Abstract: The present invention relates to nitroxide imaging probes that are isotopically modified or unmodified. Such nitroxide imaging probes may be included in liposomes that encapsulate self-quenching concentrations thereof, wherein the liposomes optionally comprise a targeting ligand specific to and having affinity for targeted tissue.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting Neuromedin U signalling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to satisfying the need to detect microbial contamination of food products. The described bioseparator/bioreactor coupled with an optical/electrochemical biosensor was able to specifically detect E. coli O157:H7 from 8.8×101 to 8.8×106 CFU/ml in 2.5 hours without any enrichment. Using this invention, concentrations of S. Typhimurium ranging from 8.6×102 to 8.6×106 CFU/ml in pure culture were detected in 2 hours without any enrichment. The invention may also be used for the detection of S. Seftenberg, which has the same sensitivity as S. Typhimurium. Other pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and S. Heidleberg did not interfere with the detection. The optimum inner diameter of the 25 cm long column for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 is 250 ?m.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for detecting low concentrations of bacteria in liquid solution that may or may not be complex liquid solutions. In one embodiment, immunomagnetic separation (IMS) is used to separate target bacterium that may be in a liquid mixture from other constituents in the mixture. A low concentration of a bacteriophage for the target bacteria is subsequently used to infect target bacterial cells that have been captured using the IMS technique. If at least a certain concentration of target bacterium are present, the bacteriophage will multiply to a point that is detectable. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-MS) is then used to produce a mass spectrum that is analyzed to determine if one or more proteins associated with the bacteriophage are present, thereby indirectly indicating that target bacterium were present in the liquid mixture.

Abstract: Provided are biosensors, compositions comprising biosensors, and methods of using biosensors in living cells and organisms. The biosensors are able to be selectively targeted to certain regions or structures within a cell. The biosensors may provide a signal when the biosensor is targeted and/or in response to a property of the cell or organism such as membrane potential, ion concentration or enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a hybrid protein including the sequence of a first membrane receptor fused at its C-terminus to the N-terminus of an ion channel, and possibly containing a linker between the C-terminus of the first membrane receptor and the N-terminus part of the ion channel, the linker being absent in the natural configuration of the first membrane receptor and the ion channel, as a biosensor for: the screening of drugs modulating the activity of the first membrane receptor in its natural configuration, and/or for the in vitro diagnosis of pathologies associated with the presence or the variation of amount of a molecule modifying the activity of the first membrane receptor in its natural configuration.

Abstract: The present invention describes product and analysis method for analysis of a substance, a virus, a bacteria or a cell which binds to carbohydrate structures. One or more carbohydrates, or carbohydrate derivatives, is bound to spherical or non-spherical polymer beads (for example microspheres or nanospheres). Formed carbohydrate-polymer beads or carbohydrate-polymer particles, can bind to with more or less specific affinity to the substance, bacteria, virus or cell which shall be detected. The carbohydrate beads is contacted with a sample containing the substance, bacteria, virus or cell (completely or partially isolated, or not purified, in a non-diluted or diluted solution). The resulting mixture is optionally added to a gel, or a column containing a gel, through which the resulting mixture (of carbohydrate beads or carbohydrate particles bound to the substance, virus, bacteria or cell), is allowed to migrate. Detection of aggregates is made visually or using apparatus for detection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, inter alia, a biological reagent that includes a complex having a first GPCR and a second GPCR linked to a G-protein, the linkage between the second GPCR and the G-protein being of a length, which pre-vents productive interaction between the G-protein and the second GPCR, wherein the first GPCR and the second GPCR linked to the G-protein alone are incapable of producing a signal when presented with a ligand. The invention also provides methods of producing such a biological reagent, as well as methods of determining oligomeric GPCR interactions, methods of identifying compounds that have an effect on GPCR oligomers, methods of identifying a compound capable of interacting with GPCR oligomers, methods of identifying a compound having the ability to modulate binding between a GPCR oligomer and its ligand, and methods for evaluating differential G-protein coupling.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that the determination of ion transport function or property using direct detection methods, such as patch-clamps, whole cell recording or single channel recording, are preferable to methods that utilize indirect detection methods, such as FRET based detection system. The present invention provides biochips and methods of use that allow for the direct analysis of ion transport function or property using microfabricated structures that can allow for automated detection of ion transport function or property. These biochips and methods of use thereof are particularly appropriate for automating the detection of ion transport function or property, particularly for screening purposes.

Abstract: A method and a test for detecting coagulation activation, in particular when it is responsible for thromboembolic venous diseases; employs assaying D-dimers and assaying the soluble fibrin produced during a fibrinolysis process activated in a blood sample. The method of the invention pertains to comparing the level of D-dimers corresponding to degradation of soluble fibrin and the level of D-dimers of the sample with normal threshold values. The test of the invention may also be used to determine whether anti-coagulation is sufficient in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is method of determining whether or not associations between a given protein and other proteins in a cell are specific.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a peptide-receptor complex with zsig33 polypeptides and their receptors as well as antibodies. Methods of modulating gastric contractility, nutrient uptake, growth hormones, the secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones, and/or secretion of enzymes and/or hormones in the pancreas are also included.

Abstract: Disclosed are analogues of trimethine cyanine dyes, which are useful for importing fluorescent properties to target materials by covalent and non-covalent association.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reliably detecting the presence of proteins, especially proteins with various post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, glycosylation, methylation, acetylation, etc.) in a sample by the use of one or more capture agents that recognize and interact with recognition sequences uniquely characteristic of a set of proteins (Proteome Epitope Tags, or PETs) in the sample. Arrays comprising these capture agents or PETs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating cells from a sample which method comprises binding said cells to a solid support by means of a non-specific ligand immobilised on said solid support, particularly to a method of isolating microorganisms from a sample. Preferred ligands for use in such methods include carbohydrates and derivatives thereof. Also described is a kit for isolating microorganisms from a sample comprising: (a) a solid support having immobilised thereon a ligand which is capable of non-specific binding to microorganisms; (b) means for binding microorganisms to said solid support; optionally (c) means for lysing said cells; and optionally (d) means for binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to a solid support.

Abstract: Methods for measuring c-Met levels in urine and blood samples are provided. Methods for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation for cancer are also provided.

Abstract: Novel chimeric proteins functional to screen for sweet taste modulators, the corresponding nucleic acid sequences, expression vectors, transfected host cells, and screening methods for modulators and enhancers of the sweet taste response employing the aforementioned are provided.

Abstract: A method for quantitating vitamin D metabolites directly in blood plasma or serum, without the need for prior purification of the vitamin D metabolites, comprising a digestion of the serum proteins with a serine protease such as proteinase K and sequence of steps for inhibiting the proteinase K activity in the competitive binding analysis. The advantages of this method are its high accuracy over the whole range of physiologically relevant values and that it can be easily adapted for a fully automated analysis of serum and plasma samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies directed against APRIL (A Proliferation Inducing TNF Ligand, also known as TALL-2), in particular the monoclonal antibody Aprily-2, hybridoma cells producing monoclonal antibody Aprily-2, and the use of a combination of an antibody against membrane-anchored APRIL and Aprily-2 in the diagnosis of B cell lymphoma resistance to treatment and the prognosis of clinical development of Diffuse Large B-Cell (DLBCL) lymphoma from high risk patients (>60 years and International Prognostic Index >2). An amino acid sequence GTGGPSQNGEGYP called Stalk, useful in the preparation of antibodies, is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of a transient receptor potential channel, referred to herein as TRP8, which is expressed in taste receptor cells and associated with the perception of bitter and sweet taste. The invention encompasses TRP8 nucleotides, host cell expression systems, TRP8 proteins, fusion proteins, polypeptides and peptides, antibodies to the TRP8 protein, transgenic animals that express a TRP8 transgene, and recombinant “knock-out” animals that do not express TRP8. The invention further relates to methods for identifying modulators of the TRP8-mediated taste response and the use of such modulators to either inhibit or promote the perception of bitterness or sweetness. The modulators of TRP8 activity may be used as flavor enhancers in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of a transient receptor potential channel, referred to herein as TRP8, which is expressed in taste receptor cells and associated with the perception of bitter and sweet taste. The invention encompasses TRP8 nucleotides, host cell expression systems, TRP8 proteins, fusion proteins, polypeptides and peptides, antibodies to the TRP8 protein, transgenic animals that express a TRP8 transgene, and recombinant “knock-out” animals that do not express TRP8. The invention further relates to methods for identifying modulators of the TRP8-mediated taste response and the use of such modulators to either inhibit or promote the perception of bitterness or sweetness. The modulators of TRP8 activity may be used as flavor enhancers in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The concentration of analytes in a complex mixture can be ascertained by spectroscopic measurement, even if the spectra of substances other than the analyte overlap with that of the analyte. Both independently measured concentrations of the analyte in a training set and of the analyte spectrum are used. Variances in the spectral data attributable to the analyte are isolated from spectral variances from other causes, such as compositional changes associated with different samples that are independent of the analyte. For the special case of noninvasive glucose measurements on the skin of biological organisms, the volume averaged glucose in the sample is predicted from the blood glucose. A test for over-fitting of the data is also described.

Abstract: Methods for treating mammals with infections, particularly viral infections using molecules that have an IL-21 functional activity are described. The molecules having IL-21 functional activities include polypeptides that have homology to the human IL-21 polypeptide sequence and proteins fused to a polypeptide with IL-21 functional activity. The molecules can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other known antimicrobial or antiviral therapeutics.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for metabolic oligosaccharide engineering that incorporates derivatized alkyne-bearing sugar analogs as “tags” into cellular glycoconjugates. The disclosed method incorporates alkynyl derivatized Fuc and alkynyl derivatized ManNAc sugars into a cellular glycoconjugate. A chemical probe comprising an azide group and a visual probe or a fluorogenic probe is used to label the alkyne-derivatized sugar-tagged glycoconjugate. In one aspect, the chemical probe binds covalently to the alkynyl group by Cu(I)-catalyzed [3+2] azide-alkyne cycloaddition and is visualized at the cell surface, intracellularly, or in a cellular extract. The labeled glycoconjugate is capable of detection by flow cytometry, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA or confocal microscopy, and mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and methods for determining levels of STIM2 activity, thus providing tools for the characterization and study of the regulation of intracellular calcium levels.

Abstract: In the present invention cells are placed in a multiwell plate and grown. When the assay is to be performed, one uses gravity to wash away any unbound ligands rather than vacuum or centrifugation. The cells are then examined to detect the bound ligand. To perform the washing step(s) the plate is placed into a carrier plate having open wells in register with the wells of the filter plate or one may use a wicking device or an underdrain attached to the bottom of the filter plate. Sufficient wash liquid is added to allow for filtration by the effect of gravity to occur. Cells are retained within the wells at a rate of 4 times that of other rapid methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines, in particular, to an attenuated gram-negative cell comprising the SPI2 gene locus, wherein at least one gene of the SPI2 locus is inactivated, wherein said inactivation results in an attenuation/reduction of virulence compared to the wild type of said cell, and to a carrier for the presentation of an antigen to a host, which carrier is said attenuated gram-negative cell, wherein said cell comprises at least one heterologous nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for said antigen, wherein said cell is capable of expressing said nucleic acid molecule or capable of causing the expression of said nucleic acid molecule in a target cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bitter-taste receptors and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block, bitter taste transduction, or enhance bitter taste response.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for measuring human megalin that can be performed in a simpler manner within a shorter period of time than is possible with conventional techniques, and that can also quantify human megalin. This invention also provides a method that enables diagnosis of functional diseases, which are specific to cells, tissues, or organs, in a site-directed manner at an early stage. Measurement of human megalin enables detection of a disease in an organ in which megalin expression is observed.

Abstract: Provided are dyes and compositions which are useful in a number of applications, such as the detection and monitoring protein aggregation, kinetic studies of protein aggregation, neurofibrillary plaques analysis, evaluation of protein formulation stability, protein thermal stability shift assay and analysis of molecular chaperone activity. These dyes and compositions are also useful as probes in nucleic acid and protein detection.

Abstract: Phytoplankton represent a potential source of bioactive compounds. The present disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for identifying glycerolipids and apoptosis-inducing sphingosine-like lipids from virally-infected phytoplankton.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying and optimizing peptide substrates for enzymes such as lipoic acid ligase (Lp1A).

Abstract: A microfluidic chip for at least one of cell culturing and cell assay has a cell culture chamber defined by the microfluidic chip, a first microchannel defined by the microfluidic chip and constructed to provide a fluid path to said cell culture chamber, the microchannel having a pneumatic valve formed therein to permit selective opening and closing of a fluid path to said cell culture chamber, and a second microchannel defined by the microfluidic chip and constructed to provide a fluid path from the cell culture chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screening method/screening kit for an IL-13 production inhibitor, which comprises using (a) a protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or its partial peptide, or a salt thereof; and (b) a ligand capable of specifically binding to the protein; an IL-13 production inhibitor which is obtainable by said screening, and the like. The IL-13 production inhibitor which can be obtained by the screening of the present invention is useful as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for, e.g., respiratory disease, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for continuously measuring the concentrations of more than one target analyte. Specifically, the devices comprise a plurality of analyte binding domains, with each domain being capable of specifically and reversibly binding to at least one of the target analytes. The devices further comprise a membrane surrounding these binding domains that is permeable to the target analytes. The devices convey binding information to a detector. The invention also relates to methods of using the devices, including monitoring chronic disease states in an individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to optoelectronic systems for detecting one or more target particles. The system includes a reaction chamber, a specimen collector, an optical detector, and a reservoir containing cells, each of the cells having receptors which are present on the surface of each cell and are specific for the target particle to be detected, where binding of the target particle to the receptors directly or indirectly activates a reporter molecule, thereby producing a measurable optical signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to liquid crystalline substrates useful in the culture of cells and methods of their use. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for imaging changes (e.g., reorganization) of extracellular matrix components by living cells.

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: The present invention relates to a method of detecting whether a target animal is Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) positive or negative by determining whether a gp48 protein-specific reagent binds to a gp48 Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus protein or protein fragment, which retains antigenic specificity, from a target animal's tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting whether a target animal is Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) positive or negative by determining whether a gp48 protein-specific reagent binds to a gp48 Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus protein or protein fragment, which retains antigenic specificity, from a target animal's hair sample.

Abstract: A colloidal silica particle containing a light-absorbing substance, comprising a colloidal silica particle and a light-absorbing substance distributed over the colloidal silica particle, wherein the light-absorbing substance is chemically bound to or adsorbed on a silica component.

Abstract: This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling; variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides; uses of polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives; and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are, the isolation and identification of polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an competitive analyte immunoassays. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with sacrificial beads opsonized for leukocytes; and (b) performing a competitive immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG-coated sacrificial beads.

Abstract: Transporters are an emerging target family with enormous potential, offering scientific and economic opportunities. The sodium/calcium exchanger is an important mechanism for removing Ca2+ from diverse cells. In heart, it extrudes Ca2+ that has entered through Ca2+ Channels to initiate contraction, while Na+ enters the heart cell. It is of considerable interest to identify Compounds that modulate the activity of sodium/calcium exchangers. The present invention is directed to a fluorescence-based assay for detecting NCX and NCKX “forward mode” modulating Compounds. It further refers to a kit of parts comprising cells expriming a sodium/calcium exchanger and the use of the kit of parts to test a Compound for activity as an agonist or antagonist of a sodium/calcium exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining a risk or identifying a condition associated with the presence of endometriosis in a subject as well as testing a candidate compound for a therapeutic activity for the treatment of endometriosis and sorting patients based on the risk of having endometriosis. Specifically, the methods utilize novel markers for assessing the risk of the patient having endometriosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit to be used in an assay system for determination of an anti-von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease (“anti-vWF-cp”) antibody in a sample. The kit comprises vWF-cp and/or vWF-fragment(s) immobilized on a solid phase. The kit can be used in a method for determination of anti-vWF-cp antibodies from a patient, for the diagnosis of disorders associated with the occurrence of anti-vWF-cp-antibodies, and the differentiation of various forms of thrombotic microangiopathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing an infertility condition in a human female subject, the method comprising detecting pregnancy-related serine protease (PRSP) protein in a test sample taken from said subject at between 7 and 20 weeks into pregnancy; detecting PRSP protein in a test sample from a fertile control mammal taken within the same period; and comparing the PRSP protein in the test sample with the PRSP protein detected in the control sample, wherein a change in PRSP protein in the sample compared to the control sample is indicative of an infertility condition.

Abstract: A change in viral tropism occurs in many HIV positive individuals over time and can be indicated by a change in coreceptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4. The change in coreceptor usage to CXCR4 has been shown to correlate with increased disease progression. In patients undergoing HAART, the predominant populations of virus can be shifted back to CCR5-mediated entry after the CXCR4-specific strains have emerged. The present invention relates to a diagnostic method to monitor coreceptor use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic method applied to HIV-positive individuals undergoing HAART to monitor the suppression of CXCR4 specific strains. The diagnostic methods can be used to assist in selecting antiretroviral therapy and to improve predictions of disease prognosis over time.

Abstract: The invention of novel, effective vaccines against Mycoplasma. bovis for use in cattle is described. These vaccines demonstrate no undesirable side effects and protect against M. bovis related disease, such as contagious mastitis, respiratory pneumonia, joint infections, keratoconjunctivitis and middle ear infections. The novel vaccines also lessen the effect of M. bovis infections on milk production, weight gain and animal health. Methods of diagnosing, characterizing and treating M. bovis infections as specific biotypes are also disclosed. Vaccine compositions made in accordance with the invention may be either of the attenuated or inactivated variety. Vaccines may also include antigens from other pathogens so as to provide a protective immunogenic response to diseases other than those caused by M. bovis.

Abstract: Whole cell, simultaneous target and drug-target assay using differentially labeled antibodies and flow cytometry. First antibody binds to total target and second antibody binds to the drug binding site of the target, thus drug binding will competitively inhibit the second antibody allowing for a competitive inhibition assay of drug-target binding. The assay allows for whole cell analysis and even analysis of mixed populations of cells, yet provides detailed kinetic assessment of drug activity.