Abstract: A method for using saliva to measure at least one substance or physiological parameter of a human or animal subject may involve inserting a first end of a sensor into a handheld saliva testing device. The method may also involve receiving saliva from the subject on a second end of the sensor, moving the saliva from the second end of the sensor to the first end, and processing the saliva with the handheld saliva testing device to provide initial saliva data related to the at least one substance or physiological parameter of the subject. In some embodiments, the sensor remains inserted in the handheld device while the subject deposits saliva on the opposite, free end of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an enzymatic pre-treatment process, e.g. a mashing process. The method allows for accurate determination of specific sugar molecules as well as the average length of the sugar chains in real-time during e.g. a mashing process. Further information on e.g. the concentration of dissolved protein and free amino acids can also be obtained simultaneously. The method comprises the use of an infrared (IR) spectometer for continuously measuring attenuated total reflectance (ATR) IR spectra of samples obtained during pre-treatment of biomass.

Abstract: A fermentation state monitoring apparatus includes: a terahertz wave generation element that outputs inspection light using a terahertz wave to a fermented food under fermentation in a sealed product container; a terahertz wave detection element that detects return light of the inspection light reflected by the fermented food in the product container; and a determination unit that determines a fermentation progress of the fermented food based on an index value including a reflectance of the return light with respect to the inspection light or an absorption coefficient of the return light with respect to the inspection light.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides real-time and subsequent analysis personalized user based health, wellness and pharmaceutical and illicit drug detection information. Non-invasive techniques utilize saliva for body levels of wellness indicators and pharmaceutical and illicit drug ingestion which are coordinated over time. Saliva captured on sample strips are real-time indicator reviewed and subsequently analyzed using traditional analytical chemistry techniques including liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and coordinated with time of administration with optional genetic sequence analysis to confirm related disease conditions. By using P4 (Participatory, Personalized, Predictive, and Preventive) health management techniques the patient determines if the pharmaceutical is having the correct and desired effect for maximum therapeutic benefit. While illustrative embodiments detecting Metformin and Keppra are provided the system has broad pharmaceutical and illicit drug monitoring applicability.

Abstract: Assay devices are provided including a receptacle having a sample entry port; a plunger disposed within the receptacle; at least one reagent; a membrane attached to a first surface of the plunger; a wick providing capillary force; and a detection zone. The membrane includes a target conjugate zone in which affinity components are disposed. Capture compounds are immobilized in a detection zone, which is located between the target conjugate zone and the wick. A method of detecting a target analyte is also provided, including providing the assay device; providing a sample suspected to contain a target analyte; adding the sample onto the device; allowing the sample to travel along the membrane until the sample reaches the detection zone; immobilizing the target analyte through reaction of the target analyte with the capture compounds; reacting the immobilized target analyte with a reagent to generate a detectable signal; and detecting the generated signal.

Abstract: A method of testing a sample to determine a concentration of a target material included in the sample and a microfluidic device in which a reaction of the sample and a reagent occurs are provided. The method includes mixing a sample with a reagent that changes optical characteristics in accordance with a concentration of chlorine ions in the sample, and a capturing material that captures some of the chlorine ions in the sample; measuring the optical characteristics after mixing the sample with the reagent and the capturing material; and determining a concentration of the chlorine ions in the sample based on the measured optical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting ?-(1?6)-glucosidase activity in a sample. The method is for example useful for determining the limit dextrinase activity in a sample. The method involves use of an oligosaccharide substrate of the formula X-(glucoside)n-*(glucoside)m-Z—Y, where X is a blocking group, -* is a ?-(1?6)-glucosidic linkage and Y is a detectable label. Upon cleavage of the ?-(1?6)-glucosidic linkage, the detectable label is released and thus the ?-(1?6)-glucosidase activity can be determined. The invention also relates to the oligosaccharide substrate per se.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical use of lipases related to the Thermomyces lanuginosus (Humicola lanuginosa) lipase comprising amino acids 1-269 of SEQ ID NO: 2, optionally in combination with a protease and/or an amylase. Examples of medical indications are: Treatment of digestive disorders, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes type I, and/or diabetes type II. The lipases of the invention have, e.g., an improved digestion performance in vitro, an improved activity at a pH in the neutral range, an improved stability at low pH, and are stable against protease-degradation, and/or are stable in the presence of pepsin and bile salts. The invention also relates to methods of determining digestion performance in vitro of lipases, as well as to certain novel variants of the lipase of T. lanuginosus.

Abstract: An analytical device for analysis of chemical or biological samples, a method of using such a device, based on rotation of the device, integrated sample dosing and optical detection, and a system comprising such a device are disclosed. The analytical device comprises a device body having a liquid processing unit. The liquid processing unit comprises a mixing chamber for mixing a sample with a reagent, a sample dosing chamber for delivering a defined volume of the sample to the mixing chamber, and a reagent channel for delivering the reagent to be mixed with the sample, wherein the mixing chamber also serves as a detection chamber.

Abstract: Providing is a new enzyme assay method for enzymes having a water-insoluble or substantially water-insoluble substrate. In the method for measuring enzymatic activity, a prescribed amount of an enzyme is disposed on a part of the surface of a gel comprising dispersoids, at least some of which are the substrate of the enzyme. Recesses formed in the surface of the gel by the action of the enzyme are measured, and the enzyme activity is calculated on the basis of the measurement results and the amount of the enzyme. The measurement of the recesses formed in the surface of the gel is performed using a method for measuring the shape and the volume of the recesses, a method for measuring changes in the optical transmittance of the gel due to the formation of the recesses, or a method for measuring changes in the optical reflectance of the gel surface due to the formation of the recesses.

Abstract: A method of screening for increased risk of fatal prostate cancer in a subject comprises providing a blood sample collected from the subject, and then detecting the presence or absence of an increased level of serum calcium in the sample. An increased level of serum calcium indicates the subject is at increased risk of fatal prostate cancer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method capable of measuring a high concentration (up to 2500 U/L) of animal sample without dilutions, which is further capable of specifically measuring ?-amylase even in a sample comprising animal ?-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3). The present invention provides a method for specifically measuring ?-amylase contained in a non-human animal sample comprising ?-amylase and glucoamylase without diluting said sample, wherein measurement is carried out by using an oligosaccharide having a protected nonreducing terminus and a p-nitrophenyl group at the reducing terminus thereof, and pH of reaction is 6 or more, and less than 7.

Abstract: Provided herein are assay control materials comprising stable analytes and lyophilized unstable analytes, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: To provide an autoanalyzer for analyzing a sugar chain contained in a biological sample, in particular, serum. Namely, it is intended to provide a method of analyzing a sugar chain in a sample, which comprises the following steps: A) the sugar chain-releasing step of releasing the sugar chain in the sample; B) the detection sample-preparing step of preparing the released sugar chain for detection; and, in the case of conducting mass spectrometry using a plate, C) the step of forming a plate for the mass spectrometry having the captured sugar chain dotted thereon which comprises the step of providing the tagged sugar chain sample solution obtained in the step B) on a collection plate; and, if required, the step of conducting an operation in a solid phase support-enclosed plate to form the plate for mass spectrometry; and D) the step of analyzing the sugar chain to be assayed.

Abstract: A method of screening for increased risk of fatal prostate cancer in a subject comprises providing a blood sample collected from the subject, and then detecting the presence or absence of an increased level of serum calcium in the sample. An increased level of serum calcium indicates the subject is at increased risk of fatal prostate cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a testing system arrangement for assessing the level of a biochemical marker, comprising a disposable device (2) with a sample inlet (4) and a at least one visible detection compartment (5A, 5B), for detection of said bio-chemical marker, a mobile unit (8) including a digital camera arranged to capture a digital picture (60) of said at least one visible detection compartment (5A, 5B), software run on a processor for analysing said picture (60) to assess said level and means arranged to present the result (70) of said assessment in a display (8A) of or connected to, said mobile unit (8), wherein said disposable device (2) is arranged with at least one reference surface (12) having a predetermined colour setting that is known to said software to enable exact assessment of the colour within said detection compartment (5A, 5B) by the use of said reference surface (12) within said digital picture as a basis reference.

Abstract: The application provides methods of producing a mixture of enzymes using two or more cell lines, methods of identifying or constructing cell lines for producing a mixture of enzymes, and methods of preparing a cell bank for producing a mixture of enzymes.

Abstract: The inventors have modified the amino acid sequence of a maltogenic alpha-amylase to obtain variants with improved properties, based on the three-dimensional structure of the maltogenic alpha-amylase Novamyl. The variants have altered physicochemical properties., e.g. an altered pH optimum, improved thermostability, increased specific activity, an altered cleavage pattern or an increased ability to reduce retrogradation of starch or staling of bread.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to an alpha-amylase enzyme obtained from Nesterenkonia and related spp. are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent alpha-amylase. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: Lower eukaryote host cells in which an endogenous or heterologous Ca2+ ATPase is overexpressed are described. Also described are lower eukaryote host cells in which a calreticulin and/or ERp57 protein are overexpressed. These host cells are useful for producing recombinant glycoproteins that have reduced O-glycosylation.

Abstract: The stabilization of a hydrolytic enzyme in a liquid preparation is to be improved through a component that stabilizes the hydrolytic enzyme. This is accomplished by a method for adapting a hydrolytic enzyme to a component that stabilizes the hydrolytic enzyme, comprising the following method steps: a) providing a hydrolytic enzyme (starting enzyme) and a component that stabilizes the hydrolytic enzyme and that comprises a reversible inhibitor of the hydrolytic enzyme; b) changing the amino acid sequence of the hydrolytic enzyme in at least one position, by substitution, deletion or insertion; c) determining the relative activity of the hydrolytic enzyme from step b) and the relative activity of the starting enzyme in a liquid preparation; d) selecting the hydrolytic enzyme that has a reduced relative activity by comparison with the relative activity of the starting enzyme.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides, more specifically amylase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding these, and their uses e.g. as non-maltogenic exoamylases in producing food or feed products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or absence of a microorganism, said method including the steps of: 1) providing an enclosure containing a liquid or semi-solid phase consisting of a biological medium capable of containing a living form of said microorganism, nutritional elements, and an enzymatic substrate which is specific to said microorganism and which can be metabolised into at least one VOC metabolite, and a gaseous phase adjacent to said liquid or semi-solid phase; 2) exposing at least said liquid or semi-solid phase to conditions that are propitious for said microorganism to metabolise said enzymatic substrate into a molecule of said VOC metabolite; and 3) determining, by optical transduction, the presence or absence of said VOC metabolite, characterised in that the latter interacts with a nanoporous matrix, said matrix being implemented in a form that is separate from said enzymatic substrate, and in that the detection, by optical transduction, of a change in the

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 provides a test device for indicating the presence, concentration and effectiveness of chemical and biological agents. The test device interacts with the target agent producing a detectable signal indicating the presence, concentration and effectiveness of the agent. The test device includes a first carrier which changes color consequent to interaction with the target agent in proportion to the concentration of the target agent. The test device includes a second carrier which remains unreacted and unchanged in color in the presence of the target agent. The second carrier serves as an integrated reference to which the color change of the first carrier is compared.

Abstract: A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The present invention is also directed 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 present invention also relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol.

Abstract: A single device to collect, transfer, and measure salivary nitric oxide analyte and metabolite, nitrite, a biomarker for nitric oxide, as well as, a method to assess the effects of diet and exercise on changing an individual's nitric oxide status and health.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like ?-amylase, which exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent ?-amylase: i) improved pH stability at a pH from 8 to 10.5; and/or ii) improved Ca2+ stability at pH 8 to 10.5, and/or iii) increased specific activity at temperatures from 10 to 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the enrichment and detection of microorganisms which contaminate food products, especially beverages and soft-drinks. It is particularly suitable for the detection of beer-spoiling bacteria. The present invention provides a novel system which a) improves the recovery of spoilage microbes b) provides faster detection and earlier emergence of colonies on plates, and c) provides larger colony sizes which makes detection easier.

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 selecting plant material. Selecting can include excluding plant material that has been exposed to high temperatures or that has had high moisture content.

Abstract: A packet of an enzyme and/or enzyme producing bacteria is contained within the core of a roll of toilet tissue or similar paper product wound on a core. The packet has a cover that dissolves or disintegrates on contact with water and disperses its contents into the aqueous waste stream. The packet may contain a mixture of bacterial cultures that produce enzymes to attack the greasy or fatty components of the waste stream. An additional article such as a sample of a liquid or creme personal care product may also be contained within the tissue paper core.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of isolating ferritin from plant and animal material. The isolated ferritin can be administered to humans or animals in need of iron, and can be used to treat or supplement iron deficiency. The isolated ferritin can be used in industrial applications, such as increasing the iron content in heat-processed food or beverages. The methods of the invention also include quantitation of iron derived from plant or animal ferritin.

Abstract: The inventors have modified the amino acid sequence of a maltogenic alpha-amylase to obtain variants with improved properties, based on the three-dimensional structure of the maltogenic alpha-amylase Novamyl. The variants have altered physicochemical properties, e.g. an altered pH optimum, improved thermostability, increased specific activity, an altered cleavage pattern or an increased ability to reduce retrogradation of starch or staling of bread.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell support device comprising a nanofiber structure disposed on a concave surface of a substrate. and the curvature of the substrate in combination with the nanotopography provided by the nanofiber support provides the necessary environmental cues that promote organization, growth, differentiation and morphogenesis of secretory epithelial cells, such as salivary gland epithelial cells. The nanotopography of the device is influenced by features of the nanofiber structure including nanofiber diameter, pore size, biochemical modification and curvature.

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: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a pepsin resistant alpha amylase enzyme for use in a feed supplement comprising: i) providing an alpha amylase enzyme; ii) admixing said alpha amylase with corn based feed and buffer solution comprising a pepsin concentration of 9000 U/ml at pH 3, 40° C., 500 rpm for at least 120 minutes and analysing alpha amylase activity on said alpha amylase compared to a control sample; wherein said control sample differs in that no pepsin is present during incubation; and iii) selecting an alpha amylase enzyme which substantially maintains alpha amylase activity under the assay conditions; feed supplements and feedstuffs comprising a pepsin resistant alpha amylase and the use of pepsin resistant alpha amylases in feed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of isolating ferritin from plant and animal material. The isolated ferritin can be administered to humans or animals in need of iron, and can be used to treat or supplement iron deficiency. The isolated ferritin can be used in industrial applications, such as increasing the iron content in heat-processed food or beverages. The methods of the invention also include quantitation of iron derived from plant or animal ferritin.

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

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: A simple low-invasive method for acquiring information about a biological rhythm of a bion is provided. In the method, the information on a biological rhythm of the bion is acquired based on variation with time of the activity of a biologically active agent, particularly alpha-amylase, extracted from oral mucosa epithelial cells of the bion. According to the method, an activity variation curve showing the variation of the activity of the biologically active agent with time may be utilized as a molecular timetable for estimation of the biological rhythm, whereby a deviation (lag) of the biological rhythm of the bion can be detected.

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 present invention relates to a method of constructing a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and at least one altered property as compared to the parent alpha-amylase, comprises i) analyzing the structure of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase to identify at least one amino acid residue or at least one structural part of the Termamyl-like alpha-amylase structure, which amino acid residue or structural part is believed to be of relevance for altering the property of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase (as evaluated on the basis of structural or functional considerations), ii) constructing a Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variant, which as compared to the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, has been modified in the amino acid residue or structural part identified in i) so as to alter the property, and, optionally, iii) testing the resulting Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variant with respect to the property in question.

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: 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: According to the invention, there is provided a high throughput method for measuring total fermentables using a small amount of plant tissue. A high throughput screening tool for gene discovery aiming for increasing total fermentables is further provided.