Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel members of the Capsaicin/Vanilloid receptor family. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-hVR-1, anti-hVR-2, and anti-rVR-2 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for detecting conformationally altered proteins and prions in a sample. In one embodiment, the conformationally altered proteins and prions are associated with amyloidogenic diseases.

Abstract: A fluidic device for performing assays can include control components such as vacuum pumps, gas pumps, “broken open valves,” and “self-close valves” for controlling the flow of fluids in the fluidic device. The vacuum pump can be used to pull a fluid in a specific direction in a channel, and the gas pump can be used to push a fluid in a specific direction in a channel. The broken open valve can be used to connect two separate regions at the control of a user, and the self-close valve can be used to automatically seal off a channel after passage of a fluid. The vacuum pumps, gas pumps, broken open valves, and self close valves can be made small in volume so that the fluidic device can be made as a small and portable device.

Abstract: The invention relates to identifying agents which have the ability to preferentially inhibit binding to targets such as heparin of the H384 allotypic variant of human complement Factor H, the allotypic variant associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the non-disease associated form of the same factor (Y384). The targets of interest show differential binding of the two allotypic variants and antagonists thus identified are of interest in developing treatments for AMD.

Abstract: There exists a need in the art for diagnosing specific disease states through measuring a concentration myeloperoxidase (MPO) isoform and/or proform or a combination thereof in a test sample. The claimed method provides a high specificity assay that has improved diagnostic specificity and improved sensitivity in that it reduces detection of normal MPO present in the sample. Antibodies and kits for performing the described method are further described.

Abstract: Mycobacterial proteins from culture filtrate or cytosol are disclosed as being useful B cell antigens for early diagnosis of mycobacterial disease, particularly in humans. These proteins include four that had not previously been recognized as B cell antigens (LppZ protein encoded by Mtb gene Rv3006; SodC protein encoded by Mtb gene Rv0432; BfrB protein encoded by Mtb gene Rv3841 and TrxC protein encoded byMtb gene Rv3914). Antigenic compositions include these proteins and/or peptide fragments thereof, in various combinations with each other or with one or more of a set of 10 additional Mtb proteins known to be antigens (in paricular early antigens. Methods and kits for using these antigenic composition for early diagnosis of mycobacterial infection and disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for binding an analyte of interest in a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a substrate with an exposed surface with an compound, that is electrostatically charged or capable of forming hydrogen bonds, provided bound to the solid substrate. A recombinant single chain antibody (scFv) molecule specific for the analyte of interest, having one or more amino acids with charged or hydrogen-bond forming sidechains in a linker polypeptide portion, is bound to the layer on the solid substrate. When the analyte of interest is present in the sample the scFv binds the analyte to the solid substrate. The apparatus can be used with an immunoglobulin layer to detect Fc receptors, so as to detect microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus having protein A or protein G.

Abstract: The present invention provides BoNT/A peptide compositions, tolerogizing compositions, BoNT/A immune response inducing compositions and antibody compositions, as well as methods of determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of preventing or reducing immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of vaccinating an individual against botulinum toxin, methods of preparing anti-BoNT/A antibodies, methods of treating botulinum toxicity in an individual and methods of reducing anti-botulinum toxin antibodies in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a SNAP-25 substrate which includes (i) a green fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a portion of SNAP-25 that includes a BoNT/A, BoNT/C1 or BoNT/E recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the green fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple. Further provided herein is a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a tagged toxin substrate which includes (i) a fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple.

Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the ? secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A method for inducing differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neuronal precursors is provided as well as an assay for neuronal precursor or progenitor cells and a method for identifying agents that inhibit or reduce an increase in neurite degeneration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to compositions comprising a class of molecular probes for detecting the presence of anionic cell surfaces. Embodiments include compositions that are enriched for these compositions and preparations, particularly preparations suitable for use as laboratory/clinical reagents and diagnostic indicators, either alone or as part of a kit. An embodiment of the invention provides for a highly selective agent useful in the discernment and identification of dead or dying cells, such as apoptotic cells, in a relatively calcium-free environment. An embodiment of the invention provides a selective agent for the identification of bacteria in a mixed population of bacterial cells and nonbacterial cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, kits, and compositions for the highly sensitive detection of molecules. The methods, kits, and compositions are useful in determining concentrations of molecules in samples to levels of 1 femtomolar, 1 attomolar, or lower. The methods, kits, and compositions also allow the determination of concentration over a wide range, e.g., 7-log range, without need for sample dilution.

Abstract: The clone PLACE6002312 having a structure characteristic of G protein-coupled receptor was isolated from a human placental full-length cDNA library prepared by the oligo-capping method. Database search revealed that PLACE6002312 had the highest homology to HISTAMINE H2 RECEPTOR. Analysis for the expression of PLACE6002312 gene in human tissues revealed that the gene was expressed in various tissues, such as heart, liver, and ovary. In addition, histamine was found to be one of ligands for PLACE 6002312 by ligand-binding assay. Furthermore, a full-length cDNA for the mouse homolog of PLACE6002312 was isolated and the deduced amino acid sequence was revealed to comprise a structure characteristic of G protein-coupled receptor. PLACE6002312 can be used to screen for agonists and antagonists useful as pharmaceuticals and to diagnose various diseases caused by the abnormal activity or expression of the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for diagnosing a cardiac dysfunction in a subject comprising the steps of measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of a BNP-type peptide in a sample from the subject, measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of an ANP-type peptide in a sample from the subject, calculating the ratio of the measured level of the ANP-type peptide to the measured level of the BNP-type peptide comparing the calculated ratio to at least one known ratio indicative of the presence or absence of a cardiac dysfunction. Preferred markers according to the present invention are ANP, NT-proANP, BNP, NT-proBNP, which belong to the class of natriuretic peptides. Particularly, the present invention relates to diagnosing a diastolic dysfunction and/or (distinguishing a diastolic from a systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, the present invention relates to diagnostic kits (comprising an ANP-type and a BNP type peptide) as well as methods of treatment and methods for deciding about treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for testing the efficacy of any disinfectant treatment, such as water disinfectants or equipment disinfectants. The device includes a culture of live unsporulated free-living protozoan parasites. If the disinfectant treatment successfully kills all or a substantial number of parasites, then the treatment is effective. One can determine whether the parasites have been killed or not by exposing them to sporulation conditions, and if they sporulate after exposure to the disinfectant treatment, then they were not killed by the disinfectant treatment.

Abstract: A soybean protein that without any soybean odor and nasty aftertastes, such as acerbity and astringency, is refreshing and ensures excellent flavor, and that when used in a protein beverage, etc., excels in powder dispersion and dissolution at the time of dissolving operation and is free of roughness thereof, realizing excellent throat feeling. There is provided a process for producing a soybean protein, characterized by adding an Mg compound to a soybean protein slurry or solution, heating the thus neutralized solution and adding a protease thereto, thereby carrying out hydrolysis of the protein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that allows the production of peptides having three or more amino acid residues easily, inexpensively and at high yield without going through a complex synthesis method. A novel enzyme that efficiently produces a peptide from bacteria belonging to the genus Empedobacter or the genus Sphingobacterium is provided. The enzyme acts on a carboxy component and an amine component to form peptides having three or more amino acid residues by acting on a carboxy component and an amine component.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for expression of polypeptides or delivery of interfering RNA's in various cell types.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Y. lipolytica cells and substantially pure cultures of Y. lipolytica cells containing exogenous nucleic acids encoding EH polypeptides, e.g., enantioselective EH polypeptides. Also featured by the invention are methods for the production of the EH polypeptides and methods for hydrolysing epoxides and for producing optically active vicinal diols and/or optically active epoxides. Also embodied by the invention are efficient integrative expression vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel cap-independent translational enhancers (CITEs) from monocot-infecting members of the virus family Tombusviridae (e.g. Maize necrotic streak virus) are provided. The CITEs can be used to produce uncapped mRNA that is efficiently translated into protein, for example, in wheat germ extract or in transgenic cereals or grasses.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides encoding clot-specific streptokinase proteins possessing altered plasminogen characteristics, including enhanced fibrin selectivity. The kinetics of plasminogen activation by these proteins are distinct from those of natural streptokinase, in that there is a temporary delay or lag in the initial rate of catalytic conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides interferon-alpha polypeptides and conjugates, and nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides. The invention also includes compositions comprising these polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; cells containing or expressing the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; methods of making the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; and methods of using the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for amplification and capture of nucleic acid sequences can include the steps of annealing a forward primer to a DNA or RNA template in a first reaction vessel that includes fewer than four different dNTPs; extending the forward primer with the dNTPs to form an extended primer that terminates when an omitted dNTP is required for further extension of the forward primer; releasing the extended primer; exponentially amplifying the extended primer in a second reaction vessel that includes a reverse primer, four different dNTPs and a capture probe, the capture probe including n oligonucleotides, wherein fewer than n of the oligonucleotides are locking nucleic acids; and concurrently capturing one of the extended primers in the second reaction vessel with the capture probe while amplifying the extended primer. Further, in certain embodiments, the steps of annealing, extending and releasing occur at a first reaction temperature that is substantially isothermal and in the absence of a helicase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of mutagenesis for introducing mutations into a molecule and, in particular, to methods that may be applied to populations of molecules for the generation or screening of libraries involving the mutation of multiple molecules.

Abstract: Provided is a method of disrupting cells comprising adding gold nanorods to a solution containing cells and irradiating the gold nanorods with a laser to disrupt the cells. A method and an apparatus for continuously disrupting cells and amplifying nucleic acids in a single microchamber are also provided, wherein the method comprises introducing a solution containing cells and gold nanorods into a microchamber, irradiating a laser onto the gold nanorods to disrupt the cells, and amplifying a nucleic acid from the disrupted cells in the microchamber.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors containing B. thetaiotaomicron GAG lyase nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a microorganism that belongs to Enterobacteriacae and a method of producing L-carnitine using the same. The microorganism includes polynucleotide encoding activity of S-adenosylmethionine-6-N-iysine KDa methyltransferase from Neurospora crassa, polynucleotide encoding activity of 6-N-trimethyllysine hydroxylase, polynucleotide encoding activity of 3-hydroxy-6-N-trimethyllysine aldolase, and polynucleotide encoding activity of ?-trimethylaminoaldehyde dehydrogenase and y-butyrobetaine hydroxylase.

Abstract: Ear corn is picked from corn fields by ear corn harvesters and transported to a central shelling station associated with an ethanol manufacturing facility. Shelled corn from the central shelling station is processed into ethanol at the ethanol manufacturing facility, and corn cobs from the central shelling station are burned to provide process heat for the ethanol manufacturing process. Energy is conserved and costs are reduced during the picking and shelling of the car corn and by the burning of cobs for process heat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of detoxifying pretreated lignocellulose-containing maternal by subjecting pre-treated material to a detoxifying compound capable of binding 1) pre-treated lignocellulose degradation products and/or 2) acetic acid. The detoxifying compound may also be an amidase and/or and anhydrase. The invention also relates to a process of producing a fermentation product including a detoxification process of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing expression of a promoter function of various genes in a Coryneform bacterium related to function exertion, in order to exert the function of a Coryneform bacterium highly and effectively under an anaerobic condition, for producing an organic compound useful under an anaerobic condition, more particularly, provides a method of enhancing and/or suppressing the promoter function related to various genes, for the purpose of highly and effectively expressing various protein genes necessary for production of an objective substance, and suppressing expression of an unnecessary protein gene. The DNA fragment of the present invention is useful as a primer which is introduced into a transformed Coryneform bacterium producing a useful substance such as lactic acid and succinic acid highly and at a high efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concentration and separation of bacteria in confined geometries such as in thin fluid films and in channels. The bacteria live in an environment of a specified level of pH, so that an increase or decrease of pH levels stimulates the bacteria to avoid areas of unfavorable pH and swim in the direction of the pH gradient. To create the gradient of pH an electric current is transmitted through a thin film or channel containing bacteria. The transmission of the current results in electrolysis in the vicinity of the electrodes and deviation of the pH levels from the bulk values. The bacteria swim away from the electrodes toward the center of the cell, where the pH level is more favorable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing reduced coenzyme Q10 which comprises obtaining microbial cells containing reduced coenzyme Q10 at a ratio of not less than 70 mole % among the entire coenzymes Q10, optionally disrupting the cells and recovering thus-produced reduced coenzyme Q10. The present invention also relates to a process for producing oxidized coenzyme Q10 which comprises either recovering oxidized coenzyme Q10 after oxidizing the above-mentioned microbial cells or disrupted product thereof, or recovering reduced coenzyme Q10 from the above-mentioned microbial cells or disrupted product thereof to oxidize thus-obtained reduced coenzyme Q10 thereafter. According to the processes of the present invention, reduced coenzyme Q10 and oxidized coenzyme Q10 can be produced simply on the industrial scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein engineering, and concerns especially family G/11 xylanases, and genes encoding said enzymes. In specific, the invention concerns Trichoderma reesei XYNII gene, which codes for endo-1,4-?-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8). The invention describes how site-directed mutagenesis can be used to improve the properties of an enzyme to match the industrial conditions where it is used. Protein engineering can be used to improve thermoactivity and thermostability of xylanases, as well as to broaden their pH range.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron HSGAG lyase polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors containing B. thetaiotaomicron HSGAG lyase nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Modified forms of naturally occurring bacteriocins, such as the R-type pyocins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are disclosed as are methods for producing them in GRAS organisms. The bacteriocins are modified at the ends of their tail fibers in a region responsible for binding specificity and affinity to their cognate binding partners, or receptors, such as those on the surface of bacteria. Methods for the use of the modified bacteriocins, such as to bind receptors, including virulence or fitness factors, on the surfaces of bacteria, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crystalline forms of 3-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising the crystalline forms, methods of making the crystalline forms and methods for their use for the treatment, prevention or management of diseases ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified eukaryotic host cells that produce isoprenoid precursors or isoprenoid compounds. A subject genetically modified host cell comprises increased activity levels of one or more of mevalonate pathway enzymes, increased levels of prenyltransferase activity, and decreased levels of squalene synthase activity. Methods are provided for the production of an isoprenoid compound or an isoprenoid precursor in a subject genetically modified eukaryotic host cell. The methods generally involve culturing a subject genetically modified host cell under conditions that promote production of high levels of an isoprenoid or isoprenoid precursor compound.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing hard water deposits through the use of a microorganism growth medium are disclosed. Any known or novel growth medium may be used for the purpose of removing hard water deposits. The growth medium may be applied to the hard water deposits, left long enough for background ambient bacteria to grow and release their byproducts, and the medium and cells or microorganisms that have grown may then be removed using any conventional method. In some variations of embodiments of the methods, growth media may be inoculated with specific types of cells and/or microorganisms, it may be heated or cooled, it may mixed, and/or it may be kept moist to optimize cell or microorganism proliferation.

Abstract: A microfluidic assembly, comprises a first region having a first affinity to a first fluid sample and a second region having a second affinity to the first fluid sample. The first affinity is greater than the second affinity. A first reagent is positioned within at least the first region, the first reagent enabling amplification of a first target nucleic acid.

Abstract: This invention is used for the multiplex cells/tissues analysis using 3D cells/tissue culturing functional particles. Functional particle has been used for the variety of biological assays including immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology as well as cell biology. We combined different particles in same reaction vessel for realizing multiple assays for cells or tissues analysis. These particles are identified by their mark as different color or fluorescence. Then differently identified cells/tissues are analyzed according to their response to the outside signals evenly. We can apply any signals as chemical trigger, light activation, electric triggers, mechanical trigger or temperature shift. In this patent application, we extend to use these functional particles with permeable parts or permeable reaction vessel for the high trough put cells and tissues analysis. If the diffusion speed of these are calibrated correctly, we can measure complex kinetic of cells or tissues response.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a first sample chamber and a first sample portion positioned in the first sample chamber. If the first sample portion contains a single molecule of a target nucleic acid, the first sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of the target nucleic acid after a single round of amplification. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a first sample chamber and at least one amplification targeting reagent positioned in the first sample chamber. If a sample portion which comprises at least a single molecule of a target nucleic acid is positioned in the first sample chamber, the sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of the target nucleic acid after a single round of amplification.

Abstract: A port assembly for use with a polymeric bioreactor bag said assembly comprising: i) a hollow port member comprised at least in part of a material suitable to be fusibly affixed to the wall surface of said bioreactor bag; ii) at least one fluorophore spot positioned on said port member; iii) conduit means for conveying excitation light from an optical source to said fluorophore, said conduit means being an assembly comprising at least one of a lens, an optic fiber, a curved parabolic collimator, a shaped reflector or a wave guide; iv) conduit means for conveying fluorescent emission light from said fluorophore to a photo-detector, said conduit means being an assembly comprising at least one of a lens, an optic fiber, a curved parabolic collimator, a shaped reflector or a wave guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the isolation of large numbers of hematopoietic stem cells. In particular the invention relates to a method for the isolation of viable haemopoietic stem cells from the placenta. The uses of these isolated cells in various applications are also described.

Abstract: While culture medium and systems have been described that permit the culture and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells in feeder free and animal product free conditions, these conditions will not readily support cloning of an embryonic stem cell culture meaning, at least here, the initiation of a sub-culture using one or a very few originating cells. It has been found here that a class of small molecules that are inhibitors of kinase enzymes will increase the efficiency of cloning of stem cell cultures sufficiently to make such cloning practical in the defined medium and in other media as well.

Abstract: A method for the transient transformation of a living biological cell having an intact cell membrane defining an intracellular domain, and an apparatus for the transient transformation of biological cells. The method and apparatus include introducing a compartmentalized extracellular component fixedly attached to a cellular penetrant structure to the intracellular domain of the cell, wherein the cell is fixed in a predetermined location and wherein the component is expressed within in the cell while being retained within the compartment and wherein the compartment restricts the mobility and interactions of the component within the cell and prevents transference of the component to the cell.

Abstract: Methods for modulating transcriptional activation and cellular proliferation based on targeting the direct interaction of BRCA1 with the mammalian SWI/SNF complex through association with its BRG1 subunit are provided. Also provided are compositions for modulating cellular proliferation by modulating chromatin remodeling activity in mammalian cells which targets a BRG1 subunit of the SWI/SNF complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid inhibitors, compositions and method for enhancing synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to inhibition or control of nucleic acid synthesis, sequencing or amplification. Specifically, the present invention discloses nucleic acids having affinity for polypeptides with polymerase activity for use in such synthesis, amplification or sequencing reactions. The nucleic acid inhibitors are capable of inhibiting nonspecific nucleic acid synthesis under certain conditions (e.g., at ambient temperatures). Thus, in a preferred aspect, the invention relates to “hot start” synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. Accordingly, the invention prevents, reduces or substantially reduces nonspecific nucleic acid synthesis. The invention also relates to kits for synthesizing, amplifying, reverse transcribing or sequencing nucleic acid molecules comprising one or more of the nucleic acid inhibitors or compositions of the invention.