Abstract: The present invention provides systems for growing two or three dimensional mammalian cells within a culture medium facilitated by an electromagnetic field, and preferably, a time varying electromagnetic field. The cells and culture medium are contained within a fixed or rotating culture vessel, and the electromagnetic field is emitted from at least one electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode is spaced from the vessel. The invention further provides methods to promote neural tissue regeneration by means of culturing the neural cells in the claimed system. In one embodiment, neuronal cells are grown within longitudinally extending tissue strands extending axially along and within electrodes comprising electrically conductive channels or guides through which a time varying electrical current is conducted, the conductive channels being positioned within a culture medium.

Abstract: A cell culture bag for culturing cells, cellular aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids is disclosed. The cell culture bag is a flexible and disposable culture bag that fits within a bag support chamber of a bioreactor. The cell culture bag has an inlet means and an outlet means for the introduction and removal of media. Certain embodiments of the culture bag have an inlet and outlet fluid coupling swivel joint and/or perforated perfusion tubes extending from the inlet means into the interior of the bag to assist in mass transfer and mixing the media to maintain an even temperature throughout the culture bag.

Abstract: There is disclosed a defoaming rotor capable of skimming foam from the surface of the fermentation broth in a bioreactor, separating the solid and liquid components from the gaseous component of the foam, and returning the solid and liquid components to the broth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic C. elegans which expresses an amyloid precursor protein (APP) or a part thereof, to the transgene itself, to the protein encoded by the transgene, and also to a process for preparing the transgenic C. elegans and to its use.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicon vectors, and in particular, HSV-1 amplicon vectors, which have been genetically modified and used alone or with consequent genetically modified HSV virus, to target a selected cell type, such as neoplastic cells. The present invention also relates to methods of using such vectors to target a cell, in order to treat a pathologic condition, such as cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use and composition of matter of angiogenic or other growth factors expressed by combining various types and stages of differentiation of allogeneic human cell strains or lines in unencapsulated pastes (mixed with or applied to extracellular matrix material or synthetic biocompatible substances) to be temporarily applied to wounds or defects in the skin or other tissues for the restoration of blood supplying connective tissue to enable organ-specific cells to reestablish organ integrity as well as to inhibit excessive scar formation.

Abstract: Muscle cells and methods for using the muscle cells are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides transplantable skeletal muscle cell compositions and their methods of use. In one embodiment, the muscle cells can be transplanted into patients having disorders characterized by insufficient cardiac function, e.g., congestive heart failure, in a subject by administering the skeletal myoblasts to the subject. The muscle cells can be autologous, allogeneic, or xenogeneic to the recipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an established cell line of microglia having the following properties: (a) form: having a macrophage-like or globular form in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. and in the absence of said factor, a branched form similar to branched microglia present in the brain, or both of the above forms; (b) functional characteristics: having specific affinity for the brain, and having a strong phagocytic ability; and (c) cell growth ability: growing depending on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. In particular, cell lines FERM BP-7061 and FERM BP-7062.

Abstract: Human mesenchymal stromal cells can be induced to differentiate into oligodendrocytes and neurons, respectively. For these cell types, therefore, MSCs can be a therapeutic source, either in vitro or in vivo, in the context of treating pathologies of the central nervous system which are characterized by neuron loss, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and stroke, as well as head trauma, or by dysfunction in ganglioside storage or demyelinization, such as Tay-Sachs disease, G1 gangliosidosis, metachromatic leukodystrophy, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A preservation method for biological material having cell membranes includes microinjecting the cells with sugar; preparing the cells for storage; storing the biological material; and recovering the stored biological material from storage. Carbohydrate sugars such as trehalose, sucrose, fructose, dextran, and raffinose, may be used as bio-protective agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of somatic embryo production, particularly to methods for the regeneration of Acacia mangium through somatic embryogenesis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for regeneration of plants of Acacia mangium by culturing explants of immature zygotic embryos on callus induction medium to grow embryogenic tissue. Culturing of the embryogenic tissue is continued on somatic embryo maturation medium and germination medium. The germinated embryos are further converted to acclimatized plants for field planting. The method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: A method for the production of a polypeptide, the method comprising culturing, under conditions which allow for the expression of DNA encoding SEQ ID NO:2 in an eukaryotic host cell, wherein the DNA is in vector pPHOEBE-40-7, and optionally isolating the polypeptide from the culture, is described. A polypeptide obtained by such method and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide also are described. A composition for diagnosing anemia comprising such polypeptide and a method of treating anemia caused by lack of erythropoietin also are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an entirely new method for mutagenesis, which is simple, speedy, economical, and widely-applicable. A method for mutagenesis comprising steps of: DNA synthesis in which primers which have mutations and a phosphorylated 5′-terminus are annealed to a template DNA and then subjected to an elongation reaction using a thermostable high-fidelity DNA polymerase, after which the phosphorylated 5′-terminus and the elongated terminus are ligated by means of a thermostable DNA ligase to synthesize a circular DNA containing said primers; digestion in which at least DNAs other than the amplified circular DNA are digested into several fragments; and double-stranded DNA synthesis in which, with the several fragments obtained in the above step of digestion as megaprimers, said megaprimers are annealed to said circular DNA synthesized in the above step of DNA synthesis, followed by an elongation reaction performed using said thermostable high-fidelity DNA polymerase.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel chemically-modified nucleic acid molecules having specific formulae that exhibit increased resistance to nucleases and increased binding affinity to target nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to methods of modulating gene expression using the novel chemically modified nucleic acid molecules, and compositions and cells comprising said molecules.

Abstract: A complex is described that is deliverable to a cell comprising inserting a nucleic acid or other cargo into a reverse micelle. The reverse micelle has the property to compact the nucleic acid for easier delivery.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence including a CYP promoter operably linked to nucleic acid encoding a heterologous protein is provided to increase transcription of the nucleic acid. Expression vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acid sequence are also provided. The methods and compositions described herein are especially useful in the production of polycarboxylic acids by yeast cells.

Abstract: Methods for rapid detection and/or semi-quantitation of anti-adenovirus antibody are disclosed. Anti-adenovirus antibody is detected using a device comprising a membrane with adsorbed antigen which specifically binds anti-adenovirus antibody and an absorbent pad which is contacted with the membrane. By consolidating detection reactions in a confined location and eliminating the need to manually remove input reagents, detection and semi-quantitation is achieved rapidly and conveniently. The invention also provides kits and devices for detection and/or semi-quantitation of anti-adenovirus antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a double-stranded region in a nucleic acid by (1) providing two separate, adjacent pools of a medium and a interface between the two pools, the interface having a channel so dimensioned as to allow sequential monomer-by-monomer passage of a single-stranded nucleic acid, but not of a double-stranded nucleic acid, from one pool to the other pool; (2) placing a nucleic acid polymer in one of the two pools; and (3) taking measurements as each of the nucleotide monomers of the single-stranded nucleic acid polymer passes through the channel so as to differentiate between nucleotide monomers that are hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel and nucleotide monomers that are not hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. Enzymes, including 5′ nucleases and 3′ exonucleases, are used to detect and identify nucleic acids derived from microorganisms. Methods are provided which allow for the detection and identification of bacterial and viral pathogens in a sample.

Abstract: In connection with a fluidic medical diagnostic device that permits measurement of the coagulation time of blood, software, methods and associated devices for quality control are disclosed. The fluidic device preferably includes a test strip with one end having a sample port for introducing a sample and a bladder at the other end for drawing the sample to a measurement area. A channel carries sample from the sample port to an assay measurement area and first and second control measurement areas. Preferably a stop junction, between the measurement areas and bladder, halts the sample flow for measurement. If results from measurements taken for each control fall within a predetermined zone or defined limits, the assay measurement is qualified. If not, an error is registered and the test strip is counted as unfit.

Abstract: A method for differentiating and enumerating nucleated red blood cells in a blood sample is described. The method includes the steps of lysing red blood cells of a blood sample with a lytic reagent, measuring nucleated blood cells by DC impedance measurement in a non-focused flow aperture, differentiating nucleated red blood cells from other cell types, and reporting nucleated red blood cells in the blood sample. The method further includes subtracting nucleated red blood cells and other interference materials from the count of remaining blood cells, and reporting a corrected white blood cell count of the blood sample. Additionally, the method further includes measuring spectrophotometric absorbance of the sample mixture at a predetermined wavelength of a hemoglobin chromogen formed upon lysing the blood sample, and reporting hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample.

Abstract: A catalyst deterioration detecting device of the invention has exhaust emission purifying catalyst on an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and air-fuel ratio sensors provided upstream and downstream of the exhaust emission purifying catalyst, respectively, and detects the deterioration of the exhaust emission purifying catalyst based on the outputs of the air-fuel ratio sensors. An index characteristic value of catalyst deterioration is calculated from the outputs of the air-fuel ratio sensors, a time-lapse changing ratio of the calculated index characteristic value of catalyst deterioration is calculated, and the deterioration of the exhaust emission purifying catalyst is determined based on the calculated time-lapse changing ratio.

Abstract: A sample chamber is formed by a housing sealed against a microscope slide. The housing has fluid ports, including a well formed over at least one port. In a rinse station, rinse solution is drawn from a reservoir through the chamber to a waste reservoir. At a fill station, an aliquot of reagent already placed in the well is driven into the chamber. The reagent may be driven into the chamber by first drawing a vacuum on the chamber through the aliquot of reagent and then releasing the reagent to be drawn into the chamber by the vacuum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device suitable for marking a collected sample, comprising collecting means for collecting the sample and at least one detectable marker which is associated with at least a portion of the collecting means, wherein the at least one detectable marker is contractable with the sample upon collection of the sample to mark the collected sample upon contact of the sample with the at least a portion of the collecting means having the at least one detectable marker associated therewith, and wherein the at least one detectable marker is other than a component which is present in the sample before collection and is inert to any component present in the sample before collection. Kits containing the device, methods for marking samples using the device, methods for determining the integrity of a marked sample, and use of the markers for the testing of laboratories and/or laboratory personnel for certification, proficiency testing or accreditation purposes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood or plasma sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. Preferably, a reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. An electroactive species is added to the sample. The device also measures the impedance of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay. Optionally, the electrical signal is received and converted into a digital output corresponding to the coagulation/lysis assay using assay calibration information stored therein. The digital output can be displayed external to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of lipogenins, proteins, e.g. human extra-cellular matrix protein 1 (ECM-1), human glia-derived nexin I alpha protein (NP-I), human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and human histone H2A (H2A) singly or in various combinations to control lipogenesis in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of facilitating the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of a human patient by measuring the ECP level in the patient's blood, and determining whether the patient is within the heat pattern group or the non-heat pattern group based on the measure ECP level.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulae for fluorescent compounds that have a number of properties which make them uniquely suited for use in sensors of analytes such as saccharides. The advantageous fluorescent properties include favorable excitation wavelengths, emission wavelengths, fluorescence lifetimes, and photostability. Additional advantageous properties include enhanced aqueous solubility, as well as temperature and pH sensitivity. The compound comprises an aryl or a substituted phenyl botonic acid that acts as a substrate recognition component, a fluorescence switch component, and a fluorophore. Fluorescent compounds are described that are excited at wavelengths greater than 400 nm and emit at wavelengths greater than 450 nm, which is advantageous for optical transmission through skin. The fluorophore is typically selected from transition metal-ligand complexes and thiazine, oxazine, oxazone, or oxazine-one as well as anthracene compounds.

Abstract: A fluorescence average excited-state lifetime sensor and sensing method comprising a fluorescence excitation light source, light-directing apparatus directing light from the light source to a sample, light-receiving apparatus receiving fluorescence light generated by the sample, and a narrow-band resonance amplifier providing gain necessary to support self-oscillations in an opto-electronic loop comprising the light source, the sample, the light-directing apparatus, the light-receiving apparatus, and the resonance amplifier.

Abstract: A system for collecting a whole blood sample includes a fill port (32), a metering chamber (72), a gasket or seal (16) and a reservoir (74). The gasket or seal (16) is positioned to a fill position, and a sample of whole blood is received in the metering chamber (72) until the metering chamber (72) is full. Then the seal (16) is moved to a closed position, thereby moving blood from the metering chamber (72) to the reservoir (74) and also sealing the reservoir (74). The seal (16), metering chamber (72) and fill port (32) together define a passageway at least a portion of which is coated with an anticoagulant. A diluting liquid contained in the reservoir (74) is mixed with the whole blood to dilute and stabilize the whole blood in the reservoir (74) for later analysis of one or more selected blood components.

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: A chromatography assay device and method for use with whole blood samples utilizing a red blood cell separating agent to aggregate red blood cells and permit plasma or serum to flow by capillary action and a neutralizing agent to neutralize any effects the red blood cell separating agent may have on the device and method.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention improves the visual use of urine test strips and reagent pads by providing a single color from a reference color spectrum directly on the colorimetric strip and adjacent to the reagent area to allow easy comparison. After application of a fluid to be tested to a reagent area on the colorimetric strip, a technician is able to easily compare the color in the reagent area to the reference color area(s) to determine the presence or absence of, for example, glucose, in the fluid. Placing at least one reference color immediately next to the reagent area markedly improves technician's accuracy in comparing and analyzing the reagent area against the reference color(s). The present invention allows a technician to easily and quickly compare a reagent area color to more than one reference area to determine the actual numerical value of, for example, the pH in the tested fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolating a defined quantity of DNA target material from other substances in a medium. The method may be carried out using a known quantity of a silica-containing solid support, such as silica magnetic particles, having a definable capacity for reversibly binding DNA target material, and DNA target material in excess of the binding capacity of the particles. The methods of the present invention involve forming a complex of the silica magnetic particles and the DNA target material in a mixture of the medium and particles, and separating the complex from the mixture using external magnetic force. The DNA target material may then be eluted from the complex. The quantity of DNA target material eluted may be determined based on a calibration model. The methods of the present invention permit isolation of DNA target material which is within a known quantity range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method by which UTI concentration can be measured easily with high precision and good reproducibility. The measurement is performed by adding free anti-UTI antibodies to a sample and measuring the degree of the resulting agglutination, for example, from the change in absorbance. As shown in FIG. 3, the UTI concentration and the degree of the agglutination (i.e. the change in absorbance) are correlated. The absorbance can be measured by using a general spectrophotometer, preferably at a wavelength of 300 to 400 nm. Polyethylene glycol is preferably added to the reaction solution as an agglutination accelerator. The polyethylene glycol preferably has an average molecular weight of 2,000 to 20,000, and the concentration of polyethylene glycol in the reaction solution is preferably in the range of 2 to 10 weight %.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head includes a top pole layer that defines a write track width. The top pole layer is formed as follows. A high saturation flux density material such as FeN or FeCo is sputtered to form a film to be patterned. A magnetic layer having a specific pattern is formed on this film to be patterned. Using the magnetic layer as a mask, the film is etched through reactive ion etching. The film is thereby patterned and a pole portion layer is formed. Next, cross-sectional surfaces of the pole portion layer obtained through the reactive ion etching are slightly etched to remove deposits.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system of wafer protection of a chemical mechanical process. It takes an image on the polishing pad, and analyzes and identifies the image. If the wafer is out of a polishing head, a signal will be sent to the chemical mechanical polishing station to respond adequately. Otherwise, repeats the image obtaining and its following analysis and identification. The present invention can avoid broken wafers and reduce the station recovery time. Hence, it can increase the up time and the throughput of the station.

Abstract: Methods are presented for fabrication of alignment features of a desired depth, and shallow trench isolation (STI) features in Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) material. Specific embodiments require no more than two lithography and etch processes, which represents an improvement over current methodology requiring three lithography and etch processes in order to produce the desired features during manufacture of a semiconductor device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for the real-time monitoring of plasma charging during plasma processing are provided which overcome the deficiencies in currently available apparatus, systems and methods. According to one embodiment, the method and apparatus utilizes a detection wafer that comprises an Al pad located on the wafer and placed in contact with the plasma. The potential difference generated between the Al pad and a substrate as a result of plasma processing is the plasma charging voltage Vc. The potential difference is transmitted through electrical contacts located in a modified biased lift pin assembly supporting the detection wafer, and in the detection wafer itself, at locations remote from the plasma. Electrical contact with the detection wafer is thus established by positive physical contact from the biased lift pins and the potential difference is registered on apparatus external to the processing chamber and connected to the electrical contacts located remotely from the plasma.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a presence of macro defects and overlay of a specimen. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.

Abstract: A method for controlling the variation in process parameters using test structures sensitized to process parameter changes. Wavefront engineering techniques are used to make features of the test structure more sensitive to process changes. Focus and exposure parameters are adjusted in response to the measurements of the test structures. In another embodiment, the wavefront engineering features are placed to permit the test structure appearing on the reticle out of focus. The wavefront engineering feature is an OPC technique applied to the test structure to modify it. The OPC features are applied in an asymmetrical manner to the test structure and enable identifying the direction of process focus changes.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a state of a polysilicon film objectively, accurately, automatically, and in a non-contact manner is provided. The method includes the steps of picking up a surface of a polysilicon film formed by excimer laser annealing, dividing the picked-up image into meshes each having a specific size, calculating a contrast in each of the meshes, extracting a highest contrast value and a lowest contrast value in the picked-up image, calculating a contrast ratio therebetween, and judging an average grain size of the polysilicon film on the basis of the contrast ratio.

Abstract: In order to obtain a method of evaluating a crystal defect which allows crystal defects generated in a thin film SOI layer or a thin film surface layer to be evaluated using an in-line test, an SOI layer 3 has silicide regions 8 formed in the evaluation region consequently upon generation of crystal defects generated in the SOI layer 3. The silicide regions 8 are regions silicided as a result of the crystal defects having gettered metals which are contained in a transition layer 10 and diffuse into the SOI layer 3 upon a heat treatment. A laser beam is irradiated to the evaluation region via the transition layer 10 and the silicon oxide film 6. By monitoring a current flowing between first and second probes using an ampere meter while scanning the evaluation region with a laser beam, it is possible to evaluate the crystal defects in the evaluation region.

Abstract: A process for the production of contacts for electrically operated II/VI semiconductor structures (for example laser diodes). The contact materials palladium and gold hitherto used in relation to electrically operated II/VI semiconductor lasers are distinguished by a relatively great, not purely ohmic specific contact resistance in relation to the II/VI cover layer. The consequentially necessary higher operating voltages result in the unnecessary generation of heat and thus substantially accelerate degradation of the entire laser structure. That effect causes a limitation in terms of the service life of II/VI semiconductor laser diodes. The invention permits the operation of semiconductor laser diodes with lower operating voltages. The II/VI semiconductor laser diodes produced with our invention are distinguished by a longer service life. That permits inter alia commercial use of semiconductor laser diodes in the blue-green spectral range.

Abstract: An electro-optical transceiver system with controlled lateral light leakage and a method of making such a system includes a plurality of emitter devices and detector devices including at least one of each, arranged in a planar array for transmitting and receiving, respectively, energy in a predetermined wavelength and a blocking medium disposed interstitially of the devices and being absorbing at the predetermined wavelength for blocking energy at the predetermined wavelength laterally leaking from an emitter device to one or more detector devices.

Abstract: To decrease the number of layers while keeping or improving the performance of an EL element, so that the production cost is reduced. Cathodes (106, 107), a light emitting layer (108), an anode (109), and a passivation film (110) are formed on pixel electrodes (104, 105). Thereafter, the vicinity of the interface between the light emitting layer (108) and the anode (109) are doped with a halogen element through the passivation film (110) and the anode (109). This leads to formation of a hole conveying region (111) that functions as a hole conveying layer, thereby enhancing the light emission efficiency.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed. A representative sensor includes a silicon substrate having a porous silicon region. A portion of the porous silicon region has a front contact is disposed thereon. The contact resistance between the porous silicon region and the front contact is between about 10 ohms and 100 ohms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor structure and manufacturing process for making an integrated FET and photodetector optical receiver on a semiconductor substrate. A FET is formed by forming at least one p channel in a p-well of the substrate and forming at least one n channel in the p-well of the substrate. A p-i-n photodetector is formed in the substrate by forming at least one p channel in an absorption region of the substrate when forming the at least one p channel in the p well of the FET and forming at least one n channel in the absorption region of the substrate when forming the at least one n channel in the p-well of the FET.

Abstract: Compound semiconductor structures and devices can be grown on patterned oxide layers deposited on silicon. The deposition of Group II-VI and Group II-V compound semiconductors on patterned wafers results in an increase in the critical thickness for lattice mismatched layers and the relief of strain energy through side walls. As a result, high crystalline quality compound semiconductor material can be grown on less expensive and more accessible substrate to more cost effectively produce semiconductor components and devices having enhanced reliability.