Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones.The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: Thermostable transaminase and aminotransferase enzymes derived from various ammonifex, aquifex and pyrobaculum organisms are disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and other industries.

Abstract: Acrylamidase enzymes are provided which have acrylamidase activity at pH 4.0 which is at least 50% of their acrylamidase activity at pH 7.0. Such enzymes can be produced by the novel microorganisms Rhodococcus strains NCIMB 40889 and NCIMB 40755. Such enzymes and microorganisms can be used for reducing free acrylamide in polyacrylamides which are produced at low pH and in particular cationic and substantially non-ionic polyacrylamides.

Abstract: Aliphatic polycarboxylic acids are made by a process comprising the steps of: (1) fermenting a beta-oxidation blocked C. tropicalis cell wherein both copies of the chromosomal POX5 gene and the chromosomal POX4A and POX4B genes are disrupted in a culture medium comprised of a nitrogen source, an organic substrate and a cosubstrate wherein the substrate is an unsaturated aliphatic compound having at least one internal carbon--carbon double bond and at least one terminal methyl group, a terminal carboxyl group and/or a terminal functional group which is oxidizable to a carboxyl group by biooxidation; (2) reacting the product of step (1) with an oxidizing agent to produce one or more polycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: Strains of Aureobasidium pullulans (de bary) Arnaud can be used for the commercial production of gluconic acid by fermentation in aqueous liquid containing sugar, which in continuous culture from glucose form greater than or equal to 90% and greater than or equal to 90% molar selectivity. The process is conducted with an Fe and Mn optimized medium with a nitrogen-independent (N-independent) ion concentration. The iron (Fe) concentration with 3 g/l NH.sub.4 Cl is greater than or equal to 0.5 mM, and the manganese (Mn) concentration with 3 g/l NH.sub.4 Cl is greater than or equal to about 0.5 mM manganese (Mn). The pH is regulated between about 4.5 and about 8, in particular at 6.5-7, and the temperature between 24 and 32.degree. C., in particular at 29-30.degree. C. Particularly successful strains are Aureobasidium pullulans (de bary) Arnaud with the registration numbers DSM 7085, DSM 7086, DSM 7087, and DSM 7088.

Abstract: A novel Trichosporonoides madida CJ-NT1 microorganism which is capable of converting fermentable sugars to a high titre of erythritol under low aeration conditions and a method of producing erythritol by fermentation of sugar, which comprises culturing the cells of the Trichosporonoides madida CJ-NT1 strain are provided.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2.degree. C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins. A method is also provided for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2.degree. C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins.

Abstract: Fusion proteins or conjugates are provided containing an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that binds to a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix such as cellulose. The substrate binding region is essentially without polysaccharidase activity. In the fusion protein, the substrate binding region is fused or chemically linked to a polypeptide such as an enzyme, a hormone, an immunoglobulin or a protein dye. By contacting the fusion protein with a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix, the substrate binding region binds to the matrix to immobilize the polypeptide on the matrix. The polypeptide or fusion protein can be removed from the matrix with a protease acting on a protease recognition sequence or with a solution having a low ionic strength or high pH. In the conjugate, the substrate binding region is joined such as by covalent bonding to a non-protein chemical moiety such as a dye, chromophore, fluorescor, radionuclide or enzyme co-factor.

Abstract: Novel polyketides and novel methods of efficiently producing both new and known polyketides, using recombinant technology, are disclosed. In particular, a novel host-vector system is described which is used to produce polyketide synthases which in turn catalyze the production of a variety of polyketides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalytic antibodies and a method for producing the same wherein a host is immunized using an "antigen chelate" or more specifically a stable compound capable of chelating metal ions. The immune response mounted in response to the antigen chelate produces antibodies that are capable of binding both a substrate and a metal ion, thus achieving a metal cofactor assisted reaction.

Abstract: An industrially applicable process for producing cis-3-hydroxy-L-proline, which is useful as a raw material for medicines or as an additive to foods. In the process, L-proline is converted into cis-3-hydroxy-L-proline in the presence of an enzyme source which is derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces or Bacillus and which catalyzes hydroxylation of L-proline into cis-3-hydroxy-L-proline, a divalent iron ion and 2-ketoglutaric acid, in an aqueous medium, and the produced cis-3-hydroxy-L-proline is collected from the aqueous medium. A novel enzyme L-proline-3-hydroxylase, a gene of L-proline-3-hydroxylase which is useful for the process, a transformant containing the gene, and a process for producing L-proline-3-hydroxylase using the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing doxorubicin using daunomycin as a substrate. One method employs a genetically engineered host microorganism which is transformed with a vector, preferably a plasmid, which contains the doxA gene. Preferably, the doxA gene, also referred to herein as "doxA", is cloned into a plasmid which is then introduced into the host microorganism, preferably a bacterial host, more preferably Streptomyces, to provide a transformed host microorganism. The doxA gene, when present on a plasmid, confers on the transformed host the ability to convert daunomycin and 13-dihydrodaunomycin, to doxorubicin. The doxA gene encodes a P450-like enzyme which catalyzes the hydroxylation of daunomycin and 13-dihydrodaunomycin at C-14 to form doxorubicin; such enzyme is designated "daunomycin C-14 hydroxylase". Thus, the expression of doxA in the transformed host using a plasmid which contains doxA enables the transformed host to convert daunomycin to doxorubicin.

Abstract: DNA isolates coding for sialyltransferase which contain a conserved region of homology and methods of obtaining such DNA are provided, together with expression systems for recombinant production of sialyltransferase.

Abstract: The invention provides licB polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding licB polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing licB polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolating DNA coding for DNA polymerase I from Thermomicrobium roseum, expressing the T. roseum DNA polymerase I gene in E. coli and purifying the recombinant T. roseum DNA polymerase I from E. coli cell extract.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polypeptide having a .beta.-fructofuranosidase activity obtainable by the expression of a microbial gene, a DNA encoding the polypeptide, a transformant obtained by introducing the DNA into an appropriate host, a process for producing the polypeptide comprising culturing the transformant to produce the polypeptide and collecting the produced polypeptide from the culture, and a method for fructofuranosyl transfer comprising a step of reacting a fructofuranosyl donor with a fructofuranosyl acceptor in the presence of the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant neuraminidase obtainable by culturing in a suitable culture medium host cells which are transformed with a neuraminidase expression vector or infected with a virus which is transformed with a neuraminidase expression vector, wherein the expression vector comprises at least a part of the coding region of a neuraminidase gene of an influenza virus minus the region which codes for the membrane anchor, or a modified version thereof, preceded in phase by a signal sequence; and isolating the expression product neuraminidase from the culture medium. The invention further relates to a vaccine in which the recombinant neuraminidase is applied, and methods for manufacturing and purifying thereof.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing protein C or activated protein C and a preparation obtained by said method are provided, said method and preparation being applicable during procedures such as isolation and purification, lyophilization, heating, etc. or when stored.To a salt buffer containing protein C or activated protein C and sodium ion are added at least one amino acids, and further either one or a combination of albumin and a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human tumor suppressor (HKALL) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HKALL. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells, agonists, antibodies, or antagonists. The invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with expression of HKALL.

Abstract: Described herein is the discovery that human interleukin-1.beta. convertase (ICE) is structurally similar to the protein encoded by the C. elegans cell death gene, ced-3. Comparative and mutational analyses of the two proteins, together with previous observations, suggest that the Ced-3 protein may be a cysteine protease like ICE and that ICE may be a human equivalent of the nematode cell death gene. Another mammalian protein, the murine NEDD-2 protein, was also found to be similar to Ced-3. The NEDD-2 gene is implicated in the development of the murine central nervous system. On the basis of these findings, novel drugs for enhancing or inhibiting the activity of ICE, ced-3, or related genes are provided. Such drugs may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases and/or diseases characterized by cell deaths, as well as cancers, autoimmune disorders, infections, and hair growth and hair loss. Furthermore, such drugs may be useful for controlling pests, parasites and genetically engineered organisms.

Abstract: The invention provides a human N-acetylneuraminate lyase (HNANL) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HNANL. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of HNANL.

Abstract: Topoisomerase III polypeptides and DNA and RNA encoding such Topoisomerase III polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such Topoisomerase III for the treatment of infection, particularly bacterial infections. Antagonists against such Topoisomerase III and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly bacterial infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of Topoisomerase III nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding Streptococcal Topoisomerase III and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterial microorganism of the Rhodococcus or Nocardia species having the ability to degrade zearalenone.

Abstract: A novel microbial strain JMC1 (FERM BP-5960) that it is a mutant strain derived from JM1 (FERM BP-5352) constitutively expressing oxygenase, and a method for biodegrading aromatic compounds and chlorinated organic compounds by using strain JMC1 as well as a method for environmental remediation which comprises a step of biodegrading contaminant in the environment by using strain JMC1. Aromatic compounds and/or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds contained in the environment can be removed at a low temperature by using the novel strain JMC1 without using any inducer substances.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in a specimen taken from a patient includes providing a receptacle containing an aqueous solution that does not contain a carbon source and inoculating the aqueous solution with the specimen. A slide having bound thereto a carbon source is placed into the receptacle. By analyzing the slide after exposure to the specimen, the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in the specimen can be determined. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for preparing organic acids and their salts from biomass. Biomass flows from a region of fresh biomass and high acid and acid salt concentration to a region of digested biomass and low acid and acid salt concentration in a fermentation apparatus under anaerobic conditions. Organic acids and acid salts produced by the process of the present invention are volatile fatty acids such as acetic, butyric and propionic acids and their salts such as calcium acetate, calcium propionate, and calcium butyrate. The apparatus of the present invention contains at least two fermentation reactors in series to increase the biomass residence time in the reactors. The fermentation reactors of the present invention are imbedded in the ground with earthen berms as support for sides having three layers. The core of the reactors are covered with a flexible covering to maintain an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: A microorganism holding carrier for a fluidized bed is provided that includes an extruded foamed article having continuous cells and independent cells. The article is composed of a polyolefin resin as a main component. The continuous cells include open-cells which are opened to at least two portions of a surface of the article and a semi-open cell which are opened to only one portion of the surface of the article. A ratio of the total volume of the continuous cells to the total volume of the extruded foamed article (a volume ratio of the continuous cells) falls within a range of from 20% to 70%. Further, a ratio of the total volume of the open-cells to the total volume of the continuous cells (a volume ratio of open-cells) is 20% or more. The article may have an apparent density of 0.90 to 1.80 g/cm.sup.3 and an apparent volume from 2.0.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.0 cm.sup.3, and be in the shape of a column, or a tube having an outer diameter of 2 to 20 mm and a thickness of 5 to 30% of the outer diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle for delivery of particles to a sample of cells. The vehicle includes a barrier to retain the particles, which barrier is a dissolvable material Once released into the sample, the particles are useful in methods to lyse or disrupt cells or in methods to separate cellular components from one another if the cells in the sample are already lysed or disrupted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a short-shafted adenoviral fiber, a recombinant adenovirus comprising a short-shafted fiber, a vector comprising a short-shafted adenoviral fiber gene, and a method of targeting attachment of a short-shafted recombinant adenovirus to a cell so as to effect entry of the short-shafted recombinant adenovirus into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to AUR-1 and/or AUR-2 polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, cells, tissues and animals containing such nucleic acids, antibodies to such polypeptides, assays utilizing such polypeptides, and methods relating to all of the foregoing. Methods for treatment, diagnosis, and screening are provided for AUR-1 and/or AUR-2 related diseases or conditions characterized by an abnormal interaction between a AUR-1 and/or AUR-2 polypeptide and a AUR-1 and/or AUR-2 binding partner.

Abstract: The use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions for delivery of DNA molecules to muscle cells and tissue is disclosed. The invention allows for the direct, in vivo injection of recombinant AAV virions into muscle tissue, e.g., by intramuscular injection, as well as for the in vitro transduction of muscle cells which can subsequently be introduced into a subject for treatment. The invention provides for sustained, high-level expression of the delivered gene and for in vivo secretion of the therapeutic protein from transduced muscle cells such that systemic delivery is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the different roles inorganic ion receptors have in cellular and body processes. The present invention features: (1) molecules which can modulate one or more inorganic ion receptor activities, preferably the molecule can mimic or block an effect of an extracellular ion on a cell having an inorganic ion receptor, more preferably the extracellular ion is Ca.sup.2+ and the effect is on a cell having a calcium receptor; (2) inorganic ion receptor proteins and fragments thereof, preferably calcium receptor proteins and fragments thereof; (3) nucleic acids encoding inorganic ion receptor proteins and fragments thereof, preferably calcium receptor proteins and fragments thereof; (4) antibodies and fragments thereof, targeted to inorganic ion receptor proteins, preferably calcium receptor protein; and (5) uses of such molecules, proteins, nucleic acids and antibodies.

Abstract: A cDNA encodes p107; a cell contains recombinant p107-encoding DNA; and substantially all of the cells of a nonhuman mammal contain recombinant p107-encoding DNA. Also, a method for diagnosing a condition of tumorigenicity in a subject, includes the steps of obtaining a tissue sample from the subject and detecting the presence of non wild-type p107-encoding gene in the sample, or detecting the absence of wild-type p107-encoding gene in the sample; or extracting DNA from the sample and detecting the presence of non wild-type p107-encoding gene or the absence of wild-type p107-encoding gene in the DNA. Also, a nucleic acid probe is complementary to a portion of a human mutant p107 gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery in eukaryotic cells, particularly mammalian cells, of a novel family of cell-cycle regulatory proteins ("CCR-proteins"). As described herein, this family of proteins includes a polypeptide having an apparent molecular weight of 16 kDa, and a polypeptide having an apparent molecular weight of approximately 15 kDa, each of which can function as an inhibitor of cell-cycle progression, and therefore ultimately of cell growth. Thus, similar to the role of p21 to the p53 checkpoint, the subject CCR-proteins may function coordinately with the cell-cycle regulatory protein, retinoblastoma (RB). Furthermore, the CCR-protein family includes a protein having an apparent molecular weight of 13.5 kDa (hereinafter "p13.5"). The presumptive role of p13.5, like p16 and p15, is in the regulation of the cell-cycle.

Abstract: A monitoring system such as a drug dosage modeling system is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the system provides mixing without the need for mechanical stirring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for stimulating primary and secondary effector cell responses for cellular immunotherapy. Cellular immunotherapy can successfully prevent or treat various viral infections and tumors, such as posttransplant EBV lymphoma. The present invention offers a general method for effecting cellular immunotherapy by providing for presentation, by the most effective antigen presenting cells, viral particles or specific antigens, without the need to develop an active viral infection in the antigen presenting cells. Furthermore, the present invention provides for generating effector cells against more than one opportunistic pathogen, e.g., Epstein-Barr virus and adenovirus. The effector cells generated according to the invention, which include CD4 and CD8 cells, are extremely long lived in vivo after adoptive transfer.

Abstract: An element for specifying the condition and type of immune-related diseases on the basis of the knowledge about the polarization of distribution of Th1/Th2 subsets of helper T cells. The element for specifying or correcting the polarization of the Th1/Th2 subsets is implemented by use of a recombinant vector, a transformant, a human-Th1-specific protein, and an antibody which uses the human-Th1-specific protein as an antigen. A human-Th1-specific gene is prepared and specified by a subtraction technique and is incorporated into the recombinant vector. The transformant is formed by transforming the recombinant vector. The Th1-specific protein is encoded by the gene derived from the transformant.

Abstract: Autologous, heterologous or xenogeneic primary cells or cell lines are genetically modified ex vivo to render the cells capable of processing and presenting selected antigens to cells of the immune system of a subject, and to express different HLA molecules for matching to the HLA specificity of the subject. The cells are also modified to express immunoregulatory molecules for directing the immune response of the subject. The cells and cell lines are used in methods to treat infectious diseases or cancer, or to prevent infectious disease by inoculation into a host to activate T cells and induce an antigen-specific immune response, and in assays of the cytolytic activity of a subject's T cells. The cells can also be used to suppress an unwanted immune response of a subject to a selected antigen where the cells lack expression of a costimulation molecule needed for T cell activation.

Abstract: Leukemia inhibitory factor or LIF as an addition to culture media promotes the development of embryos to the implantation stage. Growth in the presence of LIF increases the percentage of embryos that reach the implantation stage than growth without LIF. LIF is isolatable from several mammalian species such as murine, sheep, pig, cow, horse or donkey.

Abstract: Methods for regulation of lipid and cholesterol uptake are described which are based on regulation of the expression or function of the SR-BI HDL receptor. The examples demonstrate that estrogen dramatically downregulates SR-BI under conditions of tremendous upregulation of the LDL-receptor. The examples also demonstrate the upregulation of SR-BI in rat adrenal membranes and other non-placental steroidogenic tissues from animals treated with estrogen, but not in other non-placental non-steroidogenic tissues, including lung, liver, and skin. Examples further demonstrate the uptake of fluorescently labeled HDL into the liver cells of animal, which does not occur when the animals are treated with estrogen. Examples also demonstrate the in vivo effects of SR-BI expression on HDL metabolism, in mice transiently overexpressing hepatic SR-BI following recombinant adenovirus infection. Overexpression of the SR-BI in the hepatic tissue caused a dramatic decrease in cholesterol blood levels.

Abstract: The invention features a method for the selection and expansion of bone marrow stromal cells. The method includes the steps of obtaining bone marrow stromal cells; introducing the stromal cells into a vessel pre-coated on an inner surface with a gelatin, and containing a culture medium including an acidic fibroblast growth factor ("aFGF") polypeptide; and expanding the stromal cells in the culture medium under conditions and for a time sufficient to obtain an increased number of bone marrow stromal cells. The culture medium additionally can include heparin, and the vessel additionally can be precoated with fetal bovine serum.

Abstract: A process for artificially producing three-dimensional optic tissue has been developed. The optic cells are cultured in a bioreactor at low shear conditions. The tissue forms as normal, functional tissue grows with tissue organization and extracellular matrix formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc.

Abstract: An isolated SDS-resistant hyperthermostable .beta.-galactosidase gene derived from Pyrococcus furiosus. Examples thereof include genes respectively shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2 and genes each hybridizable with the above gene shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. A method of cloning the hyperthermostable .beta.-galactosidase gene in which each of the above genes or pacts thereof is used as a probe or primer. A process for producing a hyperthermostable .beta.-galactosidase by culturing a transformant into which a plasmid containing each of the above gene has been introduced.

Abstract: An isolated DNA encoding the enzyme I-SceI is provided. The DNA sequence can be incorporated in cloning and expression vectors, transformed cell lines and transgenic animals. The vectors are useful in gene mapping and site-directed insertion of genes.

Abstract: An electrolytic solution for Karl Fischer coulometric titration is disclosed which consists mainly of an amine, sulfur dioxide, iodide ions, and a solvent which is a mixed solvent comprising (a) propylene carbonate and (b) a dialkylene glycol monoalkyl ether (wherein the alkylene groups and the alkyl group each have from 1 to 4 carbon atoms). The electrolytic solution, which is based on a less toxic solvent, has fewer side reactions with ketones and is useful in accurately determining the water content of ketones.

Abstract: A method and a device for dispensing microdoses of aqueous solutions are provided, whereby the substance is transferred by the free surface end of a rodlike transferring element; the temperature of the transferring element is maintained at essentially the dew point of the ambient air during the transfer. The device may comprise a plate-like base to which are affixed a plurality of rods; the unfixed butt ends of the rods are coplanar. The device further comprises a means for maintaining the temperature of the unfixed butt ends of the rods essentially equal to the dew point of the ambient air during transfer of the aqueous substance.

Abstract: Markers which are soluble in petroleum fuel and are extractable from petroleum fuel by either acidic aqueous solutions or basic solutions and develop a color in the presence of the extracting acidic or basic aqueous solution, are identified by passing a specimen putatively containing the marker through an acidic resin column or a basic resin column, as the case may be.

Abstract: A substance secreted or shed by muscle cells and white blood cells is disclosed. This novel substance is active in inhibiting proliferation of tumor cells and proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes. The substance does not inhibit proliferation of normal cells. This substance is used in accordance with the invention for treatment or prevention of cancer and the level of said substance in a body fluid or in a fluid conditioned by the growth therein of cells withdrawn from the individual, is used for the diagnosis of cancer or the level of risk of the individual of developing cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting a trinucleotide repeat expansion by in situ hybridization. The disclosed method uses a sample of nucleated cells, a labeled trinucleotide repeat-specific probe and detection of the hybridized probe by a means whose sensitivity distinguishes between the signal from probes hybridized to an expanded repeat and the signal from probes hybridized to a non-expanded repeat.