Abstract: There are provided microorganisms having a property of producing a lipid containing unsaturated fatty acids as constituent fatty acids and extracellularly secreting the produced lipid encapsulated in lipid vesicles, methods of screening said microorganisms, as well as methods of efficiently producing a fatty acid-containing lipid using said microorganisms. Furthermore, there are provided lipid vesicles encapsulating a lipid containing unsaturated fatty acids, and foods, cosmetics, and animal feeds comprising said lipid vesicles added thereto. Artificially treated microorganisms or microorganisms collected from nature are grown on a solid medium, and microbial strains that form lipid vesicles at the periphery of the colonies and/or microbial strains that, when cultured in a transparent liquid medium, make the culture liquid cloudy are selected.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production and recovery of multifunctional aromatic compounds from a fermentation medium. Preferred multifunctional aromatic compounds include para-hydroxycinnamic acid (pHCA), cinnamic acid (CA), and para-hydroxystyrene (pHS). The multifunctional aromatic compounds may be produced in a biphasic growth medium comprising a fermentation medium having a specified volume of an extractant. The multifunctional aromatic compounds are extracted into the extractant and recovered by standard means.

Abstract: A method is described for treating biological cells and/or their cell components with electrical fields in a reaction medium, in which an inhibitor is added to the reaction medium to counteract the action of enzymes that break down protein.

Abstract: Particles containing dehydrated living micro-organisms are coated with a homogeneous layer of hydrophobic substance selected to reduce the risks of degradation of the micro-organisms by physico-chemical stresses such as heat, humidity, gastric acid, or compression. A method for producing such particles includes injecting a melting hydrophobic substance into the mass of the dehydrated micro-organisms placed in a chamber swept by an air stream at controlled temperature, where the base is rotating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel protein having a lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase-like activity, etc. or its salt, a precursor protein of the protein or its salt, a partial peptide of the protein or its salt; a DNA coding for the protein; a recombinant vector; a transformant; a method for producing the protein, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the protein, the partial peptide or its salt; and an antibody to the protein or the partial peptide. The protein, the partial peptide or its salt, and the DNA are useful as an agent for treating or preventing arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypercalorism, obesity or hypertriglyceridemia. The antibody can be used in assay of the protein, the partial peptide or its salt. The protein, the partial peptide or its salt is useful as a reagent for the screening for candidate medical compounds.

Abstract: A nicotianamine synthase is isolated and purified. Then the gene of this enzyme is cloned and the base sequence and amino acid sequence thereof are determined. This gene is employed in constructing plants, in particular, grass plants highly tolerant to iron deficiency. A nicotianamine synthase involved in the mugineic acid biosynthesis pathway; the amino acid sequence thereof; a gene encoding the same; a vector containing this gene; cells transformed by the vector; a process for producing nicotianamine by using the same; plants transformed by the gene encoding the nicotianamine synthase; and an antibody against the nicotianamine syntase.

Abstract: Rat secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase and methods for it use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified enzyme with lipolytic activity, a lipolytic enzyme capable of removing a substantial amount of fatty matter during a one cycle wash, a DNA sequence encoding said enzymes, a vector comprising said DNA sequence, a host cell harbouring said DNA sequence or said vector, and a process for producing said enzymes with lipolytic activity.

Abstract: Attaching a peptide extension to the C-terminal amino acid of a lipase re-duces the tendency to form odor. This may lead to lipase variants with a reduced odor generation when washing textile soiled with fat which includes relatively short-chain fatty acyl groups (e.g. up to C8) such as dairy stains containing butter fat or tropical oils such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil.

Abstract: Modified target molecules are disclosed comprising genetically modified molecules, preferably enzymes, that include a catalytic triad which alters the performance of the polypeptide. Optionally, such a catalytic triad in the modified target molecule comprises three members equivalent to amino acid residues Serine 227, Histidine 200, or Glutamate 139, respectively, in the Bacillus cellulase 103 sequence. Using the embodiments disclosed by the present invention, altered performance profiles, such as enzyme activity or stability, under alkaline conditions can be achieved. Methods of making and using modified target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ubiquitin-specific protease occurring in the brain and a DNA encoding it, which are useful for research on the molecular mechanism of the neuroplasticity expression and so on.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mutant CAR-DI-binding adenovirus which has a genome comprising one or more mutations in sequences which encode the fiber protein knob domain wherein the mutation causes the encoded viral particle to have a significantly weakened binding affinity for CAR-DI relative to wild-type adenovirus. Such mutations may be in sequences which encode either the AB loop, or the HI loop of the fiber protein knob domain. Specific residues and mutations are described. Also disclosed is a method for generating a mutant adenovirus which is characterized by a receptor binding affinity or specificity which differs substantially from wild type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are novel processes for the efficient production of L-epi-2-inosose and epi-inositol which are useful either as various medicines or intermediates for the syntheses of various medicines. In the processes, inexpensive myo-inositol is used as a starting compound which is reacted with a gram-negative bacterium capable of converting myo-inositol into L-epi-2-inosose, and thereby producing L-epi-2-inosose by conversion of myo-inositol into L-epi-2-inosose. A biologically pure culture of Pseudomonas sp. AB 10215 strain is also provided which has a characteristic nature of being capable of converting myo-inositol into L-epi-2-inosose.

Abstract: The invention discloses an on-spot hydrophilic enhanced slide/microarray. The preparation method relates to a hydrophobic copolymer prepared by blending, grafting or co-polymerization of a hydrophobic material and a compound bearing functional groups such as anhydride, imide, cyclic amide, and cyclic ester, and application of the hydrophobic copolymer onto an organic or inorganic substrate. The resulting slide has the properties of on-spot hydrophilic/hydrophobic dynamic conversion, as well as on-spot hydrophilic enhancement for the preparation of high-density and high-efficiency bio-chip/microarray.

Abstract: An anabolic chamber constructed of a plastic with additives to create desirable characteristics such as resistance to corrosion and bacteria growth. The anabolic chamber has a double-wall structure with internal support ribs for creating a water jacket for facilitating maintaining temperature control within the chamber. Features such as handles, mounting blocks and surface detail are created integral to the anabolic chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method removing contaminated gas by a biofilter resolving malodorous substance and volatile organic compounds, included in the waste gas generated from industrial and environmental facilities, into innoxious substances such as water, microorganism and carbon dioxide by means of microorganism The agitator of microorganism carrier of the present invention prevents the clog induced from the growth of microorganism, the increase of pressure loss thereby and the decrease of removing capacity of malodorous substance and volatile organic compounds by desorbing the biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to constructs and their use in gene expression or gene regulation assays. More particularly, the present invention provides expression vectors and/or reporter vectors providing kinetics of protein expression with improved temporal correlation to promoter activity. Even more particularly, the invention provides expression vectors comprising a transcribable polynucleotide which comprises a sequence of nucleotides encoding a RNA element that modulates the stability of a transcript corresponding to the transcribable polynucleotide. The present invention provides, inter alia, novel vectors, useful for identifying and analysing cis- and trans-acting regulatory sequences/factors as well as vectors and genetically modified cell lines or organisms that are particularly useful for drug screening and drug discovery.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medium supplement for animal cell culture and an animal cell culture medium. The present invention relates to a medium supplement for animal cell culture comprising sericin or a sericin derivative and an animal cell culture medium comprising at least said medium supplement and a basal medium composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell adhesion promoting (“CAP”) peptide combinations that promote cell attachment or cell adhesion to culture surfaces that are otherwise cell adhesion resistant “CAR”. The invention provides combination of peptides that, when covalently coupled to a CAR layer such as hyaluronic acid that has been created on a polystyrene surface, promote cell attachment, growth differentiation, and execution of other desired cellular functions in culture.

Abstract: Methods for clarification of cell samples using centrifugation in combination with depth filtration.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group to a peptide.

Abstract: A cell composition of endocrine progenitor cells derived from mammalian pancreatic islet cells that can be trans-planted into a diabetic patient such that the cells of the cell composition differentiates into functioning insulin-producing beta cells.

Abstract: The cen gene of Antirrhinum has been cloned, also homologues from Arabidopsis (tfl1) and rice. Flowering characteristics of transgenic plants, especially switching of apical meristem to a floral fate and the timing of flowering, may be manipulated by regulating gene expression. The promoter of the cen gene may be used to drive tissue-specific expression, specifically in the apical meristem of plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a vacuolar invertase and its use for modifying the plant saccharose metabolism, in particular in the vacuole of the cell of a plant storage organ. The present invention also relates to a fragment of the nucleic acid molecule, a vector containing the nucleic acid molecule or a fragment thereof, as well as a host cell, in particular a plant cell that contains the nucleic acid molecule or a fragment thereof. The present invention also comprises a transgenic plant, methods for producing a transgenic plant, as well as methods for modifying the saccharose metabolism of a plant, in particular of a plant part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel DNA constructs encoding dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase that are useful for generating transgenic events. Also provided are transgenic plants harboring such DNA constructs, the expression of which results in increased lysine in the plant or plant product. Also provided are maize plants having LY038 Event and progeny thereof having this event. Additionally disclosed are assays for detecting the presence of a lysine-increasing transgenic event based on the DNA sequence of the exogenous DNA construct inserted into the maize genome and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion site.

Abstract: A method of monitoring calibration of a spectrophotometric apparatus having one or more than one calibration algorithm for one or more than one analyte. This method involves measuring an absorbance of a quality control material to obtain a measurement, calculating one or more than one concentration value from the measurement using the one or more than one calibration algorithm, and comparing the one or more than one concentration value with an assigned value given to the quality control material for each of the one or more than one analyte. The quality control material exhibits an absorbance spectra having a negative slope for a continuous spectral segment from about 5 nm to about 400 nm in length, or a wavelength therebetween. A reagentless method for determining the concentration of one or more than one analyte in a sample in a spectrophotometric apparatus containing one or more than one primary calibration algorithm is also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein a devolatilizing reactor is used to make combinatorial libraries of materials. Examples of suitable reactors include continuous high viscosity devolatilizers and continuous devolatilizing kneaders.

Abstract: A plurality of samples can be analyzed sequentially in any desired order by intruding the samples into an automatic sampler, the automatic sampler including a plurality of sample ports connected to a holder, a connector, a valve, and a seal. The connector if each sample holder is attached to the valve by a transfer line, and each sample port is connected to a common manifold. A vacuum pump is activated to volatilize the samples sequentially through the common manifold to a vacuum distiller. The order of the samples volatilized is controlled by a microprocessor. Once the sample has been volatilized, the vapors are condensed and sent to an analytical device.

Abstract: The automated sample-on-solid-support processing system of the present invention comprises a computer-based control unit and a main unit comprising a variable-speed centrifuge having an openable vacuum-tight chamber and a centrifuge rotor with a plurality of multi-sample holding positions, a liquid solvent supply subsystem which feeds solvent to a plurality of dispensing stations in the centrifuge chamber, a temperature control subsystem, and a vacuum subsystem. A sample/collection container includes a plurality of wells, each for separating a sample from its solid support when solvent is dispensed into the wells and the centrifuge is activated at a low speed. Operation of the centrifuge at high speed concentrates the cleaved sample in collection wells. In the preferred embodiment bar code reader or other identification means, preferably a non-contact reader, can be included in the chamber to allow sample carriers to be identified.

Abstract: RCAS1 in a specimen is measured by a immunologically method consisting of a step of reacting a specimen with a first anti-RCAS1 antibody capable of specifically binding to RCAS1, a step of labeling the first reaction product produced by the aforementioned step, and a step of measuring a labeled amount of the labeled first reaction product. As RCAS1, recombinant RCAS1 is used. In addition, as a first anti-RCAS1, a monoclonal antibody derived from the SiSo cell line is used.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a CMR thin film for use in a semiconductor device includes preparing a CMR precursor in the form of a metal acetate based acetic acid solution; preparing a wafer; placing a wafer in a spin-coating chamber; spin-coating and heating the wafer according to the following: injecting the CMR precursor into a spin-coating chamber and onto the surface of the wafer in the spin-coating chamber; accelerating the wafer to a spin speed of between about 1500 RPM to 3000 RPM for about 30 seconds; baking the wafer at a temperature of about 180° C. for about one minute; ramping the temperature to about 230° C.; baking the wafer for about one minute at the ramped temperature; annealing the wafer at about 500° C. for about five minutes; repeating said spin-coating and heating steps at least three times; post-annealing the wafer at between about 500° C. to 600° C. for between about one to six hours in dry, clean air; and completing the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method of producing a ferroelectric capacitor includes the steps of: preparing a semiconductor substrate; forming a first insulating layer on the semiconductor substrate; laminating sequentially a metal layer, a first conductive layer, a ferroelectric layer, and a second conductive layer on the first insulating layer to form a capacitor forming laminated layer; forming an etching mask forming layer with strontium tantalate or strontium niobate; forming a silicon oxide layer on the etching mask forming layer for covering a ferroelectric capacitor forming area; forming an etching mask through wet etching of the etching mask forming layer with the silicon oxide layer; and forming a lamination formed of a barrier metal, a lower electrode, a ferroelectric layer, and an upper electrode through dry etching of the capacitor forming laminated layer with the etching mask.

Abstract: A method for homogenizing the thickness of a uniform layer deposited on a layer of a material etched according to functional patterns, consisting of filling the empty areas with dummy patterns; a function, providing the thickness variation of the uniform layer for a given distribution of the functional and dummy patterns, being known; the method comprising: determining a guard distance greater than the minimum possible distance between patterns; calculating the thickness variation which would be obtained if dummy patterns were placed inside of a region defined by the dimension of the empty area reduced by said guard distance; and if the calculated thickness variation is satisfactory, adopting the chosen dummy pattern distribution, otherwise iteratively repeating the process with a reduced guard distance.

Abstract: A magnetically shielded circuit board having a conductive solenoid to repel high speed charged particles away from an integrated circuit chip. The conductive solenoid is embedded in the circuit board, or located around the circuit board, or located within an integrated circuit package, the integrated circuit package have been connected to the circuit board. The conductive solenoid is used for conducting an electrical current, the electrical current forming a magnetic field. The magnetic field will repel high speed charged particles away from the integrated circuit chip, the integrated circuit chip being within the integrated circuit package. The circuit board can be used in a space vehicle.

Abstract: A leadframe for multi-chip package (MCP) including a die pad and a plurality of leads. A dielectric layer is formed on the lower surface of the die pad, so that the die pad is etched to form an interconnecting conductor with a bonding region. An insulation layer is formed on the interconnecting conductor and exposes the bonding region, so that a chip or a passive component can be electrically connected to the leads via the interconnecting conductor.

Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor light emitting device comprises the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of buttresses on a first supporting substrate such that the buttresses are separated by a plurality of intercommunicated spaces thereamong; (b) forming a base layer on top end portions of the buttresses in such a manner that the top end portions of the buttresses are enclosed in the base layer; (c) forming a multi-layered light-emitting structure on the base layer; (d) attaching a second supporting substrate to the light-emitting structure; and (e) separating the first supporting substrate from the light-emitting structure by destroying the buttresses.

Abstract: In a flip chip type Group III nitride compound semiconductor light-emitting element, a surface of a substrate serving as a light-emitting surface is formed as a rough surface so that radiated light is scattered by the surface.

Abstract: A conductive layer, a metal layer and a doped layer are sequentially formed on a glass substrate. A CMOS circuit region, a transistor region, a reflective region, a transmission region and a capacitor region are defined. Next, a polysilicon layer and an insulating layer are formed to serve as a source/drain region, a channel region and a gate insulating layer. Then, a resin layer with a rough surface is formed. Next, a metal layer is formed to serve as a gate structure and a reflective electrode. Then, an ion implanting process is performed to form the source/drain structure of a PMOS. Then, a passivation layer is formed to define a transmission region. Finally, the metal layer and the doped layer are removed to expose the conductive layer.

Abstract: A planar photonic bandgap structure includes a substrate and a suspended membrane with holes. A waveguiding film is applied directly on and registered with the membrane so as to avoid the holes. The film has an index of refraction which is higher than an index of refraction of the membrane to allow a waveguiding function to occur within the film. A method of forming a planar photonic bandgap structure includes applying first and second films on a substrate and exposing a pattern of a plurality of holes on the second film. The exposed pattern is developed using a solvent where the dissolution rate of the first film is greater than a dissolution rate of the second film. A waveguiding layer is applied onto a top surface of a suspended membrane such that the layer has an index of refraction greater than an index of refraction of the suspended membrane.

Abstract: On a processed substrate having an engraved region as a depressed portion formed thereon, a nitride semiconductor thin film is laid. The sectional area occupied by the nitride semiconductor thin film filling the depressed portion is 0.8 times the sectional area of the depressed portion or less.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a surface emitting semiconductor laser includes the following steps. A first laminate of semiconductor layers and a second laminate of semiconductor layers are formed on a substrate. The first laminate includes a first reflection mirror layer of a first conduction type, an active region, a III-V semiconductor layer containing Al, and a second reflection mirror layer of a second conduction type, the second laminate being used for monitoring and having an oxidizable region. The first and second laminates are etched so as to form mesas on the substrate in which side surface of the III-V semiconductor layer contained in the first laminate is exposed. Oxidization of the III-V semiconductor layer from the side surface is started at an oxidization rate.

Abstract: A heterostructure comprising: a buffer layer; a bottom barrier layer formed on the buffer layer; a quantum well layer formed on the bottom barrier layer; a top barrier layer formed on the quantum well layer; and a p-doped cap layer formed on the top barrier layer; wherein a portion of the cap layer is etched to form conducting electrons in the quantum well layer below the etched portion of the cap layer. A method of etching comprising the steps of: providing a heterostructure; providing an etchant solution comprising acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and water; and contacting the etchant solution to the heterostructure to etch the heterostructure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thin film germanium photodetector includes preparing a silicon substrate; fabricating a CMOS device on the silicon substrate; preparing a germanium substrate; preparing surfaces of each substrate for bonding; bonding the germanium substrate to the CMOS-bearing silicon substrate to form a bonded structure; removing a portion of the germanium substrate from the bonded structure; forming a PIN diode in the germanium substrate; removing a portion of the germanium layer by etching; and completing the germanium photo detector.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of an apparatus and method for generating an identification feature are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, portions of an identification character printed with thermochromatic ink are distributed within a three-dimensional matrix of a multi-layer patch. The multi-layer patch may be disposed above a substrate.

Abstract: An imaging chip is packaged in transparent injection molded material. The chip may have photosensitive elements arranged in a two-dimensional array on semiconductor material. Each element corresponds to a pixel of an image. The package may be formed of epoxy resin. In one aspect of the invention, the transparent plastic material provides a color filter. Second and third packages with complementary color filters may be used to provide signals for a color imaging system. In another aspect of the invention, a lens is integrated into the plastic package. In another aspect of the invention, a semiconductor chip is applied to a pre-formed plastic package by bump bonding.

Abstract: A thin film transistor array substrate structure includes a plurality of data lines; a plurality of gate lines intersecting the data lines to define pixel areas, the gate line being adjacent to at least two pixel areas; a plurality of common lines disposed between the at least two pixel areas; a plurality of thin film transistors formed at each intersection between the gate lines and the data lines; a plurality of common electrodes provided substantially parallel to the common lines; and a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the thin film transistors.

Abstract: An apparatus including a volume of phase change material disposed between a first conductor and a second conductor on a substrate, and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the volume of phase change material and the first conductor. A method including introducing, over a first conductor on a substrate, a plurality of electrodes coupled to the first conductor, introducing a phase change material over the plurality of electrodes and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes, and introducing a second conductor over the phase change material and coupled to the phase change material.