Abstract: This invention provides methods of regulating fat storage in tissue by modulating the levels of Fibrate Induced Transcript 1 (FIT1) and/or Fibrate Induced Transcript 2 (FIT2), as well as diagnostic screens for disorders and conditions involving regulation of fat storage in tissue, assays for identifying agents that can regulate fat storage in tissue through modulating the levels of FIT1 and/or FIT2, and genetically altered mammals in which expression of FIT1 and/or FIT2 is altered in one or more tissue.

Abstract: A method for objectively predicting possibility of metastasis to a cervical lymph node in an early stage for an individual case diagnosed as an oral cavity cancer, and a diagnosis kit to be used in the prediction are provided. The method includes a step of assaying expression amounts of metastasis prediction genes in which the expression amounts are changed between a metastasis group and a non-metastasis group, with respect to a sample collected from a primary legion of the oral cavity cancer. Further, the method includes a step of predicting the possibility of the metastasis by comparing the expression amounts of the metastasis gene group with the expression amounts of the metastasis prediction genes in a metastasis group and/or a non-metastasis group. Herein, the metastasis prediction gene group includes two genes MSR1 (NM_138716.1) and RET (M31213.1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) on apolipoprotein B-100 in patients at high risk or with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute coronary syndromes (ACS) such as unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction or suspected of being at risk for ACS. Such methods are useful for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring the effects of dietary interventions or with drugs such as statins. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for determining OxPL/apoB ratios as indices of atherosclerosis regression and plaque stability.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of reversing or preventing a target cell's resistance to a death receptor agonist. Also provided are methods of screening for biomarkers resistance of and monitoring resistance to death receptor agonists. Also provided are methods of selectively inducing apoptosis in a target cell, treating a subject with cancer, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, comprising administering compositions provided herein. Further provided are compositions comprising agents that modulate CARD containing proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein and gene expression profiles indicative of whether a patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer is likely to be responsive to treatment with a therapeutic compound that is a EGFR-TK inhibitor. By identifying such responsiveness, a treatment provider may determine in advance those patients who would benefit from such treatment, as well as identify alternative therapies for non-responders. The present invention further provide methods of using the gene and protein expression profiles, and assays for identifying the presence of a gene or protein expression profile in a patient sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the 4-1BB receptor for identifying and/or separating specific regulatory Th cells after activation with an antigen, polyclonal regulatory Th cells after polyclonal activation and to a method for the identification and/or separation of regulatory Th cells, the regulatory T cells being detected on the basis of the expression of the 4-1BB receptor by an antibody, an antigen or ligands which are coupled to a fluorescent substance, haptenes or magnetic microparticles. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an antibody, an antigen or ligands for detecting the 4-1BB receptor for the identification and/or separation of a regulatory Th cell, the antibody being coupled to a fluorescent substance, haptenes or magnetic microparticles.

Abstract: The invention provides immunoassays for immunosuppressant drugs, wherein the assay is carried out under high salt conditions to achieve improved sensitivity. The invention also provides kits that are useful for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This application is related to immunoassay reagent compositions comprising a glycan reagent for diagnosing multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for diagnosing tumors of the reproductive organs which is characterized by determination of the afamin content in a sample of a body fluid or in a tissue sample, wherein a tumor is diagnosed if the afamin content in the sample is decreased compared to the afamin content in a sample from a person without a tumor of the reproductive organs.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the release of a proinflammatory cytokine from a vertebrate cell, and for inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine cascade in a patient. The compositions comprise, for example, high affinity antibodies that specifically bind HMG1 and antigenic fragments thereof. The high affinity antibodies of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are useful for many purposes, for example, as therapeutics against a wide range of inflammatory diseases and disorders such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, peritonitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis, anaphylactic shock, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, and allograft rejection. In addition, the high affinity antibodies of the present inventions are useful as diagnostic antibodies.

Abstract: Methods for the use of Pin1 as a marker of abnormal cell growth are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a level of Pin1 to stage an abnormal cell growth, such as breast or prostate cancer. In another embodiment, the method includes evaluating the efficacy of a treatment of an abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, by monitoring the levels of Pin1. In another embodiment, the method includes evaluating the extent of metastasis of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer. The levels of Pin1 can be protein levels or nucleic acid levels.

Abstract: A method of screening a sample of body fluid obtained from an animal subject for analyte autoantibodies reactive with one or more antigenic molecules selected from pancreatic islet cell antigenic molecules and insulin, or one or more variants, analogues, derivatives or fragments thereof, and a kit for use in such a method.

Abstract: A device and associated analytical method to use for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances is presented. Also described is the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances with ease and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Such detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme that along with a co-enzyme or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia.

Abstract: Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.

Abstract: Method for diagnosing a cardiovascular disease in an individual comprising the steps of: providing a sample of an individual; determining the amount of cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) or fragments thereof and/or interleukin-1? precursor (IL-1? precursor) in the sample; comparing the amount of CK-18 or fragments thereof and/or IL-1? precursor in the sample to the amount of CK-18 or fragments thereof and/or IL-1? precursor present in a reference control of at least one individual not suffering from a cardiovascular disease; and diagnosing a cardiovascular disease if the amount of CK-18 or fragments thereof in the sample is increased in comparison to the amount of CK-18 or fragments thereof in the reference control and/or the amount of IL-1? precursor in the sample is decreased in comparison to the amount of IL-1? precursor in the reference control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for performing an assay. The kit comprises luminol, an oxidant, an electron mediator and a hypernucleophilic acylation catalyst.

Abstract: A two-photon probe for real-time monitoring of intracellular free zinc ions is provided. The two-photon probe is represented by Formula 1: wherein R is H or OCH3. The two-photon probe has high selectivity for Zn2+ and enables very effective and long-term monitoring of intracellular free Zn2+ present in the deep tissue. Further provided are a method for preparing the two-photon probe and a method for real-time monitoring of intracellular free zinc ions using the two-photon probe.

Abstract: A method for the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample, especially a body liquid sample, with the aid of an analytical apparatus. The apparatus receives a first measuring signal si (i=0, 1, . . . ) and a second measuring signal sj (j=1, 2, . . .

Abstract: Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.

Abstract: A novel thermophilic endo-glucanase, nucleic acid encoding the endo-glucase, and uses thereof in converting ligocellulosic material to fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a fibrous protein domain and a mineralization domain. The fusion is used to form an organic-inorganic composite. These organic-inorganic composites can be constructed from the nano- to the macro-scale depending on the size of the fibrous protein fusion domain used. In one embodiment, the composites can also be loaded with other compounds (e.g., dyes, drugs, enzymes) depending on the goal for the materials, to further enhance function. This can be achieved during assembly of the material or during the mineralization step in materials formation.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject predisposed to a disorder associated with ion channel dysfunction, comprising ascertaining whether at least one of the genes encoding ion channel subunits in said subject has undergone a mutation event as set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 1-72.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a eukaryotic cell containing peroxisomes that are capable to fuse with a membrane-structure of the cell involved in the secretory pathway of the cell. In this way, the eukaryotic cell is able to release the peroxisomal content outside the cell. The invention also relates to a method for production of a compound of interest in said eukaryotic cell wherein said compound of interest is present in the peroxisome of the cell. Said compound of interest will accumulate in the peroxisome by a signal promoting peroxisome localization. Preferred host cells are filamentous fungal cells.

Abstract: The invention involves a papilloma pseudovirus that can induce immune response after oral intake as well as its preparation. It is characterized in that HPV or BPV pseudovirus are made by disrupting HPV-VLP or BPV-VLP, mixing them with plasmids (plasmids or DNA vaccine), and reassembling them into the pseudoviruses (VLPs with plasmids inside). Oral administration of the pseudoviruses will result in delivery to mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues and induce immune responses for disease prevention and treatment. The pseudovirus induces stronger immune response than DNA vaccines. Additionally, the pseudovirus can be applied in gene therapy by bringing the therapeutic genes into lymphoid tissues in the human body.

Abstract: An improved system for large scale production of glycoproteins in cell culture is provided. In accordance with the present invention, cells expressing a glycoprotein are grown in media that contain manganese at a concentration of between approximately 10 and 600 nM. The use of such a system allows production of a glycoprotein with an increased glycosylation pattern and/or a glycosylation pattern that more accurately reflects the glycosylation pattern of the naturally occurring glycoprotein. A glycoprotein expressed in accordance with the present invention may be advantageously used in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Novel insulin precursors and insulin precursor analogs comprising a connecting peptide (mini C-peptide) of preferably up to 15 amino acid residues and comprising at least one Gly are provided. The precursors can be converted into human insulin or a human insulin analog. The precursors will typically have a distance between B27 (atom CG2) and A1 (atom CA) of less than 5 ?.

Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxiod to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (1), which comprises at least the step of allowing a glucuronic acid donor, an N-acetylgalactosamine donor, a saccharide receptor, a chondroitin polymerase derived from the Escherichia coli K4 strain, and Mn2+ at a final concentration of 0.02 to 100 mM to coexist, and performing a reaction thereof under conditions of 20 to 40° C. and pH 6 to 8 for 0.5 minutes to 4 hours, and a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (2), which comprises at least the step of performing the reaction under same conditions for 10 hours or longer, which enable industrial scale production of a CH fraction of a controlled even number saccharide and odd number saccharide content ratio by a simple procedure at a low cost.

Abstract: A rapid and sensitive method to measure endonuclease activity comprising reacting a substrate suspected of having endonuclease activity with a synthetic nucleotide to induce endonuclease cleavage of the synthetic nucleotide followed by measurement of activity by carrying out a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). When no polymerase chain reaction takes place when carrying out the method it is indicative of no endonuclease activity in the substrate. Synthetic oligonucleotides, primers, and probes useful for carrying out the method are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition or a kit containing an enzyme that is reversibly inhibited by means of a chemical modification and an enzyme which is reversibly inhibited using non-covalent binding, the use of a mixture of enzymes reversibly inhibited in such a manner for processing or multiplying polynucleotides, and a method for specifically amplifying DNA by simultaneously using both types of reversibly inhibited enzymes.

Abstract: L-Glutamic acid is produced by culturing in a liquid culture medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Pantoea or Serratia and having an ability to produce L-glutamic acid, which increases in an activity of enzyme catalyzing a reaction for L-glutamic acid biosynthesis or which decreases in or is deficient in an activity of an enzyme catalyzing a reaction branching from a pathway for L-glutamic acid biosynthesis and producing a compound other than L-glutamic acid, and collecting produced L-glutamic acid from the culture medium.

Abstract: Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on a carrier selected from the group consisting of macroporous adsorbent resin of the acrylic type, synthetic epoxy activated resin and Mg—Al-hydrotalcite enhances its enantioselectivity by six to seven folds. The immobilized Candida rugosa lipase is suitable for use in resolution of racemic alcohols and/or carboxylic acids, particularly in resolution of racemic menthol or production of menthyl esters.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing target concentrations of peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity under conditions where control of reaction pH by selection of buffer concentration and concentration of perhydrolase and reactants produces a targeted concentration of peroxycarboxylic acids. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided, as are corresponding methods of use.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring eukaryotic or prokaryotic organism includes one or more gene disruptions occurring in genes encoding enzymes imparting increased fumarate, malate or acrylate production in the organism when the gene disruption reduces an activity of the enzyme. The one or more gene disruptions confers increased production of acrylate onto the organism. Organisms that produce acrylate have an acrylate pathway that at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an acrylate pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce acrylate, the acrylate pathway comprising a decarboxylase. Methods of producing fumarate, malate or acrylate include culturing these organisms.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol pathway includes at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol. The aforementioned organisms are cultured to produce isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of appropriate cultivation conditions for a bacteria to grow anaerobically (fermentatively) on a glycerol substrate. The method requires culturing bacteria having a functional 1,2-propanediol pathway and a functional type II glycerol dehydrogenase-dihydroxyacetone kinase pathway in a culture medium containing high concentrations of glycerol, a neutral to mildly acidic pH, low levels of potassium and phosphate, and high levels of CO2, such that glycerol is thus converted into a desirable product, such as ethanol, hydrogen, formate, succinate, or 1,2-propanediol.

Abstract: An agricultural waste digester and biogas generation system. The system includes a digester assembly having a cylindrical body, a hollow interior, a center axis and a plurality of wheel segments within the interior of the digester assembly. A gas conduit extends from the interior of the digester assembly to a power generation device. Also included is a water vessel containing water, and each of the plurality of wheel segments have an acruate, contoured surface area which restrict biogas movement within the digester assembly to produce induced agitation of agricultural waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, reagents, and substrates that can be used for, for example, immobilizing biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to surfaces coated with a polymer according to the present invention. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for thermochemically and/or photochemically attaching molecules to a surface at a high density.

Abstract: Novel glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like proteins (QPCTLs), which are isoenzymes of glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5), and to isolated nucleic acids coding for these isoenzymes, all of which are useful for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, for measuring cyclase activity, and for determining the inhibitory activity of compounds against these glutaminyl cyclase isoenzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a gene, now designated negevin (ngvn), that is involved in the genetic disease Bardet Biedl Syndrome (BBS), which is characterized by such diverse symptoms as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, mental retardation, renal cancer and other abnormalities, retinopathy and hypogonadism. The human NGVN protein disclosed herein is 731 amino acids in length and is coded for by a gene spanning 17 exons. Homologs have been identified in mouse, rat, zebrafish. Methods of use for the gene, for example in diagnosis and therapy of BBS and in drug screening, also are described.

Abstract: Methods for the evolution of NADPH binding ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes to acquire NADH binding functionality are provided. Specific mutant ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas that have undergone co-factor switching to bind NADH are described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel alcohol dehydrogenase, a gene for the alcohol dehydrogenase, a vector including the gene, a transformant transformed with the vector, and a method for producing an optically active alcohol by utilizing them. A feature of the present invention directs to a novel polypeptide isolated from Candida maltosa, a DNA coding for the polypeptide, and a transformant producing the polypeptide. Another feature of the present invention directs to a method for producing an optically-active alcohol by reducing a carbonyl compound with the polypeptide or the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crystalline Mnk-1 and Mnk-2 kinases and, in particular, to the crystal structure of Mnk-1 and Mnk-2 kinase domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a protein, isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, a vector which comprises such nucleic acid molecule, a host cell comprising such vector, a hyperimmune reactive antigen from Borrelia species, proteins which are preferably hyperimmune serum reactive antigens, hyperimmune serum reactive antigens, antigens, a process for producing such proteins, hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or antigens, a process for producing a cell which expresses such protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or antigen, an antibody binding to such protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or antigen, a hybridoma cell producing such antibody, methods for producing such antibody, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such nucleic acid molecule, protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, antigen or antibody, the use of such nucleic acid molecule, protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, antigen or antibod

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to immunogenic minicells cells (anucleated) and their use to induce an immune response from a subject.

Abstract: ULBP4, a novel member of the ULBP family has been isolated and characterized. ULBP4 is a useful activator of immune effector cells, particularly of NK cells. Nucleic acids encoding ULBP4, vectors, and cells encoding the same are provided.

Abstract: A heat labile alkaline phosphatase enzyme and methods of using the same and kits including the same are disclosed. Specifically, a nucleotide sequence of, peptide sequence of, methods of using, and kits comprising, a heat labile alkaline phosphatase isolated from Colwellia psychrerythraea are provided. Methods of over-expression and purification of the recombinant alkaline phosphatase and mutants thereof are also disclosed. Methods of over-expressing and purifying commercially useful quantities of active recombinant heat labile alkaline phosphatase fusion enzymes from C. psychrerythraea, wherein the fusion enzymes comprise one or more heterologous leader sequences are disclosed. The disclosed C. psychrerythraea heat labile alkaline phosphatase has properties similar to shrimp alkaline phosphatase and can be substituted for shrimp alkaline phosphatase in assays involving the same.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO and further optimized for expression of BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO.

Abstract: Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose are described. The recombinant bacteria comprise in their genome or on at least one recombinant construct: a nucleotide sequence from Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf5 (ATCC® BAA-477) encoding a polypeptide having sucrose transporter activity and a nucleotide sequence from Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf5 (ATCC® BAA-477) encoding a polypeptide having sucrose hydrolase activity. These nucleotide sequences are each operably linked to the same or a different promoter. Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-derived products such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid are also described.