Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and garbage. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: Live bacteria are preserved by subjecting drying an aqueous system containing the growing bacteria at room temperature, without special equipment, in the presence of trehalose with or without the addition of divalent cations as stabilizing agents.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remediating sulfur-containing pollutants with a hydrocarbon that is used to stimulate the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The hydrocarbon is preferably an alkane such as butane. The sulfur-containing pollutant may comprise sulfate, sulfite, sulfide, disulfides, mercaptans, alkanesulfonates, dialkyl sulfides, thiosulfate, thiofurans, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, thioureas, thiols, thiophenols, thioethers, thiophene, tetrathionate, dithionite, dialkyl disulfides, sulfones, sulfoxides, sulfolanes, sulfonic acid, dimethylsulfoniopropionate, sulfonic esters, hydrogen sulfide, sulfate esters, sulfur dioxide and any other sour gases, elemental sulfur and any other sulfur-containing material considered to be a contaminant or pollutant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which illumination light and collected emitted light share a pathway and subsequently are physically separated. The optical configuration is designed such that at the point of separation, the illumination light is at has a smaller cross sectional area than the collected light. Collected light is directed away from the pathway of the illumination light and to detection optics. This configuration is adaptable to illumination and light collection across a broad wavelength spectrum. This configuration is adaptable to scanning in a limited depth of field to allow high throughput optical analysis of samples.

Abstract: Provided are methods of screening and identification of bioactivities and bioactive molecules of interest using a capillary array system. More specifically, disclosed are methods of using optical detection and capillary array-based techniques for screening libraries and recovering bioactive molecules having a desired activity or a nucleic acid sequence encoding such bioactive molecules.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for biological samples. The thermal cycling device may include a sample block, an annular plate, and a plurality of spring devices interposed between the sample block and the annular plate. The sample block has a plurality of openings for receiving sample wells of a sample well tray. The annular plate may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the sample block and may be configured to abut a bottom surface of the sample well tray when the sample well tray is positioned thereon. The plurality of spring device may be interposed between the sample block and the annular plate to urge the annular plate and sample well tray away from the sample block.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods to evaluate invasive potential of tumor cells. The apparatus permits culturing, staining and analysis of test samples to be performed on the same test plate to facilitate cell invasiveness tests. Methods for testing cell invasiveness in vitro are described.

Abstract: A microorganism culture plate and methods for its fabrication and use. The culture plate comprises a splash-guard that attaches to a upper rim of the plate. The splash-guard forms a removable, hermetic seal with the rim to prevent liquid media or other fluids from spilling or leaking out of the plate.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel heat shock protein with high homology to chloroplast elongation factor EF-Tu. Also disclosed is a transgenic method for enhancing tolerance to heat and drought in female reproductive organs. It involves the temporal and spatial expression of novel heat shock EF-Tu in a plant organ or plant tissue. The invention also includes expression constructs, and methods for the production of crop plants with heritable phenotypes which are useful in breeding programs designed to increase heat and drought tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammalian adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of mammalian adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor, the gene corresponding to this receptor, a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct capable of expressing a mammalian adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor in cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells and such cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells that synthesize mammalian adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor. The invention also provides for screening ACTHR agonists and antagonists in vitro using preparations of receptor from such cultures of eukaryotic cells transformed with a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct comprising the ACTHR receptor gene. The invention specifically provides human and bovine ACTHR genes.

Abstract: Methods for collecting cells in M phase or G1 phase, by which the percentage of M phase or G1 phase cells is higher than that attained by the conventional methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cytokine-binding domain or portion thereof which binds to at least one cytokine and is capable of transducing a cytokine signal through a single cytokine receptor, said domain comprising a portion of the B′-C′ loop of domain 4 of a &bgr;c chain or analogous structure of a cytokine receptor. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of identifying a compound having cytokine agonist or antagonist activity, said method including subjecting a potential cytokine agonist and/or cytokine antagonist compound to a cytokine binding domain or portion thereof wherein said domain binds to at least one cytokine and is capable of transducing a cytokine signal through a single cytokine receptor, said domain comprising a portion of the B′-C′ loop of domain 4 of a &bgr;c chain or analogous structure of the cytokine receptor; and determining the presence of an agonist or antagonist response of the compound on the activity of a cytokine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for effecting the de-differentiation of a somatic cell by culturing the cell in the absence of growth factors, cytokines, or other differentiation-inducing agents, and introducing components of cytoplasm of plutipotent cells into the somatic cell and allowing the cell to de-differentiate. The method can be used with somatic cells of any type, from any species of animal. The pluripotent cells may be oocytes, blastomeres, inner cell mass cells, embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, embryos consisting of one or more cells, embryoid body (embryoid) cells, morula-derived cells, teratoma (teratocarcinoma) cells, as well as multipotent partially differentiated embryonic stem cells taken from later in the embryonic development process. After being de-differentiated, the cell can be induced to re-differentiate into a different somatic cell type. A method for de-differentiating a somatic cell and inducing it to re-differentiate into a cell of neural lineage is disclosed.

Abstract: Neural stem cells which can be provided stably and which are free from the problem of compatibility in transplantation are disclosed. The stem cells are separated from human amniotic mesenchymal cell layer and express vimentin, nestin and BrdU which are markers of neural stem cells. The stem cells can also be differentiated to cells expressing alkaline phosphatase, that is, osteocytes, and to cells expressing collagen type II, that is, chondrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for promoting the survival and/or expansion of hematopoietic stem cells in culture, comprising culturing the cells in a culture including an effective amount of a mpl ligand, (particularly thrombopoietin), a flt3 ligand and interleukin 6 (IL6). Also provided is a method for modifying hematopoietic stem cells comprising contacting a gene delivery vehicle comprising a polynucleotide sequence with a population of hematopoietic stem cells cultured in the presence of an effective amount of thrombopoietin and a flt3 ligand. Additionally methods of restoring hematopoietic capability in a subject are claimed.

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

Abstract: This invention provides methods for the assembly and cloning of target DNAs. Methods for cloning long chemically synthesized oligonucleotides without prior purification are provided. Compromised vectors are used to allow screening or selection for the desired target DNAs. Methods for assembling full-length target DNAs from smaller subsequences are provided, as are methods for purifying oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A vector system that will produce a pseudotyped lentiviral vector that can be used to deliver a desired gene is disclosed. The vector constructs that are described include a number of modifications that enhance the safety of the vector. The vector can be used to more specifically target cells for expression of certain genes.

Abstract: Hemophilia is one of the most common genetic disorders. Standard therapies include transfusions with plasma products to provide clotting factors. The invention is a non-viral vesicle vector and method for the treatment of hemophilia. The vesicle vector contains the hepatitis B envelope protein to target the vesicle to the liver for delivery of an expression construct containing the coding sequence for factor VIII or IX driven by an appropriate promoter or factor VIII or IX protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for transferring nucleic acids into cells in vitro and in vivo. The compositions comprise a transfection reagent and one or more detergents. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise delivery systems providing nucleic acid transfer complexes that transfect cells with high efficiency.

Abstract: This invention refers to new surface-active compounds derived from arginine of the mono and diacylglyceride type according to the general formula (I) designed to act as surface agents with antimicrobial activity. The variations in the activity will depend on the number of fatty chains and their length. The purification of the intermediate and final products is achieved by means of liquid/liquid, liquid/solid extractions, crystallizations, ion-exchange chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a delivery of a molecule into an interior space of a cell includes the steps of introducing a molecule into a target tissue comprising a cell and applying a substantially continuous low-level electric field to the target tissue. The field is applied for a duration sufficient to effect a change in porosity the cell of the target tissue sufficient to facilitate an entry of a desired molecule into an interior of the cell.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprise 15 to 18 wt % cobalt ammonium phosphate, 5.0 to 6.0 wt % sodium alumino sulpho silicate, 8.5 to 10.5 wt % silica, 7.0 to 8.5 wt % alumina, 0.5 to 0.7 wt % toluidine red, 35 to 43 wt % acrylic resin and 19 to 23 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprising 16.4 wt % cobalt ammonium phosphate, 5.5 wt % sodium alumino sulpho silicate, 9.4 wt % silica, 7.8 wt % alumina, 0.6 wt % toluidine red, 39.1 wt % acrylic resin and 21.1 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has at least six colour changes in the temperature range 550° C. to 1250° C. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An improved blood suspension media for hematological compositions, having particular utility with a red blood cell component for devices using electronic and optical means for blood determinations, and processes for using the suspension media. The suspension media finds particular utility in providing the hematology control product with a stable and consistent MCV and RDW for an extended product shelf life.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the clandestine placement of an illicit chemical present in a beverage is disclosed and described.

Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements necessary for analyses of the samples are loaded on a circular sampler tray. Each of the samples having been loaded on the sampler tray is sucked through a spotting nozzle and spotted onto one of the dry chemical analysis elements. A temperature of each of the dry chemical analysis elements having been spotted with the samples is kept at a constant temperature in an incubator. The sampler tray is provided with a circular rotating disk. Sample vessels, each of which accommodates one of the samples, the dry chemical analysis elements of kinds corresponding to types of the analyses of the samples, nozzle tips, each of which is to be fitted to the spotting nozzle, diluent liquid vessels accommodating a diluent liquid, and mixing cups for dilution are supported on the rotating disk.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handling assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails makes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be carried out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for conducting multiplex assays for determining absorption, distribution, metabolism, and/or excretion (ADME) properties of an analyte. The method and device provide the ability to study analytes by controllably flowing, in laminar flow, an analyte in an analyte stream over a substrate having a plurality of substantially parallel individual test lanes on the surface thereof, wherein each test lane comprises a plurality of living cells immobilized therein. Changes, when present, in the analyte, the cells, or both, are detected and thereafter correlated to an ADME property of the analyte.

Abstract: A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: A method of detecting and measuring phosphorus in samples is disclosed. The measurement of phosphorylation is made with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), coupled to a reactive collision cell. The reactive collision cell is employed to ensure interference-free detection of phosphorus ions, by the formation of product ions with a different mass to charge ratio. Accurate measurement of phosphorylation in samples is important in proteomics.

Abstract: A cyanide-free reagent for detecting hemoglobin is provided. The cyanide-free reagent includes a surfactant, a cyanide-free ligand selected from a nitrate, a nitrate salt, a nitrite, a nitrite salt, and combinations thereof, and a hydrogen ion concentration sufficient to maintain the pH of the reagent below about 9. A method and a kit for detecting hemoglobin in a blood sample using the cyanide-free reagent are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for detecting the presence of bacterial vaginosis in a female subject comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A biological material detection apparatus which detects a charged biological material such as a gene or protein contained in a sample liquid is disclosed. A biological material detection element includes a substrate, at least one first electrode formed on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes which are arrayed at predetermined intervals around the first electrode on the substrate along the circumferential direction and to which ligands that react with predetermined biological materials are respectively immobilized. A sample liquid is introduced toward the first electrode on the substrate. The introduced sample liquid is moved radially toward the second electrodes by electrical control.

Abstract: In an analyzer, an oxidation reagent is supplied to an oxidation reaction portion, and after organic materials contained in the oxidation reagent are removed by oxidation decomposition, a sample is provided into the oxidation reaction portion to react with the oxidation reagent. An infrared gas analyzing portion starts detecting a peak for analyzing. Thus, even if a concentration of the component to be measured in the sample is low, the concentration can be measured accurately without being disturbed by a concentration of the impurities in the oxidation reagent.

Abstract: A calorimetric detector for chemical and biological agents or toxins is made of a giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) having a membrane bilayer which is polymerized to stabilize the giant unilamellar vesicle and to provide extended conjugated polymer backbone, and the GUV has at least one incorporated molecular recognition site for the chemical and biological agents or toxins. The GUVs are about 10-300 microns and preferably made of a polymerizable diacetylenic GUV where the acyl chains are crosslinked. When the agents or toxins bind to the recognition site the detector exhibits a color change. The detector can be used in a colorimetric detector apparatus where the samples can be present in air or in water.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ injection of one or more chemical components into a reaction chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber for receiving one or more libraries, each of the libraries comprising two or more samples. The reaction chamber is configured to form a sealed enclosure. The apparatus further includes an injection manifold supporting injectors for in-situ injection of one or more chemical components onto respective samples of the one or more libraries in the pressurized sealed reaction chamber.

Abstract: A device, method of use and method of manufacturing of said device for detecting an analyte in a biological fluid. The device comprises an immunochromatographic test strip with a raised, arcuate sample receiving zone. The test strip comprises a bibulous strip positioned above the base wherein the bibulous strip defines a developer receiving zone, a sample application zone and an indicator zone and wherein the zones are in capillary contact with each other permitting a developing fluid to wick from the developer receiving zone, through the sample application zone to the indicator zone. Further, a mobilizable detector agent attached to a marker for binding to an analyte of interest in a sample is positioned downstream from the sample application zone and upstream from an immobilized indicator agent, which is attached within the indicator zone.

Abstract: A cartridge for a biochemical analysis unit is adapted for accommodating a biochemical analysis unit and formed with at least one fluid passage for leading a solution to only a plurality of absorptive regions formed in the biochemical analysis unit to be spaced apart from each other. According to thus constituted cartridge, it is possible to forcibly and uniformly feed a reaction solution containing a ligand or a receptor labeled with a labeling substance to the plurality of absorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, thereby associating the ligand or the receptor contained in the reaction solution with a receptor or a ligand fixed in the absorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit. Therefore, it is possible to extremely efficiently associate the ligand or the receptor contained in the reaction solution with the receptor or the ligand fixed in the absorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of toxicology and clinical diagnostics. More specifically, this invention provides a single dry chemistry, liquid chemistry, or lateral flow dry chemistry combination test device for use in the detection of addition of the adulterant contained in Urine LuckT™ a commercial adulterant to a specimen submitted for Drugs of Abuse (DAU) testing in aqueous fluids, including urine, saliva, serum, blood, sweat extracts, and liquid homogenates of hair.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis, comprising the step of: measuring the level of carbamylated LDL in a sample obtained from said individual. Further provided is a method of reducing carbamylation in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of:treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid or another enzymatic or non-enzymatic inhibitor of carbamylation. Also provided is a method of preventing carbamylation in an individual with normal renal function, comprising the step of: treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid. Further provided is a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of: inhibiting aggregation and/or deposition of carbamylated LDL in said individual.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The invention includes a capacitor construction. A capacitor electrode has a perovskite-type dielectric material thereover. The perovskite-type dielectric material has an edge region proximate the electrode, and a portion further from the electrode than the edge region. The portion has a different amount of crystallinity than the edge region. The invention also includes a method of forming a capacitor construction. A capacitor electrode is provided, and a perovskite-type dielectric material is chemical vapor deposited over the first capacitor electrode. The depositing includes flowing at least one metal organic precursor into a reaction chamber and forming a component of the perovskite-type dielectric material from the precursor. The precursor is exposed to different oxidizing conditions during formation of the perovskite-type dielectric material so that a first region of the dielectric material has more amorphous character than a second region of the dielectric material.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling and/or monitoring a semiconductor processing apparatus while predicting its processing results.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring changes in the surface of a wafer during processing of the wafer is provided. The apparatus includes an optical transmission assembly configured to transmit to an area of the wafer a number of first discrete bands of transmitted light. Each of said number of first discrete bands of transmitted light has an effective wavelength. The apparatus also includes an optical detection assembly configured to receive a number of discrete bands of reflected light reflected from the area of the wafer. The optical detection assembly is further configured to detect a reflected intensity of each of the number of discrete bands of reflected light. An analyzer is configured to receive from the optical detection assembly the reflected intensity of each of the number of discrete bands of reflected light and is configured to detect changes in the surface of the wafer during processing from the reflected intensity.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling and/or monitoring a semiconductor processing apparatus while predicting its processing results.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily isolating a die from other dice on a wafer commonly connected to one or more common conductors. The conductors are connected to each die through a temporary isolation device, such as a diode. The common conductor supplies a signal to all dice during one set of test procedures, while the temporary isolation device can be used to isolate a die from the common conductor during another set of test procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting flow in a mass flow controller (MFC). The position of a gate in the MFC is sensed or otherwise determined to monitor flow through the MFC and to immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a novel MFC is provided. The MFC includes an orifice, a mass flow control gate, an actuator and a gate position sensor. The actuator moves the control gate to control flow through the orifice. The gate position sensor determines the gate position and/or gate movement to monitor flow and immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gate position sensor includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving the signal such that the receiver provides an indication of the position of the gate based on the signal received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a plasma having a selected electron temperature, by: generating electrical power having components at at least two different frequencies; deriving electromagnetic energy at the at least two different frequencies from the generated electrical power and inductively coupling the derived electromagnetic energy into a region containing an ionizable gas to ionize the gas and create a plasma composed of the resulting ions; and selecting a power level for the electrical power component at each frequency in order to cause the plasma to have the selected electron temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily isolating a die from other dice on a wafer commonly connected to one or more common conductors. The conductors are connected to each die through a temporary isolation device, such as a diode. The common conductor supplies a signal to all dice during one set of test procedures, while the temporary isolation device can be used to isolate a die from the common conductor during another set of test procedures.