Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways in tumor cells. Information on the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways derived from use of the invention can be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and in the design of cancer treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising synthetic aggregated peptides (SAPs). The present invention also relates to the use of these SAPs as standards in methods for quantifying substances in a sample. The present invention also relates to methods of detecting, diagnosing and monitoring the progression of an abnormal condition in a subject with the methods comprising determining levels of an aggregated biomarker in a subject by measuring levels of the aggregated biomarker in the subject and correlating these levels to a standard curve, where the standard curve is established using a SAP peptide as the standard.

Abstract: There is provided a method of isolating foetal cells from an isolated sample of maternal blood, the method comprising identifying cells having a different expression pattern of at least one foetal marker compared to the expression pattern of the marker in an equivalent maternal cell and selecting the identified cells, characterised in that the foetal marker is selected from: HSP-60, a monoamine oxidase, glutamine synthase, Ara-70, Ara-54, FLJ20202, DCN-I protein, RAB5A, HSP-7C, EF1A1, GRP78, MYL4, DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 14, Vinculin, Desmoplakin, AMMECR1-like protein, Extracellular matrix protein 2 precursor protein, uncharacterised protein Cxorf57, Peroxiredoxin 1, Peroxiredoxin 2. There is also provided a method of cultivating foetal cells and a foetal cell isolation kit.

Abstract: A method of detecting cerebral stroke or asymptomatic cerebral infarction is disclosed. The method comprises measuring the contents of aldehyde compounds formed from polyamines, interleukin-6 and C-reactive proteins, the polyamine oxidase activity or the polyamine oxidase protein content in a biological sample obtained from a subject and using the measurement data thus obtained and the age of the subject as indications. Also disclosed is a kit for conducting this detection method; and a system for detecting cerebral stroke or asymptomatic cerebral infarction which comprises this kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cancer treatment and particularly to a method for predicting the response of a cancer subject to a given therapy. The invention provides a gene or gene product useful as a predictive marker for classifying the subjects. Also disclosed are diagnostic tools, test kits and compositions and their use in the method. The invention is based on the use of NAD(P)H:Quinone oxidoreductase 1, NQO1, which enables the identification and classification of subjects who would benefit from being excluded from a treatment, particularly from anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy with epirubicin.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns enzyme-based methods for detecting and assaying for glyoxylate. In particular, the invention is directed to methods for assaying for glyoxylate produced by the reaction of peptidylglycine ?-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). The subject invention also concerns methods for assaying for the enzyme peptidylglycine ?-amidating monooxygenase. The detection of glyoxylate using the present invention is indicative of the presence of PAM. The subject invention also concerns methods for screening for peptide hormones and any N-acyl-glycine or N-aryl-glycine conjugated molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel laccase enzymes obtainable from the strains of the genus Thielavia or from the strains of the genus Chaetomium. The invention relates also to nucleic acid sequences encoding the enzymes, recombinant hosts into which the nucleic acid sequences have been introduced and to methods for the production of the enzymes in recombinant hosts. The enzymes of the invention are suitable for several applications, for example for treating denim and for strain removal.

Abstract: The invention provides a biological method of producing isoprenoids.

Abstract: The invention describes novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of virus infections and cancer. The pharmaceutical compositions include mutant oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) that have either enhanced cell permeability, reduced oxidative potential, improved antiviral activity, improved enzymatic activity, or absent enzymatic activity. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved drug properties and retain or have enhanced antiviral activity relative to their native forms. The pharmaceutical compositions further include chemically modified oligoadenylate synthetases, such chemical modifications being designed to increase serum stability and reduce immunogenicity in vivo. Such chemical modifications further increase drug stability and manufacturability in vitro. Compositions composed of more than ninety novel modifications are described. Also described are antibodies to polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oxidative decarbonylase enzymes, methods of making hydrocarbons with such enzymes, hydrocarbons produced therefrom and uses thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to isolated polypeptide sequences that are cytochrome P450 enzymes with oxidative decarbonylase activity and methods of their use to generate hydrocarbon products, such as biofuels.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for one or more chemical agents that modulate the enzymatic activity of an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase. The methods comprise the steps of (a) contacting an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase, in a solution in vitro, with one or more chemical agents in the presence of a substrate that is capable of being oxidized by the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase; (b) measuring the enzymatic activity of the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase in the presence of the chemical agent to identify one or more candidate chemical agents that modulate L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase activity in vitro; and (c) administering the one or more identified candidate chemical agents to a test animal and measuring one or more physiological parameters.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and reagent kits for the fluorimetric determination of analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of droplets to culture and/or assay cells or other species. In some cases, the cells or other species may be sorted based upon the results of the culture and/or assay. In some embodiments, cells other species can be encapsulated in droplets and exposed to one or more agents (e.g., a sugar, an indicator dye, etc.). For instance, in some cases, exposure of cells to the agents may result in the production of metabolites or other compounds (e.g., amino acids, proteins, organic acids, etc.) which may be, for example, assayed or otherwise determined. In some embodiments, the reaction of an agent with cells and/or other species within a droplet may reveal a property of the cells or other species (e.g., sugar consumption, growth rate, ability to withstand exposure to the agent, etc.). As an example, cells that produce desired metabolites or exhibit certain properties may be separated from the other cells via sorting techniques.

Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting the degree of toxicity of toxic materials within a sample. The method includes contacting sub-mitochondrial particles having competent mitochondrial enzyme formed from the inner membranes of mitochondria, an electron donor which transmits electrons to the electron transfer system of the sub-mitochondrial particles, and a sample which will be tested; adding tris-2,2?-bipyridyl-ruthenium (II) ion to the reaction mixture; and measuring electrical variables of the reaction mixture. Also, provided is an apparatus and kit for detecting the presence of toxic materials within a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phenothiazine-derivative color-measuring method that can detect a phenothiazine-derivative color even at a wavelength longer than the wavelength that exhibits maximum absorption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new analytical method for measuring leukotrienes in a clinical sample using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS). The method provides a simple, rapid and low-cost assay for the measurement of leukotriene levels in a clinical sample with high accuracy and precision over the physiological range. The present invention further provides a method to determine the susceptibility of a subject to treatment with a leukotriene modifier, as wells as methods for diagnosis of a chronic obstructive disease of the airways and for predicting the risk of exacerbation of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant ?8 desaturase genes, which have the ability to convert eicosadienoic acid [20:2 ?-6, EDA] to dihomo-?-linolenic acid [20:3, DGLA] and/or eicosatrienoic acid [20:3 ?-3, ETrA] to eicosatetraenoic acid [20:3 ?-3, ETA]. Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ?8 desaturase along with methods of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these mutant ?8 desaturases in plants and oleaginous yeast are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determination of the foam stability of a fermented malt beverage, wherein the concentration of yeast thioredoxin (MT) in the fermented malt beverage or a fermenting material solution of the fermented malt beverage is used as an index having a negative correlation with the foam stability of the fermented malt beverage, and the concentration of protein Z (MZ) in the fermented malt beverage or a pre-fermentation or fermenting material solution of the fermented malt beverage is used as an index having a positive correlation with the foam stability of the fermented malt beverage, to determine the foam stability of the fermented malt beverage. According to the determination method of the invention, it is possible to determine the foam stability from the concentration of prescribed proteins in the fermented malt beverage or pre-fermentation or fermenting material solution thereof without directly measuring the head retention of the fermented malt beverage.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound, useful as an optical probe or sensor of the activity of at least one cytochrome P450 enzyme, and methods of using the compound to screen candidate drugs, and candidate drugs identified by these methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel variants of cytochrome P450 oxygenases. These variants have an improved ability to use peroxide as an oxygen donor as compared to the corresponding wild-type enzyme. These variants also have an improved thermostability as compared to the cytochrome P450 BM-3 F87A mutant. Preferred variants include cytochrome P450 BM-3 heme domain mutants having I58V, F87A, H100R, F107L, A135S, M145A/V, N239H, S274T, L324I, I366V, K434E, E442K, and/or V446I amino acid substitutions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, recombinant DNA molecules, recombinant host cells containing the DNA molecules, and transgenic and genetically engineered plant cells, plant tissue, seeds and plants which contain and express an herbicide resistant protoporphyrinogen oxidase such that they germinate from seed and grow in the presence of an amount of herbicide where the parent plant does not. Such plants are especially appropriate for use in agriculture or horticulture where herbicides are used to kill undesirable plants which might contaminate or compete with the transgenic plant of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polypeptides which have the biological activity of an NAD- or NADP-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides, to nonhuman hosts or host cells and to reaction systems which may be used for preparing desired products. The polypeptides of the invention are preferably used in the preparation, starting from aldehydes or ketones, of primary and enantiomerically pure secondary alcohols which may serve as intermediates for medicaments. Alternatively, the polypeptides of the invention may also be employed in the reverse reaction, i.e. the oxidation of alcohols with the formation of aldehydes or ketones.

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: It is intended to provide an inhibitor for the formation of a ?-secretase complex which comprises a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor or a protein geranylgeranylation regulator as the active ingredient; and use of a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor or a protein geranylgeranylation regulator for producing the same. It is also intended to provide a method of screening a substance having an effect of inhibiting the formation of an active complex of ?-secretase which comprises assaying the activity of inhibiting cholesterol synthesis or quantifying cholesterol accumulated in lipid rafts in cells. It is also intended to provide a method of screening a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, a protein geranylgeranylation regulator or an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which comprises assaying the effect of inhibiting the formation of an active complex of ?-secretase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting biological and chemical species in liquid and gaseous phase. The systems and methods utilize carbon nanotubes to enhance sensitivity and selectivity towards the reacting species by decreasing interference and detecting a wide range of concentrations.

Abstract: A test kit detects the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. In particular, the test kit includes reagents capable of detecting the target analyte of interest in breast milk. More particularly, the test kit is capable of detecting the presence of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs, triglycerides, lactose, capsaicin, and gluten, for example, in breast milk.

Abstract: A method for surface modification of single walled carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a detergent solution, adding a plurality of single walled carbon nanotubes into the detergent solution, performing a first sonication to disperse the single walled carbon nanotubes in the detergent solution, and performing a second sonication after the first sonication to make detergent encased single walled carbon nanotubes. At least one of the plurality of single walled carbon nanotubes is at least partially wrapped by one or more detergent molecules to make it a detergent encased single walled carbon nanotube. In one embodiment, the detergent comprises SDS, PSS or a combination of them.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for determining electron transfer rates in systems involving metalloproteins. Metalloprotein/substrate electron transfer rates as well as metalloprotein self exchange rates may be modeled. Such electron transfer rates are useful in smart drug design and enzyme engineering.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the use of enzymes to selectively deposit metal to the vicinity of a target molecule. The invention also relates to applications of enzymatic metal deposition to sensitively and selectively detect target molecules such as biomarkers in various biological samples, such as chromogenic immunohistochemical (IHC) detection in situ by using bright field light microscope.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding cytochrome P450 variants are provided. The cytochrome P450 variants of have a higher alkane-oxidation capability, alkene-oxidation capability, and/or a higher organic-solvent resistance than the corresponding wild-type or parent cytochrome P450 enzyme. A preferred wild-type cytochrome P450 is cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants include those having an improved capability to hydroxylate alkanes and epoxidate alkenes comprising less than 8 carbons, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to V78A, H236Q, and E252G of cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants also include those having an improved hydroxylation activity in solutions comprising co-solvents such as DMSO and THF, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to T235A, R471A, E494K, and S1024E of cytochrome P450 BM-3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein crystal of at least one binding site of a human aromatase. The present invention also relates to a fully processed human cytochrome P450 aromatase and a protein crystal thereof. The present invention further relates to methods of making and using the aromatase and the protein crystal thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an examination method which is simpler than conventional liver biopsy and enables the diagnosis of steatohepatitis. This diagnostic method comprises the steps of measuring the concentration of choline contained in a blood-derived sample collected from a subject; and determining the presence of fatty liver disease, severity of the disease, or a therapeutic effect on the disease based on the choline concentration.

Abstract: By a method for measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol, comprising the steps of: eliminating or converting glucose interfering with the measurement of 1,5-anhydroglucitol and/or a derivative thereof beforehand; and measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol performed thereafter, wherein such glucose and/or a derivative thereof are/is eliminated or converted in whole blood as such without performing blood cell separation, an enzyme for measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol is allowed to act on without performing blood cell separation, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol is electrochemically measured, it becomes possible to measure 1,5-anhydroglucitol using a small amount of whole blood without resort to a centrifuge or the like. Accordingly, this measurement method can be applied to rapid measurement of 1,5-anhydroglucitol at bedside or in a medical examination room or to home self-measurement thereof by a patient.

Abstract: Described herein are antibacterial compounds, methods for making the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating bacterial infections utilizing the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Described are methods of treating and preventing conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers. Also provided herein are methods of screening for agents useful in treating such conditions, and animal models of conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers.

Abstract: An antiviral agent comprising an altered MAB1, MAB2, MAB3, or OLE1 gene, gene homologs or related genes is disclosed. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of creating a virus resistant organism comprising creating a transgenic organism comprising an antiviral agent selected from the group of altered MAB1 genes, MAB2 genes, MAB3 genes or OLE1 genes, homologs of these genes, related genes and combinations of these genes and homologs.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules from nematodes encoding fatty acid desaturase polypeptides are described. Fatty acid desaturase-like polypeptide sequences are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of fatty acid desaturase-like nucleotides and polypeptides. Also described are screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators of fatty acid desaturase-like polypeptides, as well as methods for antibody production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine COX-1 and COX-2 proteins; to canine COX-1 and COX-2 nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such COX-1 and COX-2 proteins, respectively; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to compounds that inhibit the activity of such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds, particularly those that specifically inhibit COX-2 activity, as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to treat animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of tuberculosis (mycobacterial infections) by the use of KshAB complex inhibitors, or a KstD molecule, or a HsaAB complex, or a HsaC molecule, or a HsaD molecule. The application also includes a method for identifying an inhibitor or modulator of the previously mentioned molecules and complexes.

Abstract: Mutant diaphorase is capable of having, when forming a complex with a coenzyme, flavin mononucleotide, a conformation in which the distance between tryptophan at the 60th position from an N terminus and imino nitrogen at the 1-position of the coenzyme, flavin mononucleotide, is larger than that in a conformation of wild-type diaphorase of sequence ID No. 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the gene PLOD2 which codes for telopeptide lysyl hydroxylase (TLH). This enzyme converts telopeptidyl Lys into telopeptidyl Hyl, that can subsequently be converted into hydroxyallysine cross-links. Collagen with hydroxyallysine cross-links shows a higher resistance to degradation by proteinases than collagen with cross-links derived from allysine. In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions to prepare collagenous materials with varying biodegradation rates by varying the ratio of hydroxyallysine cross-links over allysine cross-links. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions to lower the ratio of hydroxyallysine cross-links over allysine cross-links in fibrotic processes, in order to obtain a collagenous network that is more easy to degrade.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for detecting electrochemical oxidoreduction activity mediated by a redox enzyme at a site remote from the enzyme. In one embodiment, the method comprises immobilizing the redox enzyme on a first region of a conductive surface and contacting a substrate capable of producing a detectable signal upon oxidation or reduction with a second region of the conductive surface. The second region is electrically coupled with the first region and the redox enzyme is not present in the second region. The method further comprises exposing the immobilized redox enzyme to conditions that effect oxidation or reduction of the enzyme, and detecting oxidation or reduction of the substrate at the second region. The invention can be adapted for detecting a plurality of analytes.

Abstract: A solid-phase immunoassay for 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1?, the stable hydrolysis product of prostacyclin (Prostaglandin I2) is disclosed. Prostacyclin, a potent vasodilator with anti-platelet and anti-proliferative properties is an effective treatment for primary pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with scleroderma and scleroderma-like syndrome. Levels of 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? can be directly correlated with levels of prostacyclin. Therefore, 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? has become the indicator of choice to measure prostacyclin levels. The single step immunoassay for 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? uses the bioluminescent protein, aequorin as a label. Analyte-label conjugates were constructed by linking the carboxyl group of 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? and lysine residues of aequorin by chemical conjugation methods. The binding properties of 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1? towards its antibody and the bioluminescent properties of aequorin are retained in the conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the stability of methyleneamine, methyleneamine-like compounds or compounds containing an methyleneamine moiety in the presence of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) or a biological sample containing SSAO activity. The disclosed methods may be configured in an assay format for high throughput screening applications.

Abstract: An enzyme based nondestructive sensor for the qualitative detection of spoilage in seafood is provided wherein the sensor does not alter the physical composition of the seafood specimen. The sensor comprises a sampling matrix, at least three or more enzymes in contact with the sampling matrix, and at least one indicator compound in contact with the sampling matrix. The enzymes are capable of interacting with four target chemicals comprising putrescine, cadaverine, histamine and tyramine, which are located on the surface of the seafood specimen. The indicator compound is capable of changing the color of the sampling matrix thereby indicating a qualitative visually detectable color change. A method for the nondestructive detection of the quality of a seafood specimen at any given time and for determining the remaining usable shelf life of the seafood specimen is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of superoxide dismutases to remove Amadori and Maillard products, and to washing and cleaning agents that contain superoxide dismutases.

Abstract: A method for producing a ciliate cell with reduced or essentially no dihydrofolate reductase (DHFS) activity or reduced or essentially no thymidylate synthase (TS) activity or both reduced or essentially no dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) activity is claimed, comprising the steps of a) transforming ciliate cells by inserting a construct containing an allele altering the gene encoding the endogenous DHFR-TS into at least one of the endogenous DHFR-TS genes of the ciliate macronucleus (MAC), b) inducing an allelic assortment process in the transformed ciliate cells to generate cells having the construct inserted in most or all functional DHFR-TS genes of the MAC, and c) identifying the cells generated in step b) by cultivation with or without thymidine.

Abstract: An in vitro method for screening candidate compounds for the preventive or curative treatment of acne, includes the determination of the capacity of a compound to modulate the expression or the activity of sterol-C4-methyl oxidase (SC4MOL), and the use of modulators of the expression or activity of this enzyme for the treatment of acne or skin disorders associated with a hyperseborrhea; methods for the in vitro diagnosis or prognosis of these pathologies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the biomarker TFF-3 that measures ?-secretase mediated Notch processing. TFF-3 has utility in predicting and/or determining in vivo Notch-related toxicity associated with inhibition of Notch processing mediated by ?-secretase. The reagents and methods of the invention can be utilized before, after, or concurrently with, pre-clinical, clinical, and/or post-clinical testing. The reagents and methods of the invention can be used to identify and maintain preferred doses of test compounds and thereby prevent medical complications, such as gastrointestinal cellular damage.

Abstract: Disclosed are nitro-substituted squaraine reporter dyes and methods using such dyes for detecting nitroreductase enzyme activity and nitroreductase gene expression in cellular assays.