Abstract: Described are enzyme systems specific for acetone and methods of using these enzyme systems to detect acetone in biological or environmental samples. Biosensors containing these enzyme systems are disclosed, in which detection of acetone may be achieved by linking electrochemical, photometric, or other detection means to one or more acetone-specific enzyme reactions or pathways. Methods of using such acetone-specific biosensors include subject management of weight loss, disease detection, and bioavailability monitoring of therapeutics.

Abstract: This invention provides purified PKB Ser 473 kinase and methods of purifying it. The methods involve the use of several sequential steps, including subcellular fractionation to isolate a plasma membrane fraction and the use of gel filtration or chromatography that separates molecules according to their size or affinity.

Abstract: This invention provides recombinant murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptases, genes encoding these proteins and expression methods. The said murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptases are a series of MLV-RT proteins wherein the 84th amino acid residue (Q84) from the N-terminus is replaced with amino acid X, which is an amino acid with a side chain shorter than glutamine. The said murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptases have higher enzyme activity and processivity than the wild type enzyme, and are expected to be widely used in the field of biotechnology for cDNA synthesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amylase derived from Bacillus horikoshii. The amylase has a preference for soluble substrates, shows substantial exo-amylase activity and has a pH optimum of about 9.8.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the present invention involve the use of certain bacteria and/or their fermentate products to treat foods, such as fresh and processed meat products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including a microbial component and a foaming component, wherein the composition can be used to prevent the proliferation, or otherwise competitively exclude the continued growth of, undesirable microbes. The present invention also includes a method of using this composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein which is involved in midecamycin biosynthesis, wherein the protein contains an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 10, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 22 to 26, and 28 to 38 or a modified amino acid sequence of the amino acid sequence having one or more amino acid modifications without affecting activity of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel lower eukaryotic host cell producing human-like glycoproteins characterized as having a terminal ?-galactose residue and essentially lacking fucose and sialic acid residues. The present invention also provides a method for catalyzing the transfer of a galactose residue from UDP-galactose onto an acceptor substrate in a recombinant lower eukaryotic host cell, which can be used as a therapeutic glycoprotein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal feed made of an amount of cereal grain and a peptide or polypeptide expressed by a transformed organism, whereby the transformed organism can be included in the animal feed composition. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the animal feed wherein the method includes forming a transformed organism by transforming a yeast cell by inserting a nucleic acid molecule which will express a polypeptide desired for use in the animal feed.

Abstract: A method for racemizing optically active secondary alcohols by incubating these alcohols with at least one alcohol dehydrogenase of the E.C. 1.1.1. class.

Abstract: A micro array instrument is used in which an oligonucleotide based on a species- or genus-specific nucleotide sequence of subject bacteria is immobilized on a surface of a substrate. By confirming whether the oligonucleotide immobilized on the substrate has hybridized with a probe prepared from a test sample, bacteria contained in the test sample can be detected and identified easily, quickly, and accurately.

Abstract: A support carrying an immobilized selective binding substance, that the support surface has a polymer containing the structural unit represented by the following General Formula (1) in an amount of 10% or more with respect all monomer units, and a selective binding substance is immobilized on the support surface by binding to the carboxyl group formed thereon via a covalent bond: (in General Formula (1), R1, R2, and R3 each represent an alkyl or aryl group or a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A method for differentiating between a post-translationally modified peptide and a peptide contained in a sample, comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a peptide attachment surface to create a peptidized surface, wherein the sample includes at least one functional group; (b) contacting the peptidized surface with a recognition reagent that selectively binds or forms a complex with the post-translationally modified peptide in the sample to provide an incubated surface; and (c) contacting a liquid crystal with the incubated surface and detecting presence of post-translationally modified peptide in the sample with the liquid crystal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric crystal element and a sensor utilizing the same are presented for use in a sensor device for identifying at least one foreign material from environment. The crystal element comprises at least one crystal resonator in the form of a inverted mesa structure, which has a membrane-like region and has a certain resonance frequency value. A surface region of the crystal resonator is modified by reactive molecules of a kind capable of interacting with the foreign material to yield a reaction product that effects a change in the resonance frequency of the crystal resonator from said certain resonance frequency value. This change is indicative of the identity and quantity of the foreign material.

Abstract: The invention generally provides three-component molecular biosensors. The molecular biosensors are useful in several methods including in the identification and quantification of target molecules.

Abstract: The following is disclosed: (1) a membrane fractionator including a filtration section, a concentrating section, a recovery section and a liquid feed pump, wherein a flow channel connecting the filtration section, concentrating section and recovery section to each other constitutes a closed circuitry; (2) a method of biocomponent separation, characterized in that a sample derived from biocomponents is fed into an antibody adsorption membrane separation system having an antibody capable of adsorbing specified protein internally accommodated in the middle or a rear part of a membrane separation system that in the absence of antibodies adsorbing proteins, exhibits a permeation ratio between human alpha1-microglobulin and human albumin of 1.

Abstract: A bio sample processing apparatus and method using vacuum chambers in which a bio sample is injected into a first vacuum chamber connected with one end of a bio processor and, after processing, is ejected into a second vacuum chamber connected with the other end of the bio processor. The vacuum chambers and bio processor are connected with each other to form an environment with a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and the bio sample moves toward the second vacuum chamber due to the pressure difference created by the injection of the bio sample into the first vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A device for investigating activities of cell cultures in a liquid culture medium includes a receptacle for the culture medium, and one or more sensors for measurement of cell culture activities. An opening for adding and removing liquid culture medium is provided. A separating element can be placed close to the receptacle bottom, forming a partial space with a small volume relative to the entire volume. A flow channel that communicates with the small volume and the reservoir and/or the sensors are placed in the small volume partial space. By adjustment of the separating element distance from the receptacle bottom, a microreaction volume exactly fitting the current requirements is obtained. For regeneration of the cell culture solution in the small volume partial space, the separating element can be elevated and depressed, or liquid can be injected into the small volume by the through-flow channel, providing convective mixing of fresh and spent medium.

Abstract: A holder for a microtitreplate or an array of separate test tubes comprising a first panel (1) provided with a recess (2) for receiving each well (3) of the microtitreplate or test tubes and a second panel (7), which together with the first panel (1) and three side walls (5) form an inner space (8). The fourth side (9) comprises an inlet (10) for gas or liquid, whereby the gas or liquid entering the inner space (8) via the inlet (10) leaves the inner space (8) via said recesses (2), along the outside of the wells (3). A method for cooling or heating samples contained in wells (3) of a microtitreplate or an array of separate test tubes by inserting the microtitreplate or array of separate test tubes into such a holder and letting gas or liquid enter said inner space (8).

Abstract: A disposable reactor module, monitoring/optical detection system and related hardware for, inter alia, chemical reactions including Polymerase Chain Reactions.

Abstract: Three vectors are described which allow the conversion of Fab fragments into or single chain Fv fragments into full-length antibody molecules. Methods for using the vectors and the resulting antibodies are also described.

Abstract: Plasmids containing sequences encoding different fragments of p185neu oncoprotein, able to induce an immune response against tumours expressing oncogenes of the ErbB family, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel plasmid constructs useful for the delivery of DNA vaccines. The present invention provides novel plasmids having a transcription cassette capable of directing the expression of a vaccine nucleic acid insert encoding immunogens derived from any pathogen, including fungi, bacteria and viruses. The present invention, however, is particularly useful for inducing in a patient an immune response against pathogenic viruses such as HIV, measles or influenza. Immunodeficiency virus vaccine inserts of the present invention express non-infectious HIV virus-like particles (VLP) bearing multiple viral epitopes. VLPs allow presentation of the epitopes to multiple histocompatability types, thereby reducing the possibility of the targeted virus escaping the immune response. Also described are methods for immunizing a patient by delivery of a novel plasmid of the present invention to the patient for expression of the vaccine insert therein.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a multipotent cell wherein the sufficient amount necessary can be stably and conveniently supplied with a minimum invasion, that will not cause rejection at the time of cell transplantation, that has a potential to differentiate into various cells such as mesenchymal cells including bone, cartilage, skeletal muscle and fat, endothelial cells, myocardial cells, neurons, mesenchymal cells, myocardial cells, endothelial cells, neurons induced to differentiate from the multipotent cell, and a therapeutic agent/treating method comprising these as active ingredient. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC) are cultured on fibronectin-coated plastic plates for 7 to 10 days. The generating cell population with a fibroblast-like morphology is derived from circulating CD14+ monocyte, with a unique phenotype of CD14+CD45+CD34+ type I collagen+.

Abstract: Nucleic acids and vectors for interfering with the expression of membrane efflux transport proteins in cells that express such proteins are provided. Also provided are cells and cell lines comprising such nucleic acids and vectors. Methods for screening chemicals and biomolecules for gastrointestinal absorption in animals, and kits for practicing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: An effective cancer cell vaccine for canines has been developed. The vaccine is prepared from autologous lymphoma cells transfected with emm55. Once an animal is vaccinated, the expressed Emm55 antigen stimulates an immunogenic response to the tumor cells resulting in significantly increased survival, strong autologous and cross reactive humoral and cell mediated responses in several breeds of dogs diagnosed with later stage lymphomas.

Abstract: A glial precursor cell population from mammalian central nervous system has been isolated. These A2B5+ E-NCAM? glial-restricted precursor (GRP) cells are capable of differentiating into oligodendrocytes, A2B5+ process-bearing astrocytes, and A2B5? fibroblast-like astrocytes, but not into neurons. GRP cells can be maintained by regeneration in culture. GRP cells differ from oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte (O-2A) progenitor cells in growth factor requirements, morphology, and progeny. Methods of use of GRP cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue graft construct for use in repairing diseased or damaged tissues is provided. The tissue graft construct comprises a matrix composition selected from the group consisting of liver basement membrane and extracts and hydrolysates thereof, and processed collagen from vertebrate non-submucosal sources, added endothelial cells, and at least one additional preselected, exogenous population of cells which enhance the initiation of vessel-like structures in the grant. The preselected population of cells can be a population of non-keratinized or keratinized epithelial cells or a population of mesodermally derived cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, multi-potential progenitor cells, pericytes, osteogenic cells, and any other suitable cell type, preferably selected based on the tissue to be repaired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular marker for the identification of pluripotent pre-mesenchymal, pre-hematopoietic stem cells. The invention further provides primitive progenitor cells identified by the molecular marker. Such cells have the potential to differentiate into both mesenchymal and hematopoietic phenotypes, as determined by a proliferative response to inductive growth factors and cytokines, and by their morphologic and cytochemical features.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for expansion of hematopoietic stem cell numbers. The stem cells are cultured and differentiated cells and endogenous growth factors are removed (depleted), permitting long term culture and expansion of the stem cells. The hematopoietic stem cells are used in numerous therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for improved cell-based therapies for retinal degeneration and for differentiating human embryonic stem cells and human embryo-derived into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and other retinal progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cells that are derived from human embryoid bodies. Such embryoid body-derived (EBD) cells are relatively uncommitted or progenitor (e.g., pluripotent) cells. EBD cells, while not immortal, display long-term proliferation in culture with a normal karyotype and can be cryopreserved and cloned. They can be efficiently transfected with retroviruses and lentivirus and genetically manipulated. Although they have a developmentally broad multilineage expression profile, they do not form tumors when injected into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. As a result, EBD cells have a variety of uses, for example, in transplantation therapies.

Abstract: Described are preferred extracellular matrix composites including a first extracellular matrix material having a second extracellular matrix material deposited thereon. The preferred materials are made by culturing cells in contact with an extracellular matrix graft material in a fashion to cause the cells to biosynthesize and deposit extracellular matrix components on the material. The cells are then removed to provide the extracellular matrix composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to modulate plant growth or development. The invention provides a method for modulating a developmental transition of a plant comprising modulating expression of a RING-H2 protein or functional fragment thereof in said plant or parts thereof.

Abstract: A method of sowing a somatic plant embryo or germinant of a conifer species to facilitate subsequent development of the embryo or germinant into an autotrophic seedling. The method involves the following steps carried out ex vitro in non-sterile conditions: providing a nutrient medium comprising particles of a solid component present within a flowable or semi-solid component containing water and a carbohydrate nutrient for the embryo or germinant, dispensing a quantity of the nutrient medium onto a surface of a porous solid growth substrate for the somatic plant embryo or germinant, and contacting the plant embryo or germinant with the nutrient medium. The nutrient medium has a fluidity such that at least some of the flowable or semi-solid component containing the carbohydrate nutrient remains in contact with the embryo or germinant at least until the embryo or germinant establishes vigorous growth under environmental conditions effective for such growth.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to the evolution of new metabolic pathways and the enhancement of bioprocessing through a process herein termed recursive sequence recombination. Recursive sequence recombination entails performing iterative cycles of recombination and screening or selection to “evolve” individual genes, whole plasmids or viruses, multigene clusters, or even whole genomes. Such techniques do not require the extensive analysis and computation required by conventional methods for metabolic engineering.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a nucleic acid/cationic polymer complex, preferably polyethyleneimine (PEI) for preparing a composition for intraventricular stereotactic screening of stem cells of the brain for preparing a medicine for treating neurodegenerative and/or demyelinating disease. The invention further concerns a method for obtaining an animal whereof the genome of stem cells of the brain are modified by using said complex. The invention also concerns a method for obtaining an animal for screening compounds designed to modify the disposition of stem cells of the brain.

Abstract: Terminal differentiated cells are proliferated by introducing a cyclin and a cyclin dependent kinase into the nucleus of terminal differentiated cells, and then cultivating or holding the cells. A method for proliferating terminal differentiated cells comprising adding a nucleotide sequence coding for a nuclear localization signal to at least one of a cyclin gene and a cyclin dependent kinase gene, and introducing each of the genes to terminal differentiated cells in vitro, and then cultivating the cells, or introducing each of the genes directly to terminal differentiated cells in vivo is provided. The cyclin is a cyclin that can activate CDK4 or CDK6, and the cyclin dependent kinase is a cyclin dependent kinase that is activated by D-type cyclin. The invention also provides a recombinant vector used for such a method or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the vector.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the outcome of treatment with an antidepressant medication in a patient. In particular, the invention provides a method of screening patients to identify those patients with a decreased risk of non-response to treatment with antidepressant medication by obtaining a sample of genetic material from the patients, and then assaying the sample for the presence of a genotype which is associated with a decreased risk of non-response to treatment with antidepressant medication. The genotype is characterized by a polymorphism in the genes HTR2A, GRIK4, BCL2, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring an amount of an objective component to be measured in a sample, which comprises; preventing an electric charge in an atmosphere in a photometry chamber from transferring to the surface of a solution which generates light due to an energy variation of a substance induced by the objective component in the sample, measuring value of the light, and determining an amount of the objective component in the sample on the basis of the measured value thus obtained, and an instrument used for the method. According to the present invention, in measurement of an objective component in a sample using a spectrophotometer, problems such as between-day variation of signal values or increase of background value, etc. can be solved, and a trace component can be measured in high accuracy and high sensitivity.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method, a system, and an apparatus to determine a concentration of carbon nanotubes in a solution. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a photoluminescence intensity of a solution, mixing a sample of carbon nanotubes of an unknown concentration with the solution, determining a photoluminescence intensity of the mixture of the sample of carbon nanotubes and the solution, and determining a concentration of carbon nanotubes in the sample of carbon nanotubes based on the determined photoluminescence intensity of the mixture of the sample of carbon nanotubes and the solution.

Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: An assay device and method for measuring the concentration of HDL-associated cholesterol in a blood-fluid sample are described. The assay design prevents interference by reagents used for such removal with the HDL quantification reaction or with other assays carried out on the same sample. If desired, removal of non-HDL lipoproteins and assay of HDL cholesterol can be carried out without interruption of the assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-substrate for adherence of cells thereto. The surface-substrate comprises at least one micronail structure protruding from the surface, at least a region of the micronail having cellular-internalization promoting properties. The invention also provides an electronic device comprising a transistor structure, in which a gate electrode is formed with the at least one micronail protruding from the surface thereof.

Abstract: Methods, particles and kits for determining kinase activity within a sample are provided. An embodiment of a method includes exposing a fluorescent particle to an assay, wherein the fluorescent particle includes a support substrate having one or more fluorescent materials and a peptide substrate coupled to the support substrate via a functional group of the support substrate. The method further includes phosphorylating the peptide substrate during exposure of the fluorescent particle to the assay and processing the fluorescent particle such that the peptide substrate is dephosphorylated and a polarized double bond is generated at a dephosphorylated site. In addition, the method includes coupling a fluorescent reporter having a nucleophilic terminal group to the fluorescent particle via the polarized double bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-polymer-coated magnetic nanoclusters, aqueous magnetic fluids comprising same, and methods of their use in separation procedures. The multi-polymer-coated magnetic nanoclusters comprise a super paramagnetic core, with a first polymer attached thereto, which does not render the first polymer-super paramagnetic particle complex colloidally stable, and a second polymer attached thereto, which stabilizes the complex of multi-polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Methods of use comprise methods of separation, including separation of expressed protein from cells and viruses expressing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, water-soluble, red-emitting fluorescent rhodamine dyes and red-emitting fluorescent energy-transfer dye pairs, as well as labeled conjugates comprising the same and methods for their use. The dyes, energy-transfer dye pairs and labeled conjugates are useful in a variety of aqueous-based applications, particularly in assays involving staining of cells, protein binding, and/or analysis of nucleic acids, such as hybridization assays and nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing oscillator devices each having an oscillator and a resilient supporting member for supporting the oscillator for oscillatory motion, includes a step of processing one and the same substrate to form oscillators and resilient supporting members of oscillator devices so that oscillators of adjacent oscillator devices are connected to each other, a step of forming or placing a magnetic material so that it extends across the connected oscillators of the adjacent oscillator devices, and a step of simultaneously cutting and separating the connected oscillators and the magnetic material formed or placed to extend across the connected oscillators, whereby oscillator devices, such as oscillatory type actuators having good reliability and performance evenness can be manufactured with high productivity.