Abstract: A novel sweet receptor protein, corresponding nucleic acid sequence, expression vectors, transfected host cells, and screening methods for modulators including ligands of the sweet taste response employing the aforementioned are provided.

Abstract: A reporter system reflecting the transport process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall was constructed and compounds inhibiting this process were discovered. Further, fungal genes conferring resistance to the above compounds were identified and methods of screening for compounds that inhibit the activity of the proteins encoded by these genes were developed. These genes encode proteins participating in fungal cell wall synthesis. Therefore, through the novel compounds, the present invention showed that antifungal agents having a novel mechanism, i.e. inhibiting the process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall, could be achieved.

Abstract: A device for detection of magnetic permeability ? or, alternatively, relative magnetic permeability ?r or, alternatively, relative magnetic susceptibility (?r?1) of a sample, wherein said device contains a sample chamber and at least two coils, one coil surrounding said sample chamber and one coil placed so as to be in thermal contact by being physically connected to the material which constitutes the sample chamber, but without surrounding the cavity of the sample chamber, said sample chamber having at least one opening for introduction of a sample or a sample container holding a sample, said device also provided with an electronic circuit which measures the difference in inductance between the two coils.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA encoding a GWT1 protein having activity to confer resistance of a fungus against a compound of formula Ia, and wherein a defect of a function of the GWT1 protein leads to a decrease in the amount of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein in the cell wall of a fungus.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods, systems, and kits for assaying an agent for mutagenic properties. The methods systems and kits utilize a DEL selectable marker and a colorimetric detection systems. Also included are methods systems and kits that utilize a DEL selectable marker and a regent that detects mitochondrial activity.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel haplotype of the human taste receptor hT2R50 in the T2R taste receptor family that responds to particular bitter ligands, i.e., 2-acetylpyrazine and ethylpyrazine. The present invention also relates to the use of this novel haplotype in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of the hT250 taste receptor. These compounds potentially may be used as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for modifying (blocking) hT2R50-associated bitter taste.

Abstract: The subject invention provides silica-based material that has high affinity to chitin, chitin derivatives and chitin-containing microorganisms at an acidic pH. In an embodiment, the silica-based material surface comprises glass. Also provided are methods for preparing the subject silica-based chitin-binding material. In addition, the subject invention provides rapid, specific, sensitive, accurate and convenient methods for detection, isolation and purification of chitin, chitin derivatives and chitin-containing microorganisms.

Abstract: A reporter system reflecting the transport process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall was constructed and compounds inhibiting this process were discovered. Further, genes conferring resistance to the above compounds were identified and methods of screening for compounds that inhibit the activity of the proteins encoded by these genes were developed. Therefore, through the novel compounds, the present invention showed that antifungal agents having a novel mechanism, i.e. inhibiting the process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall, could be achieved.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a diagnostic moiety indicative of exposure to an infectious organism in a biological sample taken from a human or animal, said method comprising; (a) adding to said sample a first fluorescently labelled reagent which binds said diagnostic moiety, and a second fluorescently labelled reagent which either binds said diagnostic moiety in addition to said first fluorescently labelled reagent, or which binds the first fluorescently labelled reagent or a complex comprising the first fluorescently labelled reagent in competition to the said diagnostic moiety, wherein a label on one of the first or second fluorescently labelled reagent acts as a fluorescent energy donor compound and wherein the other of the first or second fluorescently labelled reagent acts as a fluorescent energy acceptor compound which is able to accept fluorescent energy from said donor compound; (b) exciting the fluorescent energy donor compound by illuminating with light of a wavelength which is absorbed by

Abstract: This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient.

Abstract: Subject of the present invention is a method for detection of an antibiotic resistance in a micro-organism comprising the steps of exposing suspected micro-organism to a labelled (fluorescent) antibiotic and observing the differences between it and a non-resistant micro-organism of the same type.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for display of recombinant proteins or protein libraries on the surface of lower eukaryotes such as yeast and filamentous fungi are described. The methods are useful for screening libraries of recombinant proteins in lower eukaryotes to identify particular proteins with desired properties from the array of proteins in the libraries. The methods are particularly useful for constructing and screening antibody libraries in lower eukaryotes.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a sample for target microorganisms of interest are described. In particular, the methods are useful for detecting a variety of yeast and mold microorganisms based on the presence of a ubiquitous cell wall component, such as zymosan. Methods of analyzing a sample for fungal microorganisms using liposomes and/or culture media are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a low molecular weight organic compound (e.g. a plant or bacteria secondary metabolite) in increased yields involving use of a microorganism cell, which comprises a gene involved in the biosynthesis pathway leading to a low molecular weight organic aglycon compound and a glycosyltransferase gene capable of glycosylating the produced aglycon.

Abstract: We describe the functional cloning and the use of a non-fungal inositol phosphoryceraminde synthase (IPC synthase) in a screening assay for the identification of agents that target and antagonize the activity of IPC synthase.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for detecting a substance by cell surface polarizations and the detection thereof by means of PPR or particle-mediated fluorescence. The device for detecting a substance by cell surface polarization according to the invention has cells, wherein a gene the expression of which leads to the polarized presentation of a protein on the surface of the cell is placed under the control of a promotor which can be regulated by the substance to be detected, nanoparticles which are functionalized with a molecule which can bind specifically to the surface-exposed protein, and at least one optical measurement device, such that an accumulation of the nanoparticles on the surface of the cells can be detected by particle plasmon resonance or particle-mediated fluorescence.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting the sub-cellular localization of a molecule are provided. Aspects of the invention include detecting translocation of a cell-surface receptor to a sub-cellular compartment, e.g., the endosome, using a reduced affinity enzyme complementation reporter system. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing embodiments of the methods.

Abstract: A method for screening compounds for their ability to interact with transmembrane proteins is provided. Also provided is a method for determining whether proteins such as transmembrane proteins are able to oligomerise.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members, such as BmIAP initially derived from Bombyx mori BmN cells, and nucleic acids encoding them, and methods for making and using these compositions, including their use for inhibiting apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing biopesticides based on Trichoderma harzianum, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Pseudomonas fluorescens comprising preparing mass or stock culture of biocontrol fungi and bacteria on sawdust, soil and molasses mixture, and then immobilizing the bioagents in a flyable based carrier.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel mechanisms in the aging process and describes novel methods for high-throughput screening to identify, detect, and purify agents to be used for improving mitochondrial function, maintaining the cell cycle-arrested state in senescent and post mitotic cells, and thus preventing or treating age-related diseases or disorders associated with accelerated mitochondrial function loss, telomere dysfunction, and/or deterioration of the growth-arrested state. The present invention also discloses a number of compounds or compositions identified from this method. The present invention further provides the use of low doses of rapamycin or its analogs as a mimic of caloric restriction in preventing age-related diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods of screening compounds or ligands that interact with human and/or non-human PAQR receptors or fungal osmotin receptors. These methods utilize a colorimetric assay to ascertain whether a compound binds to and activates a PAQR receptor or the osmotin receptor.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a particulate concentration agent that comprises gamma-FeO(OH); (b) providing a fluid sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the concentration agent is dispersed in the sample and at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration agent.

Abstract: Provided is a set of yeast gene knockout strains whose drug sensitivity is significantly improved. A set of yeast cells of the invention is a set of yeast cells comprising two or more types of yeast cells, wherein at least one mutually different gene has been deleted or mutated in each of the two or more types of yeast cells, and all of the two or more types of yeast cells are drug hypersensitive yeast cells in which the expression of at least one drug sensitivity-related gene is regulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yeast cell based system for determining factors that control the folding of amyloid proteins of diverse origins. Further the present invention provides methods of using such a system to screen for reagents that affect amyloid formation, a process that is integral to several devastating human disease including Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD), fatal familial insomnia (FFI), Gertsmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS) syndrome, and kuru. The system of the present invention provides a rapid screening system to quickly and cheaply identify reagents that affect the folding and aggregation properties of the target protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the expression of exogenous DNA libraries in filamentous fungi. The fungi are capable of processing intron-containing eukaryotic genes, and also can carry out post-translational processing steps such as glyclosylation and protein folding. The invention provides for the use of fungi with altered morphology, which permits high-throughput screening and directed molecular evolution of expressed proteins. The same transformed fungi may be used to produce larger quantities of protein for isolation, characterization, and application testing, and may be suitable for commercial production of the protein as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for the rapid detection, identification and/or enumeration of one or more live target microorganisms growing on solid nutrient media or filtration membrane. Microcolonies or colonies attach to a porous transfer permeable membrane loaded with immobilized antibodies specific for target microorganisms. Non-specific cells are washed out of the permeable membrane and the membrane then is placed on a container containing a chromogenic and/or a fluorogenic substrate and incubated to allow coloration and subsequent identification and enumeration of color spots of targeted microorganisms and patterns of microcolonies or colonies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene encoding glycogen branching enzyme and use thereof, in particular, a yeast for practical use with superior resistance property to dryness and/or low-temperature storage, alcoholic beverages produced with said yeast, and a method for producing said beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a yeast, whose resistance property to dryness and/or resistance property to low-temperature storage is enhanced by amplifying expression level of GLC3 gene encoding a glycogen branching enzyme Glc3p in brewer's yeast, especially non-ScGLC3 gene specific to a lager brewing yeast and to a method for producing alcoholic beverages with said yeast, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying immunobinders, such as scFv antibodies, capable of specifically binding to cell surface antigens, and compositions identified according to said methods.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a biological particle in a sample medium include generating an Electrophoretic Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (EQELS) spectrum for the biological particle in the sample medium. The EQELS spectrum is compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of spectra, and each of the plurality of spectra correspond to an EQELS spectrum for one of a plurality of known biological particles. The biological particle in the sample medium is identified from the comparison.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a biological particle in a sample medium include generating an Electrophoretic Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (EQELS) spectrum for the biological particle in the sample medium. The EQELS spectrum is compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of spectra, and each of the plurality of spectra correspond to an EQELS spectrum for one of a plurality of known biological particles. The biological particle in the sample medium is identified from the comparison.

Abstract: Cell-based screens for compounds that inhibit the accumulation of amyloids are described. For example, the herein described screens may be used to assay the formation, or inhibition, of pre-amyloid or amyloid aggregates and/or oligomers. Agents have been identified that interfere with, or inhibit, the oligomerization of the major component of amyloid plaques; a 42 amino acid long A?42 peptide product of proteolytic processing of the APP protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorescence methods for measuring enzyme activity, in particular enzyme cleaving and joining activities. The invention also relates to fluorogenic substrates which are useful for measuring enzyme activity and as in vitro and in vivo imaging probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing the presence or severity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in an individual and methods for stratifying IBD by determining the level of one or more IBD markers in a sample from the individual and calculating an index value using an algorithm based upon the level of the IBD markers. Methods for monitoring the efficacy of IBD therapy, monitoring the progression or regression of IBD, and optimizing therapy in an individual having IBD are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay device and a method for using such for the quantitative determination of an analyte, based on a test strip, which contains a porous test membrane allowing for capillary flow of the analyte and complexes of the analyte, a porous upstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane and a porous downstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane, wherein the test membrane contains a test site having immobilized thereon a ligand capable of reacting with the analyte and binding such to the test site, and two standard band sites having immobilized thereon known high and low concentrations of a calibrator agent capable of reacting with a label conjugate and binding such to the standard sites, wherein the upstream membrane has a site for the application of a sample to be analyzed, and has a site downstream from the sample application site for depositing label conjugates capable of reacting with the analyte and label conjugates capable of reacting with the

Abstract: Methods and devices for the detection of proteins secreted by the hyphal growth form of Candida species are disclosed. The disclosed devices may constitute a method for the diagnosis of acute or chronic infections, including candidiasis, caused by microorganisms of the species Candida, such as C. albicans, for example. The devices of the present invention incorporate antibodies specific to secreted aspartyl protease proteins whose expression is upregulated upon the conversion of the Candida species from the commensal to the pathogenic form. The antibodies may be used in assays to allow the diagnosis of candidal infections and disease conditions. Either monoclonal antibodies or polyclonal antibodies may be used, and in the case of the monoclonals, the specific epitopes of the SAP protein may be detected as well as the SAP protein itself.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and devices for microorganisms through detecting Mie light scattering from immunoagglutinated beads. The methods feature providing a first bead suspension with antibody specific for the microorganism conjugated to beads; mixing the first bead suspension with a sample to form a first mixture; irradiating the first mixture with first incident light; detecting forward light scattering at a first angle with respect to the first incident light, where the first angle being between about 30 to 60 degrees; determining l from the light scattering; providing a second bead suspension with no antibody and simultaneously measuring l0 in a similar manner; comparing l with l0. All light scattering measurements may be made in a two-well slide or a Y-channel microfluidic device. Samples, for example food samples (e.g., vegetable samples), may be prepared in a variety of ways. A vegetable sample may be chopped up and added to a buffer.

Abstract: A novel method of detecting and characterizing protein-peptide interactions is provided, which can be used for isolating peptides and proteins, respectively, as well as in drug screening and development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for improving a strain of filamentous fungus that is useful in producing an enzyme of interest such as a cellulase. The invention involves generating genetic diversity in a strain of fungal cells, subjecting the population of cells to selection, and isolating the cells that overproduce the enzyme. The selection techniques involve culturing the population of cells in purified cellulose and/or at an elevated temperature that is adverse to production of the enzyme.

Abstract: Antigens are removed from the surface of an organism, such as a microorganism, without disrupting the organism and releasing internal antigens of the organism. The free surface antigens of the organism may be used to determine the presence of infection in an animal due to the organism by determining the presence of antibodies that bind to the free surface antigens in a sample obtained from the animal.

Abstract: Methods and materials involved in detecting fungi in human samples are provided herein.

Abstract: A novel gamma-glutamyltransferase gene and its encoded protein isolated from the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum are disclosed. The gene and protein are useful as novel fungicidal targets, or as research tools for conducting a new mode of glutamyl transfer and iron reduction. Compositions and methods that use the genes and proteins of this invention also disclosed, as are transgenic fungi that include the genes and proteins of the invention. Also disclosed are methods of using the novel genes and proteins.

Abstract: Provided is a system for protecting plants from attack by pests, including pathogens such as fungi. Specifically, a plant defensin is provided in conjunction with a protease inhibitor protects a plant from pest attack or reduces severity of an attack.

Abstract: The present invention provides amphiphilic diacetylene compounds, and compositions and self-assembled nanotubes containing the same. Also provided are methods of producing the compounds, compositions, and nanotubes of the invention, and methods of destroying or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of microorganisms using the nanotubes of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, assays and compositions for implementing such methods and assays for assessing efficacy of individual components in multi-component vaccines and for assessing efficacy of a vaccine against a pathogen. In one aspect, the method of assessing efficacy of a vaccine against a pathogen is a quick assay that tests for an activity correlated with efficacy such as binding in an ELISA rather than requiring the time and expense of an assay that detects actual bactericidal activity. In another aspect, the method for testing the efficacy of an individual component in a multi-component vaccine includes obtaining an immune sample from a subject inoculated with the multi-component vaccine; blocking the portion of the immune sample that recognizes the individual component such as by addition of the individual component, and testing the efficacy of the immune sample to respond to the pathogen.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of immunology and more specifically relates to anti-phytase monoclonal antibodies, immunoassay methods, kits, and reagents, for the detection of a phytase from or derived from E. coli phytase, in particular, Quantum™ phytase. The invention further relates to hybridoma cell lines that produce anti-phytase monoclonal antibodies.