Abstract: A humanized antibody that binds to human 4-1BB and that allows binding of human 4-1BB to a human 4-1BB ligand. In one aspect, the antibody is an IgG4 antibody. Also provided is a method for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to said subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of screening for substances preventing or treating diseases in association with IL-6 family cytokine receptor malfunction, which comprises using a transgenic mouse or a part thereof expressing a gp130 variant, wherein said gp130 variant comprises a substitution or a deletion of a tyrosine residue, which corresponds to the tyrosine residue at position 759 of human gp130 protein, or a substitution, an insertion or a deletion of one or more amino acid residues in a region comprising said tyrosine residue.

Abstract: By using (1) a G protein-coupled receptor protein having the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or its salt and (2) a fatty acid or an eicosanoid, a compound or its salt that can change the binding properties of the receptor protein or its salt to the fatty acid or the eicosanoid can be screened efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The modified GPCRs of the present invention include GPCRs that have been modified to have carboxyl terminal tails comprising one or more sites of phosphorylation, preferably one or more clusters of phosphorylation sites. The modified GPCRs of the present invention may comprise a retained portion of a carboxyl-terminus region from a first GPCR fused to a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises the one or more clusters of phosphorylation. The present invention also relates to methods of screening compounds and sample solutions for GPCR activity using the modified GPCRs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to VESPR polypeptides as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the VESPR polypeptide, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding VESPR, and methods for preparing VESPR polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis of hyperproliferative disease and autoimmune disease. Tumor associated antigens, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies to the tumor associated antigens are provided for the diagnosis of hyperproliferative disease, such as, for example, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and other epithelial cancers, and for the diagnosis of autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide, called EspA, which is secreted by pathogenic E. coli, such as the enteropathogenic (SPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) E. coli. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding EspA polypeptide, EspA peptides, a recombinant method for producing recombinant EspA, antibodies which bind to EspA, and a kit for the detection of EspA-producing E. coli.

Abstract: A surface on which adsorption of protein (e.g., BSA) is markedly suppressed is provided, by contacting solutions of polymers whose chief component is poly(ethylene oxide) having binding sites to sensor surfaces with biosensor surfaces plural times to link the polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic methods based upon the expression of the protein prostasin. In particular, it is concerned with assays performed on women to determine their risk of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 3714, 16742, 23546, or 13887 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel protein kinases. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 3714, 16742, 23546, or 13887 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 3714, 16742, 23546, or 13887 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention sill further provides isolated 3714, 16742, 23546, or 13887 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-3714, -16742, -23546, or -13887 antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput screening methods for characterizing compounds that modulate the biological activity of a biochemically functional sarcomere. Compounds characterized by such methods are useful for treating congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A dry-phase triglycerides test strip that can be stored at room or elevated temperatures for several months without significant degradation in its effectiveness. The test strip includes a test membrane which receives plasma and forms a colored response in proportion to concentration of triglycerides in the plasma. The test membrane is impregnated with an aqueous solution containing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4AAP). The inventors have found that by reducing the pH of the impregnating solution to less than that of the recommended pH range for one of the key components (viz., less than pH 6.0), overall stability of the test strips was dramatically improved. The improvement in storage capability of these triglycerides test strips represents not just a difference in degree, but a difference in kind.

Abstract: Cell-based reagents and methods of using the reagents for detecting analytes are provided. The adsorbing of cells with signal-generating metabolic activity to solid supports has been found to improve the sensitivity of known cell based assays. Signal-generating cells adsorbed to a solid support are introduced to a test agent, and the measured decrease in metabolic signal provides a measure of the toxicity of the test agent.

Abstract: A novel method for evaluating an effect of an antimicrobial agent which comprises removing the antimicrobial agent remaining in a biological sample or the like to thereby accurately evaluate the effect of the antimicrobial agent without being affected by the remaining antimicrobial agent. A therapeutic agent for onychomycosis which can be obtained according to the evaluation method of the drug effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for converting sesquiterpene. The method includes reacting a sesquiterpene substract with a sesquiterpene converting enzyme. The enzyme is from a species or organism containing sesquiterpenes. The sesquiterpene substrate is not naturally present in the species or organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coarse clarification of lysed cell material from microorganisms and particularly to a method of obtaining nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of coarsely clarifying cell lysate from microorganisms that comprises: lysing the microorganisms under the normal atmospheric pressure to form a flocculent precipitate in the lysate, compressing the flocculent precipitate in the lysate by reducing or increasing the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the lysate in relation to the normal atmospheric pressure to form a compressed flocculent phase and a liquid phase, and separating the two phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel Methylobacterium species that are capable of degrading nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds. Compositions, kits and methods of using the Methylobacterium species for the degradation of nitroaromatic and nitramine pollutants are provided. More specifically, compositions and methods for the degradation or bioremediation of nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives and explosive residues are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence of the Coactivator Associated arginine (R) Methyltransferase protein, CARM1. A method is described for the use CARM1 to regulate gene expression in vivo. CARM1 has also been used to methylate arginine residues of histones, synthetic peptides, and other proteins. A method to use CARM1 to screen for drugs that inhibit its methyltransferase activity is also described, as is a method to screen for drugs that modulate CARM1's interactions with other proteins.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided expression systems for the production of function glucocorticoid receptor proteins, methods for the recombinant production of glucocorticoid receptor proteins as well as sequences encoding novel members of the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily of receptors (e.g., glucocorticoid receptor). Invention expression systems comprise host cells containing DNA encoding functional glucocorticoid receptor proteins, wherein the DNA is operably linked to control sequences compatible with host cells, thereby enabling the expression of functional receptor proteins. The invention method is carried out by culturing such recombinant host cells, and recovering the functional glucocorticoid receptor proteins produced thereby.

Abstract: A genomic nucleotide sequence encoding Serum Amyloid A (SAA), isolated and purified from mammalian colostrum, is disclosed. Methods of use for the same in transgenic protocols is also disclosed.

Abstract: BLAST search was done on the EST database by using various nucleotide sequences encoding known bromodomain motifs to discover several ESTs likely encoding bromodomain genes. Next, testicular cDNAs were PCR cloned by using primers designed based on the sequence of EST (W17142), which is one of the ESTs discovered above. By using the thus obtained PCR product as a probe, the testicular library was screened. The obtained cDNA clone was used as a probe to re-screen the testicular cDNA library, thereby successfully isolating a full-length cDNA corresponding to EST (W17142). The protein encoded by the thus isolated cDNA had, in addition to the bromodomain, several regions and domains conserved in transcription regulatory factors. Moreover, the protein interacted with proteins associated with the chromatin-mediated transcriptional regulatory mechanism and a transcription co-activator.

Abstract: A process for selecting human cells for the production of human proteins by endogenous gene activation allows human proteins to be produced in economically feasible quantities and in a form suitable for producing a pharmaceutical composition. Also disclosed is a process for producing human proteins in a cell line identified in this matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HSV-based amplicon vectors carrying a genomic DNA fragment, and methods of constructing and using the same. Included within the present invention is a method of converting any large capacity DNA cloning vector, such as a BAC or PAC, into an HSV amplicon or hybrid HSV amplicon using site-specific, or other types of recombination, so that genomic DNA inserts within the BAC or PAC clone can be delivered by infection to a cell, and efficiently expressed. The present invention also relates to a system for the rapid creation of viral vectors carrying transgenes of interest. This aspect of the invention is accomplished through recombination between: (a) a large-capacity cloning vector carrying a viral genome, and (b) a transfer vector containing the transgene of interest. Finally, an expression-ready genomic DNA library is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for (1) extracting metals from soil by the use of plants that extract and accumulate the metal and adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of the plants to extract the metal, and (2) preparing soil for extraction of a metal by plants by adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of plants to extract the metal. It is preferred that the plants be planted in the soil as seeds and that the bacteria added to the soil is also added to the seeds prior to planting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein having ?1,2-fucosyltransferase activity, a DNA encoding the protein, a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA, a transformant comprising the recombinant DNA, a process for producing the protein having ?1,2-fucosyltransferase activity using the transformant, and a process for producing a fucose-containing complex carbohydrate using the transformant.

Abstract: The invention provides crystalline forms of a polypeptide corresponding to the catalytic domain of Aurora kinase. The active site ATP binding pocket is defined by its amino acid residues and their atomic coordinates. This structure may be used to select or design chemical modulators of Aurora kinase, particularly Aurora inhibitors. These modulators may be used to treat diseases of cell proliferation, e.g. cancer.

Abstract: A method of screening a substance of interest for heme independent modulation of enzymatic activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is disclosed, comprising (a) obtaining ??Cys105 mutant sGC enzyme; (b) determining activity of the mutant enzyme for forming cGMP from GTP in the presence of the substance of interest in a reaction medium; (c) determining activity as in step (b), except in the absence of the substance of interest; optionally, (d) including an activator other than the substance of interest in steps b) and c); e) comparing results of (b)–(d) to yield a comparison result; and f) from that value of that result, assessing activity of the substance of interest for modulating cGMP production by the mutant enzyme. Increased or decreased formation of cGMP in the presence of the substance of interest indicates activity of the substance for modulating heme independent cGMP production.

Abstract: Cyclopentanone 1,2-monooxygenase (CPMO) from Comamonas (previously Pseudomonas) sp. strain NCIMB 9872 carries out the second step of a degradation pathway that allows the bacterium to use cyclopentanol as a sole carbon source for growth. In the present invention there is reported the localization of the CPMO-encoding gene (cpnB) on a 4.3-kb SphI fragment, the determination of its sequence. The 550-amino acid CPMO polypeptide (Mt, 62,111) encoded by the gene was found to have 36.5% identity with the sequence of cyclohexanone 1,2-monooxygenase (CHMO) of Acinetobacter sp. strain NCIMB 9871. The 62-kDa CPMO was expressed in E. coli as an IPTG-inducible protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel inulin synthase having a function and a substrate specificity of acting on sucrose to produce inulin, but not acting on kestose, maltose, lactose, trehalose and cellobiose; and a process for producing inulin comprising the step of allowing the synthase, a culture fluid or cultured cells of a microorganism producing the synthase, or a treated product thereof to contact with sucrose to produce inulin.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising thermostable DNA polymerases derived from hyperthermophilic eubacteria. In particular, the present invention comprises thermostable DNA polymerases from the hyperthermophilic eubacterial species Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. The present invention also provides methods for utilizing naturally-occurring and non-naturally-occurring forms of T. vulgaris DNA polymerase in sequencing, reverse transcription, and amplification reactions.

Abstract: A method for efficient production of an S-hydroxynitrile lyase by gene recombination using Escherichia coli is provided. A gene is formed by altering a codon in an S-hydroxyniitrylase gene originating in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) without changing the amino acid sequence thereof till the frequency of codon usage wholly with an amino acid in Escherichia coli reaches a level of not less than 5%. According to the method for the production of an S-hydroxynitrile lyase by the use of the gene, the S-hydroxynitrile lyase can be produced in a large amount with an unusually high yield.

Abstract: An effective vaccine for Marek's disease may be prepared using a viral agent which is a Marek's disease virus unable to express a functional meq protein. This viral agent is effective to elicit an immune response in a chicken to very virulent strains of Marek's disease virus without causing a significant degree of pathogenicity in the inoculated bird. Suitable formulations of the vaccine for use in chickens include an effective immunization dosage of this novel viral agent with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: A method for killing pests (e.g. insects) comprising administering material from Xenorhabdus species (e.g. X. nematophilus) such as cells or supernatants orally to the pests, either alone or in conjunction with Bacillus thuringiensis or pesticidal materials derived therefrom. Also disclosed is an isolated pesticidal agent (and compositions comprising the same) characterized in that it is obtainable from cultures of X. nematophilus or mutants thereof, has oral pesticidal activity agent Pieris brassicae, Pieris rapae and Plutella xylostella, is substantially heat stable to 55° C., is proteinaceous, acts synergistically with B. thuringiensis cells as an oral pesticide and is substantially resistant to proteolysis by trypsin and proteinase K. DNA encoding pesticidal activity is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutants and alleles of the coryneform bacterium mqo gene which encodes malate quinone oxidoreductases which contain any amino acid apart from L-serine at position 111, or a comparable position, in the amino acid sequence, and to processes for fermentatively preparing amino acids, preferably L-lysine, L-tryptophan and L-proline, using bacteria which comprise these alleles.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides encoded thereby for epothilone B hydroxylase and mutants and variants thereof and a ferredoxin located downstream from the epothilone B hydroxylase gene are provided. Also provided are vectors and cells containing these vectors. In addition, methods for producing recombinant microorganisms, methods for using these recombinant microorganism to produce hydroxyalkyl-bearing epothilones and an epothilone analog produced by a mutant of epothilone B hydroxylase are provided.

Abstract: An analysis device includes an electrode arrangement, a current/voltage provider, and a circuit analyzer. The electrode arrangement has an interdigitated electrode pair including a first electrode and a second electrode. Coupled to the electrode arrangement is a signal generator adapted to provide a signal (e.g., an alternating current or voltage) having a selected range of frequencies. The analyzer is coupled to the electrode arrangement and is operative to analyze an electrical parameter of the circuit as the signal is applied. An analytic method includes measuring changes in one or more parameters of the circuit over the range of frequencies. By such measurement, the device can determine whether a target moiety has been bound by a probe attached to the electrode(s). The device can also specifically identify the intermolecular system detected, i.e., by “finger-printing” the electrical response of each molecule or intermolecular complex.

Abstract: An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.

Abstract: An assay system has a chamber that receives a test strip onto which a sample comprising an analyte has been placed. The chamber is in gaseous communication with a piezoelectric material that generates an electrical signal in response to a pressure change in the chamber that is caused by a reaction between the analyte and a reagent.

Abstract: The invention concerns human cells which, due to an activation of the endogenous human EPO gene, are able to produce EPO in an adequate quantity and purity to enable a cost-effective production of human EPO as a pharmaceutical preparation. Furthermore the invention concerns a process for the production of such human EPO-producing cells, DNA constructs for the activation of the endogenous EPO gene in human cells as well as a process for the large-scale production of EPO in human cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel protein modulating cancer cell proliferation. The proteins encoded by the polynucleotides of the invention enable to determine the degree of malignity of abnormal cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention provides genetic approaches to inhibit or treat pain which employ mutant ? opioid receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS). It is highly tolerant to glyphosate, the competitive inhibitor of the substrate phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). The invention also relates to a gene encoding the synthase, a construct and a vector comprising said gene, and a host cell transformed with said construct or vector.

Abstract: An isolated DNA encoding the enzyme I-SceI is provided. The DNA sequence can be incorporated in cloning and expression vectors, transformed cell lines and transgenic animals. The vectors are useful in gene mapping and site-directed insertion of genes.

Abstract: A multicomponent fluid composition monitoring and compositional control system, in which a component analysis is effected by titration or other analytical procedure, for one or more components of interest, and a computational means then is employed to determine and responsively adjust the relative amount or proportion of the one or more components in the multicomponent fluid composition, to maintain a predetermined compositional character of the multicomponent fluid composition. The system is usefully employed in semiconductor manufacturing photoresist and post-etch residue removal, in which the cleaning medium is a semi-aqueous solvent composition, and water is the monitored and responsively adjusted component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device and method for the detection of lithium ions in a biological fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a novel compound and a optical sensor which incorporates said compound for the detection of lithium ions. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of detecting lithium ions which comprises placing the novel optical sensor into communication with a biological fluid. Once the novel compound of the present invention encounters a lithium ion(s), a fluorescence is generated, the intensity of which is measured and allows for the determination of lithium ion concentration. The present invention provides a medical professional with the ability to selectively determine lithium ion concentration in a biological fluid thereby facilitating the treatment of various diseases, such as manic-depressive illness.

Abstract: The invention concerns scintillation proximity assays performed in multiwell plates where a charge coupled device is used to image the wells. Conventional phosphors emit blue light (350–450 nm) which is absorbed by yellow or brown assay components. This problem is addressed by the use of phosphors that emit radiation of longer wavelength (480–900 nm).

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions on a nano or meso scale comprises providing a micro-electromechanical chip with a plurality of micro-chambers in the micro-electromechanical chip. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated jet type dispensing means with nano or meso scale precision. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: A variable rate particle counter for adjusting the volumetric delivery rate of fluid to a flow cell based upon an initial particle count rate in order to effectively “tune” the final dilution of sample sheath flow to the particle concentration of the sample. A sheath fluid syringe pump and a test sample syringe pump are driven by motors which are adjusted by a data analyzer. The data analyzer compares a particle count rate measured by a detection assembly to a predetermined reference value and determines if the count rate is too high or to low. Accordingly, one of several pump profiles is initiated to adjust the flow rate of the sheath fluid or test sample or both. Advantageously, the low cell count precision is improved and the upper limit cell count is expanded.

Abstract: In accordance with certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of analyzing assay test results for determining whether a fluid under test contains a certain substance. The disclosed method includes detecting the certain substance in the fluid under test received on a test strip, and generating an electrical signal indicative of the amount of the substance detected. The disclosed method further includes responding to the signal, and determining whether or not the fluid under test contains a predetermined quantity of the certain substance to generate an electric output signal. The method disclosed also includes responding to the output signal to indicate the presence or absence of a predetermined quantity of the certain substance contained within the fluid under test. The disclosed method includes delaying in the detecting until after a predetermined time delay interval, and storing the detected information at the completion of the time delay interval.