Abstract: The invention relates to a set of combinatorially labeled oligonucleotide probes each member thereof: (i) having a predetermined label distinguishable from the label of any other member of said set, and (ii) being capable of specifically hybridizing with a predetermined chromosome or nucleic acid molecule, and to the use of such molecules, alone or in concert with nucleic acid amplification methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences for regulating gene expression in plants. In particular, the invention relates to 5′ regulatory sequences which are useful for regulating expression of heterologous DNAs in plants and methods for identifying multiple 5′ regulatory sequences which confer a particular expression profile when operably linked to DNA sequences. The invention also relates to expression vectors containing the 5′ regulatory sequences and to transgenic plants containing the expression vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying enzymes suitable for use in detergents, especially the selection of specific enzyme variants among a large number of such variants created through random mutagenesis.

Abstract: A water-soluble fluorescent intercalator compound having the formula: F—La—X F is a fluorescent moiety, X is a divalent cyclic group, and La is a linking group, and at least one of X and La has a site imparting water solubility to the compound or a site that is convertible into a site imparting water solubility to the compound is favorably employable as a fluorescent intercalator in a method for fluorometrically detecting complementary DNA fragments.

Abstract: A method for discriminating between two or more alleles which differ by only a single nucleotide is provided. This method is suitable for use in solution or on a solid phase and employs the use of restriction enzyme digestion of DNA in combination with Melting Curve Analysis. Also contemplated are specific markers to be included in melting curve analysis and melting curve genotyping experiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protein, TR10, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily and the TRAIL receptor subfamily. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human TR10 protein. TR10 polypeptides and anti-TR10 antibodies are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR10 activity.

Abstract: A method of determining the gender of a bird in ovo comprises detecting the presence or absence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone in the extra-embryonic fluid of the bird egg, and then determining the gender of the bird within the egg from the presence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone therein. Preferably, the sex-related hormone is an estrogen. Further preferred are methods in which the extra-embryonic fluid is allantoic fluid. The method is preferably carried out on chicken eggs prior to or during transfer of the eggs from incubator to hatcher.

Abstract: The invention provides a human glutathione-S-transferase (HGST) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HGST. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of HGST.

Abstract: New biologically active compounds are described which inhibit the cellular formation of niacinamide mononucleotide, and essential intermediate of the NAD(P) biosynthesis in the cell. These compounds can represent the active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancers, leukaemias or for immunosuppression. Furthermore, screening methods are described as a tool for detecting the above active compounds, and for examination of a given cell type for its dependency on niacinamide as a precursor for NAD synthesis.

Abstract: An additive formulation comprising heparinase and trehalose, a method for using the formulation and a device containing the formulation. The additive formulation is useful in substantially neutralizing residual heparin from a blood sample when used in a blood collection tube without interfering with the clinical analysis of the blood sample.

Abstract: It has been discovered that when pluripotent stem cells are cultured in the presence of a hepatocyte differentiation agent, a population of cells is derived that has a remarkably high proportion of cells with phenotypic characteristics of liver cells. In one example, human embryonic stem cells are allowed to form embryoid bodies, and then combined with the differentiation agent n-butyrate, optionally supplemented with maturation factors. In another example, n-butyrate is added to human embryonic stem cells in feeder-free culture. Either way, a remarkably uniform cell population is obtained, which is predominated by cells with morphological features of hepatocytes, expressing surface markers characteristic of hepatocytes, and having enzymatic and biosynthetic activity important for liver function.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analytical element for determining the amount of an analyte in a liquid containing a sample application zone (1) and a detection zone (2) which are in liquid-transferring contact, the latter containing at least one enzyme and an indicator substance, the enzyme catalysing a reaction in which the analyte or a substance derived from the analyte participates and the indicator substance forming a signal when the analyte is present which signal correlates with the amount of analyte, and containing a liquid-permeable interference-reducing layer (3) in direct contact with the detection zone (2) arranged such that liquid does not reach the detection zone until it has passed through the interference-reducing layer, the interference-reducing layer containing at least one enzyme which participates in a reaction of the analyte to be determined or of a substance derived from the analyte, wherein the analyte or the substance derived from the analyte is converted enzymatically in the interference-re

Abstract: The invention is a system for maintenance and high-throughput analysis of cerebellar granule neurons in tissue culture plates under chemically defined conditions. The invention includes serum-free granule culture medium, which is composed of high glucose Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Media (DMEM), NaHCO3, sodium pyruvate, and HEPES, which is subsequently adjusted to pH 7.2. The HEPES buffered DMEM is then supplemented with L-glutamine, KCl, bovine albumin, insulin, transferrin, selenium, penicillin, and streptomycin. Unlike proprietary neuronal culture media, this invention does not include any serum, steroid hormones, phenol red, or added anti-oxidants. The serum-free granule culture medium is then placed in conventional poly-lysine coated tissue culture plates in order to conduct subsequent assays. The invention also includes the ability to package the complete neuronal culture system into a “kit” for isolation, maintenance, treatment, and analysis of cerebellar neurons.

Abstract: The synthesis of moisture-resistant adhesive polypeptides, conditions for their use, and conditions for controlling characteristics of the crosslinked matrix are disclosed. By specifically manipulating the conditions under which these networks are formed, the characteristics of the networks may be precisely regulated. These manipulatable adhesive networks are water-based, show exceptional bonding capabilities toward wet materials (including biological tissues), and have a variety of biotechnological applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases isolated from megakaryocytes (megakaryocyte kinases or MKKs) which are involved in cellular signal transduction pathways and to the use of these novel proteins in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The present invention further relates to specific megakaryocyte kinases, designated MKK1, MKK2 and MKK3, and their use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to secretion in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis secretion factor SecG. The present invention also provides means for increasing the secretion of heterologous or homologous proteins in gram-positive microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated polypeptide constitutive of splice variants for human serotonin receptor whereof the amino acid sequence is selected among the sequence SEQ ID No. 2 of the 5-HT4(c) polypeptide variant or the sequence SEQ ID No. 4 of the 5-HT4(d) polypeptide variant, or any polypeptide fragment or biologically active derivative thereof. The invention also concerns the inverse agonist effect of ML 10375 on 5-HT4(c) and 5-HT4(d) receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides the sequencing of the entire genome of Haemophilus influenzae Rd, SEQ ID NO:1. The present invention further provides the sequence information stored on computer readable media, and computer-based systems and methods which facilitate its use. In addition to the entire genomic sequence, the present invention identifies over 1700 protein encoding fragments of the genome and identifies, by position relative to a unique Not I restriction endonuclease site, any regulatory elements which modulate the expression of the protein encoding fragments of the Haemophilus genome.

Abstract: A nucleic acid which can be used to express a polypeptide with interleukin-16 activity in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell wherein the nucleic acid codes for a polypeptide with the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:2 or a SEQ ID NO:2 elongated N-terminally by an aspartic acid residue or a form shortened at the C-terminus by up to 8 amino acids, and is suitable for the production of an active IL-16 polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial strains useful for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The present invention further relates to the use of these strains for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose. The present invention further relates to the use of these novel bacterial strains for the production of pyrroloquinoline quinone and a nontoxic lipopolysaccharide. Also described is the strains of the present invention transformed by a vector.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for ultrasonically treating a liquid to generate a product. The apparatus is capable of treating a continuously-flowing, or intermittently-flowing, liquid along a line segment coincident with the flow path of the liquid. The apparatus has one or more ultrasonic transducers positioned asymmetrically about the line segment. The ultrasonic field encompasses the line segment and the ultrasonic energy may be concentrated along the line segment. Lysing treatments have been successfully achieved with efficiencies of greater than 99% using ultrasound at MHz frequencies without erosion or heating problems and without the need for chemical or mechanical pretreatment, or contrast agents. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of current ultrasonic treatments beyond lysing and opens up new sonochemical and sonophysical processing opportunities.

Abstract: 30 The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having haloperoxidase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having haloperoxidase activity. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique vertebrate protein, tankyrase that binds to telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1). Nucleic acids encoding tankyrases are also disclosed. Methods of screening drugs using tankyrase are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipolytic enzymes and DNA sequences encoding same. More specifically, the present invention relates to the lipolytic enzyme and DNA sequences encoding same isolated from Fusarium sulphureum and analogues thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations of the subtilisin gene, some of which result in changes in the chemical characteristics of subtilisin enzyme. Mutations are created at specific nucleic acids of the subtilisin gene and, in various specific embodiments, the mutant enzymes possess altered chemical properties including, but not limited to, increased stability to oxidation, augmented proteolytic activity, and improved washability. The present invention also relates, but is not limited to, the amino acid and DNA sequences for two proteases derived from Bacillus lentus variants, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 309, as well as mutations of these genes and the corresponding mutant enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction and use of expression plasmids in the manufacture of recombinant interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-4 muteins.

Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of pseudomonic acid A comprising submerged cultivation of a Pseudomonas bacterium strain capable of biosynthesis of the substantially pure pseudomonic acid A in aerated conditions via fermentation; and isolation of the desired compound is disclosed. In particular, the procedure of the present invention comprises cultivation of the Pseudomonas sp. bacterium strain No. 19/26 deposited under accession No. NCAIM(P)B 001235 in the National Collection of the Agricultural and Industrial Microorganisms, Budapest, Hungary, or its pseudomonic acid A-producing mutant or variant, on a medium at a temperature of between about 20° C. and 30° C. containing organic nitrogen and carbon sources and, optionally, mineral salts.

Abstract: Recombinant, thermostable alpha-glucosidases from archaeal micro-organisms and isolated DNA encoding for such alpha-glucosidases are provided. The isolated DNA is obtained by use of DNA or antibody probes prepared from the DNA encoding S. sulfataricus alpha-glucosidase. Also provided are methods for producing recombinant archaeal thermostable alpha-glucosidase and transformants incorporating thermostable alpha-glucosidase. Autoprocessing of plant tissue through the use of transgenic thermostable glycosyl hydrolases is described.

Abstract: The production of thermostable xylanses having bacterial origin is described. These compositions are useful for modifying plant biomass and for enzyme-aided bleaching of wood pulp.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for identifying one or more of a plurality of sequences differing by one or more single base changes, insertions, deletions, or translocations in a plurality of target nucleotide sequences. The ligation phase utilizes a ligation detection reaction between one oligonucleotide probe, which has a target sequence-specific portion and an addressable array-specific portion, and a second oligonucleotide probe, having a target sequence-specific portion and a detectable label. After the ligation phase, the capture phase is carried out by hybridizing the ligated oligonucleotide probes to a solid support with an array of immobilized capture oligonucleotides at least some of which are complementary to the addressable array-specific portion. Following completion of the capture phase, a detection phase is carried out to detect the labels of ligated oligonucleotide probes hybridized to the solid support. The ligation phase can be preceded by an amplification process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein, wherein the fusion protein comprises: a sequence of signal peptide for Bacillus cell wall protein (CWP); a tag sequence for separation and purification of the fusion protein; a linker sequence; a sequence for chemical or enzymatic cleavage; and an exogenous polypeptide sequence, the sequences being linked in order, the signal peptide, tag and linker being optional sequences; and wherein the nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion protein is ligated to 3′-end of a nucleic acid sequence comprising a Bacillus promoter region; to a vector comprising the DNA; to a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus comprising the vector; and to a process for preparation of a useful polypeptide by culture of the bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of of transferring genomic DNA from apoptotic bodies to engulfing cells, wherein DNA is transferred from a donor cell to a recipient cell. More specifically the method includes providing somatic donor cells comprising desired DNA; generating apoptotic bodies of said donor cells; incubation of the apoptotic bodies with engulfing recipient cells under biological conditions allowing uptake of DNA from the apoptotic bodies by said recipient cells; and optionally selecting recipient cells which have integrated DNA from the apoptotic bodies. The present method is useful in various pharmaceutical applications, such as in vaccine preparations and gene identification procedures.

Abstract: Improved artificial diets or growth media are described which are suitable for rearing large numbers of viable and biologically fit arthropods, including zoophagous arthropods and phytophagous arthropods, including facultatively zoophagous arthropods. In a first embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a mixture of cooked egg, liquid, and carbohydrate source. In a second embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a plant-based phytophage diet which includes cooked egg yolk or cooked whole egg. In a third embodiment, the growth medium is composed of a mixture of cooked egg, liquid, and carbohydrate source in admixture with a plant-based phytophage diet which includes cooked egg yolk or cooked whole egg. The growth media are devoid of meat products or insect components and are suitable for mass production of arthropods at a reasonable cost for use in biological control programs or other biologically based technologies.

Abstract: A glycoprotein is produced by a process comprising culturing mammalian host cells expressing nucleic acid encoding said glycoprotein in the presence of (a) a factor that modifies growth state in a cell culture, (b) a divalent metal cation that can adopt and prefers an octahedral coordination geometry, and/or (c) a plasma component. In this process, the occupancy of an N-linked glycosylation site occupied only in a fraction of a glycoprotein is enhanced. Such culturing is preferably carried out at a temperature of between about 30° C. and 35° C. and/or in the presence of up to about 2 mM of a butyrate salt and/or in the presence of a cell-cycle inhibitor.

Abstract: A method for culturing Langerhans islets to obtain an amount sufficient for transplant and autotransplant is disclosed. The islets are cultured in a culture serum (rat/human) medium which is supplemented with radical scavengers, growth factors, a matrix material, nerve growth factor, cell migrating/scattering factors and anti-integrin &bgr;1 antibody at proper the time during the culturing process. The medium is supplemented with radical scavengers and growth factors for the first time and then further supplemented with matrix material, radical scavengers, nerve growth factor and the growth factors around 12-24 hours after culturing. Thereafter, the medium is supplemented with growth factors, cell migrating/scattering factors and anti-integrin &bgr;1 antibody at 4-5 days into the culturing process. The culturing process is conducted for an extended period of time, so that any latent red blood cells are eliminated from the islet culture.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes AAV as a vector to transfect epithelial cells with an AAV/heterologous gene containing/Neo vector, to form a heterologous protein secreting culture of epithelial cells. This culture is useful for preparing recombinant skin using the organotypic epithelial raft culture system. The sheets of epithelial cells is composed of a stratified sqaumous epithelium composed of a lower layer of immature basal cells and an upper layer of mature keratinized epithelium. The rAAV virus stock prepared without wild type AAV is useful in expressing heterologous protein, however, the maximum production of the heterologous protein was achieved; when the rAAV virus stock contained wild type AAV. This invention discloses that AAV is appropriate for genetically altering skin to secrete new proteins to treat diseases and skin disorders or conditions.

Abstract: A composition for measuring the foliar uptake of a pesticide comprising the pesticide and Congo Red as a tracer is disclosed together with a method for measuring the foliar uptake of a pesticide comprising the steps of (a) applying a composition containing the pesticide and Congo Red as a tracer to a plant and a control plate, (b) washing the plant and the control plate with a solvent to extract the pesticide and Congo Red, (c) measuring the concentrations of the pesticide and Congo Red in the wash extracts, and (d) calculating the foliar uptake of the pesticide.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging plasmids and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids after stable or transient transfection in mammalian cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in these transfected mammalian cells and can then transduce a mammalian target cell by cocultivation or supernatant infection. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral packaging plasmids and vectors to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and, human hematopoietic stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation or supernatant infection at high efficiencies. The invention is is useful for the rapid production of high titer viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.

Abstract: An OBD system is provided for monitoring an ozone depletion system that includes a catalyst coating containing MnO2 applied to a heat exchange surface on a moving vehicle over which atmospheric air passes. A physical characteristic of the catalyst coating or a material containing a physical characteristic within the catalyst coating is sensed to determine the presence or absence of the catalyst coating for detecting catastrophic failure of the ozone depleting system and/or degradation or wear of the catalyst coating to ascertain the efficiency of the catalyst coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hematocrit simultaneously with the centrifugation of whole blood. A centrifuge separates the whole blood into its erythrocytes and its fluid portion. A video camera measures the levels of whole blood, erythrocytes and the fluid portion of the blood and records the time of the formation of an interface between the erythrocytes and fluid portion. A monitor displays the results of the recording. Also disclosed are the method steps performed.

Abstract: The invention concerns two classes of differentially regulated genes: 1) genes that are more highly expressed in prostate cancer cells treated with testosterone than in untreated prostate cancer cells; and 2) genes that are more highly expressed in prostate cancer cells treated with bicalutamide, an anti-androgenic compound, than in untreated prostate cancer cells. Disclosed are methods for selecting and monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic agents used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Also disclosed are methods for identifying novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of prostate cancer and methods and compositions for preventing, treating, and diagnosing prostate cancer.

Abstract: The oxygen and carbon dioxide content of expired respiratory gas is determined by measuring the mass and volume of the expired breath. From the composition of the inspired gas which may either be assumed or measured, the mass of the inspired volume may be determined, and since the inspired and expired breaths contain the same mass of nitrogen, the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the expired breath may be determined. Measurements of temperature and humidity may be required to account for temperature and humidity changes between the inhalation and the exhalation or the inhaled gas may be adjusted in temperature and humidity to equalize the inhaled and exhaled temperature and humidity conditions. The mass and volume of the expiration and the volume mass of the inhalations are determined by an ultrasonic transit time system and a gas density sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for particle focusing to increase assay throughput in microscale systems are provided. The invention includes methods for providing substantially uniform flow velocity to flowing particles in microfluidic devices. Methods of sorting members of particle populations, such as cells and various subcellular components are also provided. Integrated systems in which particles are focused and/or sorted are additionally included.

Abstract: A method for transferring a liquid using a device having a waste chamber, a pipette tip parking chamber and at least one process chamber is disclosed. The liquid may be transferred between process chambers, or from one process chamber to the waste chamber, or from a primary sample tube external to the device to one process chamber, or from one process chamber to a specimen container external to said device, and wherein said transfer of the liquid is effected by means of pipetting operations carried out with said pipette tip. The method is particularly suitable for contamination-free processing of biological samples.

Abstract: A freely traversable metering head with numerous metering devices, wherein the metering devices are each provided individually or block-by-block with an activating device, and wherein a controller traversable with the metering head is designed for the independent operation of one or more activating devices. Metering devices for such a metering head and procedures for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An immunochemical label comprising finely particulate carbon black on which is adsorptively immobilized a component which terminates distally from a point of adsorption with an immunologically active ligand or ligand binding molecule wherein said component comprises said immunological ligand or ligand binding molecules covalently linked through a linking reagent, and said linking reagent is adsorbed on the surface of said carbon black.