Abstract: Methods for screening individuals for Alzheimer's disease are disclosed. Also disclosed are antibodies that immunochemically react with the isoforms of calcium-activated neutral proteinases which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed are methods for screening drugs which are useful in treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Starting from two non-miscible phases, i.e., a lipophilic and a hydrophilic phase, a surface-active substance and a recognition component, a micellar recognition system is built in a suitable manner and is incorporated into a layer structure. The micellar recognition system is provided in a single thin layer in which the recognition component is distributed homogeneously. Additional layers which may be provided about this layer, have an influence on the properties of the entire layer structure. On contact between the layer structure and the substance to be measured a recognition step takes place in the layer which is followed by a transducing step. In this way a measurement variable is produced by means of which information is obtained on the substance. The layer structures exhibit higher sensitivity, a lower detection threshold, short response time and special robustness with regard to sample interference.

Abstract: Yeast is genetically engineered by transformation with an expression vector containing a natural yeast secretion signal sequence combined appropriately with a chemically synthesized gene encoding antifreeze protein resulting in the expression, proper processing, and secretion of antifreeze protein which is heterologous to yeast in recoverable amounts. Disclosed are DNA sequences comprising structural genes encoding peptides having amino acid sequences with the biochemical or physiochemical properties of antifreeze protein and a method of combining the antifreeze protein gene sequences with appropriate expression vectors.

Abstract: A diagnostic method is provided for inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD), based on the relative levels of eosinophil granule proteins in physiological samples obtained from the GI tract of mammals suspected of having an IBD.

Abstract: A method for determining the complexed forms of immunologically determinable prostate specific antigen (cPSA) in a blood sample, e.g., by two-site immunometric assays, in which the blood sample is treated to render free PSA (fPSA) immunologically nondetectable. A particularly preferred immunometric assay method employs three anti-PSA antibodies: an antibody that binds to both cPSA and fPSA (anti-tPSA), a second anti-tPSA antibody which is characterized by the unique property that binding to fPSA is blocked by binding of fPSA-specific antibodies, and a third antibody which is a fPSA-specific antibody. Thus, binding of the fPSA-specific antibody to PSA in the sample allows only cPSA to be measured in the immunometric assay. Measurement of cPSA blood levels has been found to provide a method for aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer that is highly sensitive and specific, and eliminates the need for a significant number of patients to undergo unnecessary prostate biopsy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively enhancing the production of factors A.sub.2 and/or A.sub.3 of antibiotic A/16686 either to isolate these single components or to enrich the complex in one or both the above components, which comprises adding an appropriate precursor of the desired antibiotic factor to an A/16686 producing culture during fermentation.

Abstract: According to this invention, Prevotella sp. S-1 strain (Bacteroidaceae family, KFCC-10923) is cultured in a medium supplemented with Panax ginseng saponin so as to collect the metabolites of saponin generated and accumulated in the medium, thus ensuring their selective production with high efficiency.This invention related to a process for the preparation of the metabolites of protopanaxadiol saponin, wherein Prevotella sp. S-1 strain (Bacteroidaceae family, KFCC-10923), is cultured at a medium supplemented with Panax ginseng saponin and then, the metabolites of protopanaxadiol saponin contained in the medium--20-O-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-20(s)-protopanaxadiol, 20-O-?.alpha.-L-arabinopyranosyl-20(s)-protopanaxadiol, and 20-0-?.alpha.-L-arabinopuranosyl(1.fwdarw.6)-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl!-20(s )-protopanaxadiol --are generated and accumulated for collecting them thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the formation of glycosidic linkages. These methods are useful for the preparation of compounds of formula:NeuAc.alpha.(2.fwdarw.3)Gal.beta.(1.fwdarw.4)(Fuc.alpha. 1.fwdarw.3)GlcN(R').beta.(1.fwdarw.3)Gal.beta.

Abstract: In the production of non-reducing saccharides such as trehalose, alpha-glycosyl trehaloses and alpha-glycosyl alpha-glycosides where a solution of liquefied starch is subjected either to non-reducing saccharide-forming enzyme or non-reducing saccharide-forming enzyme and trehalose-releasing enzyme, combinations with starch-debranching enzyme and/or cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase improve the yields for such non-reducing saccharides to levels which are hardly attainable only with reducing-saccharide-forming enzyme and trehalose-releasing enzyme. The non-reducing saccharides and less reducing reducing saccharides containing the same commonly bear a variety of desirable properties which make them useful in a variety of compositions including food products, cosmetics and medicines.

Abstract: An immunoassay is provided which is selective for an analyte over immunologically related substances which may be present in a sample to be tested. The presence of the analyte is detected using a first binding substance, typically an antibody, in the presence of a second binding substance, typically another antibody. The first binding substance recognizes an epitope which is characteristic of the analyte and cross-reacts with a related epitope on the cross-binding substance. The second binding substance preferentially binds the common epitope on the cross-binding substance, thus reducing non-specific binding of the first binding substance.

Abstract: An assay for measuring activation (i.e., autophosphorylation) of a tyrosine kinase receptor of interest is disclosed.(a) A first solid phase is coated with a substantially homogeneous population of cells so that the cells adhere to the first solid phase. The cells have either an endogenous tyrosine kinase receptor or have been transformed with DNA encoding a receptor or "receptor construct" and the DNA has been expressed so that the receptor or receptor construct is presented in the cell membranes of the cells.(b) A ligand is then added to the solid phase having the adhering cells, such that the tyrosine kinase receptor is exposed to the ligand.(c) Following exposure to the ligand, the adherent cells are solubilized, thereby releasing cell lysate.(d) A second solid phase is coated with a capture agent which binds specifically to the tyrosine kinase receptor, or, in the case of a receptor construct, to the flag polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for diagnosing benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy, in a male human patient without requiring a biopsy. The total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. If the patient has a total PSA level of between about 2.5 ng/ml and 10.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD. Optionally, if the patient has a total PSA level of between 10.1 ng/ml and 20.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient can also be measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25%, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence which identifies and encodes a G protein gamma subunit (gpg) which was isolated from human pituitary gland. The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising nucleic acid sequence encoding GPG and for gpg antisense molecules. The invention also provides for purified GPG; antibodies, antagonists and inhibitors which specifically bind GPG; and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment based on GPG antagonists and inhibitors. The invention provides for diagnostic assays which utilize diagnostic compositions comprising nucleic acid sequences, or complements thereof, encoding GPG, purified GPG to be used as a positive control, and antibodies which specifically bind to GPG.

Abstract: Novel crystalline maltosyl glucoside is obtained by crystallizing maltosyl glucoside from a maltosyl glucoside solution, prepared by exposing either an aqueous solution containing trehalose and an .alpha.-glucosyl saccharide or an aqueous solution containing a reducing partial starch hydrolysate to the action of a saccharide-transferring enzyme. The crystalline maltosyl glucoside has non-hygroscopicity, non-reducibility, superior solubility, less fermentability, and other properties of stabilizing oligopeptides and biologically-substances as well as preventing retrogradation of amylaceous substances. These features render it very useful in various compositions including foods, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and shaped bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amylase from the genus Pyrodictium, specifically to an amylase from Pyrodictium abyssi and more specifically to an amylase from Pyrodictium abyssi, DSM 6158, which has amylase activity optimum at temperatures in the range 110-120.degree. C., determined at pH 5.5 with starch as a substrate.

Abstract: Described is a method of production of saccharides containing sialic acid, wherein .beta.-galactoside-.alpha.-2,6-sialyltransferase is used for linking sialic acid to the 6-position of a galactose residue in a sugar chain of a glycoconjugate or the 6-position of a galactose residue in a free sugar chain, or to the 6-position of a monosaccharide having a hydroxyl group on carbon at the 6-position and being capable of forming an oligosaccharide or a glycoconjugate.

Abstract: High quality trehalose derivatives are readily prepared in a considerably high yield by reacting anhydrous trehalose with reactive reagents under anhydrous conditions. The trehalose derivatives can be used in a variety of fields in the production, the chemical synthesis, and the enzymatic synthesis of foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, detergents and chemicals as surfactants, humectants, skin-beautifying agents, antitumor agents, and intermediates for chemical and enzymatic syntheses.

Abstract: Kits and assays, incorporating antibodies specific for glutathione peroxidase, for determining the fertilizing ability of a male at home or in a clinical laboratory are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are methods for selecting a recombinant virus, phage or cell expressing a catalytic antibody or catalytic portion thereof, or for selecting catalytic activity by a moiety. The method employs reaction-based selection for catalytic activity. The method can also be used to concentrate (increase the proportion of catalytic to non-catalytic moieties) a sample containing a catalytic moiety or viruses, phages or cells expressing a catalytic moiety. The selection or concentrating can be by employing a mechanism-based inhibitor, catalysis-accelerated movement, surface binding, changes in enthalpic component of binding as a function of temperature, or changes in binding by competition, or combinations thereof. The invention also comprehends a method for producing a recombinant virus or a cell-line expressing a catalytic moiety such as a catalytic antibody or catalytic portion thereof; and, this method can include infecting a suitable host with viruses which are screened for the expression.

Abstract: An assay for measuring activation (i.e., autophosphorylation) of a tyrosine kinase receptor of interest is disclosed.(a) A first solid phase is coated with a substantially homogeneous population of cells so that the cells adhere to the first solid phase. The cells have either an endogenous tyrosine kinase receptor or have been transformed with DNA encoding a receptor or "receptor construct" and the DNA has been expressed so that the receptor or receptor construct is presented in the cell membranes of the cells.(b) A ligand is then added to the solid phase having the adhering cells, such that the tyrosine kinase receptor is exposed to the ligand.(c) Following exposure to the ligand, the adherent cells are solubilized, thereby releasing cell lysate.(d) A second solid phase is coated with a capture agent which binds specifically to the tyrosine kinase receptor, or, in the case of a receptor construct, to the flag polypeptide.

Abstract: A first monoclonal antibody which specifically reacts with a human .alpha..sub.2 -plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) and a human plasminogen; a second monoclonal antibody which reacts with PIC and also with a human .alpha..sub.2 -plasmin inhibitor; a third monoclonal antibody which reacts with PIC, but does not react with a human plasminogen and a human .alpha..sub.2 -plasmin inhibitor; hybridomas which secrete the first to third monoclonal antibodies, and an immunoassay using the first to third monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides FabH polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such FabH and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing such FabH for the treatment of infection, particularly bacterial infections. Antagonists against such FabH and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly bacterial infections are also provided. Further provided are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of FabH nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also provided are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding novel Fab family proteins and for detecting such polypeptides in a host.

Abstract: Method for synthesis of GalNAc.alpha.-serine or GalNAc.alpha.-threonine containing compounds, including at least one reaction where an .alpha.-saccharide or .alpha.-glycoside of GalNAca is used as gylcosyl donor and a derivative of serine of threonine is used as acceptor in a transglycosylation reaction with N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-galactosaminidase as the catalyst, wherein said acceptor has been modified in its N-terminal .alpha.-amino group and optionally in its c-terminal carboxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods for the synthesis of Lewis.sup.a derivatives modified at the C-2 and/or C-6 position of GlcNAc employing chemo-enzymatic synthesis. The derivatives find use in the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of detecting a gastric reflux in the esophagus or in the throat of a subject. The basis of the method is the detection of the presence of pepsin or pepsinogen at higher than normal levels. Detection is preferably by an immunoassay technique.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing saccharide compositions is described. In this method, an acceptor moiety is contacted with at least one donor saccharide in the presence of at least one cell surface-bound glycosyltransferase specific for catalyzing the coupling of the acceptor moiety with the donor saccharide. The acceptor moiety used is a carbohydrate, a protein, a glycolipid, a lipid, or a glycolipid.

Abstract: Cells useful in the pharmacological characterization of inhibitors or activators of proteins are provided. These cells a protein, the presence of which affects a particular characteristic of the cell which changes in response to substances which inhibit or activate the protein. Such responsive changes in a phenotypic characteristic may be utilized in many useful ways, including the discovery, development or characterization of substances suitable for the treatment of diseases or other conditions in human beings or animals. Such cells may also be useful for studying diseases or other biological processes, for determining the effects of various drugs alone or in combination, as well as for identifying or characterizing substances which may be useful in reducing or preventing the occurrence of a disease or other condition. Through the use of such cells in a cell based assay, tamoxifen is identified as an inhibitor of Protein Kinase C (PKC) activity in cell culture.

Abstract: .beta.-Galactosides are synthesized using a transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by .beta.-galactosidase. The reaction employs a carbohydrate donor having a glycosidic leaving group attached to its anomeric carbon and an oxo group attached to the C-6 carbon. Strong leaving groups are preferred over weak leaving groups. The method can be carried out in aqueous solution without organic solvents to give the transglycosylation product in high yields and high regioselectivity. The synthesis of lactosamine using this methodology with galactose oxidase (GO) and .beta.-galactosidase has been accomplished. (FIG. 3). The methodology affords simple reaction conditions and minimal purification steps. In addition, the intermediate substrates maintain high stability, the process affords high yields and the enzymes and reagents employed are commercially available with high stability and low costs.

Abstract: A thermostable trehalose phosphorylase which is obtainable from microorganisms of the genus Thermoanaerobium and which hydrolyzes trehalose in the presence of an inorganic phosphoric acid to form D-glucose and .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid. The trehalose phosphorylase can be also prepared by recombinant DNA technology. When the enzyme is allowed to contact with .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid as a saccharide donor in the presence of other saccharides, glucosyl-transferred saccharides including glucosyl-D-galactoside, which are conventionally known but scarcely obtainable, can be produced on an industrial-scale and in a relatively-low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the preparation of sialyl galactosides. The methods use sialyl transferase cycle in which the reaction conditions are optimized to provide increased yields.

Abstract: Method for screening for a non-hormone agent potentially useful to treat a hormone disorder. The method involves contacting a potential agent with a system containing a cellular component and a translation factor. The component and factor interact with one another in an intact normal cell in a manner responsive to the hormone to cause a modulation of translation in the cell. The method involves determining whether the agent causes a modulation of translation by the component and the factor analogous to that which occurs in intact cells in response to the hormone.

Abstract: A method for avoiding influence of hemoglobin, in which the influence is caused by the changes with time in the absorption wavelength of hemoglobin when light absorption of a color reaction of a sample is measured by a rate assay, wherein the method comprises measuring the light absorption at a wavelength of from 517 to 529 nm or from 580 to 592 nm.

Abstract: 1,2-dioxetane compounds bearing a proteolytic enzyme specific amino acid or peptide are provided, which amino acid or peptide can be removed by action of the corresponding protease. When the amino acid or peptide is removed, the 1,2-dioxetane decomposes with chemiluminescence, the generation of light providing a rapid, ultra-sensitive and convenient means for detecting the presence of the protease in the sample being inspected. The amount of light generated, or degree of chemiluminescence, can be correlated with the amount of protease present. Immunoassays, as well as DNA hybridization and DNA probe assays are provided.

Abstract: A partial amino acid sequence of an endo-.beta.-1,4-glucanase obtainable by means of Aspergillus aculeatus is described, and also corresponding recombinant DNA sequences, vectors and transformed hosts. Use of the endo-.beta.- 1,4-glucanase or a pectinase preparation enriched with the endo-.beta.-1,4-glucanase for degradation or modification of plant cell walls is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assaying transferase activity upon incorporation of an affinity ultrafiltration process as a separation means, which method comprises: (1) reacting the transferase to be assayed with a labeled substrate and an unlabeled substrate to yield a product having a label moiety from the labeled substrate and a binding site moiety either from the unlabeled substrate or existing as a specific structure of the product, (2) contacting the reaction mixture with a soluble macroligand capable of forming a specific complex with the product via the binding site moiety, (3) subjecting the complex mixture to ultrafiltration which retains the complex and passes the unreacted labeled substrate, (4) washing the retentate, and (5) determining the final retentate. The present invention also relates to a kit embodying the inventive concept of the affinity ultrafiltration assay for transferase activity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel paracrine signaling assay.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to biosurfactant stabilized emulsions of high viscosity hydrocarbons such as high viscosity crude oil wherein the biosurfactant is a metabolite of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (USB-CS1) and two methods for making the same. Preferably, the viscosity of the biosurfactant stabilized emulsions is below about 500 centipoise and, more preferably, below about 100 centipoise at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Graphitic nanotubes, which include tubular fullerenes (commonly called "buckytubes") and fibrils, which are functionalized by chemical substitution, are used as solid supports in electrogenerated chemiluminescence assays. The graphitic nanotubes are chemically modified with functional group biomolecules prior to use in an assay. Association of electrochemiluminescent ruthenium complexes with the functional group biomolecule-modified nanotubes permits detection of molecules including nucleic acids, antigens, enzymes, and enzyme substrates by multiple formats.

Abstract: A method for determining a cell surface antigen comprising(a) immobilizing an antibody specific for the cell surface antigen to be determined on a solid phase;(b) immobilizing sample cell suspected of containing said cell surface antigen with the solid-phase antibody to bind the cell surface antigen and antibody;(c) the solid phase is washed after incubation; and(d) the presence of the cell surface antigen is detected by means of a property inherent to the cell by cellular enzymatic activity.

Abstract: An oligopeptide having an amino acid sequenceGlu Pro Gly Asn Ser Glu Ile Leu Pro Thr Leu Lysand variants thereof; immunogenic conjugates obtained therefrom; antibodies produced by means of said conjugates and which specifically recognize human plasma glutathione peroxidase (pl.GPx); methods for assaying human plasma glutathione peroxidase (pl.GPx); and assaying kits. The invention is useful in the medical diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of pathologic conditions induced by a variation in pl.GPx, for example, hepatic tumors, acute rejection of renal or hepatic graft, renal insufficiency and selenium deficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of aromatic substances having formula (I), characterized in that a substrate having formula (II) is subjected to an oxydation in the presence of at least one protein and at least one metal ion, formula wherein R.sub.1 may be a radical --H, --CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 OH, --CHO, --COOH, --OCH.sub.3, or --COO--CH(COOH)--CH.sub.2 --C.sub.6 H.sub.3 (OH).sub.2 ; R.sub.2 may be a radical --H, --OH, or --OCH.sub.3 ; R.sub.3 may be a radical --H, --OH, --OCH.sub.3, or O-glucosid; R.sub.4 may be a radical --H, --OH, or --OCH.sub.3.

Abstract: Benign prostatic hyperplasia-prostate specific antigen (BPH-PSA) and methods for its preparation are provided. Also provided are antibodies specific for BPH-PSA, and methods of their use in immunoassays for detecting the presence of BPH-PSA in a sample. The subject immunoassays find use in diagnosing the conditions associated with elevated serum PSA levels, such as prostate cancer and BPH.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of or determining the amount of a ligand in a fluid sample. The methods comprise providing a first reagent comprising a sol particle having a detectable physical property bound to the ligand or ligand analogue (in a competitive format) or a substance capable of specifically coupling with the ligand (in a sandwich format), providing a second reagent having a detectable physical property comprising a sol particle bound to a substance capable of specifically coupling with the ligand and/or ligand analogue, if present, combining the first reagent, second reagent and the fluid sample and detecting before, during or after the reaction, a change in the physical property of the sol particles, which provides a qualitative or quantitative indication of the ligand in the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention provides fragments of GAD.sub.65 that are specifically reactive with at least one class of GAD.sub.65 autoantibody. Most fragments are substantially free of N-terminal amino acids that would otherwise limit solubility. Different fragment contain epitopes for different classes of GAD.sub.65 autoantibodies. The fragments are used in methods of diagnosing and treating insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and stiff man syndrome.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent assays for the determination of the presence or amount of a biopolymer in bound assays using 1,2-dioxetanes in connection with AttoPhos.TM. as chemiluminescent substrates for enzyme-labeled targets or probes is provided. Further disclosed is a kit for conducting a bioassay for the presence or concentration of a biopolymer comprising a) an enzyme complex; b) a 1,2-dioxetane; and c) AttoPhos.TM..

Abstract: An improved method of diagnosing preeclampsia comprising the steps ofa. collecting blood from a pregnant female mammal; andb. detecting in said blood significantly elevated levels of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of:(1) a hemoglobin variant or hemoglobin variant precursor and(2) a red blood cell glycolytic enzyme or a red blood cell glycolytic enzyme precursor.By detecting the presence of an appropriate "marker" in the blood, preeclampsia can be diagnosed at an earlier stage, thus making possible timely therapeutic intervention. An assay kit for detecting the markers is also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant asparaginyl tRNA synthetase from human filarial parasite Brugia malayi. The enzyme is used in an assay for inhibitors of the synthetase and can be used as an antigen for producing antibody inhibitors of the disease, either monoclonal or polyclonal. The antibodies can be used to detect the synthetase and related enzymes. In particular, the synthetase can be used to produce an antibody to be used for detecting filarial nematodes. The synthetase can be used to produce adenylated nucleosides.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids which can confer on a cell at least a 5-fold increase in cisplatin resistance relative to a cisplatin sensitive cell are disclosed. The nucleic acids of the invention can further confer on a cell resistance to heavy metals such as cadmium and copper. Isolated proteins encoded by the nucleic acids of the invention are also disclosed. The isolated nucleic acids and proteins of the invention are useful for conferring cisplatin resistance on a cell, for example non-malignant cells in a tumor bearing subject being treated with cisplatin. Alternatively, the cisplatin resistance of a cell can be inhibited by contacting the cell with an agent which inhibits the activity of the protein of the invention, for example to reverse the cisplatin resistance of a tumor cell. The invention also discloses methods for identifying substances which inhibit cisplatin resistance in a cell or which are chemosensitizers of cisplatin.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides useful in ameliorating GAD-associated autoimmune disease as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: 1, 2-dioxetane compounds bearing a proteolytic enzyme specific amino acid or peptide are provided, which amino acid or peptide can be removed by action of the corresponding protease. When the amino acid or peptide is removed, the 1,2-dioxetane decomposes with chemiluminescence, the generation of light providing a rapid, ultra-sensitive and convenient means for detecting the presence of the protease in the sample being inspected. The amount of light generated, or degree of chemiluminescence, can be correlated with the amount of protease present. Immunoassays, as well as DNA hybridization and DNA probe assays are provided.