Abstract: The apparatus comprises a lateral arrangement of a plurality of magnetic elements, wherein at least two, more than two or all magnetic elements are arranged adjacent to each other, a flow-through tube wherein the magnetic axes of the at least two magnetic elements of the arrangement are almost or fully parallel to each other and almost or fully perpendicular to the plane of the arrangement, wherein magnetic poles of neighbouring magnetic elements, which magnetic poles are arranged directly adjacent to each other parallel to the plane of the arrangement, have different polarities. The arrangement and the tube are movable relative to each other such that the arrangement and the tube can be approached to and/or detached from each other. When the tube is approached to the arrangement, it is at least partially arranged along at least two magnetic elements.

Abstract: The application discloses a method for producing anomerically protected glycosidic oligosaccharide derivatives comprising the step of culturing, in a culture medium containing an anomerically protected lactose acceptor, a genetically modified cell having a recombinant gene that encodes a glycosyl transferase that can transfer a glycosyl residue of an activated sugar nucleotide to said lactose acceptor. The application further discloses a method for producing an oligosaccharide comprising the steps of: (a) culturing, in a culture medium containing an anomerically protected lactose acceptor, a genetically modified cell having a recombinant gene that encodes a glycosyl transferase that can transfer a glycosyl residue of an activated sugar nucleotide to said lactose acceptor to produce an anomerically protected glycosidic oligosaccharide derivative, then (b) removing/deprotecting the anomeric protective group.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of producing a scyllo-inositol or a new scyllo-inositol derivative in a one-step process, from ubiquitous and inexpensive raw materials. Also provided is a scyllo-inositol derivative bonded to saccharides such as glucose and similar.

Abstract: [Problem] To impart significantly improved myo-inositol producing capability, suitable for use in recombinant DNA techniques and synthetic biology methods, to a host microorganism that does not possess an endogenous myo-inositol biosynthesis pathway, such as Escherichia coli. [Solution] Inositol monophosphatase activity is strengthened in a transformant obtained by introducing a myo-inositol biosynthesis pathway into a host microorganism that does not possess an endogenous myo-inositol biosynthesis pathway.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express a zeaxanthin cleavage dioxygenase alone or in combination with recombinant genes encoding UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms, plants, or plant cells can produce compounds from saffron such as crocetin, crocetin dialdehyde, crocin, or picrocrocin.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express a mutant AROM polypeptide and/or mutant catechol-O-methyltransferase polypeptide alone or in combination with one or more vanillin biosynthetic enzymes or UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms, plants, or plant cells can produce vanillin or vanillin beta-D-glucoside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated DNA molecule encoding a fagopyritol synthase. A method for producing a fagopyritol, an insulin mediator, an insulin mediator analogue, an insulin mediator homologue, or an insulin mediator inhibitor is also described. The method includes providing a fagopyritol synthase, providing a substrate comprising a galactosyl donor and a galactosyl acceptor, and combining the fagopyritol synthase with the substrate under conditions effective produce a fagopyritol, an insulin mediator, an insulin mediator analogue, an insulin mediator homologue, or an insulin mediator inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain chemical compounds in tobacco materials is provided, the method including treatment of a tobacco plant or portion thereof with at least one enzyme. For example, the method may modify the content of tobacco smoke toxicant precursors in tobacco materials, which can result in a modification in toxicant production when the tobacco material is exposed to elevated temperatures. The type of tobacco plant or portion thereof treated according to the invention can be, for example, a tobacco seed, a tobacco seedling, an immature live plant, a mature live plant, a harvested plant, or a plant derivative. Smoking articles and other tobacco products including such enzyme-treated tobacco materials are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I?) wherein: R11, R12, R13, R14 and R15 are hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 alkyl-carbonyloxy, or a G-O— group, and at least one of R11, R12, R13, R14 and R15 is a G-O— group, wherein G is a saccharide residue, X1 is a single bond, or a methylene group, an ethylene group, a trimethylene group, a vinylene group or —CH?CH—CH2—, X2 is —CO—O— or —O—CO—, p and q are integer ofs 0 to 7, and p+q=0 to 8, Y1 is methylene, ethylene or an alkenylene group having a carbon number of 2 to 15 and 1 to 3 double bonds, and R16 and R17 are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R16 and R17 form a C3-6 cycloalkyl group, are useful as GLP-1 secretion promoting agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of formulae (I) and (II) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of human and animal bacterial infections and associated diseases and conditions; compositions containing such compounds; derivation of such compounds by fermentation and isolation, partial synthesis and total synthesis; methods of inhibiting bacterial growth; methods of treating, preventing or controlling bacterial infection; biologically pure cultures of bacterial strains from which such compounds may be produced; and processes for preparing compositions containing such compounds.

Abstract: The N-acetyl-D-galactosamine transferase protein of the present invention is characterized by transferring N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with ?1,3 linkage, and it preferably has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4. The canceration assay according to the present invention uses a nucleic acid for measurement which hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or a nucleotide sequence complementary to at least one of them.

Abstract: The N-acetyl-D-galactosamine transferase protein of the present invention is characterized by transferring N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with ?1,3 linkage, and it preferably has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4. The canceration assay according to the present invention uses a nucleic acid for measurement which hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or a nucleotide sequence complementary to at least one of them.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to validamycin A biosynthesis and in particular, to methods of producing validamycin A analogs and uses thereof. In a particular example, a method for making a validamycin A analog includes transforming a host cell with one or more recombinant DNA vectors to produce a valN-inactivated mutant; and culturing the valN-inactivated mutant in a culture medium to produce a validamycin A analog, such as 1,1?-bis-valienamine and validienamycin, and their conversion to valienamine. The present disclosure further relates to compositions including such compounds as well as methods of using the compositions, such as for antifungal agents.

Abstract: A method of providing a droplet in contact with a magnetically responsive bead and having a reduced quantity of a substance.

Abstract: Methods to produce resveratrol and/or resveratrol glucoside in a recombinant oleaginous microorganism are provided. Expression of a resveratrol synthase gene in combination with genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway enabled recombinant microbial production of resveratrol in significant amounts.

Abstract: A display device and a display panel driving method, in which a matrix panel includes pixel portions each have a series circuit of a bistable element and a light emitting element, every time one scan line is specified in order in accordance with an input image signal, a driving line corresponding to at least one pixel portion to be driven to emit light on the one scan line is specified in accordance with the input image signal, a first predetermined voltage lower than a turn-off threshold voltage is applied between the one scan line and the specified driving line, and thereafter a second predetermined voltage higher than a turn-on threshold voltage is applied therebetween.

Abstract: Oxidative stress in living organisms is determined in a photochemiluminescence measuring system after separation of low-molecular weight antioxidants from protein-containing test samples that were withdrawn from these organisms using an assay kit that contains a gel chromatographic column, a photosensitizer solution, a carbonate buffer solution, and a phosphate buffer solution.

Abstract: Cell-free systems which effect the production of polyketides employing modular polyketide synthases are described. Libraries of new and/or known polyketides may also be produced in cell-free systems employing aromatic PKS, modular PKS or both.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The compounds of formula 1 are antibacterial and antiprotozoal agents that may be used to treat various bacterial and protozoal infections and disorders related to such infections. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of formula 1 and to methods of treating bacterial and protozoal infections by administering the compounds of formula 1.

Abstract: A method of producing 1-menthyl-&agr;-D-glucopyranoside is provided, wherein microorganisms capable of producing 1-menthol glycoside from 1-menthol are added to sugars and 1-menthol. Bacteria selected from the group consisting of Xanthomonas species, Stenotrophomonas species and Arthrobacter species may be used as the microorganisms.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying an compound that affects an activity of a polypeptide subunit of a SCF complex. The method includes contacting a sample comprising a chimeric SCF complex assembled from subunits derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or human and another species and a CDC34p polypeptide with the compound under conditions that allow the components to interact, and adding to these components an E1 enzyme, ubiquitin and ATP, and a SCF substrate. The ubiquitination of the SCF substrate is measured. A chimeric in vitro assay system is provided for measuring CDC53p or CUL1p activity, comprising a CDC4p, CDC34p, and a SKP1p polypeptide, and either a CDC53p or CUL1p polypeptide. In this assay the CDC4p, CDC34p, and SKP1p polypeptide are either a yeast polypeptide or a polypeptide from another species, and at least one of the CDC4p, CDC34p, and SKP1p polypeptides is a yeast polypeptide and at least one of the CDC4p, CDC34p, and SKP1p polypeptides is a polypeptide from another species.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring the amount of analyte in a sample of biological fluid using a simple low sample volume reagent test strip with a built in metering system. The test strip may include a microtitration zone to prevent oversampling and an integrated capillary to prevent problems associated with short sampling and act as means of absorbing the fluid sample. The test strip comprises a wicking layer and a reaction matrix embossed layer in the form of a pillow assembled into a microtitration pocket formed in the strip. The test strip is used in single use applications such as the determination of the concentration of glucose in blood.

Abstract: Methods of capturing and labeling a species, include attracting magnetically attractable particles to a solid support by magnetic forces, which particles have an affinity for the species, contacting the particles on the support with a sample containing the species to capture the species onto the particles on the support, and binding the species captured on the particles directly or indirectly to a detectable label before and/or whilst the species is captured on the particles on the support. The label may be bound to the captured species via an immunological binding partner which binds selectively to the species and may be a fluorescent label, luminescent label, enzyme label, dye label, phosphorescent label, metal-chelating label, radio label, spin label, heavy metal label, nucleic acid or nucleic acid analog hybridization label, avid or avid-like label suitably bound to or incorporated in particles which also bear a binding agent such as an antibody causing the particles to bind to the captured species.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining in a medium the presence or amount of an analyte which is capable of binding to a ligand partner to form a ligand complex, which method comprises: (a) contacting the medium with either: (i) a ligand partner conjugated with an enzyme being capable of catalysing a reaction, or one or more reactions in a cascade thereof, to produce hydrogen peroxide, or (ii) a ligand partner and either a competing analyte or an analog of said analyte, a competing analyte or analyte analog being capable of forming a ligand complex with the ligand partner and the competing analyte or analyte analog being conjugated with an enzyme capable of catalysing a reaction, or one or more reactions in a cascade thereof, to produce hydrogen peroxide, (b) optionally separating complexed and uncomplexed enzyme conjugates, (c) causing or allowing the reaction or cascade of reactions to occur to produce hydrogen peroxide by contacting the complexed or uncomplexed enzyme conjugate with a corresponding enzyme su

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to assays for the detection of mycophenolic acid. The method comprises including in an assay medium suspected of containing mycophenolic acid a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. Another aspect of the present invention is an improvement in a method for the determination of mycophenolic acid in a sample suspected of containing such analyte. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing in combination in an assay medium the sample and a binding partner for the analyte and (b) detecting the binding of the binding partner to the analyte. The improvement comprises including in the assay medium a releasing agent for releasing mycophenolic acid from a complex with endogenous proteins. The present invention also provides assay reagents as well as packaged kits useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Solid phase immunoassay for detecting specific inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes in biological fluids, which comprises: a) contacting a tubulin peptide covalently linked to a support with a solution containing a proteolytic activity together with a protease inhibitor, b) detecting the inhibitor activity against the selected proteases by contacting the support with a solution containing a labelled monoclonal antibody which specifically recognises the free end of the tubulin peptide linked to the support.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses polypeptides that comprise a chemokine receptor binding sequence and are useful in determining the affinity of a compound for a chemokine receptor. Substitution of one of the amino acids of the C-terminal region of the polypeptide with a cysteine enables the polypeptide to be detectably labelled without loss of receptor binding activity and without the problems inherent in radioiodine labelling. Methods for use of the polypeptides in competitive binding assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: Immunoassay test kit for detecting analyte indicative of type II collagen resorption in vivo. including an immunological binding partner which binds to an amino-terminal or carboxy-terminal 3-hydroxypyridinium cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen isolatable from a urine sample of a growing adolescent. Preferably the immunological binding partner does not cross-react more than 10% with the type I and type III collagen telopeptides of formulas III, VI, VIII, X, IX, and XI.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the diagnosis and for the monitoring/screening of cartilage diseases by an MIA test, a suitable reagent for this as well as the use of antibodies to MIA to detect cartilage diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative determination method for heparan sulfate in body fluid specimens of various chronic diseases, in urine samples of diabetic nephropathy and for diagnosing hepatic diseases and rheumatoid arthritis in blood specimens. And also this method provides a diagnostic tool for judging the condition of diabetic nephropathy, hepatic diseases and rheumatoid arthritis by determination of changes by use of aforementioned quantitative determination of heparan sulfate.

Abstract: The invention provides improved immunoassay techniques for detecting the presence of analytes in a liquid sample. The present immunoassay methods utilize anti-allotypic monoclonal antibodies as capture reagents for primary binding proteins specific for the analytes of interest. The monoclonal antibodies are highly specific for the allotypic determinants present on the primary binding protein. The use of anti-allotypic monoclonal antibodies as capture reagents provides improved levels of specificity and accuracy of the immunoassay, in part because interference from endogenous immunoglobulins in the sample is significantly reduced. The invention further provides anti-allotypic monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and test kits for diagnosis of periodontal disease activity in mammals, especially in human. The methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of periodontitis, peri-implantitis and HIV (+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. Especially, the methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of the loss of bone density associated with periodontal diseases.

Abstract: Sandwich immunoassays for detecting analyte indicative of type II collagen resorption in vivo, by contacting a body fluid sample with a first antibody and a second antibody such that analyte present in the sample forms a first antibody-analyte-second antibody complex, and detecting the presence or amount of the first antibody-analyte-second antibody complex, wherein the first and second antibodies are capable of binding to a telopeptide having a sequence identical to that of a carboxy-terminal telopeptide produced in vivo upon degradation of type II collagen.

Abstract: The CAP-PAP Test is a double-staining, single-slide microscopic method. An in vitro diagnostic medical device for manual and automatic staining and interpreting of the Pap smear for cervical cancer screening, cervical dysplasia and for follow-up therapy can be developed using this double-staining, single-slide microscopic method. Abnormal cervical cells are labeled with an intracellular acid phosphatase derived pigment (azo-dye) to improve visibility of abnormal cervical cells on conventionally stained Pap smears. The enzyme marker improves human perception and/or sensitivity of automatic instruments when distinguishing cell a abnormality and interpretation of Pap smears. Increased accuracy of CAP-PAP-vs-Pap test is expected to reduce false negative readings of the conventional Pap test. A rapid manual version of the test that is low cost, does not require additional personnel training and is instantly applicable in all cytopathology laboratories is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out heterogeneous immunoassays, in particular to a method for separating a coated solid phase from a liquid phase by means of precipitation and subsequent centrifugation, with a detectable activity remaining in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Novel chemical analogs of the methadone metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) are disclosed. The derivatives can be used for formation of EDDP-protein conjugates. The conjugates can be used in turn to raise antibodies reactive with EDDP and having a low cross-reactivity with methadone. The antibodies and EDDP-enzyme polypeptide conjugates provide the basis for specific immunoassays used in monitoring compliance with methadone treatment.

Abstract: The present invention includes the method of treating a viral infection, specifically one occurring as a result of infection by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). The method of treatment depends upon the ligand binding of the Ah receptor. Transformation and translocation of the receptor and DNA binding are not required. The study of compounds that interact with the Ah receptor, either as agonists, or antagonists, has resulted in the identification of compounds with useful therapeutic properties through perturbation of viral pathogenic signal transduction pathways. Antagonists of the Ah receptor are more likely candidates for treatment because the toxicity of such compounds is low. Identification of molecules affecting cellular targets, such as the Ah receptor, that inhibit viral pathologic signaling would be of great therapeutic potential as the activity of these molecules is not directed against the virus itself, therefore genetic viral mutation to escape such therapy would be far less likely to occur.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing human disease comprise measuring a level of human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) in a sample from an individual human to be diagnosed. A measured value which is higher than the normal level is an indication that the individual suffers from an inflammation.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a novel inexpensive and efficient method for the early detection of HIV infection in babies. The method utilizes a unique IgA capture ELISA procedure for detection of HIV-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting cartilage degradation in a biological sample by identifying the presence of unwound type II collagen in the biological sample, said method comprising:contacting the biological sample with a monoclonal antibody which does not bind to native helical collagen but which does bind to an epitope on unwound type II collagen chains or fragments thereof, wherein said epitope has the following sequence (SEQ ID NO: 4):A-P(OH)-G-E-D-G-R-P(OH)-G-P-P(OH)-G-P; anddetecting the presence of the bound monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of a sample antigen in the presence of an interferant by(1) running two immunoassays on the sample: one assay where the interferant influences the binding of both the sample antigen and a labeled antigen and a second assay where the interferant influences the binding of the sample antigen but not the labeled antigen;(2) obtaining a plot of the possible sample antigen concentrations versus the possible interferant concentrations corresponding to the readout for the sample for each of the two immunoassays; and(3) determining the sample antigen concentration and the interferant concentration which correspond to the point that appears in both the immunoassays plots.

Abstract: The field of the present invention is that of identification and analysis of chemical and/or biological species of the enzyme/substrate, enzyme/inhibitor or antigen/antibody etc. type. The problem on which the invention is based is to provide a system for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of biological substances by amplified chemiluminescence which allows an actual significant improvement in the emission of light resulting from passage of a chemiluminescent reagent to the excited state. This problem has been solved by means of a system according to the invention, which involves a ligand a) which can be coupled with the substances to be analysed, a chemiluminescent reagent b) of the luminol type, an enzyme c), a substrate d) which oxidizes the enzyme c), and at least one amplifier e), this system being characterized in that the amplifier e) is chosen from the family of halogenophenol (iodophenol) esters.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods to assess connective tissue, especially bone, metabolism in disease or to monitor therapy, which method comprises assessing the levels of native free collagen-derived crosslinks in biological fluids, especially urine. The method can be enhanced by concomitantly determining the levels of an indicator of bone formation in biological fluids of the same individual and assessing the differences between the degradation marker and the formation indicator. Antibodies which are specifically immunoreactive with forms of crosslinks which occur free in biological fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for the semi-quantitative and quantitative determination of an analyte in a sample. A non-competitive trap which can bind unreacted labelled receptor to analyte but has virtually no binding capabilities to receptor in the presence of analyte is used. Labelled receptor:analyte complex is trapped in a second trap. The relative amounts of unbound receptor in the non-competitive trap versus the amount of receptor:analyte complex in the second trap is a measure of the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A recombinant protein encompassing a C-terminal protion from the structural envelope glycoprotein and an N-terminal portion from non-structural protein one of dengue type 2 virus was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with Staphylococcal protein A. The recombinant protein was found to provide protection against lethal challenge with dengue 2 in mice.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting antigens, which comprises immobilizing an antigen to a solid support and contacting the solid support with a means for hybridizing a labeled dendrimer to the antibody, through an oligonucleotide complexed thereto. A directly oligonucleotide labeled primary antibody or an oligonucleotide labeled secondary antibody may be employed, and a conventionally labeled dendrimer can subsequently be hybridized to the oligonucleotide through one or more of the outer arms of the dendrimer. The present invention offers the advantage over conventional methods of antigen detection by providing multiple label molecules per antigen, thereby enhancing the observed signal associated with the label.

Abstract: Methods of detecting activated T-cells involve monitoring levels of MUC-1 mucin expression at the protein and/or mRNA level. Compositions for modulating immune function contain compounds that modulate the expression or function of MUC-1. Methods of treating disorders associated an inappropriate state of T-cell activation involve contacting a T-cell with a compound containing an inhibitor of MUC-1 expression or function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for purifying Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THG) and uromodulin, which permits THG and uromodulin to be purified with enhanced efficiency by the simplified procedure, as well as a method for making the discrimination between both of them.

Abstract: Expression vectors that include reporter genes and an operable regulatory region containing a promoter and E2 binding sites of papillomavirus (PV), are used to detect and/or titer papillomavirus by quantitative or qualitative methods.

Abstract: A method for determining the complexed forms of immunologically determinable prostate specific antigen (cPSA) in a blood sample, e.g., by two-site immunometric assays, in which the blood sample is treated to render free PSA (fPSA) immunologically nondetectable. A particularly preferred immunometric assay method employs three anti-PSA antibodies: an antibody that binds to both cPSA and fPSA (anti-tPSA), a second anti-tPSA antibody which is characterized by the unique property that binding to fPSA is blocked by binding of fPSA-specific antibodies, and a third antibody which is a fPSA-specific antibody. Thus, binding of the fPSA-specific antibody to PSA in the sample allows only cPSA to be measured in the immunometric assay. Measurement of cPSA blood levels has been found to provide a method for aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer that is highly sensitive and specific, and eliminates the need for a significant number of patients to undergo unnecessary prostate biopsy.