Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying compounds that bind to CSAPK-1, a cardiovascular system associated protein kinase.

Abstract: Qualitative and quantitative methods of testing an agent for its potential at inhibiting glycosidase catalytic activity, the methods including the steps of interacting a glycosidase enzyme with a glycosidase substrate in a presence of the agent and qualitatively or quantitatively evaluating an effect of the agent on the catalytic activity of the glycosidase enzyme toward the glycosidase substrate. Preferably the glycosidase enzyme is a heparanase enzyme and the glycosidase substrate is, respectively, a heparanase substrate.

Abstract: Members of a novel family of polypeptides, the KUZ family, are metalloproteases involved in neuronal partitioning and neuronal development. The invention provides KUZ poylpeptides, antibodies that bind the KUZ polypeptides, KUZ encoding nucleic acids, methods for identifying cells expressing the KUZ polypeptides, methods of identifying ligands that bind to the subject proteins and methods of blocking KUZ polypeptide/ligand interactions.

Abstract: The method of cancer screening allows for a safe, reliable, inexpensive and minimally invasive diagnosis. Cells are first collected through non-invasive or minimally invasive means. The collected cells are stored in a cell culture media to keep them viable. A chemical compound such as 5-ALA is introduced to the cultured cells. The cells are incubated a period of time in order for the interaction to occur between the introduced chemical compound and the collected cells. The cells are then studied under a fluorescence microscope which emits a specific frequency of light which matches the excitation frequency of light which would be required to induce flourescence of abnormal cells. Pre-malignant and malignant cells will fluoresce in response to the interaction with the introduced compound and the specific frequency of light, while normal healthy cells generally will not fluoresce. If necessary, the collected cells may be passed through a flow cytometer to more easily identify the fluorescing cells.

Abstract: Method and assay devices for the detection of the presence or amount of biological material, analyte(s), or microorganism(s) in a sample. The method includes the steps of liquefying the sample (if necessary) and distributing the liquefied sample over the surface of the assay device. The device may comprise an incubation plate, a dip stick device, or other devices. The devices have at least one reagent provided within the devices. Some devices have a generally flat horizontal surface which is divided into a plurality of recessed wells. Others have one or more surfaces with reagent island(s) immobilized thereon. Each well or reagent island is adapted to hold an aliquot of liquid. The wells or reagent islands are sized and shaped, and formed of a suitable material, to hold the aliquot within the well or reagent island by surface tension. Any excess liquid from the liquefied sample is drained from the surface of the device.

Abstract: A method for identifying a transglutaminase-producing microorganism based on a selective assay is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods for producing recombinant heterodimeric BMP proteins useful in the field of treating bone defects, healing bone injury and in wound healing in general. The invention also relates to the recombinant heterodimers and compositions containing them.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA encoding a RIGUI protein selected from the group consisting of: (a) isolated DNA which encodes a RIGUI protein; (b) isolated DNA which hybridizes to isolated DNA of (a) above and which encodes a RIGUI protein; and (c) isolated DNA differing from the isolated DNAs of (a) and (b) above in codon sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, and which encodes a RIGUI protein. Also provided is a vector capable of expressing the DNA adapted for expression in a recombinant cell and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in the cell. Further, a host cell transfected with the vector disclosed herein the vector expressing a RIGUI protein.

Abstract: The invention describes industrial fermentation of a Saccharomyces yeast species for production of a heterologous product encoded by a plasmid or DNA contained in said Saccharomyces yeast species which method utilizes the substrate more efficiently and without fermentative metabolism resulting in formation of ethanol and other unwanted primary products of fermentative activity whereby high yields of the heterologous product are obtained. The Saccharomyces yeast species is preferably a Crabtree negative Saccharomyces species in particular Saccharomyces kluyveri.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). A method of the invention can be performed, for example, by transforming a host cell with a polynucleotide encoding a CTGF polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or an active fragment thereof; and growing the host cells under conditions suitable for expressing the polynucleotide in the host cell. In an embodiment, the method further involves isolating the CTGF polypeptide or the active fragment. The invention also relates to a method for producing a vector containing a polynucleotide encoding a CTGF polypeptide or an active fragment thereof by inserting a polynucleotide encoding a CTGF polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a variant thereof into the vector. The vector can be an expression vector, for example, a plasmid expression vector or a viral expression vector. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide has a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a variant thereof.

Abstract: A fusion protein comprises a sequence of amino acids which binds antibodies specific to the human milk fat globule (HMFG) differentiation antigens. Specific amino acid sequences are provided, and a fusion protein may be used as an immunogen and for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising a collectin neck region, or variant or derivative thereof or amino acid sequence having the same or a similar amino acid pattern and/or hydrophobicity profile, are able to trimerize. Such polypeptides may comprise additional amino acids which may include heterologous amino acids, for example, forming a protein domain or derived from an immunoglobulin or comprising an amino acid which may be derivatized for attachment of a non-peptide moiety such as oligosaccharide, and may form homotrimers or heterotrimers. Heterotrimerization may be promoted by gentle heating, e.g. to about 50° C., then cooling to room temperature. One use for the polypeptides is in seeding collagen formation. Nucleic acid encoding the polypeptides and methods of their production are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, nucleic acids, and cells for expressing an exogenous gene in a mammalian cell, involving introducing into the cell a non-mammalian DNA virus (e.g., a baculovirus) having an altered coat protein, the genome of which virus carries an exogenous gene, and growing the cell under conditions such that the gene is expressed. Also disclosed are methods for treating gene deficiency disorders, neurological disorders, or cancers in a mammal by (1) providing to a cell a therapeutically effective amount of a non-mammalian DNA virus having an altered coat protein, the genome of which virus carries an exogenous, therapeutic gene and (2) growing the cell under conditions such that the exogenous gene is expressed in the mammal.

Abstract: A process for producing riboflavin glucoside comprises cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, such as Bacillus brevis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus or Bacillus subtilis, which is capable of producing riboflavin glucosides, in an aqueous medium containing a starch under aerobic conditions. Amongst the preferred strains are Bacillus subtilis RB50::[pRF69]60Ade+ and Bacillus subtilis RB50::[pRF69]60[pRF93]120Ade+. The so-produced riboflavin glucoside can be used as a more soluble substitute for riboflavin to prepare clear drinks and injection solutions.

Abstract: An iterative and regenerative method for sequencing DNA is described. This method sequences DNA in discrete intervals starting at one end of a double stranded DNA segment. This method overcomes problems inherent in other sequencing methods, including the need for gel resolution of DNA fragments and the generation of artifacts caused by single-stranded DNA secondary structures. A particular advantage of this invention is that it can create offset collections of DNA segments and sequence the segments in parallel to provide continuous sequence information over long intervals. This method is also suitable for automation and multiplex automation to sequence large sets of segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides with multiple enzymatic activitives: carboxymethyl cellusase(CMCase), endoglucanase and &bgr;-glucanase, corresponding nucleotides, vectors and transformed hosts, methods of preparation and use. The peptide is used in the food industry for the liquefaction of plant cell material, e.g., in vegetable or fruit juice manufacture, or as processing aids to reduce the fouling of membranes.

Abstract: A process for macromolecularizing phenolic compounds or aromatic amine compounds by the action of a catalyst comprising an enzyme having a polyphenol oxidizing activity in the alkali region; applications of the compounds obtained by the above process to thickeners, stabilizers, coagulants, emulsifiers, dispersants, water retainers, antioxidants, adhesives, concrete admixtures, dyes, coating materials, petroleum recovering agent, soil conditioner, a blow-applied seed bearing surface soil stabilizer, deodorants, smell eliminators, agricultural chemical spreaders, feeding stuff binders, bactericides, antimicrobial agents, viral infection inhibitors, bioadhesion preventives, biotic repellents, insecticides, poultices, ink bases or wood treating agents; and method of waste water disposal, a method of deoxygenation and a method of treating wood, concrete or soil in which use is made of the above reaction.

Abstract: There is provided an improved process for the biosynthetic production of indigo, the improvement comprising removing unwanted by-products such as isatin or indirubin from the broth in which such indigo is produced. Isatin can be removed by enzymatic activity using an isatin-removing enzyme such as an isatin hydrolase, or by other techniques such as process parameters (elevated temperature, pH), or by contacting the broth containing the isatin with appropriate adsorption compounds/compositions such as carbon or appropriate resins. Since isatin is the precursor of indirubin, the indirubin levels are decreased as a result of isatin removal.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems are provided for the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells by applying electromagnetic stimulation to an electroactive material, wherein the electromagnetic stimulation is coupled to the electromagnetic material. In general the present invention involves attaching or associating the desired bone marrow stromal cells to or with a surface comprising an electroactive material, and applying electromagnetic radiation directly to the desired area. In preferred embodiments, the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells results from inducing one or more activities including, but not limited to, gene expression, cell growth, cell differentiation, signal transduction, membrane permeability, cell division and cell signalling. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention stimulates bone cell regeneration.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefore are disclosed.

Abstract: cDNAs encoding 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase from peppermint (Mentha piperita) have been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequences have been determined. Accordingly, isolated DNA sequences (SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7) are provided which code for the expression of 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase from plants. In another aspect the present invention provides for isolated, recombinant DXPS proteins, such as the proteins having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6 and SEQ ID NO:8. In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for plant 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthases, or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith.

Abstract: Known cellular transglutaminase is produced as an inactive precursor which is converted to the active species. As described herein, the active species have been identified, cloned, mass produced and purified from bacterial cells. The active transglutaminase herein are useful as a biological glue for, inter alia, adhesive strength in general surgery, clinical orthopedics, skin wound repair, tissue repair, implants, tissue or organ transplantation, stomach and duodenal ulcers, food industry, technical applications, and in applications for cellular apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention provides a purified phytate enzyme derived from Escherichia coli B . The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 47.1 kilodaltons and has phytase activity (SEQ ID NO:2). The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytase of the present invention can be used in animal feed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a crystalline cellulase enzyme is provided which comprises preparing an aqueous solution containing cellulase enzyme and adding to the aqueous solution a salt comprising an anion selected from the group consisting of sulfate, phosphate, formate, acetate, sorbate, chloride, bromide, fluoride or iodide, and a cation selected from the group consisting of sodium, ammonium, magnesium, potassium or calcium, wherein the aqueous solution is at a temperature between 10° C. and 60° C.

Abstract: A novel cellulase composition is provided which is producible by an Actinomycete. The cellulase has an approximate calculated molecular weight of 35 kD and has a pH optimum at 40° C. of 6 and at 60° C. of 6 or less. Also provided is a DNA encoding said cellulase, a method for producing the cellulase and applications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzymes produced by mutating the genes for a number of subtilases and expressing the mutated genes in suitable hosts are presented. The enzymes exhibit improved stability and/or improved wash performance in any detergent in comparison to their wild type parent enzymes. The enzymes are well-suited for use in any detergent and for some in especially liquid or solid shaped detergent compositions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to isolated DNA encoding avian interleukin-15 and to purified interleukin-15 polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for producing recombinant peptides and proteins having a diminished retention of N-formyl-methionine by coexpressing a peptide deformylase enzyme is disclosed. Also disclosed are substantially deformylated protein compositions and transformed bacterial cells and DNA vectors useful for acheiving such deformylation.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a microorganism is provided designated SH2A and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 55926, or a mutant derived therefrom. Further provided is a biologically pure culture of a microorganism designated SH2B and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 202050, or a mutant derived therefrom. A method of degrading an organic material is carried out by treating the organic material with an effective, degrading amount of either SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom. The microorganism designated SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom, is grown by culturing the microorganism at a temperature and in a medium effective to promote growth of the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel high-alkaline protease, its use in the industrial or domestic fields and also compositions for said uses containing this protease. The protease of the invention is a selected triple mutant derived from certain precursor proteases from the subtilisin group, especially of the “subtilisin 309” type.

Abstract: An isolated and purified enzyme exhibiting protease activity at a pH of 4-7 which exhibits protease in 5% hydrogen peroxide and which is encoded by a DNA sequence which hybridizes to a DNA sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. Methods are described for using the protease compositions in reducing vescosity, cleaning contact lenses, baking, and preparing animal feed.

Abstract: The invention provides an expression vector useful in expressing foreign genes in procaryotes. The vector consists of the promotor/operator region and initiation point of translation of the mg1 operon. This combination is referred to as a regulation sequence. In order to prepare this, desired portions of the mg1 operon are cut from the genome of a cell which can utilize galactose via appropriate restriction endonucleases. This is then inserted into a DNA vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, improved retroviral vectors which can be used for gene therapy, more specifically, retroviral vectors which are not only safer, more versatile, and more convenient than any other existing vectors, but they also drive high levels of gene expression and high viral titer. In retroviral vectors of the present invention, gag and env coding sequences are deleted, and all or part of U3 can be readily substituted with heterologous, non-retroviral promoter elements. Furthermore, at least one internal ribosome entry site is employed to express more than one genes, and multicloning sites are placed in an insertion site for cloning of a heterologous promoter or a foreign gene.

Abstract: A modified filamentous phage that contains a gene for a wild type phage coat protein and a gene for a synthetic phage coat protein is provided. Uses of the modified phage and kits containing the phage are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of nucleic acids that encode a novel protein differentially expressed within the TH2 cell subpopulation (hereinafter referred to as STIF).

Abstract: Embryonic stem cell lines C-6 and C-2, Cr/A-3, DB1, and B6-26 have been derived from the inbred mice strains C3H/HeN, BALB/c, DBA/1J, and C57BL/6N, respectively. The embryonic stem cells are alkaline phosphatase positive and express a C3H specific antigen. The embryonic stem cell lines are useful in genetic research and the production of knockout mice.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a wiring part connected via an opening portion formed in an insulting film on a semiconductor region to the semiconductor region. The wiring part includes a polycrystalline semiconductor layer and a metal or metal silicide on the semiconductor layer. A polycrystalline semiconductor layer is deposited over the opening portion of the semiconductor region. First and second impurities are respectively ion injected into the polycrystalline semiconductor layer, wherein the ion injecting range of the first impurities is longer than that of the second impurities, thereby forming a high concentration region at least on a surface side of the polycrystalline semiconductor layer. Following the ion injection of the first and second impurities, a heat treatment is conducted to grow crystals of the polycrystalline semiconductor layer. After the heat treatment, a metal or a metal silicide is deposited on the polycrystalline layer using a low melting point method.

Abstract: Genes and gene products of Blk, a pro-apoptotic protein in the Bcl-2 gene family, are provided. Effector molecules that either increase or decrease Blk and thus promote or inhibit apoptosis are described. The Blk genes and proteins and effector molecules may be used to treat diseases that have unwanted cell proliferation used to promote cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus for culturing animal, insect, microbial, or plant cells whereby an inflated plastic bag provides a sterile, disposable cultivation chamber. The inflated bag is partially filled with liquid cultivation media and cells, and placed on rocking mechanism that moves the bag to and fro thereby inducing a wave-like motion to the liquid contained therein. This motion ensures cell suspension, bulk mixing, and oxygen transfer from the liquid surface to the respiring cells without damaging shear forces or foam generation. Air is passed through the bag to provide oxygen, and sweep out evolved carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for changing the metabolic pathways of micro-organisms in the presence of a certain carbon source and uses of such changes, as well as micro-organisms and uses of such changes, as well as micro-organisms produced by these methods. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides new yeast strains with improved biomass yields, a process to obtain these yeasts and the potential application of these yeasts are provided. The biomass yield is improved by the introduction into a yeast of a DNA construct conferring altered expression of a gene encoding a protein controlling transcription of a number of glucose-repressed genes. The yeasts are less sensitive to glucose repression, resulting in an increase in respiratory capacity, reduction of ethanol production and increased conversion of sugar into biomass.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound phantom includes a container having a window covered by an ultrasound transmitting window cover that seals and protects a water based tissue mimicking material within the container. The window cover includes a multi-layer film formed of at least a layer of metal adhered to a layer of plastic. The metal layer is essentially impervious to moisture and air molecules, preventing both desiccation of the water based material within the phantom and oxidation or contamination of the tissue mimicking material. Multiple windows may be formed in the container which are closed with the multi-layer film cover, and the container may be formed entirely or partially as a flexible sack of multi-layer film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable compositions useful as primary standards and calibrators and controls comprising a cardiac troponin I (cTnI) such as native, recombinant, addition and deletion forms thereof, whether or not complexed with other troponin subunits such as TnC and/or TnT, in an inactivated human serum. The compositions are obtained by incubating troponin complexes with human serum. The compositions are characterized by an immunodetectability ratio of epitopes on the N-terminal segment to epitopes on the C-terminal segment substantially equivalent to that of pooled, fresh serum from acute myocardial infarction patients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes directing sufficient microwave radiation from a microwave source to a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition to ignite the asphalt in the composition and to thereafter entirely combust the asphalt in the sample. The apparatus includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the microwave source, a sample holder in the cavity for holding a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition during exposure to microwaves from the source, thermal insulation between the sample holder and the remainder of the cavity, and means for minimizing or eliminating any undesired combustion products generated by the burning asphalt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a process for detecting an analyte in a biological fluid. The device comprises a separating matrix for separating analyte from the fluid and means for detecting the analyte, where the separating matrix contains HEPES buffer, preferably in an amount between 70 and 150 millimolar. The process comprises applying the sample to the device having a separating matrix and then detecting analyte in the sample using the detection means. The presence of HEPES in the separation layer shortened the detection time.

Abstract: A system for controlling the deglycerolization of red blood cells includes a cell sorter having multiple fluid channels each having a unique cross-sectional area for directing a fluid mixture consisting essentially of a saline solution and a plasma solution having glycerized red blood cell products through one or more of the fluid channels based on the sizes of the red blood cell products. An optical energy source illuminates the fluid mixture in the cell sorter, whereupon an optical detector generates a data signal in response to receiving light signals that propagate through the fluid mixture. A processor generates a control signal in response to receiving the data signal that is used by a servo-controlled device to control the ratio of the saline and plasma solutions in the fluid mixture so that the red blood cell products substantially flow only through one or more of the fluid channels having particular cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A method for detecting cyclization of acyclic compounds is disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a method of screening for macrocyclic peptidase inhibitors, and is useful for screening a combinatorial library of compounds.

Abstract: The invention deals with the use of a reactive compound in immunological analyses. The compound is ouabain or its analog to which another compound, labeled by radioiodine or by a fluorogen, is coupled. The invention covers also the method to measure ouabain or its analog in plasma to diagnose cardiovascular and endocrine diseases and other harmful conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for the extraction of organic liquid contaminates from a sample. This invention is directed to the ability of hydrophobic extraction material or ribbon tape made of a hydrophobic polymer to facilitate the extraction of liquid organic contaminates from an aqueous sample in contact with an organic non-polar solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunoassays for metal ions. The invention presents: chelators, chelates, antibodies specific for the chelates, tracers comprising chelates conjugated to detectable labels, and immunoassays utilizing the foregoing.