Abstract: Cancer associated antigens have been identified by autologous antibody screening of libraries of nucleic acids expressed in testis cells using antisera from seminoma patients. The invention relates to nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides which are cancer associated antigens expressed in patients afflicted with a variety of cancers. The invention provides, inter alia, isolated nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing those molecules and host cells transfected with those molecules. The invention also provides isolated proteins and peptides, antibodies to those proteins and peptides and cytotoxic T lymphocytes which recognize the proteins and peptides. Fragments of the foregoing including functional fragments and variants also are provided. Kits containing the foregoing molecules additionally are provided. The molecules provided by the invention can be used in the diagnosis, monitoring, research, or treatment of conditions characterized by the expression of one or more cancer associated antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the photolithographic synthesis of biochips in which photolabile protective groups of the 2-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl type are used, whereby the irradiation step that is common in the photolithographic chip synthesis is carried out in the presence of a base, preferably a secondary or uerriary base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel protein having mannose isomerase activity, DNA encoding the protein, a recombinant vector comprising the DNA, a transformant obtained by introducing the recombinant vector into a host cell, and processes for producing the above protein and mannose, fructose, xylulose and lyxose by using the transformant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a analgesic composition containing the purified HWAP-I polypeptide of the Chinese bird spider, Selenocosmia Huwena.

Abstract: A new human polypeptide, a cDNA encoding the same and a pharmaceutical use of it. The polypeptides of the present invention possess hematopoiesis regulating activity, tissue generation/regeneration activity, activin/inhibin activity, chemotactic/chemokinetic activity, hemostatic and thrombolytic activity, and receptor/ligand activity, therefore, they are expected to be useful for prevention and/or treatment of various diseases.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes containing two labels are provided and are useful in hybridization assays. The probes can also contain a minor groove binding group.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel thermostable galactose isomerases and production of tagatose using the same. A gene encoding a galactose isomerase with improved thermal stability and reaction equilibrium is screened from natural genetic materials. An expression vector into which the gene is inserted is introduced into bacteria which are then cultured to obtain a thermostable galactose isomerase. In the presence of this enzyme, tagatose is produced from galactose in a yield as high as 46-50% at a temperature as high as 55° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting nucleotide variation within a first nucleic acid, comprising generating a set of single-stranded extension products from a first nucleic acid in the presence of modified nucleotide bases, wherein the extension products incorporate modified nucleotides and thereby limit exonuclease activity to the 3′-terminal nucleotide base, and wherein the extension products have variable lengths, hybridizing the variable length extension products to a reference nucleic acid, contacting the hybridizing nucleic acids with an enzyme which can remove and replace the 3′-terminal nucleotide of the extension products in the presence of selected labeled nucleotides, wherein extension products that terminate with a 3′-nucleotide that does not hybridize with the corresponding position on the reference nucleic acid are replaced with one or more nucleotides that hybridize with the corresponding nucleotides on the reference nucleic acid and wherein those extension pr

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which code for the tumor rejection antigen precursor MAGE-3. Also disclosed are vectors, cell lines, and so forth, which utilize the nucleic acid molecule, and optionally, molecules coding for human leukocyte antigen HLA-A1. Uses of these materials in therapeutic and diagnostic contexts are also a part of the invention.

Abstract: A method for measuring the presence of polynucleotide in a sample, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a sample, an agglutinative agent and an agglutination promoter capable of binding to polynucleotide; (2) mixing said sample, said agent and said promoter; and (3) measuring the degree of agglutination of the agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of a novel putative efflux gene from Pseudomonas mendocina. The putative efflux gene is useful for probing an organism's efflux system to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of solvent tolerance. The invention further provides a Pseudomonas mendocina strain deficient in this gene. This strain is unable to grow in the presence of chloramphenicol and, compared to the wildtype strain, grows slowly in the presence of high concentrations of PHBA.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide probe is disclosed, the probe including an oligonucleotide, a fluorescer molecule attached to a first end of the oligonucleotide and a quencher molecule attached to the opposite end of the oligonucleotide. The probe is rendered impervious to digestion by the 5′→3′ exonuclease activity of a polymerase and the 5′→3′ extension of by a polymerase. The invention also includes methods for performing combined PCR amplification and hybridization probing, one such method including the steps of contacting a target nucleic acid sequence with PCR reagents and an oligonucleotide probe as described above, and subjecting these reagents to thermal cycling. One preferred refinement of the above method further includes the addition of a strand displacer to facilitate amplification.

Abstract: Signal primers are employed for detection of nucleic acid target sequences by fluorescence quenching mechanisms. The signal primer comprises a first and a second oligonucleotide and is partially single-stranded and partially double-stranded. In the presence of target, the second oligonucleotide of the signal primer is displaced from the first and a conformational change in a reporter probe occurs which changes the distance between the members of a donor/quencher dye pair linked to the reporter probe. The change in proximity between the dyes causes an increase or a decrease in fluorescence quenching, which is detected as an indication of the presence of the target sequence.

Abstract: Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.

Abstract: L-Ribose is produced by the steps of producing ribitol from a saccharide raw material by using a microorganism having an ability to produce ribitol from a saccharide raw material, producing L-ribulose from the ribitol by using a microorganism having an ability to produce L-ribulose from ribitol, and producing L-ribose from the L-ribulose by using a microorganism having an ability to produce L-ribose from L-ribulose.

Abstract: Genomic or cDNA, or fragments and mixtures thereof, can be screened by generation of subsets and then subjecting the subsets to mismatch scanning procedures. Alternatively, DNA fragments can be generated by cutting with a restriction endonuclease that generates variable overhangs. For either of the above methods, Y-shaped adapters having a region of non-complementary single-stranded DNA at the end can be used. Heterohybrid DNA, containing one DNA strand derived from each of two different samples, or homohybrids, containing DNA strands from the same sample, can be selected. Adapters attached to the ends of the fragments are designed to allow the selective isolation of homohybrid or heterohybrid DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a maltose-rich syrup comprising the steps of (a) carrying out liquefaction of a starch milk; (b) carrying out saccharification of the liquefied starch milk in the presence of a &bgr;-amylase and at least one debranching enzyme selected from the group comprising pullulanases and isoamylases; (c) carrying out molecular sieving of the liquefied and saccharified starch milk so as to collect a fraction enriched with maltose and a fraction enriched with glucose; and (d) bringing said fraction enriched with maltose into contact with a maltogenic &agr;-amylase with a view to obtaining a maltose-rich syrup.

Abstract: An L-ribose isomerase which isomerizes aldoses such as L-ribose, D-lyxose, D-talose, D-mannose, L-allose and L-gulose into their corresponding ketoses such as L-ribulose, D-xylulose, D-tagatose, D-fructose, L-psicose and L-sorbose. The enzymatic reaction is a reversible equilibrium reaction. The L-ribose isomerase can be obtained from microorganisms of the genus Acinetobacter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for amplifying a specific target nucleic acid sequence. The method comprises (1) forming a reaction mixture comprising: (i) the target sequence; (ii) primers comprising a first primer at least a portion of which at the 3′ end thereof is substantially complementary to a first segment at a first end of the target sequence, a second primer at least a portion of which at the 5′ end thereof is substantially complementary to a second segment at a second end of the target sequence, the 5′ end of the second primer being adjacent the 3′ end of the first primer, and a third primer, the third primer being substantially complementary to a segment of the second primer at the 3′ end thereof; (iii) at least four different nucleotide bases; (iv) thermostable polymerase and thermostable ligase; and (2) thermocycling the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence, in a liquid medium, of a plurality of different nucleic ligands in the free state comprises: (a) providing a support for plural complexing on which are distributed a plurality of immobilizing sites in which are immobilized a plurality of different nucleic anti-ligands; and (b) contacting the liquid medium with the support, whereby the nucleic ligands are paired with the nucleic anti-ligands. The stability of each ligand/anti-ligand complex is dependent upon at least one exogenous parameter, namely temperature, conditioning the support; the immobilizing sites on the support are differentiated, depending on the exogenous parameter, having respectively different values in the sites; and the anti-ligands are distributed among the different immobilizing sites, depending on the optimum values of the exogenous parameter, determining the stability of the different nucleic ligand/anti-ligand complexes respectively.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of conducting an assay of a sample containing an analyte of interest includes the step of forming a mixture so as to bring a metal-ligand complex into interactive proximity with the sample containing the analyte of interest. The mixture is irradiated with electromagnetic light energy so as to cause emission of light indicative of the analyte of interest. The emitted light is measured, and the measurement of the emitted light is utilized to measure the analyte of interest. The metal-ligand complex can be [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+, [Os(phen)2(aphen)]2+, [Os(tpy)(triphos)]2+, [Os(tppz)2]2+, and [Os(ttpy)2]2+, or the like. Also, the present invention is directed to a metal-ligand complex of the formula [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+.

Abstract: Techniques for designing polymer probes to verify the integrity of the probe synthesis are provided. Multiple probes with identical sequences are designed so that the probes will be formed utilizing at least one different monomer addition cycle. Based on the probes affinity to a control target, variations (e.g., errors) in probe synthesis may be identified.

Abstract: An L-ribose isomerase which isomerizes aldoses such as L-ribose, D-lyxose, D-talose, D-mannose, L-allose and L-gulose into their corresponding ketoses such as L-ribulose, D-xylulose, D-tagatose, D-fructose, L-psicose and L-sorbose. The enzymatic reaction is a reversible equilibrium reaction. The L-ribose isomerase can be obtained from microorganisms of the genus Acinetobacter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated DNA sequence which codes for an antigen expressed by tumor cells which maybe recognized by cytotoxic T cells, leading to lysis of the tumor cells which express it. This invention also relates to vectors which are designed to encode the antigen expressed by tumor cells and also to cells transfected by the DNA sequence or vectors which comprise the DNA sequence. Various therapeutic and diagnostic uses arising out of the properties of the DNA and the antigen for which it codes are also part of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the production of isomalto-oligosaccharides syrups. The method comprises the use of enzymes immobilized on a re-usable carrier. The carrier is preferably an anion exchanger. The enzymes used for the conversion of starch hydrolysates are transglucosidase and pullulanase preferably these enzymes are co-immobilized. The carrier/enzyme conjugate is further reinforced by cross-linking.

Abstract: The invention relates to sucrose isomerases, to DNA sequences coding therefor, and to novel processes for producing noncariogenic sugars.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate which comprises effecting reactions among (i) fructose 6-phosphate, (ii) glucose, (iii) fructose or (iv) glucose 6-phosphate, ATP and a phosphate donor, in the presence of (i) fructose 6-phosphate 2-kinase (PFK 2) and an enzyme which converts ADP into ATP (ADP/ATP converting enzyme), (ii) PFK 2, an ADP/ATP converting enzyme, hexokinase or glucokinase and glucose 6-phosphate isomerase, (iii) PFK 2, an ADP/ATP converting enzyme and hexokinase or glucokinase, or (iv) PFK 2, an ADP/ATP converting enzyme and glucose 6-phosphate isomerase; to a process for the production of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate which comprises allowing diesterase to coexist in a solution containing fructose 1,2-cyclic, 6-bisphosphate; and to a process for the purification of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate which comprises adding zinc salt to a solution containing fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, removing formed precipitate of impurities and adding a zinc salt to the result

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for enzymically galactosylating monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, with in-situ regeneration of the nucleotide sugar (or of the nucleoside diphosphate sugar), in the presence of sucrose synthase, .beta.-1-4-galactosyl transferase and uridine diphosphate-glucose 4'-epimerase, (UDP-glucose 4'-epimerase), in which process the uridine diphosphate-glucose 4'-epimerase is reactivated with a ketosugar derivative.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for detecting one or more mutations in an isolated test nucleic acid by forming a heteroduplex with a homologous control DNA and contacting the heteroduplex with a resolvase capable of recognizing at least one single base pair mismatch within the heteroduplex. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the resolvase is bacteriophage T4 endonuclease VII.

Abstract: An immobilized enzyme preparation is disclosed which comprises a gelling agent which has been cross-linked and active carbon in an amount of 1 to 3%. The gelling agent may be egg white chitosan or alginate. The enzyme glucose isomerase may be employed. When used in packed bed columns in enzymatic glucose isomerization processes, the disclosed immobilized enzyme formulation allows for a bedheight that is twice as high, a syrup flow that is doubled, or a doubled syrup viscosity when compared to formulations without carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel water-insoluble glucose isomerase which is formed by a crystalline enzyme converted to solid form by cross-linking. The invention also concerns a process for the preparation of the novel crystalline glucose isomerase by cross-linking with dialdehyde in the presence of a compound containing at least one amino group, and the use of this novel enzyme preparation as an isomerization catalyst.

Abstract: A saccharide composition containing trehalulose, which is obtainable by allowing a maltose/trehalose converting enzyme to act on a sucrose solution to produce trehalulose, and collecting the resulting trehalulose-containing mixture. Since the enzyme converts sucrose into trehalulose in a relatively high yield and the conversion rate is controllable, a saccharide composition rich in trehalulose is readily obtained on an industrial scale.

Abstract: L-Ketohexoses such as L-fructose and L-tagatose are produced from L-psicose and L-sorbose as substrates by allowing D-ketohexose 3-epimerase to act on these substrates. The yield and the production cost of the produced L-fructose and L-tagatose are industrially acceptable. The enzyme is preparable from microorganisms, e.g. those of the genus Pseudomonas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel water-insoluble glucose isomerase which is formed by a crystalline enzyme converted to solid form by cross-linking. The invention also concerns a process for the preparation of the novel crystalline glucose isomerase by cross-linking with dialdehyde in the presence of a compound containing at least one amino group, and the use of this novel enzyme preparation as an isomerization catalyst.

Abstract: rDSPA .alpha.1 is produced in commercial quantities and a purity adequate for clinical standards. The production methods utilize a series of chromatographic steps: cation exchange chromatography, followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and ending with affinity chromatography.

Abstract: The invention relates to viscous liquid compositions of xylitol which are noncrystallizable or which exhibit retarded crystallization, characterized by the fact that they contain:from 51% to 80% of xylitol,from 0.1% to 44% of D-arabitol,from 5% to 48.9% of non-reducing oligomers or polymers of glucose, these percentages being expressed on the dried basis for the compositions. It also relates to a process for producing these compositions. These compositions can be used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and confectionery industry.

Abstract: D-ketohexose 3-epimerase, a novel epimerase, is obtained by cultivating bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas including Pseudomonas cichorii ST-24 (FERM BP-2736). D-Ketohexose 3-epimerase epimerizes D-ketohexose, D-ketopentose and L-ketopentose at their C-3 positions to form their corresponding epimeric counterparts in a high yield at a high conversion rate. Interconversion reaction using D-Ketohexose 3-epimerase yields mixture of intact ketose and its epimeric counterpart which can impart an appropriate sweetness, gloss and improve taste quality when used in foods, beverages, feeds, pet foods, dentifrice, cachou, sublingual agents and internal medicines.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay by which detection and/or quantitation of adenyl group-containing substances can be performed simply, with high sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio. In particular, the method provides an assay in which the chemiluminescence of a chemiluminescent substance, made by reacting a glyoxal derivative with an adenyl group in the substance to be detected/quantitated in the presence of a heteropolyacid or a heteropolyacid salt, is measured.

Abstract: Oligosaccharide compounds GlcNAc.beta.1-3Gal.beta.-OMe, GlcNAc.beta.1- 6Gal.alpha.-OMe, GalNAc.beta.1-3Gal.beta.-OMe, GalNAc.alpha.1-3Gal.alpha.-OMe, and Fuc.alpha.1-6Gal.beta.-OMe.

Abstract: A process for producing high fructose corn syrup from glucose containing syrup, which entails isomerizing the glucose containing syrup through an enzymatic reaction to make high fructose corn syrup, wherein the enzymatic reaction occurs in a gas containing solution which comprises at least one gas selected from the group consisting of noble gas.

Abstract: A process for amplifying nucleic acid sequences from a DNA or RNA template which may be purified, or may exist in a mixture of nucleic acids. The resulting nucleic acid sequences may be exact copies of the template, or may be modified. The process has advantages over prior art amplification processes in that it increases the fidelity of copying a specific nucleic acid sequence, and it allows one to more efficiently detect a particular point mutation in a single assay.

Abstract: A method of catalyzing in vitro reactions using seeds containing enhanced amounts of enzymes is disclosed. The method involves adding transgenic, non-wild type seeds, preferably in a ground form, to a reaction mixture and allowing the enzymes in the seeds to increase the rate of reaction. By directly adding the seeds to the reaction mixture the method provides a solution to the expensive and problematic process of extracting and purifying the enzyme. Methods of treatment are also provided whereby a subject lacking a sufficient supply of an enzyme is administered the enzyme in the form of seeds containing enhanced amounts of the enzyme.

Abstract: A one-pot glycosylation reaction is disclosed in which a N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) or N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) group is enzymatically transferred to an acceptor molecule. The starting glycoside is a N-acetylamino monosaccharide 1-phosphate that is enzymatically converted to its UDP derivative via UTP and a pyrophorylase. The formed UDP derivative is epimerized, and the epimerized UDP derivative is used in the enzyme-catalyzed glycosyl transfer. That enzyme-catalyzed glycosyl transfer to an acceptor releases UDP that is enzymatically converted to UTP for further conversion of the N-acetylamino monosaccharide 1-phosphate into its UDP derivative.

Abstract: A process for producing high fructose corn syrup from glucose containing syrup, which entails isomerizing the glucose containing syrup through an enzymatic reaction to make high fructose corn syrup, wherein the enzymatic reaction occurs in a gas containing solution which comprises at least one gas selected from the group consisting of noble gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate which comprises effecting reactions among (i) fructose 6-phosphate, (ii) glucose, (iii) fructose or (iv) glucose 6-phosphate, ATP and a phosphate donor, in the presence of (i) fructose 6-phosphate 2-kinase (PFK 2) and an enzyme which converts ADP into ATP (ADP/ATP converting enzyme), (ii) PFK 2, an ADP/ATP converting enzyme, hexokinase or glucokinase and glucose 6-phosphate isomerase, (iii) PFK 2, an ADP/ATP converting enzyme and hexokinase or glucokinase, or (iv) PFK 2, an ADP/ATP converting enzyme and glucose 6-phosphate isomerase; to a process for the production of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate which comprises allowing diesterase to coexist in a solution containing fructose 1,2-cyclic, 6-bisphosphate; and to a process for the purification of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate which comprises adding zinc salt to a solution containing fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, removing formed precipitate of impurities and adding a zinc salt to the result

Abstract: Method of producing oat extract from rolled oats and oat flour by performing a series of mixing, cooking, filtering and concentrating steps. The method comprises the steps of mixing rolled white oats with oat flour, bacterial or fungal enzymes, and water to form an oat/enzyme solution. The oat/enzyme solution is then mashed by cooking the solution to convert the starches present in the oats into sugars. The undissolved solids remaining from the rolled oats are separated from the oat mash by filtering the cooked oat mash using some of the undissolved solids as a filter bed. The filtering operation produces oat wort which is then concentrated to produce oat extract.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of mannitol in which:in a first step, a fructose syrup containing less than 15% glucose is subjected to an enzymatic isomerization using at least one enzyme capable of interconverting fructose and mannose, the enzymatic isomerization resulting in the production of a mixture of fructose and mannose containing at least 15% mannose,in a second step, the mixture of fructose and mannose is subjected to a chromatographic separation treatment so as to obtain at least two fractions one of which (fraction X1) is highly enriched with mannose and the other of which (fraction X2) is highly enriched with fructose,in a third step, fraction X2 is at least partially recycled to the top of the enzymatic isomerization step,in a fourth step, fraction X1, highly enriched with mannose, is hydrogenated so as to obtain a mannitol-rich syrup.

Abstract: This invention allows high-purity maltose to be manufactured both simply and economically by sequentially going through the steps of liquefaction of starch, saccharification of the resulting liquefied substance by combining with general-purpose enzymes and further saccharification with an enzyme which hydrolyzes oligosaccharides of trisaccharide or more, and also allows the economical and favorable manufacturing of maltitol, the reduced product of the above maltose, by going through an additional reduction step.

Abstract: The DNA encoding human thyroid hormone receptor protein alpha-1 (hTR -1). This polynucleotide can be used as a probe to detect the presence of a third form of human thyroid hormone receptor protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel water-insoluble glucose isomerase which is formed by a crystalline enzyme converted to solid form by cross-linking. The invention also concerns a process for the preparation of the novel crystalline glucose isomerase by cross-linking with dialdehyde in the presence of a compound containing at least one amino group, and the use of this novel enzyme preparation as an isomerization catalyst. Preferrably the compound having an amino group is an ammonium salt, lysine or tryptophan and the dialdehyde is glutaraldehyde.