Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (ADEC) from inflamed adenoid tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ADEC, expression vectors for the production of purified ADEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of ADEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ADEC, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on ADEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel member of the plasminogen activator inhibitor protein family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the pancreas-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor protein. Pancreas-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to methods for treating physiologic and pathologic disease conditions and diagnostic methods for detecting pathologic disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing a modified nucleic acid that encodes a modified a rabbit antibody so that the modified rabbit antibody is less immunogenic in a non-rabbit host than an unmodified parent rabbit antibody. The invention further provides modified nucleic acids made by these methods, as well as vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids, and methods for producing the encoded modified antibodies. Also provided are modified rabbit antibodies encoded by subject nucleic acids, and compositions containing the same. The invention further provides kits for carrying out the subject methods.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for removing the 3′-untranslated regions from cDNA or mRNA molecules, as well as methods for the use of such products for RNA-protein fusion formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for efficiently producing oligosaccharide for use in pharmaceutical drugs, medicals, glyco chips and the like from cells, said method comprising giving saccharide primers to human cells, plant cells, or yeast, or giving saccharide primers to cells cultured using a high-density culture method.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for producing pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for reducing byproduct formation and increasing yields and purity of desired product. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a method of producing hydroxylated heterocyclic compounds and hydroxylated aromatic carboxylic acids by bioengineering technique, and modified enzymes which can be used for this method. A method of producing hydroxylated heterocyclic compounds or hydroxylated aromatic carboxylic acids comprises reacting an aromatic ring dioxygenase with heterocyclic compounds or aromatic carboxylic acids to hydroxylate these compounds. An enzyme according to the present invention is an aromatic ring dioxygenase comprising an &agr;-subunit consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, which is modified according to the &agr;-subunit of the biphenyl dioxygenase derived from the strain Burkholderia cepacia LB400, a &bgr;-subunit consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, and a ferredoxin consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, and a ferredoxin reductase consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.

Abstract: There is provided a microbiological one-step method for the manufacture of ascorbic acid. The method comprises use of the operon expressing 2-ketogluconate dehydrogenase in naturally occurring microorganisms and microorganisms transformed with DNA encoding the 2-ketogluconate dehydrogenase gene. Ascorbic acid is obtained from culturing microorganisms expressing 2-ketogluconate dehydrogenase.

Abstract: A recombinant wherein an arginine decarboxylase gene (adi) was amplified and expressed is created by genetic engineering means, and the recombinant, or arginine decarboxylase or an arginine decarboxylase-containing material obtained from the recombinant, is used to decarboxylate arginine to produce agmatine.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing acrylamide with good storage stability and improved acrylamide polymer physical properties using a microbial catalyst. A microbial catalyst having catalytic activity to convert from acrylonitrile to acrylamide is washed with an aqueous acrylic acid solution, and then the washed microbial catalyst is used for the conversion reaction, so that the production of the above acrylamide is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel bioactive compound 12-(2′-CARBOXY-5′-METHOXYPHENYL)-2,12-DIHYDROXY-DODECA-4-ONE “Sporotricolone”, mainly as acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor, along with a process for the isolation of said compound from fungus Sporotrichum species.

Abstract: D-enzyme compositions are described comprising an amino acid residue sequence that defines an polypeptide able to catalyze an enzymatic reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing vitamin E by cultivating organisms, especially plants, which have an increased tyrosine aminotransferase activity in relation to the wild type. The invention also relates to the genetically modified organisms, especially plants themselves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the fermentation of yeast, the method comprising fermenting yeast cells in a volume of more than 10 m3; wherein: for more then half of the fermentation time the fermentation temperature is at least 30° C; and the dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) is maintained at more than 5% during at least part of the fermentation.

Abstract: A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an &agr;-keto acid reductase isolated from Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum, and a DNA encoding the reductase. The enzyme and homologs thereof reduce &agr;-keto acids under the presence of NADH to produce optically active &agr;-hydroxy acids. The &agr;-hydroxy acids of the present invention include optically active mandelic acid derivatives of formula II. The optically active mandelic acid derivatives obtained by the present invention are useful as intermediates in synthesizing pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Abstract: A peptide comprising an Acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) having a deleted biotin binding domain, having a deleted carboxy transferase domain, and having a functional biotin carboxylase (BC) domain is described. A nucleic acid that encodes the peptide described above and a recombinant host cell that contains the nucleic acid and expresses the encoded peptide is also described. A method of identifying Acetyl CoA carboxylase inhibitors, fungicides, and herbicides is also described herein.

Abstract: &bgr;1,4-N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (&bgr;4GalNAcTs) and nucleic acids encoding the &bgr;4GalNAcTs or proteins having &bgr;4GalNAcT activity are described. The polynucleotides can be used to transform or transfect host cells for producing substantially pure forms of the enzyme, or for use in an expression system, or in vitro, for formation of a GalNAc &bgr;1,4 GlcNAc structure on proteins or peptides. Antibodies to the &bgr;4GalNAcTs and their use are also contemplated.

Abstract: Polypeptides are obtained, for example, via expression of encoding cDNA sequences, that have the activity of the enzyme lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT), also known as 1-acyl sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phytase activity, recombinant DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides, methods of producing such polypeptides and the use of said polypeptides in transgenic plants. The invention discloses polypeptides having affinity for the substrate phytate (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate, phytic acid), comprising an amino acid sequence as described by the invention. Furthermore, the invention discloses DNA fragments encoding said polypeptides, and cDNA fragments encoding said polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention may for example be used as an additive in animal feeds, an additive in food for human consumption or to extract proteins from rice bran. The invention also concerns a transgenic plant or part thereof, wherein said plant or part thereof have been genetically modified to comprise a polypeptide as defined in by the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising a heat-inducible promoter and to expression vectors and host cells containing at least one nucleic acid molecule according to the invention. The present invention further relates to kits and methods for producing one or more proteins using the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, and to various uses of the same. The object of the invention is to provide a promoter the heat-inducible characteristic of which is as selective as possible, in particular a promoter which is active in yeasts and which is suitable for protein expression at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention concerns a peptide selected among the group consisting of PF-4, fragments and fusion peptides derived from PF-4, and their analogues, having an angiogenesis-inhibiting activity, wherein the glutamine in position 56 in the native PF-4 is replaced by an arginine, a lysine or a histidine, preferably an arginine. The inventive peptide has an I50 less than the I50 of the same peptide not having a mutation in 56. The invention also concerns DNA or cDNA sequences coding for said peptides and the use of said sequences and/or said peptides for preparing a medicine inhibiting angiogenesis and/or proliferation of cells.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure is described of a complex of isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) with Fe and its substrate ACV. This structure is used to design modified enzymes IPNS, DAOCS, DACS, DAOC/DACS and other related enzymes of the penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthesis pathway, which modified enzymes may accept unnatural substrates or improve production efficiency or produce improved products. Specific modifications of specific amino acid residues are proposed and exemplified.

Abstract: A recombinant vector containing infectious genome of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and being useful for the production of reconstituted HCMV virus retaining phenotypic characteristics of a clinical virus isolate including the ability to grow on endothelial cells and to induce microfusion is characterized in that it is obtainable by inserting DNA from a clinical isolate of HCMV virus into a bacterial cloning vehicle. Such vector can be used e.g. for production of reconstituted HCMV virus retaining the phenotypic characteristics of a parental clinical isolate and for studying genes and functions of genes of HCMV virus. A further aspect are mutant viruses and inter alia their use for studying aspects of infectivity of HCMV virus.

Abstract: Substantially avirulent forms of atypical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and corresponding vaccines are provided which result from cell culture passaging of virulent forms of PRRS. The resultant avirulent atypical PRRS virus is useful as a vaccine in that PRRS specific antibody response is elicited by inoculation of host animals, thereby conferring effective immunity against both previously known strains of PRRS virus and newly isolated atypical PRRS virus strains. The preferred passaging technique ensures that the virus remains in a logarithmic growth phase substantially throughout the process, which minimizes the time required to achieve attenuation. The present invention also provides diagnostic testing methods which can differentiate between animals infected with field strains and attenuated strains of PRRSV.

Abstract: Described are host cells that contain a polyketide synthase gene and a thioesterase II gene, where the polyketide synthase gene has been modified to prevent utilization of its native starter unit for its expressed polyketide synthase. Also described are host cells containing a polyketide synthase gene and an endogenous thioesterase II gene, where the activity of the endogenous thioesterase II gene product has been decreased or eliminated. Methods for culturing these cells to produce polyketides are also provided, as are the polyketides produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the establishment of a cultivation condition that is suitable for the large-scale production of pharmacologically active filtrates from a culture of A. camphorata, in particular, by optimizing the agitation rate and/or pH value during the cultivation. The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining pharmacologically active compositions from a culture of A. camphorata through a series of fractionation. This invention is further directed to the uses of the above compositions in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A multi-well plate assembly has a well plate with a plurality of closed-bottom, open-top wells of substantially uniform square cross-section between the closed bottom and the open top. An insert plate is nested with the well plate and has a top wall substantially covering the open tops of the wells. Inserts project down from the top wall and into the respective wells, such that each insert is nested in a corner of the well. Access ports are formed through the insert plate for alignment with a corner of the respective well opposite the insert. The access port is formed partly through the top wall of the insert plate and partly through the sidewall of the insert.

Abstract: A sample carrier (30) for microscopy, in particular for confocal microscopy, and a method for producing the sample carrier (30), are disclosed. The sample carrier (30) comprises a first coverslip (32) and a second coverslip (33). The second coverslip (33) carries an mirror (29) which is equipped in such a way that it surrounds a sample region (34). Also provided is a frame (35) that retains the first and the second coverslip (32 and 33). The coverslips located in the frame (35) form a cavity (38), that cavity (38) being filled with a medium which has approximately the same refractive index as the first and the second coverslip (32 and 33).

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-throughput systems and methods to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

Abstract: Flexible array substrates having a flexible support, a flexible base, a reflective layer, and a transparent layer, in that order, are taught. Methods of forming the flexible array substrates, devices incorporating flexible array substrates, and arrays having probes arranged on a surface of the flexible array substrate are also taught.

Abstract: Array substrates that have protective layer that includes a metal oxide layer are resistant to the conditions to which the array substrates are exposed, e.g. during their manufacture and/or use. In an embodiments, the array substrates include a reflective layer comprising a metal layer, and the protective layer of metal oxide is typically supported on the metal layer. The metal oxide layer may, in particular embodiments, include the oxide of the metal used in the reflective layer. Chromium, aluminum, titanium, and tantalum are metals of choice for the metal layer, although other metals may be used. The protective layer typically includes oxides of chromium, aluminum, titanium, or tantalum. Methods of forming the substrate using sputtering, evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are taught.

Abstract: A micro ELISA reader includes a housing, a tray longitudinally movably provided in the housing, a carrier transversally movably mounted on the tray, a light source board provided on the carrier, and a scanning assembly longitudinally movably mounted in the housing and above the light source board. The ELISA reader is integrally installed in a personal computer. During a testing, a microtiter plate is stably positioned in the carrier and between the light source board and the scanning assembly, and scanned by the scanning assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste are provided. The methods may include and the apparatuses may be used for moving the solid waste in a corkscrew-like fashion through a closed container. The method may further include moving the high-solids waste into contact with a heating device to facilitate the corkscrew-like movement. Other methods and apparatuses may use at least one of a partition and a conduit from which liquid or gas is discharged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reporter systems for RNA export, methods for searching for molecules which influence RNA export, and a method, based on these methods, for detecting a viral infection.

Abstract: Described herein is the self-assembly of amphiphilic peptides, i.e., peptides with alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues, into macroscopic membranes. The membrane-forming peptides are greater than 12 amino acids in length, and preferably at least 16 amino acids, are complementary and are structurally compatible. Specifically, two peptides, (AEAEAKAK)2 (ARARADAD)2, were shown to self-assemble into macroscopic membranes. Conditions under which the peptides self-assemble into macroscopic membranes and methods for producing the membranes are also described. The macroscopic membranes have several interesting properties: they are stable in aqueous solution, serum, and ethanol, are highly resistant to heat, alkaline and acidic pH, chemical denaturants, and proteolytic digestion, and are non-cytotoxic.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell composition comprising a population of non-yeast eukaryotic cells containing a diverse population of variant nucleic acids, each of the variant nucleic acids being expressed in a different cell and located within each cell at an identical site in the genome. The invention also provides a method of identifying a polypeptide exhibiting optimized activity by screening a population of non-yeast eukaryotic cells containing a diverse population of variant nucleic acids for an activity associated with a parent polypeptide of a diverse population of variant polypeptides encoded by the variant nucleic acids; and identifying a variant polypeptide exhibiting an optimized activity relative to the parent polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-&bgr;-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in &bgr;-1→4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to dedifferentiate a cell. The ability of the methods and compositions of the present invention to promote the dedifferentiation of differentiated cells, including terminally differentiated cells, can be used to promote regeneration of tissues and organs in vivo. The ability of the methods and compositions of the present invention to promote the dedifferentiation of differentiated cells, including terminally differentiated cells, can further be used to produce populations of stem or progenitor cells which can be used to promote regeneration of tissues and/or organs damaged by injury or disease. Accordingly, the present invention provides novel methods for the treatment of a wide range of injuries and diseases that affect many diverse cell types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the isolation of prostatic cancer tumor cells from a biological fluid, using a magnetic activated cell sorter (MACS).

Abstract: Methods for increasing yields of regulatory T cells, useful, e.g., in transplantation contexts. Use of antigen presenting cells and anti-CD28 are also described.

Abstract: An implantable system is provided that includes: a cell repopulation source comprising genetic material, undifferentiated and/or differentiated contractile cells, or a combination thereof capable of forming new contractile tissue in and/or near an infarct zone of a patient's myocardium; and an electrical stimulation device for electrically stimulating the new contractile tissue in and/or near the infarct zone of the patient's myocardium or otherwise damaged or diseased myocardial tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medium for culturing pathogenic bacteria to produce an immunogenic factor. The medium comprises non-animal derived proteinaceous material. The invention also relates to the use of the medium to cultivate pathogenic bacteria, obtaining immunogenic factors from the bacteria being cultivated and preparing vaccines using the immunogenic factors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for the culture of cells, in particular animal cells or tissues, free from animal proteins other than recombinant proteins, of the type including an albumin substitute, a transferrin substitute and an insulin substitute, the said composition being characterized in that the albumin substitute is polyethylene glycol in quantities greater than or equal to 1% by weight. The invention also includes reduced albumin compositions in which part of the albumin is replaced by polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nutritive medium, medium supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations. Specifically, the present invention provides powder nutritive medium, medium supplement and medium subgroup formulations, particularly cell culture medium supplements (including powdered sera such as powdered fetal bovine serum (FBS)), medium subgroup formulations and cell culture media comprising all of the necessary nutritive factors that facilitate the in vitro cultivation of cells. The invention further provides powder buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell culture media and methods useful for determining levels of intracellular function of glutathione or cysteine and for providing biochemical analysis of antioxidant function in human lymphocytes.

Abstract: This application discloses compositions of carbohydrate-modified polymers, such as polyethylenimine modified with cyclodextrin moieties, for carrying drugs and other active agents, such as nucleic acids. Compositions are also disclosed of carbohydrate-modified polymer carriers that release such agents under controlled conditions. The invention also discloses compositions of carbohydrate-modified polymer carriers that are coupled to biorecognition molecules for targeting the delivery of drugs to their site of action.