beverage product, comprising obtaining or producing the subject grain and processing the grain to produce the product. Also contemplated are methods of improving one or more indicators of health in a mammal comprising administering a composition comprising the subject barley grain or a product comprising same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emulsifier, a method for preparing said emulsifier, and to its use in various applications, primarily food and cosmetic applications. The invention also relates to the use of said emulsifier for the creation of an elastic, gelled foam. An emulsifier according to the invention is based on a starch which is enzymatically converted, using a specific type of enzyme, and modified in a specific esterification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the domain of brain diseases, and provides novel markers and methods for diagnosing a brain alteration in an individual, especially in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention also provides tools for evaluating the probability, for an individual, of developing the disease, as well as a target for identifying new drugs for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the invention provides a genetic marker based on combination of two single nucleotide polymorphism, at positions ?389 and ?241 of the ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) gene.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the rapid and specific detection of target microorganisms, cells, and the like. In one embodiment, the methods involve contacting a target microorganism (e.g., in a sample) with a permeabilization reagent that selectively permeabilizes or lyses the microorganism; contacting the selectively permeabilized microorganism with a detection reagent that is taken into the selectively permeabilized organism or that contacts metabolites or enzymes released by the selectively permeabilized microorganism, where the detection reagent produces a signal in the presence of said metabolites or enzymes; and detecting a signal produced by the detection reagent in the presence of the metabolites or enzymes wherein the strength of the signal indicates the presence and/or amount of the target microorganism in the sample.

Abstract: Described are variants of a parent ?-amylase that exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent ?-amylase: specific activity, substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage, thermal stability, pH-dependent activity, pH-dependent stability, oxidative stability, Ca2+ dependency, pI, and wash performance. The variants are suitable for starch conversion, ethanol production, laundry washing, dish washing, hard surface cleaning, textile desizing, and/or sweetener production.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical use of amylases related to Bacillus alpha-amylases of SEQ ID NOs: 1-3, optionally in combination with a lipase and/or a protease. Examples of medical indications are: Treatment of digestive disorders, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes type I, and/or diabetes type II. The amylases of SEQ ID NOs: 1-3 are variants of amylases from Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus sp. The amylases of the invention have an improved efficacy in vivo, an improved pH-profile, a high specific activity, and/or an improved starch degradation profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a contamination with a microorganism in a closed container, in which an extracellular enzyme of the microorganism is detected. The method can very suitably be carried out by providing a substrate for this enzyme to the contents of the container and detecting the conversion of this substrate by this enzyme. An embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention is shown in, which shows a container (1) for, for instance, sterile tissue culture of plants (2). The container is provided with a growth medium (3) which comprises a substrate for a microbial extracellular enzyme and with optical sensors (4) which can be read by means of an optical measuring device (5). An alternative embodiment is shown which shows a sterile package for, for instance, medical aids (2). The package forms a closed container (1) whose wall is provided with an indicator (3) which can be visually read.

Abstract: Methods for determining the efficiency of a therapeutic. In at least one embodiment of a method of determining the efficacy of a therapeutic compound, the method comprises the steps of treating a subject having a disease state with an effective amount of therapeutic compound, harvesting at least one cell from the subject following a treatment with the therapeutic compound, bringing the at least one cell into contact with a stabilizing compound capable of completely or substantially preventing the degradation or inactivation of a diagnostic marker for the disease state, analyzing the at least one stabilized cell for the at least one diagnostic marker, creating a marker profile from at least one result determined from analyzing the at least one stabilized cell, and comparing the marker profile with at least one previous marker profile to determine efficacy of the therapeutic compound on the disease state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting pregnancy. In at least one embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a stabilizing agent useful to completely or substantially prevent degradation or inactivation of a diagnostic marker for pregnancy in a body fluid comprising the diagnostic marker, and a detection agent capable of detecting the diagnostic agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying allergies. In at least one embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a stabilizing agent useful to completely or substantially prevent degradation or inactivation of a diagnostic marker for a non-food allergy in a body fluid comprising the diagnostic marker and a detection agent capable of detecting the diagnostic marker.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for detecting premalignant and malignant neoplasms. For example, methods and materials for determining whether or not a stool sample from a mammal contains nucleic acid markers or polypeptide markers of a neoplasm are provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biomarkers for determining the EGFR kinase activity in a subject, and the use thereof for predicting and monitoring therapeutic intervention in cancer patients. Areas of application are the life sciences: biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine and medical technology. The biomarkers are selected from a first group consisting of Amy 1, Apo Al, Carbx, Casp, AFP, ApoM, SAP, Fib-a, Fib-b, Fib-g, ApoE, A2MG, A2MG isoform, Serpin, Clusterin, MHC-fB, SAP isoform, or from a second group consisting of Gpx3, properidin, MUP1, HMW-K, Lifr-p, Orm 1, MBL-A, MBP-C, wherein the biomarkers are regulated by EGF overexpression in a subject.

Abstract: A biotechnological process for conversion of a raw material (100, 200) to a desired product (130, 230) by means of one or more biological or biochemical agents (102, 104, 202) such as microorganisms and/or enzymes characterised in that the amount of one or more of said biological or biochemical agents (102, 104, 202) is controllable by a process control algorithm (124,224) dependent on one or more values of interest related to a process stream. A specific aspect of the invention is the use of a process control algorithm for controlling enzyme addition in biofuel production by fermentation of biomass to alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention is related to glucoamylases having at least 80% sequence identity to a Trichoderma glucoamylase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and biologically functional fragments thereof. The invention is also related to DNA sequences coding for the glucoamylases, vectors and host cells incorporating the DNA sequences, enzyme compositions and methods of using the glucoamylases in various applications.

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 invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The present invention also relates to methods for producing high protein distiller's dried grain from fermentation of plant material, and to the high protein distiller's dried grain produced. The present invention further relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a biomarker for sleepiness, a method for detecting sleepiness, and a method of identifying nucleic acids associated with sleepiness.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method for determining a carbohydrate which enables more accurate determination of a carbohydrate. The invention for achieving this object is directed to a method for determining a carbohydrate using a digestive enzyme, characterized in that as the digestive enzyme, an animal-derived low-molecular-weight carbohydrate digestive enzyme is used. More specifically, the invention is directed to a method for determining a carbohydrate using a digestive enzyme, characterized by comprising a first reaction step using thermostable ?-amylase; a second reaction step using protease and amyloglucosidase; and a third reaction step using an animal-derived low-molecular-weight carbohydrate digestive enzyme.

Abstract: Variants of B. licheniformis alpha-amylase advantageously exhibit improved enzymatic performance. Suitable variants include those with an altered charge distribution on the surface of the enzyme or with altered active site residues. Structural modeling can inform the choice of amino acid modifications so that modified amino acids correspond to residues found in more active alpha amylases, for example. Compositions comprising the variants are useful in methods of cleaning surfaces, laundering textiles, desizing, treating starch, e.g., liquefaction and saccharification, and hydrolyzing biofilms off various substrates.

Abstract: Systems and processes for converting bulky lignocellulosic biomass to high density biomass products, including biofuels, are described. The systems and processes relate to treating freshly harvested plant materials, generally at or in close proximity to sites where the plant materials are harvested, to effect saccharification, alcoholic fermentation, or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, thereby providing a liquefied biomass. The liquefied biomass is extracted to provide liquid extracts comprising biomass-derived water and water soluble biomass saccharification and fermentation products, including fermentable sugars and alcohols. The liquid biomass extracts can be transported via pipeline to other locations for fermentation, further saccharification, and/or purification to provide biofuel. Alternatively, the liquefied biomass can be used to prepare a biomass slurry that can be transported via pipeline.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced.

Abstract: The immunoassay element for quantitatively analyzing an antigen by determining the change in enzymatic activity of an enzyme-labelled antigen or antibody caused by an immunological reaction. The immunoassay element comprises a substrate layer containing a non-diffusible substrate which forms a diffusible material in the presence of the labelling enzyme, and a reagent layer containing a fragmenting enzyme for further fragmenting the diffusible material into a lower molecular weight product. As the non-diffusible substrate, a substrate capable of reacting solely with the labelling enzyme and incapable of reacting the fragmenting enzyme is utilized. When an endo-active glucosidase is used as the labelling enzyme, and an exo-active glucosidase is used the fragmenting enzyme in the reagent layer, the non-diffusible substrate of the substrate layer is preferred to be an endo type selectively reactive substrate, which means a substrate having a reactivity specific to endo-active glucosidase.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for detecting and measuring polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme activity or concentration by partial hydrolysis using a pre-determined, yet short, incubation time and a pre-determined temperature. The resulting reaction mixture has unique chemical (i.e., reaction products) and physical (i.e., viscosity) properties that can be used to detect or measure the polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzyme activity or concentration.

Abstract: A diagnostic test for a head and facial pain disorder in a human patient includes providing test strip containing one or more antibodies corresponding one or more biological markers associated with the disorder or with multiple disorders. A saliva sample is collected from the human patient and applied to the test strip. The test strip is subsequently evaluated for evidence of binding of one or more of the antibodies with any biological markers present in the saliva sample. The progression of the head and facial pain disorder in the patient may be measured by collecting and evaluating additional saliva samples over time and comparing any changes in the amount of binding activity between or among samples.

Abstract: A simple low-invasive method for acquiring information about a biological rhythm of a bion is provided. In the method, the information on a biological rhythm of the bion is acquired based on variation with time of the activity of a biologically active agent, particularly alpha-amylase, extracted from oral mucosa epithelial cells of the bion. According to the method, an activity variation curve showing the variation of the activity of the biologically active agent with time may be utilized as a molecular timetable for estimation of the biological rhythm, whereby a deviation (lag) of the biological rhythm of the bion can be detected.

Abstract: A method of screening for increased risk of fatal prostate cancer in a subject comprises providing a blood sample collected from the subject, and then detecting the presence or absence of an increased level of serum calcium in the sample. An increased level of serum calcium indicates the subject is at increased risk of fatal prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of constructing a variant of a parent Termamyl-like ?-amylase, which variant has ?-amylase activity and at least one altered property as compared to the parent ?-amylase, comprises i) analysing the structure of the parent Termamyl-like ?-amylase to identify at least one amino acid residue or at least one structural part of the Termamyl-like ?-amylase structure, which amino acid residue or structural part is believed to be of relevance for altering the property of the parent Termamyl-like ?-amylase (as evaluated on the basis of structural or functional considerations), ii) constructing a Termamyl-like ?-amylase variant, which as compared to the parent Termamyl-like ?-amylase, has been modified in the amino acid residue or structural part identified in i) so as to alter the property, and, optionally, iii) testing the resulting Termamyl-like ?-amylase variant with respect to the property in question.

Abstract: The present invention is related to glucoamylases having at least 80% sequence identity to a Trichoderma glucoamylase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and biologically functional fragments thereof. The invention is also related to DNA sequences coding for the glucoamylases, vectors and host cells incorporating the DNA sequences, enzyme compositions and methods of using the glucoamylases in various applications.

Abstract: A system and method that may include grasping a sample collection medium with a holder; inserting the sample collection medium into a medium storage device within a first container such that at least a first portion of the sample collection medium is securely held within the first container; separating a second portion of the sample collection medium retained within the holder from the first portion of the sample collection medium held within the first container; and inserting the second portion of the sample collection medium into a second container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acid-stable alpha amylase (asAA) derived from a strain of Aspergillus kawachi, which has granular starch hydrolyzing (GSH) activity, the heterologous expression of the asAA having GSH activity in filamentous fungal host cells and enzyme compositions including the same which optionally include glucoamylase.

Abstract: Provided are means and methods for in vitro and in vivo detection of chemically induced effects on embryonic development and differentiation for the purpose of embryotoxicity/teratogenicity screening as well as for the identification of pharmaceuticals such as growth and tissue promoting factors based on differentiating pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells. The assays are based on the use of transgenic ES cells and non-human animals comprising such ES cells or derivatives thereof, wherein said ES cells are characterized by the differentiation-dependent expression of a secreted reporter protein; in particular secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP).

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal conditions. In the methods, a sample of gastrointestinal secretions is obtained from a control group; or a group who has been diagnosed with either healthy gastrointestinal tracts or with a gastrointestinal condition, like chronic diarrhea. The control group samples are analyzed in any suitable manner to determine the levels of gastrointestinal secretions, including one or more cytokeratin I subtypes, cytokeratin II subtypes, antimicrobial proteins, mitochondria, and digestive enzymes. The results of the sample analysis is used to create a database containing profiles of normal and abnormal gastrointestinal secretions. As the database is created and specific secretion level abnormalities are identified, patients may be diagnosed with these abnormalities and be treated by adjusting the levels of specific secretions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an acceleration process for macromolecular fragmentation in liquid medium, in gel or in a solid support, by means of joint application of enzymes and ultrasounds, as well as isotopes. The macromolecules, in any of these liquids, are mixed with enzymes and inserted in a recipient (2) and exposed to an ultrasonic radiation field (1). The combined effect of the enzymes and of the ultrasounds allows accomplishing, in time ranges between 10 s and 600 s, the fragmentation of macromolecules or whole proteontes, with the correspondent formation of their constituent lower molecular units.

Abstract: Orally administered physiologically acceptable anti-biofilm compositions comprising enzymes and if desired additional components such as antimicrobials, antibiotics, antifungals, herbals, chelating agents, lactoferrin and related compounds, minerals, surfactants, binders, and fillers useful for the inhibition and treatment of gastrointestinal biofilms in humans. Physiologically acceptable anti-biofilm compositions containing these enzymes are useful in the inhibition, reduction and/or treatment of gastrointestinal biofilm infections, and associated systemic symptoms caused by biofilms associated microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract. Methods of identification, preparation and use of such physiologically acceptable anti-biofilm compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysaccharide-protein binding model of SBD, and a fibril-forming 14-residue peptide consisting of X1NNNX2X3NYQX4X5X6X7X8, wherein the X1 and X8 mean a pair of opposite charged amino acid residues, and the X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, or X7 means an amino acid residue. The present invention also relates to a mixture for diminising a polysaccharide, comprising at least two starch binding domains (SBDs) and a polysaccharide in a helix form. The present invention further relates to a method of providing an oligosaccharide, and a method of producing an amyloid-like fibril and use thereof.

Abstract: Acidic oral compositions having calcium contents and effective pH-values in the area indicated by grey tone in FIG. 2 are non-erosive in saliva and capable of stimulating saliva production, even in “dry mouth” patients. A new multi-step test method for determining erosive potential in saliva has been used for identifying the compositions.