Abstract: The present invention provides a human phosphatidylinositol synthase (PISH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PISH. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding PISH and a method for producing PISH. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding PISH, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of PISH. The invention also provides for the use of PISH in screening for antiprotozoal and antifungal therapeutics. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding PISH for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of PISH. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding PISH.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of HsKip3b, antibodies to HsKip3b, methods of screening for HsKip3b modulators using biologically active HsKip3b, and kits for screening for HsKip3b modulators.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting the existence or measuring the concentration of total viable bacteria in a test sample from a food product. A medium is provided which contains three or more different enzyme substrates each having a nutrient moiety and a detectable moiety linked together. When a substrate is hydrolyzed by a bacterial enzyme to create a separate detectable moiety, it causes or produces a detectable signal. These substrates produce detectable signals when any one of a phosphatase enzyme, a glycosidase enzyme or a peptidase enzyme is present in the medium.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a restriction endonuclease, which includes the steps of (a) screening a target DNA sequence for the presence of known methylase sequence motifs, (b) identifying any open reading frames which lie close to the methylase sequence motifs screened in step (a), and (c) assaying the protein products of these open reading frames for restriction endonuclease activity. Methods for identifying isoschizomers of known restriction endonucleases, which isoschizomers possess a desired physical property, such as thermostability, are also provided by the present invention, as are several novel restriction endonucleases isolated from M. jannaschii, MjaIII and MjaIV. Additionally, a gene was identified that encoded a previously observed endonuclease activity, designated MjaII. Also provided by the present invention are vectors suitable for cloning a DNA sequence encoding a cytotoxic protein, via independent transcription promotors which may be selectively controlled by several conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of HsKif15, antibodies to HsKif15, methods of screening for HsKif15 modulators using biologically active HsKif15, and kits for screening for HsKif15 modulators.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying an oligonucleotide, which method has application to the detection of a polynucleotide analyte. An oligonucleotide is reversibly hybridized with a polynucleotide, for example, a polynucleotide analyte, in the presence of a 5′-nuclease under isothermal conditions. The polynucleotide analyte serves as a recognition element to enable a 5′-nuclease to cleave the oligonucleotide to provide (i) a first fragment that is substantially non-hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte and (ii) a second fragment that lies 3′ of the first fragment (in the intact oligonucleotide) and is substantially hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte. At least a 100-fold molar excess of the first fragment and/or the second fragment are obtained relative to the molar amount of the polynucleotide analyte. The presence of the first fragment and/or the second fragment is detected, the presence thereof indicating the presence of the polynucleotide analyte.

Abstract: An assay for the screening of a candiadte molecule that inhibits the expression or the activity of a human phosphodiesterase 4A (PDE4A) is disclosed. The method comprises incubating non-recombinant cells in the presence of a concentration of a phorbol ester sufficient to significantly increase PDE4A production in the cells. Next, a candidate molecule is added to the culture medium in which the phorbol ester-treated cells are cultured, then the cells are disrupted and harvested to produce a cell lysate. Finally, the cAMP content in the cell lysate is quantified and then the cAMP content in the cell lysate is compared to the cCAMP content in the cell lysate of the phorbol ester treated cells cultured in the absence of the candidate molecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of detecting prostatitis comprising obtaining an expressed prostatic secretion from a patient; contacting a device having diagnostic test reagents to the expressed prostatic secretion, the diagnostic test reagents reacting with the expressed prostatic secretion to produce a change in the device; reading the change in the device to produce a positive or negative experimental test result, wherein the experimental test result is positive when the experimental test result is pre-determined to correspond with a number above 10 for the number of white blood cell per high powered field and the experimental test result is negative when the experimental test result corresponds with a number of 10 or less for the number of white blood cell per high powered field; and determining presence of prostatitis with the positive experimental test result and the absence of prostatitis with the negative experimental test result.

Abstract: A method of determining skin tissue cholesterol includes preparing a section of skin surface, applying a dosed amount of an enzyme-containing mixture onto the skin, exposing, evaluating the concentration of cholesterol in a reaction solution and calculating the concentration of skin cholesterol, wherein the area of contact of the skin with the mixture is limited on the section of the skin surface by means of a sealing vessel without a bottom with a base fixed on the skin, a mixture comprising 2.0-2.5 units of cholesteroloxidase, 0.04-0.06% by weight of sodium dezoxycholate, 0.1-0.2.% by weight of 3-(dodecyl-dimethyl-ammonium)-propanesulfonate in a buffer solution with pH=6.8 is used as the mixture, evaluating the concentration of cholesterol in the reaction solution is carried out by measuring the level of hydrogen peroxide. Measurements of the level of hydrogen peroxide may be carried out by immersing an electrochemical sensor or a colorimetric indicator in the reaction solution.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of HsKif15, antibodies to HsKif15, methods of screening for HsKif15 modulators using biologically active HsKif15, and kits for screening for HsKif15 modulators.

Abstract: Thiazole esters are suitable for detecting the presence of leukocytes in urine. Such thiazole esters are suitable for use in compositions, diagnostic devices, and methods for detecting the presence of leukocytes. In one embodiment, a thiazole ester is of the formula: or a salt or solvated salt thereof, in which A is an N-blocked amino acid residue or an N-blocked peptide chain, preferably N-blocked alanine or N-blocked polyalanine; and R1 is unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl; alkenyl substituted with unsubstituted or substituted aryl; or alkenyl substituted with unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl. For example, R1 may be thienyl, pyridyl, furyl, styryl, pyrrolyl, or indolyl. In still another embodiment, the thiazole ester includes unsubstituted or substituted fused hydrocarbyl rings as a substituent. In one embodiment, fused hydrocarbyl rings include naphthyl. In another embodiment, fused hydrocarbyl rings include anthryl.

Abstract: A method for predicting the constitution susceptible to the onset of specific diseases in individual humans, for example, respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, sinobronchial syndrome, pulmonary emphysema, diffuse panbronchiolitis or bronchiectasis, effects of treatment on patients or prognosis of the treatment by analyzing the genetic polymorphisms of a human trypsin-like enzyme of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening chemically modified mutant enzymes for amidase and/or esterase activity. This method includes providing a chemically modified mutant enzyme with one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme being replaced by cysteine residues, where at least some of the cysteine residues are modified by replacing thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residues with a thiol side chain, contacting the chemically modified mutant enzyme with a substrate for an amidase and/or a substrate for an esterase, and determining whether the chemically modified mutant enzyme exhibits amidase and/or esterase activity. The present invention also relates to chemically modified mutant enzymes and a method of producing them where one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme are replaced by cysteine residues, and the cysteine residues are modified by replacing at least some of the thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residue with a thiol side chain to form the chemically modified mutant enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening chemically modified mutant enzymes for amidase and/or esterase activity. This method includes providing a chemically modified mutant enzyme with one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme being replaced by cysteine residues, where at least some of the cysteine residues are modified by replacing thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residues with a thiol side chain, contacting the chemically modified mutant enzyme with a substrate for an amidase and/or a substrate for an esterase, and determining whether the chemically modified mutant enzyme exhibits amidase and/or esterase activity. The present invention also relates to chemically modified mutant enzymes and a method of producing them where one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme are replaced by cysteine residues, and the cysteine residues are modified by replacing at least some of the thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residue with a thiol side chain to form the chemically modified mutant enzyme.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds for the treatment of neoplasia in mammals. The increase in PKG activity of a compound is determined along with COX inhibitory activity. Growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effects on cultured tumor cells are also determined. Compounds that exhibit increase PKG activity, growth inhibition and apoptosis induction, but preferably not substantial prostaglandin inhibitory activity, are desirable for the treatment of neoplasia.

Abstract: A method of screening for a genetic predisposition to anticholinesterase exposure. The method includes the steps of obtaining a peripheral blood sample, and then analysing serum from the blood sample for BuChE levels and inhibitor-susceptibilities. The DNA of peripheral white blood cells from the blood sample is also screened for the presence of BuChE alleles thereby identifying patients who have a genetic predisposition to anticholinesterase exposure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and reagent for the determination of lipase in the presence of a colour substrate and at least one N-substituted carboxylic acid amide derivative or a compound of the general formula (I) or (Ia) in which R1 and R2 independently of one another represent hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon residue with 2 to 24 carbon atoms, Z denotes a saturated or unsaturated, substituted, cyclic or straight-chained hydrocarbon residue with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, X represents an atom or a group of atoms with positive charge and n is a number from 1 to 3. Tetra-sodium-N-(1,2-dicarboxylethyl)-N-alkylsulfosuccinamide or a mixture containing such a compound has proven to be particularly advantageous for the elimination of unspecific reactions in the determination of lipase in a biological sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel nucleic acid sequences encoding three novel human phosphodiesterase (hPDE IV) isozymes. It also relates to polypeptides encoded by such sequences. This invention also relates to an assay method for detecting the presence of such novel isozymes in human cells, and to a method of identifying compounds or other substances that inhibit or modify the activity of such isozymes.

Abstract: One-step enzyme immunoassays in which enzyme-antibody conjugate or label and enzyme substrate are separated until separation of bound and free enzyme conjugate or label is complete. This separation is accomplished by using variable flow paths, immobilization of substrate at the test line, placement of substrate in a sac or association with a particle label, enzyme product chemical capture, delay zone dissolution and protected enzyme substrates.

Abstract: Isolated cDNA clones from human brain (frontal cortex) cDNA libraries that encode a unique subtype of the low Km, cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDE IVs) are disclosed. Analysis of the distribution of hPDE IVB mRNA expression in various human tissues using a nonconserved fragment of the cDNA as a probe revealed a restricted pattern of expression, with an ˜4-kb mRNA detected in brain, heart, lung and skeletal muscle and not in placenta, liver, kidney or pancreas. Furthermore, an additional ˜5-kb hPDE IVB-related mRNA species was detected in brain tissue. Expression of hPDE IVB in a genetically-engineered PDE-deficient strain of the yeast Saccharomym cerevisiae resulted in the overproduction of cAMP PDE activity which displayed the expected kinetic characteristics for a PDE IV: 1) low Km (4.3 &mgr;M) for cAMP, 2) high Km (>3 mM) for cGMP, and 3) sensitivity to rolipram (Ki=0.085 &mgr;M), a selective inhibitor of PDE IV.

Abstract: Selective AFLP primers which decrease the complexity of marker genotyping having a variable region of four or more selective nucleotides and a constant region of nucleotides which match base pairs of a restriction fragment of a selected frequent cutter enzyme are provided. AFLP primers and specific DNA markers for volume growth of loblolly pine are also provided. In addition, methods for identifying and selecting loblolly pine trees for greater volume growth are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic tests that will specifically identify E. coli O157:H7. Tests are provided to detect E. coli O157:H7 by PCR and by Southern blotting. Methods and primer compositions are provided to identify two distinct and independent regions of the E. coli O157:H7 genome by polymerase chain reaction. Methods and probe compositions are also provided to detect E. coli O157:H7 by Southern blotting. Kits to identify E. coli O157:H7, comprising said primer and probe compositions and reagents to conduct the appropriate control tests, are also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant human phosphodiesterase type IVC is described, and DNA coding for it. Particular conformers of the enzyme are identified, including a R- and S-rolipram stereoselective conformer which is obtainable by expression of human phosphodiesterase type IVC DNA in mammalian or insect cells. The recombinant enzyme may be used in a screen to select a compound capable of modulating the action of the enzyme, or as an immunogen to generate an antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel calcium-independent cytosolic phospholipase A2-Beta enzyme, polynucleotides encoding such enzyme and methods for screening unknown compounds for anti-inflammatory activity mediated by the arachidonic acid cascade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening chemically modified mutant enzymes for amidase and/or esterase activity. This method includes providing a chemically modified mutant enzyme with one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme being replaced by cysteine residues, where at least some of the cysteine residues are modified by replacing thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residues with a thiol side chain, contacting the chemically modified mutant enzyme with a substrate for an amidase and/or a substrate for an esterase, and determining whether the chemically modified mutant enzyme exhibits amidase and/or esterase activity. The present invention also relates to chemically modified mutant enzymes and a method of producing them where one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme are replaced by cysteine residues, and the cysteine residues are modified by replacing at least some of the thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residue with a thiol side chain to form the chemically modified mutant enzyme.

Abstract: A direct assay for cholesterol esterase is provided wherein the assay reagent comprises a tetrazolium salt, a cholesterol ester an exogenous electron carrier to create an assay sample. In one embodiment the reagent is mixed with a test sample and the presence of cholesterol esterase is detected by an optical response. In a second embodiment, the reagent is mixed with a test sample and the optical response is quantitated by comparison with standards to determine the cholesterol esterase activity in the test sample. Kits are also provided which comprise the reagent components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor of an activation of &bgr;-glucan recognition protein in a body fluid of an insect comprising a sugar compound comprising plural member of sugar residues, at least one of which have a substituent at the 6-position, the sugar residues being bonded mainly through &bgr; 1→3 linkage with one another, a process for inhibiting the activation; an agent for treating the body fluid of an insect, a process for the treatment; a novel agent for measuring peptidoglycan simply and effectively, and a process for the measurement. The present invention is markedly effective in that a reagent, which are obtained form a body fluid of an insect, can easily be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates, first, to methods and compositions for the modulation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)-related processes, including apoptosis. Such apoptosis can include, but is not limited to, environmental stress-induced apoptosis such as, for example, ionizing radiation and/or chemotherapeutic agent-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis can be characterized by a cellular morphology comprising cellular condensation, nuclear condensation or zeiosis. The present invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds which modulate (i.e., either increase or decrease) sensitivity to ASM-related processes, including apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determinable effects of ethanol exposure on the cellular localization and abundance of specific proteins, referred to herein as ethanol indicative proteins. More specifically, the present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that the catalytic C&agr; subunit of cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA), which is normally localized in the Golgi apparatus area, appears to translocate to the nucleus upon exposure of a cell to ethanol. The present invention is further based on the observation that the &dgr;-subunit of PKC translocates from the Golgi area to the perinucleus and the nucleus in response to ethanol exposure, while the &egr;-subunit of PKC migrates from the perinucleus into the cytoplasm. The present invention further relates to the discovery that the detectable amount of the regulatory subunit RI of PKA decreases, while the detectable amount of &agr;PKC, &dgr;PKC and &egr;PKC increases upon exposure of a cell to ethanol.

Abstract: This invention relates to the complete degradation by enzymes of moldings, sheet-like products, coatings, adhesives or foams made of biodegradable polymers. The invention relates in particular to the enzymatic degradation of polyester amides, and of polyester urethanes which contain urea groups.

Abstract: A method for characterizing cDNA, which comprises: (a) cutting a sample comprising a population of one or more cDNAs or isolated fragments thereof, each having a strand complementary to the 3′ poly-A terminus of an mRNA and bearing a tail, with a first sampling endonuclease at a first sampling site of known displacement from a reference site proximal to the tail to generate from each cDNA or isolated fragment thereof a first and second sub-fragment, each comprising a sticky end sequence of predetermined length and unknown sequence, the first sub-fragment bearing the tail; (b) sorting either the first or second sub-fragments into sub-populations according to their sticky end sequence and recording the sticky end sequence of each sub-population as the first sticky end; (c) cutting the sub-fragments of each sub-population with a second sampling endonuclease, which is the same as or different from the first sampling endonuclease, at second sampling site of known displacement from the first sampling site to

Abstract: The enzyme substrate according to this invention has within its molecule both a group to be cleaved by an enzyme reaction and a group that forms a strongly fluorescent coumarin derivative through intramolecular lactonization when cleaved by the enzyme reaction. Furthermore, the method for determining an enzyme activity according to this invention comprises conducting the enzyme reaction by the use of the enzyme substrate of the invention and determining the enzyme activity by means of the measurement of fluorescence of the coumarin derivative formed.

Abstract: A method for identifying compounds useful for the treatment of neoplasia involves acertaining whether such compounds exhibit an ability to inhibit a PDE that is characterized by cGMP specificity, cooperative kinetic behavior and insensitivity to phosphorylation.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing or screening for bovine &agr;-mannosidosis comprises detecting in nucleic acid samples from cattle the presence or absence of &agr;-mannosidosis-causing mutations in the gene encoding bovine lysosomal &agr;-mannosidase (LAMAN). A method of detecting &agr;-mannosidosis-causing mutations in cattle comprises detecting the presence or absence of base transitions in the gene encoding bovine LAMAN which are associated with the disease.

Abstract: To provide an amino terminal protecting group-releasing enzyme characterized in that the enzyme possesses an activity for releasing a protecting group by acting on a peptide of which amino terminal is blocked by the protecting group, and exhibits the activity for two or more protecting groups, or a functional equivalent thereof; a DNA encoding the same; a method for producing the enzyme; a method for removing amino terminal protecting group including the step of subjecting to a reaction with the enzyme to release amino terminal protecting group; and a method for analyzing an amino acid sequence. The above enzyme is useful in the analysis of an amino acid sequence of peptides, particularly proteins and peptides, of which amino terminal is blocked by unknown protecting groups.

Abstract: A method for quantifying LDL cholesterol, by which LDL cholesterol is separately quantified simply without requiring complicated centrifuge operation is disclosed. The method for quantifying cholesterol in low density lipoprotein according to the present invention comprises a first step of erasing cholesterol in high density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and chylomicron in a test sample, and a second step of quantifying cholesterol remaining in the test sample.

Abstract: The presence of endotoxin in the outer membrane of cell wall of a Gram-negative bacteria is used to determine bacterial contamination in a biological product. The amount of endotoxin present in a biological product is accurately measured without influence of a limulus reaction-activating substance which causes a false-positive reaction, by a method including the steps of: inactivating the limulus reaction-activating substance, if any, in the biological product, by exposing the biological product to a surfactant at a temperature ranging from the surfactant's freezing point to 50° C.; and measuring the amount of endotoxin present in the biological product, using a limulus reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying agents that interfere with the interaction of the J-domain of the SV40 large T antigen with a Dnak protein. In a preferred embodiment, the Dnak protein is mammalian hsc70 or yeast Ssa1p.

Abstract: A sugar ester derivative of the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein G stands for a group of the formula (A) ##STR2## or a group of the formula (B) ##STR3## wherein .lambda. means 0 or 1; at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 means an ester residue of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 1-30 carbon atoms and the other group means hydrogen atom or acetyl group, and R.sub.3 means a group of the formula (C) ##STR4## wherein X means a halogen atom, m means an integer of 0 to 4, Y means hydroxy group, an alkoxy group, a carboxyl group or sulfonic acid group, n means 0 or 1 and Z means nitro group or nitrovinyl group and its use.

Abstract: There is provided a method and kit for measuring the amount of an objective constituent contained in a specific lipoprotein in a biological sample such as serum and plasma, specifically for measuring the amount of cholesterol contained in high density lipoprotein, which can be applicable to clinical tests.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to identify compounds potentially useful for the treatment of neoplasia in mammals. The phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity of a compound is determined along with COX inhibitory activity. Growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effects on cultured tumor cells are also determined. Compounds that exhibit phosphodiesterase inhibiton, growth inhibition and apoptosis induction, but not substantial prostaglandin inhibitory activity, are desirable for the treatment of neoplasia.

Abstract: Assays for the detection of .beta.-lactamase induction can be used to identify compounds that kill bacteria (i.e., bacteriocidal activity) or inhibit bacterial growth (i.e., bacteriostatic activity). The .beta.-lactamase can be encoded, for example, by a .beta.-lactamase gene carried by a bacterial host. The identified compounds can be use to treat bacterial infections in organisms such as mammals. The new methods can be used, for example, for high throughput screening of libraries of potential inhibitors.

Abstract: A nucleic acid detecting method using a probe is provided which makes it possible to obtain correct information on a target double-stranded DNA dsDNA without damaging the target double-stranded DNA dsDNA. In the nucleic acid detecting method of the present invention, a nucleic acid is detected by subjecting the target double-stranded DNA dsDNA bound with a first single-stranded DNA dsDNA probe via recA protein to a treatment with a single-stranded DNA dsDNA specific nuclease, to thereby allow a second single-stranded DNA dsDNA probe consisting of a base sequence complementary to that of the first probe or a part thereof and labeled with a detectable marker to bind to the target DNA dsDNA.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying an oligonucleotide, which method has application to the detection of a polynucleotide analyte. An oligonucleotide is reversibly hybridized with a polynucleotide, for example, a polynucleotide analyte, in the presence of a 5'-nuclease under isothermal conditions. The polynucleotide analyte serves as a recognition element to enable a 5'-nuclease to cleave the oligonucleotide to provide (i) a first fragment that is substantially non-hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte and (ii) a second fragment that lies 3' of the first fragment (in the intact oligonucleotide) and is substantially hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte. At least a 100-fold molar excess of the first fragment and/or the second fragment are obtained relative to the molar amount of the polynucleotide analyte. The presence of the first fragment and/or the second fragment is detected, the presence thereof indicating the presence of the polynucleotide analyte.

Abstract: A method for assaying biological specimens for substances contained in the components of each specimen by the use of one or more kinds of calixarenes; and a reagent comprising one or more kinds of calixarenes. The method utilizes complexes formed by calixarenes and the components of biological specimens, and makes it possible to assay biological specimens for substances contained in the components of each specimen, for example, for cholesterol contained in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), without preliminary separation from the other components of the biological specimen. The method can be conducted by easy and simple operations and lessen measurement errors or problems caused by man, and permits continuous measurement with general-purpose automatic analyzing apparatuses and multi-channel measurement together with other test items.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying an oligonucleotide, which method has application to the detection of a polynucleotide analyte. An oligonucleotide is reversibly hybridized with a polynucleotide, for example, a polynucleotide analyte, in the presence of a 5'-nuclease under isothermal conditions. The polynucleotide analyte serves as a recognition element to enable a 5'-nuclease to cleave the oligonucleotide to provide (i) a first fragment that is substantially non-hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte and (ii) a second fragment that lies 3' of the first fragment (in the intact oligonucleotide) and is substantially hybridizable to the polynucleotide analyte. At least a 100-fold molar excess of the first fragment and/or the second fragment are obtained relative to the molar amount of the polynucleotide analyte. The presence of the first fragment and/or the second fragment is detected, the presence thereof indicating the presence of the polynucleotide analyte.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula Ia and Ib are described ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, straight-chain or branched C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 lower alkyl or an aryl group optionally substituted by electron-withdrawing groups, R.sup.3 denotes a cleavable group, W is hydrogen, halogen or a pseudohalogen and at least one of the groups R.sup.4 or R.sup.5 is a group stabilizing the dioxetane structure and at most one of the groups R.sup.4 or R.sup.5 represents hydrogen and X or Y represents oxygen, N-R or C(R).sub.2 in which R has the meanings stated for R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 or represents a mesomeric double bond or a carbonyl group and n denotes the number 0 or 1 and m denotes the number 1 or 2, as well as a process for their production. These compounds are new and can be used as substrates in immunological assays and in DNA diagnostics using activating agents for colour formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the enzymatic degradation of polyester amides. The method involves mixing polyester amides with esterase or protease enzymes in aqueous solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a member comprising an interactive material which is covalently bonded to a support body by a linker material. The member can be used as a part of an assay, and the support body may include a scintillator material.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining LDL cholesterol, including the steps of adding to serum a surfactant selected from among polyoxyethylenealkylene phenyl ethers and polyoxyethylenealkylene tribenzylphenyl ethers and a cholesterol-assaying enzyme reagent so as to preferentially react cholestrols in high density- and very low density-cholesterols among lipoproteins, and subsequently determining the amount of cholesterol that reacts thereafter. This method can eliminate the necessity for pretreatments such as centrifugation and electrophoresis, enables the quantitative determination to be conducted in an efficient, simple manner, and can be applied to various automatic analyzers.