Abstract: A variety of heparanase specific molecular probes which can be used for research and medical applications including diagnosis and therapy. Specific applications include the use of a heparanase specific molecular probe for detection of the presence, absence or level of heparanase expression; the use of a heparanase specific molecular probe for therapy of a condition associated with expression of heparanase; the use of a heparanase specific molecular probe for quantification of heparanase in a body fluid; the use of a heparanase specific molecular probe for targeted drug delivery; and the use of a heparanase specific molecular probe as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides antisera that specifically recognize peptides containing methylated arginines. The present invention also provides peptides for producing the antisera. Also provided is a method for the detection of methylation status of proteins and peptides, and compositions that affect the methylation status.

Abstract: A recombinant, refolded non-fusion polypeptide expressed from a truncated r56 gene of the causative agent of scrub typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi. The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to scrub typhus and as a component in vaccine formulations.

Abstract: Use of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A as a marker for inflammatory conditions, and in particular, for acute coronary syndromes is described.

Abstract: Longterm elevation of the intracellular Na+/K+ ratio inhibits macromolecule synthesis and proliferation in the majority of cell types studied so far, including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We report here that inhibition of the Na+,K+ pump in VSMC by ouabain or 1 hour preincubation in K+-depleted medium attenuated apoptosis triggered by serum withdrawal, staurosporine or okadaic acid. In the absence of ouabain, both DNA degradation and caspase-3 activation in VSMC undergoing apoptosis were insensitive to modification of the extracellular Na+/K+ ratio as well as to hyperosmotic cell shrinkage. In contrast, protection of VSMC from apoptosis by ouabain was abolished under equimolar substitution of Na+o with K+o, showing that the anti apoptotic action of Na+,K+ pump inhibition was caused by inversion of the intracellular Na+/K+ ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, reagents and devices for analysis of receptor ligand interactions, determining the profile of receptor expression in cells and cell populations, and diagnostic and drug screening methods. The invention makes use of immobilized tethered ligand fusion proteins having a ligand domain, a stalk domain, and optionally an immobilization domain.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides or a mixture of peptides, or analogs thereof, derived from the variable domains of the Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) immunodominant major outer membrane protein (MOMP). The peptides or mixtures of peptides are characterized by having specificity only to C. trachomatis anti-MOMP antibodies and being non-cross reactive with anti-MOMP antibodies of other Chlamydia species Specific peptides are described (SEQ ID Nos. 1 to 8) as well as their analogs, which have essentially the same biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rapid identification of Bacillus Cereus comprising utilizing an antibody specific to a certain surface antigen of B. cereus, and the kit for performing the method.

Abstract: A method of determining a measure of the number of platelets in a cell suspension containing platelets. The number of small particles in the suspension is counted. The suspension is agitated in the presence of a gas. The number of small particles in the suspension after agitation is counted. The two counts are compared to obtain a measure of the number of platelets.

Abstract: The invention describes catabolism of A&bgr; by endothelin converting enzymes (ECEs). Methods of identifying compounds that upregulate ECEs are provided by the invention. Further provided by the invention are methods of regulating A&bgr; catabolism in a cell and methods of decreasing the amount of A&bgr; in a cell. The invention discloses methods of diagnosing an individual with AD and methods of treating such an individual. The invention further discloses methods of identifying compounds that have anti-hypertension activity but do not cause an increase in the level of A&bgr;. Further, the invention provides mutant ECE nucleic acids and mutant ECE polypeptides.

Abstract: The soporific activity of cis-9,10-octadecenoamide and other soporific fatty acid primary amides is neutralized by hydrolysis in the presence of fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Hydrolysis of cis-9,10-octadecenoamide by FAAH leads to the formation of oleic acid, a compound without soporific activity. FAAH has be isolated and the gene encoding FAAH has been cloned, sequenced, and used to express recombinant FAAH. Inhibitors of FAAH are disclosed to block the hydrolase activity.

Abstract: Provided is the active site of human gamma glutamyl hydrolase. The active site resides in amino acid residues 110, 171, 220 and 222 of SEQ ID NO:1. Thus provided is an inactive gamma glutamyl hydrolase protein, as well as a fragment thereof. A method of inactivating a gamma glutamyl hydrolase protein is also provided, as is a molecule capable of binding to one or more of amino acid residues 110, 171, 220 or 222 of SEQ ID NO:1 which can be used in such a method. A method for identifying a molecule that inactivates gamma glutamyl hydrolase is provided, as is a nucleic acid molecule encoding the inactive gamma glutamyl hydrolase.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring and/or controlling biofouling in membrane separation systems are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of fluorogenic agent(s) added to a feed stream to monitor and/or control the level of microbial growth during membrane separation and, thus, the purification of such feed stream during membrane separation.

Abstract: A chromogenic &bgr;-galactosidase substrate producing an insoluble precipitate of a first color when reacted upon by &bgr;-galactosidase and a chromogenic &bgr;-glucuronidase substrate producing an insoluble precipitate of a second, contrasting color when reacted upon by &bgr;-glucuronidase are combined in a test medium for quantitatively identifying and differentiating general coliforms and E. coli. The &bgr;-galactosidase substrate 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-&bgr;-D-galactopyranoside which produces an indigo blue precipitate when reacted upon by &bgr;-galactosidase may be used with one of the novel compounds 6-chloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, 4,6-dichloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, 6,7-dichloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, and 4,6,7-trichloroindolyl-&bgr;-D-glucuronide, which produce mauve or magenta precipitates when reacted upon by &bgr;-glucuronidase.

Abstract: A DNA fragment coding for a modified nuclear glucocorticoid receptor, particularly one mutated in the region coding for the ligand binding domain, so that receptor activity is more strongly inducible by a synthetic glucocorticoid ligand than by a natural glucocorticoid ligand, is disclosed. A recombination system inducible in mammals by means of a fusion protein produced between a recombinase and the binding domain of the ligand derived from the modified glucocorticoid receptor of which the activity is more strongly inducible by synthetic glucocorticoids than by natural glucocorticoids, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding fluorescent indicators having inserted within a fluorescent moiety a sensor polypeptide. Also provided are methods of using the fluorescent indicator. Circularly permuted fluorescent polypeptides and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding human platelet F11 receptors. Expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules are also provided, as well as methods for increasing or decreasing the expression of the human platelet F11 receptor in host cells. The invention further provides a method of screening a substance for the ability of the substance to modify human platelet F11 receptor function, and a method for isolating other human platelet F11 receptor molecules. DNA oligomers capable of hybridizing to the nucleic acid molecule encoding the human platelet F11 receptor are provided, which can be used to detect human platelet F11 receptor in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA constructs that can produce antimicrobial materials efficiently from microorganisms and the preparation method thereof. The present invention also relates to the useful vector for the DNA construct. The DNA construct according to the present invention comprises a first gene coding for entire, a part of or a derivative of purF gene and a second gene coding for antimicrobial peptide. According to the present invention, antimicrobial peptides can be mass-produced by the following steps: preparing an expression vector containing a DNA construct comprising a first gene coding for an entire, a part of or a derivative of purF gene and a second gene coding for antimicrobial peptide; transforming the bacterial host cells with the above-mentioned vector, culturing the transformed cell to express the above-mentioned DNA construct; and recovering the above antimicrobial peptide.

Abstract: Novel molecular chimaeras produced by recombinant DNA techniques are described. They comprise a target-tissue specific transcriptional regulatory sequence (TRS) linked and controlling the expression of a heterologous enzyme, for example Varicella Zoster Virus Thymidine Kinase (VZV TK) or non-mammaliam Cytosine Deaminase (CD). A molecular chimaera is packaged into a synthetic retroviral particle that is capable of infecting mammalian tissue. This, in turn, may be administered to a host, and the TRS will be selectively transcriptionally activated in the target tissue (for example cancerous cells). Administration of compounds that are selectively metabolised by the enzyme produce cytotoxic or cytostatic metabolites in situ thereby selectively killing or arresting the growth of the target cells.

Abstract: Polynucleotides that comprise regulatory regions of the yeast alcohol oxidase 1 promoter are provided. Isolated polynucleotides, recombinant polynucleotides, vectors, expression cassettes and transformed cells containing the regulatory regions are disclosed. Proteins produced by the transformed cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector for expression of a heterologous protein by a Gram negative bacteria, wherein the vector includes a nucleic acid such as DNA encoding the following: an origin of replication region; optionally and preferably a selection marker; a promoter; an initiation region such as translation initiation region and/or a ribosome binding site, at least one restriction site for insertion of heterologous nucleic acid, e.g. DNA, encoding the heterologous protein, and a transcription terminator. The inventive vector may contain DNA encoding the heterologous protein, e.g., pro-insulin such as pro-insulin with a His tag.

Abstract: A method is provided for replicating DNA, and in particular for replicating large segments of DNA. A primer is combined with a target DNA molecule to be replicated. The primer is designed to be at least partially homologous to a known site on the target DNA, and to create a D-loop when hybridized with that site. A replisome is then assembled at the D-loop, and this replisome creates a copy of the DNA, starting at the primer binding site. By utilizing two species of D-loop primers which bind to remote sites on the DNA flanking a region to be replicated, large sections of DNA can be replicated in a manner comparable to PCR. The replicated DNA can be analyzed to detect variations in the genetic sequence of the target, for linkage mapping and as a source of longer DNA molecules having a desired sequence.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules which encode a branching enzyme from a bacterium of the genus Neisseria, vectors, host cell, plant cells and plants containing said nucleic acid molecules as well as starch obtainable from the plants described are described. Furthermore, an in-vitro method for producing &agr;-1,6-branched &agr;-1,4-glucans on the basis of sucrose and a combination of enzymes of an amylosucrase and a branching enzyme as well as the &agr;-1,6-branched &agr;-1,4-glucans obtainable by said method are described.

Abstract: A nitrile compound having a complicated structure (e.g., 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile) is converted into an amide compound with high production efficiency, by using a novel microorganism of which the gene 16S rRNA has a specific base sequence. As the microorganism, Rhodococcus sp. Cr4 strain and Rhodococcus sp. Am8 strain or the like is employed.

Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified Cyanobacteria having a construct comprising DNA fragments encoding pyruvate decarboxylase (pdc) and alcohol dehydrogenase (adh) enzymes obtained from the Zymomonas mobilis plasmid pLOI295. The Cyanobacteria are capable of producing ethanol in recoverable quantities of at least 1.7 &mgr;mol ethanol per mg of chlorophyll per hour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionic electrodes, particularly microelectrodes and electrode arrays, and also relates to fabrication methods for such electrodes. In particular, the present invention relates to planar polymer electrodes for making patch clamp measurements of ionic currents through biological membranes, such as the plasma membranes of living cells. The electrodes of the present invention are useful for measuring individual and multisite cell membrane currents and voltages, as well as in high-throughput screening procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating substances from or in biological materials.

Abstract: A mutated expandase enzyme having higher activity on penicillin G is provided to produce phenylacetyl-7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA), which mutated expandase enzyme has one or more amino acid substitutions selected from M73T, G79E, V275I, L277K, C281Y, G300V, N304K, I305L and I305M.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creatine amidinohydrolase having the following physicochemical properties: (a) hydrolyzing 1 mole of creatine to generate 1 mole of sarcosine and 1 mole of urea, (b) having a substrate specificity to creatine, (c) having an optimum pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, particularly a pH of about 6.5, (d) having a stable pH ranging from 4.0 to 11.0, (e) having an optimum temperature ranging from 50 to 55° C., and (f) having a molecular weight of approximately 92,000 daltons (as measured by gel filtration); and to a method for producing a creatine amidinohydrolase, which comprises, culturing a microorganism having an ability to produce the creatine amidinohydrolase, and recovering the creatine amidinohydrolase from the obtained culture. The creatine amidinohydrolase of the invention is characterized by being insusceptible to bilirubin when measuring creatinine, since its optimum pH is in the weakly acidic range.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sanitation using bacteriophage are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for sanitation using at least one bacteriophage includes the steps of (1) storing the at least one bacteriophage in a container; and (2) applying the at least one bacteriophage to a surface to be sanitized with a dispersing mechanism. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a sanitation device that dispenses at least one bacteriophage includes a container, at least one bacteriophage stored in the container, and a dispersing mechanism that disperses the at least one bacteriophage from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prokaryotic cell system for monitoring protease activity. The invention also includes assays for identifying protease inhibitors and protease modulators, determining the amino acid sequence of a protease cleavage site for a known protease, identifying and cloning a protease whose cleavage site is known, and rapidly identifying a form of a protease exhibiting increased activity relative to a control protease.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat tolerant phytases and DNA sequences which code therefor. The phytases are useful in hydrolyzing phytate to inositol and inorganic phosphates. The phytases are valuable feed additives.

Abstract: This invention provides prokaryotic glycosyltransferases, including a bifunctional sialyltransferase that has both an &agr;2,3- and an &agr;2,8-activity. A &bgr;1,4-GalNAc transferase and a &bgr;1,3-galactosyltransferase are also provided by the invention, as are other glycosyltransferases and enzymes involved in synthesis of lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The glycosyltransferases can be obtained from, for example, Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni. In additional embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acids that encode the glycosyltransferases, as well as expression vectors and host cells for expressing the glycosyltransferases.

Abstract: Cell lysis may be brought about by contacting a suspension of cells with a lysis reagent such as sodium hydroxide solution; subsequent treatment enables organic molecules such as plasmid DNA to be separated from other cell components. Intimate mixing of the cell suspension with lysis reagent is achieved by passage through a fluidic vortex mixer arranged so the residence time of the cell suspension in the mixer is less than the time for lysis to be completed, and may be less than 0.1 seconds. Such a vortex mixer comprises a cylindrical chamber with an axial outlet duct and at least one tangential inlet duct, but with no internal baffles. The low shear stress to which the cell suspension is subjected minimizes loss of product through denaturation or fragmentation of the product, and indeed of contaminants. The subsequent treatment may also utilize a fluidic vortex mixer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the formulation and use of an advanced solid-media chemical composition which includes both plant-derived and inorganic components which is designed and intended to enhance the removal of a broad range of recalcitrant organic and inorganic contaminants in the environment by providing an improved means of promoting the anaerobic, biologically mediated degradation, transformation, and/or detoxification of the contaminants which may be present in solid and liquid wastes, soils, sediments, and water bodies. The invention provides for improved means of (i) promoting the solid-phase extraction, absorption, and adsorbtion of recalcitrant contaminants from contaminated media, (ii) creating, enhancing, and maintaining anaerobic and highly reducing conditions (i.e.

Abstract: A process for treating a mixture of substances containing structured constituents and organic matter, and a device for carrying out this process are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, the mixture of substances is subjected to pulse-type or periodical application of force, so that the formation of flow channels for a leaching fluid or process air in a bulk material may be prevented.

Abstract: The invention facilitates a determination of the rate at which soil organic nitrogen is converted to inorganic nitrogen or mineral nitrogen. This conversion is known as N-mineralization. The total release of plant available nitrogen in a soil, i.e., the gross N-mineralization rate quantifies the conversion in the soil of organic nitrogen to inorganic nitrogen. The present invention provides a quick and reliable method for measuring the gross N-mineralization rate of a soil sample. The method exploits that a microbial enzyme activity of a functional ornithine acid cycle present in said sample is correlatale with the rate or gross N-mineralization of that same sample. The method of the invention can be used e.g. in a determination of the amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer to be applied to a soil such as e.g. a field of agricultural crops.

Abstract: An array-based technology facilitates rapid correlated gene copy number and expression profiling of very large numbers of human tumors. Hundreds of cylindrical tissue biopsies (diameter 0.6 mm) from morphologically representative regions of individual tumors can be arrayed in a single paraffin block. Consecutive sections from such arrays provide targets for parallel in situ visualization and quantitation of DNA, RNA or protein targets. For example, amplifications of six loci (mybL2, erbB2, Cyclin-D1, myc, 17q23 and 20q13) were rapidly determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization from 372 ethanol-fixed breast cancers. Stratification of tumors by estrogen receptor and p53 expression data revealed distinct patterns of gene amplification in the various subgroups of breast cancer that may have prognostic utility. The tissue array technology is useful in the rapid molecular profiling of hundreds of normal and pathological tissue specimens or cultured cells.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for selective exposure of a biological sample, preferably biological cell material, to sound waves. The device is provided with a receptacle for the sample, in which the biological sample is in a suspended form, and having an electroacoustic transducer device, which generates sound waves and which is disposed outside the receptacle of the sample in such a manner that sound-wave coupling into said sample occurs through the wall of said receptacle.

Abstract: A shocking chamber for performing electroporation is constructed in the form of a base and a hinged lid which when lowered forms an enclosure with the base that fully encloses a cuvette and impresses a high voltage across the cuvette, the voltage connection becoming disengaged upon the simple raising of the lid. The base contains two pairs of electrical leads, one pair engaging the cuvette with spring-loaded contacts that provide electrical connections to the cuvette while helping to secure the cuvette in place, and the other pair joined to high-voltage terminals. A shunt built into the lid bridges the two pairs of leads in the base when the lid is closed and pivots out of the way to clear all leads when the lid is opened. These and other features of the construction provide the user with a safe and secure means of forming the high-voltage electrical connections used in electroporation in an apparatus that can be operated with one hand.

Abstract: A portable polymerase chain reaction DNA amplification and detection system includes one or more chamber modules. Each module supports a duplex assay of a biological sample. Each module has two parallel interrogation ports with a linear optical system. The system is capable of being handheld.

Abstract: Disclosed are androgen receptor-associated proteins, designated ARA24, ARA54, ARA55, and Rb, that have been demonstrated to interact with the androgen receptor to alter levels of androgen receptor-mediated transcriptional activation. Certain of these proteins interact with the androgen receptor in an androgen-dependent manner, whereas certain proteins may induce transcriptional activation in the presence of other ligands, such as E2 or HF. Also disclosed is a method of detecting androgenic or antiandrogenic activity using these proteins in a mammalian two-hybrid transient transfection assay.

Abstract: The modified sFv molecules of the present invention stimulate adhesion between cells thereby enhancing the immune response against disease. These molecules generally comprise an antigen binding site of an antibody and at least a portion of a transmembrane domain of a cell surface receptor.

Abstract: The invention features a liver cell culture comprising hepatocytes that have increased detoxification enzyme activity when isolated from a liver of a donor that had been administered at least one induction agent prior isolation of hepatocyte cells. The induced hepatocytes are used in a bioreactor and cultured to produce hepatocyte cell products or metabolize toxins added to the culture. The bioreactor is, or is an integral part of, a liver assist device used to treat a patient in need of liver assist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transition metal-ligand complex that shows changes in its luminescence lifetime characteristic and/or luminescence intensity as a function of the polarity and/or hydrogen bonding properties of its environment, and a sensor, probe, system and method based on the complex for detecting the presence, amount or concentration of a polar solvent in a medium.

Abstract: The invention is a method, reagent and test cartridge for the determination of the clotting time of a blood sample by means of a reagent containing tissue factor and a sulfatide. In an alternative embodiment, the reagent may contain tissue factor and at least one of the group consisting of a phosphatide and a sulfatide. This invention is preferably used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy in patients that have been administered low to moderate heparin doses to achieve blood heparin levels from 0 to about 3 U/mL, and may also be used for determining clotting time at higher heparin levels of up to about 6 U/mL.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface. Multiplexed assays using the surface detector array device of the present invention are disclosed, as are automated methods for making the surface detector array device that enable formation of arrays wherein the composition of the individual, addressable bilayer regions is unrestricted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interference-eliminating membrane for use in detecting uric acid in a sample, comprising a compound for inhibiting or shading uric acid interfering substances, or derivatives thereof, and a carrier having an absorption property and permeability for the sample; and a process for preparing the interference-eliminating membrane. The present invention also provides a test strip for use in detecting uric acid in a sample, comprising a reagent reaction layer or optional interference-eliminating membranes and/or support layers; and a kit comprising the test strip of the invention.

Abstract: A low temperature melt film such as EVA is prepared for laser capture microdissection by having a thin specimen non-adhering coating in the range of 0.1% to 10% of the total film thickness placed on the sample exposed side of the film. When the film is brought into contact with the specimen, the specimen non-adhering coating prevents non-specific transfer due to sticky adherence of portions of the sample. At the same time, the non-adhering coating on the low temperature melt film surface can stabilize and protect the low temperature melt film against variations in performance due to ambient humidity and temperature variation. Upon appropriate heating for laser capture microdissection, the barrier of the thin coating allows conventional film melting with otherwise uninhibited adhesion of selected cell areas to the film.