Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences from Coryneform bacteria which code for the PtsI protein and a process for the fermentative preparation of amino acids using bacteria in which the ptsI gene is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing a target substance using a coryneform bacterium comprising culturing a coryneform bacterium having an ability to produce the target substance in a medium, resulting in accumulation of the target substance in the medium or cells of the bacterium, and collecting the target substance from the medium or the cells of the bacterium. Also disclosed is a coryneform bacterium which is introduced with a methanol dehydrogenase gene and which has enhanced activities of hexulose phosphate synthase and phosphohexuloisomerase, and to which an ability to utilize methanol is imparted or which has enhanced ability to utilize methanol, and the medium contains methanol as a carbon source.

Abstract: L-Arginine is produced by culturing a coryneform bacterium in which an arginine repressor involved in L-arginine biosynthesis is deleted by disrupting a gene coding for the repressor, and which has L-arginine producing ability in a medium to produce and accumulate L-arginine in the medium, and collecting the L-arginine from the medium.

Abstract: Plant material enriched in secondary metabolites is produced in tissue culture under conditions that organogenically produce a proliferation of shoots and leafy material, and harvesting the leafy material and shoots while in a green, actively-growing, non-senescent stage. Of particular interest is plant material that produces alkaloids, especially material from poppy (Papaver sp.) that will yield economically attractive levels of morphinane alkaloids, particularly thebaine.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of coated polymer particles containing superparamagnetic crystals, said process comprising reacting porous, surface-functionalized, superparamagnetic crystal-containing polymer particles of diameter 0.5 to 1.8 ?m with at least one polyisocyanate and at least one diol or at least one epoxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides fatty alcohol oxidase (FAO) proteins and nucleic acid molecules encoding the FAO proteins. Also provided are analogs, derivatives, and enzymatically active fragments of the FAO proteins. Vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules encoding the FAO proteins, analogs, derivatives and enzymatically active fragments thereof are also provided. In addition, FAO signature peptides and isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the signature peptides are provided by the present invention. Methods of producing or increasing production of a subject FAO protein, methods for increasing aldehyde production during the second step of the ?-oxidation pathway of fatty acids, methods for increasing production of a ketone from an alcohol during the second step of the ?-oxidation pathway of fatty acids, and methods for increasing production of a dicarboxylic acid are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel phenol oxidizing enzymes naturally-produced by strains of the species Stachybotrys which possess a pH optima in the alkaline range and which are useful in modifying the color associated with dyes and colored compounds, as well as in anti-dye transfer applications. Also disclosed herein are biologically-pure cultures of strains of the genus Stachybotrys, designated herein Stachybotrys parvispora MUCL 38996 and Stachybotrys chartarum MUCL 38898, which are capable of naturally-producing the novel phenol oxidizing enzymes. Disclosed herein is the amino acid and nucleic acid sequence for Stachybotrys phenol oxidizing enzymes as well as expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid. Disclosed herein are methods for producing the phenol oxidizing enzyme as well as methods for constructing expression hosts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Fungamyl-like fungal alpha-amylase, which exhibits improved thermal stability at acidic pH suitable for, e.g., starch processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to coryneform bacteria which have, in addition to at least one copy, present at the natural site (locus), of an open reading frame (ORF), gene or allele which codes for the synthesis of a protein or an RNA, in each case a second, optionally third or fourth copy of this open reading frame (ORF), gene or allele at in each case a second, optionally third or fourth site in a form integrated into the chromosome and processes for the preparation of chemical compounds by fermentation of these bacteria.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating odors in wastewater treatment bodies. The pH of the body is preferably established above about 6 and most preferably above about 7, usually by adding a base to the body. The oxidation reduction potential of the body is established at about ?300 mV or higher and more preferably about ?200 mV or higher, usually by adding an oxidizing agent such as oxygen or nitrates. After these conditions are established, sulfur oxidizing bacteria are added to the body. These preferably include Paracoccus denitrificans (formerly called Thiosphaera pantotropha) ATTC number 35,512. The sulfur oxidizing bacterial population should be established at levels of at least about 1×104 cfu/mL and more preferably at levels of 1×105 to 1×106 cfu/mL or higher. The increased ORP and pH levels make sulfate reduction thermodynamically unfavorable. Additionally, the presence of an alternative electron acceptor such as oxygen or nitrate allows the sulfur oxidizing bacteria to oxidize organic acids.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for biologically oxidizing organic matter. Finely powdered organic matter is suplied into the top end of an upright, high reaction vessel (1). The vessel (1) has been filled up substantially completely by small balls, on the surfaces of which the matter to be oxidized is present in thin layers. By means of a conveyor (6) outside the vessel, the balls are transferred uppwards, whereby the balls in the reaction vessel (1) flow downwrds. Oxidizing air is blown uppwrds against the flow of balls, whereby in the upper section of the vessel, drying takes place in the first instance and then is formed an oxidizing zone automatically by microbial activity in a section, wherein the best oxidizing conditions are prevailing. Exhaust air is cleaned by means of ionic cleaners (14) and singlet oxygen generators (27) and oxidized matter is recovered from the bottom end of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for decomposing vegetable waste materials easily, which solves problems such as the problem of treatment costs, the problem of energy, an environmental problem and the problem of time for treatment which are difficult to be solved by prior art. The present invention provides an agent for decomposing plant fibrous materials, which contains plant fibrous materials decomposing enzymes derived from a microorganism, but not the microorganism. In addition, the present invention provides a process for treating vegetable waste materials comprising allowing the agent for decomposing plant fibrous materials to act on vegetable waste materials.

Abstract: An isolated and purified bacterium is provided which was isolated from a high-level radioactive waste site of mixed waste. The isolate has the ability to degrade a wide variety of organic contaminants while demonstrating high tolerance to ionizing radiation. The organism is uniquely suited to bioremediation of a variety or organic contaminants while in the presence of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A device for inducing an immune response in cancer therapy in which isolated living malignant tissue is enclosed in a space formed by a microporous membrane and a holder which is introduced into a body cavity so that macromolecular and cellular immune system components can pass freely in both directions through the membrane while malignant cells of the tumor tissue remain trapped inside.

Abstract: An assembly for promoting the growth of plant tissues that includes a plurality of plates each defining an array of wells wherein each of the wells contains a tissue sample. Support for the plates is provided by a rack having a plurality of vertically stacked shelves that may include one or more register depressions that urge the plates into predetermined positions. Light for the tissue samples is provided by a plurality of light-emitting diode arrays each mounted on a circuit board. Each circuit board is supported by a respective card edge connector of the rack so that the light-emitting diodes are in proximity to the plates supported on one of the shelves therebelow. Preferably, the light-emitting diode array corresponds to the well array supported in the registered position on the shelf therebelow so that each light-emitting diode is centered above a respective one of the wells.

Abstract: Apparatus for examining a sample by microscopy, spectroscopy or crystallography under controlled environmental conditions. The apparatus comprises a sample chamber (1) which is fed by a gas stream (19) having a known vapor content, which is generated by mixing two gas streams (18 & 16), one substantially saturated in a volatile substance (18) and one substantially free of the volatile substance (16), in a controlled manner. The temperature of the apparatus, and particularly of the sample chamber (1), is accurately controlled and regulated by temperature controller (7).

Abstract: A bioartificial liver system is described that incorporates a cell reservoir and hepatocyte spheroids to both increase the number of and longevity of cells in the system. Additional methods are also described for forming spheroid aggregates from isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new polypeptide and the gene encoding therefore, said gene being regulated in cardiac tissue by the transcription factor MEF2C. This polypeptide, CHAMP (cardiac helicase activated by MEF2 protein), bears striking resemblance to a number of other helicase proteins and appears to play a role in RNA processing and transcriptional control in heart muscle. For example, CHAMP has been demonstrated to inhibit both hypertrophy of primary cardiomyocytes and proliferation of non-cardiac cells. Also disclosed are methods of using the gene and protein in drug screening and therapy, including, for example, use of the gene in gene therapy to treat cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A composition and method for enhancing cell growth and increasing the density of cell cultures containing lentivirus-infected host cells comprises adding a suitable quantity of an antibiotic to the culture to destroy harmful bacteria.

Abstract: A novel gene expressed selectively by osteoblast lines is provided. Expression of the gene is highly restricted to cells of osteoblast lineage, including precursor cells. Also provided is a method for promoting bone formation by providing agents that bind to the novel gene within osteoblast cells to stimulate bone formation.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of umbilical cord blood cells from a donor or patient to provide neural cells which may be used in transplantation. The isolated cells according to the present invention may be used to effect autologous and allogeneic transplantation and repair of neural tissue, in particular, tissue of the brain and spinal cord and to treat neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting the formation of three dimensional cartilage matrices. The present invention further provides methods of treating diseases and injuries involving cartilage and bone using the three dimensional cartilage matrices provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in three-dimensional culture. The cells used to condition the medium may be genetically modified to alter the concentration of growth factors and antioxidants in the medium. The conditioned cell medium (conditioned medium) may be used for at least one of cosmetic applications, cosmeceutical applications, and pharmaceutical applications, among other things. The invention also relates to proteins comprising a heterologous sequence that enhances cell penetration. The invention also relates to cells comprising DNA encoding such proteins. Methods for preparing the inventive compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pseudotyped retroviral vectors that can transduce human and other cells. Vectors are provided that are packaged efficiently in packaging cells and cell lines to generate high titer recombinant virus stocks expressing novel envelope glycoproteins. The present invention further relates to compositions for gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention is a method to improve the prediction of the corrosivity of organic acids in petroleum crudes, feedstocks and distillation fractions by providing a more accurate, repeatable, and rapid means of determining the TAN from the IR spectrum of the material. The method can be easily practiced in refinery, terminal, and assay laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage and improve the valuation of corrosive feed stocks. The invention can be implemented on-line for blending optimization. It comprises the steps of irradiating a heated petroleum sample with IR radiation to produce its IR absorption spectrum, and predicting the TAN from the spectrum using a linear, multivariate regression model. The IR TAN value is then used as input to blending, valuation, and corrosion models.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the diagnosis of membrane channel defects in cells by comparing defective with non-defective cells with the following steps: influencing the volume regulation of the cells; recording the change of volume regulation resulting therefrom in non-defective cells; determining the existence of defective cells with a volume change deviating therefrom, in order to provide a suitable method which enables the identification of diseases based on CFTR defects, in particular cystic fibrosis, at an early stage.

Abstract: A cell sorter system that includes a precision pump that causes fluid containing cells to enter an inlet port where the fluid is exposed to source light of one or more wavelengths and where cells scatter light or produce fluorescence by known means, and the scattered light and/or fluorescence is used to detect the presence and position of desired cells. The fluid is passed into a select gate that can be magnetostrictive where it is cause to exit one of a plurality of ports, at least one of these ports receiving the desired cells. A controller controls the precision pump, the detection system, and the select gate so that cells are selected from the fluid. An optional vacuum system can be used to pull fluid or cells out of the selected exit port.

Abstract: To provide a simple examination method of buffer capacity of saliva without influence by examiner's subjectivity and an examination instrument to carry out suitably the examination method, an examination instrument, in which two to ten kinds of chemical liquids each containing a pH indicator having a transition interval within a pH range of 3.0 to 7.0 and capable of easily discriminating its indicated color at two or more stages and an acid in an amount so as to exhibit a different pH value within a pH range of 1.5 or more but lower than 3.0 when water in the same amount as that of saliva to be examined is added at a temperature of 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to fluorescein-based ligands for detection of metal ions, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The cholesterol derivative, represented by the following formula (1): wherein R represents a C3–C23 saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon residue having an optional substituent, and, to the cholesterol backbone, —OH, —CHO, —COOH, —OOH, or an epoxy group may be added, specifically binds to ?2-glycoprotein. By use of the derivative, ?2-glycoprotein or a similar substance can be assayed in a very practical manner. Through the assay, a disease can be detected in a very practical manner.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for detecting multiple target analytes in a sample using microparticles having molecular tags attached by cleavable linkages. Generally, an assay mixture is formed comprising a sample and a reagent comprising multiple such microparticles under conditions that permit stable complexes to form between binding moieties on the surfaces of the microparticles and the analytes. In one aspect of the invention, the a second binding composition is added so that complexes form among the microparticle-bound binding moieties, the analytes, and second binding moieties of the second binding composition. Such second binding moieties have cleavage-inducing moieties attached that upon activation cause the cleavage of the cleavable linkages and the release of molecular tags. Released molecular tags are separated and the presence and/or amount of the target analytes are determined based on the analysis of the released and separated molecular tags.

Abstract: Devices and systems for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism comprising a liquid crystalline, where an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding to a ligand are provided. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: A material of low viscosity is applied to a ferroelectric film 32 formed by MOCVD to form a buried layer 34. Then, anisotropic etching is made on the entire surface to remove the tops of convexities on the surface of the ferroelectric film 32, and the buried layer 34 remaining on the surface of the ferroelectric film 32 is removed. Thus, the surface morphology of the ferroelectric film 32 is improved and planarized. When the conduction film 36 and the ferroelectric film 32 are patterned by photolithography, prescribed patterns as designed can be formed without reflecting the incident exposure light in various directions. The method for fabricating a semiconductor device improves the surface morphology of the ferroelectric film formed by metal organic chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a fixed layer for a MRAM device. The method includes providing the fixed layer. The fixed layer includes an antiferromagnetic pinning layer over a substrate and a ferromagnetic pinned layer over the pinning layer, the pinned layer having a first thickness. The fixed layer further includes a spacer layer over the pinned layer, and a ferromagnetic reference layer over the spacer layer, the reference layer having a second thickness. The method further includes annealing the fixed layer using a temporal temperature/magnetic field profile, the profile having a maximum magnetic field magnitude (Hanneal). The profile is selected based on the first thickness of the pinned layer and the second thickness of the reference layer.

Abstract: A method of controlling surface non-uniformity of a wafer in a polishing operation includes (a) providing a model for a wafer polishing that defines a plurality of regions on a wafer and identifies a wafer material removal rate in a polishing step of a polishing process for each of the regions, wherein the polishing process comprises a plurality of polishing steps, (b) polishing a wafer using a first polishing recipe based upon an incoming wafer thickness profile, (c) determining a wafer thickness profile for the post-polished wafer of step (b), and (d)calculating an updated polishing recipe based upon the wafer thickness profile of step (c) and the model of step (a) to maintain a target wafer thickness profile. The model can information about the tool state to improve the model quality. The method can be used to provide feedback to a plurality of platen stations.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various methods of controlling properties and characteristics of a gate insulation layer based upon electrical test data, and a system for performing same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises performing at least one electrical test on at least one semiconductor device, determining at least one parameter of at least one process operation to be performed to form at least one gate insulation layer on a subsequently formed semiconductor device based upon electrical data obtained from the electrical test, and performing at least one process operation comprised of the determined parameter to form the gate insulation layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and e-beam testing method are disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a test structure with a ground grid, a metal pad having a space therein and positioned within the ground grid, and a metal line connected to the ground grid and positioned in the space. Structures for detecting open circuits and short circuits are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for real-time in-situ implantation and measurement incorporating a feedback loop to adjust the implantation dose of a substrate during the manufacturing and testing of semiconductor wafers. During processing, the substrate, such as a silicon wafer, is transported between a measuring device and an implantation device multiple times to ensure that where the beam from the implantation device hits the substrate, the doping concentration falls within the range of desired parameters.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light emitting semiconductor package on a semiconductor wafer 252 which includes a plurality of light emitting devices 254 residing on or in a surface of the semiconductor wafer, the method comprising the steps of: forming at least one first hollow cap 256, each first hollow cap 256 formed to provide: a central portion 260 and first perimeter walls extending from the perimeter edge of the central portion with the free edges of the first perimeter walls adapted to be bonded to the surface of the semiconductor wafer 252 to provide a first cavity; at least one region 258 of the central portion 260 which is substantially transparent or translucent to electromagnetic radiation; aligning the at least one first cap with a corresponding at least one light emitting device using a tool having the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the wafer; bonding the at least one first hollow cap 256 to the semiconductor wafer 252, the central portion overlying at least one of the plurality of light

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabrication method of LEDs incorporating a step of surface-treating a substrate by a laser and an LED fabricated by such a fabrication method. The present invention can use a laser in order to implement finer surface treatment to an LED substrate over the prior art. As a result, the invention can improve the light extraction efficiency of an LED while protecting the substrate from chronic problems of the prior art such as stress or defects induced from chemical etching and/or physical polishing.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal-insulator-metal device includes imprinting at least one first layer to form a first impression, removing a portion of at least one second layer through the first depression to form a recess in the at least one second layer bordered by a first side, a first overhang along the first side, a second opposite side and a second overhang along the second side. The method also includes depositing a first metal in the recess spaced from the first side and the second side and oxidizing the first metal to create a non-linear dielectric.

Abstract: A method of depositing a top clad layer for an optical waveguide of a planar lightwave circuit. A GeBPSG top clad layer for an optical waveguide structure of a planar lightwave circuit is fabricated such that the top clad layer comprises doped silica glass, wherein the dopant includes Ge (Germanium), P (Phosphorus), and B (Boron). In depositing a top clad layer for the optical waveguide, three separate doping gasses (e.g., GeH4, PH3, and B2H6) are added during the PECVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition) process to make Ge, P and B doped silica glass (GeBPSG). The ratio of the Ge, P, and B dopants is configured to reduce the formation of crystallization areas within the top clad layer and maintain a constant refractive index within the top clad layer across an anneal temperature range. A thermal anneal process for the top clad layer can be a temperature within a range of 950C to 1050C.

Abstract: Methods of forming a semiconductor device can include forming a semiconductor structure on a substrate, the semiconductor structure having mesa sidewalls and a mesa surface opposite the substrate. A contact layer can be formed on the mesa surface wherein the contact layer has sidewalls and a contact surface opposite the mesa surface and wherein the contact layer extends across substantially an entirety of the mesa surface. A passivation layer can be formed on the mesa sidewalls and on portions of the contact layer sidewalls adjacent the mesa surface, and the passivation layer can expose substantially an entirety of the contact surface of the contact layer.

Abstract: The method for fabricating a nitride semiconductor of the present invention includes the steps of: (1) growing a first semiconductor layer made of a first group III nitride over a substrate by supplying a first group III source and a group V source containing nitrogen; and (2) growing a second semiconductor layer made of a second group III nitride on the first semiconductor layer by supplying a second group III source and a group V source containing nitrogen. At least one of the steps (1) and (2) includes the step of supplying a p-type dopant over the substrate, and an area near the interface between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer is grown so that the density of the p-type dopant locally increases.

Abstract: The polarization instability inherent in laterally-oxidized VCSELs may be mitigated by employing an appropriately-shaped device aperture, a misoriented substrate, one or more cavities or employing the shaped device aperture together with a misoriented substrate and/or cavities. The laterally-oxidized VCSELs are able to operate in a single polarization mode throughout the entire light output power versus intensity curve. Combining the use of misoriented substrates with a device design that has an asymmetric aperture that reinforces the polarization mode favored by the substrate further improves polarization selectivity. Other device designs, however, can also be combined with substrate misorientation to strengthen polarization selectivity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor component, such as, for example, a multilayer semiconductor component including a micromechanical component, such as, for example, a heat transfer sensor having a semiconductor substrate of silicon, and a sensor region. For inexpensive manufacture of a thermal insulation between the semiconductor substrate and the sensor region a porous layer is provided in the semiconductor component.

Abstract: A process for making a microelectromechanical device having a moveable component defined by a gap pattern in a semiconductor layer of a silicon-on-insulator wafer involves the use of a plurality of deep reactive ion etching steps at various etch depths that are used to allow a buried oxide layer of the silicon-on-insulator wafer to be exposed in selected areas before the entire moveable component of the resulting device is freed for movement. This method allows wet release techniques to be used to remove the buried oxide layer without developing stiction problems. This is achieved by utilizing deep reactive ion etching to free the moveable component after a selected portion of the buried oxide layer has been removed by wet etching.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) device and an electronic device are fabricated on a common substrate by fabricating the electronic device comprising a plurality of electronic components on the common substrate, depositing a thermally stable interconnect layer on the electronic device, encapsulating the interconnected electronic device with a protective layer, forming a sacrificial layer over the protective layer, opening holes in the sacrificial layer and the protective layer to allow the connection of the MEM device to the electronic device, fabricating the MEM device by depositing and patterning at least one layer of amorphous silicon, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial layer. In this way, the MEM device can be fabricated after the electronic device on the same substrate.