Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor, which can be found in body fluids of animals including but not limited to the cow, cat, dog, horse, human, sheep, and pig. The invention provides methods for detecting conception or the absence of conception in an animal, the latter being recognized by the absence of early conception factor in a suitable body fluid collected from the animal. Apparati for detecting early conception factor in a body fluid from an animal comprising the antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are novel complexes containing a crosslinked avidin, an analyzing method and analyzing reagents and kits whereby a compound to be analyzed can be quickly, conveniently and accurately analyzed while taking advantage of the avidin-biotin reaction. The complexes contain at least two homogeneous or heterogeneous biotin-introduced products and one crosslinked avidin sandwiched therebetween. In the analyzing method, the homogeneous or heterogeneous biotin-introduced products and the crosslinked avidin are used. The analyzing reagent contains the crosslinked avidin. The analyzing kit contains the crosslinked avidin and a biotinylating agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that the VHL tumour suppressor protein regulates hypoxia inducible factor &agr; subunits, by targeting HIF &agr; for destruction in normoxic, but not hypoxic cells. The invention provides assays for modulators of this interaction, and peptides based upon HIF &agr; subunit sequence which may modulate this interaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides human tyrosine-DNA phosphodiesterases (TDPs). In particular, the present invention provides novel recombinant nucleic acids and proteins, including mutant TDPs, vectors, and TDP-producing cells, as well as co-factors for enzyme activity. The present invention further provides methods for high through-put enzymatic assay systems utilizing the TDPs of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and proteins encoded by such polynucleotides, along with therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for these polynucleotides and proteins. In particular, the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention comprise amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of novel CD39-like gene and gene products.

Abstract: A method of biological assay comprises the steps of providing an enzyme substrate comprising two fluorescence dye groups bound to a flexible peptide, the dye groups being of proximity sufficiently close so as to allow free energy attractions to draw the dyes together to essentially self-quench fluorescence of the dye groups, wherein self quenching of fluorescence of the dye groups is effected by dye dimerization or stacking, and enzymatically cleaving the peptide to release the fluorescence dye groups from dye dimerization or stacking, thereby producing an increase in fluorescence intensity. A protease substrate for use in the method of the invention is also disclosed. This invention finds use in detection and identification of microorganisms, sterilization assurance, pharmaceutical discovery, enzyme assays, immunoassays, and other biological assays.

Abstract: Polypeptides which have been separated by gel electrophoresis can be identified or characterized by a procedure which has two main stages. In the first stage the gel is digested with a polypeptide-cleaving agent such as an enzyme. This produces mainly large fragments which, in the second stage are electroblotted through a hydrophilic membrane on which is immobilized another polypeptide-cleaving reagent such as an enzyme onto a hydrophobic member, typically a membrane, e.g. of PVDF. The resulting fragments, usually peptides, are identified, preferably by MALDI-TOF MS, or a property may be determined, e.g. by interaction with an antibody.

Abstract: A process for the examination of biocompartments (1), having a micro-flow chamber (2) which contains a biocompartment (1) which is continually or intermittently subjected to the through-flow of a culture medium. In a culture medium zone proximal to the biocompartments (1), an electrical potential is applied in such a manner, that from a substance in the culture medium which is released or consumed by the biocompartments (1), OH− and/or H+ ions are formed. During the application of the potential, a first measurement (pH−1, pH−3) for the pH value of the culture medium is measured. The potential is then switched off or changed in such a manner that the formation of OH−0 and/or H+ ions from the said substance is stopped. Before or after the measuring of the first measured value, (pH−1, pH−3) with switched off electrical potential, a second measured value (pH−2, pH−4) is measured for the pH value of the culture medium.

Abstract: A test medium and method for detecting, quantifying, identifying and differentiating up to four (4) separate biological materials in a test sample. A test medium is disclosed which allows quantifying and differentiating under ambient light aggregates of biological entities producing specific enzymes, which might include general coliforms, E. coli, Aeromonas, and Salmonella or Shigella in a single test medium. A new class of nonchromogenic substrate is disclosed which produce a substantially black, non-diffusible precipitate. This precipitate is not subject to interference from other chromogenic substrates present in the test medium. In a preferred form, the substrates are selected such that E. coli colonies present in the test medium show as substantially black, general coliforms colonies show in the test medium as a blue-violet color, Aeromonas colonies present in the test medium show as a generally red-pink color, and Salmonella or Shigella colonies show as a generally teal-green color.

Abstract: The present invention comprises spumavirus isolated from humans. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from humans who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies. The spumavirus of the invention can also be used for treatment of conditions in humans due to the presence of rapidly dividing cells and for recombinant live virus vaccination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation and improvement of D-pantothenic acid-producing microorganisms by amplification of nucleotide sequences which code for ketopantoate reductase, in particular the panE gene, individually or in combination with one another, and optionally additionally of the ilvC gene, the microorganisms containing these nucleotide sequences, and a process for the preparation of D-pantothenic acid comprising fermentation of these microorganisms, concentration of pantothenic acid in the medium or in the cells of the microorganisms, and isolation of the D-pantothenic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides which are diagnostic markers for mammary gland cancer. In addition, antibodies immunospecific for these markers are provided. Vectors, hosts cells and methods for producing these markers, as well as methods and tools for using these markers in detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating mammary gland cancer are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA molecules which encode antagonists of vertebrate growth hormones obtained by mutation of at least the amino acid corresponding to Glu-119 in bovine growth hormone. The DNA molecules may be used to express the antagonists, either in cell culture, or in the cells of the patient of interest. The antagonist so expressed may be used to inhibit GH activity in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant non-yeast DNA, which encodes a protein of interest, wherein an unmodified DNA corresponding to the recombinant non-yeast DNA contains a region having a high content of codons that are poorly suited to yeasts, wherein a number of the codons that are poorly suited to yeasts are replaced in said region of the recombinant non-yeast DNA with synonymous codons coding for the same amino acid that are well-suited to yeasts, and wherein the number of replaced codons is sufficient to permit expression in yeasts. The present invention also relates to DNA sequences which originate from dicotyledonous or monocotyledonous plants, and in particular plants of the graminae family which are selected from among wheat, barley, oats, rice, maize, sorghum and cane sugar, as well as to vectors and transformed yeasts which contain the DNA sequences of the invention.

Abstract: A thermal cycling method and device is disclosed. The device comprises a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such a the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in glass micro capillary tubes and then located inside the sample chamber. A programmable controller regulates the temperature of the sample inside the sample chamber. Once a heating cycle is completed, the controller opens a door to the chamber for venting hot air out and cool ambient air is moved in. Temperature versus time profiles corresponding to optimum denaturation, annealing and elongation temperatures for amplification of DNA are achieved by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost microfluidic devices having embedded metal conductors. The devices of the invention comprise a electronic component comprising a substrate having a first surface, a layer of electrically-conductive material deposited on a portion of the first substrate surface, a first sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the first substrate surface and on the layer of electrically-conductive material, a second sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the first sublayer of insulating material, and a third sublayer of electrically-insulating material deposited on the layer of dielectric material, and a fluid-handling component having a contoured surface affixed to the electronic component. The devices of the invention are advantageously used for performing electric field lysis and the polymerase chain reaction. The invention further advantageously provides simple, low cost methods for fabricating such microfluidic devices.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for separating cells from a liquid media, a method of fermentation using such a separation, and an apparatus for conducting such a separation or for facilitating a cellular reaction. In broadest terms, the separation process of the present invention is a process for separating cells from a liquid containing cells. The process comprises the steps of: (a) bringing the liquid containing the cells into contact with one or more microbial polysaccharide and a fibrous material so as to adsorb the cells onto the fibrous material; and (b) separating the liquid from the fibrous material so as to remove the cells from the liquid. The process of the present invention may be used to remove cells from any liquid, but such liquids typically will be aqueous solutions, such as growth media, biological fluids, diagnostic samples, aqueous test samples, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for the discovery of molecules that target an essential step of bacterial DNA replication—the sealing of DNA strands by NAD+-dependent DNA ligase. Specific structural components of NAD+-dependent DNA ligase that are important for the reaction of DNA ligase with NAD+ and that comprise a putative binding site for the NMN component of NAD+ were identified. The invention also includes recombinant DNA ligase enzymes that are defective in their reaction with NAD+, but active in the ligation of pre-adenylated DNA nicks. An underlying principle of this invention is the use of NAD+-reactive and NAD+-defective ligases to identify molecules that specifically bind to the NAD+-binding site of DNA ligase and thereby interfere with the reaction of DNA ligase with NAD+.

Abstract: This invention provides for a pharmaceutical or veterinary paste formulation comprising: an effective amount of a therapeutic agent; fumed silica; a viscosity modifier; a hydrophilic carrier; optionally, an absorbent; and optionally, a colorant, stabilizer, surfactant, or preservative. This invention also provides for methods of using these formulations for treating various disease states as well.

Abstract: Oxygenase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce paclitaxel (Taxol™), related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the Taxol biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the oxygenase enzymes.

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

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated EPK-55053 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel protein kinase polypeptides. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing EPK-55053 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an EPK-55053 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated EPK-55053 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-EPK-55053 antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a kinase which in its activated state is capable of site-specific phosphorylation of I&kgr;B&agr;, I&kgr;B&agr; kinase. In particular, the present invention relates to the purified kinase, antibodies having binding affinity specifically to the kinase, and hybridomas containing the antibodies. This invention further relates to bioassays using protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess, or prognose a mammal afflicted with an undesired activation of NF-&kgr;B. This invention also relates to ligands, agonists, and antagonists of the kinase, and diagnostic and therapeutic uses thereof. This invention also relates to bioassays using the kinase to identify ligands, agonists, and antagonists. More specifically, this invention relates to selective inhibitors of the kinase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of (1R,4S)- or (1S,4R)-1-amino-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-cyclopentene of the formulae and/or of (1S,4R)- or (1R,4S)-amino alcohol derivatives of the general formulae and to novel microorganisms which are able to utilize a cyclopentene derivative of the general formula as sole nitrogen source, as sole carbon source or as sole carbon and nitrogen source.

Abstract: Liquid microbial starter culture that retains its initial metabolic activity during storage for extended periods of time. Such liquid starter cultures are useful in the manufacturing of food and feed products. Starter cultures of the invention include culture of lactic acid bacteria, e.g. Lactococcus species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-sensitive, inexpensive biochip reader for reading a biochip as compared to a fluorescence method. The biochip reader is provided with an X-Y stage (3) for mounting a biochip (6) and scanning the biochip (6) in a two-dimensional manner, a controller (4) for the X-Y stage, a magnetic sensor (1) for reading the magnetic field strength, an ohmmeter (2), and a computer (5) for signal processing. As a result, a high-performance, inexpensive biochip reader can be provided without using an expensive laser or an expensive optical system, by employing a magnetic sensor and a disk driving mechanism generally used in a hard disk drive and the like.

Abstract: A mold indicator having a piece of leather, a covering over at least a first portion of the piece of leather, at least a second portion of the piece of leather not covered by the covering exposable to an environment around the mold indicator. The mold indicator including the piece of leather is untanned. The mold indicator including the covering is a layer includes anti-mold agent.

Abstract: An adenoviral vector is described which carries a codon-optimized gag gene, along with a heterologous promoter and transcription terminator. This viral vaccine can effectively prevent HIV infection when administered to humans either alone or as part of a prime and boost regime also with a vaccine plasmid.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: A self-renewing restricted stem cell population has been identified in developing (embryonic day 13.5) spinal cords that can differentiate into multiple neuronal phenotypes, but cannot differentiate into glial phenotypes. This neuronal-restricted precursor (NRP) expresses highly polysialated or embryonic neural cell adhesion molecule (E-NCAM) and is morphologically distinct from neuroepithelial stem cells (NEP cells) and spinal glial progenitors derived from embryonic day 10.5 spinal cord. NRP cells self renew over multiple passages in the presence of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) and express a characteristic subset of neuronal epitopes. When cultured in the presence of RA and the absence of FGF, NRP cells differentiate into GABAergic, glutaminergic, and cholinergic immunoreactive neurons. NRP cells can also be generated from multipotent NEP cells cultured from embryonic day 10.5 neural tubes.

Abstract: The disclosed nucleic acid primer sets, used in combination with quantitative amplification (PCR) of tissue cDNA, can indicate the presence of specific proteases in a tissue sample. Specifically, the present invention relates to expression of hepsin protease. The detected proteases are themselves specifically overexpressed in certain cancers, and the presence of their genetic precursors may serve for early detection of associated ovarian and other malignancies, and for the design of interactive therapies for cancer treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to multipotent neural stem cells, purified from the peripheral nervous system of mammals, capable of differentiating into neural and non-neural cell types. These stem cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation into CNS, PNS, and other damaged tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of culturing cells which includes a proliferating step in which the number of precursor cells is expanded and a differentiating step in which the expanded precursor cells develop into neuronal cells. The proliferating step includes the step of incubating the precursor cells in proliferating medium which includes basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The differentiating step includes incubating the precursor cells in differentiation media in a manner effective to form a cellular aggregate that is not adhered to any surface of the incubation vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the cells arc incubated in a roller tube. The differentiation media can also include at least one differentiating agent. The invention also provides a method for treating a neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, a method of introducing a gene product into a brain of a patient, an assay for neurologically active substances, and a cell culture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to use of fibrin as an extracellular matrix and, together with cells, its use in forming engineered tissue. The engineered tissue can include the synthetic manufacture of specific organs or “organ-like” tissue. A preferred embodiment is a plasma-derived fibrin matrix containing cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a pattern of cells on a surface, the surface being prepatterned in having a pattern of cell-growth-promoting molecules and/or cell-growth inhibiting molecules attached thereon. The invention also relates to patterns of cells, artificial tissues and to a use thereof.

Abstract: Improved methods for transferring a gene into target cells by using a retrovirus, wherein the gene transfer efficiency is improved and the target cells are efficiently transformed by binding the retrovirus to a functional substance which is immobilized on as carrier and having an activity of binding to retroviruses followed by washing; using an antibody capable of specifically recognizing cells, laminin or mannose-rich type sugar chain as a substance having an activity of binding to the target cells; pre-treating the target cells so as to inactivate transferrin receptor, or introducing a new functional group into the functional substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a isolated bacteriophage useful as a tool for studying biological, biochemical, physiological and genetic properties of actinomycetes and other organisms which comprises a novel strain of Saccharomonospora having certain specified characteristics. The invention also relates to a process for the isolation of the said bacteriophage and/or DNA phage and to a novel universal growth medium which is particularly useful in the said process. Another embodiment of the process relates to a clonong vector which comprises a plasmid or bacteriophage comprising the phage DNA of the invention.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a clinical laboratory analytical instrument that includes generating control pool data from a commutable control pool, wherein the control pools have target analyte values for an assay, generating patient specimen data from a distribution of test values from patient specimens, determining tolerance limits from the control pool data and the patient specimen data; and adjusting the calibration of the instrument with respect to the tolerance limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A procedure for hemostasis and blood management, particularly for cardiovascular procedures, provides: sampling instructions, i.e., when to draw blood samples and how to pre-treat the blood samples, a decision tree to assist the interpretation of hemostasis analysis results allowing for the identification of various coagulopathies, and treatment suggestions related to the hemostasis analysis results. The analysis, interpretation and identification may be conducted by a suitably programmed computer.

Abstract: A sample chip analyzing device includes a waveguide plate which entirely reflects and guides incident light and has a number of sampling probes that are connectable to a sample to be analyzed, a light source which irradiates fluorescent pumping light onto an end face of an end portion of the waveguide plate that is inserted into a light-shielding box, and a pickup member which picks up an image of substantially an entire surface of the waveguide plate. The sample to be analyzed is labeled with fluorescent substances that are fluorescence-pumped by an evanescent wave which occurs when the fluorescent pumping light enters into an interior of the waveguide to be entirely reflected and guided, and the sample is analyzed by detecting respective ones of the sampling probes that are coupled to the fluorescence-pumped flourescent substances of the labeled sample, based on data outputted by the pickup member.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inhibiting L-selectin and P-selectin mediated binding in a subject by administering heparin to the subject in an amount that does not produce substantial anticoagulant activity or undesirable bleeding in the subject. In addition, the invention provides methods of treating a subject having a pathology characterized, at least in part, by abnormal L-selectin or P-selectin mediated binding by administering heparin to the subject in an amount that results in attaining a concentration of less than about 0.2-0.4 units heparin per ml of plasma in the subject.

Abstract: A method, system and kit for detecting the presence of an analyte includes placing a solution containing the analyte in a microcapillary tube and placing the microcapillary tube in contact with a layer of sorbent material so that the solution is withdrawn from the microcapillary tube by capillary action. A detector reagent which has been pre-deposited on the sorbent material indicates the presence of the analyte. The sorbent material, detector reagent, and the solvent for the analyte solution are selected so that the solvent is absorbed into the sorbent material and the analyte is adsorbed by the sorbent material and concentrated at the spot where the detector reagent has been pre-deposited and where the microcapillary tube contacts the sorbent material.

Abstract: A method for detaching a barrier means adapted to the end part of the suction device for closing an opening in the end part by the movement of a plunger intended for changing the volume of a cylindrical space provided in the end part whereby the barrier means is removed by bringing means for limiting the movement of the plunger in the cylindrical space, e.g. means intended for removing the disposable tip, in such a position that the plunger can be brought into contact with the barrier means for detaching the barrier means from the end part of the suction device.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and device for use in detecting or quantitating an analyte present in a liquid sample. The method includes reacting an analyte-containing sample with reagents capable of generating a first coil-forming peptide in solution form. This peptide is then contacted with a biosensor whose detection surface has surface-bound molecules of a second, oppositely charged coil-forming peptide, under conditions effective to form a stable &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer on the detection surface. The formation of the coiled-coil heterodimer produces a measurable change in biosensor signal, which is measured to detect the presence of or quantitate the amount of analyte in a sample. Also disclosed is a biosensor device for carrying out the reaction.

Abstract: There is provided an MR manufacturing method comprising a film-forming process for forming a multilayer film including at least an antiferromagnetic layer 4, a fixed layer 3 and a spacer layer 5, a first patterning process for patterning the multilayer film after a predetermined pattern, a filing process for filling up the circumference of the patterned multilayer film, with an insulating layer 13 a process for forming a magnetic flux guide layer or a free layer also acting as the magnetic flux guide layer over this insulating layer 13 and the patterned multilayer film and a second patterning process by beam etching for simultaneously patterning the magnetic flux guide layer and the above-mentioned multilayer film to form the above-mentioned multilayer structure portion, wherein an incident angle of the etching beam are selected so that an angle &thgr; of an etching surface relative to a normal is selected in a range of from 10°≦&thgr;≦40°, preferably, 15°≦&thgr;≦35°.

Abstract: Field effect transistors having a ferroelectric layer overlying a gate insulator layer as well as methods of their formation and use, and devices produced therefrom. Such ferroelectric field effect transistors are suitable for use in memory devices as the polarization of the ferroelectric layer can represent distinct logic states. The polarization of the ferroelectric layer alters the threshold voltage of the field effect transistor thus producing distinctly different conductivity states through the weak ferroelectric transistor at a given gate potential depending upon the polarization. The ferroelectric layer may contain a weak ferroelectric material having spontaneous polarization values in the range of approximately 0.01 &mgr;Coulomb/cm2 to 1 &mgr;Coulomb/cm2. The ferroelectric layer may contain a doped zinc oxide material doped with lithium and/or magnesium.

Abstract: In a method of forming a ferroelectric film according to the present invention, pulsed laser light or pulsed lamp light is applied to an amorphous oxide film formed over a substrate to form microcrystalline nuclei of oxide in the film. Crystallization of the oxide is performed by applying pulsed laser light or pulsed lamp light to the film including the microcrystalline nuclei to form the ferroelectric film.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for manufacturing MTJ cell of MRAM wherein two annealing process with different magnitudes of applied magnetic fields are performed. In accordance with the method, the formation process of second pinned magnetic layer comprises a first annealing process and a second annealing process, wherein a magnitude of a magnetic field applied during the first annealing process being larger than that of a magnetic field applied during the second annealing process.

Abstract: The invention includes an engagement mechanism for semiconductor substrate deposition process kit hardware, including a body having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The body is sized for movement through a passageway of a semiconductor substrate deposition chamber through which semiconductor substrates pass into and out of the chamber for deposition processing. At least engager is mounted to the distal portion of the body The engager is sized for movement through said passageway with the body. The engager is configured to releasably engage a component of process kit hardware received within said chamber. The invention includes methods of replacing at least a portion of semiconductor substrate deposition process kit hardware. The invention includes methods of depositing materials over a plurality of semiconductor substrates. Other implementations are contemplated.