Abstract: This invention relates to a silver halide photographic element comprising a support bearing a cyan dye image-forming unit comprised of at least one red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith at least one cyan dye-forming coupler, a magenta dye image-forming unit comprising at least one green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith at least one magenta dye-forming coupler, and a yellow dye image-forming unit comprising at least one blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith at least one yellow dye-forming coupler, wherein said photographic element has an ISO speed rating of 800 or greater and has an integrated RMS green granularity equal to or less than 11.2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-sensitive emulsion, and a light-sensitive photographic material containing the same, comprising silver bromoiodide grains of a core shell structure comprising: a) an inner core consisting essentially of silver bromide or silver bromoiodide and having a silver iodide content within the range of 0 to 10 mole %, and b) a plurality of shells consisting essentially of silver bromide or silver bromoiodide, wherein said silver bromoiodide grains exhibit an average grain size lower than 0.60 micrometer, an average grain thickness lower than 0.15 micrometer, and an average aspect ratio lower than 5:1.

Abstract: An radiographic imaging system for making a radiograph by a radiography apparatus using a photographic combination of a silver halide photographic light sensitive material in combination with intensifying screens, the photographic material comprising a support having a light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer on each both sides of the support, wherein the radiography apparatus conducts making a radiograph under the condition that a distance between a focal point of an X-ray tube and the photographic material is 0.9 to 3.0 m, a distance between the focal point of the X-ray tube and an object is 0.5 to 2.7 m and a distance between the object and the photographic combination is 0.3 to 1.5 m.

Abstract: A silver halide emulsion containing a dispersion medium and silver halide grains, wherein the silver halide grains have a variation coefficient of projected area diameters of 30% or less and 50% or more of the total projected area of the silver halide grains is occupied by silver halide grains satisfying the following requirements (a), (b), (c) and (d): (a) a hexagonal tabular silver halide grain having a smooth (111) face as a principal plane; (b) the silver iodide content is 7 mol % or more; (c) the projected area diameter is 3 &mgr;m or more; and (d) the aspect ratio is 8 or more.

Abstract: A silver halide emulsion comprising silver halide grains containing at least 90 mol % chloride, 0.02 to 5.0 mol % bromide and 0 to 2.

Abstract: A method for judging a resistance to the onset of bovine leukemia caused by bovine leukemia virus BLV, wherein a bovine individual, in which amino acids specified by the amino acid numbers 74, 77 and 78 of &bgr;1 domain of bovine MHC Class II DR&bgr; chain are Glu, Arg and Val, respectively, is judged to have a resistance to the onset of the leukemia.

Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryldiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

Abstract: Imnunoassays for detecting hepatitis C virus protein and immune complexes between hepatitis C virus protein and antibodies in biological samples, methods of screening blood products for hepatitis C virus, and kits employed therefor are provided.

Abstract: A method for determining an increased likelihood of the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FMS), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an individual, comprising isolating blood cells from the individual and determining the presence of one or more Mycoplasma species present in the blood cells, wherein the presence of one or more Mycoplasma species indicates an increased likelihood of the presence of CFS, FMS, RA or GWS.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stabilizing porous silicon. A porous silicon structure having a surface terminated with hydrogen atoms is subjected to organic thermal processing to substitute the hydrogen atoms with a protective organic layer. The resulting structure are found to have unprecedented stability.

Abstract: Simple methods and kits for determining thermodynamic stability of nucleic acid duplexes and single polynucleotide polymorphisms via competitive equillibria are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses nucleic acid detector probes for specific detection and/or quantification of target nucleic acid sequences and detection and/or quantification methods using these probes. In the absence of target nucleic acid sequence, a first oligonucleotide and a third oligonucleotide are bound to each other in a conformation which brings two member of an interacting moiety pair (labels) into close spatial proximity. Cooperative binding of the first oligonucleotide and a second oligonucleotide to a target nucleic acid sequence causes displacement of the third oligonucleotide from the first oligonucleotide probe resulting in separation of the two members of the interacting moiety pair (labels). The spatial separation of the moieties (labels) is detectable, and indicates the presence and/or amount of the target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium (MOTT), and for the determination of drug susceptibility of M. tuberculosis based on detection of mutations in the rpoB gene.

Abstract: The invention encompasses isolated DNAs encoding HIN-1 polypeptides, vectors containing such DNAs, cells containing the vectors, and isolated HIN-1 polypeptides. The invention also features methods of making and using HIN-1 polypeptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for generating single-stranded DNA molecules of defined sequence and length. Specifically, a region of template containing target sequence is amplified by PCR or RCA, exogenous sequence is introduced by primers or probes used in amplification, double-stranded amplification products are converted to single-stranded amplification products, and single-stranded amplification products are trimmed to produce short single-stranded DNA molecules of defined sequence and length.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. The invention relates as well to the DNA sequences encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, designated PPAR-&ggr;, obtained from a human source. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of TL-&ggr;, antibodies to TL-&ggr;, methods of screening for TL-&ggr; modulators using biologically active TL-&ggr;, and kits for screening for TL-&ggr; modulators.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for identification of lymph nodes and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases as an important prognostic factor in early stage cancers of all types. A carbon black suspension is administered in combination with a second compound to a region associated with a neoplastic tumor in a patient. The sentinel lymph node associated with the disease-associated region is identified by the accumulation of carbon particles. The region associated with the accumulation of carbon black particles is then subject to histopathology for the purpose of identification, diagnosing, staging or predicting the presence of neoplastic tissue. The neoplastic tumor is any neoplasm that metastasizes via the lymphatic channels.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides useful for manipulation of antigen-specific T-cells are disclosed. These polypeptides include MHC class II-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &bgr;1 and &agr;1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked &agr;1 and &agr;2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, and to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising immunoassays for the detection of functional antibodies and the analysis of vaccine efficacy are described. In particular, the present invention provides opsonophagocytic assays. The assays are useful for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple different functional antibodies. In preferred embodiments, the assays include fluorescent labels of multiple colors and/or intensities.

Abstract: An antigen composition and method for the detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum and the diagnosis of syphilis are described. The antigen composition contains synthetic cardiolipin and synthetic lecithin. The antigen composition may additionally contain cholesterol and an alcohol. The antigen composition is useful as an immunoreagent in immunoassays for the detection of antibodies associated with T. pallidum infection. The methods are sensitive and specific for T. pallidum infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protein, a recombinant fusion hybrid, thioredoxin-human glutamate decarboxylase 65 and to a method of using such fusion protein in assaying anti-human glutamate decarboxylase antibodies for the diagnosis of insulin dependant diabetes mellitus. The present invention is further related to methods isolating said fusion protein ans said biotinylated fusion protein. Methods of detecting anti-glutamate decarboxylase 65 antibodies in human serum using either an E. coli protein thioredoxin-glutamate decarboxylase fusion protein or E. coli protein thioredoxin-glutamate decarboxylase-biotin as an antigen are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for assessing risk of a neurodegenerative disease or disorder in a subject. The method comprises comparing a level of anti-&bgr;-amyloid-42 (A&bgr;42) antibody in a biological sample from a subject to a normal level, wherein a lower level in the biological sample from the subject indicates the risk of the disease or disorder. In a specific embodiment, the disease or disorder is Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Abstract: The invention identifies nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of a sensory cell specific phospholipase C that are specifically expressed in taste cells, antibodies to such phospholipase C, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and proteins, and methods of screening for modulators of sensory cell specific phospholipase C.

Abstract: Disclosed are genes found in Streptococcus pneumoniae that are essential for survival for a wide range of bacteria. These genes are termed “S-ylqF,” “S-yqeG,” “S-yybQ,” “S-yerL,” and “S-ysxC.” These genes and the polypeptides that they encode, as well as homologs and orthologs thereof can be used to identify antibacterial agents for treating a broad spectrum of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for the detection of certain calcium containing endospores, and particularly pertains to the detection of bacillus anthracis by first chelating calcium ions of said endospores and then reacting the chelated calcium ions with aequorin to generate a light pulse which can then be detected by a standard liquid scintillation spectrometer.

Abstract: To determine the transplant compatibility of an in vitro cultured tissue, a method measures the stiffness of the cultured tissue by using a stiffness measuring device, which stiffness measuring device includes a detecting unit and calculation means, the detecting unit includes a contact unit, a vibrator connected to the contact unit, and a vibration detecting unit for detecting the vibration of the vibrator, and the calculation means determines stiffness information by calculation based on the detected result from the vibration detecting element; and by bringing the contact unit into contact with the cultured tissue. With this method the transplant compatibility of the cultured tissue can be nondestructively and easily determined easily and the quality of the cultured tissue can be appropriately controlled.

Abstract: A human cervical cancer 1 protooncogene having a base sequence of SEQ ID:1 or a fragment thereof is overexpressed in various cancer tissues and can be used in diagnosing various cancers and an anti-sense gene complementary thereto can be used in treating cancers.

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

Abstract: Haemophilus adhesion and penetration proteins, nucleic acids, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding Plasmodium sp. chitinases. 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 chitinase in host cells. The invention further provides methods of screening a substance for the ability of the substance to modify chitinase function, and a method for isolating other chitinase molecules. DNA oligomers capable of hybridizing to the nucleic acid molecule encoding the chitinase are provided, which can be used to detect chitinase in a sample. An isolated Plasmodium sp. chitinase is also provided. Antibodies specific for the chitinase, and fragments thereof, are provided, as are compositions comprising the chitinase and a compatible carrier. The subject invention further provides methods of preventing infection of mosquitoes by Plasmodium sp. and methods of preventing transmission of malaria.

Abstract: Methods, nucleic acid sequences, and transformed duckweed plant or duckweed nodule cultures for the expression and the secretion of biologically active polypeptides from genetically engineered duckweed are provided. Expression of recombinant polypeptides in duckweed is improved by modifying the nucleotide sequence of the expression cassette encoding the polypeptide for improved expression in duckweed. Recovery of biologically active polypeptides from duckweed is improved by linking the biologically active polypeptide to a signal peptide that directs the secretion of the polypeptide into the culture medium.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nucleotide constructs. Also provided are methods for making DNA constructs useful for introducing sequences into and disrupting the function of a gene in a cell, particularly an embryonic stem cell.

Abstract: The sensitivity of enzyme-based polarographic electrodes to oxygen concentration can be significantly reduced or eliminated by providing an oxygen-reservoir in intimate contact with the oxidative enzyme. This is achieved by making a stabilized emulsion between the enzyme and a compound in which oxygen is extremely soluble. An aqueous glucose oxidase solution is emulsified with a perfluorocarbon liquid, and the resulting emulsion is stabilized by chemically crosslinking the mixture to form a gel. Thin layers of the emulsion are fabricated by spreading a layer of the liquid emulsion before gelation occurs. Additional carrier proteins such as albumin may be added to the enzyme prior to crosslinking to protect enzymatic activity and enhance gel strength. Additional electron transport compounds may be added to further reduce sensitivity to oxygen concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methodology and compositions for stimulating angiogenesis in-situ within viable cells, tissues and organs comprising endothelial cells. The methodology focuses upon and controls the phosphorylation of the 183rd amino acid residue, serine, within the cytoplasmic domain and intracellular tail of transmembrane syndecan-4 proteoglycans which are then positioned at and through the cellular membrane of viable endothelial cells. By intervening and maintaining the 183rd residue in a non-phosphorylated state, a consequential cascade of intracellular events is initiated which result in a stimulation of angiogenesis in-situ.

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

Abstract: An isolated DNA sequence that encodes a peptide with CPC-acetylhydrolase enzymatic activity is disclosed. Also, a method of expressing CPC-acetylhydrolase activity that includes the steps of (a) providing a microorganism that is susceptible to transformation with the isolated DNA sequence and that, upon transformation, expresses the CPC-acetylhydrolase activity encoded by the sequence, and (b) transforming the microorganism with the DNA sequence to cause expression of the CPC-acetylhydrolase activity in the microorganism is disclosed. Also, a method for producing a microorganism with increased capacity to aid in the production of cephalosporin, which method includes the steps of (a) providing a microorganism that has CPC-AH activity by virtue of expression of the DNA sequence or of a fragment thereof coding for the CPC-acetylhydrolase enzyme activity; and (b) inactivating the activity by disrupting expression of the DNA sequence is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cutinase variants having improved thermostability. The variants have one or more amino acid substitutions within the vicinity of the N-terminal amino acid.

Abstract: An endo-&bgr;-N-acetylglucosaminidase gene encoding the following protein (a) or (b): (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3; and (b) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 by deletion, substitution, or addition of at least one amino acid and having the activity of endo-&bgr;-N-acetylglucosaminidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to xyloglucanases belonging to family 44 of glycosyl hydrolases and having a relative xyloglucanase activity of at least 30% between pH 5 and pH 8 are derived from the genus Paenibacillus, especially from a strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa or Paenibacillus sp. The xyloglucanases exhibit high performance in conventional detergent compositions.

Abstract: Novel protease variants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally-occurring or recombinant non-human proteases are disclosed. The variant proteases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant protease to generate the substitution of a plurality of amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor protease. Such variant proteases have properties which are different from those of the precursor protease, such as altered wash performance.

Abstract: Genes encoding novel proteins named AID (Activation-Induced cytidine Deaminase), that are structurally related to APOBEC-1, an RNA editing enzyme, and have a cytidine deaminase activity similar to APOBEC-1, have been found by preparing cDNA libraries from mouse B cell clone CH12F3-2 (which undergoes class switch recombination from IgM to IgA at an extremely high rate after activation of the cells by stimulation with cytokines), with and without stimulation with cytokines, and performing subtraction cloning using the libraries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 5-substituted hydantoin racemase, which efficiently catalyzes racemization reactions at a high optimum temperature for racemization reactions, DNA coding for the racemase, and processes for producing optically active amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides from Corynebacterium glutamicum encoding proteins of the transcription activator (MetR) and O-succinylhomoserine sulfhydrylase (MetZ). The invention also relates to producing L-amino acids, particularly methionine, in coryneform cells having attenuated metR and metZ genes.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting electrophysiological measurements on cells wherein a measuring head is provided with at least one electrode in a common support for impaling the cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated preparation of DNA samples which comprises a reactor for preparing DNA samples and adjacent thereto an enzyme supply section, a plate holding section, a nozzle sealing section and a cleaning tank section, and wherein plates are loaded onto or unloaded from said plate holding section by means of a transport robot.

Abstract: A lid body 200 is divided, on its front side, into three parts, that is, a pair of first movable parts 220 in the form of curved plates on both sides of the body and a second movable part 230 in the form of a flat plate in the middle of the body. A container body 100 is provided with a front engagement member 131 which is displaceable in front and in the rear of the body 100. The first movable parts 220 have front engagement members 221 formed at their front ends to be engageable with the front engagement member 131. While, the second movable part 230 has a disengagement member 231 formed at the front ends. The first movable parts 220 on elastic deformation are engaged with the front engagement member 131. When the second movable part 230 is subjected to depression of its upper face at the front end so that the disengagement member 231 causes the front engagement member 131 to be displaced forward, the engagement of the front engagement member 131 with the front engagement members 221 is released.

Abstract: The utility of adenovirus vectors (Ad) for gene therapy is restricted by their inability to selectively transduce disease-affected tissues. This limitation may be overcome by the derivation of vectors capable of interacting with receptors specifically expressed in the target tissue. Previous attempts to alter Ad tropism by genetic modification of the Ad fiber have had limited success due to structural conflicts between the fiber and the targeting ligand. The present invention presents a strategy to derive an Ad vector with enhanced targeting potential by a radical replacement of the fiber protein in the Ad capsid with a chimeric molecule containing a heterologous trimerization motif and a receptor-binding ligand.

Abstract: The invention features a protein which includes a gp120 V1/V2 domain of an HIV-1 strain and not a gp120 V3 domain of an HIV-1 strain, which protein does not substantially bind CD4. The gp120 V1/V2 domain of the protein displays an epitope which is recognized by an antibody which neutralizes at least one HIV-1 primary isolate with a ND90 of less than 100 &mgr;g/ml.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered cell sorted tissue that is formed in vitro. The tissue is generated by the spontaneous sorting of cells from a homogenous cell mixture into discrete layers by cell type. Connective tissue components, such as fibronectin, may be used to manipulate orientation of the layers during the cell sorting process. The layered cell sorted tissue may be used as a skin graft for burns, wounds, and ulcers. The tissue may also be used in assays to determine effects of chemicals or drugs on human tissue in vitro as well as provide an in vitro assay for tumor cell metastasis.