Abstract: When an oxidation process for semiconductor wafers is carried out by a batch type furnace, the uniformity of the thickness of a film is intended to be improved so as to be capable of carrying out a low temperature process. In a system for feeding a mixed gas of hydrogen gas and water vapor into a reaction vessel to carry out a so-called wet oxidation, a ventilation resistance material is provided in an outside passage of a double-pipe passage for heating gas in an external combustion system, and a mixed gas of hydrogen gas and hydrogen chloride gas is passed through the ventilation resistance material to be heated to a process temperature or higher by means of the heater of the combustion system to previously produce a very small amount of water vapor to carry out a dry oxidation. When dinitrogen oxide gas is used for producing a nitrogen containing silicon oxide film, dinitrogen oxide gas is passed through the outside passage to be previously activated.

Abstract: An orthodontic separator loop is in the form of an elastomeric ring module having at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the ring body. In the preferred practice of the invention two such protrusions are provided. The protrusions preferably extend radially from the center of the ring body 180° apart from each other.

Abstract: In a shade determination apparatus for teeth and dental restorations, a set of reference templates for comparing to a patient's tooth is provided, whereby based on the coloration of the reference template the shade of a tooth or of a restoration to be employed can be determined. The reference templates are produced in a layer arrangement, taking into consideration layer thickness and/or material selection, that corresponds to the tooth or the dental restoration to be employed. A storage apparatus stores the coloration of the reference templates, and the layering of the tooth or of the dental restoration can be matched and determined based on partial images from an image of the patient's tooth.

Abstract: Color measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides an interactive rewards-based method that uses a protocol for instructional response in order to provide a motivating, individualized educational and entertaining experience. The system utilizes an interface through a computer. The system offers the user (a.k.a. student) simulated environments that represent different realities and an opportunity to solve interesting problems and learning puzzles. When the user inputs a response this calls forth a system response using the built-in Intelligent Mentor, thereby teaching the user. The iterative response process provides the user opportunities to discovery before proceeding to a higher level of the subject material. The pedagogical system uses neural nets (engine of artificial intelligence) that drive responses that are synchronized to typographical and graphical illustrations and/or pictorial illustrations used to simulate reality and to provide dynamic interactions.

Abstract: A training tool for training and assessing one or more auditory processing, phonological awareness, phonological processing and reading skills of an individual is provided. The training tool may use various graphical games to train the individual's ability in a particular set of auditory processing, phonological awareness, phonological processing and reading skills. The system may use speech recognition technology to permit the user to interact with the games.

Abstract: Generating a pitched musical part from an electronic music file comprised of instrumental parts includes generating a control stream that indicates which of the instrumental parts has a highest value for a period of time, selecting one of the instrumental parts for the period of time based on the control stream, and outputting the selected instrumental part for the period of time to produce the musical part. Generating a non-pitched musical part from an electronic music file includes identifying patterns in the electronic music file and selectively combining the patterns to produce the musical part.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of distance education using internet communications. The method requires establishing a server which is connected to a communications network. The server has data information relating to an educational subject, with the data information including at least one of the following: information content, linked web resources, quizzes, and tests. The teacher and plurality of students are connected over the communications network. The teacher and students conduct a conference relating to the educational subject and referring to the data information. The server also provides a virtual school which is accessible over the communications network. The connection of students and teachers, and conducting their conferences, are implemented utilizing the virtual school. The virtual school includes a three dimensional representation capability. Also, a student work assignment arena is accessible over the computer network, where the assignment arena provides student assignment data files.

Abstract: An education system using satellite communications, including a satellite communication correspondence school for providing an education service, which is connected to subscriber terminals operated by subscribers for receiving lectures via a satellite communication earth station and a communication satellite, and also via a communication network on the ground including the Internet so as to distribute lectures and associated educational materials to subscriber terminals for receiving signals from the communication satellite and to communicate questions and answers of subscribers in a broadcasting manner. The satellite communication correspondence school is also connected to lecturer terminals via the satellite communication earth station and the communication satellite and via communication network on the ground.

Abstract: Cell membrane maintenance of red blood cells and platelet concentrates is improved by the addition of 1 mM -10 mM L-carnitine and derivatives. This improvement allows extension of the period of viability of packed red blood cells and platelet concentrations beyond current periods. Additionally, the materials so treated exhibit extended circulation half life upon transfusion to a patient. Improvements in membrane maintenance achieved by this method permit irradiation of sealed containers of blood products so as to substantially sterilize and destroy leukocytes in the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for constructing combinatorial libraries composed of organometallic compounds immobilized on solid supports and encoded with detectable tags. The encoded library of organometallic compounds is especially useful for rapidly screening large numbers of member compounds for catalytic performance. These immobilized catalysts can be pooled in a single reactor where they are screened for a predefined property, such as catalytic activity and selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining whether test cells in a sample are cancerous or not and determining if lymphocytes are activated or not. The method measures the test cell's DNA ploidy and the cellular activity of an enzyme such as an esterase, which has altered expression in cancer cells. Esterase activity can be measured using fluorescent compounds such as fluorescein diacetate.

Abstract: A method and device for the automated large scale preparation for testing of drug-drug interactions, particularly with determination of IC50 and Ki, as a screening tool enhancement for determining viability of large numbers of compounds as drug candidates. Small samples of specific probe substrates and new compound inhibitors are automatically dispensed en masse into multi-welled reaction plates which are prefilled with thawed human microsomes, buffer and cofactor. The reaction plates are incubated and the reaction products are tested within degradation time limits, for initial biological determinations of relevant interaction effects of the compounds.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting viral gene activities (and cellular gene activities) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of delivering an effective amount of an inhibitor of a viral looping/linking factor to an infected patient.

Abstract: The method provided by the present invention sets forth a novel combination of methods and principles which allows for the rapid and accurate isolation and identification of a large number of differentially expressed mRNAs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting monomer changes in a sample when an unknown quantity of expected monomers may also be present. Homogeneous and heterogeneous samples are exposed to polymer probes for hybridization. The hybridization affinities of the polymer probes to the samples are then compared to determine differences between the polymers in the samples. Accordingly, deletion, substitution and insertion mutations may be detected in a heterogeneous sample of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A system is provided for sample identification and at least one other piece of information, e.g. analyte determination, relevant to a source of a sample, which information is posted to a database. The database can compare the sample identification information with a prior control to see whether the alleged source of the information is correct. The sample identification and the analyte determination are made with the same sample. The identification is achieved by analyzing for invariant markers, such as public antigens and DNA, which have sufficient variety in the population, so as to provide reasonable assurance of the source of the sample. At the same time an analyte may be determined, so that the information is coordinately received. A simple self-contained device may be employed where the sample is divided into two portions and each analyzed separately on separate tracks. For identification, the distribution of bands or spots having the labeled reagent can serve to identify the source of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for transcript extension of nucleic acid molecules having at least one non-canonical nucleoside monophosphate, wherein an amount of a polyamine effective to enhance the extension rate is included in the reaction mixture. The polyamines spermidine and spermine have been found to be effective in the improved method when present in a concentration of at least 8.0 mM or 1.5 mM, respectively. The present invention includes a buffer for enhancing transcript extension of nucleotides having non-canonical substituents and an in vitro nucleotide synthesis reaction kit for enhanced extension of nucleotide transcripts having non-canonical substituents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured, self-organized molecular monolayers of individual molecular species. The invention is preferably used to create solid-phase bonded substance libraries. To this end, a) a substrate (2) suitable for the first monolayer is provided; b) a microstructured polymer mask (1) having openings is applied to the subtrate (2) at least once in a defined direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a process for the automatic synthesis of macromolecules on a tape-like substrate material (11). The device has at least one synthesis module (12) which can be sealed from the outside and comprises reaction chambers (15) and fluid lines (18, 19) for filling and emptying the reaction chambers (15) with and of reaction media, it being possible to introduce the substrate material (11) into the synthesis module (12) and bring it into contact with the reaction chambers (15). Transport means (20-26) which are intended to move the substrate material (11) through a particular distance and can be actuated by a control device are furthermore provided. The invention also relates to the use of such a device for the synthesis of oligonucleotides bound on a functionalized substrate material, in particular the production of oligonucleotide libraries.

Abstract: A method for facilitating disease diagnosis is disclosed. The method generally includes exposing cells thought to be affected by the disease to a chromosome damaging and/or breakage agent, marking at lease some of the damaged or broken portions of the chromosomes, and analyzing the effect of the chromosome damaging agent.

Abstract: A small micro-label with a machine-readable indicia is used to react with and identify analytes in a multiplex reaction with biologic molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of methods for determining the identity of a nucleotide present at a variant site in a target nucleic acid. The methods involve conducting partial chain termination sequencing reactions of a target nucleic acid of interest conducted with the four deoxynucleotides but only one to three non-extendible nucleotides (i.e., analogs of dATP, dTTP, dGTP and dCTP that are non-extendible by a polymerase). The non-extendible nucleotide(s) utilized in the sequencing reactions are selected to be complementary to the bases potentially occupying the variant site of a target nucleic acid that serves as a template during sequencing. Analyses can also be performed in multiplex formats.

Abstract: Methods for identifying genes and gene products involved in RNA modification, and methods for screening test compounds or antibiotics for activity are provided. Additionally, the gene products identified in the methods, the genes that encode the gene products, modified sentinel molecules produced by the gene products, and compounds or antibiotics which inhibit the modification process are provided.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and controlling the genetic and metabolic pathways underlying complex phenotypes are provided. Conjoint polynucleotide segments that contribute to or disrupt elements of a multigenic phenotype are produced and expressed in cells of interest. Conjoint polynucleotide segments are recombined and/or mutated to give rise to libraries of recombinant concatamers which are expressed in cells of interest. Libraries of conjoint polynucleotide segments and recombinant concatamers are expressed episomally or integrated into the DNA of organelles or chromosomes. Cells are screened or selected to identify members of the population of cells exhibiting a desired phenotype. Libraries and vectors comprising conjoint polynucleotide segments and recombinant concatamers, as well as cells expressing such libraries and vectors or their components are provided.

Abstract: Methods for the multiplexed detection of the binding of, or interaction between, one or more ligands and target antiligands are provided. Detection involves the release of identifying tags as a consequence of target recognition. The methods include the use of electrophoretic tag probes or e-tag probes, comprising a detection region and a mobility-defining region called the mobility modifier, both linked to a target-binding moiety. In practicing the methods, target antiligands are contacted with a set of e-tag probes and the contacted antiligands are treated with a selected cleaving agent resulting in a mixture of e-tag reporters and uncleaved and/or partially cleaved e-tag probes. The mixture is exposed to a capture agent effective to bind to uncleaved or partially cleaved e-tag probes, followed by electrophoretic separation. In a multiplexed assay, different released e-tag reporters may be separated and detected providing for target identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a member of the family of proteins known as ADAMTS proteins, the new member being designated ADAMTS-M. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding ADAMTS-M, antibodies to ADAMTS-M, assays for studying the function of ADAMTS-M, assays for determining agonists or antagonists of ADAMTS-M, and to the use of ADAMTS-M polypeptides or polynucleotides in diagnostic, biotherapeutic, or gene therapy methods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the creation and use of libraries of proteins which comprise polyclonal antibodies to a common antigen or group of antigens, receptor proteins with related variable regions, or other immune related proteins with variable regions. These polyclonal antibody libraries can be used to treat or prevent diseases and disorders including neoplasia such as cancer and other malignancies, parasitic infections, bacterial infections, viral infections and disorders such as genetic defects and deficiencies. Protein libraries may be patient-specific, disease-specific or both patient- and disease-specific. Libraries can also be used to detect a disease or disorder in a patient either by direct imaging or through the use of a diagnostic kit. The invention further includes novel cloning methods for the creation and transfer of nucleic acid sequences encoding protein variable regions and novel cloning vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of methods for reducing non-specific binding of a target molecule or plurality of target molecules to an array of oligonucleotides. The methods of the present invention include surface modification techniques and oligonucleotide modification techniques. According to one method of the present invention, non-specific binding of a target molecule to an array of oligonucleotides is reduced by replacing at least one of: i) the protecting groups on each of the plurality of oligonucleotides, and ii) the protecting groups on each of the protected regions of the substrate, with a negatively charged phosphate residue.

Abstract: Novel energy transfer dyes which can be used with shorter wavelength light sources are provided. These dyes include a donor dye with an absorption maxima at a wavelength between about 250 to 450 nm and an acceptor dye which is capable of absorbing energy emitted from the donor dye. One of the energy transfer dyes has a donor dye which is a member of a class of dyes having a coumarin or pyrene ring structure and an acceptor dye which is capable of absorbing energy emitted from the donor dye, wherein the donor dye has an absorption maxima between about 250 and 450 nm and the acceptor dye has an emission maxima at a wavelength greater than about 500 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample solution treating instrument facilitating rapid and simplified adjustment of the condition of a sample solution proper for analysis with a biosensor before supply to the biosensor. The sample solution treating instrument in accordance with the present invention comprises control means, such as a catalyst or an adsorbent, for example, which can remove any interfering substance for adjusting the sample solution proper for measurement with a biosensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for carrying out multi-step and multiplex immunoaffinity binding reactions in microscopic formats. In particular, these devices and methods allow the user to rapidly carry out multiple immunoassays in the same sample volume, and to rapidly resolve the results of those immunoassays in an electronically assisted format. The assays may be further multiplexed in that several samples may be analyzed and visualized on the same microelectronic array.

Abstract: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating or preventing virus infections by interfering with the activity or function of Ras, the Ras pathway, the ERK pathway, MEK1/2, PKR or eIF-2 &agr;, includes the use of agents which inhibit Ras or otherwise modulate anti-PKR activity. Also, a method of diagnosing such virus infections includes the use of cell lines that have an activated Ras pathway, including cell lines which have been transformed with a gene that activates the Ras pathway. The virus infections may be herpes virus infections and HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections in particular.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining expression levels of one or a multiplicity of target proteins in a tissue or cell sample.

Abstract: An in vitro test for testing the immunomodulatory especially anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory effect of a test material comprises placing a microporous support having a monolayer of epithelial cells therein in contact with a nutrient medium in a culture well. Cells of the immune system such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells are introduced into the medium and a test material is also introduced into the nutrient medium. A change in an immunological marker, especially a cytokine, particularly TNF&agr; or IL-8 in response to the test material is determined. The test material may be a strain of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium or other material which may be a probiotic.

Abstract: Methods for detecting parasites, such as Cryptosporidium parvum, in turbid and non-turbid samples by solubilizing molecular markers or antigens of the parasite. The molecular markers are solubilized by incubating a sample containing the parasite with a solubilization buffer and detecting the solubilized antigens by electrochemiluminescence. The solubilization buffer contains one or more detergents alone or in combination with one or more denaturing agents in a buffered solution. The methods are an improvement over existing immunofluorescence assays for C. parvum because the methods described herein are quantitative, reproducible, have high sensitivity, are not labor-intensive, require only minimal sample processing, and avoid being adversely affected by sample turbidity. In addition, by using a electrochemiluminescence assay, microscopy is not required.

Abstract: General compositions and methods for detecting Lipid I, Lipid II and peptidoglycan synthesis is disclosed. A method of screening for potential antibacterial agents is provided which requires bacterial membrane preparations or enriched enzyme preparations including at least one bacterial enzyme involved in the synthesis of Lipid I from UDP-MurNAc pentapeptide and undecaprenyl phosphate, at least one bacterial enzyme involved in the synthesis of Lipid II from Lipid I and UDP-GlcNAc and one or more bacterial enzymes involved in the further processing of Lipid II toward the downstream synthesis of peptidoglycan. The methods disclosed herein further provides a labeled UDP-MurNAc-peptide capable of serving as a substrate for a bacterial enzyme involved in the synthesis of Lipid I and a labeled UDP-GlcNAc capable of serving as a substrate for a bacterial enzyme involved in the synthesis of Lipid II. Conditions for further processing of Lipid II toward the downstream synthesis of peptidoglycan are also discribed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a koji mold having increased protease activity and peptidase activity relative to a parent strain, a method of breeding the koji mold, and a method of manufacturing a flavor enhancer using the koji mold.

Abstract: A process for hydrolyzing products with enzymatic activity remaining in peptone solutions after mucosa hydrolysis is provided along with a process for preserving mucosa tissue. Broadly, the processes are carried out by hydrolyzing mucosa tissue according to conventional heparin manufacturing processes wherein an excess quantity of proteolytic enzymes is used. The resulting peptone solution is then contacted with proteins or protein-containing materials in order to hydrolyze the proteins. In another embodiment, mucosa tissue is preserved by mixing it with a preserving agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid. The product preserved by hydrogen peroxide is low in ash, stable for at least a week, and has a reduced odor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vector comprising Protein Translation Peptide Elongation Factor-1 &agr; promoter and nucleic acids encoding reverse tetracycline controlled transactivator, wherein the expression of said transactivator is under the control of Protein Translation Peptide Elongation Factor-1 &agr; promoter.

Abstract: 2-19 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing 2-19 polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.

Abstract: Disclosed are phosphatidylserine (PS) receptors, including PS receptors from human, mouse, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Also disclosed are homologues of such receptors, nucleic acids encoding such receptors and homologues thereof, as well as agonist and antagonist compounds that specifically associate with and affect the activation state of such receptors. Preferred agonists and antagonists of PS receptors according to the invention include antibodies, antibody fragments and binding partners that selectively bind to such a receptor. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the PS receptors, homologues thereof, and agonist and antagonist compounds of such receptors. In particular, methods for reducing inflammation, for treating an autoimmune disease, for enhancing transplantation of tissue grafts, methods of increasing anti-tumor immunity, and methods for inhibiting viral and parasitic infections are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide from coryneform bacteria containing at least one polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallization from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallization of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for amplifying and detecting any target nucleic acid sequence contained in a nucleic acid or mixture thereof and for assembling large polynucleotides from component polynucleotides, each involving generating concatemers formed by PCR amplification of overlapping fragments.

Abstract: An amino acid such as threonine, homoserine, isoleucine, lysine, valine and tryptophan is produced using a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has been constructed from a sucorse non-assimilative strain belonging to the genus Escherichia and which harbors sucrose non-PTS or PTS genes and has an ability to produce the amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of D-asparagine derivatives of formula I 1

Abstract: A process for the fermentative production of L-amino acids using bacteria, wherein L-proline is added to the fermentation broth as an osmoprotective substance in order to suppress the effects on the cells of the hyperosmotic stress.

Abstract: A bacterial strain of Escherichia coli BKIIM B-3996, a producer of L-threonine, containing a recombinant plasmid pVIC40 and deposited on Nov. 19, 1987 in the collection of microorganism cultures at the USSR Antibiotics Research Institute under Reg. No. 1867.