Abstract: A test device for detecting the presence of a residue analyte in a sample, which test device includes a support strip and a sample-absorbing matrix attached to the support strip. The sample-absorbing matrix has a material for absorbing an amount of the sample. The test device also includes a mobile-phase support for holding a mobile-phase composition. The mobile-phase support is attached to the support strip and in contact with the sample-absorbing matrix. A mobile-phase composition is disposed on the mobile-phase support and has a receptor for binding with the analyte. The mobile-phase composition can be carried in the sample. A stationary-phase membrane is attached to the support strip and has a first membrane end in contact with the mobile-phase composition and a second membrane end. The membrane allows lateral capillary flow of the sample from the first membrane end to the second membrane end.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in the treatment of waste and/or organic materials which includes a main body having a treatment chamber therein having a base which when the apparatus is in a harvesting mode is arranged with a space there below. The base includes a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart support elements, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance sufficient to support the material within the chamber during the treatment process and enable extraction of the treated material through the spaces between the support elements during a harvesting process. There is also disclosed a harvesting device comprising a plurality of extraction elements which are adapted to project through the spaces between the support elements to dislodge and extract the treated material through the base. The apparatus and harvesting device is particularly useful for removing worm casting in vermiculture.

Abstract: Base sequences of initiation sites for efficient protein expression in escherichia coli having a common base sequence, the differences between them rendered mute due to looping and truncating of the base differences

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroviral gene delivery system that resists complement inactivation through the incorporation of a complement regulatory protein into retroviral particles. In particular, the present invention provides a lentiviral packaging system comprising at least two vectors: a first vector which comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising a gag, a pol, or gag and pol genes; and a second vector which comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising a gene that encodes a complement regulatory protein (CRP) and, optionally, a gene that encodes a heterologous or functionally modified envelope protein. The genes encoding a heterologous or functionally modified envelope protein and a CRP are provided either together in a second nucleotide sequence, or separately in second and third nucleotide sequences. Producer cells comprising the packaging constructs of the present invention and a transgene can be used to produce recombinant retroviral particles for transgene delivery.

Abstract: The invention provides an infectious papillomavirus pseudoviral particle useful in gene transfer comprising: (a) a papillomavirus vector DNA which comprises an E2 binding site and an expression cassette comprising a gene and a sequence controlling expression of said gene; and (b) a papillomavirus capsid which comprises L1 and L2 structural proteins, such that said capsid encapsidates said vector DNA, wherein said gene is derived from a first biological species and said L1 structural protein is derived from a second biological species and said first biological species is different from said second biological species.

Abstract: Arterial and venous endothelial cells are molecularly distinct from the earliest stages of angiogenesis. This distinction is revealed by expression on arterial cells of a transmembrane ligand, called EphrinB2 whose receptor EphB4 is expressed on venous cells. Targeted disruption of the EphrinB2 gene prevents the remodeling of veins from a capillary plexus into properly branched structures. Moreover, it also disrupts the remodeling of arteries, suggesting that reciprocal interactions between pre-specified arterial and venous endothelial cells are necessary for angiogenesis.

Abstract: Methods to create human stem cells without creating or destroying a human embryo have been developed. The invention includes a method of creating a human stem cell by obtaining a non-human stem cell and removing the nucleus. The nucleus of a human donor cell is transferred to the non-human stem cell.

Abstract: The invention discloses a substantially pure population of human ovarian mesothelial cells and methods of isolating and culturing the ovarian mesothelial cells. By carefully manipulating the microenvironment of the ovarian mesothelial cells, multiple passages are attainable wherein the ovarian mesothelial cells are capable of becoming ovary surface epithelial cells or granulosa cells. In addition, several methods of use of human ovarian mesothelial cells are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, in vitro propagation, and transplantation and integration of non-pigmented retinal stem cells derived from the neuroretina of the eye, ex vivo and in vivo.

Abstract: Improved methods, compositions, and kits for oligonucleotide-mediated nucleic acid sequence alteration are presented.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for transforming plastids and moving transformed plastids from one plant to another. Also disclosed are transplastomic plants, parts thereof, and seed derived therefrom. Further disclosed is a cell or protoplast of a plant, or a culture thereof (e.g., a callus culture) wherein the cell or protoplast contains a plastid obtained from a cell of a genetically distinct plant and that contains a nucleic acid of interest.

Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.

Abstract: Devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices include a calibration means, at least one light source, a photometric detector array having at least one calibration detector and at least one other detector. The at least one calibration detector is capable of detecting a calibration mark from an analyte concentration measurement device container for calibrating the analyte concentration determination device. The at least one other detector is used for detecting reflected light from an analyte concentration measurement device associated with the analyte concentration determination device. The means for calibrating a component, aspect or feature of the analyte concentration determination device is based on the calibration mark. The subject invention also includes methods for calibrating a component, aspect or feature of a subject device based on the detected calibration mark. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides centrifugal rotors for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid to a chamber in the rotor. In particular the rotors comprise siphons for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid between a first and a second chamber in the rotor. The siphons of the invention are designed such that the inlet of the siphon on the first chamber is radially outward of the siphon outlet on the second chamber. The first chamber is emptied to a level equivalent to the radial position of the siphon outlet.

Abstract: A reagent for detecting exogenous oxidants in urine comprises tetramethylbenzidine, an acidic buffer, a catalyst, a medium for carrying out chemical reactions, and a resinous material. The reagent may be utilized in liquid form or may be applied to a test strip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for detecting the presence of semen on material. The system includes a solution of sodium phosphate, maleic acid, dye fast blue salt, naphthyl acid phosphate and deionized water, together with a solution dispenser and absorbent paper. The method for detecting the presence of semen on material using a semen detection solution and absorbent paper includes wetting the suspected semen stain or stain area on the material; blotting the suspected stain or stain area with absorbent paper so as to transfer the moisture from the wetted suspected semen stain or stain area on the material to the absorbent paper; drying the absorbent paper; and applying semen detection solution to the absorbent paper at the location of the transferred suspected stain or stain area.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymerizable monomers that incorporate moieties derived from energy absorbing molecules (EAM). The invention also provides polymers that are based on the monomers. The polymers have unique properties that make them ideally suited for use in diverse analyses, including desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of analytes. The invention also provides a device that incorporates the polymeric compositions of the inventions, methods of using the device to detect, quantify and identify analytes, and a method of preparing a device of the invention.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymerizable monomers that incorporate moieties derived from energy absorbing molecules (EAM). The invention also provides polymers that are based on the monomers. The polymers have unique properties that make them ideally suited for use in diverse analyses, including desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of analytes. The invention also provides a device that incorporates the polymeric compositions of the inventions, methods of using the device to detect, quantify and identify analytes, and a method of preparing a device of the invention.

Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.

Abstract: A method for actively controlling the hydraulic pressure within an aspirate-dispense system for aspirating and dispensing precise and/or predetermined quantities of fluid or reagent. The method provides an efficient pressure compensation scheme to achieve the optimal pressures for aspirating and dispensing. The optimized pressures are achieved by a series of operations of a positive displacement pump and a drop-on-demand valve of the aspirate-dispense system. Advantageously, the method increases process speed, improves reliability and accuracy, and reduces dilution and wastage of reagent.

Abstract: An analytical test device incorporating a dry porous carrier to which a liquid sample, eg. urine, suspected of containing an analyte such as HCG or LH can be applied indirectly, the device also incorporating a labelled specific binding reagent which is freely mobile in the porous carrier when in the moist state, and an unlabelled specific binding reagent which is permanently immobilised in a detection zone on the carrier material, the labelled and unlabelled specific binding reagents being capable of participating in either a sandwich reaction or a competition reaction in the presence of the analyte, in which prior to the application to the device of a liquid sample suspected of containing the analyte, the labelled specific binding reagent is retained in the dry state in a macroporous body, eg.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analytical test device for conducting assays of biological fluids. Methods for carrying out the assays with the disclosed analytical test device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein chips useful for the large-scale study of protein function where the chip contains densely packed reaction wells. The invention also relates to methods of using protein chips to assay simultaneously the presence, amount, and/or function of proteins present in a protein sample or on one protein chip, or to assay the presence, relative specificity, and binding affinity of each probe in a mixture of probes for each of the proteins on the chip. The invention also relates to methods of using the protein chips for high density and small volume chemical reactions. Also, the invention relates to polymers useful as protein chip substrates and methods of making protein chips. The invention further relates to compounds useful for the derivatization of protein chip substrates.

Abstract: A method for producing a derivatized aldehydic support matrix material includes activating surface hydroxyl groups on the support matrix material and reacting the activated hydroxyl groups with an aldehydic alkoxy silane. The derivatized aldehydic support matrix material produced is useful for immobilizing bio-molecules in biological applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the improved detection of ecstasy-class compounds in biological samples. New ecstasy-class analogs are provided for detection of such ecstasy-class drugs. These analogs are compounds, or salts thereof, of a 2-amino-methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) derivative attached to Z, where Z is a moiety capable of bonding, either directly or indirectly, with an immunogenic carrier, a detectable label, or a solid capture vehicle. Such analogs may be used to construct immunogens, enzyme or enzyme-donor conjugates, and other conjugates. The immunogens reproducibly generate antibodies with an exquisite ability to distinguish various ecstasy-class drugs in biological samples from potentially interfering substances. The specific antibodies and the conjugates may be used to distinguish and measure various ecstasy-class compounds in biological samples, such as those obtained from an individual suspected of substance abuse.

Abstract: An MIS device (20) includes a semiconducting substrate (22), a silicon nitride buffer layer (24), a ferroelectric metal oxide superlattice material (26), and a noble metal top electrode (28). The layered superlattice material (26) is preferably a strontium bismuth tantalate, strontium bismuth niobate, or strontium bismuth niobium tantalate. The device is constructed according to a preferred method that includes forming the silicon nitride on the semiconducting substrate prior to deposition of the layered superlattice material. The layered superlattice material is preferably deposited using liquid polyoxyalkylated metal organic precursors that spontaneously generate a layered superlattice upon heating of the precursor solution. UV exposure during drying of the precursor liquid imparts a C-axis orientation to the final crystal, and results in improved thin-film electrical properties.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of fabricating a trenchless MRAM structure and to the resultant MRAM structure. The MRAM structure of the invention has a pinned layer formed within protective sidewalls formed over a substrate. The protective sidewalls facilitate formation of the MRAM structure by a self-aligning process.

Abstract: A method for controlling stoichiometry of dielectric films, e.g., BST films, preferably formed at low deposition temperatures. A deposition process may use an adjustment in oxidizer flow and/or partial pressure, the provision of a hydrogen-containing component, an adjustment in hydrogen-containing component flow and/or partial pressure, an adjustment in deposition pressure, and/or a modification of system component parameters (e.g., heating a shower head or adjusting a distance between a shower head of the deposition system and a wafer upon which the film is to be deposited), to control the characteristics of the dielectric film, e.g., film stoichiometry.

Abstract: A method of forming a ferroelectric thin film on a high-k layer includes preparing a silicon substrate; forming a high-k layer on the substrate; depositing a seed layer of ferroelectric material at a relatively high temperature on the high-k layer; depositing a top layer of ferroelectric material on the seed layer at a relatively low temperature; and annealing the substrate, the high-k layer and the ferroelectric layers to form a ferroelectric thin film.

Abstract: A method of calculating yield loss of semiconductor wafers which are tested with a test sequence to derive a total fail region count for each of the wafers, the semiconductor wafers having multiple chips thereon. The method comprises calculating a fail region count for each of the tests in the test sequence, calculating the test sequence limited yield loss for each of the wafers, and apportioning the test sequence limited yield loss to selected ones of the test based upon the absolute or cumulative number of fails identified by the tests of the test sequence. In some embodiments, core parametric test data is correlated with the test sequence limited yield and analyzed to determine reparability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electron beam apparatus for evaluating a sample surface, which has a primary electro-optical system for irradiating a sample with a primary electron beam, a detecting system, and a secondary electro-optical system for directing secondary electron beams emitted from the sample surface by the irradiation of the primary electron beam to the detecting system.

Abstract: A top surface of a wafer is provided with an n-type source region, an n-type drain region, and an n-type semiconductor region. Dry etching using a plasma is performed with respect to an interlayer insulating film deposited on the wafer to form openings reaching the respective regions, followed by light etching for removing a damaged layer. In this case, exciting light is supplied intermittently to the n-type semiconductor region. The progression of the removal of the damaged layer and the stage of development of a newly damaged layer are sensed by monitoring the change rate of the intensity of reflected probe light in the presence and absence of the exciting light, resulting in the formation of a semiconductor device having low and equal contact resistance. In-line control using optical evaluation enables the implementation of semiconductor devices with excellent and consistent properties.

Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for producing them are provided. In particular, integrated circuits with shielding elements are provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fluid-ejecting chip for an inkjet printer includes the step of forming CMOS layers on a wafer substrate. Nozzle chambers with ink ejection ports are formed on the wafer substrate. A sacrificial material is deposited on the wafer substrate. A shape memory material is deposited on the sacrificial material at a temperature above a transition temperature of the shape memory material with the shape memory material in a post-actuation shape. Heating circuits are formed on the sacrificial material to be in electrical contact with the CMOS layers and to heat the shape memory material upon receipt of an electrical signal from the CMOS layers to a temperature above the transition temperature. A stressed material is deposited on the sacrificial material. The sacrificial material is removed so that the shape memory material and the stressed material define a plurality of actuators that are operatively arranged with respect to the nozzle chambers.

Abstract: A laser array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the laser array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the laser array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the laser array. Fiducial marks are formed when high intensity collimated beams of light are directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of improving adhesibility between a semiconductor layer and an electrode, while reducing contact resistance therebetween. A resist film is formed over the entire surface of an insulating layer formed by deposition or others. Then, in the resist film, provided is an opening corresponding to the p-side electrode pattern. Meanwhile, the residue of resist may attach to the opening, but is removed through light ashing treatments using oxygen, while a p-side contact layer is protected by the insulating layer. After that, with the resist film used as a mask, an opening in the insulating layer and a p-side electrode are formed by self-aligning. Damage to the surface of the p-side contact layer can be effectively suppressed. The p-side electrode can be formed on the clean surface of the p-side contact layer.

Abstract: An optical device is broken down into an optical element made of optical crystal and a holder made of alloy approximated in thermal expansion coefficient to the optical crystal, and the optical element is soldered to or melt bonded to the holder with a piece of solder or glass; the joint area is spaced from the periphery of the optical crystal so that a buffer area, which is spaced from the periphery, is created between the periphery and the joint area; even if cracks and/ or scratches have been occurred in an end surface of the optical element, thermal stress is less influential in growing the scratches by virtue of the buffer area, and the optical device

Abstract: A method for fabricating a low temperature polysilicon organic electroluminescent substrate comprises the following steps: providing a substrate; forming an amorphous silicon layer on the substrate; forming a plurality of patterned transistor elements each having a patterned source, a patterned drain and a patterned gate in the amorphous silicon layer by photolithography and ion doping; annealing the patterned transistor element having the patterned source, drain and gate by excimer laser; forming a plurality of patterned stripe second conductive lines connected to the gates on the surface of the substrate; forming a patterned isolation layer on the gate layer, and also forming a plurality of patterned stripe first conductive lines and a patterned first electrode on the substrate; forming at least one organic electroluminescent medium on the first electrode; and forming a second electrode layer on the organic electroluminescent medium.

Abstract: A semiconductor waveguide is disclosed which includes a substrate coated with a cladding. A core is embedded in the cladding. The core includes a plurality of discreet stacked layers of core material surrounded by cladding material. The cladding and core layers each include silica and silicon nitride with the core layers having a higher nitrogen content than the cladding material. The core is fabricated by carefully manipulating the process parameters of a PECVD process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a microlens array substrate comprising the steps of: closely providing a substrate precursor (30) between a first master mold (10) having a plurality of curved surfaces (12) and a second master mold (20) having a plurality of projections (22) to form a substrate (32) having a plurality of lenses (34) formed by the curved surfaces (12) and recesses (36) formed by the projections (22); removing the first and second master molds (10, 20) from the substrate (32); and filling the recesses (36) with a shading material (42) after the second master mold (20) is removed.

Abstract: A semiconductor waveguide is disclosed which includes a substrate coated with a cladding. A core is embedded in the cladding. The core includes a plurality of discreet stacked layers of core material surrounded by cladding material. The cladding and core layers each include silica and silicon nitride with the core layers having a higher nitrogen content than the cladding material. The core is fabricated by carefully manipulating the process parameters of a PECVD process.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for magnetic memory elements with low remanence flux concentrators. Improved bit yield is attributable to reduced remanence in the flux concentrator. Remanence provides the memory element with a biasing magnetic field. The flux concentrator includes anisotropy aligned with an appropriate conductor. One aspect of the present subject matter is a memory cell. One memory cell embodiment includes a magnetic memory element and a flux concentrator operably positioned with respect to a conductor. The conductor is adapted to provide a current-induced magnetic flux to the magnetic memory element. The flux concentrator includes an easy axis of magnetization aligned with the conductor and a hard axis of magnetization orthogonal to the easy axis of magnetization. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A method of making a micro electromechanical switch or tunneling sensor. A cantilevered beam structure and a mating structure are defined on a first substrate or wafer; and at least one contact structure and a mating structure are defined on a second substrate or wafer, the mating structure on the second substrate or wafer being of a complementary shape to the mating structure on the first substrate or wafer. A bonding layer, preferably a eutectic bonding layer, is provided on at least one of the mating structures. The mating structure of the first substrate is moved into a confronting relationship with the mating structure of the second substrate or wafer. Pressure is applied between the two substrates so as to cause a bond to occur between the two mating structures at the bonding or eutectic layer. Then the first substrate or wafer is removed to free the cantilevered beam structure for movement relative to the second substrate or wafer.

Abstract: Flexible composite barrier structures are used to improve the resistance, to oxygen and moisture degradation, of an organic electronic device including at least one active layer comprising an organic material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device package includes an integrated circuit chip having a plurality of chip pads thereon, and a plurality of ball pads rerouted from the chip pads, and a substrate including a plurality of substrate pads thereon. Solder joints, each physically and electrically connecting a ball pad and a substrate pad, are between the package and the substrate. A stress-relieving film, which can be a ployimide or other dielectric film, lies away from and between the package and the substrate. A plurality of via holes or metal regions are in the film at positions corresponding to the solder joints. The solder balls are formed on the package and the substrate or only on the package. The solder joints are through the via holes or attached to the metal regions. The stress-relieving film thus attaches to the solder joints and distributes stress in the solder joints over the stress-relieving film to reduce the probability of cracking the solder joints.

Abstract: A chip scale package and a method for its manufacture which include providing sticky interconnects on a surface of a semiconductor die, the interconnects being surrounded by a layer of thermal epoxy.

Abstract: A connecting material containing a thermosetting resin has a surface tension of 25 to 40 mN/m (at 25° C.). The connecting material contains a surfactant to adjust the surface tension to 25 to 40 mN/m (at 25° C.). The surfactant is a silicone resin-based surfactant or a fluorine resin-based surfactant. The ratio of surfactant content is 0.01 to 5.0 wt pts per 100 wt pts resin content in the connecting material.