Abstract: A specimen testing method and an apparatus capable of extracting accurate serum components depending on a patient even if the amount of the serum components in blood varies in each specimen. The apparatus comprises a visual sensor for taking an image of blood separated into serum components and clot components, an image memory for storing digital image data output from the visual sensor, a serum component upper boundary position detecting means for detecting an upper boundary position of the serum components from the digital image data stored in the image memory, a serum component lower boundary position detecting means for detecting a lower boundary position of the serum components, and a serum component amount measuring means for measuring the amount of the serum components from the upper boundary position and lower boundary position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the rapid isolation and recovery of a desired target DNA or RNA molecules from a mixture or library containing such molecules. The method involves the use of biotinylated probes and enzymatic repair-cleavage to eliminate undesired library members from a sample.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I ##STR1## in which X is OHY is H, OH methyl or F,A and B are independentlya) alkyl of one to ten carbons or heteroatoms,b) aryl of four to seven carbons or heteroatoms,c) cyclic of three to ten carbons or heteroatoms, or moieties of the formulas ##STR2## in a), b), c), d), e) and f), CH is bonded to silicon; R.sup.1 to R.sup.11 are independently hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons or heteroatoms, aryl of 4 to 14 carbons or heteroatoms, arylalkyl of 5 to 20 carbons or heteroatoms, substituted carbonyl or unsubstituted carbonyl;heteroatoms are nitrogen, oxygen, silicon or sulfur; andat least one of A and B is independently moieties d, e or f.The compounds of formula I inhibit protease enzymes and can be used as pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Novel methods of nucleic acid multimerization using PCR are provided, allowing direct transformation of cells and microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for identifying substances with a potential herbicidal and growth-regulating action by means of plant transporter proteins (transporters), the use thereof and substances identifiable by the method and having a herbicidal and growth-regulating action are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating disease-associated cellular proliferation using oligonucleotides. In particular, it relates to the use of oligonulceotides which are substantially complementary to gp13O mRNA sequences. In the form of pharmaceutical compositions, these oligonucleotides are suitable for administration to human subjects for the treatment of abnormal cellular proliferation due to such diseases as cancer, autoimmune disorders and viral infection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel compound of formula ##STR1## in which R is a hydroxyl, alkyloxy, phenylalkyloxy or --NH--CH.sub.2 --COOH radical, R' and R" are identical and are each a hydroxy or methoxy radical and R'" represents a hydrogen, bromine, chlorine or iodine atom or a nitro radical. The invention is also directed to the salts of said compounds and their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for the presence of a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells in a heterogeneous cellular sample, such as a stool sample. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells is obtained in the sample.

Abstract: The RNA content of Fungi Imperfecti, for example Fusarium graminearum can be reduced with low protein loss by heating it in the presence of its growth medium to a temperature above 68.degree. C. and separating growth medium from it.

Abstract: A method for introducing a mutation into a desired site in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 uses a set of starting vectors, where each starting vector has a fragment of the substantially complete HSV-1 genome and also DNA which overlaps with a sequential genomic fragment contained in other starting vectors, so that upon co-transfection of a host cell, replication of viral DNA, and recombination, a mutated replicable virus is formed. The starting vector containing a gene which is to be mutated is replaced by a replacement vectors. The replacement vectors contain a copy of the mutated gene and overlapping DNA, and genomic DNA which was present in the starting vector. A host cell is transformed with the replacement vectors and the remaining starting vectors under conditions allowing replication of viral DNA and recombination to form a replicating mutated virus. In preferred embodiments, the protease gene is mutated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel DNA sequences that encode for the branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex of an organism belonging to the genus Streptomyces and to novel polypeptides produced by the expression of such sequences. It also relates to novel methods of enhancing the production of natural avermectin and of producing novel avermectin through fermentation.

Abstract: A DNA construct comprising the following sequence: 5'-P-SP-(LP).sub.n -PS-HP-3' wherein P is a promoter sequence, SP is a DNA sequence encoding the yeast aspartic protease 3 (YAP3) signal peptide, LP is a DNA sequence encoding a leader peptide, n is 0 or 1, PS is a DNA sequence encoding a peptide defining a yeast processing site, and HP is a DNA sequence encoding a polypeptide which is heterologous to a selected host organism. The YAP3 signal peptide provides efficient secretion of heterologous proteins in yeast.

Abstract: The gene which expresses the light (.beta.-)chain of kinesin contains at its 5'-end a region of DNA of high secondary structure which provides a strong enhancer of translation. In the human kinesin gene it forms a double hairpin loop. The secondary structure, optionally with flanking sequence, is claimed as isolated DNA. Constructs in which it serves is an enhancer for expression of foreign DNA are also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention describes an encoded combinatorial chemical library comprised of a plurality of bifunctional molecules having both a chemical polymer and an identifier oligonucleotide sequence that defines the structure of the chemical polymer. Also described are the bifunctional molecules of the library, and methods of using the library to identify chemical structures within the library that bind to biologically active molecules in preselected binding interactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing smooth muscle tumors for malignancy by testing for the expression of .gamma.-smooth muscle isoactin. Diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: A chemically commercially sterilized enzyme composition for addition to a pasteurized dairy product to reduce gradually the lactose content of the dairy product and to introduce functioning enzymes into the digestive tract of an individual when the dairy product is ingested.

Abstract: This invention provides an interface bioreactor system comprising (a) a reaction tank having (1) a reaction solvent placed therein, (2) a plurality of plate-like hydrophilic immobilizing carriers each having a thickness of 1 to 500 mm and packed therein so as to be arranged in a vertical position at intervals of 3 to 100 mm, the hydrophilic immobilizing carriers having a microorganism deposited and immobilized on the surfaces thereof in a growable or viable state and containing a liquid medium composed of water and nutrients necessary for the growth or survival of the microorganism, and (3) a sparger or agitator disposed at the bottom thereof; and (b) an aeration line connected with the reaction tank for supplying oxygen thereto. This system is highly efficient and can be scaled up easily.

Abstract: The specification relates to circular plasmids derived from microorganisms of the genus Rhodococcus, which have sizes of about 3.6 kb and restriction site numbers of BamHI:1, BglII:1, ClaI:1, PstI:1, PvuII:2 and SacI:1. The circular plasmids of the present invention are useful as vectors in industrially useful host-vector systems.

Abstract: Novel, hydrophobic lipid-nucleic acid complexes. The complexes are charge-neutralized and contain the nucleic acid in a non-condensed form. Manipulation of these complexes in either detergent-based or organic solvent-based systems leads to particle formation. Thus, the present invention also provides methods of preparing lipid-nucleic acid particles which are useful for the therapeutic delivery of nucleic acids. The particles are constructed via hydrophobic lipid-nucleic acid intermediates (or complexes). Upon removal of a solubilizing component (i.e., detergent or an organic solvent) the nucleic acid forms a particle with lipids and is protected from degradation. The particles thus formed are suitable for use in intravenous nucleic acid transfer as they are stable in circulation, of a size required for pharmacodynamic behavior resulting in access to extravascular sites and target cell populations.

Abstract: A method of detecting a stealth virus is provided by culturing a sample under conditions in which any stealth virus in the sample is able to induce a cytopathic effect. A method for culturing a virus is also provided by (a) cocentrifuging a sample of said virus with a permissive cell line of indicator cells; (b) inoculating the cell mixture into culture vessels; (c) adding viral enhancing medium to the culture; and (d) detecting in vitro a cytopathic effect in the permissive cell line.