Abstract: A Canis sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor isoform 5 (cS1P5), the nucleic acid encoding the cS1P5 receptor, and methods for using the cS1P receptor and the nucleic acid encoding the cS1P5 receptor in assays for identifying analytes which modulate activity of the cS1P5 receptor. The assay is useful for identifying analytes for treating or preventing diseases associated with S1P5 activity.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of active highly phosphorylated lysosomal sulfatase enzymes, their pharmaceutical compositions, methods of producing and purifying such lysosomal sulfatase enzymes and compositions and their use in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or treatment of diseases and conditions, including particularly lysosomal storage diseases that are caused by, or associated with, a deficiency in the lysosomal sulfatase enzyme.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting the presence or absence of an enzyme (e.g., leukocyte esterase) within a test sample is provided. The test kit comprises a substrate that is capable of being cleaved in the presence of the enzyme to release a nucleophilic aromatic compound. The kit also comprises a lateral flow device that comprises a chromatographic medium. The chromatographic medium defines a detection zone within which is contained a first reagent (e.g., diazonium ion) that is capable of reacting with the nucleophilic aromatic compound to form a second reagent (e.g., aromatic azo compound). The second reagent exhibits a color that is different than the color of the first reagent. The lateral flow device also includes an absorbent material located adjacent to the chromatographic medium, the absorbent material receiving the test sample after flowing through the chromatographic medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding CEL II endonuclease and vectors and host cells for producing a protein encoded thereby.

Abstract: A Canis sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor isoform 1 (cS1P1), the nucleic acid encoding the cS1P1 receptor, and methods for using the cS1P1 receptor and the nucleic acid encoding the cS1P1 receptor in assays for identifying analytes which modulate activity of the cS1P1 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention is related to modulating TRPA1 ion channel activity by targeting the ion channel TRPM5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arthropod esterase proteins; to arthropod esterase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such esterase proteins; to antibodies raised against such esterase proteins; and to other compounds that inhibit arthropod esterase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from hematophagous arthropod infestation.

Abstract: Diagnostic and therapeutic applications for certain types of cancer and precancerous conditions, including those deriving from hematologic cells, are described. Of particular interest are those cancers and precancerous conditions associated with increased signaling in the RAS-MAP kinase pathway. The diagnostic and therapeutic applications described herein are based on certain mutations in the protein tyrosine phosphatase gene PTPN11 and its expression product, PTPN11, promoting a gain-of-function in PTPN11 activity. Also described are nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, probes, and primers related to PTPN11 and PTPN11 variants, and cells expressing such variants.

Abstract: A preparation for the diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine function by determining the amount in which a substance administered to a subject or a degradation product or metabolite thereof migrates into the blood and/or is excreted out of the body, wherein the substance is carried by a carrier and released from the carrier when exposed to the action of a pancreatic exocrine function-related factor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for separating one or more analytes present in a fluid sample. The methods involve passing the fluid through or into a microporous material, wherein the analytes are localized near the surface of the microporous material. Additional processing steps such as hybridization and amplification can be performed once the analyte is localized. In one method, once the analyte is localized, the analyte can be detected, counted, and correlated in order to determine the concentration of the analyte in the sample. In another method, the localized analyte is destabilized to make the localized analyte more accessible for chemical manipulation. Modified microporous materials and composite materials are also disclosed that can be used in any of the methods and articles described herein. The composite is composed of a microporous material and a pigment, wherein the pigment is incorporated in the microporous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modulating binding of Son of sevenless to phosphatidic acid and identifying compounds that modulate such binding. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of controlling pleckstrin homology domain-dependent membrane recruitment of Son of sevenless or histone folds domain-dependent membrane recruitment of Son of sevenless. Also disclosed are methods of controlling Ras and treating a subject for a condition mediated by Ras. The present invention also relates to a method of identifying compounds potentially effective in treating a condition mediated by Ras.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of trifluoroacetylated lysine (Boc-L-Lys(?- trifluoroacetyl)-MCA) as a substrate for histone deacetylases, specific for the class Ha subtype.

Abstract: The enzyme Lp-PLA2 in purified form, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding Lp-PLA2, the use of an inhibitor of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 in therapy and a method of screening compounds to identify those compounds which inhibit the enzyme.

Abstract: A method of measuring the enzymatic activity of a luciferase includes contacting a luminogenic protein, such as a luciferase, with a protected luminophore to form a composition; and detecting light produced from the composition. The protected luminophore provides increased stability and improved signal-to-background ratios relative to the corresponding unmodified coelenterazine.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for a Plasmodium analyte in a liquid sample such as a body fluid. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the detection of a ligand in a body fluid such as urine or blood, which can diagnose malarial infection.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a sterilization indicator and a process to concentrate signal generated by constraining it to a minimal surface, in a minimal volume and minimal pH and growth buffering or mediating influences. The sterilization indicator may comprise a carrier 12, the carrier having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16; a support 20, the support having a first section 22 and a second section 24, the carrier 12 overlying the first section 12 of the support 20, the second surface 16 of the carrier being adhered to the first section 22 of the support 20; and a biological indicator 30 supported by the carrier 12. The second section 24 of the support 20 may be of sufficient dimension to permit handling the sterilization indicator 10 without contacting the biological indicator 30. A process for making the sterilization indicator is disclosed. Processes for using the sterilization indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. The method may include a variety of steps including: 1) suspending the cells in a detergent-like compound, 2) isolating the washed cells by centrifugation or filtration, 3) resuspending the cells in a solution that contains a preservative, a fluorescent dye and a compound such as dequalinium which can be taken up by the cells, 4) measuring the fluorescence increase over time of the cell-dye mixture with a simple fluorometer, and 5) measuring the native fluorescence of the cells. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring the activity of a hydrolytic agent comprising contacting a biomolecule with a hydrolytic agent in the presence of a fluorescent dye under conditions that allow digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The fluorescence of the dye is monitored over time and a change in fluorescence signifies digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The biomolecule is preferably a protein, peptide or proteome but can also be a carbohydrate, oligonucleotide or lipid. Further methods relate to determining an end point for digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent, and methods of monitoring digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent. The monitoring can be performed on the reaction mixture in real time or via sampling. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to physical and pharmaceutical methods of increasing or decreasing the activity of the Grueneberg Ganglion (GG) in a subject. In one embodiment, the method comprising administering a compound to the GG, wherein the compound is an agonist or antagonist, respectively, for at least one guanylyl cyclase receptor or the receptor's downstream effectors. The present invention also relates to methods of screening candidate compounds for their ability to modulate the activity of the GG. The present invention also relates to methods and kits for positively identifying a GG neuron based upon the presence or absence of the pGC-G or pGC-A receptors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a branched or multichain nucleic acid switch adapted to switch from a first conformation to a second conformation upon ligand binding. The switch includes a probe strand, P, which includes the ligand binding domain; a switching framework which includes a cover strand (C), and a tether that holds P and C together and a signaling apparatus. Some embodiments include a toggle strand (T) where now the tether holds P, C, T, and the signaling apparatus together. As the switch changes between the first and second conformations; the signaling apparatus reports the state of the switch. The signaling entity is typically a lumiphore and a quencher located along the switching framework. Nucleic acid switches have applications in real time assays for diverse agents including infectious agents, environmental toxins, and terrorist agents, as well as screening methods for such agents. Further applications are found for nanoelectronics, nanofabrication and nanomachines.

Abstract: According to the following steps, live cells, injured cells, VNC cells and dead cells of a microorganism in a test sample are detected by flow cytometry: a) the step of treating the test sample with an enzyme having an activity of decomposing cells other than those of the microorganism, colloidal particles of proteins or lipids existing in the test sample, b) the step of treating the test sample with a topoisomerase poison and/or a DNA gyrase poison. c) the step of treating the test sample treated in the steps a) and b) with a nuclear stain agent, and d) the step of detecting the microorganism in the test sample treated with the nuclear stain agent by flow cytometry.

Abstract: A method and device for rapidly, non-invasively and inexpensively differentiating between allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory tract viral infection and bacterial sinusitis, comprising a support strip upon which is fixed discrete indicators of pH, protein content, nitrite content, leukocyte esterase activity, and eosinophil content or other measure of a substance found in allergic secretions, such as TAME esterase, of a sample with which said reagent test strip is contacted. Contact of a nasal secretion with the device of this invention permits differentiation between allergic, bacterial and viral conditions, based on pH, protein content, leukocyte esterase activity, nitrite content, eosinophil content and TAME esterase activity. The invention further provides a novel means for collecting nasal secretions to facilitate differential diagnosis of sinusitis, upper respiratory tract viral infection and allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel polypeptide containing the GAFA-domain and GAFB-domain of a human phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) and the catalytic domain of an adenylate cyclase, and to the use of this polypeptide in a method for identifying PDE5-modulators.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and compounds for inhibiting monoacyglycerol lipase, and for treating pain, for modulating stress-induced analgesia or for treating stress-induced disorders in mammals are provided.

Abstract: Improved assay systems comprise a substrate that is modified to include a solubilizing group and/or an at least binary solvent system to provide significantly enhanced signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio. In especially preferred aspects, the assay system is a chromogenic, electrochemical, and/or luminogenic assay system in which an indoxyl-type substrate has a solubilizing group covalently attached to the substrate and/or in which a polar and non-protic solvent is used as a co-solvent.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a method for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol as test components in blood. Specifically, a method is used for simultaneously measuring cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample, whereby cholesterol in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in a biological sample are quantified with a single measurement.

Abstract: Systems, including compositions and methods, for measuring pH, particularly in cells, organelles, and other samples. The compositions include pH-sensitive fluorescent and fluorogenic 2?,7?-dialkylfluorescein derivatives and associated nonfluorescent precursor compounds. The compositions may permit ratiometric measurement in the excitation spectrum and the emission spectrum. The methods include adding a precursor compound to a sample cell, incubating the sample cell to release the free indicator, illuminating the sample cell, and detecting the fluorescence response of the free indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the detection of GPCR ligands in a test sample by using a single cell biosensor expressing a GPCR. Preferably, the test sample is derived from a biological or environmental sample. This invention may be used to detect the presence of a disease or to detect the presence of a harmful agent in the environment. Included in the present invention is an array of biosensors that detect ligands of various GPCRs.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting the presence or absence of an enzyme (e.g., leukocyte esterase) within a test sample is provided. The test kit comprises a substrate that is capable of being cleaved in the presence of the enzyme to release a nucleophilic aromatic compound. The kit also comprises a lateral flow device that comprises a chromatographic medium. The chromatographic medium defines a detection zone within which is contained a first reagent (e.g., diazonium ion) that is capable of reacting with the nucleophilic aromatic compound to form a second reagent (e.g., aromatic azo compound). The second reagent exhibits a color that is different than the color of the first reagent. The lateral flow device also includes an absorbent material located adjacent to the chromatographic medium, the absorbent material receiving the test sample after flowing through the chromatographic medium.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the need for novel, reliable, fast and inexpensive approaches to diagnosing, including detecting and characterising microbial infections in humans and animals or methods for detecting and characterising microbial infections in various environments, such as in a food or feed sample. The present invention provides compositions, platforms, kits and methods for diagnosing, detecting and/or characterising a microbial infection or contamination. In particular the present invention relates to such compositions, platforms, kits and methods for diagnosing, detecting and/or characterising a urinary tract infection.

Abstract: Fluorogenic lysophosphatidic acid derivatives which can be used as substrates in a continuous, fluorogenic assay that can be performed in microtiter plates. The assays permit measuring LysoPLD activity levels in normal events such as pregnancy or disease states such as cancer. In addition, the present invention can be adopted to high throughout screening (HTS) for identification of potential inhibitors of lysoPLD activity.

Abstract: The use of human hepatocytes to determine the liver function and the liver regeneration in a test person, in particular a patient, as well as the use of these human hepatocytes as parameters for prognoses. Also, an in-vitro method to determine the liver function of a test person, in particular a patient using human hepatocytes.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device for determining the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in a sample. The test device has a continuous solid surface with at least one reaction area on the continuous solid surface, and the reaction area has, in dry form, a non-LDL inhibitor and a system for determining the concentration of cholesterol.

Abstract: A method for clinical scoring that involves evaluating certain parameters found in nasal secretia is disclosed. Contact of a nasal secretion with indicators for pH, protein content, leukocyte esterase activity, nitrite content, eosinophil content and/or TAME esterase activity permits diagnosis and differentiation between allergic, bacterial and viral conditions.

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: Described herein are methods for separating one or more analytes present in a fluid sample. The methods involve passing the fluid through or into a microporous material, wherein the analytes are localized near the surface of the microporous material. Additional processing steps such as hybridization and amplification can be performed once the analyte is localized. In one method, once the analyte is localized, the analyte can be detected, counted, and correlated in order to determine the concentration of the analyte in the sample. In another method, the localized analyte is destabilized to make the localized analyte more accessible for chemical manipulation. Modified microporous materials and composite materials are also disclosed that can be used in any of the methods and articles described herein. The composite is composed of a microporous material and a pigment, wherein the pigment is incorporated in the microporous material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a dry analytical element for pancreatic lipase analysis having high selectivity with respect to pancreatic lipase, whose multianalyte correlation has been improved. The present invention provides a dry analytical element for measurement of pancreatic lipase contained in a body fluid, which comprises at least one development layer and/or reagent layer containing diglyceride or triglyceride of long-chain alkyl fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, monoglyceride lipase, and a glycerine measurement reagent, wherein the development layer and/or the reagent layer comprise two or more types of anionic surfactants and at least one type of the anionic surfactant is alkylarylsulfonate.

Abstract: Human PDE genes are identified as modulators of the IGFR pathway and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGFR function Methods for identifying modulators of IGFR comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of PDE are provided

Abstract: A cysteinized variant of an RNase disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,257 B1 is disclosed. A targeting moiety can be conjugated to the cysteine residue.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP)) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: Fluorogenic lysophosphatidic acid derivatives which can be used as substrates in a continuous, fluorogenic assay that can be performed in microtiter plates. The assays permit measuring LysoPLD activity levels in normal events such as pregnancy or disease states such as cancer. In addition, the present invention can be adopted to high throughout screening(HTS) for identification of potential inhibitors of lysoPLD activity.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence, including an isolated, purified or recombinant nucleic acid sequence, includes: (a) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide encompassed by the present invention, namely, a PLC-zeta; PLC? amino acid sequence, capable of triggering calcium oscillations in oocytes; (b) a sequence substantially homologous to or that hybridizes to sequence (a) under stringent conditions; (c) a sequence substantially homologous to or that hybridizes to the sequences (a) or (b) but for degeneracy of the genetic code; and (d) an oligonucleotide specific for any of the sequences (a), (b) or (c) above.

Abstract: A purified recombinant phytase enzyme derived from Escherichia coli B. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 47.1 kilodaltons and has phytase activity. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swatch comprising a pH-indicator substance and a substrate for an enzyme for testing the washing performance of the enzyme, e.g. an enzyme for use in detergent compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bis-cationic compounds comprising quaternary ammonium groups and/or quaternary phosphonium groups. The invention also relates to the use of bis-cationic compounds as Phospholipase B inhibitors and the use of bis cationic compounds for the treatment or prevention of microbial infection.

Abstract: We describe a plant lipase polypeptide and nucleic acids that encode said polypeptide which has homology to a patatin and which has phospholipase and/or triacylglycerol lipase activity.

Abstract: There are provided a method and reagent for measuring cholesterol in remnant-like lipoprotein in a sample with high sensitivity by more simple operation. The method for measuring cholesterol in remnant-like lipoprotein uses a cholesterol esterase, in which the activity ratio of a lipoprotein lipase to a cholesterol esterase (lipoprotein lipase activity/cholesterol esterase activity) is from 12 to 7000 in a method for measuring cholesterol in the lipoprotein by measuring hydrogen peroxide or a reduced coenzyme obtained by allowing the cholesterol esterase and a cholesterol oxidase or a cholesterol dehydrogenase to act on a test sample containing a lipoprotein.

Abstract: A fusion protein contains a cysteinized variant of an RNase disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,257 B1.