Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide novel binding molecules for factor VIII and factor VIII-like proteins. Preferred binding molecules of the present invention exhibit not only distinct characteristics for binding of the target factor VIII polypeptides but also specific and desirable characteristics for release (elution) of the target polypeptides. Especially preferred binding molecules according to the invention are short polypeptide sequences, characterized by a stable loop structure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods for the treatment of disorders characterized by the overexpression of an LIV-1. More specifically, the compositions include DNA and amino acid sequences of an LIV-1, antibodies to an LIV-1, and methods for the treatment of a mammal susceptible to or diagnosed with cancer wherein an LIV-1 is overexpressed.

Abstract: The polypeptide Fortilin (also known as Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein, TCTP) specifically interacts with p53, a tumor suppressor involved in the induction of apoptosis and the normal growth regulation of a cell. Fortilin also specifically binds MCL1 (Myeloid Cell Leukemia 1). Fortilin has the ability to prevent apoptosis, which may be unregulated in hyperproliferative cells. The present invention is directed at compositions and methods involving a Fortilin modulator, which can induce apoptosis, for the prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of hyperproliferative diseases and conditions, including cancer and atherosclerosis. It is directed also at compositions and methods involving Fortilin, which can inhibit apoptosis, for the treatment of diseases and condition characterized by apoptosis, including certain vascular conditions.

Abstract: A medicament for treating a patient who cannot be cured with a medicament comprising as an active ingredient an antibody composition produced by a cell unresistant to a lectin which recognizes a sugar chain in which 1-position of fucose is bound to 6-position of N-acetylglucosamine in the reducing end through ?-bond in a complex N-glycoside-linked sugar chain, which comprises as an active ingredient an antibody composition produced by a cell resistant to a lectin which recognizes a sugar chain in which 1-position of fucose is bound to 6-position of N-acetylglucosamine in the reducing end through ?-bond in a complex N-glycoside-linked sugar chain, and a method for screening the patient by using the medicament.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection, in a patient by detecting the expression level of one or more genes in a patient, are described. Diagnostic oligonucleotides for diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection and kits or systems containing the same are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the reactive state of a chemical reaction process in a reaction mixture (110), in particular an amplification reaction for nucleic acids. The method comprises a viscosity determination, which preferably uses a dynamic viscometer (1). The invention also relates to an improved dynamic viscometer (1) for carrying out said method. The viscometer is characterised by an appropriate choice of material for the resonator (101) and optimised geometric ratios.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect Bordetella pertussis and/or Bordetella parapertussis in a biological sample. Primers and probes for the differential detection of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting B. pertussis and/or B. parapertussis are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: Assays and kits for the detection of phenotypic resistance of a retrovirus to reverse transcriptase inhibitor-drugs in a biological sample. The assays are based on the direct analysis of the susceptibility of retroviral reverse transcriptase to inhibition by a reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug. The enzymatic activity of the reverse transcriptase is determined by measuring the DNA product produced when an RNA template and a first complementary DNA primer from a suitable region of the encephalomyocarditis virus genome are incubated with a biological sample containing reverse transcriptase in the presence of the drug to which resistance is being determined. The DNA product is amplified and detection of the amplified DNA indicates resistance to the drug employed in the assay. Detection of relatively greater amounts of amplified DNA when certain drugs are used indicates the presence of multiple nucleoside analog resistant strains or mutations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. Enzymes, including 5? nucleases and 3? exonucleases, are used to detect and identify nucleic acids derived from microorganisms. Methods are provided which allow for the detection and identification of bacterial and viral pathogens in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for monitoring differential expression of a plurality of genes in a first Bacillus cell relative to expression of the same genes in one or more second Bacillus cells using microarrays containing Bacillus genomic sequenced tags. The present invention also relates to computer readable media and computer-based systems. The present invention further relates to substrates containing an array of Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus clausii GSTs.

Abstract: Methods useful, for example, in identifying plant compositions that have immunomodulatory activity. Also disclosed is an Asteraceae plant immunomodulatory composition useful for increasing an immune response, e.g., IFN ? or IL-2 transcription.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a novel method for the selection of nucleic acid processing and other enzymes. In particular the invention relates to a method for the selection of nucleic acid polymerases and other enzymes with desired properties based on the method of compartmentalized self-tagging.

Abstract: The present invention provides SELF protein having controlling effects on growth and differentiation of undifferentiated cells, wherein the protein contains a novel EGF-like repeat sequence, SELF gene encoding the same, a recombinant vector and a transformed cell containing the SELF gene, a method for treatment or prophylaxis with SELF protein or a recombinant expression vector containing SELF gene, SELF promoter, a recombinant vector and a transformed cell containing SELF promoter, and a screening method using the transformed cell containing SELF promoter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic compositions for treating or preventing obesity and obesity-related disorders in a subject. The present invention also relates to the use of PGC-1 expression levels to determine the safe dosage range for known or putative respiration uncoupling agents for use as anti-obesity therapeutics. The present invention further relates to methods for identifying new compounds that have respiration uncoupling activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for producing an enhanced immune response to an immunogen in a subject via the co-administration of a CD40 agonist and a GM-CSF agent.

Abstract: Systems, methods and kits that utilize uniquely coded microparticles for performing protein assays are provided. The uniquely coded microparticles are used as a substrate for reverse protein delivery into cells. The microparticles and methods offer the possibility of studying the biological functions of either a single protein of interest in multiple cell types per assay or multiple proteins in a single cell type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier for diagnostics and/or follow-up of a Treponema infection and to a diagnostic method using said carrier. According to the invention a carrier is provided for diagnostics and/or follow-up of a Treponema infection, said carrier comprising at least one immobilized cardiolipin and at least one immobilized Treponema-specific antigen. Furthermore, a method is provided for diagnostics and/or follow-up using the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for screening and modulating the bioavailability of extracellular secretory vimentin. In particular, the present invention provides inhibitors and activators of secretory vimentin including antibodies, small interfering RNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides. The present invention thus provides novel drug targets for enhanced anti-microbial response, and methods of using such modulators to beneficially alter the pathophysiologic effects of secretory vimentin.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting mass based on a frequency differential of a resonating micromachined structure, such as a cantilever beam. A high aspect ratio cantilever beam is coated with an immobilized binding partner that couples to a predetermined cell or molecule. A first resonant frequency is determined for the cantilever having the immobilized binding partner. Upon exposure of the cantilever to a solution that binds with the binding partner, the mass of the cantilever beam increases. A second resonant frequency is determined and the differential resonant frequency provides the basis for detecting the target cell or molecule. The cantilever may be driven externally or by ambient noise. The frequency response of the beam can be determined optically using reflected light and two photodetectors or by interference using a single photodetector.

Abstract: OCT3 is consistently expressed at high levels in brain microvessel endothelial cells. Disclosed herein are assays for determining whether a test material/molecule is a substrate for, and/or is actively transported by, the OCT3 transporter, and therefore a candidate substrate for crossing the blood brain barrier. The assays are useful in screening for therapeutic, cytotoxic or imaging compounds used in the treatment or diagnosis of neurological diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides and compositions comprising amino acid residues 23 to 108 of SEQ ID NO: 2, polypeptides and compositions comprising amino acid residues 28 to 108 of SEQ ID NO: 2, including affinity tags and the like, useful for stimulating gastrointestinal contractility, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and treating gastroparesis.

Abstract: A method for prognosing possible recurrence after treatment of the liver cancer, characterized by measuring GPC3 contained in a test sample by use of an anti-GPC3 antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides BoNT/B peptides, BoNT/B peptide compositions, tolerogizing compositions, immune response inducing compositions, as well as methods of determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of treating immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of reducing anti-botulinum toxin antibodies in an individual and methods of inducing a BoNT/B immune response an individual.

Abstract: The present inventors used antibody engineering techniques to prepare functional antibodies that correspond to individual mutations in causative genes of diseases, and discovered that such antibodies enable the treatment of the diseases. Specifically, the inventors succeeded in preparing ligands, particularly minibodies, which have agonistic activity to receptors that have almost completely lost responsiveness to their natural ligands because of gene mutations (for example, a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor whose reactivity to TPO has been markedly impaired), and which can transduce signals by interacting with these mutant receptors at levels comparable to normal.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a chicken LIF gene. Based on this genetic information, LIF protein derived from the chicken can be stably supplied and it solves the problems of the creation of transgenic chickens in the past. In addition, the present invention provides not only transgenic chickens for testing purposes but also supplies the first practical transgenic stock animals. The present invention relates to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) shown in sequence No. 2, and the gene that encodes thereof shown in sequence No. 1, and a manufacturing method of chicken LIF. In addition, the present invention pertains to a differential preventer of the chicken differentiable cell, and a method of chicken differential prevention and a culturing method for the chicken differentiable cell using thereof, and a medium comprising thereof.

Abstract: Oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp)-specific binding agents are used to reduce OMgp-mediated axon growth inhibition. Mixtures of axons and OMgp and mixtures of Nogo receptor (NgR) and OMgp are used in pharmaceutical screens to characterize agents as inhibiting binding of NgR to OMgp and promoting axon regeneration.

Abstract: The C-type lectin DC-SIGN is absent in normal synovium but is highly expressed by CD68 positive macrophages in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Accordingly, rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed or treated by, respectively, assaying or blocking DC-SIGN. This can be accomplished by the use of agents, e.g., antibodies, which bind specifically to DCSIGN. Agents that bind to ICAM-3 are used to block inhibition of activation of macrophages by DC-SIGN-ICAM-3 interaction and cause inhibition of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides capable of promoting odorant receptor cell surface localization and odorant receptor functional expression. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of ligands specific for various odorant receptors. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of screening for odorant receptor accessory protein polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states, as well as methods of screening for therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of such proteins.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for modulating the growth state of an lung tissue, or a cell thereof, e.g., by ectopically contacting the tissue, in vitro or in vivo, with a hedgehog therapeutic, a ptc therapeutic, or an FGF-10 therapeutic in an amount effective to alter the rate (promote or inhibit) of proliferation of cells in the lung tissue, e.g., relative to the absence of administration of the hedgehog therapeutic or ptc therapeutic. The subject method can be used, for example, to modulate the growth state of epithelial and/or mesenchymal cells of a lung tissue, such as may be useful as part of a regimen for prevention of a disease state, or in the treatment of an existing disease state or other damage to the lung tissue.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cancer-suppressing agent comprising a novel cancer-suppressing gene based on the discovery of such cancer-suppressing gene. The present invention provides A cancer-suppressing agent which comprises PCDH20 gene or a homologous gene thereof.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively measuring the amount of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods involve providing a solid phase apparatus comprising a membrane having an application point, a sample capture zone, and a control capture zone, where the sample capture region is between the application point and the control capture zone; and providing a sample collection apparatus comprising a population of analyte binding particles or a population of analyte coated particles. In the assays, a fluid sample is introduced into the sample collection apparatus, and the resultant mixture is applied to the application point of the membrane. The fluid allows transport components of the assay by capillary action to and through the sample capture zone and subsequently to and through the control capture zone. The amount of analyte in the fluid sample is related (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining GTP Cyclohydrolase I or II activity in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring the protease activity of a transglutaminase-containing product comprising: mixing an aqueous solution (sample solution) of a transglutaminase-containing product and an aqueous solution of dimethylcasein in a prescribed ratio of transglutaminase activity to quantity of dimethylcasein, allowing the mixture to stand under prescribed conditions to cause a degradation reaction by protease to progress, adding an acid, filtering, and measuring the concentration of the protein in the filtrate. The invention is particularly useful for transglutaminase formulation for binding application and transglutaminase formulation for Surimi product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the use of enzymes to selectively deposit metal to the vicinity of a target molecule. The invention also relates to applications of enzymatic metal deposition to sensitively and selectively detect target molecules such as biomarkers in various biological samples, such as chromogenic immunohistochemical (IHC) detection in situ by using bright field light microscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying cellular genes used for viral, bacterial or parasitic growth. Also provided by the present invention are nucleic acids related to and methods of reducing or preventing viral, bacterial or parasitic infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or identifying bacteria present in a liquid or solid sample, characterized in that: a. the sample that may contain said bacteria is placed in a liquid culture medium, in a first container, b. a second container comprising at least one system for detecting said bacteria is provided, c. a means of transfer between the first container and the second container is provided, d. a temperature T1 is applied inside the second container, then e. a temperature T2 is applied inside the second container, f. the temperature T1 is higher than the temperature T2 such that a defined volume of culture medium is transferred from the first container to the second container, g. the presence or absence of bacteria is determined and/or the bacteria are identified within the detection system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medium for detecting and/or identifying microorganisms present in a sample, comprising a culture medium and at least one substrate that can be hydrolysed to a labelled product by at least a first enzyme not free in the sample, and specific for the microorganisms, characterized in that it also comprises at least one inhibitor of at least a second enzyme, different from the first enzyme or identical to it, but free in said sample and not originating from a microorganism. The present invention also finds a preferred application in the field of biomedical diagnosis or in food microbiology, and more particularly in bacteriology and mycology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for rapidly identifying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and the like that may be present in an agricultural specimen. The methods of the present invention provide a process for rapidly and accurately identifying infectious or pathogenic microorganisms without the need for culturing. In addition, the methods of the present invention provide processes for assaying harvested agricultural crops for the presence of statistically significant quantities of microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for forming peptide conjugates intracellularly having a covalent linkage between a modifying group and a glycosylated or non-glycosylated peptide. The modifying group is conjugated to the peptide via a glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently linked to both the peptide and the modifying group.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to novel genes expressed in normal but not neurogenin-1-deficient animals. The invention relates specifically to a novel family of G protein-coupled receptors and a novel family of two-transmembrane segment proteins that are expressed in dorsal root ganglia, and a method of screening for genes specifically expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons.

Abstract: This invention relates to the general field of recombinant expression of polypeptides in animal cell culture. More particularly, the invention concerns improved selection in cells of recombinantly engineered vectors designed to express polypeptides.

Abstract: GDNFR?, GDNFR? extracellular domain (ECD), GDNFR? variants, chimeric GDNFR? (e.g., GDNFR? immunoadhesin), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing antibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for these molecules are described, including methods to modulate cell activity and survival by response to GDNFR?-ligands, for example GDNF, by providing GDNFR? to the cell. Also provided are methods for using GDNFR?, GDNF, or agonists thereof, separately or in complex, to treat kidney diseases.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a NELL peptide are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are new recombinant nucleic acids encoding protein A polypeptides and methods of using these nucleic acids.

Abstract: A modified Family 11 xylanase enzyme comprising a sequence that introduces a functional consensus glycosylation site is provided. Non-limiting examples of introduced glycosylation sites include mutation of the amino acid at position 34, 131, 180, 182, or a combination thereof, to an asparagine. The indicated amino acid position in the Family 11 xylanase is determined from sequence alignment of the xylanase of interest with that of a Trichoderma reesei xylanase II amino acid sequence. The introduced consensus glycosylation site facilitates increased expression efficiency of the modified xylanase when compared to the expression efficiency of a corresponding xylanase from which the modified xylanase was derived, using similar host strains and growth conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new family of human proteins, designated as “Zven,” as agents that stimulate gastrointestinal contractility, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and treating gastroparesis. The Zven1 gene, which resides in human chromosome 3p21.1-3p14.3, is expressed in testicular tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The invention also provides methods for using the antibodies to detect the presence of the protein with antibodies and methods for using the polynucleotides to detect the presence of Zven RNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), and to a composition comprising IL-18BP characterized by a specific glycosylation pattern.

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: 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: A method of specifically amplifying desired regions of nucleic acid from a sample is provided. The method uses a plurality of first and second PCR primers, each having a region of fixed nucleotide sequence identical or complementary to a consensus sequence of interest and a region of randomized nucleotide sequence located 5? to, 3? to, anywhere within, or flanking the region of fixed nucleotide sequence; and then amplifying the nucleic acid present in the sample via PCR using the plurality of first and second PCR primers; whereby a subset of the first primers binds to the consensus sequence of interest wherever it occurs in the sample, and a subset of the second primers binds to the sample at locations removed from the first primers such that DNA regions flanked by the first primer and the second primer are specifically amplified.