Abstract: Novel CARD-3, CARD-4L, CARD-4S, CARD-4Y, CARD-4Z, and murine CARD-4L polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated CARD-3, CARD-4L, CARD-4S, CARD-4Y, CARD-4Z, and murine CARD-4L proteins, and the invention further provides CARD-3, CARD-4L, CARD-4S, CARD-4Y, CARD-4Z, and murine CARD-4L fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-CARD-3, anti-CARD-4L and anti-CARD-4S, anti-CARD-4Y, anti-CARD-4Z, and anti-murine CARD-4L antibodies. The invention also provides CARD-3, CARD-4L, CARD-4S, CARD-4Y, CARD-4Z, and murine CARD-4L nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals in which a CARD-3, CARD-4L, CARD-4S, CARD-4Y, CARD-4Z, and murine CARD-4L gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention further provides CARD-3 and CARD-4 target proteins that bind to CARD-3 or CARD-4 and allelic variants of human CARD-4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate for packaging of or for attachment to products which are sensitive to aging and temperature, having a planar time-temperature integrator comprising a matrix and at least one reversible indicator embedded therein, which has photochromic properties on the basis of transfix reactions, arranged in the region of the substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing array microcrystallizations to determine suitable crystallization conditions for a molecule, the method comprising: forming an array of microcrystallizations, each microcrystallization comprising a drop comprising a mother liquor solution whose composition varies within the array and a molecule to be crystallized, the drop having a volume of less than 1 microliter; storing the array of microcrystallizations under conditions suitable for molecule crystals to form in the drops in the array; and detecting molecule crystal formation in the drops by taking images of the drops.

Abstract: An evaluation method for polycrystalline silicon including the steps of immersing the polycrystalline silicon in an agent which is capable of dissolving the polycrystalline silicon, and counting the number of foreign particles in the agent. The polycrystalline silicon thus evaluated may be used as a material for pulling single crystal silicon. The evaluation method may further include a step of analyzing the composition of the foreign particles. In yet another aspect, the evaluation method may further include a step of subjecting the agent to a circulation filtering process prior to the immersion of the polycrystalline silicon in the agent.

Abstract: Described herein are assays and components for encoding and decoding microspheres. Each assay or component described utilizes at least one nanocrystal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring sample crystallization from a solution. The method includes the collection of multiple Raman spectra from a sample dissolved in a solvent as a function of time and under conditions promoting crystallization. Within each of the multiple Raman spectra, a first signal is identified corresponding to the sample associated with the solvent. A second signal corresponding to the sample in a microcrystallite state is also identified. Thereafter, the intensity of the multiple Raman spectra are measured for an increase relating to formation of the sample in a microcrystallite state. A method of monitoring sample crystallization from a solution as a function of turbidity is also disclosed. The method includes the collection of multiple Raman spectra from a sample dissolved in a solvent as a function of time under conditions promoting crystallization.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules which are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides a device and methods for detecting analytes. The device comprises a substrate onto which a self-assembled monolayer is attached and a mesogenic layer which is anchored by the self-assembled monolayer. The mesogenic layer undergoes a change in conformation in response to the molecular interaction.

Abstract: A system for crystallizing a protein and other biomolecules comprises a flow channel for conveying a solution containing the biomolecule to be crystallized and one or more substations related to the crystallization process formed along the flow channel. The system operates by flowing a biomolecule solution through a the flow channel, then performing dialysis on a micro-scale to set crystallization conditions. After dialysis, the concentration of the biomolecule solution is changed by removing water or solvent from the biomolecule solution to promote formation of crystals in a segment of the flow channel. Formed crystals may be observed and harvested from the flow channel.

Abstract: Method for monitoring the crystallization of at least one organic material from a liquid. According to the method, a liquid having at least one organic material capable of existing in at least one non-centrosymmetric phase is prepared. The liquid is interrogated with a laser beam at a chosen wavelength. As at least a portion of the at least one organic material crystallizes from the liquid, the intensity of any light scattered by the crystallized material at a wavelength equal to one-half the chosen wavelength of the interrogating laser beam is monitored. If the intensity of this scattered light, increases, then the crystals that form include at least one non-cetrosymmetric phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to receptors for heat shock proteins (HSPs), such as gp96, Hsp70 and Hsp90. The heat shock receptor is associated with the cell membranes of a subset of antigen presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. The present invention relates to the use of the heat shock protein receptor positive cells, heat shock protein receptor protein, and heat shock protein receptor genes in methods for screening a molecule for the ability to modulate heat shock protein levels or activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assasy format.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the crystal structure of Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase (ACPS) complexed with Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP), the solution structure of B. subtilis ACP, and to the use of these structures in rational drug design methods to identify agents that may interact with active sites of ACPS and ACP, and to the testing of these agents to identify agents that may represent novel antibiotics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: The present invention makes available a rapid, reproducible, robust assay system for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically interact with and modulate the activity of a cellular protein, e.g., a receptor. or ion channel. The subject assay enables rapid screening of large numbers of compounds to identify those which act as an agonist or antagonist to the bioactivity of the cellular protein. In this system, the first cell is treated with a compound, and functional interaction of this compound with a cellular receptor yields a secreted signal. A second cell, bearing a receptor for this secreted signal, makes use of an indicator gene in a signaling pathway coupled to this second receptor. The subject assays include methods of identifying compounds which specifically modulate, for example, heterologous receptors coupled to the pheromone response pathway in yeast.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides sets of crystallization solutions that each comprise a crystallization solution set selected from the group of crystallization solution sets consisting of Crystallization Solution Set 1, Crystallization Solution Set 2, Crystallization Solution Set 3, Crystallization Solution Set 4 and Crystallization Solution Set 5. In another aspect, the present invention provides kits that each comprise at least one crystallization plate and a Crystallization Solution Set of the invention.

Abstract: A high-throughput screening method for identifying the processing conditions for solid dispersion systems. This chemical screening method involves placing a series of different weight (molar) ratios of active ingredient to carrier molecule solutions on flat and reflective substrates, e.g., silicon chips, which are spun-cast and analyzed using various optical microscope and other spectroscopic techniques to determine the optimal dispersion system. Micrographs are taken and analyzed. The physical properties of the specific system are represented by plotting the data on a traditional X axis-Y axis chart to produce an equilibrium phase diagram of temperature versus active ingredient:carrier molecules. The micrographs are also used to produce mosaic phase diagrams as another way to analyze the data. The method and phase diagram are suitable analytical tools for determining optimum microscopic miscibility and chemical compatibility of various solutions.

Abstract: A method for measuring the activity of creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) isozyme which is accurate, high in specificity, convenient, by inhibiting the activity of a mitochondria localized creatine kinase (mCK) isozyme to avoid the influence of mCK and a measurement reagent therefor.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing array microcrystallizations to determine suitable crystallization conditions for a molecule, the method comprising: forming an array of microcrystallizations, each microcrystallization comprising a drop comprising a mother liquor solution whose composition varies within the array and a molecule to be crystallized, the drop having a volume of less than 1 microliter; storing the array of microcrystallizations under conditions suitable for molecule crystals to form in the drops in the array; and detecting molecule crystal formation in the drops by taking images of the drops.

Abstract: A method for evaluating concentration of metal impurities contained in a silicon wafer, which comprises dropping concentrated sulfuric acid onto a surface of the silicon wafer to extract metal impurities solid-solubilized in the inside of the silicon wafer into the concentrated sulfuric acid, and chemically analyzing metal impurities contained in the concentrated sulfuric acid. The problem imposed on high sensitivity evaluation of metals contained in silicon bulk is, in addition to increase of sensitivity of analysis apparatus itself, how to extract metals contained in a silicon wafer to a surface and recover them. This problem can be solved by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Described herein are assays and components for encoding and decoding microspheres. Each assay or component described utilizes at least one nanocrystal.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for investigating polymorphs of a material, isomers of a material which allow different isomeric forms to be resolved, different hydrates/solvates and/or different salts of a material. The apparatus comprises an assembly (2) of reactor devices (6) arranged within a reactor body (8) which incorporates a heating/cooling block (10) and a stirrer block (12). A vessel support block (14) supports respective sample vessels (15) below each reactor device (6) for receiving material from the reactor devices. The apparatus includes a control unit (4) which includes a computer (16) which controls a robot for delivering materials to the reactor devices; a heating/cooling unit (18); a stirrer control unit (20); and a pressure unit (22) which controls the passage of material from the reactor devices (6) to the sample vessels (15).

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for identifying and probing phase transitions in materials. A polymorphic material capable of existing in at least one non-centrosymmetric phase is interrogated with a beam of laser light at a chosen wavelength and frequency. A phase transition is induced in the material while it is interrogated. The intensity of light scattered by the material and having a wavelength equal to one half the wavelength of the interrogating laser light is detected. If the phase transition results in the production of a non-centrosymmetric phase, the intensity of this scattered light increases; if the phase transition results in the disappearance of a non-centrosymmetric phase, the intensity of this scattered light decreases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, methods and kits for the detection and identification of crystals which may be present in a biological fluid, such as urine from a cat. The device may include a filter and an absorbent material. The fluid may be transferred onto the filter, and fluid passes through the filter and into the absorbent material, thereby isolating crystals on a surface of or within the structure of the filter or membrane. The crystals are then available for staining which will reveal a determining component of the crystals. The device may also include a member for inhibiting backflow from the absorbent material to the filter. The present invention also provides methods for detecting and identifying crystals which may be present in biological fluids. The methods include the steps of isolating the crystals on the surface of or within the structure of a filter or membrane, and contacting the crystals with an indicator which is specific for a determining component of the crystals type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for urine self testing wherein the apparatus is placed directly into the toilet after urination which avoids the direct placement and retention of an apparatus in the stream of urine as is common with urine testing devices. The apparatus detects the presence of certain chemicals in dilute urine such as the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine of a pregnant woman. An opening in the apparatus is fitted with a fluid absorption device which acts to concentrate the diluted urine on an indicator strip which contains antibodies, enzymes and antibody blockers which will provide a reactive change, usually of color, when subjected to a predetermined chemical such as hCG. The apparatus functions in dilute urine when placed in a toilet after urination and is largely constructed of biodegradable materials so that it can be flushed into the sewage system or a septic tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the propensity of a subject to formation of urinary stones comprising apparatus for optically observing a urine sample from a subject under magnification and an image analyzer operative to determine the existence of crystalline bodies in the urine sample and to provide an output indication thereof.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules which are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides a device and methods for detecting analytes. The device comprises a substrate onto which a self-assembled monolayer is attached and a mesogenic layer which is anchored by the self-assembled monolayer. The mesogenic layer undergoes a change in conformation in response to the molecular interaction.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides crystallization solutions useful for crystallizing proteins and other molecules, especially macromolecules. In a presently preferred embodiment, the crystallization solutions of the invention are combined as four crystallization solution sets. Each of the four crystallization solution sets includes forty eight different crystallization solutions. Each individual crystallization solution includes a precipitant and a buffer, and optionally includes at least one additive. In another aspect, the present invention provides kits including a plurality of crystallization solutions of the present invention and at least one crystallization plate that preferably includes a plurality of reservoirs. Preferably the crystallization solutions are disposed within the reservoirs of the crystallization plates.

Abstract: A stable single reagent for the determination of carbon dioxide in serum is provided as an aqueous solution of diagnostically amounts and NADH and/or NADPH, and a stabilizing system therefore reactively stabilized PEPC and a substrate for reacting with bicarbonate ion under alkaline conditions in the presence of PEPC.

Abstract: Detectable compounds comprising a chemically-transformable first compound covalently linked to an electrochemiluminescent compound are provided. Such compounds are useful in processes and kits that monitor the status of the first compound and derive information from such monitoring.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting optimum protein crystallization conditions and for growing protein crystals in either 1g or microgravity environments comprising a housing defining at least one pair of chambers for containing crystallization solutions. The housing further defines an orifice therein for providing fluid communication between the chambers. The orifice is adapted to receive a tube which contains a gelling substance for limiting the rate of diffusive mixing of the crystallization solutions. The solutions are diffusively mixed over a period of time defined by the quantity of gelling substance sufficient to achieve equilibration and to substantially reduce density driven convection disturbances therein.The device further includes endcaps to seal the first and second chambers. One of the endcaps includes a dialysis chamber which contains protein solution in which protein crystals are grown.

Abstract: Improved methods for the GC/MS analysis of sulfhydryl amino acids and methylmalonic acids in samples of body fluids are provided. Additionally a method for combined assay of sulfhydryl amino acids particularly total homocysteine and combined creatine/creatinine levels in samples of body fluids provided. The information provided by the methods described is useful in the detection of the presence of cobalamin or folate deficiencies in individuals and in distinguishing between the two deficiencies.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing complicated urolithiasis consists in testing for and finding the presence of albumen in a urine sample. A portion of said sample is dried and a crystallographic study is performed. On finding a marginal amorphous area, accommodating a central crystalline area, pyelonephritis is diagnosed. On discovering a full crystalline area (i.e. with no marginal amorphous area), calculous pyelonephritis is diagnosed.The method of prognostication involves testing for and finding the absence of albumen in a urine sample. A portion of the urine sample is mixed with a 8-12% protein solution, the mixture is then dried and a crystallographic study is conducted. With a full non-transparent crystallization of the sample (i.e. without the marginal amorphous area), urolithiasis is prognosticated.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine the concentration of an amorphous material such as blast furnace slag in a slurry such as drilling fluid, completion fluid fluids. A sample is annealed at a temperature between about 800.degree. C. and about 1000.degree. C. for a time period of about six hours to form crystals from the amorphous material, and the sample along with a known amount of a standard is then analyzed by X-ray diffraction. This method is particularly useful in determining the amount of blast furnace slag in a drilling fluid prior to conversion of the drilling fluid to a wellbore cement slurry by addition of additional blast furnace slag.

Abstract: A method for analyzing ultratrace amounts of impurities in thin films present on semiconductor wafers without destroying the semiconductor wafer is described. The wafer having thin films to be analyzed is positioned into a testing device or fixture having at least one fluid reservoir. The testing device is tightened and sealed to the wafer so that the fluid reservoir is open to the thin films on the wafer, but otherwise sealed to the ambient. A reagent fluid is provided in the reservoir which dissolves the thin films on the wafer and allowing sufficient time for the fluid to dissolve the thin films. A diluent is added to the reservoir and the fluids are mixed. The mixed fluids are sampled and analyzed to determine the chemical nature of the thin films on the wafer.

Abstract: A crystallizer control method and apparatus that generate control signals to manipulated process parameters on the basis of on-line information derived from the measurement of the crystal population in a selected size range in the crystallizer slurry. According to one embodiment of the invention, a particle counter probe is immersed directly into the fines removal circuit of the crystallizer for on-line measurement of crystal population in the 16 to 32 micron size range. The data so collected are then used directly in a standard proportional controller apparatus to manipulate certain operating parameters, such as fines removal rate and feed rate, to effect the desired result. Applying this model-independent control method to a KCl crystallizer, the steady-state conditions of the crystal size distributions were reestablished after an upset in approximately half the time required when no control was applied.

Abstract: There is provided an assay for determining the propensity of a person to develop a certain type of kidney stones which is based on the inter-action of the urine of such a person with aqueous solutions of compounds which interact to form such stones. The number and size distribution of resulting particles is determined and the results are evaluated. There is further provided a device for carrying out such an assay, comprising means for interacting the urine of the patient with two solutions containing compounds which form kidney stones, means for breaking up crystal aggregates and means for passing a light beam through the sample positioned in a transparent container, and means for determining the number and size of the resulting particles.

Abstract: A capacitance probe is used to monitor changes in the specific electrical conductivity of the synthesis mixture used to form a solid, crystalline silicate product, especially an aluminosilicate zeolite. The technique may be used to monitor the progress of zeolite crystallization without sampling the crystallization mixture and is useful in continuous crystallization operations.

Abstract: The crystallization of a crystalline silicate product from an crystallization mixture is monitored by measuring the specific electrical conductivity of the mixture. The crystallization of metallosilicates, such as aluminosilicate zeolites, may be monitored in this way. Measurement of the electrical conductivity of the crystallization mixture may be carried out on line in a batch or continuous crystallization process. In a continuous process the conductivity may be monitored and used to control the crystallization process parameters in order to achieve a desired degree of crystallinity in the product.

Abstract: A method for marking/sorting semiconductor wafers in accordance with predicted values of oxygen precipitation in the wafers that will occur after the performance of a thermal process step. In a preferred embodiment, this oxygen precipitation prediction is obtained by means of a correlation equationY=A.sub.o +A.sub.1 OX.sub.i +A.sub.2 /LT+A.sub.3 C+A.sub.12 OX.sub.i /LT+A.sub.13 OX.sub.i C+A.sub.23 C/LT,where OX.sub.i is the value of interstitial oxygen in the wafer measured prior to the thermal process step, LT is the minority carrier lifetime for the wafer measured prior to the thermal process step, and C is the initial substitutional carbon in the wafer measured prior to the thermal process step. The constants A.sub.0, A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3, A.sub.12, A.sub.23, and A.sub.13 are initialized on a first sample of wafers representative of a desired range of crystal types.

Abstract: A system and protocol for performing cytotoxicity studies including apparatus and methods for culturing the biopsied cells, for providing oxygenated nutrients, for removing cell-waste products, for introducing a fluorogenic substrate, for introducing cytotoxic agents including anticancer drugs, for measuring the released fluorescence and for measuring intracellular accumulation of fluorescein. Cytotoxicity can be determined by measuring fluorescence in the efflux of the vessel and concommitantly by direct photometric comparisons of the cells in the vessel before and after exposure to the cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assaying the sensitivity of of biopsied cells to therapeutic agents are disclosed. Cells are cultured in artificial organs and then contacted with a fluorogenic substrate such that living cells accumulate a characteristic amount of fluorescence. The agent is then introduced into the organ and changes in the fluorescence released by the cells serve as an indicator of the sensitivity of the cells to the agent.

Abstract: The content of oxygen, if any, that is present in a body of essentially monocrystalline semiconductor material is determined by converting by heating all of the oxygen in the body to interstitial form. The oxygen content is measured by infrared beam evaluation of the absorption band to identify the interstitial oxygen present in the material.

Abstract: Method for the determination of fluidic-contained aldehydes. The method comprises bringing into contact said aldehyde and a chemically inert substrate having adhered to the surface thereof a substantially monodisperse system of particles of a derivatizing agent for the aldehydes thereby forming nucleating crystals; treating said nucleating crystals with a metastable supersaturated solution in which said nucleating crystals can grow; growing said nucleating crystals to form an optically measurable film of crystals; and optically measuring said film of crystals to determine the concentration of fluidic-contained aldehydes.