Abstract: An active ubiquitin E3 ligase, GRAIL, is crucial in the induction of anergy in cells of the immune system, and in the regulation of cellular proliferation. GRAIL is shown to associate with, and be regulated by Otubain isoforms, including OTUBAIN-1 (DOG, the Destabilizer of GRAIL) and an alternative reading frame splice variant of OTUBAIN-1 (SOG, the Stabilizer of GRAIL). These proteins play opposing roles in the regulation of GRAIL auto-ubiquitination and consequently on its ability to induce anergy and regulate cellular proliferation. DOG serves as an adaptor protein, recruiting the DUB USP8. One major substrate for USP8 is the Ras exchange factor Ras-GRF1, and this protein can be found in a complex with USP8 and GRAIL, which complex is ubiquitinated by GRAIL.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of nanolithography and products therefor and produced thereby. In particular, the invention provides a nanolithographic method referred to as high force nanografting (HFN). HFN utilizes a tip (e.g., a scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip such as an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip) to pattern a substrate passivated with a resist. In the presence of a patterning compound, the tip is used to apply a high force to the substrate to remove molecules of the resist from the substrate, whereupon molecules of the patterning compound are able to attach to the substrate the form the desired pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of direct-write lithographic printing of proteins and peptides onto surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for creating protein and peptide arrays and compositions derived therefrom. Nanoscopic tips can be used to deposit the peptide or protein onto the surface to produce a pattern. The pattern can be dots or lines having dot diameter and line width of less than 1,000 nm. The tips and the substrate surfaces can be adapted for the peptide and protein lithography.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of nanolithography is provided, the method comprising providing a substrate; providing a scanning probe microscope tip; coating the tip with a deposition compound; and subjecting said coated tip to a driving force to deliver said deposition compound to said substrate so as to produce a desired pattern. Another aspect of the invention provides a tip for use in nanolithography having an internal cavity and an aperture restricting movement of a deposition compound from the tip to the substrate. The rate and extent of movement of the deposition compound through the aperture is controlled by a driving force.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Dopant is implanted into a semiconductor substrate to form a pair of source/drain regions that are spaced from one another by a channel region. The dopant is annealed within the source/drain regions, and then a plurality of charge trapping units are formed over the channel region. Dielectric material is then formed over the charge trapping units, and control gate material is formed over the dielectric material. Some embodiments include memory cells that contain a plurality of nanosized islands of charge trapping material over a channel region, with adjacent islands being spaced from one another by gaps. The memory cells can further include dielectric material over and between the nanosized islands, with the dielectric material forming a container shape having an upwardly opening trough therein. The memory cells can further include control gate material within the trough.

Abstract: [Purpose] A purpose of this invention is to provide a robust and flexible free-standing ultrathin (nano) or thin pure protein membrane which enables a rapid and simple separation (or condensation) of relatively small (M.W.=ca. 1,000 Da) molecules. [Summary] A porous free-standing protein membrane formed by cross-liked protein of this invention can be fabricated by a method comprising following steps: (1) a first step of mixing nanostructured materials and protein to obtain composite made of protein and nanostructured materials (for example metal hydroxide nanostrands); (2) a second step of forming a membranous body formed by said composite made of protein and nanostructured materials, and mutually cross-linking said protein by means of a cross-linker; and (3) a third step of dissolving and removing said nanostructured materials to produce a porous membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides a lithographic method referred to as “dip pen” nanolithography (DPN), which utilizes a scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip (e.g., an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip) as a “pen,” a solid-state substrate (e.g., gold) as “paper,” and molecules with a chemical affinity for the solid-state substrate as “ink.” Capillary transport of molecules from the SPM tip to the solid-state substrate is used in DPN to directly write patterns consisting of a relatively small collection of molecules in submicrometer dimensions, making DPN useful in the fabrication of a variety of microscale and nanoscale devices. The invention also provides substrates patterned by DPN, including submicrometer combinatorial arrays, and kits, devices and software for performing DPN. The invention further provides a method of performing AFM imaging in air.

Abstract: There is provided a stable sol comprising modified stannic oxide-zirconium oxide complex colloidal particles, wherein the particles are formed by coating as nuclei stannic oxide-zirconium oxide complex colloidal particles in which stannic oxide colloidal particles obtained by a reaction of metal tin, an organic acid and hydrogen peroxide is bonded to zirconium oxide colloidal particles with tungsten oxide-stannic oxide-silicon dioxide complex colloidal particles. The sol has a high refractive index and is improved in water resistance, moisture resistance and weather resistance, and can be used by mixing with a hard coating paint as a component for improving properties of a hard coating film applied on a plastic lens surface.