Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for producing reduced cholesterol animal foodstuffs and products by feeding livestock and other food-producing animals with feed supplemented with microbial cultures containing hypocholesterolemic compounds produced by microorganisms comprising said microbial cultures. The invention provides low cholesterol poultry, eggs, meat, whole milk, and dairy products.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a hydrolysed casein product comprising tripeptides VPP, IPP and/or LPP, wherein a substrate comprising casein or casein fragments is subjected to enzyme treatment wherein the enzyme is derived from Aspergillus, wherein the enzyme concentration is 2-10 wt. % based on casein and that the enzyme has a high proteolytic activity.

Abstract: A composition for external use, comprising 2-O-(?-D-glucopyranosyl)ascorbic acid represented by the formula (I): or a salt or ester thereof which is safe to the human body, and a koji mold or a processed koji. The composition for external use is excellent in skin permeability, containing an ascorbic acid derivative which is excellent in stability, utilized persistently in the living body, and strong in antioxidant activity, and has little skin irritation.

Abstract: A process for preparing beta-fructofuranosidase enzyme and a process for producing fructooligosaccharides, in which the preparation of the enzyme is obtained by cultivating the fungus Aspergillus niger, either wild or mutated, in a preferably semi-solid culture medium, in order to produce an extracellular enzyme, which is submitted to transfructosylation for producing fructooligosaccharides comprising sugars which are formed by one unit of sacrose and by two, three and four units of fructose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method which can prevent browning of hydrolyzed protein obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of vegetable protein material. A vegetable protein material containing saccharides is mixed with the fungal culture and is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis in a liquid reaction system. The reaction is conducted first at a temperature ranging from 15° C. to 39° C. with aeration and agitation, and then, after stopping the aeration, the reaction is conducted and completed at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 60° C.

Abstract: A process for the production of a modified phytase with a desired property improved over the property of the corresponding unmodified phytase is disclosed, as well as modified phytases, polynucleotides encoding modified phytases, and animal feed including modified phytases.

Abstract: A process for reforming oil fuel comprises the steps of contacting oil fuel with activated aspergillus fungi for a certain period and then mixing the resulting oil fuel with unreformed oil fuel. The reformed oil fuel may be treated with a magnetic catalyst after treatment by the activated aspergillus fungi.

Abstract: A process for reforming oil fuel comprises the steps of contacting oil fuel with activated aspergillus fungi for a certain period and then mixing the resulting oil fuel with unreformed oil fuel. The reformed oil fuel may be treated with a magnetic catalyst after treatment by the activated aspergillus fungi.

Abstract: A nystatin-resistant mutant microorganism belonging to Aspegillus genus is provided for preparing triol heptanoic acid, a precursor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor. A mutant Aspergillus terreus CLS247-13, KCTC 0673 BP is prepared by treating Aspergillus terreus CLS216-7, KCTC 0359 BP with ultraviolet ray or chemical mutagens. The mutant provides high productivity (at least 11.5 g/L, 95/6% of the total product) of triol heptanoic acid, while reducing (less than 0.53 g/L, 4.4% of total product) productivity of triol heptanoic acid analogues. Since the nystatin-resistant mutant strain CLS347-13 has a capability of producing triol heptanioc acid with a high yield in a short period of culture time compared with known triol heptanoic acid producing strains, it can be widely used in industrial applications.

Abstract: Fungi and bacteria can be detected and rapidly quantified by using the nucleotide sequences taught here that are specific to the particular species or group of species of fungi or bacteria. Use of the sequences can be made with fluorescent labeled probes, such as in the TaqMan™ system which produces real time detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Other methods of detection and quantification based on these sequences include hybridization, conventional PCR or other molecular techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the microbial oxidation of 2-methylquinoxaline to 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid which comprise contacting 2-methylquinoxaline with a microorganism, or a suitable mutant thereof, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield an amount of said 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid. The present processes optionally further comprise the isolation and purification of 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is a microorganism which is Aspergillus candidus RF-5762 (FERM BP-5882), wherein said microorganism is capable of producing a compound of the following formula (I): wherein R1 is hydrogen or hydroxy and R2 is hydroxy or methoxy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for introducing nucleic acid into cells by first complexing the nucleic acid with a selected polycationic oligomer which neutralizes the negative charge of the nucleic acid, and then contacting the cell with the complex facilitating uptake of the nucleic acid into the cells as a complex with the oligomer. The methods are preferably applied to introduction of nucleic acid into eukaryotic cells, and more preferably into human cells. The invention also relates to methods of introducing antisense and triplex-forming oligonucleotides into prostate cancer cells to inhibit expression of proteins associated with (or that promote) malignancy and to inhibit cell growth or proliferation. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for inhibiting the expression of the HER-2/NEU protein in prostate cancer cells and to a method for inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth or proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention makes available methods and reagents for novel manipulation of nucleic acids. As described herein, the present invention makes use of the ability of intronic sequences, such as derived from group I, group II, or nuclear pre-mRNA introns, to mediate specific cleavage and ligation of discontinuous nucleic acid molecules. For example, novel genes and gene products can be generated by admixing nucleic acid constructs which comprise exon nucleic acid sequences flanked by intron sequences that can direct trans-splicing of the exon sequences to each other. The flanking intronic sequences can, by intermolecular complementation, form a reactive complex which promotes the transesterification reactions necessary to cause the ligation of discontinuous nucleic acid sequences to one another, and thereby generate a recombinant gene comprising the ligated exons.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inexpensive phytase with a low Km value for phytic acid, DNA coding for the phytase, recombinant DNA having the DNA introduced thereinto, a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA, a process for preparing a phytase by use of the transformant, and an animal feed comprising the phytase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protein having phospholipase activity, which is characterised in that it has the mature sequence of Aspergillus lysophospholipase or a sequence derived therefrom and that it may be cleaved at at least one site, wherein, in the event of cleavage, the restriction fragments are optionally either linked by means of at least one bond cleavable under reducing conditions or at least one of the unlinked restriction fragments has phospholipase activity, and to a process for the production of this protein by fermenting a suitably transformed lysophospholipase-producing host organism in a suitable culture medium and isolating the protein having phospholipase activity from the cell-free culture filtrate, wherein fermentation is performed in the acidic to slightly alkaline range.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of compounds affecting the activity of transcription factors for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing optically active 3-quinuclidinol or derivatives, wherein a racemic 3-quinuclidinol ester represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl group, and (H.sup.+) represents that said ester may be in the form of a salt formed with a mineral acid or an organic acid, is reacted with a microorganism belonging to the genus Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Candida or Pseudomonas having the ability to asymmetrically hydrolyze said ester linkage, a culture of said microorganism, a treated material from said microorganism, an enzyme produced by said microorganism, or an enzyme derived from swine or cattle.According to the present invention, there is provided a process for easily producing optically active 3-quinuclidinol derivatives which are important synthetic intermediates for pharmaceutical preparations etc.

Abstract: Enzymatic nucleic acid molecule containing one or more non-nucleotide mimetics, and having activity to cleave an RNA or DNA molecule.

Abstract: An improved method for the simultaneous sequence-specific identification of mRNAs in a mRNA population allows the visualization of nearly every mRNA expressed by a tissue as a distinct band on a gel whose intensity corresponds roughly to the concentration of the mRNA. In general, the method comprises the formation of cDNA using anchor primers to fix a 3'-endpoint, producing cloned inserts from the cDNA in a vector containing a bacteriophage-specific promoter for subsequent RNA synthesis, generating linearized fragments of the cloned inserts, preparing cRNA, transcribing cDNA from the cRNA using a set of primers, and performing PCR using a 3'-primer whose sequence is derived from the vector and a set of 5'-primers that is derived from the primers used for transcription of cDNA from cRNA. The method can identify changes in expression of mRNA associated with the administration of drugs or with physiological or pathological conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing high yields of .gamma.-hexalactone and 2-pentanone from the corresponding hexanoic acid starting material is carried out with high amounts of oxygen and sugar in the presence of a mold microorganism. Fragrance compositions and foodstuff compositions are augmented and enhanced by the presence of the product compounds.

Abstract: Oligomeric compounds including oligoribonucleotides and oligoribonucleosides are provided that have subsequences of 2'-pentoribofuranosyl nucleosides that activate dsRNase. The oligoribonucleotides and oligoribonucleosides can include substituent groups for increasing binding affinity to complementary nucleic acid strand as well as substituent groups for increasing nuclease resistance. The oligomeric compounds are useful for diagnostics and other research purposes, for modulating the expression of a protein in organisms, and for the diagnosis, detection and treatment of other conditions susceptible to oligonucleotide therapeutics. Also included in the invention are mammalian ribonucleases, i.e., enzymes that degrade RNA, and substrates for such ribonucleases. Such a ribonuclease is referred to herein as a dsRNase, wherein "ds" indicates the RNase's specificity for certain double-stranded RNA substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for synthesis, and therapeutic use of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides and analogs. RNA oligonucleotides arc synthesized using a small, circular DNA template which lacks an RNA polymerase promoter sequence. The RNA synthesis is performed by combining a circular single-stranded oligonucleotide template with an effective RNA polymerase and at least two types of ribonucleotide triphosphate to form an RNA oligonucleotide multimer comprising multiple copies of the desired RNA oligonucleotide sequence. Preferably, the RNA oligonucleotide multimer is cleaved to produce RNA oligonucleotides having well-defined ends. Preferred RNA oligonucleotide multimers contain ribozymes capable of both cis (autolytic) and trans cleavage.

Abstract: An isothermal transcription based amplification assay for MDC RNA uses primer combinations for sequences within the MDC gene. A quantitative control uses a mutant RNA for comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy and R.sup.2 is hydroxy or methoxy, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof, a process for producing the same, a pharmaceutical composition which comprises the same and a microorganism which belongs to Aspergillus candidus and produces the compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to bioactive ribonucleo polypeptides (RNP) containing copper, zinc or calcium. These are non-mitogenic morphogens for blood vessels of a defined primary structure for intercellular communication with genetic information. Zn/Ca/Cu-RNP can enzymatically hydrolyse nucleinic acids in a regulated manner (regulated nuclease activity) and be modulated and regulated via Zn/Ca/Cu-metal ion contents as "molecular switches" in mutual bioactivity. The compounds selectively stimulate the directional growth of the morphogenesis of blood vessels in vivo and in vitro and lead to neovascularisation of tissues. The invention further relates to a method of producing and obtaining the RNP as well as its utilisation, and medicines.

Abstract: The present invention provides detectably labeled RNA and DNA oligonucleotide multimers useful as diagnostic probes in medical, biological and chemical applications. A method for synthesizing DNA and RNA oligonucleotides, oligonucleotide multimers, and analogs, preferably those that are detectably labeled, is also provided. Oligonucleotide synthesis is performed by combining a circular single-stranded oligonucleotide template with an effective polymerase and at least two types of nucleotide triphosphate, without the addition of auxiliary proteins, to yield an oligonucleotide multimer comprising multiple copies of a repeated oligonucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification and use of ribonucleoside analogs to induce the mutation of an RNA virus, including HIV and HCV, or a virus which otherwise replicates through an RNA intermediate. The increase in the mutation rate of the virus results in reduced viability of progeny generations of the virus, thereby inhibiting viral replication. In addition to these methods and related compositions, the invention provides methods and combinatorial chemistry libraries for screening ribonucleoside analogs for mutagenic potential.

Abstract: A molecular sensing apparatus comprises a first electrode (10), a second electrode (12), a first molecule (20), a second molecule (22), and a third molecule (34). The first molecule (20) has a first chain of nucleic bases (30) and a first group (24). The first group (24) is bound to the first electrode (10). The second molecule (22) has a second chain of nucleic bases (32) and a second group (26). The second group (26) is bound to the second electrode (12). The third molecule (34) is bound to the first molecule (20) and the second molecule (22). A method which uses the molecular sensing apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, compositions, kits and apparatus to identify and detect the presence or absence of target analytes. The embodiments of the present invention have utility in identification of protein component of human telomerase and measurement of its levels in specimens and samples, as well as the design of test kits and apparatus for implementing such methods.

Abstract: An improved method for the simultaneous sequence-specific identification of mRNAs in a mRNA population allows the visualization of nearly every mRNA expressed by a tissue as a distinct band on a gel whose intensity corresponds roughly to the concentration of the mRNA. In general, the method comprises the formation of cDNA using anchor primers to fix a 3'-endpoint, producing cloned inserts from the cDNA in a vector containing a bacteriophage-specific promoter for subsequent RNA synthesis, generating linearized fragments of the cloned inserts, preparing cRNA, transcribing cDNA from the cRNA using a set of primers, and performing PCR using a 3'-primer whose sequence is derived from the vector and a set of 5'-primers that is derived from the primers used for transcription of cDNA from cRNA. The method can identify changes in expression of mRNA associated with the administration of drugs or with physiological or pathological conditions.

Abstract: Non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus such as from the species Aspirgillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae are useful fungal biocontrol agents for preventing toxin contamination in agricultural commodities, especially those for human consumption such as peanuts and corn. These strains do not produce aflatoxin, any bis-furan ring-containing intermediates of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway and cyclopiazonic acid. They are also useful for controlling toxin damage to crops such as cotton. The strains include Aspergillus strains NRRL 21368, NRRL 21369, NRRL 21882, NRRL 30038, NRRL 30039 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively linking a polynucleotide through its 5' or 3' end to one or more preselected materials such as insoluble matrices, solid supports, proteins, small molecular or labels are disclosed. Use of these compositions and methods in the production of diagnostic and affinity reagents are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradation method for polyorganosiloxanes (POS), particularly polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), includes contacting the POS with one or more microscopic fungi, preferably in the presence of at least one co-substrate, said fungus being selected from the family of Corticiacea, preferably of the genus Phanaerochaete or Aspergillus, more preferably Aspergillus sydowii BJS94, Phanerochaete sordida and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. A screening method comprises contacting a microscopic fungus with POS, preferably with PDMS, in the presence of a co-substrate, and evaluating the capacity of the fungus to degrade the POS. The fungi disclosed in the invention can be used in the biodegradation method. An isolate of Aspergillus sydowii BJS94 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of FADD. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding FADD. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of FADD expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of FADD are provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying translationally regulated genes includes selectively stimulating translation of an unknown target mRNA with a stress inducing element wherein the target mRNA is part of a larger sample of mRNA. The mRNA sample is divided into pools of translated and untranslated mRNA which are differentially analyzed to identify genes that are translationally regulated by the stress inducing element. A method for identifying gene sequences coding for internal ribosome entry sites includes inhibiting 5' cap-dependant mRNA translation in a cell, collecting a pool of mRNA from the cells, and differentially analyzing the pool of mRNA to identify genes with sequences coding for internal ribosome entry sites.

Abstract: The molecules and methods of the present invention provide a means for in vivo production of a therapeutic molecule in a selected subset of cells. The pre-therapeutic molecules of the invention are substrates for a trans-splicing reaction between the pre-therapeutic molecules and a pre-mRNA which is uniquely expressed in the specific target cells. The in vivo trans-splicing reaction provides an active therapeutic RNA which is functional as RNA or encodes a protein to be expressed in the target cells. The expression product of the mRNA is a protein of therapeutic value to the cell or a toxin which causes killing of the specific cells.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of Jun N-terminal Kinase Kinase-1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Jun N-terminal Kinase Kinase-1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Jun N-terminal Kinase Kinase-1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Jun N-terminal Kinase Kinase-1 are provided.

Abstract: A degumming step in the production of edible oils is disclosed. Vegetable oils from which hydratable phosphatides have preferably been eliminated by a previous aqueous degumming process, are freed from non-hydratable phosphatides by an enzymatic treatment, so that they may be physically refined. The main characteristic of the invention is the use of phospholipase from an Aspergillus strain. The process is gentle, economical and environment-friendly.

Abstract: A method is described for the identification and cloning of promoters that express under a defined environmental condition, such as growth in glucose medium. Using this method, five Trichodermal promoters capable of the high expression of operably linked coding sequences are identified, one of which is the promoter for T. reesei tef1. Also provided are altered cbh1 promoters, altered so that glucose no longer represses expression from such promoter. The invention further provides vectors and hosts that utilize such promoters, and unique fungal enzyme compositions from such hosts.

Abstract: A method for isolating a ribonucleic acid, which comprises dissolution of a sample containing the ribonucleic acid, such as cells, in an acidic solution containing a lithium salt and a chaotropic agent, bringing the ribonucleic acid into contact with a nucleic acid-binding carrier such as silica particles, thereby to allow selective adsorption of the ribonucleic acid alone onto said carrier, and eluting the ribonucleic acid from the nucleic acid-bound carrier; a reagent therefor; and a method for producing a cDNA from the ribonucleic acid isolated by this method. According to the present invention, a high purity ribonucleic acid can be isolated quickly and safely from a sample containing the ribonucleic acid.

Abstract: This invention describes compounds active against TNF-.alpha. mRNA. It further describes RNA molecules capable of conferring stability to RNA in vivo through an endogenous ribozyme binding protein(s). Possible mRNA molecules to be stabilized include ribozymes, antisense molecules and mRNA encoding polypeptides useful for protein production. The ribozymes and antisense molecules described herein are useful in mammals and plants, particularly suited for viral diseases. Methods of production and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: In a method for amplifying the specific nucleic acid sequence, a highly specific amplification which has low possibility of non-specific hybridization can be carried out. Highly stable reagents, the activities of which do not decrease in case of supply and storage, are also provided. Thermostable enzymes are used as RNA dependent DNA polymerase, DNA dependent DNA polymerase, DNA dependent RNA polymerase and ribonuclease H, which are required for the amplification system based on replicated RNA. Especially, it is preferable that a thermostable enzyme derived from Thermus thermophilus which has RNA dependent DNA polymerase activity, DNA dependent DNA polymerase activity and ribonuclease H activity, and thermostable DNA dependent RNA polymerase are used together. By this method, inactivation of enzymes are prevented by using thermostable enzymes, and the amplification can be carried out without sequential addition of enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a variant of a parent lipolytic enzyme, comprising (a) subjecting a DNA sequence encoding the parent lipolytic enzyme to random mutagenesis, (b) expressing the mutated DNA sequence obtained in step (a) in a host cell, and (c) screening for host cells expressing a mutated lipolytic enzyme which has a decreased dependance to calcium and/or an improved tolerance towards a detergent or a detergent component as compared to the parent lipolytic enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention describes an RNA isolation process which utilizes low pH reagents. In addition, the reagents are less hazardous and are more stable than those used in prior art methods. This rapid method may be used to obtain purified RNA from a variety of biological sources including human whole blood, plant and animal tissues, cultured cells, body fluids, yeast, and bacteria.

Abstract: This invention provides purified human telomerase and methods of purifying it. The methods involve the use of several sequential steps, including the use of a first matrix that binds molecules bearing negative charges, a matrix that binds molecules bearing positive charges, a second matrix that binds molecules bearing negative charges, an affinity purification step and a matrix that separates molecules according to their size.

Abstract: We have developed efficient methods of creating artificial transposons and inserting these transposons into plasmid targets in vitro, primarily for the purpose of mapping and sequencing DNA. A plasmid has been engineered to convert virtually any DNA sequence, or combination of sequences, into an artificial transposon; hence, custom transposons containing any desired feature can be easily designed and constructed. Such transposons are then efficiently inserted into plasmid targets, in vitro, using the integrase activity present in yeast Ty1 virus-like particles. Primers complementary to the transposon termini can be used to sequence DNA flanking any transposon insertion.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides and other macromolecules are provided which have increased nuclease resistance, substituent groups for increasing binding affinity to complementary strand, and subsequences of 2'-deoxy-erythro-pentofuranosyl nucleotides that activate RNase H. Such oligonucleotides and macromolecules are useful for diagnostics and other research purposes, for modulating the expression of a protein in organisms, and for the diagnosis, detection and treatment of other conditions susceptible to oligonucleotide therapeutics.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-bondable magnetic carrier of the present invention is a magnetic silica particle comprising a superparamagnetic metal oxide, wherein the magnetic silica particle has a specific surface of about 100 to about 800 m.sup.2 /g.