Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing exopolysaccharide from submerged mycelial culture of mushroom and more particularly, to the process for improving the exopolysaccharide production from the mycelia using the different bistage pH control technique comprising the steps of; (1) a process for the production of mycelia whose pH conditions in a batch medium are kept constant at 2 to 6 at the initial pH, while adding ammonium ion to the medium, and (2) a process for the production of exopolysaccharides whose pH conditions in a batch medium containing the mycelia are adjusted to 3 to 7. According to this invention, the optimized mycelial morphology and rheological properties in the culture media can lead to EPS production in more efficient and stable manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of a novel putative efflux gene from Pseudomonas mendocina. The putative efflux gene is useful for probing an organism's efflux system to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of solvent tolerance. The invention further provides a Pseudomonas mendocina strain deficient in this gene. This strain is unable to grow in the presence of chloramphenicol and, compared to the wildtype strain, grows slowly in the presence of high concentrations of PHBA.

Abstract: A pesticide composition that includes a metabolite from a fungus selected from homeocarpic basidiomycetes and homeocarpic ascomycetes is described. In one embodiment, the fungus from which the metabolite is derived is one grown under conditions effective to substantially suppress fruiting of the fungus. More particular the pesticide compositions are provided comprising a fungal metabolite derived from a fungus selected from the group Ganoderma spp., Lactiporus spp., Lentinus spp., Morchella spp., and Pleurotus spp. The pesticide composition may be produced by culturing the fungus on a medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant. Alternatively a filtrate from a culture of the fungus is added to the medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant, and mixed until pesticidal activity develops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biologically pure culture of white rot lignin-modifying fungus Flavodon flavus for simultaneous decolorization and detoxification of molasses spent wash or water/soil contaminated with molasses spent wash. The Flavodon flavus has been deposited at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India, bearing Accession No. NIOCC #312 and has also been deposited at Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Ill. 61604, U.S.A., bearing Accession No. NRRL 30302 on Mar. 10, 2000.

Abstract: The present invention relates a process for culturing isolates of Antrodia camphorata to provide a product useful in medical and nourishment fields. The present invention also relates to a novel isolate of Antrodia camphorata capable of growing in a suitable artificial medium, while exhibiting desired pharmacological activities, in particular anti-tumor activity. The utilization of potato dextrose broth and the synthetic medium containing fructose as major carbon source leads to a significant increase in the pharmacological activity of the cultures of A. camphorata.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic preparations comprising polysaccharides and/or glycopeptides preparable from keratinophilic fungi as well as yeasts, processes for the preparation of these antigenic preparations, their use as pharmaceutical substances as well as their use as vaccines, including but not limited to, the prophylaxis and treatment of allergy, as well as for modulating the immune response.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of monitoring expression levels of different polymorphic forms of a gene. Such methods entail analyzing genomic DNA from an individual to determine the presence of heterozygous polymorphic forms at a polymorphic site within a transcribed sequence of a gene of interest. RNA from a tissue of the individual in which the gene is expressed is then analyzed to determine relative proportions of polymorphic forms in transcript of the gene. Having identified alleles of a gene that are expressed at different levels, the alleles can be further analyzed to locate a second polymorphism that has a causative role in the different expression levels. The methods are amenable to analyzing large collections of genes simultaneously using arrays of immobilized probes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the microbial oxidation of 2-methylquinoxaline to 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid which comprise contacting 2-methylquinoxaline with a microorganism, or a suitable mutant thereof, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield an amount of said 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid. The present processes optionally further comprise the isolation and purification of 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide novel biologically active substances which is of value as a therapeutic agent for fungal infections and immune disorders. This invention is related to a biologically active substance TKR2449 analog(s) which is represented by the following general formula (A); (In the formula, R1, R2 and R3 are the same or differ each other, and each represents hydrogen or an alkyl group of carbon number of 1 to 4. R4 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group of carbon number of 1 to 8.).

Abstract: A yeast strain capable of converting glucose to erythritol, said strain having the following identifying characteristics: an absence of motile spores; septate mycelia; asexual reproduction; an absence of reniform cells; conidia optionally formed on short denticles but not on elongate stalks; an absence of ballistoconidia; non-monopolar budding on a broad base; acropetal chains of blastoconidia; dark brown, thick-walled chlamydospores; an ability to assimilate sucrose, glycerol and maltose; an inability to assimilate lactose; an inability to ferment galactose; an ability to grow in a vitamin-free medium; and an ability to grow at 25° C. to 36° C.

Abstract: A method of producing arabitol by continuous fermentation of at least one sugar by micro-organisms producing arabitol, characterised in that arabitol is produced in a first fermentation area including at least one fermenter in such a manner that some of the sugar introduced into the fermentation medium is consumed by said micro-organisms, some of the fermentation medium obtained in this way is transferred into a second fermentation area including at least one fermenter, the volume being maintained constant in the first fermentation area by adding sugar, production of arabitol continues in said second fermentation area in such a manner as to consume the residual sugar of the fermentation medium, the fermentation medium thus obtained from said second fermentation area is separated a continuously into a fraction concentrated in micro-organisms and another, soluble fraction enriched in arabitol, and the arabitol thus obtained is collected.

Abstract: Strains of the aerobic mycoparasitic fungus Coniothyrium minitans having high levels of &bgr;-glucanase activity have been obtained. Preferred strains have been deposited at the American Type Culture Collection under accession numbers 74415, 74416, 74417, 74418, 74419, 74435 and 74436. Methods for mutagenizing C. minitans 74415 and obtaining strains having &bgr;-glucanase activity are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for preparing chemical libraries. The apparatus includes (1) a carousel comprising a plurality of reaction mounts having at least one reaction well; (2) a rotator that rotates the carousel step-wise; (3) a fluid delivery system; (4) a drain system; and (5) a programmable computer that controls the operation of the apparatus, including the rotator, the fluid delivery system, the drain system and other systems in the apparatus. The preparation of chemical libraries involves rotating the carousel through a plurality of stations. At each station, a physical step in a reaction protocol is carried out on the reaction wells of the mount docked at the station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing chitin or chitosan by culturing a Rhizopus azygosporus fungus or an Actinomucor taiwanensis fungus and isolating chitosan or chitin from the culture.

Abstract: It has been found that nonimmunosuppressive, cyclophilin-binding cyclosporins are useful in the treatment and prevention of AIDS and AIDS-related disorders. Such cyclosporins include novel Ciclosporin derivatives modified at the 4- and/or 5-positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are attenuated forms of the B. dermatitidis fungus. The fungus remains replication competent but is unable to express the WI-1 protein. One can administer this fungus to a dog, human, or other mammal to vaccinate them against the wild type fungus. Preferably, the administration is by subcutaneous injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing isoflavone aglucone using Rhodotorula glutinis, more specifically, to a novel Rhodotorula glutinis strain (KCCM-10172) which can be isolated from fermented soybeans and has a good ability to convert into isolfavone aglucone, and a process for preparing isoflavone aglucone using the said strain which comprises culture for 30-54 hours in a condition of pH 4.0-8.0 and 25-35° C. using an extract from soybeans or germs of soybeans as a medium and control of content of dissolved oxygen to produce isoflavone containing aglucone of a purity of 90% or more.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for the use of a novel organism belonging to the genus Trichosporon sp. as whole wet or dry cell culture or cell free extract or crude enzyme or pure isolated enzyme The strain of Trichosporon sp. used in the process is designated as RRLY-15 and has been deposited in Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellekulturen GmbH (DSMZ). The invention also discloses the preparation of S(+)-6-methoxy-2-naphthalene acetic acid (naproxen) of formula (2) through enantioselective hydrolysis of a racemic mixture of alkyl esters of (±)-6-methoxy-&agr;-methyl-2-naphthalene acetic acid of formula (1) where R represents —CH3,—C2H5,—C3H7,—C4H9 and the like and S(+)- Naproxen is a medicinally important non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of protein polysaccharide 0041 obtained by extracting a dried product of cultured mycelia of Agaricus blazei Murrill 0041 with hot water, and protein polysaccharide 0041 shows immunopotentiating antitumor activity when administered, so that it is useful as an antitumor agent against various tumors, and as an immunopotentiating substance against other diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detection, characterization and isolation of nucleic acids encoding proteins of a desired property, such as a particular cellular localization. The invention further provides for rapid expression of such proteins or glycoproteins in mammalian cells and for facilitated purification of the novel secreted proteins or glycoproteins. Further, the invention provides for radioactive labelling of the novel proteins or glycoproteins, for rapid identification of sites of binding including animals and for rapid production of infective viral vectors for use in gene transfer.

Abstract: A process for macromolecularizing phenolic compounds or aromatic amine compounds by the action of a catalyst comprising an enzyme having a polyphenol oxidizing activity in the alkali region; applications of the compounds obtained by the above process to thickeners, stabilizers, coagulants, emulsifiers, dispersants, water retainers, antioxidants, adhesives, concrete admixtures, dyes, coating materials, petroleum recovering agent, soil conditioner, a blow-applied seed bearing surface soil stabilizer, deodorants, smell eliminators, agricultural chemical spreaders, feeding stuff binders, bactericides, antimicrobial agents, viral infection inhibitors, bioadhesion preventives, biotic repellents, insecticides, poultices, ink bases or wood treating agents; and method of waste water disposal, a method of deoxygenation and a method of treating wood, concrete or soil in which use is made of the above reaction.

Abstract: A two phase environmentally friendly fermentation process for producing high yields of &dgr;-decalactone and &dgr;-dodecalactone from the corresponding unsaturated starting materials is carried out under oxidative growth conditions using a saccharomyces species. The resulting products impart, augment and/or enhance the aroma and/or taste of consumable materials including foodstuffs, chewing gums, toothpastes, beverages, fragrance compositions, colognes and perfumed articles such as solid or liquid, anionic, cationic, non-ionic or zwitterionic detergents, fabric softeners, and hair preparations.

Abstract: Oil is extracted from oil containing microorganisms by disintegrating the microorganisms and contacting them in the presence of a water content of at least 70% by weight of that originally present in the cellular material with a water immiscible solvent for the oil, separating the solvent from the microorganisms and recovering the oil from the solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to biologically active novel compounds having formula (I) as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of preparing said compounds, fungicidal compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, these compounds, use of the compounds, and method of controlling fungi at loci infested or liable to be infested therewith.

Abstract: A process for preparing cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol is disclosed. The process comprises (A) fermenting a culture medium containing a yeast strain selected from the group consisting of Trichosporon cutaneum MY 1506 (ATCC 74440) and mutants thereof and 1,2-indanedione to form cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol; and (B) recovering cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol from the culture medium. A process for preparing (1S)-amino-(2R)-indanol from the recovered cis-(1S,2R)-indanediol via the Ritter reaction is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetical modification of DNA polymerase to reduce its innate selective sequence-related discrimination against incorporation of fluorescent dye-labeled ddCTP and ddATP in the enzymatic reaction for preparation of samples for automated florescent dye-labeled terminator DNA sequencing. The modified DNA polymerases are more resistant to heat inactivation and are more effective in dideoxynucleotide incorporation than current DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of nck-2. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding nck-2. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of nck-2 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of nck-2 are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for use in detecting nucleic acid analytes in samples. The devices each include a solid support to which is bound a two-dimensional distribution or field of nucleic acid probes that each bind to a nucleic acid analyte, which is detected by use of amplification methods.

Abstract: Amplification primers and methods for specific amplification and detection of a Salmonella spp. target are disclosed. The primer-target binding sequences are useful for amplification and detection of Salmonella target in a variety of amplification and detection reactions.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing multiple myeloma are disclosed. These methods are based upon the observation that tumor rejection antigen precursors are expressed in multiple myeloma. By assaying bone marrow samples, one can diagnose multiple myeloma, and also monitor the disease's progress. Therapeutic approaches of multiple myeloma are also disclosed.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting the expression of Nucleolin. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding Nucleolin. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of Nucleolin expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of Nucleolin are provided.

Abstract: To reduce the effects of the contaminants in the measurement of microorganisms and the reduction of the time necessary for the measurement. Measurement is performed of the microorganism prior to and following culture, and the difference between the two is found. This prevents errors caused by the effect of contaminants contained in the specimens. Since the measurement of the microorganism is performed by means of a flow cytometer, the microorganisms can be measured even when the culture period is short. Moreover, the measurements are accurate, since the contaminants are not measured. Furthermore, the growth form of the microorganisms can be determined by measuring the changes in the intensity of the light emission over the duration of emission of the forward scattered light detected by means of a flow cytometer.

Abstract: Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of hnRNP A1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding hnRNP A1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of hnRNP A1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of hnRNP A1 are provided.

Abstract: Genomic sequences of human mismatch repair genes are described, as are methods of detecting mutations and/or polymorphisms in those genes. Also described are methods of diagnosing cancer susceptibility in a subject, and methods of identifying and classifying mismatch-repair-defective tumors. In particular, sequences and methods relating to human mutL homologs, hMLH1 and hPMS1 genes are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a human pinin splice variant (PNIN) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PNIN. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of PNIN.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for nucleic acid base sequencing by annealing a primer to a nucleic acid template, extending the primer and direct step-wise detecting of incorporated bases, without the use of nucleic acid fragments, extrinsic labeling or electrophoresis, the apparatus described by employing a simple rotary valve system to generate sequential growth of a molecular chain, a laser beam and detection system for determining the amount of native fluorescence quenched in an aliquot of reaction mixture solution as each nucleotide species is extracted from a reactant solution and incorporated into the growing chain.

Abstract: Method for one-pot deprotection of RNA molecules.

Abstract: Amplification primers and methods for specific amplification and detection of a Shiga-like toxin I (SLT-I) target are disclosed. The primer-target binding sequences are useful for amplification and detection of SLT-I target in a variety of amplification and detection reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process for preparing erythritol with high productivity with novel mutant of Trigonopsis variabilis, more specifically, for preparing erythritol under optimal fermentation conditions for maximum erythritol production by optimizing the environmental conditions of culture such as pH, temperature and controlling osmotic pressure. A two-stage fermentation was performed to control osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure was adjusted to a low level during growth phase and to a high level during production phase by adding glucose and NaCl. Therefore, erythritol production could be increased due to the increased mutant cells.

Abstract: Nucleic acid able to cause specific cleavage of a bond between two ribonucleotides in an RNA-containing molecule. The RNA-containing molecule has the structure:5'-XnUHZCUGANGAGYm-3'wherein each X and Y is independently any nucleotide base; n and m are independently between 5 and 40; H is U, A or C; Z is a hairpin loop, having between 6 and 60 bases, and each U, C, G and A is a uracil, cytosine, guanosine, or adenosine-containing ribonucleotide, respectively, and N is any ribonucleotide. The nucleic acid has the structure:3'-X'nM.sub.o Y'm-5'wherein each X' and Y' are complementary nucleotide bases to each corresponding X and Y, and M.sub.o is a series of nucleotide bases active to cause the cleavage, and wherein M.sub.o contains no ribonucleotides.

Abstract: Disclosed are new methods comprising the use of in situ hybridization to detect abnormal nucleic acid sequence copy numbers in one or more genomes wherein repetitive sequences that bind to multiple loci in a reference chromosome spread are either substantially removed and/or their hybridization signals suppressed. The invention termed Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) provides for methods of determining the relative number of copies of nucleic acid sequences in one or more subject genomes or portions thereof (for example, a tumor cell) as a function of the location of those sequences in a reference genome (for example, a normal human genome). The intensity(ies) of the signals from each labeled subject nucleic acid and/or the differences in the ratios between different signals from the labeled subject nucleic acid sequences are compared to determine the relative copy numbers of the nucleic acid sequences in the one or more subject genomes as a function of position along the reference chromosome spread.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting the expression of human STAT3. The compositions comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding STAT3. Methods of using these oligonucleotides for inhibition of STAT3 expression and for treatment of diseases, particularly inflammatory diseases and cancers, associated with overexpression or constitutive activation of STAT3 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a plurality of polynucleotide targets. The composition can be used as hybridizable array elements in a microarray. The present invention also relates to methods for screening compounds and therapeutic treatments for toxicological responses.

Abstract: The invention features purified nucleic acid encoding a novel internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence from the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) gene. The invention also features methods for using the XIAP IRES to increase cap-independent translation of polypeptide coding sequences linked to the XIAP IRES, and methods for isolating compounds that modulate cap-independent translation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a plurality of polynucleotide targets. The composition can be used as hybridizable array elements in a microarray. The present invention also relates to methods for screening compounds and therapeutic treatments for toxicological responses.

Abstract: Oligomers which inhibit expression of a collagen gene are described. It is believed that each oligomer, when introduced into a cell, forms a transcription-inhibiting complex composed of the oligomer and the collagen-gene promoter region. The oligomer, preferably a phosphorothioate deoxyoligonucleotide or a ribonucleotide, preferably binds in the antiparallel orientation to the polypurine strand of a polypurine-polypyrimidine region of the promoter region of a mammalian .alpha.1(I) collagen gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood, using DNA extraction followed by nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for mutant DNA. In particular, the invention relates to detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in humans or animals that contain a mutation associated with the neoplasm through detection of the mutated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology and concerns heat-stable prolylendopeptidase, recombinant DNA coding for heat-stable prolylendopeptidase, and processes for the production of heat-stable prolylendopeptidase and of recombinant DNA coding therefor, a host transformed with said recombinant DNA and a process for the production of said transformed host.

Abstract: The preparation process starts with a protected nucleotide which is anchored through its phosphate group with an anchoring group that links the phosphate group to a polymeric support, its 5'-hydroxyl group is protected for chain elongation and its 3'-terminal phosphate group is protected with a chain phosphate protecting group. Elongation is carried out under conditions in which the protecting groups of adenine, cytosine and guanine remain unaltered and thymine and uracil groups are not protected. Chain phosphate protecting groups are removed from the obtained cyclic anchored intermediate. Then the product is cleaved from the polymeric support and the protecting groups of the nucleobases are removed. The process has the advantages of general utility for any bases and any size of cycle and of providing high yields with minor by-products. The cyclic oligonucleotides obtained have potential use as antisense products and probes, as well as in therapeutics and in diagnosis.