Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing prostate cancer. The invention also provides novel anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell capture assay for the selection of a high producer cell line expressing anti-CD34 antibodies that recognize the CD34 membrane-protein in the cell membrane. The monoclonal antibody secreted by the hybridoma cell line 9C5/9069 binds to human CD34 and is used to isolate stem cells. The DNA sequences encoding for the antibody heavy and light chain have been identified, isolated from the hybridoma cells and cloned into appropriate expression vectors. After co-transfection of the heavy and light chain genes into HEK293T or in CHO cells either conditioned medium or purified antibody were assessed for binding to CD34 protein located in the cell membrane in different cell capture assays. The binding of the antibody to CD34-positive cells could be shown with these assays for several cell lines.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays for IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen. A reagent comprises a conjugate of a small molecule linked to a terminal glycine amino acid of a synthetic 26 amino acid melittin peptide. In the method a combination is provided that comprises a sample and the aforementioned reagent. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen to the reagent to form a complex. One or both of the presence and amount of the complex is detected and related to one or both of the presence and amount in the sample of IgE specific for honey bee venom allergen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of laboratory diagnostics. Specifically, means and methods for determining the risk of mortality in a patient based on homoarginine and to reduce the risk of mortality by administration of homoarginine are disclosed. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of homoarginine for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a patient having an increased risk of mortality caused by stroke or a cardiac cause. Furthermore, the present application relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising homoarginine and a composition for foodstuff supplement comprising homoarginine.

Abstract: Disclosed is the invention to conduct immuno-adsorption of free 25(OH) vitamin D from blood or blood components, notably serum or plasma, after which the absorbed material is measured. A fluoro-alkyl surfactant is used to enhance the solubility of Vitamin D and allow the measurement of free Vitamin D. The invention thus employs a binding protein to absorb the free 25(OH) vitamin D. Thereafter the binding protein comprising the 25-OH vitamin D is subjected to a competitive binding assay with a labeled vitamin D compound, preferably radiolabeled, fluorescent labeled, luminescent labeled, biotin labeled, gold labeled or enzyme labeled. Alternatively the immunocaptured 25-OH vitamin D can be quantitated by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes and binds to a epitope of group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssiuns, usually named Der p 2, and a hybridoma cell line producing thereof. Furthermore, this invention also discloses a strip, kit and method utilizing said monoclonal antibody for the detection of the presence of dust mite allergens and the calculation of dust mite number in the environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent for the measurement of FDP comprising a carrier sensitized with at least two monoclonal antibodies selected from three monoclonal antibodies having different reactivity towards FDP. The present invention also relates to a reagent kit comprising the reagent and a method for measurement of FDP using the reagent or reagent kit.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining whether a cancer is or is likely to become aggressive, by detecting the presence of the transcription factor SOX9 in the cytoplasm of cells of the cancer, provided the cancer is not solid pseudopapillary tumor or a melanoma.

Abstract: Provided is a recombination protein which binds specifically to troponin I derived from human myocardium. The recombinant protein includes a light chain variable region consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 63; and a heavy chain variable region consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 65.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an analytical test strip in the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample (e.g., a whole blood sample) includes a housing, with an outer surface, and an analytical test strip ejection mechanism (“ATSEM”). The ATSEM has an actuation button disposed in the outer surface of the housing, a motion amplification and rotation assembly (“MA&RA”) operatively connected to the actuation button and a test strip slider (“TSS”) operatively connected to the MA&RA. The actuation button is configured for movement by a user's digit in a first direction and the MA&RA and TSS are configured to convert the movement in the first direction into amplified movement of the TSS in a second direction with the second direction being rotated with respect to the first direction. Moving the TSS in the second direction from the engaged state to an ejected state ejects the strip.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying a genetic abnormality such as mutation in EGFR or KRAS or ALK which is associated with the management of lung cancer or diagnosing, prognosing or monitoring the treatment of pre-cancerous conditions of the lung, such as bronchial dysplasia or atypical alveolar hyperplasia (AAH), through the detection of at least one volatile organic compound indicative of these states.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a force-clamp spectrometer that enables operation in constant force mode and allows for automated data acquisition and analysis, using feedback electronics and software. The disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of using the force-clamp spectrometer for the measurement of the dynamics of chemical reactions. The methods may include, but are not limited to, the measurement of the dynamics of substrate folding and unfolding, as well as bond cleavage and bond formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining pectin content in a plant sample, comprising the following steps: 1) adding an acidic alcohol solution to the plant sample, then heating the resulting mixture to reflux in a water bath, followed by a first filtration; 2) soaking the filtered residue obtained from the first filtration with an acidic solution, then heating the resulting mixture to reflux in a water bath, followed by a second filtration, then bringing to volume after cooling, obtaining filtrate for later use; 3) adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution to treat the filtered residue obtained from the second filtration, then adding a pectinase solution and heating the resulting mixture under vibration in a water bath, followed by a third filtration to obtain a filtrate for later use; 4) sequentially adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution and a pectinase solution to the filtrate obtained in step 2) and heating the resulting mixture under vibration in a water bath to obtain an enzymatic

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of yclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases from the parasite Leishmania major. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences. The invention further relates to the use of these sequences, and of antibodies directed against these sequences, in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the infection of Leishmania major, including the identification of compounds that form complexes with the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing ubiquinated peptide conjugates comprising a ubiquitin peptide residue UR attached at its C-terminus to a substrate peptide via a native isopeptide bond, this process comprising combining Native Chemical Ligation (NCL) and solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Further are disclosed ubiquinated peptide conjugates containing a native isopeptide bond, as well as various uses thereof.

Abstract: A method for detecting inflammation in the urinary tract or urethra of a patient, especially urethritis, comprises a) contacting leucocytes obtained from a urine sample provided by the patient with a luminescence reagent which emits light on reaction with an oxidant; b) adding an activator to the mixture of leucocytes and luminescence reagent; c) continuously monitoring and/or measuring light emitted by the luminescence reagent over a predetermined time period commencing before and ending after the addition of the activator. The light emission is indicative of the presence or absence of inflammation in the urinary tract or urethra of the patient. The urine sample is preferably a sample of first pass urine. The method makes possible a diagnosis especially of urethritis and, in particular, urethral infections selected from Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can be carried out quickly without invasive procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the gastric acidity of a mammal using a 13C-labeled carbonate compound. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for measuring the gastric acidity of a mammal including the following steps: (1) using, as a test sample, expired air of a mammalian subject excreted at any point in time within 30 minutes after oral administration of a predetermined amount of a 13C-labeled carbonate compound, measuring behavior of 13CO2 in the expired air; (2) comparing the behavior of 13CO2 (measured 13CO2 behavior) obtained in step (1) with the behavior of corresponding 13CO2 (reference 13CO2 behavior) that has been obtained beforehand in a control mammal; and (3) determining the gastric acidity of the mammalian subject based on a difference between the reference 13CO2 behavior and the measured 13CO2 behavior obtained above.

Abstract: An insert device and co-culture device assembly incorporating the insert device, which includes an insert chamber with two fluid impermeable side walls that extend from a microporous bottom to an open top to form an inner cavity. The first side wall is shaped to form a convex arc that follows between about half of a circumference of the well and less than an entire circumference of the well. The second side wall joins ends of the first side wall and protrudes inward towards a center of the convex arc. A flange extends outward from or beneath the top and is notched to form a gap adjacent to the second side wall, which forms an access port allowing access to the lower chamber with a micropipette tip when the insert device is inserted into a well of a single or multi-well plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a growth vessel to simulate algae growth and/or productivity in a reference environment, such as an open pond, a closed photobioreactor, or a hybrid system. Based on predicted algae sample trajectories in the reference environment, an illumination profile is developed. An algae sample in the growth vessel can then be exposed to the illumination profile under controlled conditions. Properties of algae in the reference environment can then be characterized based on the sample exposed to the illumination profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for developing embryos and producing germination-competent embryos using a liquid embryo development media.

Abstract: Methods for use with chemical analyzers aspirate a sample portion from one location to dispense it at a second location, aspirate another sample portion at that second location and dispense it at the first location, and measure the pressure values experienced inside a probe performing the aspirations and dispenses. By comparing the pressure values (or other values indicative of the viscosity or other relevant properties of the sample), the chemical analyzer can determine if the sample is sufficiently mixed or if the sample components remain separated and the method should be repeated.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising, obtaining an infrared (IR) spectrum of a Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) sample by analyzing the sample by infrared spectroscopy; and based on the infrared spectrum, generating an output indicative of the presence of a solid tumor or a pre-malignant condition. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: The device for the microbiological analysis of a support adapted to contain microorganisms marked by a fluorophore agent, said agent being adapted to absorb light energy with an absorption spectrum (53) having a crest (53?) at a predetermined absorption wavelength (?2) and to release that energy by emitting light with an emission spectrum (54) having a crest (54?) at a predetermined emission wavelength (?3) distinct from said absorption wavelength (?2), comprises illuminating means; the spectrum (55) of the excitation light coming from the illuminating means having a crest (55?) at a predetermined excitation wavelength (?1) with a predetermined difference between the excitation (?1) and absorption (?2) wavelengths by virtue of which it is made easy to discriminate the light emitted by said fluorophore agent from that coming from the illuminating means.

Abstract: Provided are an alga in which productivity of a photosynthate is increased, and use of the alga. The alga of the present invention has an increased glutathione concentration in its chloroplast. A method of the present invention for producing biomass is a method for producing biomass with the use of the alga of the present invention or an alga produced by a method of the present invention for producing an alga.

Abstract: In order to counteract comprehensively existing vinasse problems, in particular in production of bioethanol from plant raw materials, a method for production of feedstuff from crustacea of the genus Artemia is proposed which is distinguished in that Artemia cultures are fed at least in part with vinasse, preferably thin vinasse, in particular from bioethanol production. At the same time, a method for processing vinasse is provided in which the vinasse is used as feed for Artemia cultures and/or for algal cultures. Further, in the vinasse production, in particular in the course of bioethanol production, process heat generated is used for heating water for the Artemia and/or algal culture.

Abstract: Peptides may be produced by allowing (A) a first amino acid or peptide, which is converted into its ionic liquid form, (B) a second amino acid or peptide, and (C) a peptide hydrolase to simultaneously exist in a single reaction system, wherein the first amino acid or peptide, which is converted into its ionic liquid form, is used as both a reaction solvent and a reaction starting material; and forming a peptide bond between the first amino acid or peptide and the second amino acid or peptide. By such a process, it is possible to synthesize a peptide at a high concentration and at a high yield, and the method is excellent for producing peptides on an industrial scale.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fibre fraction are produced. The fibre fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurised reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fibre fraction and a liquid fraction; selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fibre fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated DNA sequences having protein production increasing activity and more specifically to the use of matrix attachment regions (MARs) for increasing protein production activity in a eukaryotic cell. Also disclosed is a method for the identification of said active regions, in particular MAR nucleotide sequences, and the use of these characterized active MAR sequences in a new multiple transfection method.

Abstract: Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17-containing multimeric or heterodimer cytokine receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the multimeric or heterodimeric cytokine receptor, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-EphrinB2 antibodies, and compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for transducing B cells. In particular, the present disclosure provides for vectors and methods for transducing resting B cells and methods for differentiating same to express a transgene of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing the polypeptides that are capable of killing cells. The polypeptides comprise a targeting agent covalently attached to a channel-forming moiety. In a preferred embodiment, the channel-forming moiety comprises a colicin and the targeting agent is a reconstructed antibody mimetic derived from monoclonal antibody variants against Epstein-Barr virus gp350/220.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agents and methods that are capable of augmenting NK-mediated killing of target cells by reducing inhibitory KIR signalling without reducing the binding of KIR to HLA-C. As described herein, transduction of negative signaling via KIR, upon binding of KIR to its HLA class I ligand, can involve a ligand-binding induced, conformational reorientation of the KIR molecules allowing interactions to form between adjacent KIRs in specific domains, leading to accelerated clustering. Methods and agents such as monoclonal antibodies for reducing KIR-mediated inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity without reducing or blocking HLA-binding by, e.g., reducing or blocking dimerization of KIR, are provided.

Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention pertains to novel proteins corresponding to Chrysosporium glycosyl hydrolases of families 7 and 10, exhibiting a minimum aminoacid identity of 70 and 75%, respectively, with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No's 2 and 4, and to a protein corresponding to a Chrysosporium glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, exhibiting at least 86% amino acid identity with the partial amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 6. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding these proteins, and especially to promoter sequences regulating the expression of the corresponding genes. The preferred host for expressing these genes is a fungus, especially a Chrysosporium strain.

Abstract: Rapid and uniform temperature changes in the wells of a microplate or any thin-walled plate that contains an array of reaction wells or sample receptacles are achieved by the use of heating and cooling elements with a vapor chamber interposed between such elements and the microplate. The upper surface of the vapor chamber and the underside of the sample plate in certain embodiments are complementary in shape, i.e., they have identical but oppositely directed contours in the areas around each of the sample receptacles, to provide continuous surface contact along the surface of each receptacle. In other embodiments, an intermediary plate is placed between the vapor chamber and the well plate, with the top surface of the intermediary plate being complementary in shape to the underside of the well plate.

Abstract: A method for replicating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence is described. A method of the invention involves the formation of a recombination intermediate without the prior denaturing of a nucleic acid duplex through the use of a recombination factor. The recombination intermediate is treated with a high fidelity polymerase to permit the replication and amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence. In preferred embodiments, the polymerase comprises a polymerase holoenzyme. In further preferred embodiments, the recombination factor is bacteriophage T4 UvsX protein or homologs from other species, and the polymerase holoenzyme comprises a polymerase enzyme, a clamp protein and a clamp loader protein, derived from viral, bacteriophage, prokaryotic, archaebacterial, or eukaryotic systems.

Abstract: A method for replicating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence is described. A method of the invention involves the formation of a recombination intermediate without the prior denaturing of a nucleic acid duplex through the use of a recombination factor. The recombination intermediate is treated with a high fidelity polymerase to permit the replication and amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence. In preferred embodiments, the polymerase comprises a polymerase holoenzyme. In further preferred embodiments, the recombination factor is bacteriophage T4 UvsX protein or homologs from other species, and the polymerase holoenzyme comprises a polymerase enzyme, a clamp protein and a clamp loader protein, derived from viral, bacteriophage, prokaryotic, archaebacterial, or eukaryotic systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the detection of a specific sequence of RNA in a cell or tissue sample. The invention also relates to methods to enzymatically manipulate the RNA in a crude cell lysate in a number of applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating a preparation in which more than 70% of the oligonucleotides are adenylated. The method includes reacting an oligonucleotide with an ATP-sensitive ligase where the ligase is characterized by its ability to efficiently generate adenylated oligonucleotides at ATP concentrations at which ligation and circularization of the oligonucleotide is minimal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in a first aspect, to the use of inverting beta-xylosidase enzymes to reduce byproduct formation and increase the yield of fermentation products, as well as, in a second aspect, to the use of retaining beta-xylosidase enzymes to improve production of alkyl-beta-xylopyranoside compounds, in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing fermentable sugar or a fermentation product from a lignocellulosic feedstock. The process comprises leaching the lignocellulosic feedstock with an aqueous solution to remove at least potassium salts from the lignocellulosic feedstock and without significantly hydrolyzing hemicellulose and cellulose, thereby producing a leached feedstock and leachate. The leachate is removed from the leachate and concentrated. The leached feedstock is hydrolyzed to produce fermentable sugar, which may be fermented to produce a fermentation broth comprising the fermentation product. The concentrated leachate is recirculated to one or more stages in the process involving alkali addition to adjust the pH of a process stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing methionine, comprising a first step of reacting 2-amino-3-buten-1-ol with methanethiol, and a second step of oxidizing 2-amino-4-methylthio-1-butanol obtained in the first step. The present invention also relates to a process for producing 2-amino-4-methylthio-1-butanol, comprising a step of reacting 2-amino-3-buten-1-ol with methanethiol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified microorganisms capable of direct production of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C). The invention also relates to polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode proteins which are involved in the synthesis of Vitamin C. The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of Vitamin C from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism.

Abstract: Disclosed are chimeric polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) olyketide synthase (PKS) proteins and chimeric PUFA PKS systems, including chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems derived from Schizochytrium and Thraustochytrium. Disclosed are nucleic acids and proteins encoding such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems, genetically modified organisms comprising such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems, and methods of making and using such chimeric PUFA PKS proteins and systems.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention provide engineered microbes for oil production. Methods for microbe engineering and for use of engineered microbes are also provided herein. In some embodiments, microbes are provided that are engineered to modulate a combination of rate-controlling steps of lipid synthesis, for example, a combination of a step generating metabolites, acetyl-CoA, ATP or NADPH for lipid synthesis (a push step), and a step sequestering a product or an intermediate of a lipid synthesis pathway that mediates feedback inhibition of lipid synthesis (a pull step). Such push-and-pull engineered microbes exhibit greatly enhanced conversion yields and TAG synthesis and storage properties.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing organic waste material are provided. These methods and systems include integrating an anaerobic bio-digester and nutrient recovery module with a bio-production facility, which can locally provide feedstock for the bio-production facility, and can locally provide organic material for the anaerobic bio-digester. Methods and systems for integrating an anaerobic bio-digester with a gas cleaner are also provided, which can recover nutrients while cleaning the biogas produced by the anaerobic bio-digester.

Abstract: This disclosure describes genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms, including Cyanobacteria, that contain one or more exogenous genes encoding a diacyglycerol acyltransferase, a phosphatidate phosphatase, and/or an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and which are capable of producing increased amounts of fatty acids and/or synthesizing triglycerides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the conversion of a lignocellulosic feedstock involving acid pretreatment. The process comprises the steps of treating the lignocellulosic feedstock with alkali at a pH of between about 8.0 and about 12.0 so as to dissolve acetyl groups present on said lignocellulosic feedstock, while converting less than about 10% of the xylan present in the lignocellulosic feedstock to xylose and less than about 10% of the cellulose to glucose, thereby producing an alkali conditioned feedstock. The alkali conditioned feedstock is then pretreated at a temperature of about 160° C. to about 250° C., at a pH of about 0.5 to about 2.5 for about 0.5 to about 10 minutes so as to hydrolyze about 80 to 100% of the xylan and about 3 to about 15% of the cellulose to produce an acid pretreated feedstock comprising cellulose. The cellulose in the pretreated feedstock can be hydrolyzed to glucose with cellulase and the glucose can be fermented to produce a fermentation product.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the strains of B. coagulans for lactic acid production and the related methods, in which the carbon sources are pentose or hexose or the agricultural or industrial wastes containing pentose or hexose or a mixture of both. According to the invention, the highest amount of L-lactic acid produced from glucose is 173 g/L, the optical purity is over 99%, the yield is up to 0.98, and the productivity is up to 2.4 g/L per hour. The highest amount of L-lactic acid produced from xylose is 195 g/L, the optical purity is over 99%, the yield is up to 0.98, and the productivity is up to 2.7 g/L per hour. The highest amount of L-lactic acid produced from reducing sugars in xylitol byproducts is 106 g/L, the optical purity is over 99%, and the productivity is up to 2.08 g/L per hour. The B. coagulans strains XZL4 (DSM No. 23183) and XZL9 (DSM No.