Abstract: An oligonucleotide probe is disclosed, the probe including an oligonucleotide, a fluorescer molecule attached to a first end of the oligonucleotide and a quencher molecule attached to the opposite end of the oligonucleotide. The probe is rendered impervious to digestion by the 5??3? exonuclease activity of a polymerase and the 5??3? extension of by a polymerase. The invention also includes methods for performing combined PCR amplification and hybridization probing, one such method including the steps of contacting a target nucleic acid sequence with PCR reagents and an oligonucleotide probe as described above, and subjecting these reagents to thermal cycling. One preferred refinement of the above method further includes the addition of a strand displacer to facilitate amplification.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits and compositions for the detection of an analyte. The invention is particularly suited for the detection and quantification of analytes in solution. In the methods of the invention a complex is formed between two or more analyte specific probes (ASP) and an analyte. The reactive moieties of the probes interact upon the binding of the analyte specific probes to the analyte. The reactive moieties generate a nucleic acid cleavage product which is detected and indicative of the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for introducing miRNA activity or function into cells using synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying miRNAs with specific cellular functions that are relevant to therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications wherein synthetic miRNAs and/or miRNA inhibitors are used in library screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polypeptide having a ?1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity, an agent for synthesizing a sugar chain comprising the polypeptide, a process for producing a sugar chain or a complex carbohydrate using the agent for synthesizing a sugar chain, DNA encoding the polypeptide, a process for producing the polypeptide, an antibody against the polypeptide, and a diagnosis method and a medicament for treatment for inflammation, cancer or tumor metastasis using the DNA or the antibody. The present invention is useful for synthesis of a useful sugar chain and diagnosis and treatment for inflammatory diseases, cancer or tumor metastasis.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of quantitating nucleic acids from problematic samples, such as aged samples, formalin fixed samples, paraffin embedded samples, samples with aneuploid cells, and cells with fragmented nucleic acids. Methods include techniques to efficiently solublize the nucleic acids under non-denaturing conditions from preserved clinical samples without resort to organic extractions, to normalize cell counts regardless of aneuploidy, to access the fragmentation state of the nucleic acids, and to provide standard curves for degraded nucleic acid samples.

Abstract: Sequencing methods and compositions, substrates, devices and systems are provided. Methods include synthesizing a nascent nucleic acid sequence that is greater than 100 bases in length and sequencing the nucleic acids by detecting synthesis. Compositions and substrates that include polymerization complexes for the methods are included.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of analyzing a tissue sample from a subject. In particular, the invention combines morphological staining and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC) with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) within the same section of a tissue sample. The analysis can be automated or manual. The invention also relates to kits for use in the above methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of the risk of experiencing a cardiovascular complication in the context of treatment with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA's) such as erythropoietin and derivatives thereof particularly in the context of anemia. More particularly, the invention provides a method for diagnosing the risk of a patient of experiencing a cardiovascular complication as a consequence of future medication with an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA), comprising the steps of (a) measuring the level of a BNP-type peptide in a sample of the patient, (b) diagnosing said risk by comparing the measured level of the BNP-type peptide to at least one reference level. The BNP-type peptide may for example be brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or the N-terminal fragment of BNP, NT-proBNP. The cardiovascular complication may include complications, such as stroke, transient cerebral ischemic attack, acute-coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure etc.

Abstract: The invention relates an assay useful for screening and identifying compounds as modulators of lower alkyl phenol activation of TRPA1. Thymol, a lower alkyl phenol anti-infective and the active ingredient in, e.g., mouthwashes, is stringent and has an objectionable burning taste sensation. Thymol activates the transient receptor potential like ion channel TRPA1. The assay described and claimed herein involves measurement of activation of TRPA1 and enables the screening of compounds that inhibit lower alkyl phenol, or thymol activation of TRPA1. Inhibitors of thymol activation of TRPA1 can be used to prevent the objectionable taste of thymol in medical uses where taste limits acceptance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a nonhuman model animal of Th2-mediated hyperimmune response lacking PIR-B gene function on its chromosome by which the Th2-mediated immune response mechanism and allergy onset mechanism in vivo can be analyzed and which is liable to suffer from not only hyper-response of B cells but also allergy, and an inducer/promoter or an inhibitor for Th2-mediated immune response, etc. with the use of the nonhuman model animal of Th2-mediated hyperimmune response. The nonhuman model animal of Th2-mediated hyperimmune response is prepared by integrating a fragment comprising exons 1 to 7 and the domain in the 5? side of exon 8 of mouse PIR-B gene and another fragment containing exons 10 to 14 into a vector pMC1-Neo, cleaving it with Xho I-Sal I, integrating it into a vector pIC19R-MC1tk having herpes virus thymidine kinase to thereby construct targeting vector, transferring the targeting vector into ES cells and then injecting the ES cells into blastcyst.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of analyzing binding interactions between a binding component and a receptor component by translocating unbound and any bound components through a pore and detecting the unbound and bound components.

Abstract: A neutral/alkaline ceramidase derived from a mammal; an antibody specifically binding thereto; a probe and primer which are capable of specifically hybridizing thereto; a method for producing the ceramidase by a genetic engineering means; a method for detecting the ceramidase or the gene; and a method of controlling an amount of a ceramide in a cell and/or in a tissue. The present invention is useful as a reagent for lipid engineering for analyzing a structure, functions, and the like of a ceramide, and in its applications to diseases associated with the ceramide metabolism.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent for HIV infection is described. The diagnostic reagent comprises a first carrier particle for specifically detecting a first anti-HIV antibody and a second carrier particle for specifically detecting a second anti-HIV antibody different from the first anti-HIV antibody. On the first carrier particle, a first HIV antigen for detecting the first anti-HIV antibody is immobilized. On the second carrier particle, a second HIV antigen for detecting the second anti-HIV antibody is immobilized. The second HIV antigen is different from the first HIV antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening for potential cancer chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents which act by inducing or mimicking the activity of Siah-1 in humans. This invention also provides methods of administering such agents to treat cancer by inducing or mimicking the activity of Siah-1, thus causing the degradation of .beta.-catenin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining cellular response to stimuli. The cells to be tested, for example, may be contained in a section of taste-bud containing lingual epithelium.

Abstract: The present invention is a rapid, specific, and sensitive method of detecting mutations in receptor tyrosine kinase genes in formalin fixed tissue embedded in paraffin blocks to detect mutations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of screening for compounds having anti-microbial efficacy. More specifically the invention relates to transcription/translation assays for the identification of compounds that exhibit inhibitory effects on bacterial growth.

Abstract: A method of measuring the enzymatic activity of a luciferase includes contacting a luminogenic protein, such as a luciferase, with a protected luminophore to form a composition; and detecting light produced from the composition. The protected luminophore provides increased stability and improved signal-to-background ratios relative to the corresponding unmodified coelenterazine.

Abstract: Peptidyl sensors comprise a metal-binding peptide and one or two kinase recognition sequences with a hydroxyamino acid that can be phosphorylated in the presence of a kinase.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for measuring the amount or activity of a component in a sample using a luminescent assay comprising a luciferase capable of generating light from a high-energy molecule. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for measuring the amount of NAD+ or the activity of an enzyme or enzyme series that results in the interconversion of NDA+ and NADH. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for measuring the amount of a kinase substrate, free inorganic phosphate, and phosphatase activity. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for measuring the amount of cAMP in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for substances which inhibit the oligomerization of NEMO and/or IKK-related complexes and/or signaling pathways based on the interference with NEMO oligomerization

Abstract: A method for measuring an environmental allergen by which the allergen may be measured simply without using an anti-allergen antibody, as well as an instrument and apparatus therefor, is disclosed. In the method for measuring the environmental biological allergen, the biological allergen is measured by measuring the protease activity of the allergen. An instrument for measuring an environmental allergen(s) comprises a support and the substrate of the protease carried on the support, which substrate is used for the measurement of the protease activity of the allergen(s). The substrate is one which brings about fluorescence emission or change in absorption as a result of the enzyme reaction.

Abstract: Immobilization of malate dehydrogenase on a substrate using a glycerol solution containing malate dehydrogenase is achieved through dropping a mixed solution obtained by adding at least one selected from malic acid and malate to the glycerol containing malate dehydrogenase on the substrate, and drying it thereon. It is preferable to prepare the mixed solution by adding the malate to the glycerol solution containing malate dehydrogenase. The malate is preferably at least one selected from potassium malate and sodium malate.

Abstract: A plasmid comprising a gene, which is reactive with dioxins and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to thereby be activated (hereinafter referred to as DRE gene), and a secretory marker protein expressing gene disposed understream of the DRE gene. Further, there is developed a transgenic cell having this plasmid introduced therein which when exposed to dioxins and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, secrets a secretory marker protein. Still further, there is developed a biosensor utilizing this transgenic cell.

Abstract: Transgenic non-human animals that express the ?3 subunit of PRKAG are described, as well as methods of using the transgenic non-human animals as models for improving treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases related to energy metabolism, including obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the monitoring of the metabolism and the health of cultured cells are disclosed. The devices simplify the loading of cells and enable loading under sterile conditions. The devices also allow for the culture, measuring and monitoring of the metabolism of a population of cells, and in particular, the accurate measuring of metabolic states simultaneously in multiple cell populations.

Abstract: This invention disclosed a method to detect bioparticles in the biological samples (stools, urine, or other body fluids). Bioparticles (e.g. virus, bacteria, and cells) often serve as carrier/indicator of pathogens and/or toxins. The method employs a substrate with interlaced comb-like electrodes on which a certain amount of sample mixed with antibodies-coated gold nanoparticles is dropped. Then the alternative signals with specific frequency bands are applied on the comb-like electrodes so that under such a DEP force the Au-modified bioparticles can be separated from the other constituents of the sample and can be absorbed effectively onto the edges of the electrodes. After rinsed with water to remove the residual sample several times, the device will be measured for the impedance of the absorbed bioparticles on the edges of the electrodes. The measured impedance deviation in comparison with that of the reference empty comb-like electrodes will quantify the amount of the absorbed bioparticles.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to improve the yields of viral vectors when grown in cell culture systems. In particular, it has been demonstrated that for adenovirus, the use of low-medium perfusion rates in an attached cell culture system provides for improved yields. In other embodiments, the inventors have shown that there is improved Ad-p53 production with cells grown in serum-free conditions, and in particular in serum-free suspension culture. Also important to the increase of yields is the use of detergent lysis. Combination of these aspects of the invention permits purification of virus by a single chromatography step that results in purified virus of the same quality as preparations from double CsCl banding using an ultracentrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of cefaclor, which process comprises reacting 7-amino-3-chloro cephalosporanic acid (7-ACCA) with D-phenylglycine in activated form (PGa) in the presence of an enzyme in a reaction mixture to form cefaclor, wherein at least part of 7-ACCA and/or PGa are added to the reaction mixture during the course of the reaction. The invention also relates to an aqueous mixture comprising an amount of cefaclor of >10 (w/w) %, an amount of 7-amino-3-chloro cephalosporanic acid of <2 (w/w) %, and an amount of D-phenyl glycine of <2 (w/w) % and a process for the recovery of cefaclor from this aqueous mixture. The invention also relates to cefaclor in crystal form having an absorbance at 400 nm (A400) of less than 0.250.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group to a peptide.

Abstract: DNA and recombinant DNA that encode a peptide-forming enzyme, a method for producing a peptide-forming enzyme, and a method for producing a dipeptide are disclosed. A method for producing a dipeptide includes producing a dipeptide from a carboxy component and an amine component by using a culture of a microbe belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium and having the ability to form the dipeptide from the carboxy component and the amine component, a microbial cell separated from the culture, treated microbial cell product of the microbe or a peptide-forming enzyme derived from the microbe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis. The present invention also relates to isolated genes of the chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis which encode biologically active substances and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the genes as well as methods for producing biologically active substances encoded by the genes and to methods of using the isolated genes of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for producing and isolating desired products (for example, one or more protein, peptide, or pharmaceutical compound species) in transgenic plants engineered to produce the desired product(s). The desired products are isolated from the transgenic plants by contacting plant tissue with an enzyme preparation under conditions effective to hydrolyze the cell wall of the cells comprising the plant tissue. In preferred embodiments, the one or more enzyme species used to effect cell lysis are expressed in the transgenic plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel stable pro nerve growth factors (proNGFs) that are stable towards proteolysis by proteases such as furin, PACE4, and PC2. The novel proNGF molecules are prepared with multiple mutations at all the three major processing sites of the pro domain of the natural proNGF molecules. The present invention further discloses the construction, stable expression in insect cells, and purification of stable mutated proNGF molecules. These novel stable proNGF molecules are useful as a reagent to study the physiological process of apoptosis of neuronal cells. Clinically, the stable proNGF molecules, or further mutants derived from them, have potential use in treating certain cancers such as neuroblastoma, pancreatic and breast cancer as well as used as a target in developing other therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the production, purification, and isolation of human growth hormone (hGH). More particularly, the invention relates to the production, purification, and isolation of substantially purified hGH from recombinant host cells or culture medium including, for example, yeast, insect, mammalian and bacterial host cells. The process of the present invention is also useful for purification of hGH linked to polymers or other molecules.

Abstract: Methods for expressing a heteromeric taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli are provided. These methods comprise the co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 nucleic acid sequences in a host cell that desirably also expresses a G protein that couples therewith, e.g., G?15 and G?16 or gustducin. In preferred embodiments, the host cells will be mammalian cells or Xenopus oocytes. These nucleic acid sequences are expressed constitutively or under inducible conditions. In preferred embodiments, the methods will yield mammalian cells that stably express a T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptor under inducible conditions, e.g., HEK-293 cells that express G?15.

Abstract: The present invention describes a microbial fermentation process using a fermentation medium comprising a complex nitrogen source, wherein a substantial part of the nitrogen (N) that is supplied by the complex nitrogen source is provided by faba bean meal. The use of faba bean meal has a viscosity lowering effect as compared to the use of a complex nitrogen source other than faba bean meal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a reversible terminator nucleotides and methods of use.

Abstract: A device for performing polymerase chain reactions using cooling members not used in conventional thermal cyclers. A device for performing polymerase chain reactions may include a sample holder configured to receive a nucleic acid sample, a heating system configured to raise the temperature of the sample, a cooling system configured to lower the temperature of the sample, and a controller configured to operably control the heating system and the cooling system to cycle the device through a desired time-temperature profile. The cooling system may comprise at least one cooling member selected from a synthetic jet ejector array, a vibration-induced droplet atomization system, a vibrating diaphragm system, a piezo fan, a Cold Gun, a microchannel cooling loop, and a Cool Chip.

Abstract: In silico nucleic acid recombination methods, related integrated systems utilizing genetic operators and libraries made by in silico shuffling methods are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of tumor-derived or associated extracellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) found circulating in the plasma or serum fraction of blood for the detection, monitoring, or evaluation of cancer or premalignant conditions. Extracellular RNA may circulate as non-bound RNA, protein-bound RNA, lipid-RNA complexes, lipoprotein (proteolipid)-RNA complexes, protein-RNA complexes including within or in association with ribonucleoprotein complexes, nucleosomes, or within apoptotic bodies. Any intracellular RNA found in plasma or serum can additionally be detected by this invention. Specifically, this invention enables the extraction of circulating RNA from plasma or serum and utilizes nucleic acid amplification assays for the identification, detection, inference, monitoring, or evaluation of any neoplasm, benign, premalignant, or malignant, in humans or other animals, which might be associated with that RNA.

Abstract: A bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has an ability to produce an L-amino acid, wherein the ability to produce the L-amino acid is increased by increasing expression of an L-amino acid excretion protein is described. A method for producing the L-amino acid using the bacterium is also described.

Abstract: A bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has an ability to produce an L-amino acid, wherein the ability to produce the L-amino acid is increased by increasing expression of an L-amino acid excretion protein is described. A method for producing the L-amino acid using the bacterium is also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing an L-amino acid by fermenting a microorganism, wherein the expression of a lysC gene encoding a feed back resistant aspartokinase is enhanced by cloning a strong promoter/ribosome binding sequence.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing (R)-tetrahydrothiophene-3-ol denoted by formula (II): by bioconversion of tetrahydrothiophene-3-one denoted by formula (I): to (R)-tetrahydrothiophene-3-ol denoted by formula (II). It comprises the steps of: (A) incubating the tetrahydrothiophene-3-one denoted by formula (I) in the presence of a strain, or a preparation of a cultured cell thereof, belonging to Penicillium, Aspergillus, or Streptomyces that is capable of said bioconversion; and (B) collecting the (R)-tetrahydrothiophene-3-ol denoted by formula (II) from incubated solution. A method for crystallization of optically active tetrahydrothiophene-3-ol of improved optical purity, characterized by maintaining a solution comprising optically active tetrahydrothiophene-3-ol and organic solvent at equal to or lower than 1° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polynucleotide encoding ?-butyrobetaine hydroxylase (?-BBH) originating from Neurospora crassa. Also disclosed are a recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector, ?-BBH encoded by the polynucleotide, and a method of preparing L-carnitine, which comprises hydroxylating ?-butyrobetaine using ?-BBH encoded by the polynucleotide.

Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Micro-organisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.

Abstract: Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from the bacterial microorganisms Shewanella japonica and Shewanella olleyana, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.