Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining whether a horse is normal, a carrier, or is affected with Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS). The method entails, in a biological sample obtained or derived from a horse, determining a single nucleotide deletion which introduces a translational stop codon in the 49th codon of exon 30 of the equine MYO5A gene. Homozyogosity for the absence of the deletion is indicative that the horse is normal for LFS. Heterozygosity for the deletion is indicative that the horse is a carrier of LFS. Homozygosity for the deletion is indicative that the horse is affected with LFS. Methods for selecting horses for breeding and kits for determining the LFS-associated deletion are also provided.

Abstract: It is revealed that an organ such as pancreas can be regenerated by utilizing a fact that the deficiency of an organ is complemented by injecting an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS cell) into a developed blastocyst in a blastocyst complementation method. Thus, the present invention has solved the above-described object. This provides a method for producing a target organ, using an iPS cell, in a living body of a non-human mammal having an abnormality associated with a lack of development of the target organ in a development stage, the target organ produced being derived from a different individual mammal that is an individual different from the non-human mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides splice variants of myostatin that promote muscle growth, and include polynucleotides and polypeptide sequences, constructs comprising the sequences and compositions for regulating muscle growth and treating diseases associated with muscle tissue. The splice variants include the consensus sequence X1 I F L E X2 X3 X4 Q X5 C S I L X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 wherein X1 is I or L, X2 is V or L, X3 is Y, C, G or S, X4 is I or F, X5 is F or L, X6 is G or E, X7 is E or V, X8 is A or T, X9 is A or V and X10 is absent, F or L. The present invention also provides for the use of the present sequences in identifying animals with altered muscle mass, and for use in selective breeding programs to produce animals with altered muscle mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the generation of unique molecular markers in existing breeding material by selecting a marker associated with a trait, identifying the existing variation at the nucleotide level within a set of markers within a germplasm and introducing a selectable marker by the introduction of one or more nucleotides at positions in a constant region of the marker by targeted nucleotide exchange.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell which enables the reproduction of a cartilage tissue and has a proliferative ability. Also disclosed is a technique for providing a cell supply source which can be used in a definitive treatment of osteochondrosis deformans. A chondrocyte-like cell which has the same properties as those of a chondrocyte and can proliferate can be produced by selecting a combination of an Myc family gene and/or a Klf family gene and a SOX9 gene and introducing the combination into a somatic cell. The chondrocyte-like cell can be used for a medical purpose of cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: An orally administrable immunostimulant product comprises a microencapsulated cytokine and an enteric protection polymer to protect the cytokine, the cytokine is a fish, mollusc or crustacean cytokine, preferably a recombinant cytokine such as tumor necrosis factor ? (TNF?) over-expressed in a host microorganism.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for producing antibodies, wherein the methods comprise the step of administering an immunogen comprising both a target antigen and a background antigen to transgenic animals, into which a gene coding for the background antigen has been introduced. Since immunotolerance to the background antigens have thus been induced in the transgenic animals, the animals efficiently produce antibodies to target antigens.

Abstract: This invention provides novel animal models for a human pathogen that is capable of exhibiting analogous secondary disease manifestation. Other animal models for a human pathogen are provided by this invention which are capable of exhibiting analogous secondary disease manifestations and are also capable of responding to therapeutic or preventive measures to such secondary disease manifestations. Other animal models for human retrovirus infections are provided including lower primates and primate excluding any members of the order Anthropoidea. Compositions, drugs, products and procedures for therapeutic and diagnostic applications derived from the animal models of this invention are also described and provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic technique related to a biomarker for a microdomain disease and a method for detecting a microdomain disease of which manipulation is easy and which is inexpensive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel animal model for neurological degenerative diseases, especially autism, relating to overexpression of human secreted APP-alpha. This novel animal model exhibits several aspects of amyloidopathy. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the double transgenic animals, to cells and cell lines derived from these animals. Moreover, a method for the evaluation of the in vivo effects of a test compound on secreted APP-alpha expression and autism pathology in these animals is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in vitro cultured permissive niche, or human bone marrow microenvironment, comprising a scaffold coated with human mesenchymal stem cells and a culture medium, wherein the stem cells are viable and proliferate in culture and the niche is permissive for the establishment of introduced hematopoietic or leukemic cell populations. The present invention is also directed to establishment of a permissive niche in a non-human animal model comprising a scaffold coated with human mesenchymal stem cells introduced into the animal ectopically, wherein the niche and the model are permissive for the establishment of introduced hematopoietic or leukemic cell populations. The implanted scaffold forms an ectopic human bone marrow microenvironment to study the mesenchymal leukemic stem cell niche.

Abstract: The genome of the non-human mutant mammal, deficient in an endogenous Sigma receptor, contains a mutation that comprises a disruption in an endogenous Sigma receptor gene, wherein said gene disruption gives rise to a mutant lacking detectable levels of endogenous Sigma receptor. The mutant may be used as a control animal for in vivo tests, as well as a source of cells that can be used in in vitro tests. Mutants deficient in the Sigma-1 receptor can be used as models for in vivo study of disorders of the central nervous system, memory alterations, stress conditions and drug addictions, analgesia processes and neuroprotection. Mutants deficient in the Sigma-2 receptor can be used to study diagnostic or therapeutic tools to fight cancer and/or degenerative processes and/or to design compounds capable of preventing, reducing or alleviating the secondary pathology associated with administration of neuroleptic agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of prolonged storage of the species of entomopathogenic nematodes belonging to the genera of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis for use as bio-pesticides wherein storage in surfactant solution or antimicrobial solution on sterilized polyurethane foam allows maintaining infectivity of at least 50% for six months at 10-15 C storage conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying compounds and compositions that target cancer stem cells. In some aspects, the invention relates to treatment methods that use compounds and compositions that specifically target cancer stem cells for inhibiting the growth and/or survival of cancer stem cells in a subject in need thereof. Other aspects of the invention relate to the use of cancer stem cell biomarkers in the selection of a treatment for inhibiting the growth and/or survival of cancer stem cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining the biological activity of embryonated Trichuris eggs is described, in which at least one of the following determinations is carried out: a) Determination and/or confirmation of the stage of the embryonal development of helminth eggs with the aid of quantitative PCR analysis by using suitable marker sequences for ascertaining the copy number of the genomic DNA, b) Determination of the metabolic activity of embryonated helminth eggs by means of biochemical and/or molecular biological methods, c) Determination of the inducibility of gene expression in embryonated helminth eggs, d) Microscopic determination of the motility of helminth larvae in the egg over long periods of observation after pre-incubation at increased temperatures and/or e) Determination of the hatching rate of Trichuris larvae in a laboratory animal, wherein the intact embryonated eggs recovered from the contents of the intestine are quantified compared to an internal standard.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide epitopes for use in the prevention and/or treatment of influenza or for the development of such treatment or vaccine against influenza. The invention also relates to a method for evaluating the potential of a chemical entity, such as an antibody, to bind to a peptide epitope derived from the divalent sialoside binding site of hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus, and to conjugates containing one or more such peptide epitopes. The peptide epitopes of the invention are cyclic peptides comprising a 7-mer peptide derived from H1, H3 or H5 hemagglutinin of influenza virus. The 7-mer peptide has a sequence corresponding to the loop sequence at positions 220-226 of X31-hemagglutinin.

Abstract: The present invention provides GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides, recombinant materials, and transgenic mice, as well as methods for their production. The polypeptides and polynucleotides are useful, for example, in methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds (e.g., agonists or antagonists) using the GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention, and for treating conditions associated with GPCR dysfunction with the GPCR polypeptides, polynucleotides, or identified compounds. The invention also provides diagnostic assays for detecting diseases or disorders associated with inappropriate GPCR activity or levels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of culturing coral tissues and polyps in vitro. Coral tissues obtained by the method of the invention may be maintained as heterotypic spheroid tissue balls for a period of at least three months or they may be induced to undergo development into new polyps, a process termed re-morphogenesis. This method can produce genetic clones of model species from single individuals that can be propagated either as undifferentiated tissue calli or as developed polyps. The products of the invention are of value to a number of educational, scientific, and commercial endeavors. Specifically, this method can be used to propagate genetic clones (strains) of a model organism for scientific research, to serve as ‘pro-environmental conservation’ sources of coral stock for educational specimens as well as a rapidly generated inventory for commercial aquarium industry.

Abstract: Improved vascularization and tumor models, comprising a test animal having a dorsal skin window chamber, and an exogenous tissue sample implanted ectopically in the skin within the window chamber, are described, as are methods of using the models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating alkenes biologically. It relates more particularly to a method for producing terminal alkenes by enzymatic decarboxylation of 3-hydroxyalkanoate molecules. The invention also relates to the enzymatic systems and the microbial strains used, and also to the products obtained.

Abstract: An animal model for hyperpigmentations in which the formation of hyperpigmentations in human skin is faithfully simulated is provided. An animal model for hyperpigmentations, wherein a black person's skin is grafted onto a non-human animal, is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for efficiently producing a recombinant protein by allowing the recombinant protein to express in a eukaryotic cell and releasing the expressed recombinant protein to the outside of the cell. The invention provides a polynucleotide used for producing a recombinant protein in a host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding a glycosylation sequence comprising a transitional endoplasmic reticulum signal sequence and the sequence represented by: Asn-X-(Thr/Ser) (wherein X is an amino acid other than proline) and a polynucleotide encoding a target protein, which would not be efficiently released to the outside of the cell even when a transitional endoplasmic reticulum signal sequence is fused. The polynucleotide releases the target protein to the outside of the host cell via sugar chain modification.

Abstract: Method for generating monoclonal antibodies that recognize progenitor cells. Said method comprises immunization of an Armenian hamster with neurospheres obtained from olfactory bulb cells from a 13.5-day mouse embryo and subsequent selection of the antibodies by means of neurosphere flow cytometry in the presence of propidium iodide. The antibodies thus obtained may be of use in the enrichment of cell cultures in progenitor cells, primarily neural progenitor cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods and means to obtain improved gene silencing of target nucleic acids whereby at least two inhibitory RNA molecules are provided which are targeted to the same nucleic acid, but which are processed into short interfering RNA molecules through different processing pathways. Also provided are methods and means to obtain improved gene silencing of target nucleic acids whereby at least two inhibitory RNA molecules are provided which are targeted to different nucleic acids, but which are processed into short interfering RNA molecules through different processing pathways.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for activity using teleosts. Methods of screening an agent for angiogenesis activity, toxic activity and an effect cell death activity in teleosts are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an activity in the brain or central nervous system in zebrafish are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents in multi-well plates.

Abstract: Provided is a method for high through-put screening for physiologic alterations in an altered teleost displaying a phenotype that is characteristic of the alteration and different from a wild-type, unaltered, matched teleost, comprising the steps of contacting the teleost displaying a genetically-inherited or chemically-induced phenotype with at least one test compound for a sufficient time and under suitable conditions to induce a response in the teleost indicative of pharmacological activity of the compound, and detecting and comparing the response with that of a matched, untreated, control, wherein a change in the teleost signal that is different from that of the control, indicates an altered phenotype and pharmacological activity of the at least one test compound. Further provided are the compounds identified by this method, the zebrafish having an altered phenotype resulting from treatment in accordance with these methods, and kits for facilitating the high through-put screening methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the pyrltoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

Abstract: A composition comprising an extract from an aquatic organism is disclosed. The composition is capable of preventing adhesion of a cell to a surface and is devoid of cytotoxic or cytostatic activity. Medical devices comprising same and methods for preventing or treating a pathological infection using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) homologs which have an amino acid sequence which has a) a functional NAD binding domain and b) no zinc finger sequence motif of the general formula CX2CXmHX2C in which m is an integral value from 28 or 30, and the X radicals are, independently of one another, any amino acid; and the functional equivalents thereof; nucleic acids coding therefor; antibodies with specificity for the novel protein; pharmaceutical and gene therapy compositions which comprise products according to the invention; methods for the analytical determination of the proteins and nucleic acids according to the invention; methods for identifying effectors or binding partners of the proteins according to the invention; novel PARP effectors; and methods for determining the activity of such effectors.

Abstract: Methods for identifying animals as having reduced body fat and increased bone density are provided herein. Also provided herein are methods for generating animals having reduced body fat and increased bone density. The methods provided herein are based on the effect of TLR4, MD-2, and CD14 activity on body fat and bone density.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a new alternative splicing reporter system and to provide a method for detecting alternative splicing patterns in a multicellular organism more precisely, a method for identifying efficiently substances and gene regions that affect alternative splicing in a multicellular organism, and the like by utilizing the alternative splicing reporter system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for detecting alternative splicing in a multicellular organism, and a method for identifying substances and gene regions that affect alternative splicing in a multicellular organism, which use a DNA construct in which at least two different reporter genes are inserted into a specific gene that undergoes alternative splicing, or a combination of DNA constructs (a combination of at least two different DNA constructs) in which DNA construct a reporter gene is inserted into a specific gene that undergoes alternative splicing.

Abstract: In general, the invention features genetically modified non-human mammals (e.g., bovines and other ungulates), and methods of making these mammals. In particular, the invention features transgenic ungulates having reduced levels of endogenous IgM heavy chain and/or prion protein.

Abstract: Hypercellular nonhuman organisms have functionally inactivated expression of a cyclin inhibitor gene, especially p27. The growth rate of nonhuman organisms are increased such that a desired size is attained more quickly than as compared to nonvariant organisms. Inhibitors of the p27 cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor protein or sequences encoding the protein modulate vertebrate cell cycle progression and increase the proportion of dividing cells to non-dividing cells in a population of treated cells. As the proportion of dividing cells increases, the cell population, e.g., hematopoietic progenitor (stem) cells, is more efficiently used for gene therapy applications. Transgenic animals and plants, and knockout alleles are provided.

Abstract: A method for testing compound for a therapeutic effect utilizing a non-human animal or cell having disruption in the prostatic acid phosphatase gene resulting in a decrease or absence in the activity or the level of prostatic acid phosphatase. The compound may be used for treating disorders related to unbalanced phosphatidylinositol phosphate cascade or signaling pathway. Diagnostic methods and methods for treating the disorders with therapeutic compounds or by gene therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody compositions and use of the composition to detect disease processes associated with elaboration of proteases. The reagents are directed to assessing an IgG breakdown product that is the result of such proteolytic cleavage. The invention further relates to the use of a therapeutic immunospecific for IgG protease cleavage products to restore effector function to antibody compositions that are subject to protease cleavage.

Abstract: A sex selected equine embryo production system for the production of sex selected equine embryos and offspring by fertilization of oocytes with sex selected sperm by intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions related to ONC-T18, D4-desaturases, D5 elongases, their isolation, characterization, production, identification, and use for fatty acid production, as well as organisms containing these compositions and organisms expressing them.

Abstract: A rat with a disrupted Apc (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene is provided. The mutation can include an A to T transversion changing a lysine to a stop codon at codon 1137. Methods of generating the knockout rat are provided. Also provided is the offspring or progeny of that rat. In addition, methods of using these rats are provided, including methods for screening a carcinogen or a promoter of carcinogenesis, and methods for screening preventive and inhibitory agents of carcinogenesis.

Abstract: An animal model for pigment spots in which the formation of pigment spots in human skin is faithfully simulated is provided. An animal model for pigment spots, wherein a black person's skin is grafted onto a non-human animal, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are homozygously modified organisms and methods of making and using these organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding ABC transporter proteins. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of assessing the effects of agents in genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding ABC transporter proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins associated with Parkinson's disease. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to study PD development and screen agents for assessing their effect on progression or symptoms of PD.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified animals and cells comprising edited chromosomal sequences encoding proteins that are associated with a secretase disorder. In particular, the animals or cells are generated using a zinc finger nuclease-mediated editing process. Also provided are methods of using the genetically modified animals or cells disclosed herein to screen agents for toxicity and other effects.

Abstract: Provided are systems and/or methods that facilitate sensing, detecting, logging, or treatment of a condition or need of a living body using a controlled parasite.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an artificial infection in a Culicidae (mosquito) species. The mosquitoes include species within the subfamilies Culicinae and Anophelinae, and the species include Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis infected with a Wolbachia infection. The infection may be a strain of Wolbachia which does not normally or naturally infect the selected mosquito species. The artificially infected Aedes mosquito can be introduced into a mosquito population to control the reproduction capability of the population by introducing an incompatible Wolbachia infection. The present method can be used as a novel means to limit mosquito-borne pathogens and thus control or prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, lymphatic filariasis, etc.

Abstract: Provided are non-human mammals treated with doxorubicin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), where the mammal exhibits a symptom characteristic of infantile spasms. Also provided are methods of making a non-human mammal exhibit a symptom of infantile spasms. Additionally, methods are provided for screening a compound for the potential to attenuate a symptom of infantile spasms.

Abstract: The present invention yielded unique monoclonal antibodies that reacted specifically only to sperms after acrosome reaction, and the antigens (OBFs) recognized by the antibodies were identified. The antibodies were found to inhibit fusion between mouse sperms and eggs. Furthermore, OBF gene-knockout mice were created and analyzed to clarify the in vivo functions of OBF. As a result, male OBF gene-knockout mice were shown to be infertile, and their sperms were shown to be able to bind to eggs, but had no fusion ability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a salmon flesh color improving method and a salmon flesh color improving feed which are usable for producing a salmon having a mild reddish orange flesh color close to the flesh color of wild fish, and a salmon and fish flesh thereof produced by such a flesh color improving method. The present invention also provides a method for producing a salmon having a mild reddish orange flesh color, comprising cultivating the salmon with a feed comprising a carotenoid colorant mixed therein, the carotenoid colorant comprising at least astaxanthin, phoenicoxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonixanthin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a double transgenic fly that expresses both Tau protein and the human A?42 peptide of human amyloid-? precursor protein (APP). The double transgenic flies of the present invention display a synergistic altered phenotype as compared to the altered phenotype displayed by transgenic flies expressing either Tau or human A?42 alone, and thus provide for an improved model for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention further discloses methods for identifying for therapeutic compounds to treat neurodegenerative disorders using the double transgenic flies.