Abstract: The invention is directed to chimeric immunoglobulins that recognize a human tumor antigen bound by antibody, ING-2, ING-3, ING-4 or KM10, the production of such chimeric immunoglobulins, and their use.

Abstract: A process and kit which permit quantitative measurement in a single analysis step of a target antigen of a whole cell. The process and kit utilize a solid support onto which is bound at least one antibody that binds to and immobilizes the subject whole cell at a surface antigenic site other than the target antigen. A second, labeled antibody specific for the target antigen is then added, and the binding is then quantitatively measured by analytical means. The process of this invention can provide rapid quantitative assay, e.g., less than one hour, of multiple samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are essential Aspergillus polypeptides and genes (AN97, AN17, AN80, and AN85), as well as homologs thereof, which can be used to identify antifungal agents for treating fungal infections such as aspergillosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting or predicting ischemic disorders in a subject by using as an indication the concentration of human lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (hPGDS) in body fluid samples from the subject. More specifically, the method comprises comparing the hPGDS concentrations in the body fluid samples from a subject with the reference values established for a normal subject, thereby detecting or predicting the ischemic disorders.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is disclosed for accurately and rapidly diagnosing the condition of an ailing organ. Although applicable to numerous organ and organ systems, this application particularly illustrates the concept of conjunctive marker utilization as it relates to diagnosing and distinguishing congestive heart failure. The invention particularly relates to the conjunctive utilization of cardiac Troponin I (cTn-I) and natriuretic peptide, e.g. ANP, pro-ANP, BNP, pro-BNP and CNP as a retrospective tool for diagnosing the underlying mechanism of heart failure and as a prospective analytical device for monitoring disease progression and efficacy of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: This invention provides a direct method for monitoring bacterial transglycosylase activity using labeled substrates produced by chemo-enzymatic synthesis wherein the labels are selected to permit the detection of both polymeric and non-polymeric products simultaneously, either directly or following the separation of product from starting material. The invention promotes the discovery of new antibiotics with activity against bacterial transglycosylases by a) laying the groundwork for structural analysis of purified, active transglycosylase (which permits structure-based design); and b) providing an assay that can be used to screen for inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for detecting preeclampsia in pregnancies. The present invention comprises the steps of obtaining a sample specimen from a patient, assaying the specimen to determine the level of glycerophosphatidyl compounds, glycerophosphatidylcholine, lysophospholipids and/or lysophosphatidylcholine in the sample, comparing levels in the sample to levels in normal samples, and correlating significant decreases as compared to normal samples as a positive indicator of preeclampsia.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a patient, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a sample of an appropriate body fluid from said patient; (2) detecting the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an altered glycosylation pattern in said sample. It has been established that approximately 75-95% of the AChE in the CSF of AD patients binds to Concanavalin (Con A) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) but with different specificity to each. Accordingly, in order to identify the glycosylation pattern of AChE in the sample, the binding to Con A is determined, then the binding to WGA is determined, and a ratio calculated. The ratio is characteristic of the glycosylation pattern. In alternative embodiment of the invention a monoclonal antibody specific for AChE with an altered glycosylation pattern is used to detect its presence.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing sensitivity and specificity of an assay measuring enzymatic activity in a sample by measuring enzymatic activity in the sample in the presence and absence of a specific inhibitor of the enzymatic activity are provided. Methods of measuring carboxypeptidase A levels and total carboxypeptidase A levels, wherein procarboxypeptidase A is converted to carboxypeptidase A by addition of clostripain, in a biological fluid with a carboxypeptidase A substrate, specificity of which is enhanced by addition of a carboxypeptidase A specific inhibitor are also provided. In addition, methods of diagnosing acute pancreatitis by measurement of carboxypeptidase A levels and pancreatic cancer by measurement of total carboxypeptidase A levels are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the time of response of an assay for a first bacterium, wherein: a) the first bacterium is exposed to infection by phage particles to which the first bacterium is permissive; b) the infected bacterium is treated to inactivate exogenous phage particles; c) the treated bacterium is cultivated in the presence of a second bacterium which is permissive to infection by the phage or its replicand and which has a doubling rate greater than the effective doubling rate of the first bacterium; and d) assessing the extent of plaque formation and/or of second bacterium growth in the cultivated second bacterium cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a polypeptide having a C-terminal &agr;-carboxamide group. It particularly concerns an enzymatic modification of selected substrate polypeptides which result in cleavage of the substrate polypeptide to form a product peptide with a C-terminal arginine residue having an &agr;-carboxamide group (C-terminal “Arg-NH2”). The method includes contacting an aqueous-based solution including (i) ammonia reagent and (ii) the substrate polypeptide with (iii) clostripain.

Abstract: This invention is biological in nature and relates to the synthesis, structure and biological activities of novel &agr;-1,2 and &agr;-1,3 fucosyltransferases from Caenorhabditis elegans (“C. elegans”). The present invention also contemplates a transgenic non-human eukaryotic mammal whose germ cells and somatic cells incorporate cDNA sequences encoding one or more of the novel &agr;-1,2 and &agr;-1,3 fucosyltransferases from C. elegans, introduced into the non-human eukaryotic mammal, or an ancestor of the non-human eukaryotic mammal, at an embyonic stage.

Abstract: AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays. Further disclosed are screening assays to identify agonists and antagonists of the interaction between AXOR34 and its ligands, NmU-8, NmU-25, and NmU-23.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide operably linked to a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a consensus translational initiator sequence foreign to the nucleic acid sequence; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to the isolated consensus translational initiator sequences and to constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising the consensus translational initiator sequences operably linked to nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides.

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: Present invention provides a method to efficiently manufacture an oil-containing product including long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, or a high added value oil containing long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The method comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the Genus Labyrinthula. The Labyrinthula microorganism is cultured in a medium containing oil or fatty acid as a carbon source, and the produced long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is recovered from the culture. With the present invention, it is possible to efficiently produce from the vegetable oil and the like, an oil containing product comprising long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexanoic acid having a carbon number of 20 or more, and two or more unsaturated bonds, or an oil containing the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. Further, the method of the present invention may be used to reform oil by converting the plant oil and like to high added value oil containing the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biocatalytic process to produce terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid from p-xylene and m-xylene, respectively. Terephthalic acid has been prepared by oxidizing p-xylene with bacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia. Conversion of p-xylene into terephthalic acid is accomplished by a single bacterial strain that produces all of the requisite enzymes. In addition, this invention relates to the preparation of isophthalic acid from a mixture of m- and p-xylene.

Abstract: L-amino acid oxidases (L-AAO) from Rhodococcus species and nucleic acids, vectors and microorganisms expressing such L-AAOs. L-AAOs may be used to selectively transform the L-portion of a racemic mixture of an amino acid into keto acid, and thus purify the corresponding D-amino acid.

Abstract: A gene of decaprenyl diphosphate synthase, which is the key gene participating in the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10 was isolated from a bacterium belonging to the family Rhizobiaceae. By transferring this gene into a microorganism such as Escherichia coli and expressing therein, coenzyme Q10 can be effectively produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the enzyme peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the enzyme peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the enzyme peptides.

Abstract: A new enzyme that phosphorylates GalNAc at position 1 to form GalNAc-&agr;-1P was purified ˜1275-fold from the cytosolic fraction of pig kidney, and the properties of the enzyme were determined. The kinase is specific for GalNAc as the phosphate acceptor and is inactive with GlcNAc, ManNAc, glucose, galactose, mannose, GalN, and GlcN. The native enzyme has a molecular mass of 48-51 kDa, and this enzyme is clearly separated from galactokinase by chromatography. The GalNAc kinase has a pH optimum between 8.5 and 9.0, and requires a divalent cation in the order Mg2+>Mn2+>Co2+, with optimum Mg2+ concentration at ˜5 mM. The enzyme was most active with ATP as the phosphate donor, but slight activity was observed with ITP, acetyl-P, and phosphoenolpyruvate. Enzyme activity was highest in porcine and human kidney and porcine liver, and was low in most other tissues.

Abstract: A recombinant RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of hepatitis C virus (r-HCV-RDRP) coding DNA was cloned and expressed yielding active enzyme in vitro. The r-HCV-RDRP can include up to 20 added amino acids and up to nine deleted or substituted amino acids at the NH2-terminus of the encoded amino acid sequence. The invention provides method to solubilize r-HCV-RDRP from a host cell lysate and purified r-HCV-RDRP. Methods for screening for inhibitors of r-HCV-RDRP in vitro, for making stably transfected mammalian cells expressing r-HCV-RDRP and for in vivo testing of r-HCV-RDRP inhibitors in vivo are disclosed. The invention provides antibodies to r-HCV-RDRP and methods for detecting antibodies to HCV-RDRP in serum of human patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the kinase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the kinase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the kinase peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the enzyme peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the enzyme peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the enzyme peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to identified polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides, as well as the production of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. More particularly, a polypeptide of the present invention is “heparanase”obtainable from the human SV40-transformed fibroblast cell line ATCC CCL 75.1. The heparanase is an endoglucuronidase capable of specifically degrading heparan sulfate into 6 to 20 kDa fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides with reduced immune response including reduced allergenicity having one or more amino acid residues being substituted with other amino acid residues and/or having coupled one or more polymeric molecules in the vicinity of the polypeptides metal binding site, a method for preparing modified polypeptides of the invention, the use of the polypeptide for reducing the immunogenicity and allergenicity and compositions comprising the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the protease peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

Abstract: The construction of multicopy expression systems for methioninase are disclosed. The higher expression systems employ a promoter operably linked to two or more copies of a tandemly repeated methioninase encoding sequence. Such multicopy expression systems were found to produce unexpectedly high levels of methioninase when expressed in an appropriate host.

Abstract: The present invention provides dihydropicolinate synthase and dihydrodipicolinate reductase enzymes from Bacillus methanolicus, polynucleotides encoding the enzymes, and methods of producing L-lysinse in microorganisms expressing the enzymes.

Abstract: A method of using flexible bags for surface culture of microorganisms and cells on a stationary interface between a gaseous phase and a liquid medium and the devices upon which the method are practiced are disclosed. A flexible culture bag is first filled with a liquid growth medium, a sample inoculum, and a predetermined amount of air to create a headspace. The bag is then sealed and placed on a stationary platform, and mounted with an external self-support device on the top web of the bag. The external support device holds the top web of the bag in a fixed position and, thus, prevents the bag from deflating so that a stationary interface between the headspace and the liquid medium in the bag is maintained throughout the cultivation period.

Abstract: Screening procedures are disclosed for identifying compounds useful for inhibiting infection or pathogenicity. Methods are also disclosed for identifying pathogenic virulence factors.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of AL353662, antibodies to AL353662, methods of screening for AL353662 modulators using biologically active AL353662, and kits for screening for AL353662 modulators.

Abstract: A 12 kb gene cluster has been isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis containing several open reading frames implicated in the degradation of picric acid. The gene cluster contains 12 ORF's, all of which were isolated by a method employing differential gene display.

Abstract: Provided is a process of and product resulting from adding a sub-lethal amount of a peroxide to a growing culture of yeast, observing the change in absorbance of the culture at 256 nm as a measure of the injury occurring to the yeast cells, and, upon reaching a predetermined absorbance value, purifying the water-soluble yeast extract from the peroxide containing yeast culture. The resulting product has at least 1.5 respiratory units per mg dry weight and has significantly increased amounts of 15, 25 and 55 kD molecular weight products compared to a Live Yeast Cell Derivative as determined by SDS slab gel electrophoresis. This product can be combined with a cosmetically acceptable carrier to provide a composition suitable for topical application to the skin.

Abstract: An enzyme is immobilized on a solid support and can react selectively with one enantiomer in an enantiomeric mixture. A methods of using the enzyme immobilized solid support in conjunct with a separating means to separate enantiomeric mixtures is described. An apparatus for separating an enantiomeric mixture using an enzyme immobilized on a solid support is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing thiophenic and organosulfide compounds from a fossil fuel comprising the steps of contacting the fossil fuel with hemoproteins, which oxidize the sulfur containing compounds to sulfoxides and sulfones in a reaction system containing organic solvent or not, and followed by a distillation step in which sulfoxides and sulfones are removed from the fuel. Preferred biocatalysts include hemoproteins such as chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago, and peroxidases and cytochromes from animal, plant or microbial cells. The hemoprotein biocatalyst can be contacted with the fossil fuel in free or immobilized forms. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of the fuel alone or with addition of any organic solvent. The biocatalytically oxidized fuel is then distilled in order to eliminate the heavy fraction which contains most of oxidized organosulfur compounds.

Abstract: An automated mechanism for guiding a microelectrode toward an oocyte placed in a perfusion chamber consists of a movable guide tube holding the electrode and a fixed guide collar in fixed relation to the target oocyte. Because the guide tube and guide collar are independently mounted, the alignment of the tip of the microelectrode is effected by its placement within the precisely aligned guide collar, irrespective of any fine misalignment of the guide tube. Accordingly, a change of microelectrode in the guide tube does not affect its final alignment toward the oocyte so long as the calibration of the guide collar is not disturbed, thereby providing a mechanism for maintaining the alignment of different microelectrodes successively mounted in the system without requiring recalibration.

Abstract: A microbial membrane reactor for use in flow systems comprises a first element to receive the microorganisms and a second element to receive the flow channels. The two elements have planar interior surfaces which are pressed together separated by a membrane impervious to the microorganisms. The flow channels arranged in or on the surface of the second element serve to transport the liquid along the membrane so that the liquid can interact with the microorganisms arranged on the other side of the membrane. The geometry of the flow pathway and thus the geometry of the flow channels can be easily altered, in respect of the length, width and height of the channel, and adapted to practical requirements.

Abstract: Malodorous gas is removed from mineral water by spraying the water through a stream of air, and collecting the sprayed water, which is circulated through the spraying operation. The collected sprayed water is passed through a filter. Some of the filtered and deodorized water is delivered to individual spas. A first heater keeps water circulated through the tank at a comfortable temperature. A second heater warms the air stream passing into the sprayed water to facilitate removal of malodorous gas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of recombinant baculovirus vectors, and host insect cells, which comprise at least one oligosaccharide processing enzyme gene. The vectors and cells may optionally comprise other heterologous structural genes, including further protein processing enzymes. Methods of making and using the recombinant baculoviruses and vectors are provided, including their uses in recombiant protein production and as insecticides.

Abstract: Transgenic non-human animals one having a general deletor construct and a second having a general reporter construct are described. The general deletor animals express a heterologous recombinase under the control of an ubiquitously expressed endogenous promoter. Specifically, the Cre recombinase is inserted into the ROSA26 locus of the mouse. The general reporter animals have a gene which is desired to remove flanked by sites recognized by the is heterologous recombinase. This flanked sequence is operatively associated with a marker gene such that when the gene sequence flanked by sites recognized by the heterologous recombinase is excised, the reporter gene is expressed. When the general deletor mouse is crossed with the general reporter mouse the heterologous recombinase is expressed in essentially all cells of the resultant descendants under the control of the ubiquitous promoter. Expression of the recombinase results in the excision of the desired gene in essentially all cells of the descendant animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to calreticulin-deficient cells. The cells can be either homozygous or heterozygous for the calreticulin mutation.

Abstract: A cosmetic method of treatment of dermatological conditions, particularly portwine stains, tattoos or psoriasis, which includes irradiating the affected area with an incoherent high intensity non-laser light beam having an intensity greater than 0.075 watts per square centimeter, the light beam having only a bandwidth in the range 0 to 30 nm. The method can include delivery of the light beam by optic fiber bundle by pulsed or non-pulsed light. The method can also include the introduction of a drug into the body undergoing the treatment, wherein the drug is activated by light of a particular wavelength.

Abstract: Materials and methods of activating T lymphocytes with specificity for particular antigenic peptides are described, as well as the use of activated T lymphocytes in vitro for the treatment of a variety of disease conditions. In particular, a synthetic antigen presenting matrix for activating T lymphocytes to a specific peptide is described.

Abstract: A gene therapy system is disclosed that selectively kills leukemia cells in bone marrow, while leaving stem cells unaffected. All cells in a mixture of stem cells and leukemia cells are transfected with a high efficiency gene transfer vector. The vector carries a eukaryotic expression construct encoding a toxin gene. This toxin gene is expressed only in leukemia cells, not in stem cells. Differential expression of the toxin gene in leukemia cells and stem cells may be achieved by placing the coding sequence under the control of an appropriate promoter, such as the RSV promoter or the SV40 promoter. High gene expression has been demonstrated in a panel of transformed leukemia cell lines, but no gene expression in transformed, CD34-selected, primary human stem cells. The treatment will be useful not only for leukemia patients, but also for other cancer patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplants (e.g., breast or lymphoma cancers).

Abstract: Use of 13C glucose in an analytical assay to monitor glucose metabolism by measurement of labeled exhaled CO2 is provided. A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a probe, thus prepared probe, and the use of such a probe for selectively choosing sequence for nucleic acid diagnostic purposes, using preferably homogenous solutions. The invention is based upon a great number of probes having different sequences and lengths which all are complementary to different parts of the nucleic acid to be detected, which probes are synthetised on a solid matrix. The signal which they provide in non-hybridized condition is monitored, whereupon the nucleic acid to be detected is added, and the signal is monitored again. Those probes that show the most significant difference in signal are those, from a sensitivity point of view, that are the most suitable one.

Abstract: A composition of matter has the formula: where n is an integer equal or greater than 1. The composition of matter possesses characteristic absorbance behavior with respect to infrared and visible energy, which is used to detect and determine the concentration of TCE. In another aspect, a method for generating the composition comprises reacting trichloroethylene (TCE) with poly(ethylenimine) in accordance with the formula: where n is an integer equal or greater than 1. Also, the invention sets forth a sensor to detect trichloroethylene (TCE) in materials. The sensor includes the composition of material that can absorb at least one of infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) or visible (VIS) energies when formed by the reaction of trichloroethylene (TCE) with poly(ethylenimine).

Abstract: The caffeine detector uses a paper chromatographic technique to measure the concentration of caffeine in a beverage. The device includes a well or other receptacle for containing a predetermined test volume of the beverage. A paper strip is suspended so that one end of the strip dips into the well. The strip is divided into two zones, the first zone being coated with at least one molecular imprint polymer (MIP) which absorbs substances which may interfere with quantification of caffeine. The second zone is coated with an MIP which selectively absorbs caffeine and chromogenic reagents which provide calorimetric visualization of the migration of caffeine through the second zone. The second zone bears indicia calibrating the paper strip so that the concentration of caffeine in the beverage may be determined by the height or distance which the caffeine migrates up the paper strip.

Abstract: It has been found that casein and salts of casein are useful as replacements for, or in addition to, BSA as materials for coating solid phases, particularly magnetic particles, used in immunoassays and other binding assays for separation of the desired analyte. By using casein, immunoassays having improved stability and fewer discordant samples have been developed. Casein used at a concentration of 0.05-4.0 grams per gram of paramagnetic particle (optimally approximately 0.78-1.2 grams of casein per gram of magnetic particle) has been found to confer this benefit.