Abstract: The invention relates to a system for testing the sterility of radioactive substances, to the use of the system for testing the sterility of radioactive substances, preferably radioactive pharmaceuticals and/or diagnostic agents, and to a method for testing the sterility of radioactive substances, wherein the system comprises an isolator (8) having a device for membrane filtration (9) and a filter bottle (1) surrounding the shield (5) against ionising radiation.

Abstract: Processes of treating grain (e.g., corn), involving milling the grain to produce milled grain wherein the grain germ remains intact in the milled grain, and producing a mixture by mixing the milled grain with water and at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of protease, alpha amylase, glucoamylase, cell wall degrading enzyme, and mixtures thereof, wherein the pH of the mixture is optionally adjusted to a pH of about 3.5 to about 6.5, and incubating the mixture for about 1 to about 3 hours to produce an incubated mixture.

Abstract: A universal sensor fabrication approach, molecular substrate imprinting technique, which utilizes the interaction between molecular building blocks and the surface of a transducer to develop specific molecular recognition cavities has been established. Integration of molecular recognition cavities with the surface of a nanoscale transducer will result in a nano-tunneling effect that takes place which will provide a sensor or a device that exhibits new properties not already exhibited by either the molecular recognition cavities on a bulk transducer or the nanotransducer material. One of the new properties of this nano-tunneling effect is that a universal potentiometric molecular sensor can be fabricated and used to detect any compounds, whether they are ions or molecules, with enhanced selectivity, sensitivity, and stability when molecular recognition cavities or elements are integrated on the surface of a nanoscale transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds and use thereof in the diagnosis and/or in treatment of medical disorders. In some embodiments, the compounds may be used for detecting a cancer. The compound may include a di-acid moiety. In some embodiments the di-acid moiety comprises a di-carboxylic acid and in some embodiments the di-acid moiety comprises a di-tetrazole.

Abstract: Herein is described methods for a high-sensitivity means to measure the incorporation of stable isotope labeled substrates into RNA following stable isotope probing experiments (SIP). RNA is hybridized to a set of probes such as phylogenetic microarrays and isotope incorporation is quantified such as by secondary ion mass spectrometer imaging (NanoSIMS).

Abstract: Identification of infectious pathogens, particularly viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms is effected with a method whereby pathogens of acute infections can be identified, without first culturing them in external nutrient media, by mass spectrometric measurement of their protein profiles obtained from pathogens directly precipitated from body fluid into pellets by centrifuging. With this method, pathogens which cause acute infections can be identified in less than one hour.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for detecting whether a subject has an infection. These methods include (a) incubating a test sample from a subject suspected of having an infection with a labeled molecule, such as a labeled nucleoside analog, that is preferentially incorporated into a pathogenic microorganism for a period of time sufficient for the pathogenic microorganism to incorporate the labeled molecule; (b) removing any unincorporated labeled molecule from the test sample; and (c) detecting the labeled molecule within the pathogenic microorganism, if any, in the test sample, wherein the presence of labeled molecule within the pathogenic microorganism indicates that the subject has an infection.

Abstract: HPLC-based quality control systems to perform quality control testing on a radiopharmaceutical solution shortly after synthesis. An HPLC-based quality control system makes efficient use of sample volume and is compatible with a variety of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical compounds. In several embodiments, the automated nature of an HPLC-based quality control system allows for quality control tests to be conducted quickly and with minimal impact on user workflow. When used as part of an integrated PET biomarker radiopharmaceutical production system, the present general inventive concept permits a manufacturer to produce product and conduct quality control tests with lower per dose costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to positron emission tomography tracers and methods of using these tracers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reagent for detecting an abnormal cell in the cervix of uterus, which can detect an abnormal cell contained in a biological sample that contains cells collected from the cervix of uterus. The reagent comprises a dye represented by general formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, NPC1L1 from various species. Methods of using the NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotide set forth herein, e.g., in screening assays, are also set forth.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the detection of microbes in liquids, in air and on non-living surfaces in which samples are exposed to frequency-modulated electromagnetic radiation of specific energies capable of exciting various metabolites, cofactors and cellular and spore components, with the microbial cells to be sampled (and more specifically the excited metabolites, cofactors and/or other cellular components) contained therein emit fluorescence that can be measured that is similarly frequency-modulated provided that the excitation frequencies are longer than the fluorescence lifetime of the excited intrinsic microbial fluorophore.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a microorganism produces an AmpC ?-lactamase is disclosed in which a culture of a microorganism suspected of producing a ?-lactamase that inactivates a ?-lactam-containing antibiotic is admixed with an effective amount of each of i) a ?-lactam-containing antibiotic, ii) a ?-lactamase inhibitor to which AmpC ?-lactamase is resistant, and iii) a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing amount to form an assay culture. That assay culture in maintained under appropriate culture conditions and for a time period sufficient to determine the interaction of the microorganism with the AmpC ?-lactamase resistant inhibitor and antibacterial compound, and thereby determine the presence of an AmpC ?-lactamase, wherein a positive test indicates the presence of an AmpC ?-lactamase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the antibiotic susceptibility of a microorganism comprising the following steps. First, a culture of the microorganism whose susceptibility is to be determined is admixed with an antibiotic to which susceptibility is to be assayed, and a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing effective amount to form an assay culture. Next, the assay culture is incubated under appropriate culture conditions and for a time sufficient to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic.

Abstract: A method of staining bacteria comprises: working a polymethine dye on a sample in the presence of a substance capable of reducing nitrite ions to stain bacteria in the sample. A method of detecting bacteria comprises the following steps of: (1) working a polymethine dye on a sample by a method as described above to stain bacteria in the sample, (2) introducing the thus treated sample into a detecting part of a flow cytometer and irradiating cells of the stained bacteria one by one with light to measure scattered light and fluorescent light emitted from each of the cells; and (3) discriminating the bacteria from other components in accordance with an intensity of a scattered light signal and an intensity of a fluorescent light signal or a pulse width reflecting the length of particles to count the bacteria.

Abstract: A sample under test containing non-live and/or live particulates is subject to optical excitation on a single particle-by-particle basis or as a small group of particulates sufficient to induce a subsequent fluorescence emission that is observed for a selected period of time by a sensor, typically a photomultiplier tube. The output of the sensor is representative of the intensity or amplitude of the fluorescence emission while the decrease in that intensity or amplitude with time is representative of the decay rate of the fluorescence emission. Those particulates exhibiting a decay rate “faster” than a threshold decay rate, which is determined empirically for the class of biological agents of interest, are identified as living while those particulates exhibiting decay rate “slower” than a threshold decay rate, which is also determined empirically for the class of biological agents of interest, are identified as a non-live interferant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting production of antibiotic-inactivating factor and for determining the antibiotic susceptibility of a microorganism comprising the following steps, a culture of the microorganism suspected of producing inactivating factors and/or whose susceptibility is to be determined is admixed with an antibiotic to which susceptibility is to be assayed, and a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing effective amount to form an assay culture. The assay culture is incubated under appropriate culture conditions and for a time sufficient to determine production of antibiotic-inactivating factors and/or the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic.

Abstract: A method of detecting presence or absence of prostate cancer in a subject, both in vivo and ex vivo is disclosed. The method comprises analyzing mitochondria or a mitochondrial component in at least one prostate cell of the subject, whereby mitochondria an alteration in quantity and or characteristic is indicative of the presence or absence of the prostate cancer in the subject.

Abstract: A substrate which can be used for the direct identification of pathogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Listeria by detecting an esterase activity other than Phosphatidyl Inositol-specific Phospholipase C (PI-PLC), an esterase which is specific to the species Listeria monocytogenes. The use of two substrates, one as described above and the other specific for all or some members of the genus Listeria, and a reaction medium containing such a substrate or such a combination of substrates are disclosed. An identification method which exploits such culture media is also disclosed. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of diagnosis.

Abstract: Van A and Van B vancomycin resistant enterococci detection media as well as a method of selectively detecting Van A and Van B vancomycin resistant enterococci clinically important in vancomycin resistant enterococci from testing microorganisms or specimens using the media. The media for selectively detecting Van A and Van B VRE from testing microorganisms and specimens are media where enterococci can grow where vancomycin, D-cycloserine and D-lactate are added. Preferably 32-256 ?g/ml of vancomycin, 1-64 ?g/ml of D-cycloserine, and 0.025-0.8 mol/l of sodium lactate are added to culture medium where enterococci can grow.

Abstract: This invention belongs to the genetic engineering field, and provides novel G protein-coupled receptor family proteins SREB1, SREB2 and SREB3 expressed in the central nervous system, genes coding for these proteins, screening methods using these proteins and so on. As one of the methods for obtaining the G protein-coupled receptor proteins of the present invention, RT-PCR is carried out using mRNA extracted from human or rat brain tissue or brain-derived cells as the template and using two primers interposing the entire portion or a part of the G protein-coupled receptor protein translation region, thereby obtaining cDNA corresponding to the G protein-coupled receptor protein or a part thereof, and the cDNA is integrated into an appropriate expression vector and expressed in a host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the antibiotic susceptibility of a microorganism comprising the following steps. First, a culture of the microorganism whose susceptibility is to be determined is admixed with an antibiotic to which susceptibility is to be assayed, and a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing effective amount to form an assay culture. Next, the assay culture is incubated under appropriate culture conditions and for a time sufficient to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a microorganism produces an AmpC ?-lactamase is disclosed in which a culture of a microorganism suspected of producing a ?-lactamase that inactivates a ?-lactam-containing antibiotic is admixed with an effective amount of each of i) a ?-lactam-containing antibiotic, ii) a ?-lactamase inhibitor to which AmpC ?-lactamase is resistant, and iii) a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing amount to form an assay culture. That assay culture in maintained under appropriate culture conditions and for a time period sufficient to determine the interaction of the microorganism with the AmpC ?-lactamase resistant inhibitor and antibacterial compound, and thereby determine the presence of an AmpC ?-lactamase, wherein a positive test indicates the presence of an AmpC ?-lactamase.

Abstract: A substrate which can be used for the direct identification of pathogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Listeria by detecting an esterase activity other than Phosphatidyl Inositol-specific Phospholipase C (PI-PLC), an esterase which is specific to the species Listeria monocytogenes. The use of two substrates, one as described above and the other specific for all or some members of the genus Listeria, and a reaction medium containing such a substrate or such a combination of substrates are disclosed. An identification method which exploits such culture media is also disclosed. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the antibiotic susceptibility of a microorganism comprising the following steps. First, a culture of the microorganism whose susceptibility is to be determined is admixed with an antibiotic to which susceptibility is to be assayed, and a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing effective amount to form an assay culture. Next, the assay culture is incubated under appropriate culture conditions and for a time sufficient to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the measurement of a cellular process, or for the measurement of the effect of a test compound on a cellular process, in one or more different populations of cells. The method comprises providing separate samples of one or more different populations of cells adhering to support particles, the support particles comprising a scintillant substance and being adapted for cell growth. In one embodiment, different samples of cells are introduced into separate reaction vessels in a fluid medium, together with a reagent labelled with a radioisotope, in the presence or the absence of the test compound, under conditions so as to cause a portion of said radiolabelled reagent to become associated with the cells. In another embodiment, multiparameter analysis may be performed to determine the effect of a test compound on a cellular process using two or more different cell populations present in the same well.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery of methods for identifying compounds that mediate (by promoting or inhibiting) protein-protein interaction (e.g., aggregation, dimerization, or other physiologically significant association). Compounds that mediate such interaction, which are also within the scope of the invention, can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease, disorders associated with expanded CAG repeats (such as Huntington's disease), and disorders in which polyglutamine-containing transcription factors or coactivators are undesirably active (e.g., disorders associated with homodimerization of jun or hexamerization of p53.

Abstract: A casino gaming machine includes a speaker structured to produce a game audio output having a volume, an ambient noise level (ambient noise level) detector structured to detect an ambient noise level proximate the gaming machine, and an dynamic volume controller configured to regulate the volume of the game audio output in relation to a detected ambient noise level. The gaming machine can produce a plurality of game audio outputs, wherein the game audio output volumes can be differentially adjusted in relation to a detected ambient noise level. Differential volume adjustment can be on the basis of a parameter, such as sound output class.

Abstract: The invention provides a scintillation proximity assay for detecting peptidoglycan synthesis. The assay is especially suitable for high throughput screening of compounds affecting peptidoglycan synthesis.

Abstract: Provided are methods to detect of modulators of the Receptor for Advanced Glycated Endproducts (RAGE). The invention comprises a method for detection of RAGE modulators comprising: adsorbing a RAGE ligand onto a solid surface; adding a compound of interest and a protein comprising RAGE or fragment thereof, to the preadsorbed ligand; adding an antibody which binds to RAGE or fragment thereof and a secondary antibody which binds to the anti-RAGE antibody; measuring the secondary antibody bound to the anti-RAGE antibody; and comparing the amount of RAGE bound to the ligand in the presence of varying amounts of the compound of interest. In an embodiment, the fragment of RAGE is sRAGE. In one aspect, the invention use of compounds detected by the method for treatment of AGE-related syndromes including complications associated with diabetes, kidney failure, lupus nephritis or inflammatory lupus nephritis, amyloidoses, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, inflammation, and erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying a modulator of quorum sensing signaling in bacteria, and for identifying a quorum sensing controlled gene in bacteria. In addition, the invention provides quorum sensing controlled genetic loci in Pseudomas aeruginosa. Novel indicator strains and vectors for engineering the strains for use in the method of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention belongs to the genetic engineering field, and provides novel G protein-coupled receptor family proteins SREB1, SREB2 and SREB3 expressed in the central nervous system, genes coding for these proteins, screening methods using these proteins and so on. As one of the methods for obtaining the G protein-coupled receptor proteins of the present invention, RT-PCR is carried out using mRNA extracted from human or rat brain tissue or brain-derived cells as the template and using two primers interposing the entire portion or a part of the G protein-coupled receptor protein translation region, thereby obtaining cDNA corresponding to the G protein-coupled receptor protein or a part thereof, and the cDNA is integrated into an appropriate expression vector and expressed in a host cell.

Abstract: An isolation plating medium for the identification of Salmonella bacteria in a sample containing a plurality of different bacteria comprising a mixture of a carbohydrate capable of being a metabolic source for Salmonella bacteria and supporting colonies of Salmonella bacteria, a pH indicator dye that changes the color of the plating medium to a first color different from the color of the medium responsive to a change in the pH of the medium, a first substrate that does not react with Salmonella bacteria and injects color into the medium of a second color responsive to the presence of beta-galactosidase, the second color contrasting with the first color and the color of the medium, a second substrate that does not react with Salmonella bacteria and injects color into the medium of substantially the same color as the second color responsive to the presence of beta=galactosidase, and an ingredient for thickening the mixture in sufficient quantity to solidify the mixture.

Abstract: Methods for detecting schizophrenia or related neuropsychiatric disorders based on modifications of the contribution of the D4 receptor to phospholipid methylation levels are described herein. Individuals with schizophrenia or related neuropsychiatric disorders have a deficiency in phospholipid methylation activity compared with normal individuals. Methods for screening therapeutic processes or agents for use in treatment of schizophrenia or related neuropsychiatric disorders are also described.

Abstract: An assay to determine the specific expression and suppression of proteins in response to a stressor is disclosed. An organism exposed to a stressor, including disease caused by exposure to, e.g., a parasite, or a substance suspected of causing an adverse effect, is assayed to determine a first set of proteins expressed and a second set of proteins suppressed in response to the stressor. The amount of each protein expressed and the amount of each protein suppressed can be statistically analyzed to determine which proteins are most useful in diagnosing the stressor. A protein profile for a first stressor can be compared to protein profiles for a second stressor, a third stressor, etc. A distinct protein expression signature (PES) for the first stressor can be identified by determining subsets fo proteins expressed and/or suppressed only in response to the first stressor.

Abstract: Materials and methods for the detection of microorganisms in a sample by bioluminescence following extraction of microbial ATP, comprises adding a polyol before or during the extraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting desensitization of a cell to the effects of a compound. The method comprises contacting the cell with an agent capable of inhibiting phosphorylation, by a protein kinase, of a receptor for the compound present on the surface of the cell. The present invention also relates to a method of screening a compound for its ability to inhibit desensitization. The method comprises: i) contacting a receptor specific kinase-containing sample with the compound under conditions such that interaction between receptor specific kinase present in the sample and the compound can occur, and ii) determining the ability of the receptor specific kinase to phosphorylate the receptor for which it is specific.

Abstract: A DNA sequence encoding human platelet-derived growth factor receptor (hPDGF-R) has now been isolated and sequenced. An expression construct comprising the sequence encodes a receptor that can be secreted or incorporated into the membrane of a mammalian cell. The incorporated receptor is functionally equivalent to the wild-type receptor, conferring a PDGF-sensitive mitogenic response on cells lacking the receptor. The construct can be used for enhancing PDGF response of cells, determining the regions involved in transducing the signal in response to PDGF binding, providing mutated analogs and evaluating drugs for their physiologic activity.

Abstract: This invention belongs to the genetic engineering field, and provides the novel G protein-coupled receptor family protein SREB2 expressed in the central nervous system, genes coding for the protein, screening methods using the protein and so on. As one of the methods for obtaining the G protein-coupled receptor protein of the present invention, RT-PCR is carried out using mRNA extracted from human or rat brain tissue or brain-derived cells as the template and using two primers interposing the entire portion or a part of the G protein-coupled receptor protein translation region, thereby obtaining cDNA corresponding to the G protein-coupled receptor protein or a part thereof, and the cDNA is integrated into an appropriate expression vector and expressed in a host cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant expression vector which is prepared by inserting a human parathyroid hormone gene containing a urokinase-specific cleavage site into an L-arabinose inducible vector containing a phosphoribulokinase gene fragment of Rhodabacter sphaeroides or its mutated gene as a fusion partner, or its mutate gene as a fusion partner, a recombinant microorganism transformed with the said expression vector, and a process for preparing human parathyroid hormone on a large scale by cultivating the said microorganism in a medium containing L-arabinose. In accordance with the invention, a recombinant human PTH having the same activity of the native human PTH can be prepared in a high yield through the precise control of induction by a manufacturing process which comprises a step of inducing expression of fusion protein in the microorganism transformed with the recombinant expression vector by L-arabinose.

Abstract: Antigens for the detection of antibodies to Neospora parasites for the diagnosis of neosporosis have been identified. Recombinant antigens may be produced by expression of DNA sequences derived from Neospora caninum. Both antigens are capable of detecting antibody responses in animals experimentally inoculated with N. caninum but show no evidence of cross-reactivity with serum from animals inoculated with closely related parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii or Sarcocystis species.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying and/or quantifying a charged biological substance in a conductive liquid medium.

Abstract: A method for screening substances for oncogenic activity is disclosed. The method involves administering the substance to an animal lacking responsiveness to interferon&ggr; and detecting a higher frequency or earlier time of tumor formation in the test animal compared to control animals. In addition, a method is provided for predicting the aggressiveness of a tumor in a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of amplifying nucleic acids to minimize contamination by products of earlier amplification reactions. More particularly, it relates to methods of using nucleic acid labels that inhibit further amplification of the amplicon, and compositions that are useful to accomplish this task. In particular, the present invention relates to photoreactive complexes of a binding ligand, a binding enhancer and a label.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation and identification of a toxicant in a sample are disclosed. Luminescent biological agents (i.e., bacteria) having sensitivity to a toxicant or an isolatable component in a sample are used to provide visually discernable zones of luminescent inhibition in the presence of a toxicant (or) in the presence of an isolatable sample component as separated by paper or thin layer chromatography. Kits for use in conjunction with the identification of a toxicant in a sample are also described, which include a luminescent biological reagent as the visualizing agent. Particular examples of luminescent bacterial agents useful in the practice of the present invention include Photobacterium leoganthi, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi a luminescent fungi, a luminescent fish extract, a luminescent dinoflagellate and fluorescent microorganisms, such as Cypridina.

Abstract: Compounds which possess a complementary structure to a desired molecule, such as a biomolecule, in particular polymeric or oligomeric compounds, which are useful as in vivo or in vitro diagnostic and therapeutic agents are provided. Also, various methods for producing such compounds are provided. These polymeric or oligomeric compounds are useful in particular as antimicrobial agents, receptor, hormone or enzyme agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: Simple equations that relate glucose, glutamate, glucuronate, and phenylacetylglutamine 13C NMR multiplet areas to gluconeogenesis and pyruvate recycling during metabolism of [1,2,3-13C3]propionate are presented. This indicates that a direct measure of gluconeogenesis, pyruvate recycling, and anaplerosis may be obtained from a single 13C NMR spectrum of suitably prepared blood or urine samples collected after oral administration of enriched propionate, acetaminophen, and phenylacetate.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel breath test for assessing bacterial overgrowth. The test involves administration of a labeled sorbitol or sorbitol derivative to a subject and measurement of the label in breath and/or blood.

Abstract: A negatively-charged S. aureus antigen contains &bgr;-hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. S. aureus strains that carry the antigen account for nearly all of the clinically significant strains of S. aureus that are not Type 5 or Type 8 strains. The antigen can be used in combination with S. aureus Type 5 polysaccharide antigen and S. aureus Type 8 polysaccharide antigen to provide nearly 100% coverage of S. aureus infection. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing S. aureus infection.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of retroviral RNA or DNA in a sample comprises using one or more detectable oligonucleotides that each hybridise with the primer binding site of a retroviral genome or its complement.