Abstract: Compositions, methods of synthesis and applications of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) specific enzyme substrates which exhibit fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) are described. The compounds generally have the structure: (I) wherein, the variables are described throughout the application. These novel compounds provide a sensitive method to monitor real time PLA2 specific enzyme activities in various cells, tissues and small organisms with fluorescence-ratiometric analysis.

Abstract: Provided herein are magnetic silica fluorescent nanoparticles and fluorescent silica nanoparticles comprising an aggregation induced emission luminogen and magnetite nanoparticles and use of the same as a fluorescent bioprobe for intracellular imaging and a protein carrier. Also provided are processes for preparing and fabricating the same.

Abstract: A method of detecting a biological activity is provided. The method includes contacting; in a liquid medium selected to facilitate a predetermined biological activity; a sample, an indicator reagent, and a substrate that receives and concentrates a biological derivative of the indicator reagent. The method further includes observing a portion of the substrate to detect the biological derivative. The method can be used to detect the presence or absence of a target cell.

Abstract: Ratios of measured values of glucose, citrate, and cis-aconitate in a biological sample obtained from a subject to measured values of glucose, citrate, and cis-aconitate in a biological sample obtained from a healthy subject are calculated, and the glucose ratio, the citrate ratio, and the cis-aconitate ratio are used to evaluate and/or assess fatigue. Similarly, an isocitrate ratio, a succinate ratio, a malate ratio, and a lactate ratio are calculated, and these ratios are used together with the three ratios to evaluate and/or assess fatigue. This makes it possible to objectively and easily diagnose and evaluate fatigue.

Abstract: Provided herein are high throughput methods for converting starch-containing plant material to ethanol, wherein the conversion process is performed at a small scale. This high-throughput screening platform permits the evaluation of the ethanol obtained from starch-containing plant material in a rapid and efficient manner. The methods include obtaining a plurality of samples of starch-containing plant material and drying the samples to achieve a desired moisture level. The dried samples are liquefied under conditions sufficient to hydrolyze the starch-containing plant material to soluble dextrinized substrates. The liquefied samples are fermented in small volume headspace vials for a period of less than about 96 hours, and fermentation is terminated by pasteurization. Ethanol production is evaluated using headspace gas chromatography.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for assaying HCV NS3 protease activity using an NS3•4A protease molecule. The invention also provides a method for screening and identifying modulators of NS3 protease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysing ingredients, in particular lipids and/or vitamins and biological material ingredients, to methods of using relevant organic solvents or organic solvent mixtures, and to a spectrophotometer for measuring biological material ingredients. It is proposed to treat the biological materials with at least one organic solvent which extracts the ingredients, to convert the bi ological materials to a solidified form during the extraction, with the result that a solidified sediment and a liquid organic phase as the supernatant are formed, and to examine the extracted ingredients in the supernatant.

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: Methods for generating a chemiluminescent enzyme substrate in situ, in aqueous or other assay conditions. Also disclosed are methods to use the substrates to generate light, detect and/or quantify enzymes, antigens, and/or nucleic acids. Kits relating to these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions having aqueous corn flour and saccharification enzyme mixtures. In this composition all of the corn flour has particle size of 0.5 mm or less.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria includes a chromogenic substrate, a first antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside family.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an assay method for the detection of viable microbial cells in a sample, the assay method comprising the steps of: i) adding an ATP degrading enzyme to a sample suspected of containing viable microbial cells to substantially degrade any extracellular ATP in the sample; ii) adding a phosphate containing compound to the sample to substantially halt action of the ATP degrading enzyme; and iii) subjecting the sample to a detection assay to establish the level of undegraded ATP in the sample to provide an indication of the level of viable microbial cells in the sample.

Abstract: A substrate for bioassay comprises a substrate and a group of reaction regions serving as a field where interaction between substances proceeds and formed in the substrate, and a group of information pits used to obtain positional information of individual reaction regions and/or substance information used in the reaction regions. The group of reaction regions and the group of information pits are not formed in the same substrate surface. A bioassay apparatus using the substrate and a method for making the substrate are also provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods, mixtures, kits and compositions pertaining to analyte determination by mass spectrometry using labeling reagents that comprise a nucleophilic reactive group that reacts with a functional group of an analyte to produce a labeled analyte. The labeling reagents can be used as isobaric sets, mass differential labeling sets or in a combination of isobaric and mass differential labeling sets.

Abstract: Substituted sulfonated coumarins are expressed in the general formula (I), where: R1 is H, OH, or a substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl radical, or —COR4, or —COOR4, or —CONHR4, R2 is H or a halogen, in particular fluorine, or a substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl radical, or —COR4, or —COOR4, or —CONHR4, R1 and R2 being capable of together forming a ring, such as a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or furane, R3 is H or a halogen, in particular fluorine, or a substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl radical, or —COR4, or —COOR4, or —CONHR4, where R4 is H, or a substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl radical, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and M is Na or K.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for analyzing structure and/or composition of N-glycans. Such methods often involve digestion of N-glycans with multiple exoglycosidases. In some embodiments, N-glycans are digested with multiple exoglycosidases simultaneously. In some embodiments, N-glycans are digested with multiple exoglycosidases sequentially. In some embodiments, methods in accordance with the present disclosure involve comparison of cleavage products of N-glycans that have been digested with multiple exoglycosidases simultaneously to N-glycans that have been digested with multiple exoglycosidases sequentially.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of homocysteine detection. In particular, the invention provides a method for determining homocysteine presence or concentration in samples, which method comprises: contacting a sample containing or suspected of containing Hcy with a Hcy co-substrate and a Hcy converting enzyme in a Hcy conversion reaction to form a Hcy conversion product and a Hcy co-substrate conversion product; and assessing the Hcy co-substrate conversion product to determine the presence, absence and/or amount of the Hcy in the sample. The Hcy co-substrate conversion product may be assessed directly, or it may be assessed by further conversion of the Hcy co-substrate conversion product into another material by the action of one or more additional enzymes. A kit for assaying homocysteine based on the same principle is also provided.

Abstract: Inhibitors of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are provided that incorporate multiple pharmacophores and are useful in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: An inventive substrate is provided which includes a substrate compound of formula A—B1—B2—B3: wherein A is a sugar moiety; B1 is a linker moiety allowing the conjugation of moiety A and the remaining structure of the substrate; B2 contains a permanently charged element such as a quaternary ammonium group so as to increase proton affinities and ionization efficiencies for mass spectrometry detection efficiencies analysis; and B3 of various carbon length conferring specificities to targeted enzymes. Also provided is a process to detect lysosomal diseases by contacting a sample with the inventive substrate along with an internal standard which is isotope-labeled analog of the product cleaved by a targeted enzyme upon the substrate.

Abstract: A multidimensional profiling strategy that combines activity-based proteomics and metabolomics was used to determine that an active protein, which is a previously uncharacterized enzyme highly elevated in aggressive cancer cells, serves as a central node in an ether lipid signaling network that bridges platelet-activating factor and the lysophospholipids. Biochemical studies confirmed that the active protein regulates this pathway by hydrolyzing the metabolic intermediate 2-acetyl monoalkylglycerol. Inactivation of the active protein disrupted ether lipid metabolism in cancer cells and impaired cell migration and tumor growth in vivo.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting, quantifying, differentiating, diagnosing and imaging pathogenic bacteria or condition associated therewith using substrates for bacterial enzymes. Fluorescent, luminescent or colorimetric signals emitted by substrates or enzyme products in the presence of the bacteria are compared to controls to detect and locate the pathogenic bacteria. Provided is a method for screening therapeutic agents to treat the pathophysiological conditions by measuring a signal emitted from the substrates or products in the presence and absence of the potential therapeutic agent and a diagnostic method for detecting a mycobacterial infection in a subject by contacting biological samples with a substrate and imaging for signals emitted from a mycobacterial beta-lactamase product. Also provided are fluorogenic substrates or substrates comprising a colored dye or a chemical reagent effective to induce a color or pH change.

Abstract: Therapeutic agents that target the alpha3 expressing isozymes of the sodium pump at the peripheral terminals of cough receptors and methods of use thereof to prevent or treat cough are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for producing ethanol, which compositions comprise raw starch and amylase enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a transgenic non-human animal, such as a mouse, expressing a reporter gene detectable by a chromogenic, luminescent or fluorescent signal which identifies the cells that express Pw1, or of Pw1-expressing cells or tissues isolated therefrom, as a model for screening a candidate substance for its ability to stimulate adult stem cells, or for monitoring cell aging.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of treating oxidant-mediated acute lung injury in a subject by administration of a chitinase-like protein molecule, or an activator thereof. The invention also includes methods of assessing the level of a chitinase-like protein molecule in a subject as a marker of the prognosis of a subject suffering from acute lung injury.

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: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the visualization of acidic organelles based upon organelle enzyme activity. The organelle substrates of the invention are specific for enzyme activity of the organelle and label these organelles, such as lysosomes, rendering them visible and easily observed. Substrates of the present invention include substrates that produce a fluorescent signal. The fluorogenic acidic organelle enzyme substrates of this invention are designed to provide high fluorescence at low pH values and are derivatized to permit membrane permeation through both outer and organelle membranes of intact cells and can be used for staining cells at very low concentrations. They can be used for monitoring enzyme activity in cells at very low concentrations and are not toxic to living cells or tissues.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a microorganism which enhances productivity of cellulase and is useful for industrial production of cellulase, and to provide a method for producing cellulase by use of the microorganism. The present invention provides a recombinant microorganism produced by transferring a gene encoding cellulase to a parental microorganism which has been genetically modified so as to overexpress a Bacillus subtilis secY gene or a gene corresponding thereto.

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: Inhibitors of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are provided that incorporate multiple pharmacophores and are useful in the treatment of diseases.

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: A diagnostic test kit for detecting the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor is provided. The diagnostic kit utilizes reactive complexes to facilitate the detection of the enzyme or enzyme inhibitor. The reactive complexes include a substrate joined (e.g., covalently bonded, physically adsorbed, etc.) to a reporter and specific binding member. In one embodiment, for example, a peptide, protein, or glycoprotein substrate is joined to a reporter (e.g., dyed latex particle) and specific binding member (e.g., biotinylated compound). In this embodiment, the substrate provides a cleavage target for a proteolytic enzyme. Specifically, upon contacting the reactive complexes, the proteolytic enzyme cleaves the substrate and releases the reporter and/or specific binding member. The signal exhibited by the released reporters may then be used to indicate the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor within the test sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction medium comprising at least one beta-glucosidase substrate and a compound of the general formula Ar-beta-D-glucoside where Ar- designates an aromatic compound, different from said substrate. According to the invention, such a medium can be employed in a C. difficile detection and/or identification process.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) for selectively inhibiting glycosidases, prodrugs of the compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds or prodrugs of the compounds. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases and disorders related to deficiency or overexpression of O-GlcNAcase, accumulation or deficiency of O-GlcNAc.

Abstract: Methods for detecting replication in or colonization of a host by a biological therapeutic, such as an oncolytic virus, cells administered for cell therapy and gene therapy vectors, are provided. In the methods, a product produced by the biological therapeutic is detected in a sample of tissue or body fluid distinct from the administered therapy or locus thereof, thereby permitting assessment of the therapy and/or monitoring its progress.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methods and systems for detection of pyrophosphate. As such, disclosed herein are methods and systems that permit improved pyrophosphate detection. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems which utilize improved pyrophosphate detection for nucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for preventing or treating diabetes, comprising an NAD glycohydrolase (NADase) inhibitor as an active ingredient. The NAD glycohydrolase (NADase) inhibitor according to the present invention has the effect of reducing blood glucose levels and promoting insulin secretion and thus can be effectively used as a therapeutic agent for diabetes, particularly type II diabetes.

Abstract: This invention concerns a colorimetric device for detecting, in an aqueous solution of interest, a hydrolytic enzymatic activity with regard to at least one polymer of interest. This device (1) includes (i) a substrate (2) and (ii) a transparent detection layer (3), including the said polymer of interest. This detection layer (3) is adapted so that, on the one hand, after application of the said aqueous solution of interest, when it is deprived of said hydrolytic enzymatic activity, it preserves the said first thickness e, and on the other, after the application of the said aqueous solution of interest, when it includes the said hydrolytic enzymatic activity, it has a second thickness e?, thinner than the said first thickness e, and the said first thickness e and/or the said second thickness e? of the said detection layer (3) are adapted to generate a colour by an optical interference phenomenon caused by the recombining of the light beams reflected at the interfaces (4, 5) of the said detection layer (5).

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of characterizing an agent's ability to increase insulin secretion in a subject. The method comprises determining whether the agent is able to modulate MAG level at the inner surface of the cytoplasmic membrane of a cell and/or ABHD6 activity. The agent is characterized as having the ability to increase insulin secretion in the subject when it is capable of upregulating MAG level at the inner surface of the cytoplasmic membrane and/or downregulating ABHD6 activity.

Abstract: A chemical composite useful for preparing a bioelectronic device includes a biologically active compound, such as an enzyme, that is bound directly or indirectly to a polyelectrolyte, which can be reversibly coupled to a chemically treated electrically conductive substrate by electrostatic forces to provide biomimetic sensors, catalyst systems, and other devices having an electrode that can be regenerated and reused. Required or desired cofactors, mediators or the like may be incorporated into the devices, typically by bonding them to the treated substrate and/or the polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: The invention provides histone deacetylase class II nucleic acids and polypeptides, methods and reagents for their use, and related compounds including small molecule libraries containing class II histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fast identification and isolation of cells featuring a desired phenotype. The phenotype is coupled to the amount of gas-liberating enzymes or increased growth. The cells are encapsulated into microcapsules allowing exchange of solvents through the microcapsule wall, but retaining some or all of the gas formed by gas-liberating enzymes on contact with corresponding substrates. Microcapsules containing increased amounts of gas-liberating enzymes are starting to float and can be separated. The cells are then isolated from the microcapsules according to standard procedures.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cancer having a mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), including, but not limited to, a malignant low-grade glioma, a secondary glioblastoma, a transforming myeloproliferative disorder (tMPD), and an acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), with a glutaminase inhibitor, including, bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES), are disclosed.

Abstract: An in vitro sensor for point-of-care detection of at least one analyte or reaction product includes an inert, impermeable substrate, a sensing system, and a reference system. The substrate includes a first transparent surface oppositely disposed from a second surface and first and second cavities. Each of the first and second cavities defines an opening at the second surface. The sensing system is disposed in at least a portion of the first cavity and includes an analyte-detection optode membrane, an analyte-permeable membrane, and a plurality of non-transparent microbeads associated with at least one of the analyte-detection optode membrane and the analyte-permeable membrane. The analyte-permeable membrane is layered upon the analyte-detection optode membrane and covers the opening of the first cavity. The reference system is disposed in at least a portion of the second cavity.

Abstract: Chromogenic or fluorescent carbapenems according to formula I, wherein Ar is a mono or disubstituted carbocyclic aromatic group or an optionally mono or disubstituted heterocyclic aromatic group, are useful compounds for the detection of bacterial carbapenemase.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading, cleaving, or removing polysaccharides, lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, chitin, polyhydroxybutyrate, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of resistances of microorganisms which produce ?-lactamases, in particular “extended spectrum ?-lactamases” (ESBL). The invention provides a method whereby the microbial resistance can be measured very simply and quickly by means of the catalytic effect of the microbially produced ?-lactamases on ?-lactam antibiotics, which consists in a hydrolytic cleavage of the ?-lactam ring. The method determines the resistance of the bacteria a few hours after a suitable substrate, either a ?-lactam antibiotic or a customized ?-lactam derivative, has been added to a suspension of the microbes, by direct mass spectrometric measurement of the substrate breakdown caused by the ?-lactamases.

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.