Abstract: The present invention is based on the findings that BACE2, a homolog of ?-secretase BACE, is able to stimulate processing of APP in a non-amyloidogenic pathway, thereby suppressing the level of A?. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods and means for the identification and use of modulators of this unique activity of BACE2 to suppress A? production. The compounds identified using the methods and means provided herein may be used as potential candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases by reducing ?-amyloid deposit formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro and ex vivo methods of screening for modulators, homologues, and mimetics of lethal factor mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) protease activity, as well as methods of treating cancer by administering LF to transformed cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and materials for utilizing enzymes to act on metal ions in solution so that the ions are reduced to metal. Additionally disclosed is how to use enzymes to accumulate metal particles. The alteration of metal particles by enzymes interacting with the organic shell of the particles is also described. These methods enable a wide range of applications including sensitive detection of genes and proteins, use as probes for microscopy, nanofabrication, biosensors, and remediation.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for isolating and culturing microorganisms from a bulk fluid sample. The device comprises a container having therein a polymeric immobilization layer having interstitial spaces between polymer chains such as a gel matrix. The interstitial spaces are of an average size less than an average size of microorganisms to be separated from the sample and cultured. A bulk fluid sample is applied to the immobilization layer where fluid is absorbed by the layer and microorganisms remain on the surface of the layer. After culturing, microorganism colonies are readily accessible on the surface of the layer for harvest and testing. The immobilization layer may contain one or more of nutrients for microorganisms growth, lytic agents, lytic enzymes, antibiotics, antibiotic neutralizers, indicators, detergents and selective agents. An adjacent support layer may be above and/or below the immobilization layer.

Abstract: The gas dual-dynamic solid state fermentation technique consists of placing the solid materials to be fermented in an air environment with pulsating pressure and cyclic flow to carry out fermentation, the fermentation apparatus comprises a horizontal cylindrical tank with a quick door mechanism, in the tank are axially disposed rectangular spacer barrels of square cross-section constructed by four baffles, in the space between baffles and the tank wall are provided cooler tubes in parallel with the baffles, in the middle of the spacer barrels are provided vertically many sets of cooler tubes, on the lower baffles in the tank is provided axially an fixed track, on which are movable tray racks that can roll on the track, the tray racks having thereon a plurality of layers of trays, at the rear of the tank is provided a centrifugal blowers for forcing gas cycling in the tank.

Abstract: KCC2, KCC3 and KCC4 potassium-chloride cotransporter proteins, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also disclosed, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to KCC2, KCC3 and KCC4 homologs, and methods of producing the same, are also disclosed. KCC2, KCC3 and KCC4 gene products have biological activity in potassium-chloride cotransport. Thus, therapeutic methods involving this activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method provides a multispecific antibody having a common light chain associated with each heteromeric polypeptide having an antibody binding domain. Additionally the method futher involves introducing into the multispecific antibody a specific and complementary interaction at the interface of a first polypeptide and the interface of a second polypeptide, so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation; and/or a free thiol-containing residue at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding free thiol-containing residue in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that a non-naturally occurring disulfide bond is formed between the first and second polypeptide.

Abstract: To provide a promoter, a recombinant DNA, a gene expression vector, an expression vector, and a transformant, which are capable of expressing a gene without inducing gene expression with an inducer; and a method for producing a protein and a kit therefor, which can be operated easily and performed inexpensively by convenient and inexpensive steps.

Abstract: DNAs encoding the mammalian histamine H4 receptors have been cloned and characterized. These recombinant molecules are capable of expressing biologically active histamine H4 receptor protein. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells that produce active recombinant protein. The pharmacology of known histamine ligands is demonstrated. The recombinant protein may be purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, recombinant host cells are utilized to establish methods to identify modulators of the receptor activity, and receptor modulators are identified.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring enhanced disease resistance in a fish are provided. Compositions include novel recombinant constructs that induce transgenic expression of anti-pathogenic polypeptides, including cecropin proteins or biologically active variants thereof, in a fish. Expression of the anti-pathogenic polypeptide is under the control of novel synthetic promoters, naturally occurring fish promoters, or biologically active variants thereof. Compositions of the invention also include transgenic fish cells, fish eggs, and fish, particularly catfish, having the recombinant constructs of the invention stably integrated within their genome. Methods for expressing a polypeptide of interest within a host cell are also provided, wherein expression is under control of the synthetic promoters of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine interleukin-5 proteins; canine interleukin-5 nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode canine interleukin-5 proteins; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to inhibitory compounds that regulate such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to identify and obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to regulate an immune response in an animal.

Abstract: Human chemokine polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such chemokine polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such chemokine polypeptides for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, fibrotic disorders, wound healing and psoriasis. Antagonists against such chemokine polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory and infective diseases, allergic reactions, prostaglandin-independent fever and bone marrow failure are also disclosed. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for making glycoproteins, both in vitro and in vivo, are provided. One method involves incorporating an unnatural amino acid into a protein and attaching one or more saccharide moieties to the unnatural amino acid. Another method involves incorporating an unnatural amino acid that includes a saccharide moiety into a protein. Proteins made by both methods can be further modified with additional sugars.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the determination of a target nucleic acid using a special control nucleic acid, a method for the amplification of a partial sequence of said target nucleic acid using primers, a special control and a kit containing said control. The sequence of these control nucleic acids are at least in part parallel-complementary to the sequence of the target nucleic. These controls have similar properties as the target nucleic acid in hybridization and amplification methods, but can be well differentiated from the target nucleic acid by their different sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of L. brevis. The method comprises bringing the sample into contact with a combination of at least two first nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize with a L. brevis nucleic acid amplifying the L. brevis nucleic acid or a portion thereof to produce at least one amplification fragment; contacting the amplification fragments with at least one second nucleic acid molecule, which specifically hybridises with at least one amplification fragment that comprises a sequence of the L. brevis nucleic acid; and detecting at least one hybrid nucleic acid which consists of an amplification fragment and a second nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enzymatic hydrolysis of cyclic oligomers of poly(ethylene terephthalate), which process comprises subjecting the cyclic oligomer to the action of one or more lipolytic and/or biopolyester hydrolytic enzyme(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing middle-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (MCL-PHA) using a maoC gene. The producing method of MCL-PHA according to the present invention comprises the steps of transforming a microorganism with the maoC gene to give a transformant, the microorganism being deleted of a fadB gene and containing a PHA synthase gene; culturing the transformant in medium containing a C6-10 carbon source; and obtaining PHA consisting of monomers with 6–10 carbon atoms. When the maoC gene whose function has not yet been established is used according to the present invention, high quality PHA with a higher number of carbon atoms than the prior PHA can be produced at a higher efficiency.

Abstract: Thermophilic microorganism Bacillus coagulans strain SIM-7 DSM 14043 for the production of L(+)-lactate from fermentable sugars, including dextrines and starch. The temperature of cultivation is 53–65° C. being the optimal. The final concentration of L(+)-lactate in fermentation is 12% with the yield of 95%. The cultivation of this strain of microorganism is possible without the high-temperature sterilization of equipment and media. Using cereal flour as the source of fermentable sugars, the need of the strain of the microorganism for mineral and nitrogen salts will be covered by the compounds present in the cereals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing an isoprenoid or an isoprenoid precursor in a genetically modified host cell. The methods generally involve modulating the level of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) in the cell, such that the level of HMG-CoA is not toxic to the cell and/or does not substantially inhibit cell growth, but is maintained at a level that provides for high-level production of mevalonate, IPP, and other downstream products of an isoprenoid or isoprenoid pathway, e.g., polyprenyl diphosphates and isoprenoid compounds. The present invention further provides genetically modified host cells that are suitable for use in a subject method. The present invention further provides recombinant nucleic acid constructs for use in generating a subject genetically modified host cell, including recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising nucleotide sequences encoding one or more mevalonate pathway enzymes, and recombinant vectors (e.g., recombinant expression vectors) comprising same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new laccase enzyme, which can be isolated from the strains of the Melanocarpus genus, the M. albomyces strain in particular. The pH optimum of the enzyme is within 5–8 and the enzyme works at a temperature of 30–80° C. The isoelectric point of the enzyme is about 4.0 as determined by isoelectric focusing and the molecular weight about 80 kDa, defined by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme is especially well suited to applications, wherein the pH and temperature conditions are high. The invention also relates to a gene that encodes laccase enzyme, and a laccase enzyme produced by recombinant technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified sulfite reductase which has the following characteristics: a. It functions to catalyze the reduction of sulfites to sulfides or to recover the sulfhydryl groups from disulfide groups, b. In the aforesaid catalysis of the reduction, reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), methyl viologen (MVH) or other donors acts as an electron donor, c. Its molecular weight is from 100,000 to 400,000, d. The optimal temperature for its activity is from 20° C. to 30° C., and e. The optimal pH for its activity is from 6.5 to 8.0. The present invention also relates to a process for producing the purified sulfite reductase, and a method for recovering the proteins of denatured fish by using said sulfite reductase in solution or powder form.

Abstract: The invention comprises modified luciferase proteins which are more resistant to inhibition by test chemicals than wild type luciferase. The modified luciferases also contain greater thermostability than wild type luciferase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mannanases comprising e.g., a sequence of amino acids 32–330 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or their homologues may be derived from e.g., Bacillus sp. I633, or may be encoded by polynucleotide molecules comprising a sequence of nucleotides 94–990 of SEQ ID NO: 1 from, polynucleotide molecules that encode a polypeptide that is at least 65% identical to the sequence of amino acids 32–330 of SEQ ID NO: 2, or degenerate nucleotide sequences thereof. The mannanases are alkaline and are useful e.g. in cleaning compositions, in a fracturing fluid useful to fracture a subterranean formation, for modifying plant material, and for treatment of cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a family of bacterial acyl glucosaminylinositol amidases with amidase activity against S-conjugate amides, particularly mycothiol-derived S-conjugate amides. The invention amidases are characterized by a highly conserved 20 amino acid N-terminal region and four highly conserved histidine-containing regions and by having amidase activity, particularly amide hydrolase activity. The invention further provides methods for using the invention amidases in drug screening assays to determine compounds with antibiotic activity or compounds that inhibit activity or production of endogenous acyl glucosaminyl inositol amidase in bacteria. The invention further provides methods for detoxifying a toxic substance by contacting the toxic substance with an invention amidase, for example, by expression of the amidase under environmental conditions in a bacterium.

Abstract: The invention rates to a hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA-based culture system capable of synthesis of infectious HCV in cell culture and cell-to-cell spread of the virus. The invention also relates to a method of measuring the level of HCV infection in a hepatocyte cell. A method for identifying a modulator of HCV activity is also presented, and a method for modulating HCV activity. The invention provides a reliable system for both genetic analysis of the viral genome and for the development of novel antiviral strategies.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel rapidly growing microorganisms and methods for their use in cloning or subcloning nucleic acid molecules. The rapid growing microorganisms of the present invention form colonies more rapidly than microorganisms typically used in molecular biology and thus provide a significant improvement in in vitro cloning methods used extensively in molecular biology. The invention also relates to kits and compositions used in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Method of conditionally controlling the survivability of a recombinant cell population and of containing such cells to an environment or containing replicons to a host cell is based on the use of proteic killer systems including the E. coli relBE locus and similar systems found in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Archae. Such system are generally based on a cytotoxin polypeptide and an antitoxin or antidote polypeptide that in contrast to the cytotoxin is degradable by proteases. The recombinant cells are useful as vaccines, pollulant degrading organisms or as biogical pest control organisms e.g. expressing B. thuringiensis crystalline proteins.

Abstract: Loline alkaloids (LA), which are 1-aminopyrrolizidines with an oxygen bridge, are produced by Epichloë (anamorph=Neotyphodium) species, endophytes of grasses. LA are insecticidal, thus helping protect host plants from insect herbivory. Suppression subtractive hybridization PCR was used to isolate transcripts up-regulated during loline alkaloid production in cultures of Neotyphodium uncinatum. Subtracted cDNAs were cloned, and a ?-phage cDNA library from an LA-expressing N. uncinatum culture was screened with subtracted cDNA. In BLAST searches, several cDNAs identified had sequence similarities to aspartate kinases, and another with O-acetylhomoserine-(thiol)lyase. Differential expression of these two genes in LA-producing cultures of N. uncinatum was confirmed, and in a survey of 23 isolates from 21 Neotyphodium and Epichloë species these two genes strictly correlated with LA production. Two nucleic acid molecules encoding two loline alkaloid gene clusters have been identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of the lsr operon, the genes therein, and the polypeptides encoded by these genes. The present invention also includes strains with altered expression levels of the polypeptides encoded by the genes and the lsr operon relative to wild type cells. In some embodiments, the strains express a transporter that transports an autoinducer into the cell at a level higher than that of wild type cells. The present invention also includes methods for identifying compounds that modulate the transport of the autoinducer into cells.

Abstract: A bacterial protein which converts 2-methyl citrate to 2-methyl isocitrate is a previously unknown target for antibacterial agents. The protein of this activity is associated with mucoid bacteria and inhibitors of production or activity of this protein in combination with propionic acid mitigate the virulence of these bacteria.

Abstract: A novel microorganism of the genus Bifidobacterium longum, in particular to its genomic and plasmid sequence and to a method of producing polypeptides of said Bifidobacterium, respectively. Also methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides, respectively. A data carrier is provided comprising nucleotide sequences and/or polypeptide sequences of NCC2705. In addition, the Bifidobacterium longum strain NCC2705 and also to food and pharmaceutical compositions containing said Bifidobacterium or active components thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of diarrhoea brought about by rotaviruses and pathogenic bacteria are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating noninvasive or implantable glucose analyzers that uses either alternative invasive glucose determinations or noninvasive glucose determinations to calibrate noninvasive or implantable glucose analyzers. Use of an alternative invasive or noninvasive glucose determination in the calibration allows minimization of errors due to sampling methodology, and spatial and temporal variations that are built into the calibration model. An additional embodiment uses statistical correlations between noninvasive and alternative invasive glucose determinations and traditional invasive glucose determinations to adjust noninvasive or alternative invasive glucose concentrations to traditional invasive glucose concentrations. The invention provides a means for calibrating on the basis of glucose determinations that reflect the matrix observed and the variable measured by the analyzer more closely.

Abstract: An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system for collecting biological samples from air including a collection assembly to store at least one biological sample and a separator to remove selected particles from the air prior to entry into the collection assembly. In one embodiment, the selected particles are magnetic and the separator includes at least one magnet to attract the particles from the air.

Abstract: Th invention provides compositions and methods for the production of achromosomal and anucleate cells useful for applications such as diagnositic and therapeutic uses, as well as research tools and agents for drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence and its corresponding protein sequence useful as a dominant selectable marker in eukaryotes. More specifically the invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a bacterial IMPDH gene that has been engineered into a eukaryotic expression vectors, thereby permitting bacterial IMPDH expression in mammalian cells. Bacterial IMPDH expression confers resistance to MPA which can be used as dominant selectable marker in eukaryotes including mammals. The invention also relates to expression vectors and cells that express the bacterial IMPDH gene as well as gene therapies and protein synthesis.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of generating cells that stably replicate sub-genomic virus replicons. This invention also provides methods of generating cells that have disabled PKR activity and that stably replicate HCV sub-genomic replicons. The invention also provides methods of using the cells of the invention to screen for compounds that modulate viral RNA replication, including HCV RNA replication.

Abstract: The invention concerns lactic acid bacteria strains capable of regulating the production of NO and inflammatory cytokines by enterocytes, depending on the inflammatory condition of said enterocytes. The strains can also be incorporated in food supplements such as fermented dairy products used for regulating inflammatory response and non-specific immunity.

Abstract: A regulatory region is shown, a nucleotide sequence of approximately 3kb which provides improved seed preferred, and particularly embryo preferred expression in plants. Methods of use are also shown in preferentially expressing a heterologous protein to the embryo tissue of a plant. The sequence is particularly useful in expression of heterologous proteins to the embryo of monocotyledonous plants, particularly cereals, and maize.

Abstract: Genes encoding Class II EPSPS enzymes are disclosed. The genes are useful in producing transformed bacteria and plants which are tolerant to glyphosate herbicide. Class II EPSPS genes share little homology with known, Class I EPSPS genes, and do not hybridize to probes from Class I EPSPS's. The Class II EPSPS enzymes are characterized by being more kinetically efficient than Class I EPSPS's in the presence of glyphosate. Plants transformed with Class II EPSPS genes are also disclosed as well as a method for selectively controlling weeds in a planted transgenic crop field.

Abstract: The invention provides new compositions and methods for immunomodulation of individuals. Immunomodulation is accomplished by administration of immunomodulatory polynucleotide/microcarrier (IMP/MC) complexes. The IMP/MC complexes may be covalently or non-covalently bound, and feature a polynucleotide comprising at least one immunostimulatory sequence bound to a nonbiodegradable microcarrier or nanocarrier.

Abstract: A diversity of inflammatory diseases can be treated via local delivery to the patient of a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-malarial agent. In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a pulmonary inflammatory condition, such as asthma, is treated by inhalation of an aerosolized anti-malarial agent, such as hydroxychloroquine.

Abstract: The invention claimed herein is a kit for detecting biologically active substances on a support, comprising the luminescent marine bacteria Vibria Fischeri in a form stabilized for transport and storage, one or more cultivation media or the individual components of cultivation media for the microorganism wherein the cultivation media contains 100 mg/l to 500 mg/l of aspartic acid, and optionally additives for extending the period of luminescence selected from N-acylhomoserine lactones, dipeptides, oligopeptides, or their biochemical precursors, and boron compounds.

Abstract: A method to determine the concentration ratio of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in the gaseous product of a fluidized bed reactor for producing titanium tetrachloride. The hot fluidized bed of the reactor is used as the source of infrared radiation which radiation is directed through the gaseous products in upper portion of the reactor through a window in the reactor to an infrared spectrometer. The concentration ratio can be used to control the temperature of the fluidized bed reactor by controlling the amount of cool titanium tetrachloride that is introduced into the reactor.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system for analyzing samples of compressed or ambient gas such as breathing air within a scuba tank, SCBA or ambient air within an industrial plant and informing the user as to the results of the sample's gas purity without the gas sample having to be physically transported to an accredited laboratory. The system comprises a gas analyzer situated at a user facility for receiving the contents of a gas sample and detecting gas purity characteristics, and a server situated at a remote certified testing site and electrically coupled to the gas analysis module via data transmission, such as a wireless or a computer network connection, wherein the server, maintained by a qualified third party receives and stores the gas purity characteristics in the form of computer-readable data signals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for labeling a molecule by contacting a sample molecule with a solid support coupled to a chemical group comprising a cleavable functional group, one or more functional groups, and a reactive group for the sample molecule, under conditions allowing the sample molecule to covalently bind to the reactive group; and cleaving the cleavable functional group, thereby releasing the sample molecule comprising the one or more functional groups, which can be a tag. The invention also provides a solid support covalently coupled to a chemical group comprising a cleavable functional group, a mass spectrometry tag and a reactive group for covalently attaching a sample molecule, wherein the cleavable functional group, the tag and the reactive group are positioned relative to each other to allow transfer of the tag to the sample molecule upon cleavage of the cleavable functional group.

Abstract: A supply apparatus for preparing a mixed chemical solution of a predetermined mixing ratio at a low cost and for supplying the mixed chemical solution stably. The supply apparatus includes a measuring apparatus located on an intermediate portion of a flow channel through which the chemical solution flows upward for measuring properties of the mixed chemical solution. In the lower portion of the measuring apparatus, disposed is a nozzle for spouting the chemical solution upward.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying and quantifying polyglycopeptides in a sample. The method can include the steps of immobilizing glycopolypeptides to a solid support; cleaving the immobilized glycopolypeptides, thereby releasing non-glycosylated peptides and retaining immobilized glycopeptides; releasing the glycopeptides from the solid support; and analyzing the released glycopeptides. The method can further include the step of identifying one or more glycopeptides, for example, using mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting biological analytes comprising suspending a target analyte in a suspending solution containing polymeric particles marked with a probe, wherein the probe has an affinity for said target analyte; adding recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker to the suspending solution; forming a complex of the target analyte, the polymeric particles marked with a probe, and the recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker; contacting a gelatin surface with the suspending solution; adding developer to the suspending solution in contact with the gelatin surface in the presence of phenol to attach the complex to the gelatin surface; washing the gelatin surface; and detecting the complex attached to the gelatin surface.