Abstract: The invention relates to fluorescent/fluorogenic probes of formula (I?) or (II?): wherein Z is chosen between: —NH2 and —OH, or in the fluorescence quencher group consisting of: —NO2; —N?N—R1; R1 being any organic group that does not obscure the corresponding azo bond; —NHCO-Pept.; Pept. being a peptide residue or any organic group that does not obscure the corresponding amide bond; —O-Glyc.; Glyc. being a oligoglycoside residue that does not obscure the corresponding glycosidic bond; —O—C(O)—R2; —O—P(O)(OR2)(OR2?) and —O—S(O)2—R2; R2 and R2? being independently a hydrogen atom or an organic group that does not obscure the corresponding ester bond; and ?Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd and Re being independently a hydrogen atom or any organic group that does not obscure the corresponding arylether bond so as not to prevent its possible cleavage by a myeloperoxidase activity.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a test solution wherein the analyte is mevalonic acid and/or 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A, comprising the following steps (p) and (q): (p) a step of allowing an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction represented by Reaction Formula 1 and an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction represented by Reaction Formula 2 to act on a test solution containing mevalonic acid and/or 3 -hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor X, a hydrogen donor Y, and coenzyme A; and (q) a step of measuring an amount of: a reduced hydrogen acceptor X that is produced; or an oxidized hydrogen donor Y that is produced; or a hydrogen acceptor X that is decreased; or a hydrogen donor Y that is decreased, wherein the hydrogen donor Y and the reduced hydrogen acceptor X are not the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel Rhizobium sp. GIN611 KCTC11708BP or to cell extracts thereof, to a novel oxidoreductase which exhibits a glycolytic activity, to a gene encoding the oxidoreductase, to a recombinant strain comprising recombinant vector proteins or to an expression vector encoding recombinant proteins, and to a method for the glycolysis of natural products using same as a biocatalyst. The present invention also relates to a method for producing aglycones from a variety of natural products using same. The novel oxidoreductase separated from the novel microorganism of the present invention does not belong to a glucosidase group but belongs to an oxidoreductase group, and has a glycolytic activity for natural products. The novel oxidoreductase oxidizes the sugar in the aglycones of natural products, thereby producing a variety of aglycones.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide binding molecule-functionalized high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) that can be used to detect toxins, pathogens and other biological materials. In a specific embodiment, an antibody-functionalized HEMT can be used to detect botulinum toxin. The antibody can be anchored to a gold-layered gate area of the HEMT through immobilized thioglycolic acid. Embodiments of the subject detectors can be used in field-deployable electronic biological applications based on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.

Abstract: A gas cleaning system including a wet scrubber (14) for removal of sulphur dioxide from a gas and an oxidation basin system (42) for receiving effluent generated in the removal of sulphur dioxide from the process gas. The oxidation basin system (42) comprises an oxidation basin (43) for containing the effluent during treatment thereof, an oxygen supply system (47) for supplying oxygen to the effluent in the oxidation basin (43), and a contacting system for bringing the effluent into contact with an enzyme which catalyzes the oxidation of bisulphite and/or sulphite ions.

Abstract: A membrane separation assembly that includes an integrated filter element and at least one membrane module housed within a first vessel and a second vessel containing at least one membrane module, which is stacked or aligned adjacent to the first vessel. The first vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the assembly, and gases to flow to and through the membrane modules of the first vessel and the membrane modules of the second vessel, which are ultimately withdrawn from the assembly. The assembly is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of testing for the presence of a preselected target nucleic acid, protein or antigen in a biological sample by exposing nucleic acids, proteins or antigens to a probe having a catalytic element and binding element. The catalytic element catalyses at least one reaction that results in a physical change such that identifiable elements provide an indication of the presence of the target.

Abstract: Methods for determining thermophilic enzymatic activity include heating a substrate solution in a plurality of closed volumes to a predetermined reaction temperature. Without opening the closed volumes, at least one enzyme is added, substantially simultaneously, to the closed volumes. At the predetermined reaction temperature, the closed volumes are agitated and then the activity of the at least one enzyme is determined. The methods are conducive for characterizing enzymes of high-temperature reactions, with insoluble substrates, with substrates and enzymes that do not readily intermix, and with low volumes of substrate and enzyme. Systems for characterizing the enzymes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to constructs, compositions and methods for modulating platelet-type 12 lipoxygenase (12-LO) in adipose tissue in vivo. Specifically, the invention provides constructs encoding expression-inhibiting oligonucleic acids, e.g., antisense and RNA interfering (RNAi) molecules, targeted to a platelet-type 12-LO gene or a transcript thereof, which are capable of reducing or silencing platelet-type 12-LO expression specifically in adipocytes and pre-adipocytes. Vectors of these constructs (including, but not limited to, viral vectors), compositions of them and methods of using same for the treatment and amelioration of conditions associated with excess fat cell mass and obesity are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of vitamin C in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing vitamin C in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of vitamin C in the sample.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a label-free viscosity-based analyte detection system using paramagnetic beads as an asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) microviscometer. It is disclosed herein that the bead rotation period is linearly proportional to the viscosity of a solution comprising analytes surrounding the paramagnetic bead. Optical measurement of asynchronous microbead motion determines solution viscosity precisely in microscale volumes, thus allowing an estimate of analyte concentration. The results demonstrate the feasibility of viscosity-based analyte detection using AMBR in microscale aqueous volumes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for engineering microorganisms, which permit enhanced H2 production. The methods and compositions provided include novel chimeric gene constructs encoding H2-forming H2ase and maturation proteins, allowing for generation of H2 continuously in large quantities. In one illustrated embodiment, novel engineered algae are provided with increased levels of H2 production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the BAD pathway's influence on development, progression, chemo-sensitivity, and overall survival for multiple human cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target to increase chemo-sensitivity. BAD pathway expression was associated with the development and/or progression of breast, colon, and endometrial cancers, relapse-free survival from breast cancer, and overall survival from ovarian, colon, and brain cancers. Expression was also associated with in vitro sensitivity to a range of cytotoxic agents. pBAD levels were higher in cancer versus immortalized normal cells and chemo-resistant versus—sensitive cancer cells and associated with increased cell proliferation.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing catabolism-related vitamin D deficiency and related disorders, related compositions, apparatus and kits, are disclosed. A method involves measuring CYP24 expression and/or activity, or a proxy thereof such as FGF23 level, in a patient and correlating abnormally elevated CYP24 expression and/or activity with catabolism-related vitamin D deficiency or with susceptibility for catabolism-related vitamin D deficiency. In response to abnormally elevated CYP24 expression and/or activity, the method further includes administering a CYP24 inhibitor to the vitamin D deficient or at-risk patient, and preferably avoiding activation of the vitamin D binding receptor, such as by avoiding administration of active vitamin D compounds to such patients. Optionally, a vitamin D prohormone or prohormone can be administered.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of cell culture technology. It concerns RNA having a specific sequence, expression vectors encoding said RNA, production host cell lines comprising said RNA, and methods of producing recombinant biopharmaceutical products using engineered host cell with altered levels of said RNAs, such as small non-coding RNAs, preferably microRNAs (miRNAs). The invention also relates to engineered host cells with altered levels in one or more of said RNAs. Those cell lines have improved secretion and/or growth characteristics in comparison to control cell lines.

Abstract: A diagnostic kit for biomarkers of beneficial vaginal health is described. The kit includes a first detection zone within which a D-lactic acid detection signal is capable of being generated, wherein the presence or quantity of D-lactic acid, is determinable from the D-lactic acid detection signal. The kit further includes a second detection zone within which a hydrogen peroxide detection signal is capable of being generated, wherein the presence or quantity of hydrogen peroxide, is determinable from the hydrogen peroxide detection signal.

Abstract: An enzyme electrode includes an electrode, and a detection layer that is in contact with the electrode and includes an oxidoreductase, a water-soluble conductive polymer, and conductive particles, electrons being transferred between the enzyme and the electrode by direct electron transfer in the detection layer.

Abstract: A date-rape drug detector includes an elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the shaft is bendable and includes a plurality of notches that grip the upper rim of a beverage container. Proximal the lower end is a chamber having a testing strip therein that is deployable to a perpendicular position relative to the shaft. Along the length of the strip are a plurality of reactive spots that change color in the presence of a date-rape drug. Each successive spot is covered with a progressively thicker layer of water-soluble material than a preceding spot so that each spot requires a different submersion time in order to be exposed. Therefore, a user can test a beverage for the presence of a date-rape drug at progressive intervals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one azo compound for detecting at least one microorganism in a sample. More precisely, the present invention relates to a process for detecting, in a biological sample, at least one microorganism with azoreductase activity, including the steps: placing the sample in contact with a reaction medium including at least one azo compound, incubating the reaction medium, and detecting the reduction of the azo compound by the microorganism, indicating the presence of the at least one microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses functional nitrite reductase as a potential drug target for anti-tubercular drug development. The present invention also relates to the development of an easy method for identification of nitrite in clinical samples as well as its correlation with the severity of the disease. Presence of active as well as dormant/latent stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) could be identified from nitrite in clinical samples like sputum of potential TB patients.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical biosensor including a complex including a porous support and an enzyme supported inside the pores of the porous support and a method for preparing the same. Since a dye does not flow but is concentrated in one place, the optical biosensor of the present disclosure has remarkably improved sensitivity. In addition, it is possible to carry out quantitative determination and qualitative analysis since color intensity increases with time.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the identification of compounds as flavors or fragrances, their precursors, or as modulators of the perception of fragrances or flavors. The method comprises a reaction of a compound with a metabolic enzyme expressed in the nose, mouth or respiratory tract, followed by a method of identification of the compound or its metabolites as a fragrance or flavor, their precursor, or a modulator of their perception or of the perception of their respective leads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizing composition useful for improving the stability of reagent for redox reaction, and a reagent composition for redox reaction having an improved stability. The reagent composition for redox reaction can be applied for a reagent for electrochemical biosensor.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for use in the conduct of a non-invasive analysis of a bodily fluid to determine the presence and level of a certain constituent carried by the bodily fluid, which analysis utilizes an indicator formulation that changes color in response to exposure to the constituent to provide a visible indication of the presence and level of the constituent carried by the bodily fluid. A stabilizing formulation is carried in a vessel for mixing with a sample of the bodily fluid to be analyzed. The stabilizing formulation includes a first component for promoting formation of a film, a second component for adjusting the pH of the sample and inhibiting microbial digestion of the certain constituent carried by the bodily fluid, and a third component for reducing interference of ascorbic acid present in the bodily fluid. Where the certain constituent is glucose, the stabilizing formulation includes a microbial digestion inhibitor.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a protein having a fructosyl amino acid oxidase activity which protein is useful for measurement of a glycosylated protein (particularly, glycosylated hemoglobin); a modified protein thereof; and use of the protein or the modified protein. The protein of the present invention is, for example, a fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase derived from Phaeosphaeria nodorum, the fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase having excellent thermal stability and substrate specificity and also having a small Km value to fructosyl valyl histidine. This allows a glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be stored in a long time and measurement accuracy of the glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be improved.

Abstract: Provided are an analytical instrument and an analytical method that allow for the direct analysis of a target substance in an undiluted specimen by a transmission photometry in a tightly closed cell container space. An analytical instrument is an analytical instrument for analyzing a target substance contained in a specimen flown in the tightly closed cell container by utilizing an oxidative color-developing agent and an oxidative enzyme reaction, in which an upper substrate and a lower substrate are arranged facing each other and at least a part of the upper substrate and/or at least a part of the lower substrate are/is made of a material transmitting light used for the analysis and having oxygen transmission properties.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for detecting, screening and sampling of cells are disclosed.

Abstract: An analysis method determines a functional parameter of an organ by measuring 13CO2 content in exhaled air of an individual to which a substrate has been administered. The reaction of the substrate in the body of the individual enriches the exhaled air with 13CO2. The maximum reaction rate of the substrate in the body is determined via a change of the measured 13CO2 content in the exhaled air using zero-order enzyme kinetics. An aqueous methacetin solution having a pH greater than 7.0 is used in the analysis method. A face mask separates the exhaled air from inhaled air. The face mask is configured such that inhaled and exhaled air flows essentially completely through the face mask. Exhalation and inhalation valves in the face mask allow a flow of inhaled and exhaled air through the face mask. A diagnostic method is used to determine the functional parameters of the organ.

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

Abstract: A unified homeostatic system of cholesterol and steroid hormone pathways is described, in which the uses or modulations of function of the homeostatic system of cholesterol and steroid hormone pathways are linked by lipoproteins, and are used or modulated to achieve a therapeutic benefit, to diagnose a disease or medical condition in humans, or to develop suitable active agents or combinations of active agents. Pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of drug development, and assay methods that rely on the new understanding of the homeostatic system are described.

Abstract: The compounds disclosed herein are isoxazole derivatives that are useful as antimicrobial compounds, particularly as anti-bacterial compounds. The disclosed methods comprise incubating at least two different substrates in the presence of at least one oxygenase to provide the disclosed compounds, or to prepare and identify compounds that have antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, arrangements and methods for quantifying the concentration of an analyte present in bodily fluid, including: an assay pad having at least one chemical reagent capable of producing a detectable signal in the form of a reaction spot upon reaction with the analyte; a light source; a detector array; a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory comprising: (a) at least one value indicative of one or more of: (i) the level of hematocrit contained in the sample; (ii) the volume of the sample applied to the assay pad; or (iii) imperfections present in the reaction spot; and (b) at least one algorithm for calculating the concentration of the analyte contained in the sample.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a member of the gasotransmitter family that includes NO and H2S and is implicated in a variety of pathological and physiological conditions. Whereas exogenous therapeutic additions of CO to tissues and whole animals have been well studied, the real-time spatial and temporal tracking of CO at the cellular level remains an open challenge. We now report a new type of turn-on fluorescent probe for selective CO detection by exploiting palladium-mediated carbonylation reactivity. The compounds of the invention are capable of detecting CO both in aqueous buffer and in live cells with high selectivity over a range of biologically relevant reactive small molecules, providing a potentially powerful approach for interrogating its chemistry in biological systems.

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

Abstract: In one form, a fructosyl peptidyl oxidase derived from a budding yeast Phaeosphaeria nodorum for assaying a glycated protein in a sample is provided. The fructosyl peptidyl oxidase has higher activity toward fructosyl valine as well as fructosyl valyl histidine, and may be useful in assaying HbA1c with higher sensitivity and specificity. Still, other forms include unique methods, techniques, systems and devices involving a fructosyl peptidyl oxidase.

Abstract: Provided is a direct method for detecting thioredoxin reductase (TR) activity in test samples. The method can provide a continuous and real-time measurement of TR activity. The method comprises contacting the test sample with NADPH and a diselenide substrate of TR, and then measuring conversion of NADPH to NADP. Also provided are kits for use in the method of direct detection of TR activity.

Abstract: A method for screening a drug for cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction is provided and can include incubating the drug with a microsome-containing biological sample and then quantitating at least one cytochrome P450 isoform. The isoforms can be selected from 2B6, 3A4, 1A2, and 3A5 isoforms. In some embodiments, the method uses liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS). A quantitated value can be compared to a threshold value and the drug can be determined to exhibit an acceptable CYP induction potential when the quantitated value does not exceed the threshold value. Isolated peptides are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a process for producing isoprenoid precursor molecules and/or isoprenoids from a starch substrate by saccharification and/or fermentation. The saccharification is effectively catalyzed by a glucoamylase at a pH in the range of 5.0 to 8.0. At a pH of 6.0 or above, the glucoamylase possesses at least 50% activity relative to its maximum activity. The saccharification and fermentation may be performed as a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening whether a candidate compound inhibits delta-6 desaturase activity are disclosed. Also disclosed is a transgenic mammal which overexpresses a gene encoding delta-6 desaturase and an animal model of a cardiometabolic disorder or disease that includes the transgenic mammal. A method of treating a cardiometabolic disorder or disease is also disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions including a nanosensor that is sensitive to an analyte such that the nanosensor emits a fluorescent signal upon detecting the analyte, and a catalytic agent that catalyzes a reaction in which a target substrate is converted into one or more products, such that at least one of the one or more products is the analyte. In addition, methods of using the nanosensor-catalytic agent compositions to detect a target substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: The present biosensor system prevents a measurement error caused by the temperature of the environment in use. A biosensor system 100 includes a measuring instrument 101 having an operation part 306, and a sensor chip 200 insertable into and removable from the measuring instrument 101 and which accepts a blood sample. The sensor chip 200 includes a measurement part 41 that acquires Data a related to the concentration of an analyte in a blood sample based on the amount of electric current that flows in the sample due to a reaction in which an oxidoreductase with the analyte used as a substrate is involved, and a measurement part 42 that acquires, from the sample, Data b for temperature correction of Data a. The operation part 306 determines the concentration of the analyte in the sample, corrected according to the temperature of the sample based on Data a and Data b.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biosensor comprising a hydrogel capable of immobilizing a physiologically active substance thereon, which can be produced conveniently by use of a safe material, and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides a method for producing a biosensor, which comprises bringing a polymer containing an activated carboxyl group into contact with a substrate surface coated with an organic layer having an amino group to thereby bind the polymer to the organic layer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A substrate is reacted to generate a chromogenic reaction product, and a reaction stop reagent that is a sulfonic acid is added to stop and stabilize the reaction product. The absorbance properties of the chromogenic reaction product can be maintained over significantly longer periods of time of that of conventional reagents and methods. The sulfonic acid can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and safer detection of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for controlling undesired vegetation at a plant cultivation site, the method comprising the steps of providing, at said site, a plant that comprises at least one nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a wild-type hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase or a mutated hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (mut-HPPD) which is resistant or tolerant to a coumarone-derivative herbicide and/or a nucleotide sequence encoding a wild-type homogentisate solanesyl transferase or a mutated homogentisate solanesyl transferase (mut-HST) which is resistant or tolerant to a coumarone-derivative herbicide, and applying to said site an effective amount of said herbicide. The invention further refers to plants comprising mut-HPPD, and methods of obtaining such plants.