Abstract: Compositions and methods for rapid and highly efficient characterization of genetic diversity in organisms are provided. The methods involve rapid sequencing and characterization of extrachromosomal DNA, particularly plasmids, to identify useful nucleotide sequences. The method involves generating a library of extrachromosomal DNA clones, sequencing a portion of the clones, comparing the sequences against a database of existing DNA sequences, using an algorithm to select novel nucleotide sequences based on the presence or absence of the sequence in a database, and identification of at least one novel nucleotide sequence. The DNA sequence can also be translated in all six frames and the resulting amino acid sequences compared against a database of protein sequences. Organisms of particular interest include, but are not limited to bacteria, fungi, algae, and the like. Compositions comprise a mini-cosmid vector comprising a stuffer fragment and at least one cos site.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for configuring a pattern recognizer using versatile, readily available data, comprehensive protein data, and comprehensive chemical data and an object to provide a method for predicting an unknown interaction of a pair by the pattern recognizer-configuring method.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one aspect to a method for analysing the frequency of interaction of a target nucleotide sequence with one or more nucleotide sequences of interest (eg.

Abstract: In silico nucleic acid recombination methods, related integrated systems utilizing genetic operators and libraries made by in silico shuffling methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for easy and quick in silico generation of a very large asparagine-linked glycan structure (N-glycan) database and the use of the database and mass spectrometric data for the determination of N-glycan structures. A two dimensional array of single characters is used to represent all distinct outer branch structures of N-glycan structures. We use a computer program and the array to generate a very large number of unique N-glycan structures. For the determination of N-glycan structures based on mass spectrometric data, a search engine is used to search the N-glycan structure database to find N-glycan structure candidates and correlate a predicted mass spectrum of each of the N-glycan structure candidates with an experimental mass spectrum. With the present invention, intact N-glycan structures and their fragments can be displayed graphically.

Abstract: A method of determining a property that affects expression of polynucleotides in an expression system. A plurality of polynucleotides, each encoding a polypeptide sequence, is constructed. An amino acid is encoded a plurality of times in both a first and second polynucleotide in the plurality. The amino acid is encodable by a plurality of synonymous codons including a first codon. The first codon is in the first polynucleotide at a first frequency relative to other synonymous codons, and is in the second polynucleotide at a second frequency relative to other synonymous codons. The first and second frequencies are different. Each polynucleotide is individually expressed in the expression system to measure an expression property value of the polynucleotides, thereby determining a property that affects expression of polynucleotides. The property is an effect that a frequency of use of one or more codons has on expression of polynucleotides in the expression system.

Abstract: Heterocyclic compounds having a relatively flexible backbone are used to create combinatorial libraries that permit screening for lead compounds and selection of drug candidates for a variety of uses in human and veterinary medicine as well as in agriculture. The compounds of the library generally differ in ring size and chirality of substituents on the ring. Also disclosed are methods for providing and screening these libraries, preferably in an automated or computerizable manner, such as by using a computer program to virtually screen the compounds in order to identify those that are predicted to have bioactive conformations that should give rise to desirable biological effects.

Abstract: A computer system (2) is provided which is arranged to receive network data (1) identifying nodes and links between nodes. The computer system (2) processes the input network data (1) to utilise the network topology to identify nodes and links having high importance for network integrity. A report (4) identify the critical components can then be output.

Abstract: An isolated protein which is structurally and functionally similar to avidin but with improved properties, such as better affinity towards biotin conjugate, useful immunological properties or faster biotin dissociation rate, compared to avidin and streptavidin.

Abstract: A polymer able to bind a target compound selectively is designed by producing a virtual library of polymerisable monomers, and molecular models of the target compound and one or more potential interferents. The library is screened to identify monomers with substantial differences in strengths of binding to (a) target and (b) interferent. Monomers favouring the target may be used to produce polymers for selectively binding the target, for use in separation or analytical processes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of rapidly and efficiently searching biologically-related data space. More specifically, the invention includes methods of identifying bio-molecules with desired properties, or which are most suitable for acquiring such properties, from complex bio-molecule libraries or sets of such libraries. The invention also provides methods of modeling sequence-activity relationships. As many of the methods are computer-implemented, the invention additionally provides digital systems and software for performing these methods.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of rapidly and efficiently searching biologically-related data space. More specifically, the invention includes methods of identifying bio-molecules with desired properties, or which are most suitable for acquiring such properties, from complex bio-molecule libraries or sets of such libraries. The invention also provides methods of modeling sequence-activity relationships. As many of the methods are computer-implemented, the invention additionally provides digital systems and software for performing these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether a sequence fragment g is atypical with respect to a reference sequence G using compositional methods and including constructing a template from G and g respectively containing a sequence of characters for a comparison with one another, wherein a number of characters contained in the template exceeds two. For the case where the sequences at hand are genetic, the atypicality detection can be used to determine whether a given sequence fragment g is the result of a horizontal transfer event.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of the pharmaceutical industry, and describes a conserved area on the surface of the E protein that can be used for the development of wide-spectrum antiviral molecules to be employed in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of infections due to Dengue Virus serotypes 1-4 and other flaviviruses. The invention also covers chimeric proteins to be used as vaccines or as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against the four serotypes of Dengue Virus and other flaviviruses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for nucleic aced sequencing using a compacted code technique are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a nucleic acid to be sequenced, determining the identity of each base in a subsequence of bases in the nucleic acid, encoding the identity of the subsequence in a format having a number of bytes that is less than the number of bases, and storing the encoded identity.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for identifying and interpreting tissue specimens and/or cells derived from tissue specimens. A panel of cell-based reagents provides a number of readouts of cellular states or biomarkers that together define a profile of a diversity of cellular states or biomarkers in a tissue specimen representing the “systems” nature of biology. This cellular profile is interpreted using informatics tools, to identify similarities between specimens, in vivo medical conditions, and suggest options for treating medical conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identification of microbial pathogens in a body fluid sample comprising the following steps: a) providing a body fluid sample; b) lysing the microbial pathogens and performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction on the microbial DNA encoding 16S or 18S rRNA wherein or whereafter the amplified nucleic acids are labelled; c) contacting the labelled amplified nucleic acids of step b) with a microarray comprising on defined areas on the microarray's surface immobilised probes for microbial DNA encoding 16S or 18S rRNA from microbial pathogens; d) detecting the binding of one or more species of the labelled amplified nucleic acids to a probe by detecting a labelled amplified nucleic acid being specifically bound to the microarray; and e) identifying a microbial pathogen in the body fluid sample by correlating the detected binding of the labelled amplified nucleic acids with the defined areas of the immobilised probes for microbial DNA encoding 16S or 18S rRNA from microbial pathogens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing the method is provided. The method involves performing an indirect competitive binding assay on a microarray to identify biological or chemical targets and screen for compounds of interest. The microarray comprises a common ligand located among membrane-, lipid- or protein-associated active binding sites. The method takes advantage of known or well-characterized binding kinetics, and steric interference between biological or chemicals targets of interest and universal readout units for different binding sites within the limited confines of a microspot. The biological targets, chemicals or organisms can specifically bind to target-binding sites, while the universal readout unit binds to the ligands in the microspot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for indexing nucleic acid sequences to aid computer based searching of nucleic acid sequences by indexing a nucleotide sequence by the presence of unique Kmers in the sequence. The method of the present invention comprises utilizing an algorithm to automatically index a nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of biomarkers suitable for determining patient treatment response as well as systems and computer program products of use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of using those compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of immune related diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for screening drugs from candidate compounds selected from a library. The system includes multiple hardware components and a computer software system for scheduling and coordinating the operations of the hardware components. A user of the system requests a series of assays to be performed on the candidate compounds. Each assay is associated with a test acceptance criteria. Interdependencies of these assays may be specified. The software system schedules the hardware components to run each assay with minimum hardware idle time possible based on the assays requested and the interdependencies of these assays specified. The software system coordinates and directs the flow of samples and data through the system. A decision whether a sample can proceed to the next assay as scheduled may be made automatically based on test acceptance criteria, or manually modified by the user. All assays can be performed in an automated fashion once the samples are provided to the system.

Abstract: The invention provides new sequences for human microRNAs associated with cancer which may be used as molecular markers for cancer diagnostics or as therapeutic targets or agents.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining antisense oligonucleotides with activity against a desired target are provided. Methods of identifying oligonucleotide sequence motifs which are predictive of antisense oligonucleotide activity are provided, as are motifs identified according to this method. Methods of selecting effective antisense oligonucleotide sequences and effective antisense target sequences are provided, as are sequences selected according to these methods. In other methods of the invention, oligonucleotides are designed to hybridize to target sequences containing one or more activity-enhancing motifs. Antisense oligonucleotides designed according to these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of generating a protein with an improved functional property, the method comprising: (a) identifying at least one Target amino acid Residue in a first protein, wherein said Target amino acid Residue is associated with said functional property; (b) comparing at least one homologous second protein from the same or a different phylogenetic branch as the first protein with the first protein and identifying at least one Variant amino acid Residue between the first protein and the second protein; (c) selecting at least one Candidate amino acid Residue from the Variant amino acid Residue identified in (b) on the basis of said Candidate amino acid Residue affecting said Target amino acid Residue with respect to said functional property; (d) forming at least one Candidate Mutant protein in silico or producing at least one Candidate Mutant protein in vitro in which said at least one Candidate amino acid Residue from the second protein substitutes a corresponding residue in the first protein; and (e) screeni

Abstract: BioMEMS/NEMS appliance biologically monitors an individual, using biosensors to detect cellular components. Data is simulated or analyzed using systems-biology software, which provides diagnostic or therapeutic guidance.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a therapeutic filter for simultaneous screening against multiple targets coupled with subsequent in silico drug discovery utilizing biologically active compounds for the identification and selection of gene sets having characteristic expression profiles for formation of an active compound database with subsequent identification of therapeutically effective agents by scanning and matching in said active compound database.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and kits for diagnosing the presence of cancer within a patient, and for determining whether a subject who has cancer is susceptible to different types of treatment regimens. The cancers to be tested include, but are not limited to, prostate, breast, lung, gastric, ovarian, bladder, lymphoma, mesothelioma, medulloblastoma, glioma, and AML. Identification of therapy-resistant patients early in their treatment regimen can lead to a change in therapy in order to achieve a more successful outcome. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for diagnosing cancer or predicting cancer-therapy outcome by detecting the expression levels of multiple markers in the same cell at the same time, and scoring their expression as being above a certain threshold, wherein the markers are from a particular pathway related to cancer, with the score being indicative or a cancer diagnosis or a prognosis for cancer-therapy failure.

Abstract: A system and method to search spectral databases to identify unknown materials, specifically pathogenic microorganisms. A library is provided, having sublibraries containing reference data sets of known materials and test data sets, both generated by at least one spectroscopic data generating instrument. For each test data set, each sublibrary associated with the instrument used is searched. A set of scores for each searched sublibrary is produced, representing the likelihood of a match between the reference data set and test data set. Relative probability values are calculated for each searched sublibrary. All relative probability values are fused producing a set of final probability values, used in determining whether the unknown material is represented through a known material in the library. The known material represented in the libraries having the highest final probability value is reported, if the highest final probability value is greater than or equal to the minimum confidence value.

Abstract: The invention relates to products and processes for determining or predicting sporting performance, ability or aptitude of horses and other performance animals through the study of nucleotide sequence variants, genetic types or profiles, in particular the study of mitochondrial sequence variants. The invention is useful in the horseracing industry.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the structural analysis of a saccharide, comprising: a) providing on a surface a plurality of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific binding agents; b) contacting said surface with a saccharide to be analyzed, or with a mixture comprising a plurality of fragments of said saccharide; c) washing or otherwise removing unbound saccharide or saccharide fragments; d) adding to the surface obtained in step c) an essentially sequence- and/or site-specific marker, or a mixture of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific markers; e) acquiring one or more images of the markers that are bound to said surface; and f) deriving information related to the identity of the saccharide being analyzed from said image.

Abstract: A system and method for aiding in the design of molecular constructs is provided. A feature set associated with a molecular building block in a construct may be determined, wherein the feature set may comprise data indicative of third party rights that restrict use of the molecular segment or the lack of such rights. The method may include steps of defining a molecular structure for use in the construct; searching a database including a plurality of molecular structures and a plurality of rights, each right of the plurality of rights associated with each of the plurality of molecular structures; and displaying rights associated with the defined molecular structures in response to the search of said database.

Abstract: A method for computer-based processing of biological data, comprising the steps of: selecting a gene as lead gene to be patented; searching homologues for the selected lead gene; creating a patent pool on the basis of the selected lead gene; generating and outputting a pool report for the planned patent application.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods for designing synthetic nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides of interest. The methods involve organizing a database of sequences as a set of N-length oligomer sequences and compiling a list of probability scores for each N-length sequence. The probability scores are used to substitute one or more higher-scoring sequences into the parent nucleotide sequence to generate an optimized sequence. The nucleotide sequence of interest may be further optimized by removing either or both of unintended open reading frames or undesired short DNA elements, and/or substituting oligomer sequences to achieve a specific G:C content. These methods may be used for optimizing expression of heterologous genes in any organism, particularly in plants. The method generates synthetic sequences with a composition similar to that of a target database.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and dementia with Lewy body disease by detecting a pattern of gene product expression in a cerebrospinal fluid sample and comparing the pattern of gene product expression from the sample to a library of gene product expression pattern known to be indicative of the presence or absence of a neurodegenerative disease. The methods also provide for monitoring neurodegenerative disease progression and assessing the effects of therapeutic treatment. Also provided are kits, systems and devices for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of system, computer-accessible medium and method for comparing a first genome to a second genome. For example, a first genome may be compared to a second genome by building a first library for the first genome and a second library for the second genome, providing a plurality of matches between elements in the first library common to elements in the second library, ranking each match to determine a likelihood of similarity between the common elements in the first and second libraries; and associating matches having a predetermined likelihood. The association may be performed efficiently by a stable marriage procedure.

Abstract: Methods for identifying organisms within a mixture using a minimal set of reagents are provided. The methods also allow for identifying the presence of not yet sequenced organisms, as well as for classification based on evolutionary lineage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid and reliable approaches to leukemia prognostication. In addition to methods, the invention also provides related kits and systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating biological dataset profiles relating to inflammatory cardiovascular conditions are provided, where datasets comprising information for multiple cellular parameters are compared and identified, and used in the evaluation of candidate pharmacologic agents for suitability as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is disclosed for analyzing a large data set of chemical compounds for which there is a measured activity in the same assay for each compound to determine the structural units which are responsible for the observed activity of the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the design and construction of diverse peptide and polypeptide libraries. In particular, the invention concerns methods of analytical database design for creating datasets using multiple relevant parameters as filters, and methods for generating sequence diversity by directed multisyntheses oligonucleotide synthesis. The present methods enable the reduction of large complex annotated databases to simpler datasets of related sequences, based upon relevant single or multiple key parameters that can be individually directly defined. The methods further enable the creation of diverse libraries based on this approach, using multisynthetic collections of discrete and degenerate oligonucleotides to capture the diverse collection of sequences, or portions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene discovery system and gene expression systems specific for genes encoding ARE-containing mRNAs. In one aspect, the present invention relates to computational methods of selecting coding sequences of ARE-genes from databases using a one or more ARE search sequences. The ARE search sequences are from 10 to 80 nucleotides in length and comprise a sequence which is encompassed by one of the following two sequences: (a) WU/T(AU/TU/TU/TA)TWWW, SEQ ID NO. 1, wherein none or one of the nucleotides outside of the parenthesis is replaced by a different nucleotide, and wherein W represents A, U, or T; and (b) U/T(AU/TU/T/U/T)n, SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein n indicates that the search sequence comprises from 3 to 12 of the tetrameric sequences contained within the parenthesis. The method comprises extracting from the databases, those nucleic acids whose protein coding sequences are upstream and contiguous with a 3? untranslated region (UTR) that comprises one of the ARE search sequences.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions related to ACF and to APOBEC-1.

Abstract: The present invention is a cell-based method of identifying a set of signal transduction proteins having an intracellular localization pattern responsive to toxic compounds. The method requires identifying and screening an initial set of signal transduction proteins against a set of toxic compounds, and determining changes in intracellular localization pattern of each of the proteins. Proteins whose changes in intracellular localization pattern are redundant are discarded from the initial set, and new proteins are added to provide a new set of proteins. I repeat the method steps with new sets of proteins until the set of proteins provides me at least 5 principal components with respect to the range of compounds marketed as small organic molecules.

Abstract: A computer system (2) is provided which is arranged to receive network data (1) identifying nodes and links between nodes. The computer system (2) processes the input network data (1) to utilise the network topology to identify nodes and links having high importance for network integrity. A report (4) identifying the critical components can then be output.

Abstract: Structural models for a rhomboid protease alone and bound to inhibitors and peptide substrates and compositions and methods for preparing rhomboid protease binding compounds and methods for using such rhomboid protease binding compounds for modulation of these proteases catalytic activity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for prediction and identification of microRNA precursors (pre-microRNA) and microRNA molecules using data processing programs and databases. The invention also pertains to the isolated form of these pre-microRNAs, microRNA molecules and derived nucleic acids there of. The invention also relates to recombinant vector, host cell, support, pharmaceutical composition or kit comprising such microRNA molecules or there of derivated molecules. The invention also applies to the use of such microRNA molecules and/or their identified targets in research, prognostic, diagnostic tools/methods as well as for therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: A composition having an agent adapted to affect a multimeric protein by binding to a binding site of the multimeric protein and thereby affecting an equilibrium of units, wherein the multimeric protein has an assembly having a plurality of said units, wherein each of the units has a first complementary surface and a second complementary surface and wherein the first complementary surface of one unit is associated with the second complementary surface of another unit, provided that the assembly is at least one of different quaternary isoforms on a condition that in the multimeric protein (1) a structure of each of the units determines a structure of the different quaternary isoforms, (2) the units are in the equilibrium and (3) the structure of the different quaternary isoforms influences a function of the multimeric protein.