Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying and designing modulators of integrin-mediated cell-cell interactions through altering the interaction of ADAM 23 with &agr;v&bgr;3 integrin. Compositions and-methods are also provided for modulating integrin-mediated cell-cell interactions such as those involved in angiogenesis, induction of active metalloproteinases, tumor progression and neural tissue growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to metalloproteinase inhibitors and to polynucleotides encoding such inhibitors. In particular, the invention relates to novel mammalian inhibitors of metalloproteinase, which are designated as type three or TIMP-3, to fragments, derivatives, and analogs thereof, and to polynucleotides encoding the same. Novel methods of producing such compositions and novel methods of using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides FSH analogues having increased serum half-life relative to FSH. This invention also provides related compositions and methods for increasing fertility, egg production and spermatogenesis in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptides having physiological activity related to anterior pituitary hormones (such as LH, FSH, and TSH), DNAs coding for such polypeptides, methods for screening compounds or their salts which promote or inhibit the activity of the polypeptides of the present invention, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel CK&bgr;-13 protein which is a member of the chemokine family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human CK&bgr;-13 protein. CK&bgr;-13 polypeptides 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 CK&bgr;-13 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide capable of binding a cytokine to form a nonfunctional complex. It also provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide and methods of making and uses for the fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing an enantiopure 1,3-dioxolan-4-one or 1,3-oxathiolan-5-one derivative, which includes bringing a mixture containing enantiomeric 1,3-dioxolan-4-one or 1,3-oxathiolan-5-one derivatives and an enzyme with hydrolytic activity into contact in the presence of a nucleophile. Cleaving a dioxolanone/oxathiolanone ring of one enantiomer occurs by the enzyme with hydrolytic activity and, after the cleavage of one enantiomer has taken place, the uncleaved enantiomer of the 1,3-dioxolan-4-one or 1,3-oxathiolan-5-one derivative is isolated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparation of optically active azabicyclo heptanone derivatives using lactamases that will react with racemic −lactam of formula (I) to give a single enantiomer of lactam (III) and the corresponding ring opened compound of formula (IV) in an enantiomerically pure form.

Abstract: A method for producing optically active alcohols is provided. Optically active alcohols are useful intermediates in pharmaceutical production. The method of the present invention enables simple and efficient production of optically active alcohols with a high optical purity. According to the production method disclosed, optically active alcohols are produced via asymmetric reduction of 3-quinuclidinone using tropinone reductase-I. For example, the use of tropinone reductase-I derived from plants like Datura stramonium and Hyoscyamus niger allows the production of high optical purity (R)-3-quinuclidinol as shown in Formula (1) below.

Abstract: An (R)-2-amino-1-phenylethanol derivative shown by the general formula (IIa) 1

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the therapeutic intervention of Parkinson's disease. More particularly, methods of making and sequestering dopamine are disclosed. Additionally, methods of genetically modifying donor cells by gene transfer for grafting into the central nervous system to treat defective, diseased or damaged cells are disclosed. Methods and compositions for carrying out such gene transfer and grafting are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant plasmids containing a gene coding for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis enzyme and a gene coding for intracellular PHA depolymerase, and a process for preparing (R)-hydroxycarboxylic acid employing the same. In accordance with the present invention, optically pure (R)-hydroxycarboxylic acid can be prepared by culturing E. coli transformed with a recombinant plasmid which expresses intracellular PHA depolymerase of Ralstonia eutropha and PHA biosynthesis enzyme of Alcaligenes latus to give (R)-hydroxycarboxylic acid. The process for preparing (R)-hydroxycarboxylic acid of the invention can be successfully employed in large-scale continuous process with a high productivity by carrying out PHA synthesis and degradation in a simultaneous manner, while enjoying the benefits of simple procedures for harvesting cells and disposing the cell wastes.

Abstract: This is a method to remove ethanol from fermentation of sugars contained in a vessel. By providing carbon dioxide, containing ethanol, to the vessel, ethanol and volatile compounds formed by fermentation are humidified by the carbon dioxide. A supply of sugars for fermentation within the vessel is employed to form ethanol and carbon dioxide. Upon combining carbon dioxide, produced by fermentation, with the carbon dioxide, containing ethanol, ethanol humidified carbon dioxide is formed. Resulting humidified carbon dioxide is removed from the fermentation vessel and subjected to means for condensing ethanol from humidified carbon dioxide to supply carbon dioxide, containing ethanol, for recycle, and purged carbon dioxide, containing ethanol, to remove carbon dioxide produced by fermentation. Fermentation broth is removed from the vessel to maintain vessel level.

Abstract: The invention provides variant regulator proteins of secondary metabolite production and nucleic acids encoding said variant regulator proteins. In particular, the invention provides variant regulator molecules of the lovE protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding HLRRBM1 polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel HLRRBM1 polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides, particularly immune diseases and/or disorders. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are a protein having DNA repair reaction promoting activity which consists of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or a modified product of that amino acid sequence, a nucleotide sequence coding for said protein having DNA repair promoting activity, a recombinant DNA having said nucleotide sequence inserted into vector DNA, a transformant containing said recombinant DNA, a process for producing a protein having DNA repair promoting activity comprising the steps of cultivating said transformant in a medium and harvesting a protein having DNA repair promoting activity from the culture, and an antibody binding to said protein.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules, including antisense and enzymatic nucleic acid molecules, such as hammerhead ribozymes, DNAzymes, and antisense, which modulate the expression of molecular targets impacting the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, in particular, the expression of BACE and ps-2 gene.

Abstract: Clones containing a sequence encoding a glucuronide repressor are described. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of a repressor (gusR) are presented. A glucuronide repressor is used to control expression of a transgene, detect glucuronides in a sample, and isolate glucuronides from a sample, among other uses.

Abstract: The invention concerns proteins of fungal origin having an epoxide hydrolase activity, such as those obtained in essentially pure form by extraction from fungi cells, or by culturing in host cells transformed by a nucleotide sequence coding for said fungal proteins. The invention also concerns the uses thereof, in particular for implementing methods for preparing enantiopure epoxides and/or diols.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding Malathion Carboxylesterase capable of hydrolysing at least one organophosphate selected from the group consisting of carboxylester organophosphates and dimethylol organophosphates. The DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and more preferably at least 95% homology with Lc?E 7, in which the protein encoded by the DNA molecule differs from E 3 at least in the substitution of Trip at position 251 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Leu, Ser, Ala, Ile, Val, Thr, Cys, Met and Gly. The preferred substituents are Leu and Ser.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules that encode histone deacetylase, as well as recombinant vectors and host cells that include the subject nucleic acid molecules. Also provided are histone deacetylase polypeptide compositions. The histone deacteylase nucleic acid molecules are useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, which are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a polyamine derivative or a polyamine for inhibiting the active site of glycosidase enzymes intervening in the transformation of polysaccharides into sugars, in particular into glucose, in a living organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to the X-ray crystal structure of a cathepsin S mutant. The invention further relates to an apparatus programmed with one or more of the structure coordinates of the cathepsin S binding pockets, wherein said apparatus is capable of displaying a three-dimensional representation of that binding pocket.

Abstract: The invention provides a glutaryl 7-ACA amidase from Pseudomonas diminuta strain BS-203, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of 7-&bgr;-(4-carboxybutanamido)-cephalosporanic acid to 7-aminocephalosporanic acid and glutaric acid. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences, vectors, and host cells useful in the production of this amidase. The glutaryl 7-ACA amidase can be used for the preparation of 7-aminocephalosporanic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for selective production of beauveriolide I substance or beauveriolide III substance, in which a beauveriolide producing microorganism strain FO-6979 or mutant thereof is cultured in a medium for fungi added with specific amino acid in order to produce beauveriolide I substance or beauveriolide III substance selectively with high yield; beauveriolide I substance or beauveriolide III substance is accumulated selectively in the cultured mass; and beauveriolide I substance or beauveriolide III substance is collected selectively with high yield from said cultured mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for producing oocysts. The oocysts produced according to the invention find use in the manufacture of vaccines. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of Eimeria oocysts. Vaccines containing Eimeria oocysts, sporocysts and/or sporozoites produced according to the present invention may be used to immunize birds against coccidiosis either in ovo or post hatch.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for purifying a gas stream containing a contaminant gas and an energetic gas. The process comprises the steps of: a) providing a bioreactor comprising:—a reaction chamber filled with a solvent containing a biocatalyst capable of catalyzing a transformation reaction of said contaminant gas dissolved in the solvent into ions. The process further comprises the step of b) extracting the contaminant gas from the gas stream, which extraction comprises feeding the gas stream in the reaction chamber and thereby allowing the contaminant gas to dissolve and transform into ions, yielding said energetic gas free of said contaminant gas and leaving a spent solvent containing said ions in solution. Then, in step c) the energetic gas and the spent solvent obtained in step b) are separately released from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: This invention focuses on the marriage of solid-state electronics and neuronal function to create a new high-throughput electrophysiological assay to determine a compound's acute and chronic effect on cellular function. Electronics, surface chemistry, biotechnology, and fundamental neuroscience are integrated to provide an assay where the reporter element is an array of electrically active cells. This innovative technology can be applied to neurotoxicity, and to screening compounds from combinatorial chemistry, gene function analysis, and basic neuroscience applications. The system of the invention analyzes how the action potential is interrupted by drugs or toxins. Differences in the action potentials are due to individual toxins acting on different biochemical pathways, which in turn affects different ion channels, thereby changing the peak shape of the action potential differently for each toxin.

Abstract: Apparatus for examining a sample by microscopy, spectroscopy or crystallography under controlled environmental conditions. The apparatus comprises a sample chamber (1) which is fed by a gas stream (19) having a known vapour content, which is generated by mixing two gas streams (18 & 16), one substantially saturated in a volatile substance (18) and one substantially free of the volatile substance (16), in a controlled manner. The temperature of the apparatus, and particularly of the sample chamber (1), is accurately controlled and regulated by temperature controller (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides a 4D biochip containing m 3D biochips having n capillaries, wherein the n capillaries each contain a biological factor, and methods for preparing and using the 4D biochip to provide rapid, efficient assays of large quantities of samples and/or factors.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray. The thermal cycling device includes a sample block assembly, an optical detection system, and a sample well tray holder configured to hold the sample well tray. The sample block assembly is adapted for movement between a first position permitting the translation of the sample well tray into alignment with sample block assembly, and a second position, upward relative to the first position, where the sample block assembly contacts the sample well tray. A method of performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray in a thermal cycling device is also provided.

Abstract: An optical alignment system for a device for synthesizing DNA polymers provides for a patterned substrate for simple alignment of the system. The substrate may also be used for synthesis allowing precise alignment of the synthesis substrate during each synthesis operation. The patterning of the substrate may be used to promote separation of reaction sites.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microarray printing system and methods of printing probe microarrays. The system has a print head formed of one or more bundles of individual capillaries, such as light-guiding capillaries. The bundles may especially be random bundles of capillaries that provide a large number of probes on the surface of a substrate. Methods of registering or correlating the distal and proximal ends of the capillaries are also provided. Further, the invention provides methods and equipment for identifying defective microarrays that are missing one or more probes from the surface of the microarray.

Abstract: The present invention provides biosensors which include or are fabricated using optically sensitive moieties. The use of optically sensitive moieties provides advantages in the synthesis of the biosensors. Further the inclusion of optically sensitive moieties in the biosensor membrane provides an increase in the sensitivity of detection.

Abstract: The present invention claims and discloses a novel apparatus and method for efficiently cultivating cells with minimal mortality in order to harvest a maximum amount of cellular products generated by the cultivated cells. More particularly, the present invention teaches a method and a device for plating cells and causing maximum adherence of cells of interest. Furthermore, the present invention also teaches a growth substrate means that is capable of providing the largest surface area for cell adhesion and functions as an oxygenator, a depth filter and a static mixer to maximize the production of cellular products by intermittently and periodically provide sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the cells without causing cell death.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of system for efficiently bio-converting putrescent wastes to a more usable form. The present “domestic” unit does not utilize a motor nor does in contend any moving parts. Instead, it consists of a generally round container with two small ramps on the inside of the container. The two ramps begin at the bottom of the container and spiral up to the top of the container, where they adjoin a discharge pipe. In operation, the putrescent waste is deposited into the domestic unit container. Mature larvae have only one avenue of escape from the putrescent waste, up the ramps and into discharge pipe and onto collection tubes where the larvae are collected and processed. When the container fills up with larval residue, the larvae are removed from the container, the container is emptied of residue, and the larvae are put back into the container.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding two mammalian GABA transporters, a mammalian taurine transporter and two human GABA transporters; methods of isolating these nucleic acid molecules and vectors comprising such nucleic acid molecules as well as mammalian cells comprising such vectors. Nucleic acid probes for detecting nucleic acid molecules encoding mammalian or human GABA transporters, or mammalian or human taurine transporters; antisense oligonucleotides complementary to any sequences of a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a mammalian GABA or taurine transporter or human GABA or taurine transporter; and antibodies to the mammalian GABA or taurine transporters, or human GABA or taurine transporters are provided. Pharmaceutical compounds related to mammalian GABA or taurine transporters and to human GABA or taurine transporters are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing recombinant adenovirus by which viral DNA is introduced in a packaging cell culture and the viruses produced are harvested after liberation in the supernatant. The invention also concerns the viruses produced and their use.

Abstract: This invention provides novel materials and methods involving the heterologous expression of transcription factors which are useful for effecting transcription of target genes in genetically engineered cells or organisms containing them. Target gene constructs and other materials useful for practicing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA1) gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against ADORA1 and related receptors.

Abstract: The peptide X-Arg-Gly-Asp-R-Y wherein X is H or at least one amino acid and Y is OH or at least one amino acid, and R is an amino acid selected from Thr or Cys, or other amino acid, having the same cell-attachment activity as fibronectin and the peptide X-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Y, wherein X and Y, having said activity are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mammalian amino acid transporter proteins and the genes that encode such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of a human amino acid transporter protein termed EAAT4 and genes encoding such a transporter. The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to this transporter gene. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing this amino acid transporter gene in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the human amino acid transporter protein encoded therein. The invention also provides methods for screening in vitro compounds having transport-modulating properties using preparations of transporter proteins from such cultures of cells transformed with recombinant expression constructs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying an anti-HIV compound by contacting human Vpr Interacting Protein (hVIP), or a fragment thereof known to interact with Vpr, with Vpr, or a fragment thereof known to interact with hVIP in the presence of a test compound, and comparing the affinity of the hVIP or fragment thereof to the Vpr or fragment thereof in the presence of the test compound with the affinity of the hVIP or fragment thereof to the Vpr or fragment thereof in the absence of the test compound. The present invention also provides transgenic non-human mammals comprising a recombinant expression vector that comprises a nucleic acid sequence that encodes hVIP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cell culture, in particular undifferentiated stem cell culture and to methods for derivation and propagation of such cells. More particularly, the invention relates to derivation and propagation of undifferentiated HES cells on human feeder layers and/or in the absence of a feeder layer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to neural stem cells, preferably foetal neural stem cells and their progeny thereof. The present invention provides methods of isolating, culturing and propagating neural stem cells preferably foetal neural stem cells and the development of neural stem cell lines and lineages. The present invention also relates to the use of neural stem cells and somatic cells (eg rat fetal fibroblasts) and cells expressing the telomerase catalytic component (TERT) for gene targeting and gene knockout experiments and for producing genetically modified animals.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are described which contain restricted cancer cells. When so restricted, the cells produce an unexpectedly high amount of material which suppresses cancer cell proliferation. The phenomenon crosses cancer type and species lines. Processes for making these compositions, and their use, are also described.

Abstract: We disclose compositions and processes for transferring a nucleic acid into a mammalian cell utilizing a transposase to achieve nonviral integration of exogenous nucleic acid into the chromosomal DNA of the cell.

Abstract: A rolling circle DNA replicon which replicates in a host eukaryotic cell is disclosed which has a truncated replication cycle. The rolling circle DNA replicon comprises the following elements present on the same DNA molecule. It contains a Rep gene open reading frame from a virus belonging to the viral taxonomic families Geminiviridae, Circoviridae or genus Nanovirus. The Rep gene open reading frame is placed under transcriptional control of a promoter, which is placed 5′ of the gene. Any sequences that are required to be present in cis on the rolling circle DNA replicon in order that the Rep protein might promote replication of the rolling circle DNA replicon are included. An expression cassette for expression of an ancillary protein that is capable of creating a cellular environment permissive for replication of the rolling circle DNA replicon in the host cell of interest is also included.