Abstract: Compositions and methods are described to modify Family B DNA polymerases that contain residual exonuclease activity that interferes with sequencing techniques and with detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The compositions are mutant proteins with reduced exonuclease activity compared with presently available “exo?” polymerases, and a sensitive screening assay that enables an assessment of exonuclease activity of any synthetic DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The invention provides a yeast-enhanced red fluorescent protein. In an embodiment of the invention, the yeast-enhanced red fluorescent protein is monomeric and is expressible in Candida albicans. The invention also provides a novel visible color marker for plasmid expression in yeast, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sequencing a nucleic acid with a sequencing enzyme, e.g., a polymerase or exonuclease. The sequencing enzyme can optionally be exchanged with a second sequencing enzyme, which continues the sequencing of the nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a template is fixed to a surface through a template localizing moiety. The template localizing moiety can optionally anneal with the nucleic acid and/or associate with the sequencing enzyme. Also provided are compositions comprising a nucleic acid and a first sequencing enzyme, which can sequence the nucleic acid and optionally exchange with a second sequencing enzyme present in the composition. Compositions in which a template localizing moiety is immobilized on a surface are provided. Also provided are methods for using data from analytical reactions wherein two different enzymes are employed, e.g., at a same or different reaction regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for identifying an olfactory receptor included in one olfactory cell. In the present invention, amplified is the cDNA derived from the mRNA of the one olfactory cell by a PCR method using a forward primer represented by SEQ ID: 01 and a reverse primer represented by SEQ ID: 02. Subsequently, determined is whether or not a gene sequence of the amplified cDNA is identical to one gene sequence included in gene sequences coding for olfactory receptors included in the mouse olfactory receptor group A. Finally, determined is that the olfactory receptor included in the one olfactory cell is the olfactory receptor corresponding to the one gene sequence which is identical to the gene sequence of the cDNA in the previous step, if the gene sequence of the cDNA is identical to the one gene sequence in the previous step.

Abstract: The present invention provides for determining relative copy number difference for one or more target nucleic acid sequences between a test sample and a reference sample or reference value derived therefrom. The methods facilitate the detection of copy number differences less than 1.5-fold.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preventing or treating neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject. A composition is provided which comprises an enriched immune cell population reactive to a human endogenous retrovirus type E antigen on a tumor cell. A method of treating a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject is provided which comprises administering to a mammalian subject a composition comprising an enriched immune cell population reactive to a human endogenous retrovirus type E antigen, in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the neoplastic disease or to prevent its occurrence or recurrence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of typing colorectal cancer cells by determining the RNA levels of a set of signature genes. Said typing can be use for predicting a risk for recurrence of said colorectal cancer. The invention further relates to a set of genes that can be used for normalizing the RNA levels of said set of signature genes, and to micro-array comprising said set of signature genes.

Abstract: A sample solution including blood components is processed with a denaturalization reagent comprising a nonionic surface-activating agent and an oxidizing agent to denaturalize a hemoglobin derivative in the sample solution, and thereafter, an immunoassay is performing utilizing an antibody that is specific to a denaturalized site of the hemoglobin derivative to measure the amount of the hemoglobin derivative in the sample. Therefore, when performing assay of hemoglobin derivative, denaturalization of hemoglobin can be performed speedily and reliably while minimizing adverse effects of the denaturalization reagent on immune reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides markers and methods for detecting head-and-neck precancers, (including OPLs), cancers and related disease conditions in a subject. The invention also provides localization and imaging methods for head-and-neck precancers (including OPLs) and cancers, along with kits for carrying out methods of the invention. The invention further provides therapeutic applications for head-and-neck precancers (including OPLs) and cancers which employ head-and-neck precancer and cancer markers, polynucleotides encoding the markers, and binding agents for the markers.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: In some cases, the described systems and methods include obtaining a cell sample containing multiple antibody-producing cells. In such cases, the cells can be tagged with a cross-linking reagent having a first portion configured to bind to a marker on the antibody-producing cells and a second portion configured to bind to an antigen of interest. In some instances, the tagged antibody-producing cells are exposed to the antigen of interest such that the antigen becomes bound to the cells. In some such instances, the antibody-producing cells are also allowed to produce an antibody, such that a portion of the antibody-producing cells produce an antigen-specific antibody that binds to the antigen of interest. To identify cells that produce the antigen-specific antibody, the tagged cells can be exposed to a labeled secondary antibody that is configured to bind to the antigen-specific antibody. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition useful for the diagnosis of diseases associated with aberrant expression of the genes encoding the secreted proteins Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4(=R-Spondin 2, 3, 1 and 4, respectively), e.g. in connection with tumors or diseases of the muscle, kidneys or bones. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound which is capable of modifying (a) the expression of the gene encoding Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 or (b) the activity of the Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 protein.

Abstract: A CDK profile including a ratio of specific activities of two cyclin dependent kinases closely correlates with the malignancy grade and the presence/absence of the sensitivity to an irritant such as an anticancer agent of a cancer tissue in clinical medicine. Therefore, the properties of a mammalian cell, such as malignancy grade, proliferation potency, sensitivity to an irritant such as an anticancer agent can be assessed based on its CDK profile or by comparing the result of a specific activity ratio of two CDKs with a predetermined threshold corresponding to the ratio. This sensitivity assessing method shows a high ratio of correct assessing results particularly in positive or sensitivity and is useful in predicting efficacy of chemotherapy using the anticancer agent.

Abstract: Newly identified proteins as markers for the detection of prostate tumors, or as targets for their therapeutic treatment, affinity ligands capable of selectively interacting with said markers as well as methods for tumor diagnosis and therapy using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting guaiacol-producing bacteria in a specimen comprising culturing the specimen or a dilution thereof on a plate of a solid medium for acidophilic bacteria comprising a compound represented by the following formula, wherein R is —H, —OH, —C(O)H, —C(O)CH3, —COOH, C1-C3 alkyl or C1-C3 alkenyl, wherein alkyl and alkenyl may optionally be substituted by —OH, —C(O)H or —COOH); and detecting a colony formed on the solid medium. According to preferred embodiments, the solid medium for acidophilic bacteria comprises 50 ppm or more of vanillic acid and the plate culture is carried out at 20° C. to 55° C. The present invention also provides a solid medium for acidophilic bacteria and a kit for detection of guaiacol-producing bacteria in a specimen. According to the present invention, guaiacol-producing bacteria present in a specimen such as fruit juice raw materials can be detected rapidly in a simple manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to the area of health-beneficial preparations and production methods thereof, in particular to the use of thermally pre-treated Lactobacillus preparations having specific bonding capacity for Streptococcus mutans for caries prophylaxis. The invention further relates to the Lactobacillus preparations and thermal pasteurization.

Abstract: Reagent materials and associated test elements are provided. In one embodiment, a test element having dual functionality includes a first coenzyme-dependent enzyme or a substrate for the first enzyme, a second coenzyme-dependent enzyme or a substrate for the second enzyme, and a coenzyme selected from the group consisting of thio-NAD, thio-NADP, and a compound according to formula (I). In one aspect, the first analyte is hydroxybutyrate and the first enzyme is a hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and the second analyte is glucose and the second enzyme is a glucose dehydrogenase or a glucose oxidase. Other aspects of the subject application are directed to unique reagent materials. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the description and drawings.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the diagnosis, prognosis, or management of diseases, such as cancer, by measuring the tyrosine kinase activity in acellular body fluids. Further provided are methods of predicting response to therapy in certain populations of cancer patients by contacting an acellular body fluid sample from a patient with a test agent, such as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and then measuring the effect of the test agent on tyrosine kinase activity in the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting endotoxin or Gram negative bacteria in a sample. Kits for detecting endotoxin or Gram negative bacteria in a sample are provided.

Abstract: A naturally occurring or recombinant protein, especially a mutein of porcine urate oxidase (uricase), that is essentially free of large aggregates can be rendered substantially non-immunogenic by conjugation with a sufficiently small number of strands of polymer such that the bioactivity of the protein is essentially retained in the conjugate. Such conjugates are unusually well suited for treatment of chronic conditions because they are less likely to induce the formation of antibodies and/or accelerated clearance than are similar conjugates prepared from protein preparations containing traces of large aggregates.

Abstract: A reagent composition containing GDH-PQQ as an enzyme-co-factor and screen-printed on working and counter electrodes of electrochemical biosensors, maintains activity of the enzyme reagents by proper selection of components. A preferred composition includes hydrophilic polymers, amorphous untreated silica, buffers, surfactants, and a mediator. For example, the biosensor is useful in the amperometric determination of glucose.

Abstract: Bio-adhesive compositions that include an extra-cellular matrix protein, bovine serum albumin conjugated with a fluorophore, and an aggregate are provided. The bio-adhesive composition may also include at least one component selected from the group consisting of collagen type IV, laminin, and chitosan. Also provided are methods of making the present compositions, that include taking a desired amount of extracellular matrix gel to liquid form of extracellular matrix; adding a desired amount of bovine serum albumin conjugated with a fluorophore; adding a desired amount of aggregate; and mixing. Further provided are methods for attaching cells to an apparatus using the present bio-adhesive compositions, and methods of attaching the present bio-adhesive compositions to an apparatus. Also provided are kits that include the present composition, components thereof or apparatuses, having the present composition attached thereto.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.

Abstract: A method and point of use kit to determine under field conditions the presence and/or amount of a selected Pseudomonas species capable of bioremediating organic environmental pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to eukaryotic microorganisms that can produce unsaturated fatty acids which can be purified and used.

Abstract: The invention relates to the diagnosis of bladder cancer and more specifically to the detection in urine samples of bladder carcinomas of the transitional type. The detection method according to the present invention enables, through the utilization of a DNA chip designed for this purpose, to determine the grade of the detected tumors.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against S. epidermidis and other related staphylococci are provided. The immunogenic compositions can include immunogenic conjugates of poly-?-glutamic acid (such as ?DLPGA) polypeptides of S. epidermidis, or related staphylococci that express a ?PGA polypeptide. The ?PGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against S. epidermidis, or other staphylococci, in subjects to which the conjugates are administered. A method of treating an infection caused by a Staphylococcus organism that expresses cap genes is also disclosed. The method can include selecting a subject who is at risk of or has been diagnosed with the infection by the Staphylococcus organism which expresses ?PGA from the cap genes. Further, the expression of a ?PGA polypeptide by the organism can then be altered.

Abstract: Methods and kits for generating circular nucleic acids in a cell-free system, and uses for the generated circular nucleic acids are provided. The methods comprise in vitro amplification of a nucleic acid template comprising a recombination site to produce tandem repeat nucleic acid sequence, and employ a recombination protein to generate the circular nucleic acids from the tandem repeat nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and devices for isothermal amplification of polynucleotide sequences to produce DNA cluster arrays.

Abstract: A method of determining a probability that a human test subject has colorectal cancer as opposed to not having colorectal cancer is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanoparticle chain is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a single-stranded circular primer with a determined length, and amplifying the single-stranded circular primer into single-stranded DNA nanotemplate by an isothermal nucleotide amplification reaction such that an end of the single-stranded DNA nanotemplate is fixed to a surface of a substrate; and adding a single-stranded DNA probe conjugated with nanoparticle at one end of which, and attaching the single-stranded DNA probe to the corresponding sequence on the single-stranded DNA nanotemplate to form a nanoparticles chain. The method of manufacturing a nanoparticle chain further comprises providing a fluid, and the flowing direction of the fluid controls the aligning direction of the nanoparticle chain. Wherein, the inter-nanoparticle distance of the nanoparticle chain can be adjusted by adjusting a reaction temperature or adding the single-stranded DNA probe without conjugating with nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to produce a reduced representation of a genome for sequencing and DNA polymorphism detection. In particular, the invention provides PCR-based methods, with normalization of the amplified products using a duplex-specific nuclease, in order to reduce over-representation of PCR products. Oligonucleotides for use in the disclosed method are also provided.

Abstract: The production of a diutan polysaccharide exhibiting increased viscosity properties as compared with previously produced polysaccharide of the same type of repeating units. Such an improved diutan polysaccharide is produced through the generation of a derivative of Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 53159 that harbors a multicopy broad host range plasmid into which genes for biosynthesis of diutan polysaccharide have been cloned. The inventive methods of production of such an improved diutan polysaccharide, as well as the novel cloned genes required to produce the improved diutan within such a method, are also encompassed within this invention. Additionally, the novel engineered Sphingomonas strain including the needed DNA sequence is encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A method for transforming iota-carrageenan into alpha-carrageenan by a new class of 4S-iota-carrageenan sulfatase. The invention also relates to carrageenans obtained by the conversion method. The invention can be especially applied to the agro-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of using transaminase polypeptides in the synthesis of chiral amines from prochiral ketones.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polypeptide having esterase activity comprising an amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NO's 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 or a homologue thereof, comprising an amino acid substitution or deletion of one or more amino acids as shown in said SEQ ID NO's and resulting in a mutant polypeptide having an increased concentration of the fraction of the mutant polypeptide being present as an active and soluble protein in cleared lysate of the mutant polypeptide expressed in E. coli relative to the concentration of the fraction of the polypeptide without the mutation being present as an active and soluble protein in cleared lysate of the polypeptide without the one or more deletion or substitution expressed in E. coli under the same conditions. The invention also relates to nucleic acid encoding the polypeptides according to the invention, and the use of the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a powdery lipase preparation which is a granulated material comprising a lipase derived from Rhizopus oryzae and/or a lipase derived from Rhizopus delemar and a soybean powder having a fat content of 5 mass % or more. A lipase activity is improved by using this powdery lipase preparation.

Abstract: A method for producing xylitol by fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates without detoxification is provided. By using the originally isolated yeast Candida sp., xylose can be effectively converted into xylitol. The invention also provides the Candida strain having high furfural tolerance, and is capable to produce xylitol from various types of non-detoxified lignocellulosic hydrolysates, in which the overall utilization of xylose in hydrolysate can reach over 95%.

Abstract: A modified microorganism for producing a high yield of 1,4-butanediol, and a method of producing 1,4-butanediol using the modified microorganism, wherein the modified microorganism is altered so as to delete or disrupt expression of at least one of transcription regulatory factor NCg12886, GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase NCg12090, hypothetical protein NCg10224 or sugar phosphate isomerase/epimerase NCg12956.

Abstract: The present invention answers the demands of power generating device and biosensor development and provides a flexible, free-standing type protein containing carbon nanotube film, and a sensor and power generating device each equipped with the carbon nanotube film as an electrode. According to the present invention a carbon nanotube free standing film is provided including a carbon nanotube aggregate formed by aggregating a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and a plurality of enzymes included between the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube film may include a different protein to the enzyme and may include a surfactant agent between the plurality of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Manufacturing methods and compositions are described for production of self-contained microfluidic cartridge devices with on-board reagents for molecular biological testing. Sensitive reagents are stored in dry form without lyophilization or freezing, and reconstituted at the point of use with either a biological sample or a sample eluate at the point of use. Manufacturing methods include sheet and roll fabrication processes where the reagents are printed in place and sealed within individual microfluidic cartridges before gel vitrification.

Abstract: Compositions that include polymerases with features for improving entry of nucleotide analogues into active site regions and for coordinating with the nucleotide analogues in the active site region are provided. Methods of making the polymerases and of using the polymerases in sequencing and DNA replication and amplification as well as kinetic models of polymerase activity and computer-implemented methods of using the models are also provided.

Abstract: A process for the propagation of Theobroma cacao L. by somatic embryogenesis using explant material which is subjected to a) primary embryogenesis in the dark in a solid culture medium causing induction and expression to produce primary embryos, b) secondary embryogenesis i) in which the primary embryos are treated in the dark in a solid or liquid culture medium to produce and multiply embryogenic callus followed by ii) treatment of the embryogenic callus in the dark in a suitable liquid culture medium causing expression of the embryogenic callus to produce further new secondary embryos, c) pre-germination of the secondary embryos in a Petri dish on a solid medium, or in a bioreactor in a liquid medium, into pre-germinated secondary embryos at the cotyledonary stage, d) ex-vitro germination of the pre-germinated secondary embryos at the cotyledonary stage by sowing directly on a culture substrate in the greenhouse to produce the plantlets, and e) development of the plantlets.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for harvesting or separating one or more biological cells from an aqueous feed, a stream, a suspension, or any combinations thereof by providing the aqueous feed, the stream, or the suspension comprising the one or more biological cells in a tank or a vessel; providing one or more ion-exchange resins, wherein the ion-exchange resin is an anion-exchange resin; contacting the anion-exchange resin with the aqueous feed; binding the one or more biological cells to the anion-exchange resin; releasing or eluting the bound one or more biological cells by changing the pH; and collecting the released one or more biological cells to obtain a concentrated slurry or suspension of the one or more biological cells.

Abstract: According to the present invention new isolates of Bradyrhizobium japonicum have been isolated and possess unique properties. These Bradyrhizobia are plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), possess superior tolerance/resistance to desiccation, and enhance the overall performance of leguminous plant growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to acyl-CoA-independent methods of producing a wax ester in recombinant host cells engineered to express an acyl-ACP wax ester synthase, and an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase. The methods of the invention may take place in photosynthetic microorganisms, and particularly in cyanobacteria. Isolated nucleotide molecules and vectors expressing an acyl-ACP wax ester synthase and/or an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase, recombinant host cells expressing an acyl-ACP wax ester synthase and optionally an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase, and systems for producing a wax ester via an acyl-CoA-independent pathway, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the degradation of pollutants in water and/or soil. More specific, the present invention relates to a method for the on-site decontamination or re-mediation of water and/or soil which are contaminated with organic compounds. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for forming a barrier against the spreading of a contamination with pollutants within the water and/or soil, especially within groundwater (aquifer). Further, the invention relates to means for use in these methods, and to the production of such means.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (a measurement device) for on-line measurements on cells, in particular for measuring soluble analytes and dissolved gases on samples in a sample area.