Abstract: Methods of quantifying the taste of compounds for food and beverages are provided. These methods comprise contacting the compounds with an isolated heteromeric receptor comprising at least one T1R1 polypeptide and at least one T1R3 polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods for display of recombinant whole immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin libraries on the surface of eukaryote host cells, including yeast and filamentous fungi, are described. The methods are useful for screening libraries of recombinant immunoglobulins in eukaryote host cells to identify immunoglobulins that are specific for an antigen of interest.

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

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and compositions for species-specific detection of bacterial and fungal nucleic acids and nucleic acids of antibiotic resistance genes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of introducing heterologous cells into fish. After introduction cells remain viable, and in some instances proliferate, for sufficient time to conduct a variety of analyses on the heterologous cells or the fish or both. Such methods are useful for screening potential drugs for toxicity toward introduced cells or for capacity to stimulate differentiation and/or proliferation of introduced cells. Such methods are also useful for diagnosing the presence of small quantities of cancerous cells or pathogens in patient tissue samples. Such methods are also useful for culturing cells for subsequent use in cell or tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polypeptides and cells comprising the polypeptides. The polypeptides and cells are used in methods to identify and/or isolate cells producing a protein with specific biological functions. In particular, the methods may be used for identifying, selecting, and isolating cells producing antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition useful for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with aberrant expression of the gene encoding the receptor Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 e.g. tumors or diseases of the kidneys, bones and eyes, lipid and glucose metabolism and obesity. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound which is capable of modifying (a) the expression of the gene encoding Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 or (b) the activity of the Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 receptor.

Abstract: A microplate for use within an interrogation system and a method of using the microplate are disclosed. The microplate contains within the bottom of each well, an optical waveguide grating based sensor. Approximate to each sensor is a mask having an aperture of predetermined size. The aperture regulates the light that enters and exits the sensor upon successive scans and ensures repeatable readings from the sensor. In an extended embodiment, a method of detection is disclosed that utilizes a launch and receive system while employing the aforementioned microplate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for sensitive and specific detection of complement fixing antibodies in a biological sample using complement factor C1q, including autologous complement factor C1q present in the biological sample and a detectably labeled antibody that binds the autologous complement factor C1q, exogenous human complement factor C1q and a detectably labeled antibody that binds the exogenous human complement factor C1q, detectably labeled exogenous human complement factor C1q, or a combination of autologous complement factor C1q and exogenous human complement factor C1q. The invention also features kits, systems, and devices for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are polypeptides comprising a variant activated protein C comprising one or more amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of K146R, D172N, C212R, K146G, R147G, R177G and combinations thereof. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, and cells, compositions and kits containing the polypeptides and nucleic acids. Also provided are methods of treating sepsis in a subject comprising administering to the subject one or more of the provided polypeptides or nucleic acids. Methods of screening for polypeptides with enhanced activated protein C and for an agent for treatment of sepsis are provided. Finally, provided is a method of treating sepsis in a subject comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more RGD-containing peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination or prediction of the progression of chronic kidney disease in a subject suspected to suffer from chronic kidney disease, said method comprising the step of determining the expression levels of at least one marker selected from (a) FGF23; and (b) adiponectin in a biological sample. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of a specific detection molecule for FGF23 or use of a specific detection molecule for adiponectin for the preparation of a diagnostic composition for the detection of chronic kidney disease or the progression of chronic kidney diseases in a subject suspected to suffer from said disease. In particular, the present invention also provides for use of FGF23 and/or of adiponectin as an in vitro marker for the presence, absence or progression of a chronic kidney disease and kits comprising a specific detection molecule for FGF23 or a specific detection molecule for adiponectin for use in the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of antibodies from body fluids via immune reaction with GP2 from pancreatic zymogenic granules, immunoreactive sequences or analogs thereof, excluding tissue sections.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting protein complexes of sigma factors and interacting proteins in a sample containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Such methods are useful for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of tuberculosis in a subject. Also disclosed are methods for screening compounds that affect the interaction of one or more sigma factors with one or more interacting proteins.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an enriched antibody population, highly specific for an antigen of a surface polysaccharide, from a mycobacterium. In a related embodiment, the antibody is enriched by having been raised in an environment that maintains antigenically active antigen. These antibodies may be used in an immunoreactive environment for detecting the presence of a mycobacterial infection in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the extracorporeal ablation of target cells circulating in blood of an organism. Exogenous material introduced into the blood preferentially associates with target cells (e.g. cancer cells, bacteria, viruses) in the blood. An extracorporeal continuous flow pathway accesses the patient's blood to apply an external energy source to the blood at an ex vivo ablation device in a portion of the extracorporeal continuous flow pathway. The exogenous material interact with the applied energy so as to result in the damage or death of the target cells. The blood is then returned to the body in a continuous-flow pattern. By applying the energy while the blood is in the ex vivo ablation device, shielding of the target cells by the body is reduced and detrimental effects on the organs and tissues of the body are avoided or mitigated.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) that permits differentiating LAM from another lung disorder. Methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides for use in immunocontraception of canines and other animals. The disclosed compositions may include pharmaceutical compositions. Methods for identifying peptides that bind to intact oocytes also are provided, in particular methods for identifying peptides that bind to zona pellucida of intact oocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medicament for preventing/treating cancer, comprising a tacrine compound, or a compound promoting the binding between the tacrine compound and a protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide binding agents, e.g. antibodies, that exhibit the ability to kinetically modulate the binding and signaling of biological signaling complexes, e.g., receptor-ligand complexes; methods of identifying such polypeptide binding agents, methods of making such polypeptide binding agents, compositions comprising such polypeptide binding agents, and methods of using such polypeptide binding agents.

Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the facile generation of a stable recombinant fusion polypeptides with intrinsic fluorescent properties. The recombinant antibodies may be suitable for qualitative and/or quantitative immunofluorescence analysis. Generally, the fluorescent polypeptides include a fluorescent domain comprising a C-terminus and an N-terminus; a first antibody domain covalently linked to the C-terminus; and a second antibody domain covalently linked to the N-terminus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel adjuvant Mycobacterium w and or its constituents and adjuvant containing composition, which contains antigen (s) with pharmaceutical acceptable carrier and its uses. Mycobacterium w and or its constituents when administered with antigen (s) to mammal results in enhanced immunogenicity of antigen. The enhanced immunogenicity manifests as humoral responses as well as cell mediated immunity. The adjuvant effect is seen with variety of antigens in various mammals irrespective of their immune status at the time of administration of Mycobacterium w and antigen containing composition. e.g. immune naïve or preimmunized status.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying modulators of mammalian, e.g., human, h2-calponin, the calponin isoform of relatively neutral pI. H2-calponin exerts an effect on the migration and proliferation of a variety of muscle (smooth muscle) and non-muscle cells and is an actin filament-associated regulatory protein influencing the structure of the actin cytoskeleton. Modulators of the activity levels of this protein are useful in preventing, ameliorating, or treating a variety of diseases, disorders or conditions characterized by aberrant cell migration and/or cell proliferation.

Abstract: Novel, sensitive and specific markers for diagnostics and monitoring of liver injuries, including, but not limited to ischemic liver damage, are provided. This includes identification of several enzymes of arginine/urea/nitric oxide cycle, sulfuration enzymes and spectrin breakdown related products, among others.

Abstract: A method of using a biological indicator to detect and identify sources of fecal contamination such as leaking sewer lines, septic tanks, and holding lagoons, using a microorganism having a biological indicator including an exogenous DNA indicator sequence incorporated into the genome of the microorganism. The exogenous DNA indicator sequence functions as a detectable signal that may be detected by visual detection methods or direct detection methods of the indicator sequence itself.

Abstract: This invention is based on the identification of the role played by the receptor mX on certain insects through the behavior evinced in the taste sensory reactions of these insects. The invention addresses the use of the modulators on the mX receptor, such as L-canavanine and/or a mix of arginine and calcium and/or N-methyl-L-arginine (NMA) which are used to prepare a compound with repellent or attractive qualities with regard to certain insects. The invention also concerns the use of an mX insect receptor as a target for the identification of repellent substances regarding at least some insects.

Abstract: Provide is a method for evaluating test agents as candidates for treating prostatic diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgen dependent and androgen independent prostate cancer. The method comprises providing a mouse comprising a human prostate primary xenograft, where the xenograft contains blood vessels that include human endothelial cells, initiating androgen deprivation in the mouse, administering to the mouse a test agent within a period of 1-7 days after initiating the androgen deprivation, and determining a reduction in human epithelial cells in the xenografts and/or a reduction in number of the endothelial cells or blood vessels in the xenograft. Also provided is a method for treating an individual for human prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microscopy and, in particular, Time-resolved Emission Imaging Microscopy (TREM). The Invention relates to the use of a transition metal complex having a tridentate ligand in an imaging technique. The transition metal is preferably platinum.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agonists of the human bitter-taste receptors hTAS2R46, hTAS2R47 and hTAS2R50 and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to methods for identifying molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress, or enhance hTAS2R46, hTAS2R47 and hTAS2R50 bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response.

Abstract: This invention relates to the functionalized cyanine dyes and more particularly, to the synthesis of chiral 3-substituted 2,3?-dimethyl-3H-indole and its derivatives as intermediates for preparation of cyanine dyes, to methods of preparing these dyes and the dyes so prepared.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying antibody preparations that can form a pair of antibodies that optimally detect a target antigen, for example, in a sandwich immunoassay. These methods provide high affinity and epitope-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleotide construct encoding a fusion protein consisting of a domain which binds the immunoglobulin Fc region, genetically fused to a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE). In particular, the invention discloses the fusion protein, ZZ-PE38, and further provides immunotoxins, formed from complexes of the fusion protein with antibodies for targeted cell killing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparation of a solid substrate capable of immobilizing at least one cell and/or at least one part of a cell, said method comprising a step consisting of fixing, to said solid substrate, a fusogenic compound capable of being inserted in cell membranes. The present invention also relates to a method for immobilizing at least one cell and/or at least one part of a cell using the solid substrate thus prepared, said solid substrate and its uses in the area of biomedical diagnostics or health monitoring of biological fluids or intended for human or animal use.

Abstract: Improved methods for detecting microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria in mixtures, are disclosed. Methods include passing a sample mixture through a filter device, which has been pretreated with a detergent, resuspending the filtrand in the filter membranes and detecting the presence of microorganisms in the filtrand.

Abstract: Described herein are deposited hybridoma cell lines and the monoclonal antibodies produced by these hybridomas, and antigen binding fragments thereof. These monoclonal antibodies and antigen binding fragments specifically bind marinobufagenin. The disclosure also encompasses the use of these monoclonal antibodies or antigen binding fragments in a method for detecting the presence of marinobufagenin in a biological sample. Also provided are methods for the use of these monoclonal antibodies or antigen binding fragments as prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic agents for the detection, inhibition and treatment of a cardiovascular disease, for example, essential hypertension, hypertension associated with preeclampsia, eclampsia, or renal failure, or myocardial fibrosis in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention dedicates to detect nephritis in early stage of either primary or secondary nephritis using an anti NC1 monoclonal antibody. The present invention dedicates to provide useful information for diagnosis of renal function to detect NC1 by immunofluorescent stain method in renal biopsy section obtained at early stage where immunoglobulins do not deposit yet in renal GBM etc, or by antigen-antibody reaction in urine or serum specimens. Furthermore, the present invention comprises to utilize for therapeutic use.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the surprising and unexpected discovery that insects that are resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins have measurably altered alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as compared to insects that are susceptible to Cry toxins. This and other surprising discoveries reported herein have broad implications in areas such as managing and monitoring the development of insect resistance to B.t. toxins. For example, the subject invention provides a simple and fast assay (enzymatic or otherwise) for detecting ALP activity levels and thereby monitoring the development of resistance by insects to crystal protein insect toxins. There was no prior motivation or suggestion to go about resistance monitoring using this simple and easy approach.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a metabolic stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR35, and b) determining whether GPR35 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR35 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a metabolic stabilizing compound. The invention further relates to a method for treating or preventing a metabolic-related disorder, comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a GPR35 modulator.

Abstract: A device for conducting an agglutination assay comprising several reaction vessels, each reaction vessel comprising an upper chamber having an opening for accepting reactants and/or a sample; and a lower chamber comprising an end in communication with the upper chamber for receiving fluids from the upper chamber, a closed end opposite to the end, and a matrix for separating agglutinates from non-agglutinates; wherein the device further comprises a rotating support able to rotate around an axis and holding pivotally the reaction vessels in a way to allow the reaction vessels to pivot about an axis essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support when the latter is rotated, such that the fluids remain in the upper chamber when the support is not rotated, and can flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber and into the matrix when the support is rotated.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, methods, and species that include electroactive entities which can serve as signaling entities in chemical and/or biochemical assays. The electroactive species can be metallocenes, such as ferrocenes, including substituents that affect the oxidation/reduction potential (redox potential) of the species. By controlling the redox potential of the species, multiple species can be used in a single assay, each species having a different redox potential, for simultaneous signaling of different binding events. Additionally, species having redox potentials lower than 490 mV can be provided, allowing signaling within a potential range easily detectable in the presence of biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides the method of predicting an non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are new acridone dye derivatives having characteristic fluorescence lifetimes. Also disclosed are methods for labelling target biological materials employing the acridone dyes and use of the labelled materials in biological assays.

Abstract: Provided are methods of determining whether a cell in a tissue site is viable or nonviable. Also provided are methods of debriding tissue from a tissue site. Further provided are kits comprising a compound that distinguishes between viable and nonviable cells and instructions for using the compound on a tissue site. Additionally, the use of a compound that distinguishes between viable and nonviable cells is provided, where the use is to determine whether a cell in a tissue site is viable or nonviable. Also provided is a use of a compound that distinguishes between viable and nonviable cells, where the use is for the manufacture of the above-described kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screening tool and screening method for obtaining a substance useful as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic drug for diseases associated with 5-HT production/secretion abnormalities, including digestive organ diseases, and a prophylactic and/or therapeutic drug for diseases associated with 5-HT production/secretion abnormalities, including digestive organ diseases. Examples of digestive organ diseases in the present invention include constipation type irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and vomiting.

Abstract: RTP801 represents a unique gene target for hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Down-regulation of the mTOR pathway activity by hypoxia requires de novo mRNA synthesis and correlates with increased expression of RTP801. The present invention relates to screening systems utilizing RTP801 and/or RTP801 interactors to and/or RTP801 biological activity, to drug candidates identified by such screening systems, and to the use of such drug candidates in the treatment of various disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, water-soluble, red-emitting fluorescent rhodamine dyes and red-emitting fluorescent energy-transfer dye pairs, as well as labeled conjugates comprising the same and methods for their use. The dyes, energy-transfer dye pairs and labeled conjugates are useful in a variety of aqueous-based applications, particularly in assays involving staining of cells, protein binding, and/or analysis of nucleic acids, such as hybridization assays and nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds. The invention further relates to the use of these receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors by these bitter ligands and related compounds and which may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages, cosmetics and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.