Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro enzymatic synthesis of deoxyribonucleosides and enzymes suitable for this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated method of transposon-mediated multiplex sequencing of DNA fragments inserted into a vector. It relates more particularity to an increased efficiency in such automated methods, where the increased efficiency is obtained by screening out before the sequencing those constructs in which the transposon inserted into the vector sequence. This prevents a waste of time and resources in performing reactions sequencing the vector instead of the DNA fragments of interest.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for sequencing and genotyping nucleic acid in a single molecule configuration. The method involves single molecule detection of fluorescent labeled PPi moieties released from NTPs as a polymerase extension product is created.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid amplification assays for the detection of nucleic acid sequences of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The present invention provides oligonucleotides that are complementary or that anneal to nucleic acid sequences of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The present invention also provides internal amplification controls (IACs) that can be used in nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: A first method for producing glucan comprises the step of allowing a reaction solution containing sucrose, a primer, inorganic phosphate or glucose-1-phosphate, sucrose phosphorylase, and glucan phosphorylase to react to produce glucans. The maximum value of the sucrose-phosphate ratio of the reaction solution from the start of the reaction to the end of the reaction is no more than about 17. A second method for producing glucan comprises the step of allowing a reaction solution containing sucrose, a primer, inorganic phosphate or glucose-1-phosphate, sucrose phosphorylase, and glucan phosphorylase to react to produce glucans. The reaction is conducted at a temperature of about 40 C to about 70 C.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences from Coryneform bacteria which code for the MtrA and/or MtrB proteins and processes for the fermentative preparation of amino acids using bacteria in which the mtrA and/or mtrB genes are attenuated.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for reacting (di)amines as substrates in the presence of a lysine oxidase arid a reducing agent, resulting in alcohols, diols or cyclic secondary amines. In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of preparing cyclic secondary amines suitable for ultimately synthesizing piperidine-2-carboxylic acid and proline derivatives, useful, for example as thrombin inhibitors.

Abstract: The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, ?-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials related to the production of lactic acid. Specifically, the invention provides methods for producing lactic acid using a crabtree-negative yeast, such as of the Kluyveromyces, Pichia, Candida, Trichosporon and Yamadazmya genera, which have been transformed with a lactate dehydrogenase gene.

Abstract: An in vivo method for the production of pHS via a recombinant host cell is disclosed. The host cell expresses at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having para-hydroxycinnamic acid decarboxylase activity in combination with either at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having tyrosine ammonia lyase activity or at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity.

Abstract: Silicatein is an enzyme of silicate-forming organisms used for the synthesis of their silicate scaffold. The present invention relates to the use of highly-expressed and highly active recombinant silicatein, silicatein isolated from natural sources after gene induction as well as silicatein-fusion proteins for the synthesis of amorphous silicon dioxide (silicic acids and silicates), siloxanes as well as modification of these compounds and their technical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a bioreactor using viable immobilized biological material and to the bioreactor itself. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for producing a siliceous layer capable of biomass immobilization and selectively cutting off macromolecules having a molecular weight higher than a selected threshold, comprising the steps of: a) supplying a gas flow of a gas carrier saturated by a mixture of silicon alkoxides selected from the group comprising (1)Si(OR)4, (2)SiH(OR)3, (3)R?Si(OR)3 and (4)R?SiH(OR)2 wherein R and R?, equal or different each other, are alkyl and/or aryl groups, wherein said gas flow is prepared by bubbling the gas carrier into a liquid mixture of said alkoxides in the ratio of (1)40–85/(2)0–60/(3)0–60/(4)0–60 (% v/v), preferably in the ratio of (1)40–85/(2)0–50/(3)0–50/(4)0–50 (% v/v), more preferably in the ratio of (1)50–80/(2)0–20/(3)5–30/(4)5–30 (% v/v), at a temperature of from 20 to 180° C.

Abstract: A compound of general formula: [CH3O—(CH2—CH2—O)n—CH2—CH2]x—(NH)yLysozyme c. (Z)m wherein: y is the number of free amino groups of lysine molecules present in the molecule of lysozyme c; x is comprised between 1 and y; n is comprised between 5 and 1000; Z is a pharmaceutically acceptable acid; m is comprised between 1 and y.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the stabilization of proteinases by the covalent attachment of or admixture with water-soluble polymers. The resultant stabilized proteinases have increased stability under the harsh conditions used in industrial genomics, which permits their use in the extraction and isolation of nucleic acids and the identification of disease-related prion proteins at elevated temperatures in solutions containing chaotropic agents, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, urea or guanidinium salts, conferring advantages for robotic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease activity, and oligonucleotides therefrom. The isolated nucleic acid molecules can be expressed in appropriate bacterial cells to enhance the production of 2-KLG, which can subsequently be converted to ascorbic acid. Further provided are isolated polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease acitivity, immunogenic peptides therefrom, and antibodies specific therefor. The invention also provides methods of identifying novel 2,5-DKG permeases.

Abstract: A protein having been modified by addition, deletion, insertion or substitution of at least one amino acid in an amino acid sequence constituting a protein having a sarcosine oxidase activity and still having the sarcosine oxidase activity, characterized by having an improved stability in the state of a liquid compared with the unmodified one and/or having a lowered action on L-proline compared with the unmodified one. A sarcosine oxidase having at least one of the following characteristics, i.e., an action on L-proline being 0.7% or less based on sarcosine and a Km value to L-proline being 150 mM or more, when measured at 37° C. and pH 8.0; a process for producing sarcosine oxidase having an excellent substrate specificity which comprises culturing a microorganism capable of producing sarcosine oxidase and collecting the sarcosine oxidase from the culture medium; and a reagent for measuring creatinine which contains the sarcosine oxidase.

Abstract: This invention is directed to nucleic acids which encode the proteins that direct the synthesis of the orthosomycin everninomicin and to use of the nucleic acids and proteins to produce compounds exhibiting antibiotic activity based on the everninomycin structure. The DNA sequence for the gene clusters responsible for encoding everninomicin biosynthetic genes, which provide the machinery for producing everninomicin, are provided. Thus, this invention provides the nucleic acid sequences needed to synthesize novel everninomicin-related compounds based on everninomicin, arising from modifications of the DNA sequence designed to change glycosyl and modified orsellinic acid groups contained in everninomicin. A Micromonospora site-specific integrase gene is also provided, which can be incorporated in a vector for integration into any actinomycete, and, particularly into Monospora.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides involved in cryptophycin biosynthesis and the nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides. The nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides of the invention or variants thereof can be used in the methods of the invention to produce cryptophycins.

Abstract: This invention describes novel catalytically active cytosolic enzymes for triacylglycerol biosynthesis from eukaryotic systems. The complex from oleaginous yeast was enzymatically characterized, and was found to contain lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase, phosphatidic acid phosphatase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, acyl—acyl carrier protein synthetase, superoxide dismutase and acyl carrier protein. The triacylglycerol biosynthetic machinery rapidly incorporates free fatty acids as well as fatty acyl-coenzyme A into triacylglycerol and its biosynthetic intermediates. Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase, phosphatidic acid phosphatase and diacylglycerol acyltransferase from the complex were microsequenced. Acyl carrier protein, superoxide dismutase and diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes were cloned and expressed in bacterial system.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides of a novel ABC family cholesterol transporter, SSG. The herein-disclosed sequences can be used for any of a number of purposes, including for the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol-associated disorders, including sitosterolemia, and for the identification of molecules that associate with and/or modulate the activity of SSG.

Abstract: The invention relates to biotechnologically expressible, enzymically active recombinant porcine liver esterases, to a biotechnological method for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof in organic synthesis. The monomeric subunits of recombinant porcine liver esterase are truncated at their C-terminal end, compared with naturally occurring porcine liver esterase subunits. Moreover, it has proved to be an additional advantage to truncate the N-terminal end as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for preserving the life of probiotic bacteria during passage through the stomach, while permitting their release in the intestine, and which has a low water activity and correspondingly long shelf life. These formulations are designed to retain potency up to the product expiration date. The formulation includes a substantially water-free mixture of probiotic bacteria with monovalent alginate salts, wherein the mixture has been formed and is maintained in a substantially water-free environment. The alginate salts include sodium-alginate and potassium alginate, but not divalent salts such as magnesium alginate or calcium alginate. Generally, an enteric coating (e.g., gelatin or cellulose encapsulation) for the formulation is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a near-universal non-corrosive, non-toxic, environmentally safe and user friendly decontaminant capable of detoxifying organophosphorus (OP)-based G-type, V-type neurotoxic chemical warfare, sulfur-mustard, and related OP based hazardous industrial materials in a dry powder form. The decontaminant contains OPH enzyme, OPAA enzyme, DFPase enzyme, dehalogenase enzyme, quaternary ammonium salt, a pH control reagent, a fire-fighting agent, and a foaming agent. The decontaminant is mixed with available water for use.

Abstract: A disclosure is made of various apparatus and methods for culturing and preserving cells and tissue in ways that minimize contamination potential, direct cells to reside in desired areas, allow uniform cell distribution during seeding, provide optimal growth conditions by controlling the amount of medium residing in proximity of cells, allow desired compounds and molecules to reside in proximity of the cells, allow co-culture, provide for efficient scale up, allow a desired shape of tissue to be created while retaining a closed system, and allow cryopreservation and reconstitution of cell and tissue while retaining a closed system. The apparatus and methods can be combined to prevent the need to remove the tissue from the enclosure at any point during the sterilization, seeding, culturing, cryopreservation, shipping, or restoration process. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method of pipette interface with a container in a manner that blocks contaminants from entering the container.

Abstract: A deployable acoustic wave RFID/biosensor assembly has at least one protective layer, and an acoustic wave RFID/biosensor within the protective layer or layers. The acoustic wave RFID/biosensor includes an acoustic wave device, a biolayer mounted on the acoustic wave device, an electric circuit operable to actuate the acoustic wave device, and a fluidic chamber associated with the biolayer. In use, the fluidic chamber contains fluid which, if a predetermined substance to be sensed is present, operates to modify the biolayer which in turn affects the operation of the acoustic wave device. Protective fluid is provided within the protective layer or layers substantially surrounds the acoustic wave RFID/biosensor to protect the acoustic wave RFID/biosensor from damage when the RFID/biosensor assembly impacts a target and to protect the biolayer from deterioration during storage and use.

Abstract: The invention provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding an Mda-5 polypeptide as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides for isolated nucleic acids comprising derivatives of the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 that encode polypeptides functionally equivalent to Mda-5. The invention further provides for fragments of the isolated nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:1 that encode polypeptides having Mda-5 biological activity. Vectors comprising these isolated nucleic acids and host cells comprising these vectors are also provided by the instant invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing the production of high titre stocks of recombinant AAV (rAAV) through regulation of expression of the AAV REP and CAP proteins. The methods and compositions of the invention are based on the observation that the low level expression of the AAV REP protein increases the production of AAV viral capsid protein and efficiency of packaging resulting in production of higher titre recombinant viral stocks. The invention encompasses recombinant AAV vectors that direct the expression of AAV REP and CAP proteins and the use of such vectors for the production of novel stable cell lines capable of generating high titre rAAV vectors. The invention provides methods for regulating the expression of the AAV REP gene at the transcriptional and post-translational level.

Abstract: Methods for recombinantly producing new RNases, as well as previously-known RNases, are disclosed. The new RNases are active against human carcinoma cells.

Abstract: Described is a double-transfected cell line containing (a) a DNA sequence encoding an uptake transporter for organic anions, preferably OATP8, operatively linked with a promoter and (b) a DNA sequence encoding an export pump for organic anions or anionic conjugates, preferably the multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2), operatively linked with a promoter. Moreover, various uses of said cell line are described, preferably its use for the identification of transport inhibitors, e.g. drug candidates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for the ex vivo formation of mammalian bone and subsequent uses of the bone. A critical and distinguishing feature of the present invention are defined tissue culture conditions and factors resulting in the formation of bone cell spheroids. The invention also provides for methods of implanting into subjects the ex vivo formed bone. Also described are methods for genetically altering the bone cell spheroids to affect bone formation, identification of candidate modulators of bone formation, and identification of genes involved in bone formation.

Abstract: A method for differentiating mesenchymal stem cells of bone marrow into neural cells comprises culturing the mesenchymal stem cells in a medium containing epidermal growth factor(EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) and hepatocyte growth factor(HGF), and the neural cells produced thereby can be employed for the treatment of a neural disease.

Abstract: Plants, particularly sugar cane plants, are reproduced using explant material which may be derived from leaves, shoots, roots and other plant parts. Somatic embryos are produced by culturing immature embryos from the explant material and then culturing mature, somatic embryos from the immature embryos. All achieved in liquid suspension culture, which allows micro propagation of sugar cane without the culture suffering, browning at any stage. The mature embryos can then be encapsulated to form artificial seeds for germination purposes.

Abstract: The application provides, in part, vectors based on novel tobacco rattle virus replicons, as well as methods for using such vectors and transgenic plants.

Abstract: A standard sample composition containing a complexing agent and an alkali salt, mixed with a known amount of a foodstuff, the content of at least one component of which is accurately known. The mixture is dissolved in a solvent, e.g. water, and comminuted to form a dispersion. The solvent is removed e.g. by freeze-drying or other suitable method, such that the water content of the composition is <5% by weight, preferably <1% by weight, more preferably <0.1%, most preferably <0.01% by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a leak of a fluid from a vessel having an inner wall and an outer wall includes: at least one odorant layer adjacent the inner wall or the outer wall; and at least one semi-permeable material layer adjacent the odorant layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly screening materials using, for example, mass spectrometry has been developed. More specifically, an array of materials on a fluid permeable support contained within a reaction cell having a semipermeable membrane can be rapidly screened for characteristics such as catalytic activity, selectivity, and adsorption and desorption properties.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of harmful gases in flue gases through a heat-producing plant that includes a combustion space and a device located downstream of the combustion space, the device includes tubes, through which for instance water, steam or air may pass in order to be heated by heat transfer from flue gases formed during the combustion. In a region near the tube device, at least one beam of ultraviolet light is emitted from a light emitter at one side of a flue gas duct to a light receiver located at the opposite side of the duct, which light emitter is connected to a spectrometer cooperating with a computer unit, in which spectrometer the light is divided spectrally.

Abstract: A method for interpreting data that is produced after a group of amino acids and acylcarnitines are derivatized from blood spots taken from newborn babies and scanned by a tandem mass spectrometer. Concentration levels of each metabolite, which are directly proportional to the butyl ester fragment after derivatization, are compared to threshold flags for determining a significance of any deviation of the metabolite relative to the flag threshold. The threshold flags are diagnostic limits to the data retrieved from each blood spot. The data includes metabolite concentrations and molar ratios of metabolites with other metabolites. Samples are labeled normal for a disease if the concentration of any of the metabolite concentrations or molar ratio concentration do not deviate from the flag threshold, but, in contrast, the sample must be further evaluated if a value is elevated or deficient to some degree.

Abstract: A compound linked to a solid support (R) through a divalent linker moiety (X) and which is represented by the following formula: is disclosed. In particular, the 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is directly linked to the support under mild conditions (i.e., in aqueous or organic solvents at neutral pH and at room temperature). The polymer bound 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid can be used for the derivatization of amines as well as for single step amino group modification of proteins, peptides, and amines via acylation or sulfonylation reactions. A flow through device and method for the single step amino group modifications of proteins, peptides, and amines is disclosed. Also disclosed is a flow through device for the detection of amines in a sample. Additionally, a device and method for the detection of amines in a sample using 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is used to detect the presence of amines in a spoiled meat product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection and/or measurement of a phenol comprising: (a) contacting the sample to be tested with a polymer imprinted with the phenol or an analogue thereof; and (b) measuring binding of the phenol to the polymer. The polymer may be prepared by polymerizing a polymerizable monomer, to which a phenol is covalently bound by a hydrolysable linker, and subsequently removing the phenol by hydrolysis. Propofol is a preferred phenol for use in the invention.

Abstract: A particulate fluorescent conjugated polymer surfactant complex and method of making and using same. The particles are between about 15 and about 50 nm and when formed from a lipsome surfactant have a charge density similar to DNA and are strongly absorbed by cancer cells.

Abstract: A micromechanical particle sorting chip uses an actuator divided into two parts to direct a component of interest into one of a plurality of possible exit paths, based on detection of a fluorescent signal emanating from the component of interest. The two-part actuator may include a force-generating portion and a microactuator portion. The microactuator portion may be disposable, whereas the force-generating portion may be reuseable. By bringing the force-generating portion into proximity to the microactuator portion, the microactuator is induced to move, thereby separating the component of interest from the rest of the fluid stream. The force-generating portion and the microactuator portion may be optimized and fabricated separately, thereby leading to faster, more reliable and less expensive particle sorting.

Abstract: A test strip adapted to receive a sample and detect an analyte therein is provided. The test strip comprises a sample addition zone to which a sample may be added; an absorbent zone proximal to the sample addition zone; one or more test zones distal to the sample addition zone, at least one of the test zones including a first analyte binding agent immobilized therein which is capable of binding to the analyte to be detected; and a terminal sample flow zone distal to the one or more test zones, the absorbent zone being positioned relative to the sample addition zone and having an absorption capacity relative to the other zones of the test strip such that a distal diffusion front of a sample added to the sample addition zone diffuses from the sample addition zone to a distal diffusion point within the terminal sample flow zone and then reverses direction and diffuses proximal relative to the one or more test zones.

Abstract: The object with the funtionalized hydrogel surface for detection of analyte molecules is obtainable by a process including (1) providing a hydrogel layer on a base surface; (2) bonding organic molecules to the hydrogel layer, each including a chain of atoms with a chain length of at least 8 atoms and a terminal group, which is an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, or a derivative thereof, and (3) reacting the terminal group with a receptor molecule that contains at least three groups, each of which is an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, a phosphonic acid group, or a derivative thereof. The receptor molecule can be a protein and the hydrogel can include a water-swellable organic polymer. A method of detecting analyte molecules, for example by surface resonance spectroscopy, is also part of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for delivery systems of agents, including therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, detection agents, nucleic acid sequences and biological factors. In general, these vector compositions comprise a colloidal metal, derivatized PEG (polyethylene glycol) and an agent. The invention also comprises methods and compositions for making such colloidal metal compositions and for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising (a) a metal chelate wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of europium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium osmium and ruthenium in at least a hexacoordinated state and (b) a compound having a double bond substituted with two aryl groups, an oxygen atom and an atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen wherein one of the aryl groups is electron donating with respect to the other. Such composition is preferably incorporated in a latex particulate material. Methods and kits are also disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. The methods and kits employ as one component a composition as described above.

Abstract: Process exhaust gas is sampled, and the components of the process exhaust gas are analyzed by a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscope (FT-IR) (26). The analysis result is compared with a reference analysis result obtained from an analysis of process exhaust gas generated in an operation performed under reference process conditions. If the amount of a gas component changes to an amount that is outside a predetermined range set around a reference value obtained from the reference analysis result, a signal indicating a process error is outputted. Instead of the output of the signal indicating a process error, the process conditions can be automatically adjusted.

Abstract: Automated defect sourcing system identifies root-causes of yield excursion due to contamination, process faults, equipment failure and/or handling in timely manner and provides accurate timely feedback to address and contain the sources of yield excursion. A signature bank stores known wafer surface manufacturing defects as defect signatures. The signature of a manufacturing defect pattern is associated with a type of equipment or process, and used to source the manufacturing defects and to provide process control for changing and/or stopping yield excursion during fabrication. A defect signature recognition engine matches wafer defects against the signature bank during wafer fabrication. Once the defect signature is detected during fabrication, handling and/or disposing the root-cause of the corresponding defect is facilitated using messages according to an event handling database. Optionally, a real-time process control for wafer fabrication is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor package having an optical device and a method of making the same. The package comprises a chip, an upper metal redistribution layer, a transparent insulating layer, and a lower metal redistribution layer. The chip has an active surface, a back surface, at least one through hole, an optical device, and at least one upper pad, wherein the optical device is electrically connected to the upper pad, and the through hole is filled with a metal post. An insulating layer is disposed between the wall of the through hole and the metal post. The upper metal redistribution layer is disposed on the active surface of the chip, and is used for connecting the upper pad and the metal post. The transparent insulating layer is disposed on the active surface of the wafer. The lower metal redistribution layer is disposed on the back surface of the chip, and is connected to the metal post.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming electrical contacts to a molecular layer in a nanoscale device, the nanoscale device, and a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit comprise such devices. The process includes coating a surface of a stamp with a metal layer and forming an attached layer of anchored molecules by coupling first ends of the anchored molecules to a conductive or semiconductive substrate. The process also includes placing the metal layer in contact with the attached layer of anchored molecules such that the metal layer chemically bonds to free ends of the anchored molecules. The resulting devices produced have superior reliability as compared to conventional prepared devices.