Abstract: A method is provided for determining the susceptibility of a NIDDM patient towards sulfonylurea therapy by obtaining a sample from a NIDDM patient where the sample includes nucleic acid molecules containing a fragment of the SUR1 gene comprising the nucleotide in position −3 of exon 16 and detecting the presence or absence of the −3 t allele in position −3 of exon 6 whereby the presence of at least one −3 t allele identifies a NIDDM patient with a high susceptibility towards sulfonylurea therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids which encode plant polypeptides with the biological activity of phosphomevalonate kinases, to the polypeptides encoded by them and their use as targets for herbicides and their use for identifying novel, herbicidally active compounds, and to methods for finding modulators of these polypeptides.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for forming a reaction chamber having relatively small volumes. An apparatus comprises two elements and a mechanism for introducing a gas to form a movable aerodynamic seal between the elements. In this manner a chamber having a controllable interior environment is formed. One of the elements may have at least a portion of a device for dispensing reagents sealingly affixed therein. The other element may be adapted for introduction of a support into the interior of the chamber formed by the top and the bottom element. The apparatus may be used in methods for synthesizing biopolymers on a support.

Abstract: This invention provides the identification of a truncation polymorphism of the mdr1 gene that is linked to ivermectin sensitivity in subjects, such as collies. Also provided are methods for detecting drug transport sensitivity in a subject, and animal models and in vitro cell systems using cells from animals having an mdr1 truncation.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel nucleic acid molecule encoding PTX1, which has been mapped to human chromosome 12. The PTX1-encoding nucleic acid molecule, along with its encoded protein and antibodies thereto may be used to advantage to facilitate the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The discriminating capability of hybridization assays is increased by a combination of labelled primers which produce amplificates of one strand of a nucleic acid with a capture probe which is complementary to the same strand of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Fusion proteins containing coiled-coil heterodimerization domains substituted for modular protein binding domains useful for validating functionally relevant protein-protein interactions, directing enzymes to specific substrates, and screening fusion libraries for functionally important interaction partners.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody (Mab) capable of binding Placental Protein 13 (pp-13) is disclosed. Also disclosed are hybridoma clone producing the Mab, an immunoassay using the Mab for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid, and a kit for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new receptor having a preference for pyrimidine nucleotides, preferably UTP, or purine nucleotides and UDP, and which has an amino acid sequence having more than 60% homology with the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates, first, to methods for the modulation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)-related processes, including apoptosis. Such apoptosis can include, but is not limited to, environmental stress-induced apoptosis such as, for example, ionizing radiation and/or chemotherapeutic agent-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis can be characterized by a cellular morphology comprising cellular condensation, nuclear condensation or zeiosis. The present invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds which modulate (i.e., either increase or decrease) sensitivity to ASM-related processes, including apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to granulocyte colony stimulating factor (“G-CSF”) polypeptide analog compositions. The concept detailed herein provides methods for screening G-CSF analogs, designed with one or more substitutions to amino acids, and selecting analogs for use as G-CSF replacements or antagonists, and may be generalizable beyond G-CSF analogs as well. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are provided for analogs so selected.

Abstract: The present invention features vanilloid receptor polypeptides and vanilloid receptor-related polypeptides, specifically the capsaicin receptor subtypes VR1 and VR2 (VRRP-1), as well as the encoding polynucleotide sequences. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. In other related aspects, the invention features transgenic animals having altered capsaicin receptor expression, due to, for example, the presence of an exogenous wild-type or modified capsaicin receptor-encoding polynucleotide sequence. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a capsaicin receptor polypeptide, and methods for producing these polypeptides. Further, the invention provides methods for using capsaicin receptor, including methods for screening candidate agents for activity as agonists or antagonists of capsaicin receptor activity, as well as assays to determine the amount of a capsaicin receptor-activating agent in a sample.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a 31-33 kDa glycoprotein of D. immitis (DiT33) is provided which represents another member of the family of putative pepsin inhibitors. Other known members include Ov33 (a.k.a. Ov33.3, Oc3.6, OvD 5B), Bm33 and Av33. These filarial molecules possess significant homology to the known pepsin inhibitor (Aspi3) of A. suum. Using DiT33 or Ov33, in the form of a recombinant fusion or non-fusion protein, antibody responses to DiT33 may be monitored and used in immunodiagnosis of heartworm infection in mammals. Antibodies reactive with the DiT33 or Ov33 may also be used to detect DiT33 antigen as a means of immunodiagnosis of heartworm infection in mammals.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated PHOR-1) that is highly over-expressed in prostate and other cancers and its encoded protein are described. PHOR-1 is a G protein-coupled receptor with homology to receptors involved in olfaction. PHOR-1 in normal human tissues is restricted to prostate, and this gene is highly over-expressed in prostate cancer as well as in cancers of the kidney, uterus, cervix, stomach and rectum. Consequently, PHOR-1 provides a diagnostic and/or therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Abstract: A membrane receptor reagent and assay is disclosed in which liposomes are bound to an evanescent wave emitting surface. Membrane receptors on the liposome's fluid lipid bilayer membrane are labeled with a fluorescent or luminescent moiety. These membrane receptors are free to diffuse randomly throughout the liposome surface, and thus tend to redistribute according to externally applied forces. The evanescent wave-emitting surface additionally contains reagents that reversibly bind to the membrane receptors, tending to bring them closer to region of high evanescent wave intensity. Test analytes that disrupt or promote the association between the membrane receptors and the surface reagents act to change the average distance between the membrane receptors and the evanescent wave emitting surface, resulting in a change in the fluorescent or luminescent signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the identification, characterization and inhibition of farnesyl protein transferases, enzymes involved in the farnesylation of various cellular proteins, including cancer related ras proteins such as p21ras. One farnesyl protein transferase which is disclosed herein exhibits a molecular weight of between about 70,000 and about 100,000 upon gel exclusion chromatography. The enzyme appears to comprise one or two subunits of approximately 50 kDa each. Methods are disclosed for assay and purification of the enzyme, as well as procedures for using the purified enzyme in screening protocols for the identification of possible anticancer agents which inhibit the enzyme and thereby prevent expression of proteins such as p21ras. Also disclosed is a families of compounds which act either as false substrates for the enzyme or as pure inhibitors and can therefore be employed for inhibition of the enzyme.

Abstract: Two novel phosphorylation sites of myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) are described. Methods of monitoring phosphorylation of MLC1 to identify new cardiac and skeletal muscle protective agents, monitor the extent of preconditioning of cardiac and skeletal muscles, and monitoring the status of a subject with cardiac or skeletal muscle damage are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for altering MLC1 to change contractility of cardiac and skeletal muscles and to protecting cardiac and skeletal muscles from damage caused by conditions and/or agents including, but not limited to, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, free radicals ischemia, hypoxia, and ischemia/hypoxia with reperfusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for predicting restenosis following coronary intervention by measuring human lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) in a body fluid sample. More particularly, this method comprises measuring the L-PGDS concentration in the sample and predicting restenosis following coronary intervention by using a change therein as an indicator.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for rapid and specific fluorescent staining of biological tissue samples that substantially preserve biological molecules such as mRNA. Methods for microdissecting tissue to obtain pure populations of cells or tissue structures based upon identifying and excising cells or tissue structures that are labeled with fluorescent specific binding agents are also included. A laser capture microdissection apparatus useful for identifying and isolating cells and tissue structures following rapid immunofluorescent staining is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to therapeutic molecules capable of inter alia modulating apoptosis in mammalian cells. The therapeutic molecules of the present invention encompass genetic sequences and chemical entities capable of regulating expression of a novel mammalian gene belonging to the bcl-2 family and which promotes cell survival. The therapeutic molecules of the present invention may have further utility in delaying cell cycle entry. In addition, the present invention extends to chemical entities capable of modulating activity and function of the translation product of said novel gene of the bcl-2 family. The present invention also extends to the translation product of the novel gene of the bcl-2 family and its use in, for example, therapy, diagnosis, antibody generation and as a screening tool for therapeutic molecules capable of modulating physiological cell death or survival and/or modulating cell cycle entry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for selecting tumours expressing HLA-G, sensitive to an anticancer treatment, which inhibits or prevents the HLA-G activity of said tumours and the uses thereof. Said method enable to establish either the HLA-G, transcription profile of a solid tumour or the HLA-G expression profile of a solid tumour. The method for establishing the HLA-G transcription profile consists in: (i) drawing a tumoral sample; (ii) extracting the mRNA; (iii) reverse transcription (RT) of said RNA: (iv) successive or simultaneous amplification of the cDNA's obtained in (iii) in the presence of primers specific to each HLA-G isoform and analysing the resulting amplification products, by electrophoresis and/or specific hybridisation and (v) establishing said sample HLA-G transcription profile.

Abstract: The invention features novel osteoregulin polypeptides, nucleic acid sequences which encode the polypeptides, vectors, antibodies, hosts which express heterologous osteoregulins, and animal cells and mammals with a targeted disruption of an osteoregulin gene. These osteoregulins play a role in regulating bone homeostasis, adiposity, and the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques. Accordingly, the invention also features screening assays to identify modulators of osteoregulin activity as well as methods of treating mammals for diseases or disorders associated with osteoregulin activity.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence including a CYP promoter operably linked to nucleic acid encoding a heterologous protein is provided to increase transcription of the nucleic acid. Expression vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acid sequence are also provided. The methods and compositions described herein are especially useful in the production of polycarboxylic acids by yeast cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroviral gene delivery system that resists complement inactivation through the incorporation of a complement regulatory protein into retroviral particles. In particular, the present invention provides a lentiviral packaging system comprising at least two vectors: a first vector which comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising a gag, a pol, or gag and pol genes; and a second vector which comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising a gene that encodes a complement regulatory protein (CRP) and, optionally, a gene that encodes a heterologous or functionally modified envelope protein. The genes encoding a heterologous or functionally modified envelope protein and a CRP are provided either together in a second nucleotide sequence, or separately in second and third nucleotide sequences. Producer cells comprising the packaging constructs of the present invention and a transgene can be used to produce recombinant retroviral particles for transgene delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for isolating nucleic acid from a sample, preferably from a biological sample. This method involves applying the biological sample to a hydrophobic organic polymeric solid phase to selectively trap target nucleic acid and removing nucleic acid with a nonionic surfactant. Another method involves treating a hydrophobic organic polymeric material with a nonionic surfactant, washing the surface, and subsequently contacting the treated solid organic polymeric material with a biological sample to reduce the amount of nucleic acid that binds to the organic polymeric solid phase.

Abstract: Granules that include a protein core are described. The protein core includes a protein matrix which includes a protein mixed together with a starch and optionally sugar such as sucrose. The protein matrix can be layered over a seed particle or the protein core can be homogeneous. The protein can be an enzyme or a therapeutic protein. A barrier layer may surround the protein core, and a coating can be applied to the seed particle, the protein matrix and/or the barrier layer.

Abstract: An enzyme that cleaves 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds by incorporating molecular oxygen into the substrate in amounts equimolar to the amount of substrate cleaved. The enzyme from Acinetobacter johnsonii is a multimer of about 67 kilodaltons made up of subunits of about 16.6 kilodaltons. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis of a cloned A. johnsonii subunit indicates little homology with other proteins. Native or recombinant enzyme can be used to decontaminate or detoxify acetylacetone or related diketones.

Abstract: Two gene clusters have been isolated from an Brevibacterium sp HCU that encode the enzymes expected to convert cyclohexanol to adipic acid. Individual open reading frames (ORF's) on each gene cluster are useful for the production of intermediates in the adipic acid biosynthetic pathway or of related molecules. All the ORF's have been sequenced. Identification of gene function has been made on the basis of sequence comparison and biochemical analysis.

Abstract: A highly conserved active site helix present within the P-450 superfamily of proteins is found also in monoamine oxidase (MAO) B, a major enzyme that catalyzes deamination of neuro- and vaso-active amines in the nervous system of mammals. Mutation within the conserved region of the MAO B enzyme directly reduces MAO B's activity and alters its pH profile, which allows for indirect regulation of the cellular neurotransmitters and vasoamines.

Abstract: L-arginine is produced using a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia harboring a mutant N-acetylglutamate synthase in which the amino acid sequence corresponding to positions from 15 to 19 in a wild type N-acetylglutamate synthase is replaced with any one of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 4, and feedback inhibition by L-arginine is desensitized.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to DNA Fragmentation Factor (DFF) polypeptides and related nucleic acids. More particularly, the present invention provides the sequence for the active subunit of DFF. The polypeptides may be produced recombinantly from host cells transformed from the disclosed DFF encoding nucleic acids or purified from human cells. The invention provides isolated DFF, hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridization with the disclosed DFF genes, DFF-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a soluble form of PHEX, PHEX being a type II integral membrane glycoprotein. This enzyme is the gene product of a phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome. To produce a soluble form of PHEX, the transmembrane anchor domain has been modified to encode a signal peptidase coding sequence. The soluble PHEX therefore comprises the active ectodomain. An inactive mutant of PHEX is also an object of this invention. Both soluble and inactive mutant forms of PHEX can be used to screen ligands to PHEX. These ligands can also be used as substrates or inhibitors of PHEX. PHEX being phosphaturic, an inhibitor thereof will be used to treat phosphaturia and/or hypophosphatemia. On the opposite, a substrate for PHEX or PHEX itself can be used to treat hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel aspartic endoproteinases from Th. cacao which are involved in the production of cocoa flavor and DNA sequences coding for them. These enzymes are advantageously used in the manufacture of cocoa flavor.

Abstract: According to the present invention, hybridization reaction and washing steps can be carried out continuously without taking out the substrate from the apparatus, thereby simplifying manipulation of the experiment. A reaction solution or a washing solution is injected with a pump 6 and discharged with a pump 22 into and from a case 3 which accommodates a substrate 1 immobilized with biological substances. As the substrate 1, a disc-shaped substrate with a throughhole at the center is used. An agitator 2 is placed in the throughhole to agitate the reaction solution or the washing solution during the hybridization reaction or the subsequent washing, thereby shortening the reaction time and the washing time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening an array of test compounds for bioactivity by contacting an array of test compounds with a detector layer capable of detecting bioactivity, and detecting a detector layer response. The detector layer is comprised of physiologically viable cells. The method and apparatus allow a large number of test compounds to be simultaneously assayed in parallel without the need for complex fluidic devices.

Abstract: Air laden with biodegradable volatile organic compounds is passed sequentially through a first filter bed containing a biologically inert filter media, a second filter bed containing a biologically active filter media, and a third filter bed containing a biologically inert filter media. Water is present in the biologically active filter media and the biologically inert filter media. Water that drains from the second filter bed is collected and supplied to the first filter bed. Water that drains from the third filter bed is collected and recirculated to the third filter bed.

Abstract: A scraper for scraping live cells from a substrate. The scraper comprises a magnetic core and an elastomeric housing surrounding at least a portion of the magnetic core and defining at least one scraping blade. A method of scraping and a system for scraping are also provided.

Abstract: A microorganism culture plate and methods for its fabrication and use is provided. The culture plate comprises a splash-guard that attaches to an upper rim of the plate. The splash-guard forms a removable, hermetic seal with the rim to prevent liquid media or other fluids from spilling or leaking out of the plate. The splash-guard as defined by a frame of film, according to an embodiment, has an aperture situated over a volume of the culture plate.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian galanin receptors, isolated galanin receptor proteins, vectors comprising isolated nucleic acid encoding a mammalian galanin receptor, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to a mammalian galanin receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding a mammalian galanin receptor, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding a mammalian galanin receptor, nonhuman transgenic animals which express DNA encoding a normal or a mutant mammalian galanin receptor, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian galanin receptors.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving encapsidation of transgene RNA using retroviral packaging and transfer vectors. An HIV-2 transfer vector, which includes the transgene, is introduced into a packaging cell that is also transfected with (or stably expresses) an HIV-2 derived packaging vector or a combination of packaging vectors. The packaging vector has mutations in packaging signal sequences that are both upstream and downstream of the 5′ splice donor site. It can also be composed of a combination of two or more partial vectors. A transfer vector, which is introduced into the packaging cell line, has a mutation that renders its splice donor site non-functional. Transgene RNA expression and encapsidation from these cells is markedly increased, but with little or no levels of infectious viral RNA encapsidation.

Abstract: A polynucleotide (hpa) encoding a polypeptide having heparanase activity, vectors including same, genetically modified cells expressing heparanase, a recombinant protein having heparanase activity and antisense oligonucleotides and constructs for modulating heparanase expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for large scale in vitro production of amoebocytes of Indian Horseshoe Crab (Tachypleus gigas) (T. gigas) from dissected gill flaps of T. gigas, in Leibovitz L-15 culture medium concentration (2×), to provide enhanced generation of amoebocytes. The process comprises the steps of: dissecting gill flaps of T. gigas; washing the gill flaps with an antibiotic solution followed by alcohol; culturing the gill flaps in tissue culture plates of sterile saline on a Rocker platform; culturing further the gill flaps in Leibovitz L-15 culture medium (2×); purging the gill flaps with Tween 80 solution; and purging again the gill flaps with horseshoe crab serum, while keeping the gill flaps in the culture medium viable for 90 days by feeding with fresh medium at an interval of 10-15 days to enable the enhanced release of amoebocytes both within and outside the gill flaps.

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

Abstract: The invention provides methods for screening for the presence of a clinically relevant amount of bacteria in donor blood or a blood product from a donor mammal, particularly blood or a blood product that will be transferred from the donor mammal to a recipient mammal. The method comprises contacting a sample of the donor blood or a blood product with a set of binding agents that comprises binding agents that specifically bind to Gram-negative bacterial antigen and/or binding agents that specifically bind to Gram-positive bacterial antigen, and determining binding of the set of binding agents to the sample, wherein binding indicates the presence of a clinically relevant amount of Gram-positive bacteria and/or Gram-negative bacteria in the donor blood or blood product and no binding indicates the absence of a clinically relevant amount of Gram-positive bacteria and/or Gram-negative bacteria in the donor blood or blood product.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of isolating CD8+ cells which employs an antibody which specifically binds to CD8 molecules present on the surface of CD8+ cells but does not activate the CD8+ cells once bound. This invention also provides related hybridoma cell lines, monoclonal antibodies, antigenic polypeptides, isolated CD8+ cells, and kits.

Abstract: Methods of forming contacts, methods of contacting lines, methods of operating integrated circuitry, and related integrated circuitry constructions are described. In one embodiment, a plurality of conductive lines are formed over a substrate and diffusion regions are formed within the substrate elevationally below the lines. The individual diffusion regions are disposed proximate individual conductive line portions and collectively define therewith individual contact pads with which electrical connection is desired. Insulative material is formed over the conductive line portions and diffusion regions, with contact openings being formed therethrough to expose portions of the individual contact pads. Conductive contacts are formed within the contact openings and in electrical connection with the individual contact pads. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate and diffusion regions provide a pn junction which is configured for biasing into a reverse-biased diode configuration.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling hardness in an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method requires the use of a Compound that develops a separate detectable fluorescent signal in the presence of soluble hardness. A fluorometer is used to detect this separate detectable fluorescent signal of the Compound. The separate detectable fluorescent signal is used to ascertain the amount of soluble hardness present in the industrial water system.

Abstract: A method of determining Hb is provided, by which an amount of Hb can be determined easily and accurately without fear of damage to the environment. Hemoglobin in a sample is denatured with a tetrazolium compound to give denatured hemoglobin, and an amount of an optical change in the sample is measured at an absorption wavelength specific to the denatured hemoglobin. Using the amount of the optical change thus measured, an amount of the hemoglobin in the sample can be determined. The amount of the optical change preferably is measured at a wavelength in a range from 520 to 670 nm. According to this method, an amount of Hb can be determined with high accuracy as shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling hardness in an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method requires the use of a Compound that develops a separate detectable fluorescent signal in the presence of soluble hardness. A fluorometer is used to detect this separate detectable fluorescent signal of the Compound. The separate detectable fluorescent signal is used to ascertain the amount of soluble hardness present in the industrial water system. Another aspect of the instant claimed invention is the ability to determine whether the soluble hardness is calcium or magnesium based.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of biological disorders regulatable by the controlled expression or inhibition of the described NHP.