Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing a test sample for use in an assay for detecting an analyte bound by an intracellular ligand. The methods typically involve contacting the test sample with an assay reagent comprising: a lysis reagent; and a protease that has proteolytic activity for said intracellular ligand; to form a mixture compatible for use in an immunoassay without subsequent extraction steps. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment may be directed to a fluorescence polarization assay that screens compounds or agents for their affinity to hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (H-PGDS) based on their ability to displace a fluorophore-containing detection analyte bound to an enzyme comprising the primary amino acid sequence of H-PGDS. Another exemplary embodiment utilizes an enzyme having a maltose binding protein amino-acid sequence fused with an N-terminus of the enzyme.

Abstract: Materials and methods for using combinations of metabolic syndrome and HPA axis biomarkers for monitoring major depressive disorder.

Abstract: A method for fractional measurement of small, dense LDL, which is adaptable for an autoanalyzer, and a reagent for measurement, are provided, making it possible to conduct rapid and convenient analysis with good sensitivity without pretreatment of a specimen. The method for quantitatively determining small, dense LDL cholesterol in a sample comprises the steps of: (1) eliminating cholesterol in LDL other than small, dense LDL in the presence of phospholipase; and (2) quantitatively determining cholesterol in lipoproteins remaining in step (1) above.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for assessing risk, particularly immediate risk, of thrombotic events in patients with suspected or known vascular disease, and more particularly to assessing risk of thrombotic events in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, stable angina, or restenosis. Risk of thrombosis can be assessed by analysis of platelet reactivity and/or velocity of thrombin or fibrin formation, and determining whether the patient has a score associated above a risk threshold value. In other embodiments, risk of thrombosis in a patient is evaluated in the context of a profile generated from values obtained from one or more assays that evaluate various factors associated with thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Modulation of the integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway is used to enhance the remodeling process relevant to a wide range of cardiac diseases. More specifically, a process to instigate beneficial human cardiac hypertrophy or for post myocardial infraction (MI) remodeling comprising illiciting an overexpression of ILK, is described. The ILK signaling pathway is also used as a means for cardiac stem cell proliferation and self-renewal.

Abstract: In measuring phosphoric acid by the use of an enzyme cycling system using a dehydrogenase together with a thio-NADP, a thio-NAD, a reduced thio-NADP or a reduced thio-NAD as a coenzyme, phosphoric acid is measurable in a wide concentration range from a low concentration to a high concentration by measuring phosphoric acid after previous removal of free phosphoric acid in reagent components for the measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method comprising the use of microorganisms for nanotoxicity study and bioremediation. In some embodiment, the microorganisms are bacterial organisms such as Gram negative bacteria, which are used as model organisms to study the nanotoxicity of the fullerene compounds: E. coli W3110, a human related enterobacterium and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an environmentally important bacterium with versatile metabolism.

Abstract: Subject of the present invention is a method for detection of an antibiotic resistance in a micro-organism comprising the steps of exposing suspected micro-organism to a labelled (fluorescent) antibiotic and observing the differences between it and a non-resistant micro-organism of the same type.

Abstract: A method of preparing a slide of a biological specimen, including the steps of (a) providing a slide containing a biological specimen and a cover slip, (b) placing a liquid non-evaporating sealing compound such as mineral oil at spaced locations around an area on the slide and (c) placing the cover slip over the specimen area whereby the specimen and reagent is between the slide and the cover slip and the sealing compound spreads to define a closed boundary around the specimen in the space between the slide and the cover slip. Testing of the biological specimen may then be performed automatically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an antimutagenic substance by using a lactic acid bacteria, which can produce the antimutagenic substance in a large quantity in an extremely simple manner and is economically advantageous; particularly a method for producing an antimutagenic substance effective for a carcinogenic substance, particularly a heterocyclic amine (HCA) which is a carcinogenic substance derived from a food, by using a lactic acid bacteria. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an antimutagenic substance by using a lactic acid bacteria, which is characterized by suspending the lactic acid bacteria in a poorly nutrient or nutrient-free medium and leaving the lactic acid bacteria in the medium.

Abstract: A polynucleotide sequence is provided comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA). Also provided are expression vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide sequence of the invention, and methods for producing rPA.

Abstract: An automated method for preparing and amplifying a sequence contained in a nucleic acid present in a sample, the nucleic acid being prepared in a receptacle that is part of a unit that includes a plurality of receptacles and holds a removable contact-limiting element for aspirating a fluid component of the sample from the receptacle.

Abstract: A modified Dicer polypeptide is provided, which modified Dicer polypeptide exhibits enhanced catalytic activity. Also provided is a method for producing small regulatory RNAs from a dsRNA, involving contacting a dsRNA with a subject modified Dicer. Small regulatory RNAs produced by a subject method find use in a variety of applications, including research and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to gene targeting (e.g., gene targeting with transcription activator-like effector nucleases; “TALENS”) are provided.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to gene targeting (e.g., gene targeting with transcription activator-like effector nucleases; “TALENS”) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism of Corynebacterium ssp. having enhanced expression of gene for encoding molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis enzyme A and a method for producing L-lysine using the same, which has effects on providing the production method of L-lysine using the Corynebacterium strain having enhanced productivity of L-lysine by intensifying expression of the moaA gene for encoding molybdnum cofactor biosynthesis enzyme A.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of reducing and/or removing diglyceride from an edible oil, comprising admixing an edible oil with an acyl acceptor substrate and a diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase, wherein the diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase is characterized as an enzyme which in an edible oil is capable of transferring an acyl group from a diglyceride to glycerol. The diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase can comprise the amino acid sequence motif GDSX. The present invention also relates to the use of a diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase in the manufacture of an edible oil, for reducing and/or removing diglyceride from said edible oil and to the use of said enzyme in the manufacture of a foodstuff comprising an edible oil for improving the crystallization properties of said foodstuff.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of itaconic acid in micro-organisms by introducting into a suitable host cell a gene coding for the enzyme cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase, preferably derived from A. terreus. Further part of the invention are host cells, preferably from A. niger, provided with the above mentioned genes.

Abstract: A combined installation is disclosed for the production of biogas and compost, including a dry fermentation fermenter for producing biogas in a batch mode, a biogas outlet, a purging gas inlet, a biogas line connected to the biogas outlet, a waste gas line, a waste gas chimney connected to the biogas outlet via a first biogas/waste gas line, a waste gas flare connected to the biogas outlet via a second biogas/waste gas line, a fresh air line connected to the purging gas inlet, a control means for connecting the biogas outlet to the biogas line or the biogas/waste gas chimney via the first biogas/waste gas line or the waste gas flare via the second biogas/waste gas line and for connecting the purging gas inlet to the waste gas line or the fresh air line, and a measurement means connected to the control means for detecting methane and carbon dioxide concentrations.

Abstract: Increasing competition for fossil fuels, and the need to avoid release carbon dioxide from combustion of these fuels requires development of new and sustainable approaches for energy production and carbon capture. Biological processes for producing methane gas and capturing carbon from carbon dioxide are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing an electromethanogenic reactor having an anode, a cathode and a plurality of methanogenic microorganisms disposed on the cathode. Electrons and carbon dioxide are provided to the plurality of methanogenic microorganisms disposed on the cathode. The methanogenic microorganisms reduce the carbon dioxide to produce methane gas, even in the absence of hydrogen and/or organic carbon sources.

Abstract: Described are methods, apparatus, and a system for robust and long-term sequestration of carbon. In particular, described is the sequestration of carbon as carbonates, using coccolithophorid algae grown using land-based aquaculture. Also described are methods of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTCE).

Abstract: Methods of treating using adipose tissue using ultrasonic cavitation to dissociate the fat cells and blood vessels contained within adipose tissue and thereby obtain mesenchymal or stromal vascular fractions for use in human subjects are provided. These methods preferably do not include the use of any exogenous dissociating enzymes such as collagenase and result in increased numbers of the cells which constitute the mesenchymal or stromal vascular fractions (about 10-fold greater) than methods which use collagenase to isolate these cells.

Abstract: A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain comprising: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, said moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker comprising at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, devices and kits for assaying 5-FU.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, crystals of the MEK1 polypeptide which are particularly useful for structure based drug design as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hybrid polypeptides having a first amino acid sequence having endo-amylase activity and a second amino acid sequence having carbohydrate binding activity. The present invention also relates to the use of the hybrid polypeptides in starch processing and baking.

Abstract: The use of a neutral protease (NP) together with a collagenase consists in that a neutral protease which is not contained in a collagenase enzyme preparation and which is not produced by a recombinant production ia mixed before the beginning of a tissue dissociation with a collagenase or a collagenase enzyme preparation with an individual dosage of the quantitative proportions of neutral protease and collagenase for improving the isolation results with respect to yield, viability and integrity of the cells.

Abstract: Novel bacteriophage strains are disclosed and their use in the production of preparations for use in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly with drug resistant strains of bacteria of the genus Enterococcus, particularly those belonging to the species Enterococcus faecalis.

Abstract: A method for extraction and concentration of antibodies, antigens, bacteria and virus from biological samples. The method also provides a preparation that is suitable for use as a vaccine. The method includes the addition of liquid carboxylic acids and a centrifugation step.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating a surface of a food processing facility which has a first population of microorganisms disposed thereon. The method includes disposing on the surface a biofilm containing a second population of microorganisms or a population of microorganisms that can form a biofilm onto the surface of the food processing facility. The growth of the second microbial population and the formation of a biofilm comprising these microorganisms can then inhibit the growth of the first population of microorganisms.

Abstract: Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced by transformation with heterologous polynucleotide sequences coding for xylulokinase (XKS) from Yersinia pestis and xylose isomerase (XI) are capable of xylose utilization. The transformants express these heterologous polynucleotides at a sufficient functional level to grow aerobically on xylose as the sole carbon source. Further transformation of the recombinant yeasts to overexpress one or more of the S cerevisiae genes PIP2, IMG2, MAK5, VPS9, COX10, ALE1, CDC7, and MMS4, permits the yeast to grow anaerobically on xylose as the sole carbon source. When grown under anaerobic conditions on a culture medium comprising both glucose and xylose, the transformed yeast exhibit increased ethanol productivity, with the yeast growing on the xylose to increase their biomass and fermenting the glucose to ethanol.

Abstract: Many probiotic Bifidobacteriaceacontains an active tetW that renders the cells resistant to tetracycline. This may present a risk of a horizontal transfer of functional antibiotic genes. The present invention relates to a method of obtaining novel tetracycline-sensitive strains of the genus of Bifidobacteriacea (Bifidobacterium sp.). In particular, the present invention relates to novel antibiotic-sensitive strains obtained from antibiotic-resistant probiotic strains and the use of such novel strains for the preparation of a food or feed product or a dosage form comprising viable organisms.

Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: A functionalized nanofluidic channel and method for functionalization that provides control over the ionic environment and geometry of the nanofluidic channel with the immobilization of biomolecules on the inner surface of the channel and use of high ionic concentration solutions. In one embodiment, the surface charge of the nanochannel is controlled with the immobilization of a protein such as streptavidin in the nanochannel. In another embodiment, the biomolecules are receptors and changes in nanochannel conductance indicates ligand binding events. The functionalized nanofluidic channel can be easily adapted for use with microchannel arrays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermal cycling including a pasting edge heater. The pasting edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the retaining elements during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutated cell such as a bacteria or yeast in which the thyA gene coding thymidylate synthase includes a nonsense codon, preferably the amber codon, said nonsense codon replacing a codon coding an amino acid and inducing the interruption of thyA gene translation and the auxotrophy of the cell for the thymidine. Advantageously, the endA gene coding the endonuclease 1 and/or the recA gene coding the recombinase is inactivated in said mutated cell. The invention also relates to an expression plasmid including a transgene and a sequence of a suppressing ARM structural gene containing an anticodon that can be paired with the nonsense codon of the thyA gene and is specific of an amino acid capable of restoring the translation of the mutated thyA gene and thereby obtaining a protein of the wild or mutated type having a thymidylate synthase activity. The invention also relates to a method for the multiplication of the expression plasmid.

Abstract: The present invention provides the genome sequence of Pichia pastoris and manually curated annotation of protein-coding genes. The invention provides novel nucleic acids, proteins, and related expression vectors useful for genetic engineering of methylotrophic yeast strains, as well as engineered methylotrophic yeast strains particularly Pichia pastsoris, and use thereof for recombinant production of heterologous proteins including glycoproteins suitable for use in mammals including humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of profiling a cell population comprising a step of detecting the presence or absence of at least two biological markers in said cell population, wherein at least one of said markers is a cell surface marker, which is a sialylated N-glycan marker with structure NeuNAc?3Gal, and at least one of said markers is a mRNA marker related to glycoproteins and/or glycosynthase proteins. The invention also relates to method for purification of cord blood cell population and to a complete cell population from cord blood purified by said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.

Abstract: Compositions for platelet rich plasma (PRP) are provided. Generally, these compositions comprise a higher concentration of platelets and white blood cells than whole blood. The concentrations of the platelets and/or the white blood cells may be two to eight times the respective concentrations in whole blood. These compositions may have depressed concentrations of red blood cells and hemoglobin. In some variations, the compositions may be useful to treat damaged connective tissue and/or to slow or stop cardiac apoptosis after a heart attack. The PRP composition may be delivered in conjunction with reperfusion therapy.

Abstract: The present provides methods for affecting and/or altering the differentiation state of a cell. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods to transdifferentiate a cell into an endothelial cell or a hematopoietic cell. In the practice of the invention, a demethylating agent (e.g., 5-azacytidine) is used to affect and/or alter the differentiation state of a cell. The invention demonstrates the transdifferentiation of numerous cell types, including cell populations that are themselves somewhat differentiated (e.g., normal fibroblasts) into distinct cell types, including hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells, which transdifferentiation is effected further through the selection of particular growth factors which, together with the demethylating agents, directs the differentiation path. The invention provides a novel approach to providing useful cell types for many types of medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reprogramming a somatic cell to pluripotency by administering into the somatic cell at least one or a plurality of potency-determining factors. The invention also relates to pluripotent cell populations obtained using a reprogramming method.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a silanised hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or silanised hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) hydrogel, self-crosslinking as a function of pH, for the three-dimensional ex vivo culture of chondrocytes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for predicting the risk of developing renal failure or mortality for a subject suffering from diabetes mellitus. More specifically, a method is disclosed for predicting the risk of developing renal failure for a subject suffering from diabetes mellitus, the method including the steps of determining the amounts of PLGF and sFlt-1 in a sample of a subject suffering from diabetes mellitus and comparing the amounts of PLGF and sFlt-1 determined with reference amounts of PLGF and sFlt-1, whereby the risk of developing renal failure is predicted. Also disclosed are diagnostic devices and kits for carrying out the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: Provided is a method for conveniently and rapidly evaluating or selecting an adiponectin secretion regulator. The method for evaluating or selecting an adiponectin secretion regulator includes the following steps (A) to (C): (A) a step of administering a test substance to an experimental animal; (B) a step of inducing a sleep deprivation in the experimental animal; and (C) a step of measuring blood adiponectin level of the animal, and evaluating change of the blood adiponectin level.

Abstract: A method for analyzing chemicals includes fractionating a complex sample into at least two sample portions that each include portions of two polypeptides though in different concentration ratios, digesting and performing LC/MS on each of the sample portions, and associating precursor ions observed via LC/MS with their corresponding polypeptide in response to LC/MS-provided intensity data. A set of precursor-ions that has substantially similar intensity ratios in both sample portions is determined to be associated with the same polypeptide.

Abstract: The nitrogen oxide analyzer obtains the ozone concentration-luminescence response characteristics that show the relationship between the ozone concentration and the light intensity by chemiluminescent response obtained by varying the ozone concentration alone in a steady state, and sets the relationship of the parameter that determines an average period of the sample gas passing the reactor so that the luminescence response is generated in the reactor alone even though the ozone concentration of the ozone-containing gas changes within a predetermined range based on the ozone concentration-luminescence response characteristics.