Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying at least two groups of microorganisms expressing the same enzymatic activity, comprising the following steps: a) incubating said groups of microorganisms in a reaction medium comprising a first enzyme substrate and a second enzyme substrate, said first and second enzyme substrates being metabolized by the same enzymatic activity; b) identifying said groups of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an in vitro method for detecting an enzyme or a microorganism in a biological sample, comprising the steps of: a1) concentrating the microorganisms present in the biological sample, optionally after a a0) culture step of the microorganisms; b1) placing in suspension the microorganisms concentrated at step a1) in a solution containing at least one chromogenic or fluorogenic substrate capable of releasing a chromophore or fluorophore after hydrolysis by the enzyme to be detected; c1) detecting potential release of the chromophore or fluorophore obtained at step b1); the release of the chromophore or fluorophore detected at step c1) indicating the presence of the enzyme to be detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated polypeptides of Alicyclobacillus sp. having acid endoglucanase or acid cellulase activity.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, comprising a predetermined combination of two antibiotics, a first antibiotic which belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic, said first and second antibiotics each being at a sub-inhibitory concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The method can include fractionating the plant material. The present invention also relates to methods for producing high protein distiller's dried grain from fermentation of plant material, and to the high protein distiller's dried grain produced. The method can include drying a co-product by ring drying, flash drying, or fluid bed drying. The present invention further relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The method can include fractionating the plant material. The present invention also relates to methods for producing high protein distiller's dried grain from fermentation of plant material, and to the high protein distiller's dried grain produced. The method can include drying a co-product by ring drying, flash drying, or fluid bed drying. The present invention further relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and/or identifying Clostridium difficile, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) providing a reaction medium comprising at least one beta-glucosidase substrate capable of identifying C. difficile, b) inoculating the medium with a biological sample to be tested, c) allowing for incubation, and d) detecting the hydrolysis of the beta-glucosidase substrate, indicative of the presence of Clostridium difficile. The invention also relates to a reaction medium for the detection and/or the identification of Clostridium difficile, that comprises at least one beta-glucosidase substrate capable of identifying C. difficile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for generating microdroplets with varying concentrations of a particular solute from a solution at fixed concentration.

Abstract: The efficient production of ethanol from low-cost biomass (e.g., corn, sugar beets, sugar cane, switchgrass and/or paper) has become increasingly important in making ethanol competitive with gasoline and decreasing the United States' dependence on foreign oil. For example, to reduce the cost of transporting biomass to ethanol production facilities, mobile systems for producing ethanol from biomass are provided. Also provided are small-scale ethanol production facilities. For example, instead of transporting biomass to the production facility, the facility is transported to the biomass or is located nearby the source of the biomass. The ethanol production facilities or components thereof may be transported via land, water, or air. Production of other products, such as hydrocarbons, natural gas, hydrogen gas, plastics, polymers, and proteins, can also be made by the methods and facilities. Any product described herein can be made in finished form or un-finished form and moved, e.g., to a fixed facility, e.g.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent substrate for detecting the enzymatic activity of a nitrile-related enzyme. The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (I) and a fluorescent substrate for detecting the enzymatic activity of a nitrile-related enzyme, which comprises the compound.

Abstract: The diagnosis of a patient with an enteropathic disease or the response of a patient with an enteropathic disease to therapy, particularly a candidate therapy in a clinical trial setting, is assessed by detecting the ability of the patient to metabolize an orally administered CYP3A substrate. The CYP3A metabolism may be monitored in a variety of ways. Conveniently, the appearance of a metabolite of the CYP3A substrate is detected in a patient sample over a period of time following oral administration, e.g. in urine, plasma, serum breath, saliva, etc. The CYP3A substrate is optionally labeled, e.g. with an isotopic, fluorescent, etc. label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for specific and direct detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria in a sample using a selective and differential isolation medium for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria comprising at least one chromogenic agent and tellurite.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding an Activation Induced Deaminase (AID) polypeptide, a fusion protein comprising an AID polypeptide, and methods of using a nucleic acid encoding an AID polypeptide.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for continuously detecting, classifying and identifying toxic particles, aerosols and/or vapor in an air sample, in near real time by directing an air sample containing an optional target analyte, in the form of particles, aerosols and/or vapors, enzyme(s), and enzyme substrate(s), to a surface of a collection matrix for forming a biocatalytic reaction product of a plurality of freely mobile optical reporters, and by using a light source with optical reader to interpret the signal from the optical reporter, enabling the detection, classification and identification of toxic particles, aerosols and/or vapor in the air sample.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed which inhibit SIR2 base exchange more than deacetylation, thus enhancing SIR2 deacetylation activity. Methods of using the compounds for enhancing SIR2 deacetylation activity and increasing longevity of an organism are also disclosed. Methods for screening for compounds that enhance SIR2 deacetylation activity and increase longevity of an organism are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining enzyme activity in a fluid, wherein the activity over time provides a viscosity-change in the fluid, by the use of a device (FIG. 1) equipped with at least one pressure sensor (FIG. 1 (4)) to determine the change in the fluid viscosity over time as a measure of the enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enhancing chitin degradation or weakening the structure of a chitin substrate comprising exposing chitin to a non-hydrolytic chitin binding protein (CBP). The invention further provides a method of enhancing chitin degradation comprising exposing chitin to a non-hydrolytic CBP and a chitin hydrolase. Compositions, including fungicides, comprising non-hydrolytic CBPs and transgenic plants comprising exogenous nucleic acid molecules encoding a non-hydrolytic CBP are also provided.

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: Methods for the detection/quantification of the enzymatic activity of hydrolases in a sample, wherein the hydrolase catalyses a hydrolysis reaction of a substrate which yields either H2S or a thiol-containing organic compound that produces a decomposition reaction which generates H2S, and methods for the detection/quantification of their substrates in a sample, as well as a method for the preparation of fluorescent CdS quantum dots, the preparation method, comprising first carrying out a enzymatic reaction catalysed by the hydrolase wherein the hydrolase catalyses the hydrolysis reaction of a substrate which yields either H2S or a thiol-containing organic compound that produces a decomposition reaction which generates H2S, and then reacting the resulting H2S with a salt of Cd+2, thereby fluorescent CdS quantum dots are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel markers for diagnosing pancreatic cancer, and methods for determining if a subject has pancreatic cancer utilizing the markers, etc. The methods involve comparing mass-spectrometric peaks of certain sugar chains, obtained from patients' blood and determining if there is a significant decrease in peak intensity, compared with corresponding peaks from patients without pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: A prognostic assay and kit and method of use thereof are provided. The kit and assay are used to determine the likelihood of a diseased cell or tissue having a therapeutic response to treatment with a cardiac glycoside in a disease having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation. The kit and assay are used to determine the ratio of isoforms of the ? subunit of Na, K-ATPase obtained from the diseased cell or tissue. The kit can be used to predict the therapeutic responsiveness of cancer or tumor in a subject to treatment with a cardiac glycoside. The kit and assay can be incorporated in a method of treating a disease or disorder having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation with a composition comprising a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method for determining a carbohydrate which enables more accurate determination of a carbohydrate. The invention for achieving this object is directed to a method for determining a carbohydrate using a digestive enzyme, characterized in that as the digestive enzyme, an animal-derived low-molecular-weight carbohydrate digestive enzyme is used. More specifically, the invention is directed to a method for determining a carbohydrate using a digestive enzyme, characterized by comprising a first reaction step using thermostable ?-amylase; a second reaction step using protease and amyloglucosidase; and a third reaction step using an animal-derived low-molecular-weight carbohydrate digestive enzyme.

Abstract: A method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of Aminoacylase 1 tumor marker in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer. Said method can be used for early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up and prognosis, and also for relapse diagnosis in relation to colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for an activity in an isolated organ, e.g., eye, from a teleost, e.g., zebrafish. Methods of isolating eyes from zebrafish are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in a model of ocular disease or disorder are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye and for screening the agent for cell death and/or toxic activity in the eye or other organ or tissue are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents for an activity in isolated eyes of zebrafish in multi-well plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of Glycoside Hydrolase family 53 galactanases, e.g., variants of the galactanases from strains of Yersinia, Aspergillus, Humicola, Meripilus, Myceliophthora, Thermomyces, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Cellvibrio, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Thermotoga, or Xanthomonas.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional chromatographic method for the separation of N-glycans. The method comprises providing a glycan preparation that includes at least one negatively charged N-glycan. The glycan preparation is then separated by anion-exchange chromatography and at least one secondary chromatographic technique.

Abstract: Provided are combinations, compositions and kits containing a hyaluronan degrading enzyme, such as a soluble hyaluronidase, for treatment of hyaluronan-associated conditions, diseases and disorders. In one example, the products include an additional agent or treatment. Such products can be used in methods for administering the products to treat the hyaluronan-associated diseases and conditions, for example, hyaluronan-associated cancers, for example, hyaluronan-rich tumors. The methods include administration of the hyaluronan degrading enzyme composition alone or in combination with other treatments. Also provided are methods and compositions for providing sustained treatment effects in hyaluronan-associated diseases and conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for early diagnosis of liver cancer. The method comprises the steps of: (A) providing a sample obtained from a subject; (B) assessing the expression level of four subtypes of ?-mannosidase genes consisting of MAN1C1 in the sample; (C) comparing the expression level of ?-mannosidase genes in the sample with a normal control; and (D) determining whether the subject having a risk of suffering liver cancer in accordance with the result of step (C); wherein while the MAN1C1 expression level of the sample is lower than that in the normal control, the subject is determined to have a risk of suffering liver cancer. Additionally, while MAN1A1, MAN1A2 and MAN1B1 expression levels in the sample are higher than those in control group, the subject is determined to suffer from liver cancer and has a risk of metastasis.

Abstract: A method and kit are provided for enhancing the tolerance of an assay reagent to compounds in an assay sample, the assay reagent including a luciferase enzyme. The method includes contacting the luciferase with a tolerance enhancement agent in an amount sufficient to substantially protect luciferase enzyme activity from interference of the compound and minimize interference by at least about 10% relative to an assay not having tolerance enhancement agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect C. difficile in biological samples using real-time PCR. Primers and probes for the detection of C. difficile are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting C. difficile are further provided by the invention.

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: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products for characterizing and using polysaccharides. Low molecular weight heparin products and methods of use are described. Methods for characterizing purity and activity of polysaccharide preparations including glycosaminoglycans such as heparin are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to xyloglucanases belonging to family 44 of glycosyl hydrolases and having a relative xyloglucanase activity of at least 30% between pH 5 and pH 8 are derived from the genus Paenibacillus, especially from a strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa or Paenibacillus sp. The xyloglucanases exhibit high performance in conventional detergent compositions.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to the use of a glucoamylase in combination with a phytase in starch processing to reduce the levels of phytic acid in end-products.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for determining the ability of a patient with cancer to respond to a monochemotherapy or to a polychemotherapy involving the administration of at least one chemotherapeutic agent the liver elimination of which involves cytidine deaminase (CDA), or to be treated by at least one such chemotherapeutic agent, which method comprises determining the CDA activity in a biological sample of the patient, wherein a CDA activity above 6 U/mg of serum sample total protein is indicative of the inability of the patient to respond to the chemotherapy, a CDA activity between 1.1 U/mg and 6 U/mg of serum sample total protein is indicative of the ability of the patient to be treated by the chemotherapeutic agent when said agent is administered in the context of a monochemotherapy, and a CDA activity between 1.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating blood-neural barrier permeability. Phospholipid liposomes are labeled with a fluorescent phospholipase A2 substrate and exposed to cerebrospinal fluid. The change in fluorescence is monitored to determine PLA2 activity. The PLA2 activity is used to evaluate the permeability and function of the blood-neural barrier.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: A regulatable gene expression construct comprising a nucleic acid molecule comprising a two-way riboswitch operably linked to a target sequence. Also provided is a library screening strategy for efficient creation of target-specific riboswitches. A theophylline-repressible and IPTG-inducible riboswitch device achieves portable control of gene expression control in a ‘two-way’ manner. The default state of target genes is ON; the targets are switched off by adding theophylline, and switched back to the ON-state by adding IPTG without changing growth medium. The riboswitch device regulates gene expression in a portable, adjustable, and two-way manner with a variety of scientific and biotechnological applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a concept that the expression level of cofilin may reflect the senescent condition of a cell or tissue. According to the findings in present invention, a method for determining the cellular senescent condition in a cell or tissue sample by evaluating the expression level of cofilin is provided. The detection of the expression level of cofilin is also used to screen an effective compound or composition for regulating the senescent condition in target cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a naturally occurring internal proteolytic cleavage site in the ApoA1 protein, which leads to inactivation of the mature protein. Specific modification of this cleavage site leads to a stabilised ApoA1 protein, which is beneficial for the reverse cholesterol transport. The invention therefore encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a recombinant stabilised variant ApoA1 protein or rHDL particles comprising such a protein, for use in the treatment of patients having reduced HDL or hampered reverse cholesterol transport.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of increasing a deacetylase activity of SIRT5 by contacting SIRT5 with an agent that binds SIRT5 and reduces the Km of SIRT5 for a substrate, thereby increasing the deacetylase activity of SIRT5. The invention also provides a method for treating a urea cycle disorder in a mammal, as well as a method of assaying a sirtuin modulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and materials by which glycosylation of glycoproteins can be regulated. Methods include the monitoring and regulation of parameters such that a glycoprotein having a desired product quality is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to chondroitinase ABC I and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to recombinant and modified chondroitinase ABC I, their production and their uses. The chondroitinase ABC I enzymes of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes, including degrading and analyzing polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These GAGs can include chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, unsulfated chondroitin and hyaluronan. The chondroitinase ABC I enzymes can also be used in therapeutic methods such as promoting nerve regeneration, promoting stroke recovery, treating spinal cord injury, treating epithelial disease, treating infections and treating cancer.

Abstract: Process for the production of a food product involving at least one heating step, comprising adding one or more enzymes to an intermediate form of said food product in said production process whereby the enzyme is added prior to said heating step in an amount that is effective in reducing the level of amino acids that are present in said intermediate form of said food product which amino acids are involved in the formation of acrylamide during said heating step. The invention also relates to food products obtained from the process of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the treatment and/or prevention of an inflammatory disease or disorder through administration of an inhibitor of a glutaminyl peptide cyclotransferase. Inflammatory diseases or disorders treated or prevented by methods disclosed herein include mild cognitive impairment (MCI), rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, restenosis and pancreatitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining cellulolytic enhancing activity of a polypeptide, comprising: (a) incubating a cellulosic material with an enzyme composition comprising a cellobiose dehydrogenase and one or more cellulolytic enzymes in the presence and absence of the polypeptide; and (b) measuring the release of sugar from the cellulosic material in the presence and absence of the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of analytical methods suitable for biochemical applications and provides a method for determining the amino acid sequence of a peptide. The determination of amino acid sequences of proteins and peptides is useful in the study of biological systems. The invention relates to a method for determining at least part of the amino acid sequence of a protein comprising the steps of cleaving the protein into proteolytic peptides, ionizing the proteolytic peptides to generate peptide precursor ions, dissociating these peptide precursor ions using tandem mass spectrometry in order to obtain peptide fragment ions, followed by determining the amino acid sequence of a selected proteolytic peptide wherein the cleaving step generates at least one proteolytic peptide with an N-terminal lysine residue and wherein the dissociation of the peptide precursor ions is initiated by electron transfer.

Abstract: Method for producing Yarrowia lipolytica acid-resistant recombinant lipase utilizing a culture medium without any products of animal origin or non-characterized mixtures such as tryptone, peptone or lactoserum, in addition to its uses. Recombinant strain of Yarrow lipolytica producing an excessive amount of lipase Lip2 referred to as YL-LIP2-6C and filed with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes (C.N.C.M.) under number I 3542, on Dec. 15 2005 and its uses.