Abstract: To provide a method for preparing optically active compounds, which mainly contain (R)-amino compounds, by microbial enzymes efficiently and inexpensively; a polypeptide having stereoselective transaminase activity which can be suitably used for the above preparation method; and a DNA encoding the polypeptide. A method for preparing an optically active amino compound, characterized in stereoselectively transaminating by acting a transaminase on an amino group acceptor, a ketone compound in the presence of an amino group donor, a primary amine; a DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having stereoselective transaminase activity; and a polypeptide having stereoselective transaminase activity obtainable from a culture of a microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter.

Abstract: This invention provides prokaryotic glycosyltransferases, including a bifunctional sialyltransferase that has both an ?2,3- and an ?2,8-activity. A ?1,4-GalNAc transferase and a ?1,3-galactosyltransferase are also provided by the invention, as are other glycosyltransferases and enzymes involved in synthesis of lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The glycosyltransferases can be obtained from, for example, Campylobacter species, including C. jejuni. In additional embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acids that encode the glycosyltransferases, as well as expression vectors and host cells for expressing the glycosyltransferases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying abnormalities in TSC signaling pathways. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of diagnosing and treating disorders such as tuberous sclerosis, which are caused by mutations in the TSC genes. The present invention further relates to methods and compositions for treating cancers mediated by TSC signaling disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides a synthetic phytase polynucleotide which is optimized for expression in plants and which encodes at thermotolerant phytase, as well as isolated thermotolerant phytase enzyme. Also provided are feed or food products comprising a thermotolerant phytase, and transgenic plants which express the thermotolerant phytase. Further provided are methods for making and using thermotolerant phytases, e.g., a method of using a thermotolerant phytase in feed and food processing.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel isolated polynucleotide sequence, called ADARP1 (adenosine deaminase related protein 1), that displays significant homology to the adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene. Also provided is the amino acid sequence of the ADARP1 polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide of the invention. The RNA for this novel gene is found in variety of tissues, with higher levels observed in the heart, testes, and skeletal muscle compared with others tested. Based on amino acid sequence homology, the ADARP1 protein will likely display the catalytic activity characteristic of ADA. This newly found ADARP1 gene and its encoded product may be useful in the treatment of immunodeficiencies, including severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) and other ADA deficiencies, treatment of male reproductive disorders, testicular disorders and musclo-skeletal disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the production of Betaine lipids. The methods of the present invention comprise the expression of recombinant enzymes (e.g. from Rhodobacter sphaeroides) in host cells (e.g. bacteria, yeast, and plants) to produce Betaine lipid compounds including, but not limited to, Diacylglyceryl-O-4?-(N,N,N,-trimethyl) homoserine (DGTS). The methods and compositions of the present invention may be utilized such that the amount of phosphate containing fertilizer required for the growth of a particular plant is decreased.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate having a monomer unit composition represented by General Formula (1): AmB(1-m)??(1) wherein A is represented by General Formula (2), B is at least one selected from the group consisting of monomer units represented by General Formula (3) or (4), and m has a value of 0.01 or larger and smaller than 1: wherein n has a value of 0 to 10, k has a value of 3 or 5, and R is at least one group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by General Formulae (5) to (7): in Formula (5) R1 is a group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom (H), halogen atoms, —CN, —NO2, —CF3, —C2F5.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for determining the concentration of glucose in a tissue fluid. In the microdialysis technology used for this purpose, perfusate-containing glucose is transported in intermittent delivery pulses through a microdialysis probe inserted into the tissue fluid and dialysate obtained in this process is passed to a measuring cell to record the glucose content. In order to achieve an exact determination of glucose even with a reduced dialysis period, it is proposed that the starting content of glucose in the perfusate is adapted to the glucose content of the tissue fluid by means of a control device in accordance with a command variable derived from the measurement signals of the measuring cell. When the control deviation is negligible the momentary starting content of glucose in the perfusate can be determined as a measure for the glucose content of the tissue fluid.

Abstract: An integrated microfabricated instrument for manipulation, reaction and detection of microliter to picoliter samples. The instrument is suited for biochemical reactions, particularly DNA-based reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction, that require thermal cycling since the inherently small size of the instrument facilitates rapid cycle times. The integrated nature of the instrument provides accurate, contamination-free processing. The instrument may include reagent reservoirs, agitators and mixers, heaters, pumps, and optical or electromechanical sensors. Ultrasonic Lamb-wave devices may be used as sensors, pumps and agitators.

Abstract: A sample substrate for use in biological testing is provided having a first member defining at least one sample well and a second member including at least one sample well closure element. The at least one sample well closure element may be configured to substantially seal a corresponding sample well. Methods of filling the sample substrate are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides containing ?-MSH that can be used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation and/or autoimmunity. Also included in the invention are ?-MSH analogs and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides containing ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs optionally linked to heterologous sequences. Also included in the invention are methods of delivering ?-MSH containing peptides, ?-MSH analogs, an DNA encoding ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs.

Abstract: The present invention provides both a method and means for regulating I?B? degradation, NF?B activity, and NF?B-dependent gene expression within living cells, tissues, and organs in-situ. The selective regulation is performed using native PR-39 peptide or one of its shorter-length homologs, for interaction with such I?B? and proteasomes as are present in the cytoplasm of viable cells. The result of PR-39 peptide interaction with I?B? is a selective alteration in the intracellular proteolytic activity of proteasomes, which in turn, causes a reduction of I?B?, a decrease of NF?B activity, and a down-regulation of NF?B-dependent gene expression.

Abstract: A method of ex-vivo expanding a population of stem cells, while at the same time inhibiting differentiation of the stem cells.

Abstract: A protectant mixture for use in preserving biological materials comprising at least one polyhydroxy compound, and phosphate ions; a preservation medium comprising a biological material, at least one polyhydroxy compound, and phosphate ions; methods of preserving the preservation medium; and the resulting preserved biological material composition.

Abstract: The invention features a liver cell culture comprising hepatocytes that have increased detoxification enzyme activity when isolated from a liver of a donor that had been administered at least one induction agent prior isolation of hepatocyte cells. The induced hepatocytes are used in a bioreactor and cultured to produce hepatocyte cell products or metabolize toxins added to the culture. The bioreactor is, or is an integral part of, a liver assist device used to treat a patient in need of liver assist.

Abstract: Bone marrow cells are induced to differentiate into pancreatic hormone-producing cells in vitro and to repopulate a pancreas in vivo. These insulin-producing cells can be used to regenerate a damaged pancreas and reverse hyperglycemia in mammals.

Abstract: A device for characterizing the biological properties of cells can include a plurality of dual-compartment assay chambers wherein the compartments of each chamber are separated by a cell layer across which ions can flow. The biological properties of the cell layer in the presence or absence of experimental compounds can be determined by measuring an electrical gradient across the layer. A individual dual-compartment chamber of this type may be referred to as an “Ussing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides defined serum-free cell culture media useful in culturing fibroblasts, especially articular chondrocytes, that avoids problems inherent in the use of serum-containing media. The defined media comprise platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and chemically defined lipids, or combinations of these compounds. In another aspect, the present invention also provides tissue culture methods that comprise incubating chondrocytes in the defined serum free media. The methods enhance attachment and proliferative expansion of chondrocytes seeded at low density while maintaining their redifferentiation potential.

Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide heterobifunctional programmable genotoxic compounds that can be designed to kill selected cells present in a heterogenous cell population. The present compounds comprise a first agent that inflicts damage on cellular DNA, and a second agent that attracts a macromolecular cell component such as a protein, which in turn shields genomic lesions from repair. Unrepaired lesions therefore persist in the cellular genome and contribute to the death of selected cells. In contrast, lesions formed in nonselected cells, which lack the cell component, are unshielded and thus are repaired. As a result, compounds described herein are less toxic to nonselected cells. Compounds of this invention can be designed to cause the selective killing of transformed cells, viral-infected cells and the like.

Abstract: Mammals and myocardial mammal cells transformed with G protein coupled receptor EDG2 are presented for use in an animal model for heart failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the contamination of reaction containers which are empty or already fitted with analyte-free sampling material or sampling material having a low analyte concentration, inside a configuration of reaction containers which are spatially close to each other, when pipetting samples or reagents using an automatic sample distributor. The invention also relates to hardware-related measures for reducing or avoiding possible contamination.

Abstract: A convenient and commonly applicable method for the specific detection of a nucleic acid with an arbitrary sequence is provide. This method comprises attaching at least a nucleic acid single strand to an electrode, bringing the thus-obtained modified electrode in contact with a solution containing the analyte single-stranded nucleic acid, and measuring the redox reaction of the redox marker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of authenticating that a test polymer is an authenticatable polymer, wherein the authenticatable polymer has an authentication signal and comprises a substrate polymer and an optically variable tag, the optically variable tag having a fluorescence emission whose wavelength and/or intensity change over time, the method comprising subjecting the test polymer to a stimulus sufficient to cause fluorescence of the optically variable tag, determining a test signal from the fluorescence of the test polymer, and authenticating that the test polymer is an authenticatable polymer if the test signal is the same as the authentication signal of the authenticatable polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering repetitive, precision, low volume liquid dispensing from a dispensing orifice of a non-contact liquid dispensing apparatus. An elongated communication passageway of the dispensing apparatus is defined by interior walls having one end in fluid communication with a system fluid reservoir and an opposite end terminating at the dispensing orifice. A system fluid is placed in the communication passageway extending substantially continuously from the system fluid reservoir to the dispensing orifice. A relatively small volume of gaseous fluid is aspirated through the dispensing orifice, and into the communication passageway in a manner such that the gaseous fluid extends substantially continuously across the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the communication passageway.

Abstract: A device for quantitatively determining an analyte is provided to conspicuously improve the performance of the quantitative determination. This device is equipped with a flow channel, an analyte detecting unit for capturing and detecting the analyte, and a quantitative measurement unit for quantitatively determining the analyte, wherein a signal generated when the analyte detecting unit has detected the analyte is divided into a plurality of parts in the direction of the flow in the flow channel at the quantitative measurement unit for processing. Also provided are technologies including one for controlling the density of molecules attached to the surface of a solid. In these technologies, when molecules are attached to a substrate, the density of attached molecules is controlled, by having an electrolyte also present in a solution containing the molecules to adjust the screening effect by the electrolyte, and by taking into consideration the effective size of a molecule.

Abstract: An improved method for separating materials is provided, using colloidal, magnetizable aggregates, optionally silanized, and coated with a one or more layers of novel polysaccharide derivatives. Materials separated by the aggregates of the invention include inorganic and organic molecules, viruses, organelles, and cells. The invention also relates to a kit for separating such materials. The separated materials are useful in analytical and preparative or in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline oxide materials (24) can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates (22) such as large silicon wafers. The monocrystalline oxide layer (24) comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer (28) of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer serves as a decoupling layer between the substrate and the buffer layer so that the substrate and the buffer is crystal-graphically, chemically, and dielectrically decoupled. In addition, high quality epitaxial accommodating buffer layers may be formed overlying vicinal substrates using a low pressure, low temperature, alkaline-earth metal-rich process.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of constructing a memory array is provided. An insulating layer is formed on a semiconductor wafer. A first metal stack is then formed on the insulating layer and etched to form first metal lines. A polymeric layer is formed over the first metal lines and the insulating layer. A puddle of smoothing solvent is then allowed to stand on the wafer. The smoothing solvent is then removed. After the smoothing solvent is removed, the polymeric layer has a reduced surface roughness. A second metal stack is then formed on the polymeric layer and etched to form second metal lines.

Abstract: A ferroelectric memory device of the present invention includes a memory cell array in which memory cells are arranged in a matrix having first signal electrodes, second signal electrodes arranged in a direction intersecting the first signal electrodes, and a ferroelectric layer disposed at least in intersection regions between the first signal electrodes and the second signal electrodes, and a peripheral circuit section for selectively writing information into or reading information from the memory cell. The memory cell array and the peripheral circuit section are formed in different layers. The peripheral circuit section is formed in a region outside the memory cell array.

Abstract: Fabricating a magnetoresistive random access memory cell and a structure for a magnetoresistive random access memory cell begins by providing a substrate having a transistor formed therein. A contact element is formed electrically coupled to the transistor and a dielectric material is deposited within an area partially bounded by the contact element. A digit line is formed within the dielectric material, the digit line overlying a portion of the contact element. A conductive layer is formed overlying the digit line and in electrical communication with the contact element.

Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices can be fabricated by a stop-on-alumina process whereby the tunnel junction layer serves as the stop layer during plasma overetching of the upper magnetic layer. The resulting side walls of the MTJ device are non-vertical in the vicinity of the tunnel junction layer which serves to electrically isolate the upper magnetic layer from the lower magnetic layer. The gas employed during plasma overetching excludes halogen containing species which results in highly selective etching of the magnetic layer vis-à-vis the alumina tunnel barrier layer. The introduction of oxygen in the gas may enhance the reproducibility of the overetch process. Finally, plasma treatment with He and H2 followed by rinsing and baking subsequent to removal of the photoresist mask during the fabrication process enhances yield.

Abstract: A shared bit line cross-point memory array structure is provided, along with methods of manufacture. The memory structure comprises a bottom word line with a top word line overlying the bottom word line. A bit line is interposed between the bottom word line and the top word line such that a first cross-point is formed between the bottom word line and the bit line and a second cross-point is formed between the bit line and the top word line. A resistive memory material is provided at each cross-point above and below the bit line. A diode is formed at each cross-point between the resistive memory material and either the top word line or the bottom word line, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic determination of semiconductor plasma chamber matching a source of fault are provided. Correlated plasma attributes are measured for process used for calibration both in a chamber under study and in a reference chamber. Principal component analysis then is performed on the measured correlated attributes so as to generate steady principal components and transitional principal components; and these principal components are compared to reference principal components associated with a reference chamber. The process used for calibration includes a regular plasma process followed by a process perturbation of one process parameter. Similar process perturbation runs are conducted several times to include different perturbation parameters. By performing inner products of the principal components of chamber under study and the reference chamber, matching scores can be reached. Automatic chamber matching can be determined by comparing these scores with preset control limits.

Abstract: A method of testing a test wafer includes shielding test centers on a test wafer using shielding tabs during the deposition of a layer. The test wafer has the same size and shape of product wafers. The shielding tabs are then removed from the test wafer. A plurality of predetermined points which are separated from each test center by a critical interval are checked, and whether each point is covered by the layer is determined through an interferometer or a microprobe. The test wafer is processed after adjustments to or maintenance on equipment, or after a fixed number of product wafers have been processed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inspecting a connecting surface of a flip chip to solve problems that the grinding, polishing and chemical etching method is used for making a sample. The present invention utilizes ion beam etching technology for making and processing a sample of the flip chip (FC). The ion beam etching technology includes two modes: keeping the energy of ion beam and increasing the etching time; and keeping the etching time and increasing the ion beam energy. The ion beam etching technology can remove a deforming portion between the solder ball and the metal pad, which is connected thereto because of the grinding and polishing. Specially, it is easy to analyse a sample of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) which includes an intermetallic compound formed between the solder ball and the metal pad connected thereto.

Abstract: A process for producing a cold cathode field emission device. A cathode electrode is formed on a front surface of a support member that transmits exposure light. An insulating layer is formed on an entire surface. A gate electrode is formed on the insulating layer. The support member is irradiated with exposure light from a back surface side of the support member through the hole as a mask for exposure. An electron-emitting-portion-forming-layer composed of a photosensitive material is formed at least inside the opening portion. The support member is irradiated with exposure light from a back surface side of the support member through the hole as a mask for exposure.

Abstract: A fabrication method of VCSEL is used to form a contact electrode on a VCSEL in a resonance cavity. A heavily doped layer is formed in a resonance cavity where the light intensity is the weakest. A Bragg reflector is etched while the etching stop point being above the heavily doped layer. Dopants are doped to form a high-carrier-concentration ohmic channel as a connection between an electrode and the heavily doped layer. Thereby, a contact electrode is formed on the VCSEL structure in the resonance cavity without the need of high etching precision.

Abstract: The energy distribution of the beam spot on the irradiated surface changes due to the change in the oscillation condition of the laser or before and after the maintenance. The present invention provides an optical system for forming a rectangular beam spot on an irradiated surface including a beam homogenizer for homogenizing the energy distribution of the rectangular beam spot on the irradiated surface in a direction of its long or short side. The beam homogenizer includes an optical element having a pair of reflection planes provided oppositely for reflecting the laser beam in the direction where the energy distribution is homogenized and having a curved shape in its entrance surface. The entrance surface of the optical element means a surface of the optical element where the laser beam is incident first.

Abstract: A light-emitting device and optical communication system based on the light-emitting device is disclosed. The light-emitting device is formed in a float-zone substrate. The light-emitting device includes on the substrate lower surface a reflective layer and on the upper surface spaced apart doped regions. The portion of the upper surface between the doped regions is textured and optionally covered with an antireflection coating to enhance light emission. The light-emitting device can operate as a laser or as a light-emitting diode, depending on the reflectivities of the antireflection coating and the reflective layer.

Abstract: A radiation-emitting semiconductor component has an improved radiation efficiency. The semiconductor component has a multilayer structure with an active layer for generating radiation within the multilayer structure and also a window having a first and a second main surface. The multi-layer structure adjoins the first main surface of the window. At least one recess, such as a trench or a pit, is formed in the window from the second main surface for the purpose of increasing the radiation efficiency. The recess preferably has a trapezoidal cross section tapering toward the first main surface and can be produced for example by sawing into the window.

Abstract: A method of forming a solid-state image sensor is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a plurality of photosensor elements on a substrate; forming a plurality of color filters on the plurality of photosensors; forming a light blocking member between adjacent color filters; and forming a plurality of microlenses on the plurality of color filters. Each photosensor with each corresponding color filter and microlens is used for receiving an incident light of specific spectrum.

Abstract: An improved Fast Recovery Diode comprises a main PN junction defining a central conduction region for conducting high current in a forward direction and a peripheral field spreading region surrounding the central conduction region for blocking high voltage in the reverse direction. The main PN junction has an avalanche voltage equal to or lower than an avalanche voltage of the peripheral field spreading region so substantially the entire said main PN junction participates in avalanche conduction. This rugged FRED structure can also be formed in MOSFETS, IGBTS and the like.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure suitable for storing information, and array including the structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a light emitting device having a structure wherein oxygen and moisture are prevented from reaching to the light emitting device, and to provide a manufacturing method thereof. It is another object of the present invention to seal a light emitting device in fewer steps without encapsulating a desiccant. The present invention provides a structure in which a pixel region 13 is surrounded by a first sealing material (having higher viscosity than a second sealing material) 16 including a spacer (filler, minute particles and/or the like) which maintains a gap between the two substrates, filled with a few drops of the transparent second sealing material 17a which is spread in the region; and sealed by using the first sealing material 16 and the second sealing material 17.

Abstract: A one-mask etching method for use with a PCMO-containing RRAM to reduce stack side-wall residuals, includes preparing a substrate, taken from the group of substrates consisting of silicon, silicon dioxide and polysilicon; depositing a bottom electrode on the substrate; depositing a PCMO layer on the bottom electrode; depositing a top electrode on the PCMO layer; depositing a hard mask on the top electrode; depositing and patterning a photoresist layer on the hard mask; etching the hard mask; etching the top electrode using a first etching process having an etching atmosphere consisting of Ar, O2, and Cl2; etching the PCMO layer using an etching process taken from the group of etching processes consisting of the first etching process and a second etching process having an etching atmosphere consisting of Ar and O2. etching the bottom electrode using the first etching process; and completing the RRAM device.

Abstract: A die placement of dice to be formed on a semiconductor wafer is adjusted by obtaining a die placement and one or more locations on the wafer contacted by one or more processing structures or a substance emitted by one or more processing structures. The die placement is adjusted based on the obtained one or more locations on the wafer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductor device manufacturing method which can provide high reliability in electric connection between an electrode of a semiconductor chip and a substrate. Sealing resin is coated in a region of a substrate where a first electrode is not formed. A semiconductor chip formed with a second electrode on its end portion is prepared and disposed so as to face to a front surface of the substrate. The end portion of the semiconductor chip is pressed from its back surface by shifting a first movable plate downward to press the second electrode into contact with the first electrode. After then, a center portion of the semiconductor chip is pressed from its back surface by shifting a second movable plate downward to fill a space between the substrate and the semiconductor chip with the sealing resin.

Abstract: A card manufacturing technique and the resulting card are provided. The card has a ground and/or power layer extending to the edges of a circuit board for electrostatic discharge protection but also has gaps at the edge of the ground and/or power layer to avoid short circuiting with conductive segments of another layer deformed when the card is trimmed during manufacture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package includes providing a substrate having a plurality of contacts with solder bump contact areas that are unmasked. A plurality of underfill bumps is formed on the plurality of contacts selectively in the solder bump contact areas. A die having a plurality of solder bumps is positioned on the substrate so the plurality of solder bumps is substantially vertically aligned with the plurality of underfill bumps. The plurality of solder bumps is pressed into the plurality of underfill bumps until the plurality of solder bumps contacts the plurality of contacts. The plurality of solder bumps is reflowed. The die, the plurality of solder bumps, and the plurality of contacts are encapsulated to expose a lower surface of the plurality of contacts.