Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and/or monitoring thrombophilic disease in a patient that can result from the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (aPL syndrome). The methods of the invention are premised on the inhibition of binding of an anticoagulant protein, annexin, preferably annexin-V, to phospholipids by antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies in a patient blood sample.

Abstract: A test kit for intracellular introduction of a protein and/or peptide and a method of such intracellular introduction, make it possible for a protein and/or peptide to be introduced into cells efficiently and in an expedient manner while preventing the function of the introduction target protein and/or peptide from being reduced. The above test kit comprises a container containing a cationic group-containing polymer and a container containing a reagent for coupling or binding the cationic group-containing polymer to the protein and/or peptide, or comprises a container containing a cationized conjugate to be coupled to the protein and/or peptide. The above method comprises using a conjugate generated by coupling or binding a cationic group-containing polymer to a protein and/or peptide as a carrier for the introduction target protein and/or peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of an analyte in a competitive immunoassay in the presence of an analyte derivative and first and second receptor molecules, and to a kit for carrying out this detection method.

Abstract: A method for checking for sensitivity of acetylcholine esterase in insects using a single insect, includes homogenizing a single insect in aqueous, neutral to acid pH phosphate buffer, providing a solution of acetylcholine iodide in neutral to acid pH phosphate buffered water-miscible organic solvent, providing a solution of 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in the buffer, and providing a solution of propoxur in the buffer, dropping the insect homogenisate into the wells of an assay plate, dropping the acetylcholine iodide and 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) solutions into some of the wells and 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) propoxur solutions into the other wells and checking for a difference in the yellow coloration between the samples in the two sets of cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are various forms of an active, isolated ?-secretase enzyme in purified and recombinant form. This enzyme is implicated in the production of amyloid plaque components which accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant cells that produce this enzyme either alone or in combination with some of its natural substrates (?-APPwt and ?-APPsw) are also disclosed, as are antibodies directed to such proteins. These compositions are useful for use in methods of selecting compounds that modulate ?-secretase. Inhibitors of ?-secretase are implicated as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Isolated gene cluster involved in canthaxanthin biosynthesis, which comprises a polynucleotide wherein: crtY, crtI, crtB and crtW genes are clustered in this order and in the same orientation, and, preceding the four cited genes, crtE gene is oriented in the opposite direction. Applications for producing natural carotenoids useful in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutritious compositions.

Abstract: The invention consists of fermenting selected strains of Blakeslea trispora in conditions such that ?-carotene is produced in the form of stabilized preparations with residual contents of other carotenoids (?-carotene and ?-zeacarotene). The fermentation conditions chosen include the programmed addition of oxygen and/or ?-ionone during fermentation, and control of the age of the vegetative growth phases of the strains employed. The ?-carotene obtained can be used in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences which may be associated with commercially or aesthetically relevant traits in domesticated plants or animals. The methods employ comparison of homologous genes from the domesticated organism and its ancestor to identify evolutionarily significant changes and evolutionarily neutral changes. Sequences thus identified may be useful in enhancing commercially or aesthetically desirable traits in domesticated organisms or their wild ancestors.

Abstract: A full-length cDNA corresponding to an EST (AA418955), which does not show any homology to other proteins in the database but has a weak homology to G-CSF, has been successfully isolated by synthesizing printers based on the EST sequence, and effecting PCR-cloning from a human fetal spleen library. Sequencing of the thus-isolated cDNA and analysis of its structure revealed that the cDNA has typical characteristics of a factor belonging to the IL-6/G-CSF/MGF family. It is also found out that the culture supernatant of said sequence-transfected CHO cells shows a proliferation supporting activity towards bone marrow cells in the coexistence of kit ligand.

Abstract: The invention concerns the deregulation of the chromatin-regulator genes which have a SET domain, such deregulation being of importance in certain cancer conditions. These genes can be used in the diagnosis and therapy of such conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for Zcyto21, an interferon-like protein, which is most closely related to interferon-? at the amino acid sequence level. The present invention also includes antibodies to the Zcyto21 polypeptides, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: Glutamate Transporter Associated Proteins and nucleotide encoding Glutamate Transporter Associated Proteins are provided. Also provided is a method for identifying a compound that modulates a cellular response mediated by a Glutamate Transporter Associated Protein. A method is further provided for identifying a compound that inhibits an interaction between a Glutamate Transporter Associated Protein and a glutamate transporter protein. A method is provided for treating a disorder associated with glutamate transport.

Abstract: An anti-IL-23 specific human Ig derived protein is useful in therapeutic and diagnostic compositions, methods and devices. The anti-IL-23 Ig derived protein preferably includes one or more of the Seg 1, Seg 2, and Seg 3 epitopes of the p40 subunit of IL-23.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a heterologous protein by making a coryneform bacterium to produce and efficiently extracellularly secrete (secreto-production) an industrially useful heterologous protein. According to the present invention, a genetic construct is used where a gene sequence encoding an intended protein which is ligated to the downstream of a sequence encoding the signal peptide derived from a coryneform bacterium, the gene construct is introduced into a mutant coryneform bacterium which has a capacity of secreting the heterologous protein at least 2-fold higher than the wild type Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13869, the mutant coryneform bacterium is cultured and the extracellularly released heterologous protein is recovered.

Abstract: A novel protein and a process of producing the protein is provided. The protein is a glycoprotein having activity of suppressing the differentiation and/or maturation of adipocyte, having a molecular weight of about 45 kD under non-reducing conditions and about 28 kD and/or 23 kD under reducing conditions, and exhibiting affinity to heparin. A process of producing the protein comprising culturing human fibroblasts and purifying the culture broth by chromatography using an ion exchange column, affinity column, and reverse phase column. A cDNA encoding the protein and a process of producing the protein using the cDNA are also provided. The protein of the present invention is useful as a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating obesity or as an antigen for establishing immunological diagnosis, etc.

Abstract: Subject of the present invention is an isolated human nucleic acid molecule encoding polypeptides containing a homeobox domain of sixty amino acids having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and having regulating activity on human growth. Three novel genes residing within the about 500 kb short stature critical region on the X and Y chromosome were identified. At least one of these genes is responsible for the short stature phenotype. The cDNA corresponding to this gene may be used in diagnostic tools, and to further characterize the molecular basis for the short stature-phenotype. In addition, the identification of the gene product of the gene provides new means and methods for the development of superior therapies for short stature.

Abstract: Analytical methods using RNA probes for the detection or analysis of nucleic acid sequences is described. These probes are contacted with a sample suspected of containing the nucleic acid sequence and if they form duplexes, they are hydrolysed. This may be done, for example during an amplification reaction. AMP generated as a result of the hydrolysis is converted to ATP. The ATP may then be detected using bioluminescent reagents.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of quantitative RT-PCR to identify AC133 as a marker. AC133 is prevalent on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are important cells in angiogenesis. Therefore, the invention is applied to ascertain the quantity of EPCs in a subject, and to diagnose and monitor angiogenesis, for example, in injured tissues and in cancer development and progression.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide from Corynebacterium glutamicum having a polynucleotide sequence which encodes the sugar import protein K (msiK) gene, and a host-vector system having a coryneform host bacterium in which the msiK gene is present in enhanced form and a vector which carries at least the msiK gene according to SEQ ID No 1, and the use of polynucleotides which comprise the sequences according to the invention as hybridization probes.

Abstract: L-Arginine is produced by culturing a microorganism which has L-arginine producing ability and has been modified so that expression of lysE gene should be enhanced, such a microorganism further modified so that an arginine repressor should not function normally, or such a microorganism further modified so that intracellular activity of an enzyme in L-arginine biosynthetic pathway should be enhanced in a medium to produce and accumulate L-arginine in the medium and collecting the L-arginine from the medium.

Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.

Abstract: Polymer extraction methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of stable and reusable biosensing granules useful in the assessment of biodegradability of effluents. The biosensing granules are prepared by culturing active aerobic microbial consortia in synthetic medium, separating the active aerobic microbial consortia, immobilizing the microbial consortia using natural polymer to form biosensing granules, and dehydrating the immobilized biosensing granules to obtain stable biosensing granules having a moisture content of 5-30%.

Abstract: Tissue engineered constructs including a matrix and cells transfected with a gene for a growth factor. The constructs may be implanted into a tissue site, where the growth factor gene enhances a metabolic function furthering integration of the construct in the tissue site. If the matrix is biodegradable, the metabolic result may include resorption of the matrix and replacement with tissue synthesized at least in part by the transfected cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for making and using thermotolerant phytases, e.g., a method of using a thermotolerant phytase in feed and food processing and feed or food products comprising a thermotolerant phytase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new attenuated mutant New Castle's disease La SotaNewcastle disease virus strains suitable for in ovo vaccination of avian species comprising a mutation in the gene sequences encoding the HN and/or F glycoproteins of said virus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising said attenuated mutant Newcastle's disease La Sota virus strain, and to the use thereof for the preparation of a vaccine for in ovo vaccination of avian species against Newcastle's disease.

Abstract: Novel CrtW carotenoid ketolase are provided that are useful for the production of ketocarotenoids. The ketolases genes of the present invention exhibit low homology in comparison to other CrtW ketolases previously reported. Expression of the carotenoid ketolases in heterologous hosts enabled production of canthaxanthin and astaxanthin. Coexpression experiments using divergent crtW genes resulted in increased production of the desired ketocarotenoids.

Abstract: A bioremediation of subsurface soil formations contaminated with hazardous wastes is achieved by hydraulic fracturing of the subsurface soil formation with simultaneous introduction of sodium percarbonate coated with polyvinylidene chloride as a solid oxygen source (SOS) for establishing colonies of the biodegrading bacteria within the fractures of the soil formation.

Abstract: Capsules, entrained in a fluid medium, are directed into a channel deflection system designed to enable evaluation and separation of successfully encapsulated cellular material from the blanks and other debris. Preferably, the fluid media with the capsule is introduced into a first or main channel and the capsules first pass one or more windows in the main channel for evaluation that is conducted by electromagnetic and/or optical means. Preferably, the evaluation results in the selection of acceptable capsules and subsequent removal of the blank capsules from the medium through the use of multiple jets that gently redirect the acceptable capsules into an alternate channel.

Abstract: A straw (1) for the conservation of small quantities of substances, in particular biological substances, having a segment of tube provided inside one end with a stopper including gel powder, characterized in that a proportion of the gel powder is replaced with dispersed nonabsorbent material, the stopper thus having a mixture of gel powder and dispersed nonabsorbent material.

Abstract: An adenoviral supervector system is disclosed that is capable of expressing more than 7.5 kilobases of heterologous DNA in a replication defective adenoviral vector. The supervector system comprises an adenoviral vector construct and a helper cell. The vector construct is capable of being replicated and packaged into a virion particle in the helper cell. In particular, the helper cell expresses DNA from the E2 region of the adenovirus 5 genome and complements deletions in that region in the vector construct. In certain embodiments, the disclosed invention comprises tissue specific expression of up to 30 kb of heterologous DNA directed by an adenoviral vector. Also disclosed are methods of transferring heterologous DNA into mammalian cells.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging plasmids and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids after stable or transient transfection in mammalian cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in these transfected mammalian cells and can then transduce a mammalian target cell by cocultivation or supernatant infection. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral packaging plasmids and vectors to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and human hematopoietic stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation or supernatant infection at high efficiencies. The invention is useful for the rapid production of high titer viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a novel cell line, referred to as T42402I3.4.2, and to uses of this cell line. For example, the cell line may be used in the production of recombinant melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) receptor protein and in the identification of antagonists, inverse agonists and agonists to the receptor.

Abstract: Plasmids encoding anti-HIV and anti-anthrax therapeutic agents are disclosed. Plasmid pWKK-500 encodes a fusion protein containing DP178 as a targeting moiety, the ricin A chain, an HIV protease cleavable linker, and a truncated ricin B chain. N-terminal extensions of the fusion protein include the maltose binding protein and a Factor Xa protease site. C-terminal extensions include a hydrophobic linker, an L domain motif peptide, a KDEL ER retention signal, another Factor Xa protease site, an out-of-frame buforin II coding sequence, the lacZ? peptide, and a polyhistidine tag. More than twenty derivatives of plasmid pWKK-500 are described. Plasmids pWKK-700 and pWKK-800 are similar to pWKK-500 wherein the DP178-encoding sequence is substituted by RANTES- and SDF-1-encoding sequences, respectively. Plasmid pWKK-900 is similar to pWKK-500 wherein the HIV protease cleavable linker is substituted by a lethal factor (LF) peptide-cleavable linker.

Abstract: Human Death Receptor 4 (DR4) antibodies are provided. The human DR4 antibodies may be included in pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, or kits. Methods of treatment and diagnosis using the DR4 antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating neurons from stem cells which comprises culturing neurons in a medium and culturing the stem cells in the resultant mixture. The present invention also relates to a medium for culturing stem cells prepared by culturing neurons in a base culture medium.

Abstract: The invention consists in the use of a maturation agent comprising a mixture of ribosomal and/or membrane fractions for the preparation of mature dendritic cells from immature dendritic cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural protein of adeno-associated virus (AAV) that contains at least one modification that reduces the antigenicity of the virus. The invention further relates to the production of the structural protein and to its use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating a mutein of a protein selected from the group consisting of human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (hNGAL), rat ?2-microglobulin-related protein (A2m) and mouse 24p3/uterocalin (24p3), said mutein having detectable affinity to a given target. The method comprises the step of subjecting the protein to mutagenesis at one or more of the sequence positions which correspond to the sequence positions 33 to 54, 66 to 83, 94 to 106, and 123 to 136 of hNGAL, resulting in one or more mutein(s) of the protein. Also disclosed are muteins obtainable by this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions comprise novel nucleic acid sequences encoding a transcription factor involved in modulating gene expression in response to abiotic stress such as cold or drought. Methods for expressing the nucleic acid sequence in a plant and improving cold and/or drought tolerance of plants are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an ethanol producing, xylose utilizing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprising genes for overexpression of xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and xylulokinase, wherein in addition to said genes for production o phosphoacetyltransferase, and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase are introduced and optionally overexpressed.

Abstract: A chemical storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetric effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the environment within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a body defining a channel for accommodating flow of fluid therethrough. A monitor structure is disposed in the channel of the body in the flow of fluid. The monitor structure changes color and/or dimension in response to various parameters of the fluid having predetermined values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical sensor comprising a sensor film formed of a nanoparticle network in which the nanoparticles are interlinked by functionalized dendrimer molecules. The dendrimers support an efficient uptake of analyte molecules by the film material and therefore enable a high sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, the chemical nature of the dendrimers strongly determines the chemical selectivity of the sensor device. By cross-linking the components of the sensitive material the sensor displays a good mechanical stability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining a reproducible sample of solid particles. The reproducible sample is obtained by receiving solid particles into a collection system that includes a sheltered volume. Solid particles that settle outside of the sheltered volume are purged from the collection system. The remaining solid particles inside the sheltered volume correspond to the reproducible sample.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a bead array is provided including a container, a liquid including a bead having a biological substance fixed on a surface of the bead, and means for ejecting the liquid including the bead on a desired position on a solid-phase base. A method for manufacturing a bead array is also provided including: containing the liquid including the bead in a container; selectively ejecting the liquid on a desired position on the solid-phase base; and forming a reactive region where the liquid is ejected.

Abstract: Ligands of CCX-CKR2 and the biological role of CCX-CKR2 in cancer is described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are substrates comprising reactive ion etched surfaces and specific binding agents immobilized thereon. The substrates may be used in methods and devices for assaying or isolating analytes in a sample. Also disclosed are methods of making the reactive ion etched surfaces.

Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement includes at least one electrical conductor that, when a current flows through it, produces a magnetic field that acts on at least a further part of the circuit arrangement, wherein seen in cross section, the electrical conductor has at least one recess or depression, or a region of reduced conductivity on the side facing that part, in order to influence the magnetic field which can be produced.