Abstract: A procedure is described for the determination of triglyceride contained in low density lipoprotein with the measures that triglyceride-containing lipoprotein is reacted with a non-ionic surface-active agent which is synthesized from a block copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, and that a triglyceride determination method is carried out. The procedure is particularly suitable for the in-vitro diagnosis of vascular disorders, in particular in the detection of coronary heart disease.

Abstract: A silent marker, method of marking a petroleum product with the silent marker, and method of detecting the silent marker. The marker is an ester derivative of fluorescent material, and the silent marker may be detected by measuring the fluorescence generated from the selective hydrolysis of the ester moiety under enzymatic action.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified Cdc14 phosphatase proteins, and novel constructs for expression thereof, in which the sequence C-terminal to the catalytic domain has been deleted. This modification results in the expression of a single form of the enzyme, enabling purification of a homogeneous preparation of active enzyme at a high yield.

Abstract: Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are described. The polypeptide sequences comprise one or more of: (a) a polypeptide having the deduced amino acid sequence translated from the polynucleotide sequence in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 5 and variants, fragments, homologues, analogues and derivatives thereof; (b) a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 and variants, fragments, homologues, analogues and derivatives thereof; (c) a polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of NCIMB 41110 and variants, fragments, homologues, analogues and derivatives thereof; or (d) a polypeptide which has at least 78% identity to (i) the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 5, (ii) the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or (iii) the polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of NCIMB 41110. Such polypeptide sequences are, inter alia, useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of sexual dysfunction, in particular male erectile dysfunction (MED) or female sexual dysfunction (FSD), preferably female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD).

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of focused energy, particularly focused acoustic energy, in the spatially directed ejection of cells suspended in a carrier fluid, e.g., for providing a pattern of cells on a substrate surface, such as a cellular array.

Abstract: A method for detecting oxygen in a test sample is provided, the method involving exposing a test sample and a control sample to sensor compositions having a luminescent compound capable of generating a signal indicative of oxygen depletion. The method further involves determining the strengths of such signals for the test sample versus the control sample, and using the difference to determine whether oxygen in the test sample is being consumed.

Abstract: A biochemical synthesis apparatus comprises a receptacle for containing a medium, and a support on which a microorganism can be placed. The support can be placed in contact with the medium, so as to allow access of the microorganism to the medium. The support with the microorganism can be removed from the medium, allowing the medium to be replaced. By this, the receptacle can firstly contain a growth medium, and secondly a secondary medium capable of causing the production by the microorganism of a potentially useful biochemical.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the transporter peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the transporter peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the transporter peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid segment having a coding region segment encoding enzymatically active Streptococcus equisimilis hyaluronate synthase (seHAS), and to the use of this nucleic acid segment in the preparation of recombinant cells which produce hyaluronate synthase and its hyaluronic acid product. Hyaluronate is also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan.

Abstract: The object of this invention is a process for the creation of at least one recombinant polynucleotide sequence comprising a step of oriented ligation of fragments derived from a bank of at least two polynucleotide sequences, and optionally cloning the recombinant polynucleotide sequences, and the selection of polynucleotide sequences offering advantageous characteristics compared to one or several reference sequences.

Abstract: Tagatose is manufactured by hydrolyzing lactose to galactose and glucose and isomerizing galactose to tagatose and chromatographic separation and recycling any unconverted compounds. Thereby high yields of pure tagatose are obtained.

Abstract: L-arginine, citrulline and pyrimidine derivatives including orotic acid, uridine, uridine 5?-monophosphate (UMP), cytidine and cytidine 5?-monophosphate (CMP) are produced using a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia harboring a mutant carbamoylphosphate synthetase in which the amino acid sequence corresponding to positions from 947 to 951 in a wild type carbamoylphosphate synthetase is replaced with any one of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 9, and feedback inhibition by uridine 5?-monophosphate in the bacterium is desensitized.

Abstract: A method for the production of clavulanic acid by the fermentation of a clavulanic acid producing microorganism at a controlled level of at least 50 mg/l ammonia has been provided for. Under the application of these reaction conditions surprisingly high production levels of clavulanic acid have been obtained.

Abstract: A method comprising the indirect electrochemical regeneration of NAD(P)H in enzymatic substrate conversions which are catalyzed by monooxygenases, for example, is described. In particular, a method for the electroenzymatic preparation of 2,3-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives, which is catalyzed by the enzyme 2-hydroxybiphenyl 3-monooxygenase and in which simultaneously the NAD+ formed by reductive cleavage of oxygen is electrochemically reduced, is described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for irradiating a biological sample with far infrared (FIR) irradiation, including providing tunable FIR irradiation, removing X rays from the irradiation, and irradiating at least one biological sample with the tunable FIR irradiation, wherein at least a component of the biological sample undergoes at least one of a conformational change or a phase change in response to the irradiating. An FIR irradiation device is disclosed, including an FIR source producing an FIR irradiation having a tunable wavelength, the source being capable of continuous-wave output, and a filter receiving the irradiation from the source.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the kinase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the kinase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the kinase peptides.

Abstract: A process for the production of inactivated Hepatitis A virus substantially free of host cell contamination is described, the process comprising: a) culturing Hepatitis A virus and harvesting a Hepatitis A preparation; b) treating said Hepatitis A preparation with a protease; and thereafter c) separating intact virus from protease digested material; d) inactivating said virus. Also described are vaccines comprising the inactivated Hepatitis A virus, preferably in combination with strong adjuvants.

Abstract: Strains of Metschnikowia species, in particular Metschnikowia pulcherrima, have been isolated from apple and shown to have antagonistic activity against Penicillium expansum, the causative agent of blue mold on apples. A unique feature of the strains is demonstrated activity at cold storage temperatures. The present invention is thus drawn to novel Metschnikowia isolates which are effective biological control agents against blue mold and to biocontrol compositions which include at least one of the isolates.

Abstract: A method has been developed to maintain the health of an activated sludge environment in a wastewater process comprising monitoring the levels of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) produced as an indicator of bioreactor health and regulating the concentration of feed nutrients and nitrate to maintain bioreactor health. In general, levels of PHA in excess of about 15% to about 20% dry weight of the biomass is an indication that the biocatalytic efficiency of the wastewater treatment process is impaired.

Abstract: A gene sequence-reading instrument comprising attractive force-generating probes (terminals) each retaining DNA-constituting bases to carbon nanotubes, a detecting part for detecting the attractive force generated between the base sequences on RNA having gene information and said attractive force-generating probes as distortion, an amplifying part for amplifying said distortion, a recording part for recording the distortion signal from said amplifying part, and a display part for displaying base sequences of RNA based on the information recorded in said recording part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing devices that are compact, utilize small amounts of cell culture media to establish and maintain cell cultures, and produce a large number of cells in a short period of time when compared to other cell culturing devices and techniques. Such devices are useful in the culture of all cell types, but are particularly useful in the culture of cells that are known in the art to be difficult to culture, including cells that lose one or more of their particular attributes/characteristics (e.g., pluripotentiality), or cells that are difficult to establish cultures of (e.g., primary cells), during culture in traditional cell culture devices.

Abstract: A tissue processor is disclosed for processing biological tissue, for example, for mounting on microscope slides. The tissue processor has a valve arrangement in the bottom of a tissue processing chamber, whereby a selected one of a plurality of fluid ports formed in a base of the tissue processing chamber may be connected with the interior of the chamber for supply of processing fluid thereto or discharge of fluid from the chamber. In this way different processing fluids may be passed into and removed from the processing chamber in succession, for processing of tissue samples contained in baskets within the chamber. The valve arrangement comprises a rotary disc at the bottom of the chamber and in sealing engagement with a valve surface on the base of said chamber, the valve surface being provided with a plurality of ports connected with respective said fluid inlets.

Abstract: The invention provides adenoviral vectors (preferably replication competent) comprising both an E3 sequence and at least one adenoviral gene under transcriptional control of a target cell-specific transcriptional response element. These vectors display significantly improved cytotoxicity, which is especially useful in the cancer context, in which selective destruction of target cells is desirable. The invention further provides host cells comprising the vectors. The invention further provides methods of using the adenoviral vectors.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel gene, gridlock, and its encoded protein. gridlock plays a role in vascular development and modeling, and a mutation in gridlock has been associated with an aortic arch disease, coarctation. Thus, gridlock nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides can be used in methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing gridlock-related diseases and conditions, such as aortic arch diseases.

Abstract: A method for measuring cystine supersaturation of a patient urine sample as an indicator of the patient's risk for cystine stone formation has been found. A method for collecting a patient urine sample for assessment of cystine concentration and cystine supersaturation has also been found.

Abstract: A kinetic assay method for quantifying an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the trapping, including optical trapping; analysis; and selective manipulation of particles on an optical array. A multi-channel device parcels a light source into many points of light transmitted through an optical array of fibers or conduits, preferably where the individual points of light are individually controllable through a light controlling device. Optical properties of the particles may be determined by interrogation with light focused through the optical array. The particles may be manipulated by immobilizing or releasing specific particles, separating types of particles, etc.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing.

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

Abstract: An MFIS memory array having a plurality of MFIS memory transistors with a word line connecting a plurality of MFIS memory transistor gates, wherein all MFIS memory transistors connected to a common word line have a common source, each transistor drain serves as a bit output, and all MFIS channels along a word line are separated by a P+ region and are further joined to a P+ substrate region on an SOI substrate by a P+ region is provided. Also provided are methods of making an MFIS memory array on an SOI substrate; methods of performing a block erase of one or more word lines, and methods of selectively programming a bit.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the resistivity in the surface of a semiconductive substrate including selective measurement and counter-doping of areas on a major surface of a semiconductive substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treatment of a multi-layer wafer with materials having differential thermal characteristics, the process comprising a high temperature heat treatment step that can generate secondary defects, characterised in that this process includes a wafer surface preparation step before the high temperature heat treatment step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fault detection spanning multiple processes. The method comprises receiving operational data associated with a first process, receiving operational data associated with a second process, which is downstream to the first process and performing fault detection analysis based on the operational data associated with the first process and second process using a common fault detection unit.

Abstract: The present inventive principles provide a method and system for performing backside voltage contrast on an SOI device. The SOI semiconductor device includes a bulk silicon, a box insulator residing on the bulk silicon and a silicon region on the box insulator. The SOI semiconductor device further includes a plurality of structures in the silicon region, the plurality of structures includes a conductive structure. The method and system include mechanical dimpling and chemical etching of the substrate to expose the box insulator. Optionally, a second chemical etch to remove at least a portion of the box insulator may be performed. A charged particle beam, such as energetic electrons from an SEM, for example, may be directed at the backside of the device, and emitted secondary electrons observed.

Abstract: Field programmable circuits and redundant logic are added to the substrate of a hybrid circuit with functionality to bypass and/or repair unusable dies in order to enhance yield and lower costs of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, a collar of programmable logic is inserted between the functional component on the hybrid die and its I/O terminals. The programmable logic collar can be programmed after hybrid assembly and test in order to correct assembly errors or die failures through one or more of the following actions: switch between redundant functional units and I/Os on the hybrid die; switch between redundant IC dies on the substrate, invert signal polarity; correct crosstalk errors; perform test and fault isolation.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer, comprised of an insulating layer sandwiched between a semiconductor top layer and a semiconductor substrate, includes moving a pair of spaced conductors into contact with a surface of the wafer exposed on a side thereof opposite the substrate. First and second biases are applied to the substrate and at least one of the conductors. At least one of the first and second biases are swept from a first value toward a second value and the current flowing through the SOI wafer in response to said sweep is measured. At least one characteristic of the wafer is determined from the measured current as a function of the one swept bias.

Abstract: A cold cathode field emission device comprising a cathode electrode 11 formed on a supporting member 10, a gate electrode 13 which is formed above the cathode electrode 11 and has an opening portion 14, and an electron emitting portion 15 formed on a surface of a portion of the cathode electrode 11 which portion is positioned in a bottom portion of the opening portion 14, said electron emitting portion 15 comprising a carbon-group-material layer 23, and said carbon-group-material layer 23 being a layer formed from a hydrocarbon gas and a fluorine-containing hydrocarbon gas.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor laser element which can change band gap wavelengths without change of composition of a multiple quantum well active layer and a method for fabricating a semiconductor laser module. In the method for fabricating a semiconductor laser element wherein a multiple quantum well active layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate with a crystal growth method, an insulation film is formed at the upper part of the multiple quantum well active layer, an electrode film is moreover formed on the insulation film and at least a part of the electrode film is electrically connected to the multiple quantum well active layer, distortion of the multiple quantum well active layer is controlled in the semiconductor laser element fabrication process after the process of the crystal growth method.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device production method is provided. A light-receiving section 12 is formed on a semiconductor substrate 1. A first insulating film 6 is formed on a light-receiving section 12 and the semiconductor substrate 1. A metal film for wiring is formed on the first insulating film 6. A protection film 8 is formed on the metal film. A resist film is formed on a predetermined region of the protection film. A portion of the protection film 8 and a portion of the metal film is removed by using the resist film to form a wire 7 whose upper face is covered by the protection film 8. A hydrogen-containing second insulating film 10 is formed on the wire 7 and the first insulating film 6. A heating process is performed for the second insulating film 10. An anisotropic etching process is performed for the entire surface of the second insulating film 10 to remove the second insulating film 10.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which is adapted to prevent the deposition of a material on a laser light emitting edge, thereby enabling an improvement in longevity characteristics of a laser. A base having a laser chip mounted thereon is irradiated with an energy beam having a shorter wavelength than an oscillation wavelength of the laser chip. Photolysis and oxidation caused by the energy beam cause the removal of an adherent from the overall base or the deterioration thereof, and incidentally, the adherent is derived from an adhesive sheet used to attach the laser chip to the base, or the like. Preferably, laser light or ultraviolet light, for example, is used as the energy beam. Alternatively, the base having the laser chip mounted thereon may be irradiated with plasma so as to remove the adherent utilizing an ion cleaning effect of the plasma. After irradiation, a top is mounted to the base so as to shut off the laser chip from the outside.

Abstract: The current invention provides for encapsulated release structures, intermediates thereof and methods for their fabrication. A multi-layer structure has a capping layer, that preferably comprises silicon oxide and/or silicon nitride, and which is formed over an etch resistant substrate. A patterned device layer, preferably comprising silicon nitride, is embedded in a sacrificial material, preferably comprising poly-silicon, and is disposed between the etch resistant substrate and the capping layer. Access trenches or holes are formed in to capping layer and the sacrificial material is selectively etched through the access trenches, such that portions of the device layer are release from sacrificial material. The etchant preferably comprises a noble gas fluoride NGF2x, (wherein NG=Xe, Kr or Ar: and where x=1, 2 or 3). After etching that sacrificial material, the access trenches are sealed to encapsulate released portions the device layer between the etch resistant substrate and the capping layer.

Abstract: A metal layer A constituting the stripe-shaped cathode electrode is formed on the surface of the organic electroluminescence layer 13, a peeling film B is stuck to the surface of the metal layer A through such an adhesive C as to reduce adhesion to the metal layer by the irradiation of ultraviolet light, and a pattern according to the stripe-shaped cathode electrodes 14 is baked onto the peeling film B by the irradiation of ultraviolet light E by using a mask D and the peeling film B is then peeled from the organic electroluminescence layer 13.

Abstract: An inventive method includes the steps of: growing a first p-type semiconductor layer of a compound semiconductor containing phosphorus on a substrate; and growing a second p-type semiconductor layer of a compound semiconductor containing arsenic on the first p-type semiconductor layer. While the first p-type semiconductor layer is grown, magnesium is added to the first semiconductor layer. While the second p-type semiconductor layer is grown, a p-type impurity other than magnesium is added to the second semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A method for transferring a layer of semiconductor material from a wafer is described. The wafer includes a support substrate and an upper surface that includes a buffer layer of a material having a first lattice parameter. In an embodiment, the technique includes growing a strained layer on the buffer layer. The strained layer is made of a semiconductor material having a nominal lattice parameter that is substantially different from the first lattice parameter, and it is grown to a thickness that is sufficiently thin to avoid relaxation of the strain therein. The method also includes growing a relaxed layer on the strained layer. The relaxed layer is made of silicon and has a concentration of at least one other semiconductor material that has a nominal lattice parameter that is substantially identical to the first lattice parameter. The technique also includes providing a weakened zone in the buffer layer, and supplying energy to detach a structure at the weakened zone.

Abstract: A method for suspending a movable structure form a support structure wherein first and second flat and thin arcuately shaped flexures are formed having spaced apart substantially planar and parallel opposing surfaces, each of the first and second flexures being structured for connection between a support structure and a movable structure to be suspended from the support structure and being aligned along a common axis of rotation between the support structure and the movable structure.

Abstract: A solid state electric device includes templated charge-carrier-transporting channel layer interposed between a pair of conductive substrates. The templated charge-carrier-transporting channel layer includes a layer of a first charge-carrier-transporting material having one or more regions defined using templating techniques, in which a second charge-carrier-transporting material is deposited. The second charge-carrier-transporting material is distributed within the templated charge-carrier-transporting channel layer such that, predominantly, only a single contiguous part of the second charge-carrier-transporting material is interposed between the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate along any imaginary normal axis extending between the two conductive substrates.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicon carbide film on a semiconductor substrate by plasma CVD includes: introducing a raw material gas containing silicon, carbon, and hydrogen, an inert gas, and optionally an hydrogen source gas, into a reaction chamber at a predetermined mixing formulation of the raw material gas to the inert gas; applying radio-frequency power at the mixing formulation, thereby forming a curable silicon carbide film having a dielectric constant of about 4.0 or higher; and continuously applying radio-frequency power at a mixing formulation reducing the raw material gas and the hydrogen source gas if any, thereby curing the silicon carbide film to give a dielectric constant and a leakage current lower than those of the curable silicon carbide film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a semiconductor device with a corresponding landing site on a carrier substrate. At least two apertures are formed in a semiconductor device, the apertures passing from a first major surface to a second, opposing major surface of the semiconductor device. Corresponding alignment features are provided on the carrier substrate at the landing site to which the semiconductor device is to be mounted. The alignment features are aligned with the corresponding apertures to effect alignment of the semiconductor device. The alignment features may include apertures corresponding in size, shape and arrangement to the semiconductor device apertures. Alignment pins may be placed through the at least two apertures to assist with alignment.

Abstract: A method for forming a high voltage component package, which includes providing a flexible non-conductive substrate, forming a conductive layer on the substrate, and forming a circuit trace from the conductive layer, the circuit trace having frangible leads. A first side of a component overlies at least a portion of the circuit trace, and the component is coupled to the circuit trace by breaking a frangible lead on the trace and bonding the lead to the component. The flexible substrate is then bent or folded such that another portion of the circuit trace is in proximity to a second side of the component. The trace is coupled to the second side of the component either with a conductive adhesive or by bonding with another frangible trace.

Abstract: A peel and stick electronic system comprises a silicone body, and at least one electronic unit operatively connected to the silicone body. The electronic system is produce by providing a silicone layer on a substrate, providing a metal layer on the silicone layer, and providing at least one electronic unit connected to the metal layer.