Abstract: The present invention relates to novel purified and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding mammalian Ca2+/calmodulin stimulated phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) and cyclic-GMP-stimulated phosphodiesterases (cGS-PDEs). Also provided are the corresponding recombinant expression products of said nucleotide sequences, immunological reagents specifically reactive therewith, and procedures for identifying compounds which modulate the enzymatic activity of such expression products.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides encoding human RNAse III and polypeptides encoded thereby. Methods of using said polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel cysteine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nuclei acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis cysteine proteases CP1, CP2 and CP3. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding CP1, CP2 or CP3. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a cysteine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method of producing mammalian reovirus is developed using HEK 293 cells. The method provides for fast production of reovirus in high yield. Furthermore, this method provides for a simpler purification procedure of the produced reovirus.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a novel micro-organism of the genus Bifidobacterium longum, in particular to its genomic and plasmid sequence and to a method of producing polypeptides of said Bifidobacterium, respectively. The invention also relates to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides, respectively. A data carrier is provided comprising nucleotide sequences and/or polypeptide sequences of NCC2705. In addition, the present invention pertains to the Bifidobacterium longum strain NCC2705 and also to food and pharmaceutical compositions containing said Bifidobacterium or active components thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of diarrhoea brought about by rotaviruses and pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acid vaccines containing genes to protect animals or humans against rickettsial diseases. Also described are polypeptides and methods of using these polypeptides to detect antibodies to pathogens.

Abstract: Lactobacillus strains that have a genetic Profile I based on Apa I, Not I, and Xba I digests are provided. Preferably, the strains decrease level of at least one of coliforms and E. coli within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. A direct-fed microbial that includes the strain is additionally provided. A method of feeding an animal the strain and a method of forming a direct fed microbial that includes the strain is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for stably introducing any gene into a specific locus in the genome of a microorganism such as yeast without the addition of any drug resistance genes. Specifically provided herein are new genetically engineered inositol-overproducing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains obtained by using a novel set of yeast integration plasmids that allow the safe, stable, and controlled introduction of homologous as well as heterologous genes into the host genome. In particular, specific loci of the S. cerevisiae yeast genome can be targeted with single or multiple copies of a specific gene that is desired to be expressed or a given set of specific genes that the host can use without the addition of any drug resistance genes. The principles of this new methodology can also be used for the construction of other recombinant yeast and bacterial strains as well as higher eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A cone-plate type apparatus for evaluating compatibility with blood or the like includes: a bottom plate (1) that secures test material (2), a cone (16) made of transparent material that rotates while in contact with blood or the like supplied upon the test material, a cone holder (13) that secures the cone therein and that has a rotary driver (14) on its periphery, a driving apparatus (8) that rotates the cone holder via the rotary driver and an incident light fluorescent microscope (2) for observing blood or the like on the test material from above the cone. The test material is secured to the bottom plate by means of ring members so it is possible to observe and quantitatively evaluate the state of adherence of blood cell components to not only plate-shaped material but also materials having the shape of a membrane, sponge, filter or any other shape, along with opaque materials, in the presence of shear stresses and in real time.

Abstract: An assay stick 7 includes a transparent reaction vessel or tube 14 having one or more microbeads 8 disposed therein. The microbeads 8 have a plurality of unique identification digital codes based on a diffraction grating 12 disposed therein that are detected when illuminated by incident light 24. The incident light 24 may be directed transversely onto the side or onto an end of the tube 14 with a narrow band (single wavelength) or multiple wavelength source, in which case the code is represented by a spatial distribution of light or a wavelength spectrum, respectively. The assay stick 7 may be reused or disposed upon completion of the assay. Instead of beads, cells or molecules may be spotted or grown directly on the tube.

Abstract: Featured is a long-term cell culture system being configured and arranged so as to be capable of monitoring the dynamic processes that occur during proliferation and differentiation of stem cells such as central nervous system (CNS) stem cells/embryonic stem cells. In particular aspects, the system allows monitoring of such dynamic processes continually and to focally manipulate the cells by focal application of growth factors such as BMP, CNTF and other growth factors. Preferred systems are capable of electrical recording from the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to repressors suppressing production of acquired immune deficiency syndrom (AIDS) viral genome (RNA) and methods repressing transcription thereof. The invention, more specifically, relates to fusion proteins repressing AIDS viral genomes (RNA) of a protein selected from group consisting of proteins strongly repressing activities of proteins such as Sp1, NF-kB, proteins repressing transcriptional activities by strongly condensing chromatin, and proteins which are able to bind around AIDS viral promoter; and protein (for example Tat or Tat derivatives) recognizing short RNA strand (TAR) and methods repressing transcription using same. The said fusion proteins dramatically show effect repressing production of HIV-1 genome (RNA) by delivering repressing proteins like Sp1, NF-k B to HIV-1 LTR using protein recognizing short RNA strand as a carrier. The invention shows transcription inhibitory effect of HIV by targeting transcription-repressing fusion proteins to HIV LTR.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparation of immunologically inert amniotic membranes using foetal membranes collected from programmed caesareans, under sterile conditions. The immunologically inert amniotic membrane of the invention may be applied to the preparation of a product to be used as a skin substitute in 2nd or 3rd degrees burns, as nerve sleeve to guide regeneration of the peripheral nerves, as cornea graft, in the reconstruction of the bladder and urethras, in the correction of cardiac malformations such as inter-auricular and inter-ventricular communications and in the reconstruction of valvular leaflets.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods of using the same to cardiovascular disease. The compositions of the present invention are cardiac stem cells that are c-kitneg/CD31+/CD38+ and express telomerase reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the sterilization of functioning biological materials, biochemical entities and biologically active molecules and for their preservation for storage at room temperature. Biological contaminants are significantly reduced in titer or eliminated while maintaining preservation of functional integrity of sterilized and stabilized products derived from the present methods. These materials may be mainly structural in function, such as bone, or may demonstrate active molecular function, as in the case of hemoglobin and antibodies. Treatments for stabilizing the sterilized biologics include alteration of material temperature, control of radiation dose rate, optimization of irradiation time, control of oxygen content, the use of stabilizers, specification of pH, inclusion of particular solvents, and alteration of the type of radiation applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibrin cell supports for cell cultures formed by the mixture of plasma proteins including fibrinogen and thrombin. The fibrin cell supports are preferably used for preparing a culture of cells such as keratinocytes, recovering the culture in the form of a reconstituted tissue, and transporting same. The reconstituted tissue is particularly suitable for use as a skin graft.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to make, isolate, characterize and use regulatable, catalytically active nucleic acids (RCANA). The present invention is directed to RCANA that transduce molecular recognition into catalysis. Also, RCANAs according to the invention can be used as regulatory elements to control the expression of one or more genes in a metabolic pathway. RCANAs can also be used as regulated selectable markers to create a selective pressure favoring (or disfavoring) production of a targeted bioproduct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a multi-gene assembly vector system having an acceptor vector and two donor vectors for effective transfer of multiple genes into a single vector. Using the method and the vector system disclosed in this invention, multiple cycles of DNA recombination based on a recombination system can be repeatedly carried out by alternate use of the two donor vectors together with the acceptor vector for recombination. The vector system and the method are used to construct any genetic engineering vector that contains multiple genes or DNA fragments of interest for transfer and expression of the genes in different cells, tissues, and organisms.

Abstract: A means for obtaining efficient introduction of exogenous genes into a patient, with long term expression of the gene, is disclosed. The gene, under control of an appropriate promoter for expression in a particular cell type, is encapsulated or dispersed with a biocompatible, preferably biodegradable polymeric matrix, where the gene is able to diffuse out of the matrix over an extended period of time, for example, a period of three to twelve months or longer. The matrix is preferably in the form of a microparticle such as a microsphere (where the gene is dispersed throughout a solid polymeric matrix) or microcapsule (gene is stored in the core of a polymeric shell), a film, an implant, or a coating on a device such as a stent. The size and composition of the polymeric device is selected to result in favorable release kinetics in tissue.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are constructed with a first sequence encoding a transgene under the control of regulatory sequences that direct expression of the transgene product in a hematopoietic stem cell, or a progenitor cell therefrom or cell differentiated therefrom. In one embodiment, the cell which expresses the transgene is a secretory cell. The cell is a megakaryotic progenitor cell, or a cell further differentiated therefrom, such as a platelet. The cell is a granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cell or a cell further differentiated therefrom, such as a mast cell or neutrophils. Such host cells containing the molecule or the molecule itself are employed in methods for treating or preventing infection, inflammation or vascular injuries or any disorders involving or mediated by cells of the hematopoietic lineage.

Abstract: A liposome formulation for stably incorporating high content of hydrophobic substance is disclosed. The liposome includes two phospholipids with different phase transition temperatures such as saturated and unsaturated phosphatidyl cholines, hydrophobic substances, cholesterol, cholesterol derivatives, antioxidant and hydrophilic polymer-modified lipids such as MPEG-DSPE.

Abstract: We disclose compositions and processes for enhancing transposon mediated integration of a nucleic acid molecule into another target nucleic acid molecule. Integration by an integrator complex is enhanced by cationic reagents.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an odorant to a hydrogen gas includes at least one container, each container having an interior volume. At least one odorant material is disposed in the interior volume of a first container, the odorant material having at least one detectable odor. At least one hydrogen storage material is disposed in the interior volume of the first container or the interior volume of a second container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an odorant to a hydrogen gas includes at least one container, each container having an interior volume. At least one odorant material is disposed in the interior volume of a first container, the odorant material having at least one detectable odor. At least one hydrogen storage material is disposed in the interior volume of the first container or the interior volume of a second container.

Abstract: An open capillary channel device for open tubular solid phase extraction of molecules capable of providing a tube enrichment factor of at least 1. The device comprises a channel having one end connected to a pump for pumping liquid and gas, and the other end can be connected to an interface for a protein chip sample applicator or a mass spectrometer, the inner surface of the channel being an extraction surface. The extraction surface can be bonded to an affinity binding agent. The affinity agent can be a chelated metal, a protein, a sugar or nucleic acid with a binding affinity for a selected analyte. The method using this device comprises binding sample molecules from a sample solution to the affinity extraction surface of the capillary channel; and desorbing a substantial portion of the sample molecules from the extraction surface with a desorbent liquid, with an extraction factor greater than 1.

Abstract: A method of assaying the reactive oxidants present in a smoke sample, the method comprising: preparing solution including a reductant; passing smoke through the solution; detecting the concentration changes of the probe in the presence of the smoke sample over time; and calculating the concentration of reactive oxidants of the smoke sample from the concentration changes of the reductant in the presence of the smoke sample. A method of assaying the reactive oxidants present in a smoke sample, the method comprising: preparing a solid material containing a reductant; passing smoke through the solid material; detecting the concentration changes of the reductant in the presence of the smoke sample over time; and calculating the concentration of reactive oxidants of the smoke sample from the concentration changes of the reductant in the presence of the smoke sample.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to techniques for distinguishing and resolving all or some subset of the chemical compounds in a mixed sample. The individual chemical components may all be known, unknown or combinations thereof. In particular, the invention relates to “n-Dimensional MAP Chromatography” (NDMC) as a technique for performing chromatographic analysis on a sample containing multiple components. Other aspects of the invention relate to techniques for peak and component matching across different experiments that complement and form part of NDMC in one specific embodiment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting transmissible transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) in the human and animal body, wherein body fluid is taken in vivo from the individual to be examined and exposed to infrared radiation. At least one characteristic spectral pattern is selected from the current infrared spectrum. Said TSE-specific spectral areas are compared to characteristic spectral patterns of infrared spectrums which are stored in a reference data bank and which are produced from body fluids of individuals known to be infected or not infected by TSE.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bioactive probe or chip (BC) that allows for the isolation of analytes, such as biomolecules, followed by modification or bioreaction on these said analytes. More specifically, the present invention relates to various methods and apparatuses that include the BC and further include characterization and identification technologies, such as Bioactive Chip Mass Spectrometry (BCMS). Within the context of the present invention, BC provides a method and device for the capture and subsequent modifying, such as digestion or derivatization, of an analyte. Further, real-time information regarding a variety of molecular interactions may be provided by techniques such as interaction analysis (IA). Finally, the variety of molecules are localized and concentrated thereby aiding in the identification and/or quantification of the molecules by techniques such as mass spectroscopy. In one embodiment, a method for performing the modification, or bioreaction, of biomolecules is disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid is deposited in spots using supported, compliant pin arragements, supplied by a local reservoir. Pin arragements in the form of reciprocating and rotating devices are shown. Supply of the pins by mobile local subreservoirs limit the range of travel between drop-pickup and drop deposit. Local reservoirs in the form of circular rings and large pins are disclosed. Compliance is achieved by using spring and flexure arrangements. Some embodiments employ planer flexures to mount the pin and constrict its movement. Such deposit techniques are shown used in many analytical, reactive, and productive conditions. Combination of the use of the versatile, high density array or with a flying mini objective, wide field scanning microscope is disclosed. Combination with other sub systems adds to the versatility of the system.

Abstract: A method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of multimers of fibrinogen and of von Willebrand factor by gel electrophoresis, in which a sample containing von Willebrand factor (vWF) or fibrinogen is fractionated by submarine electrophoresis using a continuous, homogeneous agarose gel free of lumps, and the multimer bands are visualized immunochemically after a western blot analysis by a specific antibody-enzyme conjugate on the blotting membrane or by a suitable dye, preferably with a blue stain, in the gel, is described.

Abstract: Colorimetric sensors comprising a receptor incorporated within polydiacetylene assemblies to form a transducer capable of indicating a color change when contacted with an analyte are disclosed. Methods of using the colorimetric sensor and a kit for the colorimetric detection of an analyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the differentiation of ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal illnesses using the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) as a marker of ulcerative colitis is described. The apparatus consists of either a qualitative enzyme-linked immunoassay or other immunoassay that utilizes antibodies specific to human immunoglobulins for the measurement of total endogenous ANCA in a human sample. The method and apparatus can be used by healthcare providers to distinguish ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal illnesses.

Abstract: A sensor for a selected analyte in a test sample has (a) a semipermeable membrane with pores for retaining the analyte, where the membrane has been chemically modified by attachment of membrane modifiers; (b) immunoassay labels which have label binding ligands where these label binding ligands will have a binding affinity for the membrane modifiers in the presence of the analyte, and a measurably different binding affinity for the membrane modifiers in the absence of the analyte; and (c) a label detecting system, for detecting the presence of the labels on the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric nanoparticles functionalized with two or more peptide moieties that possess high affinity to biomolecular targets, the peptide moieties being covalently linked to the nanoparticle polymeric core structure, either directly or via a linker molecule. The invention is further directed to methods of synthesizing these polymeric nanoparticles and to the various applications for which they may be used.

Abstract: Compositions and methods which permit effective use of multiplexed particles of dimensions less than the resolution of the detector are useful in assessing the spatial pattern of targets or substructures within a specific environment.

Abstract: The present invention mainly provides a magnetic carrier for biological substance, which shows improved dispersibility in aqueous solutions and is superior in the collectability by the magnetic field, reversible binding ability with a biological substance, elution property of the bound biological substance, and isolation and purification efficiency of biological substance, as compared to conventional magnetic carriers. The magnetic carrier of the present invention includes a magnetic carrier having a saturation magnetization of 10-80 A·m2/kg and a coercive force of 0.80-15.92 kA/m, a magnetic carrier wherein a ferromagnetic iron oxide particle is coated with a compound comprising silicon and aluminum, and the like.

Abstract: A method for measuring low levels of a substance in a sample includes the formation of a rotor from paramagnetic particles in a substantially uniform magnetic field. The rotor is rotated by rotating the substantially uniform magnetic field. A portion of the substance in a sample is bound to the paramagnetic particles, and a signal having a time-varying component is detected. The signal is then processed using a lock-in amplifier with a reference signal having a frequency twice that of the rotation of the magnetic field. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the time-varying component of the signal.

Abstract: Heterogeneous assays for different analytes in a single biological sample are performed simultaneously in a multiplexed assay that combines flow cytometry with the use of magnetic particles as the solid phase and yields an individual result for each analyte. The particles are distinguishable from each other by characteristics that permit them to be differentiated into groups, each group carrying an assay reagent bonded to the particle surface that is distinct from the assay reagents of particles in other groups. The magnetic particles facilitate separation of the solid and liquid phases, permitting the assays to be performed by automated equipment. Assays are also disclosed for the simultaneous detection of antibodies of different classes and a common antigen specificity or of a common class and different antigen specificities.

Abstract: A magnetic random access memory module includes a magnetic memory array. A permeable metal layer extends over a first side of the magnetic memory array. An electrically insulating layer is disposed between the permeable metal layer and the magnetic memory array.

Abstract: The present invention presents an improved apparatus and method for monitoring a material processing system, wherein the material processing system includes a processing tool, a number of RF-responsive electrical sensors coupled to the processing tool to generate and transmit electrical data, and a sensor interface assembly (SIA) configured to receive the electrical data from the plurality of RF-responsive electrical sensors.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus which generates driving forces with six degrees of freedom between stator coils and movable element magnets to implement high-accuracy position and posture control has movable element magnets (114) which are arrayed in a plate-like plane of the movable element in accordance with an array cycle and are magnetized in predetermined directions, stator coils (116) which are arrayed at intervals corresponding to the array cycle, and a current controller which supplies to each pair of adjacent ones of stator coils control currents having phase differences to generate driving forces for driving the movable element between the movable element magnets and stator coils facing the movable element magnets.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an active matrix organic light emitting diode display is described. A substrate having an emitting region and a non-emitting region thereon is provided. Pixel structures are formed on the substrate in the emitting region, and a power line electrically connected with the pixel structures is formed on the substrate in the non-emitting region at the same time. Then, a cap is deposited above the substrate and bonded with the substrate. The cap covers the emitting region of the substrate and the power line. Since the power line is designed inside the cap, the cap can protect the power line from damage of the outside environment thus improving the lifetime of the display.

Abstract: In order to be able to detect an irradiation position of an electron beam matching a defect position and conduct composition analysis of a defect with high precision and high efficiency, in the present invention, when a composition analysis target defect is selected and irradiation conditions of the electron beam are set for EDX analysis, a low-resolution reference image of low resolution is acquired using the electron beam at a defect corresponding position corresponding to the position of this defect on a chip in the vicinity of a target chip including defects, and a low-resolution defect image of the same low resolution is next acquired at the defect position of the target chip. Then, by comparing these low-resolution images, the defect position is acquired, the electron beam is slanted and irradiated on this defect position to acquire a composition spectrum of the defect.

Abstract: A method of stacking semiconductor chips includes providing four semiconductor chips that each include a top surface with central bond pads. Each of the bond pads is electrically coupled to second bond pads located in a peripheral portion of the semiconductor chip through a conductive layer. The first and the second semiconductor chips are arranged alongside one another on a carrier substrate. The second bond pads from the first and second semiconductor chips are bonded to corresponding landing pads on the substrate. The third semiconductor chip is then stacked over the first semiconductor chip and the fourth semiconductor chip over the second semiconductor chip. The second bond pads of the third and fourth semiconductor chips can then be bonded to contact pads of the substrate. The substrate can then be separated into a first stack that includes the first and third semiconductor chips and a second stack that includes the second and fourth semiconductor chips.

Abstract: The invention enhances a production yield of a display device (an electro-optical device). The invention provides a method of manufacturing an electro-optical device including a display region in which a plurality of basic pixels are arranged, each basic pixel including a plurality of color pixels. The method includes: forming on a first substrate lines to drive a plurality of electro-optical elements respectively constituting the color pixels, correspondingly to the arrangement of the basic pixels; forming on a second substrate, as a chip to be transferred to each basic pixel, a drive circuit to drive the plurality of electro-optical elements which constitutes the plurality of color pixels of the basic pixels to obtain a plurality of basic-pixel driving chips; and transferring step of transferring the respective basic-pixel driving chips from the second substrate onto the first substrate, and connecting the drive circuits to regions of the lines corresponding to the basic pixels.

Abstract: The invention concerns a quantum cascade laser, comprising a substrate, a stack of layers, having a prismatic shape with substantially trapezoidal cross-section, comprising a lower surface arranged on the substrate, an upper surface and lateral surfaces, said stack forming a gain region and two walls between which the region is interposed, two electrodes arranged on either side of the stack, one of which is formed by an electrically conductive material layer covering at least partially the surface of the stack opposite the substrate, and an electrically insulating layer interposed between the two electrodes. The invention is characterised in that the electrically insulating layer completely covers the lateral surfaces of the prism, without overlapping on the upper surface, and its thickness is equal to at least a third of the stack thickness.

Abstract: Light emitting die package is disclosed. The die package includes a leadframe, a bottom heatsink, a top heatsink, a reflector and a lens. The top and bottom heatsinks are thermally coupled but electrically insulated from the leadframe. The leadframe includes a plurality of leads and defines a mounting pad for mounting LEDS. The top heatsink defines an opening over the mounting pad. The reflector is coupled to the top heatsink at the opening. The lens is placed over the opening defining an enclosed cavity over the mounting pad. At least one light emitting device (LED) is mounted on the mounting pad within the cavity. Encapsulant optically couples the LED to its surrounding surfaces to maximize its optical performance. When energized, the LED generates light and heat. The light is reflected by the reflector and operated on by the lens. The heat is dissipated by the top and the bottom heatsinks.

Abstract: A method of forming a TFT and a method of forming the TFT on a color filter. With a first reticle, a metal layer and a hole exposing a substrate are defined. A color filter is formed in the hole. With a second reticle, a silicon island is defined above the color filter. With a third reticle, a photoresist layer is formed, and a gate and a gate oxide layer are defined. The photoresist layer is wider than the gate and the gate oxide layer, but narrower than the semiconductor island. Using the photoresist layer as a mask, a source/drain region is formed in the silicon island by implantation. The photoresist layer is then removed. Using the gate as a mask, a LDD region is formed in the silicon island by implantation. With a fourth reticle, a transparent electrode is defined. Thus, a TFT is formed on the color filter.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device includes forming a first testing terminal along a side surface of a first substrate, forming a second testing terminal along a side surface of a second substrate, attaching the first and second substrates together to expose the first and second testing terminals, and conducting a lighting test using the first and second testing terminals.