Abstract: The present invention provides methods of quantitating recent secreted antigen specific antibodies from supernatant of antibody secreting cells (ASC) in vitro culture for evaluation of vaccine or antigen induced antigen specific antibody secretion without ex vivo antigen stimulation.

Abstract: A method of identifying a modulator Nogo function, the method comprising: (i) providing (a) a BACE polypeptide; (b) a Nogo polypeptide; (c) a test agent under conditions that would permit binding of a BACE polypeptide (a) to a Nogo polypeptide (b) in the absence of the test agent (c) wherein said BACE polypeptide (a) is BACE or a variant thereof or a fragment of either thereof capable of binding Nogo; and polypeptide (b) is Nogo or a variant thereof or a fragment of either thereof capable of binding BACE; (ii) monitoring Nogo mediated activity; and (iii) determining thereby whether the test agent is a modulator of Nogo activity. Modulators identified by a method of the invention and use of such modulators in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disorders responsive to the modulation of Nogo activity such as acute neuronal injury.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor, Lefty-2, is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the Lefty-2 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The invention is a method for detecting squalene in sera.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to assays that can be used to screen for compounds that act as agonists or antagonists or inverse agonists of bovine adrenal medulla docosapeptide (BAM-22P). The assays are based upon the binding of BAM-22P to the rat and human DRR receptors.

Abstract: This invention provides a receptor having a preference for pyrimidine nucleotides preferably uridine triphosphate over purine nucleotides. A receptor having a preference for pyrimidine nucleotides over purine nucleotides means a receptor for which pyrimidine nucleotides and purine nucleotides are not equally active and equipotent.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mammalian cell lacking type-1 parathyroid hormone (PTH)/parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor (PTH1R) activity and containing carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone receptor (CPTHR) activity. The invention also relates to a method of screening for agonists or antagonists for CPTHR.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries that express highly diverse peptides or protein domains and, in particular, methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries wherein the nucleic acid fragments of the libraries are derived from two or more diverse characterized genomes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical diagnosis or risk assessment for a patient are provided. These systems and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process patient data, particularly data from point of care diagnostic tests or assays, including immunoassays, electrocardiograms, X-rays and other such tests, and provide an indication of a medical condition or risk or absence thereof. The systems include an instrument for reading or evaluating the test data and software for converting the data into diagnostic or risk assessment information.

Abstract: An improved method of obtaining fluorescence measurements which may be used as a measure of the CETP-catalyzed rate of transfer of a lipophilic non-polar fluorescent cholesteryl ester between lipoprotein particles is disclosed. The method may be used in assays for screening CETP inhibitors.

Abstract: It is provided a method for producing a subunit peptide originating from an oligomeric protein having disulfide bonds within a subunit and between subunits. The method comprises producing a subunit originating from an oligomeric protein having disulfide bonds within a subunit and between subunits by the following steps: (a) a step of refolding the subunit by denaturing the oligomeric protein or its subunit in a solution with a protein-denaturing agent and removing the denaturing agent from the solution in the presence of polyoxyalkyl polyether having a functional group that reacts with a thiol group; and (b) a step of isolating the subunit bonded to the polyoxyalkyl polyether from the solution.

Abstract: Catalytic enzyme-modified textiles are disclosed for providing protection from chemical exposure. The textiles are composed of a cloth substrate, at least one polyelectrolyte layer, at least one enzyme layer to degrade the chemical agent, and at least one capping layer. Also disclosed is the related method for making catalytic enzyme-modified textiles.

Abstract: A method and device for rapidly, non-invasively and inexpensively differentiating between allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory tract viral infection and bacterial sinusitis, comprising a support strip upon which is fixed discrete indicators of pH, protein content, nitrite content, esterase activity, and eosinophil content of a sample with which said reagent test strip is contacted. Contact of a nasal secretion with the device of this invention permits differentiation between allergic, bacterial and viral conditions, based on pH, protein content, esterase activity, nitrite content, and eosinophil content.

Abstract: The infection of a mammalian host by a microorganism can be prevented or treated through the alteration of the C. albicans homologue of the high affinity phosphodiesterase, PDE2, gene and/or the adenylate cyclase-associated protein gene. These methods may be used in the identification, prevention or treatment of microbial infection of mammalian hosts such as immunocompromised or immunosuppressed humans, for example, those having AIDS or undergoing transplantation or anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: Provided are assays to detect ADAMTS13 activity using peptide substrates. These assays can be used for diagnostic applications and to evaluate treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Also provided is a novel form of ADAMTS13 found on platelets.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides from phytopathogenic fungi with the biological activity of an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, to nucleic acids encoding them, to the use of the polypeptides and nucleic acids for identifying modulators of the polypeptides, to methods for identifying such modulators, and to the use of these modulators as fungicides.

Abstract: A substrate which can be used for the direct identification of pathogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Listeria by detecting an esterase activity other than Phosphatidyl Inositol-specific Phospholipase C (PI-PLC), an esterase which is specific to the species Listeria monocytogenes. The use of two substrates, one as described above and the other specific for all or some members of the genus Listeria, and a reaction medium containing such a substrate or such a combination of substrates are disclosed. An identification method which exploits such culture media is also disclosed. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of diagnosis.

Abstract: Alpha 1-antitrypsin is prepared by growing in a fermentor methylotropic yeast transformants containing in their genome at least one copy of DNA encoding alpha 1-antitrypsin, in operational linkage with DNA encoding a signal sequence, which is effective for directing secretion of proteins from the host cells, DNA constructs and recombinant yeast strains used for the expression and secretion of alpha 1-antritrypsin are also provided. The fermentation medium requires a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The fermentation is at a pH between 5 and 6.8.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for diagnosing prostate cancer are provided. The inventive compounds include polypeptides containing at least a portion of a prostate tumor protein. The inventive polypeptides may be used to generate antibodies useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer. Nucleic acid sequences for preparing probes, primers, and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describe three related novel methods for Recombinase-Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of the bacterial RecA and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed methods has the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes. Further, the improved processivity of the disclosed methods allow amplification of DNA up to hundreds of megabases in length.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) DNA and/or fragments thereof in blood. The first method involves extracting DNA from a blood sample, preferably plasma, by amplifying the DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or a ligase chain reaction (LCR) method, and detecting a target DNA sequence in the amplified DNA. The preferred target DNA sequence comprises a Mr26 or a 16S rRNA gene or fragments thereof specific to H. pylori. The second method involves extracting DNA from a blood sample, preferably serum, by hybridizing the extracted DNA with a radioisotope or fluorescence labeled H. pylori DNA probe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a body fluids identification method and kit. A parallel, multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the definitive identification of body fluids commonly encountered in forensic casework analysis, namely blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. The methodology is based on gene expression profiling analysis in which the body fluid-specific genes are identified by detecting the presence of appropriate messenger RNA species. Gene-specific primers are labeled with fluorescent dyes, separated and subjected to laser induced fluorescence for identification of body fluid-specific genes present in a sample stain.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated sugar metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation (SMP) nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel SMP proteins from Corynebacterium glutamicum, are described. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing SMP nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides isolated SMP proteins, mutated SMP proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and methods for the improvement of production of a desired compound from C. glutamicum based on genetic engineering of SMP genes in this organism.

Abstract: A process is disclosed to treat the protein hydrolysate, prepared conventionally from a proteinous source, with alkali metal hydride to obtain alcohol which is subsequently oxidized to obtain aldehyde under certain specified conditions, thereby converting large protein molecules into aldehyde based industrial products of much smaller molecular size.

Abstract: A method is provided for acoustically ejecting from a channel or other container a plurality of fluid droplets, each of which contains one or more particles or other localized volumes. The localized volumes, which can be living cells, are ejected towards sites on a substrate surface, a container, or a channel. An integrated cell sorting and arraying system is also provided that is capable of sorting based upon cellular properties by the selective ejection of cells from a carrier fluid. The cells can be ejected with adjustable velocity and trajectory. The ejected cells can be directed to form an array, wherein each site of the array can contain a single cell. Additionally provided is a method of forming arrays of single live cells more efficiently, rapidly, flexibly, and economically than by other cell array approaches.

Abstract: Provided are crystals and structure coordinates relating to FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 and its various uses.

Abstract: SHE, a Starch Hydrolytic Enzyme active in maize endosperm (Zea mays), and the cDNA sequence encoding SHE are disclosed. The specificity of native, purified SHE is similar, in general terms, to previously known alpha-amylases. However, the activity of SHE toward amylopectin results in hydrolysis products that are distinctly different from those of other alpha-amylases. SHE, and its homologous equivalents in other plants such as rice, Arabidopsis, apple and potato, can be used in starch processing for generating different, e.g., larger sized, alpha-limit dextrins for industrial use, as compared to those generated by previously known alpha-amylases or other starch hydrolytic enzymes. In addition, modification of the expression of this enzyme in transgenic maize plants or in other transgenic organisms (including bacteria, yeast, and other plant species) can be useful for the generation of novel starch forms or altered starch metabolism.

Abstract: A method of recombinantly producing a non-bovine pre-prochymosin, prochymosin or chymosin derived from ruminant species including deer species, buffalo species, antelope species, giraffe species, ovine species and caprine species; Camelidae species such as Camelus dromedarius; porcine species; or Equidae species. The recombinant enzymes are used in milk coagulating compositions in cheese manufacturing based on cow's milk and milk from any animal species which are used in cheese manufacturing including camel's milk.

Abstract: An improved process for recovery of virus from allantoic fluid of virus-infected chick embryos. Virus associated with granular and fibrous debris in the allantoic fluid can be disassociated from the debris and recovered, thereby increasing viral yield. Dissociation can be achieved by subjecting the virus-debris complex to conditions of increased salt concentrations, e.g., 0.5 M or greater.

Abstract: A recombinant microorganism comprises an asporogenic Bacillus subtilis strain in which a gene encoding a protease enzyme has been downregulated or inactivated. In particular sigma factorspoIIAC is inactivated such that the strain is asporogenic. These strains are particularly useful as expression vehicles for proteins such as protective antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase but substantially no phosphatase or the enzyme derived from the microorganism. The present invention also discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting dihydroxyacetone phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase and triose-phosphate isomerase but substantially no phosphatase or the enzymes derived from the microorganism.

Abstract: Caulobacter optimized for use in expression of heterologous peptides as part of a hybrid Caulobacter S-layer protein are provided as well as methods for producing such Caulobacter. Caulobacter of this invention are deficient in a native Caulobacter protease that cleaves hybrid S-layer proteins. Also provided are Caulobacter libraries and methods for sorting such libraries using cell sorting technology such as FACS.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a kind of lactobacillus casei Bd-II, the accession number of the deposit of which is CGMCC NO.0849, and also disclosed a use of it for reducing blood lipid level. Further, a composition for reducing blood lipid level containing it and an acceptable carrier is disclosed. The carrier can be skimmed milk.

Abstract: The present invention is an analytical device which comprises a porous piece assembly consisting of a liquid reagent-receiving porous piece (1), a labeled substance-retaining piece (2), a test piece (3) comprising a detection site (4) and a reference site (5), and a sample-absorbing porous material piece (6); and a sample-receiving porous material piece (7) disposed independently therefrom and partially communicated therewith through a connection. The analytical device of the present invention exhibits extremely high sensitivity and can accurately perform various types of analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback controlled bioculture platform for use as a precision cell biology research tool and for clinical cell growth and maintenance applications. The system provides individual closed-loop flowpath cartridges, with integrated, aseptic sampling and routing to collection vials or analysis systems. The system can operate in a standard laboratory or other incubator for provision of requisite gas and thermal environment. System cartridges are modular and can be operated independently or under a unified system controlling architecture, and provide for scale-up production of cell and cell products for research and clinical applications. Multiple replicates of the flowpath cartridges allow for individual, yet replicate cell culture growth and multiples of the experiment models that can be varied according to the experiment design, or modulated to desired cell development of cell culture end-points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recombinant attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virion which is engineered to contain a heterologous nucleic acid within the open reading frame of its genome, wherein the heterologous nucleic acid encodes a heterologous polypeptide which is expressed by the virion. Specific examples of attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virions suitable for use in the present invention are CB4-P and JVB. In one embodiment the heterologous nucleic acid is inserted into the P1 region of the genome such that the heterologous polypeptide is expressed as a fusion of a viral capsid protein. Methods of use of the recombinant attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virion include inducing an immune response in an individual to the heterologous polypeptide contained therein.

Abstract: The invention of this application provides a method comprising introducing a reporter nucleic acid molecule that expresses a fluorescent protein under control of the promoter/enhancer of a gene that is expressed in dopaminergic neurons, into each of cells, and isolating fluorescence-emitting cells. The invention also provides a method for visualizing and identifying dopaminergic neurons alive that exist with in cells, which comprises introducing the above-mentioned reporter nucleic acid molecule into each of cells, and measuring the fluorescence distribution within the cells. The invention further provides a method for identifying a dopaminergic neurons-inducing factor, which comprises introducing the reporter nucleic acid molecule into cells that have the ability to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons, then incubating the cells with a candidate substance, and determining whether the candidate substance is a dopaminergic neurons-inducing factor by using the fluorescence of the cells as an indicator.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel clock proteins BMAL2 (Brain-Muscle-Arnt-Like protein2), which is crucial for the clock oscillation mechanism including photic-input pathway and output pathway, novel clock genes encoding the proteins, a screening method using the proteins to screen a promoter or a suppressor of the promoter transactivation, and the like. Genes for cCLOCK, cPER2, cBMAL1 were isolated from the chicken pineal gland which is a material suitable for studying circadian clock, then cDNA encoding the novel clock protein cBMAL2 having homology with cBMAL1 was isolated and sequenced. Further, BMAL2 cDNAs in human, mouse and rat were isolated respectively from the human embryonic kidney cell line, the mouse mid brain and the rat early fibroblast, and sequences of these cDNAs were determined. BMAL2 forms a heterodimer with CLOCK or BMAL1, etc. and it also forms a homodimer.

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: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating apoptotic pathways. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. The present invention further relates to methods and compositions for identifying drugs that modulate apoptotic pathways.

Abstract: A method of producing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) in an insect cell comprising (i) providing at least one insect cell-compatible vector comprising a first nucleotide sequence comprising at least one AAV ITR nucleotide sequence, a second nucleotide sequence containing an open reading frame encoding AAV VP1, VP2, and VP3 capsid proteins, a third nucleotide sequence comprising a Rep52 or a Rep40 coding sequence, and a fourth nucleotide sequence comprising a Rep78 or a Rep68 coding sequence, (ii) introducing the at least one insect cell-compatible vector into an insect cell, and (iii) maintaining the insect cell under conditions such that AAV is produced. Also provided are recombinant AAV made in accordance with the method, insect cell-compatible vectors, and insect cells comprising nucleotide sequences for production of AAV in an insect cell.

Abstract: DNA having promoter activity for strongly expressing an exogenous gene specifically in plant tissue (particularly, tissue having active cell prolifaration) is provided. The DNA is a rice OsEF1?1 gene promoter which has a sequence indicated by SEQ ID NO. 1, or a portion of said sequence whose promoter activity is equivalent to that of said sequence indicated by SEQ ID No. 1. An expression vector containing the promoter and an exogenous gene expressibly linked to the promoter is also provided. A plant cell transformed with the expression vector, a plant regenerated from the plant cell, a progeny of the plant, a propagator of the plant, and a seed obtained from the progeny are also provided. A method for introducing an exogenous gene into plants using an expression vector is also provided.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid construct including a nucleic acid molecule encoding a light-labile, phytochrome A, a light-inducible promoter which is 5? to the nucleic acid molecule encoding a light-labile, phytochrome A, and a terminator region which is 3? to the nucleic acid molecule encoding a light-labile, phytochrome A is disclosed. Methods for regulating a plant's canopy architecture and regulating a plant's seed yield, which involve transgenic plants or transgenic plant seeds including an isolated nucleic acid construct according to the present invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acids and polypeptides involved in regulation of membrane permeability in bacteria are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of increasing sensitivity to antibiotics in multi-drug resistant bacteria by increasing expression of PprA or PprB proteins in bacterial cells, and methods for identifying compounds that modulate PprA/PprB expression.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting and dispensing coverglasses over specimens on slides for the purpose of viewing specimens through a microscope. The selecting device contains a suctioning mechanism for picking up a coverglass from a stack of coverglasses. It also contains the ability to bend the coverglass to assist in separating the coverglasses. The apparatus further contains a matched barrier to eliminate any coverglasses that may stick to the selected coverglass. The selecting device also contains spring members which aid in the dispensing of the coverglass. After the suctioning mechanism releases the coverglass, the spring members exert a force onto the coverglass to insure that it is released from the selecting device and placed onto the slide. After placement of the coverglass onto the slide, capillary action pushes air bubbles out from underneath the coverglass.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for determining presence and concentration of analytes by exploiting molecular binding reactions and differential diffusion rates. Analyte particles and binding particles are allowed to diffuse toward each other, and slowing of the diffusion front is detected when they meet. From the position of the diffusion front, presence and concentration of analyte particles can be determined. One embodiment provides a competitive immunoassay in a microfluidic format. This diffusion immunoassay (DIA) relies on measuring the concentration of labeled antigen along one dimension of a microchannel after allowing it to diffuse for a short time into a region containing specific antibodies. A simple microfluidic device, the T-Sensor, was used to implement a DIA to measure the concentration of phenytoin, a small drug molecule. Concentrations of analyte over the range of 50 to 1600 nM can be measured in less than a minute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and methods for determining the quality of reagents used in an assay process, particularly a multistep immunohistochemical assay. In particular, the device comprises a substrate with a plurality of compounds affixed to a substrate, where each compound is reactive with a reagent used in the assay.

Abstract: Immunological assays for several biological markers for thyroid disorders in a biological sample are performed in a single test with a combination of sandwich-type, sequential competitive, and serological assays by the use of particles classified into groups that are distinguishable by flow cytometry, one group for the assay of each marker. Each group of particles is coated with a different immunological binding member, and coating densities, co-coating materials, and special buffer solutions are used to adjust for differences in the sensitivities and dynamic ranges of each of the markers in the typical sample.

Abstract: An TMR-type MRAM comprising a transistor for selection; a first connecting hole; a first wiring (write-in word line); a second insulating interlayer covering a first insulating interlayer and the first wiring; a TRM device formed on the second insulating interlayer; a second wiring (bit line) formed on a third insulating interlayer; and a second connecting hole formed through the second insulating interlayer and connected to the first connecting hole, in which an end face of an extending portion of the other end of the TRM device is in contact with the second connecting hole.