Abstract: Antibodies, polypeptides, and polynucleotides are provided for the detection, prevention, amelioration and treatment of diseases caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of treating and cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertension comprising the use of CaMKII-HDAC binding domains. The present invention discloses not only the fact that CaMKII binds to HDAC4 at a specific site, but that HDAC4 may dimerize with other HDACs. Both events can lead to export of HDACs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, an event associated with the development of heart disease. Thus the methods of treatment and the screening methods of the present invention are novel attempts to prevent, treat or identify therapies for cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertension.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating mixtures of product molecules from an initial chemical array are provided. In the subject methods, a chemical array of surface immobilized first moieties is subjected to cleavage conditions such that a composition of solution phase first moieties is produced. The resultant composition of solution phase first moieties is then contacted with one or more reactants to produce a mixture of product molecules that are different from the first moieties. Also provided are the arrays employed in the subject methods and kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and compositions that inhibit the action of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), methods of inhibiting FAAH and MGL, methods of modulating cannabinoid receptors, and methods of treating various disorders related to modulation of cannabinoid receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring the activity of a hydrolytic agent comprising contacting a biomolecule with a hydrolytic agent in the presence of a fluorescent dye under conditions that allow digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The fluorescence of the dye is monitored over time and a change in fluorescence signifies digestion of the biomolecule by the hydrolytic agent. The biomolecule is preferably a protein, peptide or proteome but can also be a carbohydrate, oligonucleotide or lipid. Further methods relate to determining an end point for digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent, and methods of monitoring digestion of a biomolecule by a hydrolytic agent. The monitoring can be performed on the reaction mixture in real time or via sampling. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides humanized CC49 monoclonal antibodies that bind TAG-72 with high binding affinity and that are minimally immunogenic. In one embodiment, a humanized CC49 antibody includes a non-conservative amino acid substitution in a light chain complementarity determining region 3 of the CC49 antibody. In a further embodiment, the humanized CC49 antibody includes a non-conservative substitution of a first residue in a light chain complementarity determining region 3 and a substitution of a second residue in a complementarity determining region of the humanized CC49 antibody. In several of the embodiments, methods are disclosed for the use of a humanized CC49 antibody.

Abstract: Described herein is a method that may be used in various applications, such as drug development, medical diognosis and gene/protein therapy. In one embodiment, the subject matter discloses an effective method for identification and quantification of large sets of proteins/peptides in vitro and cells in vivo.

Abstract: An analytical strip and a detecting method using the analytical strip are provided. The analytical strip includes a substrate having a channel thereon. The channel has a first region, a second region and a third region, which are connected sequentially. A first antibody is localized in the first region. A saccharide and a peroxidase are localized in the first or second region. A second antibody for recognizing a different epitope of an identical antigen with the first antibody is immobilized in the second region. An optical substrate and a substrate reagent including a saccharide oxidase are localized in the third region.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting a disease or a condition in a subject, which disease or condition is known to be characterized by abnormal expression of an enzyme The present methods comprise contacting tissue of the subject with a substrate for the enzyme, the substrate chemiluminescing upon reaction with the enzyme, detecting chemiluminescence in the tissue, and, correlating the chemiluminescence to at least one of the presence or absence of the disease or condition in the subject, the stage of the disease or condition in the subject, or the response of the disease or condition in the subject to a therapy regimen The present invention permits sampling, diagnosis, and surveillance of conditions and diseases that are known to be characterized by abnormal expression of at least one enzyme.

Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that IDT307 and analogs thereof are fluorescent substrates transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using IDT307 and its analogs. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convenent sample preparation method for a medium suspected of containing contaminants, the method comprising a) passing a known volume of said medium through a filter from an influent side to an effluent side thereby concentrating the contaminants on the influent side of the filter, b) contacting the influent side of the filter with a liquid vehicle containing at least one substrate that through interaction with the contaminants each produces a detectable moiety, c) and allowing the substrate to interact with the contaminants on the influent side of the filter for a period of time, which is sufficient to allow the detectable moiety to be detected in the liquid vehicle. The method may further comprise a detection step, where the amount of detectable is determined in the liquid vehicle, preferably after the liquid vehicle has been separated from the contaminant, e.g. by passing the liquid vehicle through the filter and performing a measurement on the contaminant free liquid vehicle.

Abstract: A method using O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferases (AGT) is disclosed for transferring a label from a substrate to a fusion protein comprising the AGT. This allows the detection and/or manipulating of the fusion protein, both in vitro and in vivo, by attaching molecules to the fusion proteins that introduce a new physical or chemical property to the fusion protein. Examples of such molecules are, among others, spectroscopic probes or reporter molecules, affinity tags, molecules generating reactive radicals, cross-linkers, ligands mediating protein-protein interactions or molecules suitable for the immobilisation of the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemiluminescent method and regent to detect analyte. One aspect of the current invention relates to using chemiluminescent and fluorescent molecule/enzyme coupled with analyte binding molecules to detect specific analyte molecules. Another aspect of the current invention is to use gold nanoparticle triggered chemiluminescent reaction to detect analyte.

Abstract: The present invention is related to compositions useful for the measurement of free or unbound analyte concentrations in a fluid. The present invention includes the use of capture ligands and stabilizing agents to improve the accuracy of analyte concentration assays. Methods and tools for using the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a non-radioactive assay to monitor and quantify the target-cell killing activities mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This assay is predicated on the discovery that apoptosis pathway activation and, in particular, granzyme B activity, provides a measure of cytotoxic effector cell activity. In one embodiment, measurement of CTL-induced granzyme B activation in target cells is achieved through detection of the specific cleavage of fluorogenic granzyme B substrates. This assay reliably detects antigen-specific CTL killing of target cells, and provides a more sensitive, more informative and safer alternative to the standard 51Cr-release assay most often used to quantify CTL responses. The assay can be used to study CTL-mediated killing of primary host target cells of different cell lineages, and enables the study of antigen-specific cellular immune responses in real time at the single-cell level.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a chromogenic amino acid. The chromogenic amino acid is flanked by at least one amino acid to the N and C termini thereof. The amine group of the chromogenic amino acid has a pKa of less than 5. The chromogenic amino acid is capable of reacting with a conjugated aldehyde. The polypeptide comprises a target sequence for a target protease which is capable of cleaving the peptide bond comprising the amino group of the chromogenic amino acid.

Abstract: A method for visualizing an active synapse wherein said method comprises: (a) exposing cells forming the active synapse to a biomarker comprising at least fragment C of tetanus toxin and a reporter protein; and (b) visualizing the biomarker; wherein the accumulation of the biomarker into dendritic spines of the cells allows visualization of an active synapse. Also, a method for screening molecules capable of modulating synapse activity is provided. A kit useful for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease comprises a biomarker comprising at least fragment C of tetanus toxin and a reporter protein.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of Anaplasma platys polynucleotides and polypeptides.

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 application relates to procedures for the determination of the activity of the protease which activates factor VII, also known as factor VII activating protease or FSAP. The application also relates to a method of detecting whether an individual has increased or lowered activity in the protease which activates factor VII compared to at least one standard sample, wherein the increased or lowered activity indicates an increased risk for disease or cardiovascular complications.

Abstract: A test agent includes a composite probe having at least one nanoparticle having multiple metal atoms, a directing agent, and an enzyme. The directing agent attaches the probe to a target in a test sample. The test sample and bound probe are then treated with an enzyme substrate. A method of detecting a target in a test sample includes exposing the test sample to the probe, then treating the test sample with an enhancement or development solution to deposit at least one of a fluorophore, a chromogen, or a metal.

Abstract: A substrate comprises a surface, and a plurality of moieties, on at least a portion of the surface. The moieties are moieties of formula: Surf-L-Q-T, where -T comprises a reactant ligand, and Surf- designates where the moiety attaches to the surface. The substrate can be made into a protein chip by the reaction of a reactant ligand and a fusion polypeptide, where the fusion polypeptide includes a capture polypeptide moiety which corresponds to the reactant ligand.

Abstract: A method is provided for screening a subject for hepatocellular carcinoma by determining the level of glypican-3 (GPC3) in a body fluid sample from the subject. A further method is provided for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma by detecting GPC3 in a liver tissue sample. Also provided are antibodies which bind specifically to GPC3.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel reagents whose fluorescence increases in the presence of particular proteases. The reagents comprise a characteristically folded peptide backbone conjugated to two fluorophores such that the fluorophores are located opposite sides of a cleavage site. When the folded peptide is cleaved, as by digestion with a protease, the fluorophores provide a high intensity fluorescent signal at a visible wavelength. Because of their high specificity and their high fluorescence signal in the visible wavelengths, these protease indicators are particularly well suited for detection of protease activity in biological samples, in particular in frozen tissue sections. Thus this invention also provides for methods of detecting protease activity in situ in frozen sections.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for efficiently and accurately performing immunoassays, such as ELISAs. The invention provides an immunoassay assembly which includes a flow-through unit and an aspiration pump. The immunoassay flow-through unit includes an outer seal; at least one bed support; an inner seal; and a packed non-porous bed. The unit is releasably attached to an aspiration pump which enables the controlled flow rate of liquid passing through the packed bed of the flow-through unit. The invention also provides a method of using the immunoassay assembly to identify analytical targets of interest.

Abstract: Antibodies, polypeptides, and polynucleotides are provided for the detection, prevention, amelioration and treatment of diseases caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetecomitans.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining a degree of phosphorylation of a substrate, for example a peptide substrate, using a fluorescence probe that acts alone or with another material and has a lifetime that varies when in proximity to a phosphate, the method comprising: causing the fluorescence probe to fluoresce; measuring a time response of the fluorescence, and analysing the fluorescence time response to identify a fluorescence component having a lifetime associated with phosphorylated substrate and a fluorescence component having a lifetime associated with un-phosphorylated substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a SNAP-25 substrate which includes (i) a green fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a portion of SNAP-25 that includes a BoNT/A, BoNT/C1 or BoNT/E recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the green fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple. Further provided herein is a nucleic acid molecule which contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a tagged toxin substrate which includes (i) a fluorescent protein; (ii) a first partner of an affinity couple; and (iii) a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the fluorescent protein and the first partner of the affinity couple.

Abstract: Estrogen has been shown to increase the expression and activity of amyloid peptide inactivating enzymes in the brain. Peptides have been shown to increase the activity of an amyloid peptide inactivating enzyme. Methods of identifying compounds for, and methods of treating patients with, Alzheimer's Disease is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for using chemosensory proteins derived from invertebrates to bind or detect specific compounds. Applications include use as detector elements in biosensors or other sensory devices and purification or concentration devices. Examples of proteins involved in the chemosensory pathway include odorant binding proteins (OBPs), sensory appendage proteins (SAPs), orthologs of the Drosophila melanogaster Takeout protein (TOLs), odorant or gustatory receptors (ORs, GRs, or collectively GPCRs), other serpentine receptors, and odorant degrading enzymes (ODEs). These classes of proteins participate in both the olfactory and gustatory sensory systems in invertebrates. The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying analytes such as effectors, binding partners, or other molecules that interact with the proteins involved in the chemosensory pathway.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compounds for detecting protease activity in a sample solution comprising contacting the sample solution with a protease substrate labelled with an electrochemically active marker, providing conditions under which any protease which may be present in the sample may degrade the protease substrate and electrochemically determining information relating to the electrochemically active marker.

Abstract: Light-generating fusion proteins having a ligand binding site and a light-generating polypeptide moiety and their use as diagnostics, in drug screening and discovery, and as therapeutics, are disclosed. The light-generating fusion protein has a feature where the bioluminescence of the polypeptide moiety changes upon binding of a ligand at the ligand binding site. The ligand may be, for example, an enzyme present in an environment only under certain conditions, e.g., ubiquitin ligase in a hypoxic state, such that the light-generating fusion protein is “turned on” only under such conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel compositions and methods useful for the growth, isolation and detection of microorganisms that have ?-glucosidase activity (e.g., the bacterium E. sakazakii). Certain embodiments provide a novel growth and/or plating media, comprising a fluorogenic ?-glucosidase substrate, which is both selective for and differential to E. sakazakii. In particular embodiments, the ?-glucosidase substrate comprises 4-methylumbelliferyl-?-D-glucoside. Additional embodiments relate to a selection media. Further embodiments relate to a selective medium that is based on Tryptone Bile agar. Still further embodiments relate to OK media as defined herein. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods for growing bacterial cultures on media that is selective for and differential to microorganisms that have ?-glucosidase activity (e.g., the bacterium E. sakazakii).

Abstract: A method for measuring an analyte in a whole blood sample comprising the steps of (1) bringing the whole blood sample into contact with a first substance which is carried on an insoluble carrier and specifically binds to the analyte to be measured and a second substance which is labeled with an alkaline phosphatase and specifically binds to the analyte to be measured, and (2) measuring a resulting complex on the basis of an enzyme reaction of the alkaline phosphatase, the measuring step (2) being carried out in the presence of an inhibitor of endogenous alkaline phosphatases, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention herein provides a mode of treating metabolic syndrome, which includes Type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance in human and other subjects by identifying and administering an insulin sensitizing compound which modulates GRK2 function in the insulin signaling pathway. The invention also provides polynucleotides, polypeptides, vectors, cells, tissues and organisms useful in the identification and treatment of metabolic syndrome. A number of desirable insulin sensitizing aspects are achieved by various embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention features a method of identifying a compound that inhibits (a) the physical interaction (binding) between MUC1 and tumor progressors (e.g., ?-catenin, c-Src, EGF-R, p120ctn, or PKC?) and/or (b) phosphorylation of MUC1 by tumor progressors with kinase activity (e.g., c-Src, EGF-R, or PKC?). The invention also includes a method of inhibiting an interaction between MUC1 and ?-catenin and a method of inhibiting expression of MUC1 or a tumor progressor in a cell.

Abstract: A home test kit for detecting the presence or absence of melamine (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine) has a sample extract container in which a volume of extract solution is present; a test strip, the test strip being a lateral flow device for detecting melamine (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine) in a food or beverage sample; and wherein a food or beverage sample is placed in the sample extract container to form an aqueous sample extract solution and the test strip is inserted directly into the aqueous sample for an instructed time then the strip is removed and observed for a color change. The method of using the kit involves a visual observation without requiring any other equipment.

Abstract: A novel method for determining the levels of TGF-?1 or TGF-?2 in a sample of milk, raw protein source, or nutritional composition is provided. The method involves, in some cases, reconstituting the sample; in some cases, centrifuging the sample; activating the sample using particular ratios of sample:acid:base; diluting the sample using particular ratios of sample:buffer agent; and determining the concentration of TGF-?1 in the sample using an ELISA assay.

Abstract: A test strip configured for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample and methods for manufacturing and for using the same. The test strip comprises a first flow matrix and a second flow matrix sequentially arranged to form an interface therebetween. The first flow matrix comprises a detection composition movably bound thereto, wherein the detection composition when exposed to the analyte produces at least one detectable product and wherein the first and second solid matrices are selected so as to accumulate the at least one detectable product at the interface between the two matrices, when the fluid sample travels from the first flow matrix to the second flow matrix.

Abstract: A method to assess arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites-dependent hypertension by measuring glucuronidated dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) and DHET metabolites in a biological sample which contains the epitopes unique to DHET (using any methods including GC/MS, LC/MS or ELISA) is disclosed. An example of the glucuronidated DHET metabolite is DHET-alcohols such as omega or omega-1 oxidated DHET and DHET esterified glycerol. The method further includes determining the amount of glucuronidated molecules containing a DHET-specific epitope which is immunoreactive with antibodies produced against DHETs. The present invention measuring glucuronidated DHET levels in a biological sample is useful for drug development and monitoring efficiency of drug treatment of a mammal who has AA epoxygenase-, epoxide hydrolase-and/or UDP-glucuronosyl transferase-dependent hypertension.

Abstract: Compositions comprising fusion polypeptides of T. cruzi epitopes are provided, together with methods for the use of such compositions in the diagnosis of T. cruzi infection and in screening blood supplies. Diagnostic kits comprising such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays that can measure the activity of enzymes that catalyze phosphate modifications, such as kinases, phosphatases, cyclases and phosphodiesterases. The assays can also be used to identify and screen for substances that modulate the activity of kinases, phosphatases, cyclases and phosphodiesterases.

Abstract: Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analysing carbohydrates. The invention is in particular useful in detecting a terminal monosaccharide which may be released from a glycosylated substrate for example using an exoglucosidase. After relase from the glycosylated substrate the terminal monosaccharide may be captured on a solid support, incubated with a boronate detection agent and detected by aid of the boronate detection agent. The methods of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes including sequencing of carbohydrates, wherein exoglycosidases with predetermined specificity are employed for the release.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems for the rapid and sensitive detection of organisms and molecules in samples. Reactants that produce Raman-active products are used in combination with Raman light scattering. Such compounds may comprise phosphates permitting the detection of phosphatases. The present disclosure can also be used to measure enzyme-kinetics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the detection of an enzyme E1 in a liquid sample comprising the steps of: a) providing a complex (Sa-Sb-M), wherein (Sa-Sb) is a substrate S of E1 cleavable into Sa and Sb by E1, and M is a marker linked to Sb, b) incubating the sample with the complex under conditions enabling the cleavage of S into Sa and Sb by E1, c) separating non-cleaved complex (Sa-Sb-M) from the sample, and d) measuring M in the sample. Furthermore, the present invention further provides kits and devices for the detection of an enzyme E1.

Abstract: The invention provides assays for detecting and quantitating tissue factor and factor VIIa in simple and complex biological systems. The assays are performed by detecting and/or measuring the tissue factor cofactor activity and factor VIIa enzymatic activity using aminonaphthalene-based fluorogenic substrates.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides fluorescent probes and assays. The probes include a fluorophore-quencher pair that undergoes a switch from dark to fluorescent in response to a reaction of the quencher. The switch of the probe from dark to fluorescent is typically mediated by an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, interfering with its ability to quench fluorescence emission from the fluorophore. In another aspect, the invention provides a reporter gene assay system and methods of using this system. The assay system includes a fluorophore-quencher probe and an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, increasing the fluorescent emission of the fluorophore. In still other aspects, the invention provides nucleic acid constructs and cells expressing the peptide products of these constructs. In assays of the invention, the presence of a target substance is detected by the switching of fluorescence mediated by the change in oxidation state of the quencher.