Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing the method is provided. The method involves performing an indirect competitive binding assay on a microarray to identify biological or chemical targets and screen for compounds of interest. The microarray comprises a common ligand located among membrane-, lipid- or protein-associated active binding sites. The method takes advantage of known or well-characterized binding kinetics, and steric interference between biological or chemicals targets of interest and universal readout units for different binding sites within the limited confines of a microspot. The biological targets, chemicals or organisms can specifically bind to target-binding sites, while the universal readout unit binds to the ligands in the microspot.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel compositions and methods useful for the growth, isolation and detection of microorganisms that have ?-glucosidase activity (e.g., the bacterium E. sakazakii). Certain embodiments provide a novel growth and/or plating media, comprising a fluorogenic ?-glucosidase substrate, which is both selective for and differential to E. sakazakii. In particular embodiments, the ?-glucosidase substrate comprises 4-methylumbelliferyl-?-D-glucoside. Additional embodiments relate to a selection media. Further embodiments relate to a selective medium that is based on Tryptone Bile agar. Still further embodiments relate to OK media as defined herein. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods for growing bacterial cultures on media that is selective for and differential to microorganisms that have ?-glucosidase activity (e.g., the bacterium E. sakazakii).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening drugs for use in treating hypertension using the tubular renin-angiotensinogen system identified by the present invention. The invention further relates to a method to diagnose sodium status and sensitivity in an individual by measuring urinary angiotensinogen or angiotensin-I.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a) identifying and isolating stem cells, b) assessing mitochondrial distribution and structure in living cells and c) performing fluorescence microscopy on living cells while the cells remain within a condition-controlled cell culture chamber.

Abstract: A device is described for the generation of electropotential by bacterial culture that contain magnetic inclusions. As these bacteria move within an aqueous conductive environment, the generated magnetic fields induce a voltage between electrodes immersed in the solution. Current flow and power production can be sustained for several hours.

Abstract: The failure of many anticancer drugs to control growth of solid cancers may stem in part from inadequate delivery to tumor regions distant from vasculature. However, extricating the effect of tissue penetration from the many other factors that affect a drug's efficacy in tumors with distance from vasculature is generally not possible. The present invention relates to an effect-based assay which employs a multilayered cell culture (MCC), a tissue-engineered disc grown from tumor cells on a permeable membrane. One side of the culture may be exposed to a drug or other test substance while the other side is temporarily sealed off. Cells adjacent both the exposed side and the sealed side, of the MCC may then be compared since they have similar rates of proliferation and other biochemical properties. For example, the effect of the drug or other the test substance may be evaluated by immunohistochemical or other labeling techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic tests, methods and kits that are useful to assess a subject's risk of developing a pathologic condition related in part to the presence of HDL oxidation product. Measuring the quantity of one or more HDL oxidation products present in the blood is useful in evaluating risk for developing or evaluating the severity of a disease or evaluating response to treatment for such a disease as, for instance, cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: There exists a need in the art for high throughput screening assays that can identify compounds that specifically modulate the activity of fast-acting ion channels, such as TRPM5. Current methods suffer from a lack of sensitivity, low throughput, and are labor intensive. The claimed methods provide fluorescent assays with an optical readout that gives rapid readout of the results, has a high signal to noise background ratio, are easy to use, can be modified for automation and miniaturization, and provide verification that a compound specifically modulates TRPM5.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the production of recombinant peptides from bacterial cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of preparing an active Nanoarchaeum equitans B-type DNA polymerase (Neq DNA polymerase), an active Neq DNA polymerase prepared according to the method, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the active Neq DNA polymerase. The active Neq DNA polymerase may be used in various nucleic acid polymerization reactions, such as PCR.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the systematic elucidation and identification of regulatory sequences. The invention provides among others screenings and detection methods with which regulatory sequences can be identified. The invention further provides regulatory sequences and use thereof in various fields such as, but not limited to, protein production, diagnostics, transgenic plants and animals, and the therapeutic field.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule containing nucleotide sequences that encode the capsid protein, pre-membrane protein and non-structural protein of Japanese encephalitis virus, and a nucleotide sequence that encodes the envelop protein of a second flavivirus, wherein the nucleotide sequence(s) that encode(s) the pre-membrane protein and/or non-structural protein of Japanese encephalitis virus contain(s) nucleotide mutations that produce one or more amino acid mutations that attenuate the virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant polypeptides of the beta chain of the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR2 mutant) with enhanced affinity for IFN? as compared to the wild type protein for prolonging the effect of IFN? in vivo.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.

Abstract: An M times.N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for increased yield of the amino acid arginine from bacterial cultures by employing strains that have been genetically manipulated for both increased arginine biosynthesis and increased level of the Escherichia coli protein YggA or a protein that is substantially similar to Escherichia coli YggA. Two strains of this invention have been deposited at MTCC, Chandigarh. The strains are GJ4894/pHYD952 (MTCC 5127) and GJ4536/pHYD953 (MTCC 5128).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an amide compound from a nitrile compound using a microbial catalyst, wherein a microbial cell having nitrile hydratase activity of 50 U or higher per mg of dry cell at a reaction temperature of 10° C. is brought into contact with a nitrile compound in an aqueous medium without being immobilized. This method utilizes a microbial cell that exhibits high nitrile hydratase activity in the reaction without being entrap-immobilized. Thus, an amide compound can be effectively produced from a nitrile compound without problems of decreased reaction speed or lowered amount produced per unit cell amount, which are caused by entrap-immobilization. Accordingly, an amide compound can be produced within a very short period of time in the case of a batch reaction and with a very small-scale facility in the case of a continuous reaction.

Abstract: Microbial production of pyruvate and metabolites derived from pyruvate in cells exhibiting reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase activity compared to wild-type cells. Acetate and glucose are supplied as a carbon sources.

Abstract: A tissue dissociation device (10) includes a container (12) having a sterile interior for holding the tissue to be dissociated and a liquid medium. The device (10) also includes a dissociation element (54), inside the container (12), for engaging the tissue to cause dissociation of the tissue. The device (10) also includes a resistive element (81), inside the container (12), for resisting movement of the tissue in response to the engagement by the dissociation element (54). Relative motion between and the resulting resistance provided by the resistive element (81) allows the dissociation element (54) to effectively dissociate the tissue. A powered tissue dissociation device includes a power source operatively connected to the dissociation element (54) for causing the dissociation element (54) to move into engagement with the tissue.

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: An isolated xylanase gene with mutations includes a fifty-eighth amino acid or a thirty-eighth amino acid generated from transforming asparagine to aspartic acid so as to form the isolated xylanase gene. A site-specific mutagenesis method includes: mutating the forty-first amino acid or the thirty-eighth amino acid of the xylanase gene by transforming asparagine to aspartic acid so as to form the isolated xylanase gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid enzyme comprising at least one carbohydrate-binding module amino acid sequence and at least the catalytic module of a glucoamylase amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to the use of the hybrid enzyme in starch processing and especially ethanol production.

Abstract: The invention provides viral vectors (e.g., herpes viral vectors) and methods of using these vectors to treat disease.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated 238P1B2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 238P1B2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 238P1B2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 238P1B2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 238P1B2 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: Process for surface activation and/or devulcanization of sulfur-vulcanized rubber particles. In order to break the sulfur bridges and to reduce the sulfur, the rubber particles are treated in a biotechnological manner in a medium with mesophilic anaerobic and/or optionally anaerobic and/or microaerophilic bacteria and/or with one or more enzyme systems of such bacteria. The thus-treated activated rubber particles show improved vulcanization properties in comparison with non-treated rubber particles, and permit the production of better quality articles.

Abstract: A compact sensor for detecting the presence of biological or chemical species includes a microdisk laser and a wavelength shift detector. The microdisk laser is coated with a biological or chemical recognition element, which binds preferentially with a target analyte. Because the recognition element and the target analyte adhere to the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser, they increase the effective diameter of the laser, which shifts the output wavelength by a detectable amount. The presence of a wavelength shift indicates the presence of the target analyte, and the magnitude of the wavelength shift corresponds to the mass load of the target analyte on the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor for generating uniform distribution of shear stress, comprising: a cone, having a cone surface with an outline of modified catenary; a container, having a fixed plate at the bottom inside the accommodating space of said container, and said fixed plate comprises a plurality of reservoirs; wherein the cone tip located above the center of said fixed plate is capable of loading culture media into the accommodating space of said container, that is, into the space between the cone surface and the fixed plate. More uniform shear stress can be generated in the culture media to act on the sample in the reservoirs of the fixed plate when the cone rotates and makes the culture media run. The bioreactor of the present invention can be applied to generate uniform shear stress acting on the fixed plate despite the distance between the cone tip and the fixed plate.

Abstract: A culturing apparatus has a culture vessel having a first elastic seal bonded on its upper surface and a culture space formed thereon, and a joint for supplying solution such as a medium to the culture vessel and a second elastic seal having microprojection formed at the lower face. The first elastic seal has a valve for supplying or discharging solution. The second elastic seal is formed with microprojection at the position corresponding to a valve for preventing a spill. The culture vessel and the joint are sucked between the first elastic seal and the second elastic seal, thereby forming an integral seeding device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to T-DNA vectors and methods for obtaining transgenic eukaryotes using said vectors. The transgenic eukaryotes are characterized in that they contain the T-DNA but not the illegitimately transferred vector backbone sequence. This is achieved by modifying the T-DNA borders such that they are more efficiently nicked or such that they allow elimination of illegitimately transferred vector backbone sequences by means of recombination.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expression vector wherein said expression vector comprises a polynucleotide promoter sequence, a polynucleotide encoding a signal sequence, a polynucleotide encoding an antigen protein or peptide, a polynucleotide encoding a cell binding element, and a polynucleotide polyadenylation sequence all operatively linked. More particularly, it relates to the method of eliciting an immune response directed against an antigen in a mammal comprising the steps of introducing the expression vector into a cell, expressing the vector to produce an antigen under conditions wherein the antigen is secreted from the cell, endocytosing the secreted antigen into the cell, processing the antigen, and presenting fragments to a receptor to elicit a T-cell response. In addition, this invention relates to a vaccine and a method of use. The invention also relates to the method of identifying MHC-II restricted epitopes.

Abstract: A cell in which the activity of a protein relating to transport of an intracellular sugar nucleotide, GDP-fucose, to the Golgi body is more decreased or deleted than its parent cell; a process for producing an antibody composition using the cell; a transgenic non-human animal or plant or the progenies thereof, in which genome is modified so as to have a decreased or deleted activity of a protein relating to transport of an intracellular sugar nucleotide, GDP-fucose, to the Golgi body; a process for producing an antibody composition from the animal or plant; and a medicament comprising the antibody composition.

Abstract: Populations enriched for myogenic progenitors are obtained by selection on the basis of expression of specific cell surface markers. The muscle progenitor cells are characterized as being CD45? and CD34+, and may further be characterized as lacking expression of Mac-1 (CD11b) and positive for expression of CXCR4 (CD184) and ?1-integrin (CD29).

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, designated Apo-2, which are capable of modulating apoptosis are provided. Compositions including Apo-2 chimeras, nucleic acid encoding Apo-2, and antibodies to Apo-2 are also provided.

Abstract: A microorganism strain comprises a gene coding for a recombinant protein and a mutated gene coding for a host protein that is not a protease. The recombinant protein is secreted during a fermentation and the mutated gene coding for the host protein has been mutated so as to cause reduced expression of the host protein compared to the wild-type gene on which the mutated gene is based.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for stabilizing tissues, cells, and cell components such that desired antigenic sites, light scatter properties and cellular morphology are preserved for a useful period of time. The stabilizing solution includes glycine, lysine and formaldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human, rat and mouse stem cell-derived neuron survival factor polypeptides (SDNSF), a process for producing them, cDNA encoding SDNSF, a vector comprising the cDNA, host cells transformed by the vector, an antibody against SDNSF, pharmaceutical compositions containing SDNSF or the antibody, a method of assaying SDNSF, a reagent for assaying SDNSF, and a screening method using SDNSF. The polypeptides are effective in the survival of nerve cells and, therefore, efficacious in treating injury to the central nerve system caused by brain infarction, brain hemorrhage, spinal cord injury, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining clostridial toxin activity by (a) contacting with a sample a cell containing a clostridial toxin substrate that includes a donor fluorophore; an acceptor having an absorbance spectrum overlapping the emission spectrum of the donor fluorophore; and a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site that intervenes between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor, where resonance energy transfer is exhibited between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor under the appropriate conditions; (b) exciting the donor fluorophore; and (c) determining resonance energy transfer of the contacted cell relative to a control cell, where a difference in resonance energy transfer of the contacted cell as compared to the control cell is indicative of clostridial toxin activity.

Abstract: A V?9V?2 T cell proliferation agent includes at least a bisphosphonate, interleukin 2, and interleukin 18. Since IL-18 has properties that improve cell viability by inhibiting cell death, IL-18 is presumably capable of acting as a cofactor for the bisphosphonate so as to significantly increase the effect of V?9V?2 T cell proliferation by the bisphosphonate and the IL-2. This allows providing a V?9V?2 T cell proliferation agent capable of growing V?9V?2 T cells with a proliferated efficiency significantly high compared to conventional methods so that the proliferated V?9V?2 T cells have a high antitumor activity and high cytokine productivity.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus and a method for fabricating the cell culture apparatus are disclosed, the method comprises forming at least one fillister on a biomaterial composite layer by photolithography, wherein the biomaterial composite layer contains two gel materials. One is a bio-compatible hydrogel composition having various weight ratio of: 2-hydroxyethylmathacrylate (HEMA), bisphenolA and glycidyl methacrylate (bis-GMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), r-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS), ?,?-diethoxyacetophenone (DEAP), and the other one is a photo-sensitive silica gel composition.

Abstract: A method for testing the performance of catalysts used for conversion of FCC regenerator gases comprises subjecting the catalyst simultaneously to a mixture of gases including an oxidizing gas and a reducing gas in more than one cycle in which the ratio of the oxidizing gas to the reducing gas varies over the time of the cycle. Test gases comprising O2, CO, CO2, steam, nitrogen-containing gases and sulfur-containing gases in which the ratio of O2 to CO varies over time for each cycle and in which the products of combustion formed during each cycle can be measured periodically over the cycle yields important data on the usefulness of the catalysts for treatment of regenerator flue gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to kits and methods for analyzing hair, particularly for determining the amount of damage to hair, including placing hair into a solution containing at least one metal ion so that an amount of the metal ion is attached to the hair, removing the hair from the solution, determining the amount of metal ion attached to the hair, and determining the amount of damage to the hair based upon the amount of metal ion attached to the hair.

Abstract: An electrochemical method and a test strip for detecting hemoglobin in a specimen are provided. The method includes the steps of providing the specimen with a reagent including a buffer solution, a surfactant and an electron mediator, tetrathiafulvalene, modified by cyclodextrin; detecting electric current produced by reaction of the hemoglobin and the electron mediator in the specimen under a potentiostatic condition; and calculating a concentration of the hemoglobin in the specimen according to the detected electric current.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for extracting, isolating, and measuring lead dissolved in aqueous solutions, including water.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one polymer comprising a repeating unit of formula (I): in which: X and Y=single bond or linear C1-C50 hydrocarbon group; R1 and R2=H, CN, C(Z)3, CH(Z)2, CH2Z with Z=halogen; NH2, NHR3, NR3R4 with R3, R4=halogen, CH3 or linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C2-C20 hydrocarbon chain, optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms and/or chemical functions comprising at least one heteroatom; at least one from among R1 and R2 being ?H; or of a composite comprising this polymer and one or more conductive charges, as sensitive material in a sensor for detecting nitro compounds. Applications: Detection of explosives, control/monitoring of atmospheric pollution and of ambient air quality, monitoring of industrial sites.

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring oxygen concentration in a package having an oxygen sensitive product disposed therein. The method includes exposing a luminescent compound that is disposed in an interior of the package to light having a wavelength that is absorbed by the luminescent compound so that the luminescent compound is promoted into an excited state. When the exposure of the light is terminated, the excited luminescent compound emits light that is detectable by a detector positioned outside of the package. The intensity of the emitted light is inversely proportional to the oxygen concentration and is used in conjunction with mathematical function that describes the luminescent intensity of the luminescent compound as a function of oxygen concentration and temperature to calculate the oxygen concentration. The method may be used to verify and track the oxygen concentration of a package as it moves through a distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for identifying polypeptides by deducing the amino acid sequence of the carboxy and amino termini by a mass spectrometer analysis. The method comprises the steps of dissociating highly charged peptide precursor ions (e.g., z>4) using electron transfer dissociation inducing anions followed by removal of those reagents and introduction of a second, proton transfer inducing anion type. The second PTR reaction duration is adjusted to convert the ETD products to primarily the +1 charge-state to reduce the highly charged c and z-type fragments, producing an m/z spectrum containing a series of c and z-type fragment ions that are easily interpreted to reveal the sequence of the amino and carboxy terminus, respectively.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fluid sample for use in a fluid analyte monitor, the method including drawing a fluid sample into a capillary channel in a body having a septum piercing projection; piercing a first septum covering a treatment solution chamber with the septum piercing projection, thereby exposing the fluid sample in the capillary channel to the contents of the treatment solution chamber; mixing the fluid sample with the contents of the treatment solution chamber; and piercing a second septum covering the treatment solution channel such that the mixed fluid and treatment solution chamber contents are received into a fluid analyte meter. The method may also include shaking the treatment solution chamber with the capillary channel therein, thereby mixing the fluid sample with the contents of the treatment solution chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device, for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising a sample pad for collecting the sample, a test strip coupled to the sample pad, and a housing enclosing and allowing visualization of the test strip. The sample pad can include one or more markings for determining the amount of sample collected. The device can also include a run fluid container that fits over the sample pad and forms an air-tight seal around the housing. Further, the device can include a second sample pad/test strip combination for detection of a second analyte. Also disclosed are methods for detecting an analyte in a sample using the device.

Abstract: Antibodies having specific binding for the parent THC (?9-THC) and its major metabolites are provided which present a significant increase in sensitivity of immunoassays such as lateral flow immunoassays and ELISA for THC. The present invention also provides a rabbit hybridoma producing the antibody as a monoclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody, further molecularly engineered recombinant antibodies against parent ?9-THC and its metabolites and cell lines producing the recombinant antibodies. The invention also provides applications of the antibody in immunoassays, particularly lateral flow immunoassays, specifically applications in detecting THC in body fluids, particularly saliva, and kits for determining the presence of THC.