Abstract: The invention provides lacC polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding lacC polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing lacC polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The nucleic acid sequence encoding mammalian serine/threonine protein kinase comprising a leucine zipper motif (Zip-kinase) and the corresponding amino acid sequence are disclosed. The Zip-kinase is a nuclear enzyme having activity of inducing apoptosis. A victor and a transformed cell with the nucleic acid sequence as well as recombinant method of making the Zip-kinase utilizing the transformed cell are taught.

Abstract: A chimeric serine protease whose protease domain is composeD. of two domain halves (half-sides) with a &bgr;-folded sheet structure, wherein the first domain half corresponds to the first domain half of a first serine protease and the second domain half corresponds to the second domain half of a second serine protease, has improved properties and can be readily crystallized.

Abstract: The invention provides human peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (HPPIP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HPPIP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of HPPIP.

Abstract: A novel microorganism which has the following characteristics: morphology (coccoid, rod shaped), gram staining (+), spore forming (−), motility (−), relationship to exygen (aerobic), oxidase test (−), catalase test (+), resistance to acid (−), rod-coccus cycle (+), and GC content of DNA (mole %) (73 (by HPLC)), and which can decompose chloroethylene. The microorganism can decompose in 24 hours 30 ppm of trichloroethylene, and decompose of 100 ppm of trichloroethylene by 50%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation and improvement of D-pantothenic acid-producing microorganisms by amplification of nucleotide sequences which code for ketopantoate reductase, in particular the panE gene, individually or in combination with one another, and optionally additionally of the ilvC gene, the microorganisms containing these nucleotide sequences, and a process for the preparation of D-pantothenic acid comprising fermentation of these microorganisms, concentration of pantothenic acid in the medium or in the cells of the microorganisms, and isolation of the D-pantothenic acid.

Abstract: The invention concerns mutant microorganisms blocked in a step of Streptogramin biosynthesis and methods for preparing cells blocked in a step of Streptogramin biosynthesis.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first porous carrier and a second porous carrier for evaluating biological fluid samples is disclosed. The apparatus is used for separating non high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) from a lipoprotein in a body sample and for determining high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in a HDL and non high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) in a body sample.

Abstract: Reactor systems that include a reaction receptacle that includes a plurality of reservoirs disposed in the surface of a substrate. The reactor system also typically includes a temperature control element having at least a first heat exchanger thermally coupled to it. The heat exchanger is, in turn, disposed within the at least one of the reservoirs whereby the heat exchanger transfers heat to or from a fluid disposed within the reservoir, which heat is conducted to or from the temperature control element.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed to determine the activity of enzymes in liquids in a largely automatic manner. The device for carrying out this process has a column with an chromatographic carrier for treating a measurement sample. The carrier is mixed with a substance capable of binding to an enzyme inhibitor present in the measurement sample and that corresponds to at least one enzyme. A measurement sample supply is associated to one end of the column. A valve/pump arrangement for filling at least one test tube with a carrier and at least part of the measurement sample is connected downstream of the column, in the flow direction of the measurement sample. The carrier is dissociated into cleavage products by the action of the enzyme. The rise in concentration per unit of time of at least one of the cleavage products of the carrier is sensed during an incubation time.

Abstract: A composting system for decomposing waste material includes a composting bay adapted to receive the waste material. A transport member extends into the composting bay and is adapted to receive the waste material thereon. The transport member is moveable with respect to the bay for transporting waste material along the bay. The composting system further includes a fluid distribution system having at least one fluid injection member adapted to extend into the waste material. The at least one fluid injection member is moveably attachable to the bay such that the at least one fluid injection member is moveable with the waste material along a portion of the bay. The at least one fluid injection member has at least one opening for introducing fluid into the waste material. A method for decomposing waste material is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air emissions treatment system is characterized by a moving biomass filter element which alternately passes through the air being treated and a nutrient laden liquid to remove pollutants from the air. The filter element is in the form of one or more endless loops which are conveyed within an enclosed housing. As a section of the filter element passes through the air, it withdraws pollutants therefrom. When the filter passes through the liquid, it receives moisture and nutrients and releases the pollutants into the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a vaccine composition for humans against YF infections consisting essentially of a recombinant YF virus, YFiv5.2/DD, which is regenerated from YF infectious cDNA. There are provided new plasmids, pYF 5′3′ IV/G1/2 and pYFM 5.2/T3/27, which together, have the complete sequence of said YF infectious cDNA. The method for producing recombinant YF virus and the Original, Primary and Secondary Seed Lots are other embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved vectors, including viral vectors such as adenovirus vectors. The vectors comprise ribosomal promoters in operable combination with a gene of interest. The improved vectors are useful for a wide variety of gene therapy applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of diabetes involving free radicals. In particular, the present invention is directed to the treatment or prophylactic intervention of diabetes. The present invention demonstrates that MnSOD can play a protective role against cytokine killing, and provides strategies for engineering cell lines as islet surrogates for transplantation therapy of diabetes mellitus. Further, the present invention shows that &bgr;-cell destruction and dysfunction in adipogenic diabetes is mediated via fatty acids. Methods and compositions for ameliorating this disorder are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention describes novel nucleic acids encoding the KARP-1 polypeptide, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. Also included are polypeptides and fragments thereof encoded by such nucleic acids, and antibodies relating thereto. Methods and products for using such nucleic acids and polypeptides also are provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for determining the phototoxicity and/or photosensitivity of substances or substance mixtures, involving putting the chemical substance or substance mixture into contact with a non-human vertebrate embryo or tissues or tissue components of a vertebrate embryo, except for human skin cell cultures, whereby, following the contact, there is also a treatment with electromagnetic radiation ranging from 1 mm to 200 nm, followed by evaluation of the pathology of the embryo, tissue or cell; also disclosed is the use of a non-human vertebrate embryo or tissues or tissue components of such an embryo, except for human cell cultures, for purposes of determining the phototoxicity and/or photosensitivity of chemical substances/substance mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic mutations in mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase genes that segregate with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The invention provides methods for detecting such mutations, as a diagnostic for Alzheimer's Disease, either before or after the onset of clinical symptoms. The invention further provides treatment of cytochrome c oxidase dysfunction.

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

Abstract: Recombinational cloning is provided by the use of nucleic acids, vectors and methods, in vitro and in vivo, for moving or exchanging segments of DNA molecules using engineered recombination sites and recombination proteins to provide chimeric DNA molecules that have the desired characteristic(s) and/or DNA segment(s).

Abstract: Transfection of host cells cultured in the presence of serum is increased by adding VSV-G or polybrene to a nucleic acid-lipid complex or culture medium prior to transfection.

Abstract: The subject invention finds utility in the area of gene therapy of diseases. More specifically, the invention concerns the making of a novel non-viral vector which can bind to desired DNA to form a combination useful to transfect diseased mitochondria of human or animal cells. The non-viral vector comprises a dequalinium salt subjected to standard liposome production procedures to obtain the vector names DQAsomes.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which encode calreticulin and calnexin. Also provided are vectors which are capable of expressing such nucleic acid molecules, host cells which contain such vectors, and polypeptides encoded by the afore-mentioned nucleic acids. In addition, nucleic acid molecules are provided which comprise calreticulin or calnexin promoters.

Abstract: A reference sensor system is provided for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of analyte particles in a sample stream. The system includes: a) a laminar flow channel; b) three or more inlet means in fluid connection with the laminar flow channel for respectively conducting into the laminar flow channel (1) an indicator stream which may include an indicator substance which indicates the presence of the analyte particles, (2) the sample stream, and (3) a reference stream, which can be a control stream and/or internal standard stream; and, c) wherein the laminar flow channel has a depth and/or width sufficiently small to allow laminar flow of said streams and a length sufficient to allow particles of the analyte to diffuse into the indicator stream to form a detection area. Branching channels may be provided as outlet means for conducting the streams out of the laminar flow channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound having the general Formula I: including its salts, where Z is either the group having the general Formula II: where R1 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms or aryloxyalkyl whose alkyl group has 1-4 C atoms, R2 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, R3 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2, Y is H2 or O and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, or is the group having the general Formula III: where n is 2 or 3, R4 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, R5 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2 and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, or is the group having the general Formula IV: where R6 is alkyl having 1-3 C atoms or phenyl, R7 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO2 and L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor comprising a piezoelectric crystal with a polyarylene thioether-containing coating, the coating containing at least one polyarylene system having repeating units of the formula I, —[(Ar1)n—X]m—[(Ar2)i—Y]j—[(Ar3)k—Z]l—[(Ar4)o—W]p—  (I) which contain at least one thioether group, in which Ar1, Ar2, Ar3 and Ar4 are identical or different aryl systems having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, W, X, Y and Z are identical or different linking groups, selected from the group comprising —SO2—, —S—, —SO—, —O—, —CO—, —CO2—, alkylene or alkylidene having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and —NR1—, where R1 is an alkyl or alkylide group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and at least one linking group must be —S—, n, m, i, j, k, l, o, p are, equal or different, integers zero, 1, 2, 3 or 4, their sum havin

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of making more than one punchout from a single dried blood spot. The method comprising the steps of making a first punch and sequentially making at least a second punch in the dried blood spot. The second punch comprises boundaries which are at least partly outside of the boundaries of the first punch. The surface areas of the first punch and second punch are together equivalent to the minimum surface area required for testing of the dried blood spot.

Abstract: Protein-containing solutions requiring desalting and concentration are desalted and concentrated in a one step procedure. Ion exchange and ion retardation resins are used for desalting. A standard ultrafiltration device is modified to contain a mixed bed ion exchange resin and an ion retardation resin. The sample is introduced to the modified ultrafiltration unit and subjected to centrifugation. The centrifugal force drives low molecular weight constituents through the ultrafiltration membrane and draws liquid containing ion exchange products away from contact with the combined resins thereby driving the reaction to achieve a more complete desalting and concentration of the proteins in the sample solution. The proteins in the sample are thus concentrated and desalted simultaneously.

Abstract: An analytical test device is described for the immunochromatographic determination of the presence of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The device is configured such that the sample is allowed to enter the detection zone simultaneously from many different directions, eliminating stagnation of the flow of the sample. By selection of the porous substrate, the device also allows for the separation of red blood cells from plasma, providing a rapid test for one or more analytes in a sample of whole blood. The device of the present invention may measure more than one analyte simultaneously from a single sample, either by having multiple immunochromatographic pathways fed by a single sample, or multiple analytes detected in the same pathway by way of multiple capture antibodies.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a ferroelectric that exhibits superior ferroelectricity. A ferroelectric provided is an oxide having a layered crystal structure that is composed of Bi, a first element Me, a second element R, and O. The first element Me is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Ca, Ba, Sr, Pb, and Bi. The second element R is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ti, Nb, Ta, and W. Ninety-eight percent or more of the entire body of the ferroelectric exhibits ferroelectricity. After an oxide having a layered crystal structure has been grown by a vapor-phase method (crystal growth step), electrodes are attached to the oxide having a layered crystal structure and a voltage is applied thereto (voltage application step).

Abstract: A method of monitoring a process of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer including an area of hemispherical grain polysilicon, the method comprising providing a probe including a liquid conductor; and performing a capacitance-voltage measurement with the probe, using a quasi-static measurement method, to determine capacitance-voltage characteristics at the area of hemispherical grain polysilicon.

Abstract: A method is described by which the mechanical strength of chips of semiconductor devices can be controlled by appropriate wafer finishing and sorted by knowledge of the finishing method and chip and wafer geometry. The control and sorting derive from a knowledge of the geometry of the striations remaining on the back of chips after the wafer-grinding finishing step.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing semiconductor devices wherein images of non-defect anomalies are captured and stored with image data and linkage data in a database. The non-defect anomaly data is stored in database for later retrieval.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an ink jet print head arrangement including a series of nozzle chambers is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: (a) utilizing an initial semiconductor wafer having an electrical circuitry layer formed thereon; (b) etching the circuitry layer to define a nozzle cavity area; (c) depositing and etching a first material layer, the first material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the etching including etching for vias through the first material layer for electrical interconnection of subsequently deposited layers with the circuitry layer; (d) depositing and etching a conductive material layer on the first material layer, the etching resulting in the conductive material layer forming a heater pattern; (e) depositing and etching a second material layer, the second material layer having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the etching defining a nozzle chamber rim and a rim at the edge of the nozzle chamber; (f) etching the wafer to define the nozzle chamber; (g)

Abstract: A self-aligned method for fabricating a ridge-waveguide semiconductor laser uses two photoresist layers in the process. The lower one is photoresist ODUR1013, and the upper one is photoresist AZ5214E. The lower photoresist layer, ODUR1013, can only be developed by light of wavelength less than 300 nm, and the upper photoresist layer, AZ5214E, can only be developed by light of wavelength greater than 300 nm. In the process of forming an opening on the top of the ridge structure, a G-line mask aligner is used to develop the upper photoresist AZ5214E and to expose the lower photoresist ODUR1013. Then, by performing a reactive ion etching (RIE) process, the lower photoresist ODUR1013 and the dielectric within the opening are removed. The remains of the upper photoresist layer, AZ5214E, are used to protect the sidewalls of the ridge structure in the RIE process.

Abstract: A package assembly (31) has a leadframe (10) including a locating flange (30), an optical transmitter (22) such as a laser diode mounted to the leadframe, and a package (32) enclosing both the optical transmitter and a portion of the leadframe so that the locating flange of the leadframe is disposed outside of the package. The locating flange is used as a reference datum to align the optical transmitter's relative height and lateral position during manufacture. Also, the locating flange is used as a reference datum in mating the package assembly to other, standard optical components when mounting to other components in an optical end product.

Abstract: In a self-aligned structure semiconductor laser in which a pair of optical guide layers are respectively formed on both faces of an active layer, the optical guide layers having a bandgap which is wider than that of the active layer, a pair of cladding layers are formed so as to sandwich the active layer and the optical guide layers, the cladding layers having a bandgap which is wider than bandgap of the optical guide layers, a pair of carrier blocking layers are respectively formed between the active layer and the optical guide layers, the carrier blocking layers having a bandgap which is wider than bandgaps of the active layer and the optical guide layers, and a current blocking layer having a stripe-like window is embedded in at least one of the optical guide layers, the current blocking layer is formed by selective growth. In this way, a window of a current blocking layer can be accurately formed and the fabrication yield can be improved while avoiding maleffects on other layers.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and method are provided for sensing activity such as temperature variations in a surrounding environment. The integrated released beam sensor preferably includes a switch detecting circuit region and a sensor switching region connected to the switch detecting circuit region. The sensor switching region preferably includes a fixed contact layer, a sacrificial layer on the fixed contact layer, and a floating contact on the sacrificial layer and having portions thereof overlying the fixed contact layer in spaced relation therefrom in an open switch position and extending lengthwise generally transverse to a predetermined direction. The floating contact preferably includes at least two layers of material. Each of the at least two layers have a different thermal expansion coefficient so that the floating contact displaces in the predetermined direction responsive to a predetermined temperature variation so as to contact the fixed contact layer and thereby form a closed switch position.

Abstract: A method is provided for the manufacture of a convective accelerometer and tilt sensor device using CMOS techniques. An integrated circuit chip is produced which includes a silicon substrate having an integrated circuit pattern thereon including a heater element located centrally of the substrate and at least first and second thermocouple elements located on the substrate on opposite sides of the heater element. Thereafter, portions of the substrate surrounding and beneath the heater and thermocouple elements are etched away to suspend the element on the substrate and thus to thermally isolate the elements from the substrate. The substrate is etched up to the cold thermocouple junction of the thermocouple elements so the cold junction remains on the substrate.

Abstract: A single crystal silicon substrate (1) is bonded through an SiO2 film (9) to a single crystal silicon substrate (8), and the single crystal silicon substrate (1) is made into a thin film. A cantilever (13) is formed on the single crystal silicon substrate (1), and the thickness of the cantilever (13) in a direction parallel to the surface of the single crystal silicon substrate (1) is made smaller, than the thickness of the cantilever in the direction of the depth of the single crystal silicon substrate (1), and movable in a direction parallel to the substrate surface. In addition, the surface of the cantilever (13) and the part of the single crystal silicon substrate (1), opposing the cantilever (13), are, respectively, coated with an SiO2 film (5), so that an electrode short circuit is prevented in a capacity-type sensor. In addition, a signal-processing circuit (10) is formed on the single crystal silicon substrate (1), so that signal processing is performed as the cantilever (13) moves.

Abstract: A structure of a photo diode and a method of manufacturing a photo diode comprise the steps of providing a substrate having an isolation region and a device region. A doped region is formed adjacent to the isolation region in the substrate by performing an ion implantation step and an annealing step. Next, a protective layer utilized to prevent the plasma damage is formed on the substrate and the isolation region, and an inter-layer dielectric layer is formed on the protective layer. Thereafter, a contact hole is formed to expose a portion of the doped region by patterning the inter-layer dielectric layer and the protective layer, and a contact plug is formed by filling the contact hole with a conductive material.

Abstract: A method for forming an image array optoelectronic microelectronic fabrication, and the image array optoelectronic microelectronic fabrication formed employing the method. There is first provided a substrate having a photoactive region formed therein. There is then formed over the substrate a patterned microlens layer which functions to focus electromagnetic radiation with respect to the photoactive region of the substrate. The patterned microlens layer is formed of a first material having a first index of refraction. Finally, there is then formed conformally upon the patterned microlens layer an encapsulant layer, where the encapsulant layer is formed of a second material having a second index of refraction no greater than, and preferably less than, the first index of refraction of the first material. The method of the present invention contemplates an image array optoelectronic microelectronic fabrication formed employing the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chip type electronic component includes the steps of forming a multilayer body including a major surface and a side surface by laminating a plurality of substrates and at least one internal electrode interposed between two of the substrates, forming a groove between the two substrates at the side surface of the multilayer body so as to expose an end of the at least one internal electrode, and making the side surface of the multilayer body rough by performing barrel polishing on the multilayer body, the barrel polishing being performed in a barrel pot in which water, media, an abrasive powder and the multilayer body are provided and forming an external electrode on the side surface of the multilayer body, the external electrode being connected to the end of the internal electrode exposed at the groove.

Abstract: A microelectronic method is described for optimizing the fabrication of optical and semiconductor array structures for high efficiency color image formation in solid-state cameras. Disclosed is an ordered fabrication sequence in which microlens formation precedes color filter layer formation to enable increased image light collection efficiency, to encapsulate and protect the microlens elements from chemical and thermal processing damage, to minimize topographical underlayer variations which would axially misalign or otherwise aberrate microlens elements formed on non-planar surfaces, and, to complete the most difficult steps early in the process to minimize rework and scrap. A CMOS, CID, or CCD optoelectronic configuration is formed by photolithographically patterning a planar-array of photodiodes on a Silicon or other III-V, II-VI, or compound semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method of making micro-actuator devices including a silicon wafer, a magnet positioned inside an insulated actuating chamber having electrical coil wound around its circumference thereby forming an electromagnet assemblage. A plurality of etched holes in silicon wafer receives the electromagnet assemblage and is adapted to produce a magnetic field in response to an applied current that acts on the magnet to cause the axial reciprocating motion of the magnet.

Abstract: Resin meltable at a time of reflowing is provided on the surface of a semiconductor chip and top ends of the connection electrodes are located parallel with the surface of the resin. A semiconductor chip is mounted on a mounting substrate and, upon reflowing, the resin is molten to allow the semiconductive chip to be bonded to the mounting substrate and encapsulate a resultant structure.

Abstract: One or two, or more, additional conductive layers, separated from one another (if two or more) and separated from a patterned (signal) conductive layer are formed in a flexible substrate, for mounting a semiconductor die in a semiconductor device assembly. These additional layers are used as separate planes for carrying power and/or ground from outside the assembly to the die, on a separate plane from signals entering or exiting the die. TAB processes are disclosed for cutting, bending and bonding inner and outer portions of selected signal layer traces to respective inner and outer edge portions of the additional conductive layer(s), including a two-stage process of (1) first cutting, bending and tacking the selected traces to the additional layer(s), and then (2) repositioning a bonding tool and securely bonding the selected traces to the additional layer(s). A tool (die pedestal) for aiding in the assembly process is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a semiconductor device with a SOI structure and a method of manufacturing the same, preventing deterioration in and making improvement in device characteristics. Nitrogen ion implantation into NMOS and PMOS regions (NR, PR) with resists (22b) and (22c) as masks, respectively, introduces nitrogen ions into channel doped layers (31). The subsequent thermal treatment provides a structure with the channel doped layers (31) containing nitrogen having a prescribed concentration distribution in the depth direction.