Abstract: The present invention relates to subtilase variants having a reduced tendency towards inhibition by substances present in eggs, such as trypsin inhibitor type IV-0. In particular, the variants comprise at least one additional amino acid residue between positions 42–43, 51–56, 155–161, 187–190, 216–217, 217–218 or 218–219 (in BASBPN numbering). These subtilase variants are useful exhibiting excellent or improved wash performance on egg stains when used in e.g. cleaning or detergent compositions, such as laundry detergent compositions and dishwash composition, including automatic dishwash compositions. Also, isolated DNA sequences encoding the variants, expression vectors, host cells, and methods for producing and using the variants of the invention. Further, cleaning and detergent compositions comprising the variants are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding phosphoribosylanthranilate isomerases, a tryptophan biosynthetic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene comprising the nucleic acid fragment, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the phosphoribosylanthranilate isomerase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: Novel means and methods are provided for the production of mammalian viruses comprising, infecting a culture of immortalized human cells with the virus, incubating the culture infected with virus to propagate the virus under conditions that permit growth of the virus, and to form a virus-containing medium, and removing the virus-containing medium. The viruses can be harvested and be used for the production of vaccines. Advantages are that human cells of the present invention can be cultured under defined serum free conditions, and the cells show improved capability for propagating virus. In particular, methods are provided for producing, in cultured human cells, influenza virus and vaccines derived thereof. This method eliminates the necessity to use whole chicken embryos for the production of influenza vaccines. The method provides also for the continuous or batchwise removal of culture media. As such, the present invention allows the large-scale, continuous production of viruses to a high titer.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microorganisms, Brevibacterium lactofermentum CJJA21 (Accession No. KCCM-10222), which is resistant to sodium azide, and Brevibacterium lactofermentum CJJA22 (Accession No. KCCM-10223), which is resistant to ?-aminobutyric acid. These microorganisms are capable of producing L-glutamine in a higher yield than the known strains. The present invention further provides processes for producing L-glutamine using the microorganisms of the invention.

Abstract: An Actinobacillus succinogenes plasmid vector which provides a means to overexpress proteins in A. succinogenes. The plasmid can be transformed efficiently by electroporation, and replicates in a stable manner in A. succinogenes. The plasmid comprises at least one marker gene, operably linked to a first promoter functional in Actinobacillus succinogenes, an origin of replication functional in Actinobacillus succinogenes, a second promoter isolated from Actinobacillus succinogenes, and a cloning site downstream from the second promoter. Plasmids pLGZ901, pLGZ920, pLGZ921, and pLGZ922 are disclosed. The pckA gene polypeptide sequence and nucleic acid sequence of Actinobacillus succinogenes, including the promoter and ribosome binding site, is disclosed. Furthermore, a method for producing a recombinant Actinobacillus succinogenes is described, including a method of transformation.

Abstract: Glycerol-3-phosphate o-acyltransferase (GPAT) participates in the first step of oil biosynthesis and is expected to play a key role in altering the quantity of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) produced in oils of oleaginous organisms. The present application provides a nucleic acid fragment isolated from Mortierella alpina encoding a GPAT that is suitable for use in the manufacture of oils enriched in omega fatty acids in oleaginous organisms. Most desirably, the substrate specificity of the instant GPAT will be particularly useful to enable accumulation of long-chain PUFAs having chain lengths equal to or greater than C20 in oleaginous yeast, such as Yarrowia lipolytica.

Abstract: A compound which has the following formula (1), a process for its production, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound as an active ingredient, a method of treating tumor which comprises administering the compound, use of the compound as a medicine, and a microorganism capable of producing the compound. The compound of the present invention is a novel compound which has antitumor action and is useful as a medicine.

Abstract: A plasmid is constructed so as to express a fused protein of a sugar chain-binding protein domain with a desired protein. Then this plasmid is transferred into cells and thus the protein is expressed in the cell surface layer. This method is particularly adequate in case of expressing a protein having an activity in the C-terminal portion in cell surface layer.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: A method for formulating and immobilizing a protein and a protein matrix formed by the method. The protein matrix preparation method results in a physically and chemically stable protein matrix that has low swelling, non-leaching, high activity, and high mechanical strength properties. The method includes cross-linking and hardening the protein mixture and using a mold to form a protein into a desired shape and size.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a matrix reactor for reactions in which low-molecular and high-molecular reactants are involved wherein the reactor space VR contains a matrix and comprises a reaction compartment and a supply compartment, wherein the matrix is composed of a porous material which can take up low-molecular reactants and wherein the exclusion volume V0 of the matrix is available as the reaction compartment and the matrix volume VM of the matrix is available as the supply compartment. The matrix reactor can be used for enzymatic processes, in particular for a coupled in vitro transcription/translation reaction to produce proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro maturation of oocytes comprising the steps of: (a) culturing one or more GV oocytes in a culture medium, the culture medium comprising a nuclear maturation inhibiting substance and comprising one or more gonadotropins and/or one or more growth factors, the culturing taking place for a time period sufficient for cytoplasmatic maturation to occur; (b) washing the GV oocytes of step (a) to remove the nuclear maturation inhibiting substance; (c) culturing the washed oocytes of step (b) in a culture medium comprising one or more gonadotropins and/or one or more growth factors and/or MAS for a time period sufficient for nuclear maturation. The invention also relates to an oocyte culture medium comprising a nuclear maturation inhibiting substance and comprising one or more gonadotropins and/or one or more growth factors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lymphoid tissue-specific cell production from hematopoietic progenitor cells in unique, three-dimensional culture devices, in the presence of antigen presenting cells and lymphoreticular stromal cells, and in the absence of exogenously added growth factors. The resulting lymphoid tissue-specific cells may be isolated at any sequential stage of differentiation and further expanded. The lymphoid tissue-specific cells also may be genetically altered at any stage of the process.

Abstract: The invention features methods of screening for compounds that prevent and/or reduce UVB-induced skin damage, e.g., wrinkles. The method includes identifying an agent that increases or induces the expression, activity or levels of a component of the p21 signal transduction pathway. Also included are methods and compositions for treating UVB-induced skin damage.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention concern an isolated nucleic acid consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 operably associated with a heterologous nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Recombinant host cells are obtained that comprise (A) a heterologous, polypeptide-encoding polynucleotide segment, stably integrated into a chromosome, which is under transcriptional control of an endogenous promoter and (B) a mutation that effects increased expression of the heterologous segment, resulting in enhanced production by the host cells of each polypeptide encoded by that segment, relative to production of each polypeptide by the host cells in the absence of the mutation. The increased expression thus achieved is retained in the absence of conditions that select for cells displaying such increased expression. When the integrated segment comprises, for example, ethanol-production genes from an efficient ethanol producer like Zymomonas mobilis, recombinant Escherichia coli and other enteric bacterial cells within the present invention are capable of converting a wide range of biomass-derived sugars efficiently to ethanol.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the excitability of an excitable cell by transforming an excitable cell with a nucleic acid construct encoding an open rectifier K+ channel (dORK) (SEQ ID NO:2) or a modified open rectifier K+ channel (dORK?) (SEQ ID NO:4), and expressing the open rectifier K+ channel in the excitable cell, wherein the excitability of the transformed cell is reduced. Also featured are transgenic animals expressing dORK or dORK?.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide promoters having seed-specific promoter activity, and methods of expressing foreign proteins in seeds. The present inventors isolated the promoters of a number of genes that are expressed in rice seeds, constructed binary vectors in which each promoter is inserted upstream of the GUS reporter gene, and transformed rice using the Agrobacterium method. In particular a seed-specific promoter from the rice glutelin GluB-1 gene is disclosed. GUS expression level was used as an index to examine the site of expression, the expression pattern during seed maturation, and the level of expression in seeds for each promoter. Promoters with activity specific to a particular site in seeds, and with higher activity than constitutive promoters and known seed-specific promoters were discovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gDNA and corresponding cDNA sequence comprising pathogenesis related protein-10 (CbPR-10) gene in Capsicum baccatum. The polypeptide encoded by the DNA sequence has ribonuclease activity which makes the enzyme highly effective in inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogen. The use of the DNA sequence disclosed herein contains the gDNA, cDNA, protein and a genetic construct for the production of transgenic plants, especially genetically transformed pepper plants, with an enhanced resistance against fungal pathogens.

Abstract: A synthetic urine solution and method of its manufacture are disclosed. The solution includes water having a pH between 3 and 10. The solution further includes creatinine and means for removing bacteria from the solution so as to control or eliminate sepsis of the urine solution, preferably through the use of biocide. The solution exhibits a specific gravity of from 1.005 g/cm3 to 1.025 g/cm3. Additional compounds may also be included to further enhance the aesthetics or apparent authenticity of the synthetic urine produced according to this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test process. The apparatus may have additional light source so that the photo sensor may monitor the test process by detecting the absorption light beam or fluorescent light beam from the flow cell at different phases of the test process.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles associated with a spectroscopy-active (e.g., Raman-active) analyte and surrounded by an encapsulant are useful as sensitive optical tags detectable by surface-enhanced spectroscopy (e.g., surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy).

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive assay for the detection of a SLOS affected individual by determining the ratio of at least one of the specific SLOS steroid analytes, dehydro-estriol (8-DHE3) and a dehydro-pregnanetriol (7-DHPT) to their normal steroid counterparts estriol (E3) and pregnanetriol (PT), respectively. 8-DHE3 and 7-DHPT represent metabolites which accumulate in the blood and urine of an individual with SLOS or an individual carrying a SLOS affected fetus. The invention provides for a reliable and reproducible method of screening women for SLOS affected fetuses early on in pregnancy.

Abstract: A method of detecting target biological molecules in a target sample is provided. The method includes using spectral, temporal, and polarization characteristics of emitted light from water-stable semiconductor nanocrystal complexes to detect the presence of target biological molecules in a target sample.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for stabilizing 5-azacytidine against hydrolysis in plasma. By extracting the 5-azacytidine into acetonitrile and zinc sulfate, the 5-azacytidine can be stored for at least about 3 hours at about room temperature, and for at least about 4 days at about ?70° C. If the acetonitrile is removed and evaporated to dryness, the 5-azacytidine in the resulting residue is stable for at least about 14 months at about ?70° C. The invention also provides methods for determining the 5-azacytidine in acetonitrile, or in the acetonitrile residue, using, for example, high-performance liquid chromatography. The methods of the invention permit a significant time interval between the initial processing of the whole blood sample and the time of 5-azacytidine determination.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the concentration of a specific gas component of a gas mixture including another gas whose concentration is independently known using light absorption spectroscopy are provided. A method and an apparatus for assessing human airway inflammation by measuring the concentration of exhaled NO and CO2 present in orally exhaled breath using light absorption spectroscopy are also provided. NO concentration is determined at the time during breath sampling corresponding to a known exhaled CO2 concentration. Methods and apparatus are further provided for measuring NO concentration in orally exhaled human breath that analyze breath emanating from the lower airways and lungs, while excluding breath from the nasal cavity.

Abstract: The Stokes shift emission spectra were measured for various samples, including tissues containing photoactive bio-molecules such as tryptophan, elastin, collagen, NADH and flavin. This new approach allows for the extraction of new information not easily obtained from the excitation and or fluorescence spectra of the same samples. For example, Stokes shift spectroscopy of tissue samples can detect disease states in humans and animals.

Abstract: A substantial amount of a marker reagent associated with a measurement is measured in a marker reagent measurement area, and the substantial amount of the marker reagent is reflected by a result obtained in a reaction result measurement area where a reaction with a measurement target in an inspection target solution is measured. Thereby, an influence of external environmental factors, factors in a property of the inspection target solution, an erroneous operation in a measurement operation or the like is eliminated, whereby a chromatography measuring method employing a biosensor with higher accuracy and higher reliability can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble luminescent quantum dot, a biomolecular conjugate thereof and a composition comprising such a quantum dot or conjugate. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of obtaining a luminescent quantum dot, a method of making a biomolecular conjugate thereof, and methods of using a biomolecular conjugate for ultrasensitive nonisotopic detection in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biospecific assay method, in which microparticles coated with the bioaffinity reactant A binding the analyte to be assayed; the sample to be analyzed, and the labelled bioaffinity reactant B are mixed. After the binding reaction the signal strength from the labelled bioaffinity reactant B bound to the microparticles is quantitated for the determination of the concentration of the analyte in the sample. According to the invention, such an amount of sample and microparticles is used in the assay that after binding of the analyte of the sample to the said amount of microparticles, each individual microparticle will emit such a signal strength as to allow the measurement of the analyte concentration over the whole range of typical analyte concentrations, and the signal strength from each microparticle is measured separately.

Abstract: MRAMs are provided with cells offering low current leakage for partially selected cells. MRAM cells are made with magnetic tunnel junctions having barriers that meet predetermined low barrier heights and predetermined thicknesses. The barrier heights are preferably about 1.5 eV or less. The predetermined thicknesses are calculated to meet power and speed requirements. The predetermined low barrier heights and predetermined thicknesses modify a nonlinear term relating current through to voltage across the magnetic tunnel junction. The modification of the nonlinear term also modifies the amount of current that flows through a magnetic tunnel junction at various voltages. At low voltages, current through the magnetic tunnel junction will be disproportionately lower than current through a conventional magnetic tunnel junction. This decreases leakage current through partially selected MRAM cells and power.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a technique that can improve the capacitance density while securing the withstand voltage of a capacitor element. In order to achieve the above object, the present inventive manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes forming a metal film on a silicon oxide film, forming a SiN film on the metal film, forming a metal film on the SiN film, etching the upper most metal film with a photoresist film as a mask to form an upper electrode, thereafter forming a silicon oxide film that covers the upper electrode, patterning by etching the silicon oxide film and the SiN film with a photoresist film as a mask to form a capacitor insulating film and sputter-etching the lowermost metal film with the patterned silicon oxide film as a mask to form a lower electrode.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an ion implanter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a wafer, forming a barrier layer on the surface of the wafer wherein the barrier layer has a substantial blocking effect on ion implantation, performing an ion implantation process to the wafer, performing a thermal treatment process, removing the barrier layer, and measuring a physical property of the wafer. The measured physical property of the wafer can be used to ascertain the status of the ion implanter. For instance, the measured physical property can be used to determine whether the ion implanter has problems when the energy or concentration of the implanted ions is changed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device which is capable of manufacturing the semiconductor device with a high quality in high yields while reducing variations in electric characteristic is disclosed. The manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a main body wafer manufacturing process for manufacturing a wafer on which a semiconductor device to be completed as a product is formed and a monitor wafer manufacturing process for manufacturing a wafer on which a monitor element is formed, the processes sharing a monitoring step alone, the main body wafer manufacturing process including a variation reduction step, the monitor wafer manufacturing process including a quality check step and a condition setting step.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer comprises a wafer formed of a semiconductor material having a peripheral edge portion and a repeating mark on the edge portion of the wafer to allow identification of the wafer. Also described is a method of identifying and tracking these semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: Resistive cross point memory devices are provided, along with methods of manufacture and use, including a method of changing an electrically programmable resistance cross point memory bit. The memory device comprises an active layer of perovskite material interposed between upper electrodes and lower electrodes. A bit region located within the active layer at the cross point of an upper electrode and a lower electrode has a resistivity that can change through a range of values in response to application of one, or more voltage pulses. Voltage pulses may be used to increase the resistivity of the bit region, decrease the resistivity of the bit region, or determine the resistivity of the bit region. Memory circuits are provided to aid in the programming and read out of the bit region.

Abstract: An organic light emitting device display may include transverse row and column lines. In a passively driven OLED display, a fuse may be positioned between the OLED material and the row electrode. When a short occurs, the single pixel may be separated from the circuit by the fuse, avoiding the possibility that an entire row of pixels may be adversely affected by the short associated with one single pixel along a row.

Abstract: A method for forming a transparent electrode on a visible light-emitting diode is described. A visible light-emitting diode element is provided, and the visible light-emitting diode element has a substrate, an epitaxial structure and a metal electrode. The metal electrode and the epitaxial structure are located on the same side of the substrate, or located respectively on the different sides of the substrate. An ohmic metal layer is formed on a surface of the epitaxial structure. The ohmic metal layer is annealed. The ohmic metal layer is removed to expose the surface of the epitaxial structure. A transparent electrode layer is formed on the exposed surface. A metal pad is formed on the transparent electrode layer.

Abstract: A method of making a light emitting device is disclosed. The method includes providing a light emitting diode and forming an encapsulant in contact with the light emitting diode; wherein forming the encapsulant includes contacting the light emitting diode with a photopolymerizable composition consisting of a silicon-containing resin and a metal-containing catalyst, wherein the silicon-containing resin consists of silicon-bonded hydrogen and aliphatic unsaturation, and applying actinic radiation having a wavelength of 700 nm or less to initiate hydrosilylation within the silicon-containing resin.

Abstract: An integrally packaged integrated circuit device including an integrated circuit die including a crystalline substrate having first and second generally planar surfaces and edge surfaces and semiconductor circuitry formed over the first generally planar surface, at least one chip scale packaging layer formed over the semiconductor circuitry and the first generally planar surface, an insulation layer formed over the second generally planar surface and the edge surfaces and at least one electrical conductor formed directly on the insulation layer overlying the second generally planar surface, the at least one electrical conductor being connected to the circuitry by at least one pad formed directly on the first generally planar surface.

Abstract: A flip-chip LED including a light emitting structure, a first dielectric layer, a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a second dielectric layer is provided. The light emitting structure includes a first conductive layer, an active layer, and a second conductive layer. The active layer is disposed on the first conductive layer, and the second conductive layer is disposed on the active layer. The first metal layer is disposed on the light emitting structure and is contact with the first conductive layer, and part of the first metal layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer. The second metal layer is disposed on the light emitting structure and is in contact with the second conductive layer, and part of the second metal layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor apparatus can provide a normal fingerprint sensor function even when a mold flash is formed. The fingerprint sensor apparatus recognizes a pattern of a fingerprint by being contacted by a finger. A semiconductor chip has a surface on which a sensor part is formed. The semiconductor chip is encapsulated by a seal resin. The sensor part is exposed in a bottom of an opening formed in the seal resin part. A distance between an edge of the bottom of the opening and an edge of the sensor part is 0.3 mm to 0.1 mm.

Abstract: A method of making a matrix type piezoelectric/electrostrictive device having a plurality of pillar shaped piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements, each having a piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance and at least a pair of electrodes being formed on the sides of the substance, are vertically provided on a thick ceramic substrate, such that the device is driven by displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance. In this device, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements are integrally bonded to the ceramic substrate and independently arranged in two dimensions. The percentage of transgranularly fractured crystal grains on at least the sides of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive substance on which the electrodes are formed is 10% or less. The unit forms a curved surface near a joined section between the substance and the substrate.

Abstract: A method to change the profile of released membranes is disclosed. This method is to form an island structure at certain regions of membranes. Membranes comprise one or several layers of different materials, and at least one layer has intrinsic or residual stress. The profile of membrane will change from being flat to curved at the region of island structure when membranes are released from sacrificial layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printed circuit board which is capable of air-tightly sealing a functional surface of a device and of preventing excessive stress from acting on the device itself or a conductive bump conjugating the device with a wiring board and a method of fabricating the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a device mounted in a hollow formed in a wiring board via a plurality of conductive bumps. In the printed circuit board, a gap is formed between a functional surface of the device and an inner surface of the hollow, and a sealing member is disposed around side surfaces of the device so as to air-tightly isolate the gap and a space within the hollow excepting the gap.

Abstract: Zinc-oxide nanostructures are grown without using a metal catalyst by forming a seed layer of polycrystalline zinc oxide on a surface of a substrate. The seed layer can be formed by an atomic layer deposition technique. Growth of at least one zinc-oxide nanostructure is induced on the seed layer. The seed layer can alternatively be formed by using a spin-on technique, such as a metal organic deposition technique, a spray pyrolisis technique, an RF sputtering technique or by oxidation of the seed layer.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a semiconductor chip, a metal base, an insulative base and a routing line, wherein the chip includes a conductive pad, the metal base is disposed on a side of the insulative base that faces away from the chip, and the routing line is disposed on a side of the insulative base that faces towards the chip, then etching the metal base, forming an interconnect in a via, and forming a connection joint in an opening, wherein the via extends through the insulative base, the opening extends through the insulative base, the interconnect extends through the insulative base and is electrically connected to the routing line, and the connection joint electrically connects the routing line and the pad. Preferably, the opening extends through an insulative adhesive that attaches the routing line to the chip.

Abstract: A wafer on which semiconductor elements, a multilevel interconnect layer, a bonding pad, a passivation film, and the like are formed is coated with a buffer coat film. Thereafter, the buffer coat film is patterned by exposure and development so that parts of the buffer coat film located on the bonding pads and scribe line regions and a part of the buffer coat film located on a periphery region of the wafer are removed, thereby forming apertures. The rear surface of the wafer is polished by polishing slurry with a surface protection tape bonded to the surface of the wafer by adhesive paste. In the periphery region, the apertures including the scribe line regions are blocked by the adhesive paste so that polishing slurry does not permeate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes at least one semiconductor structure having a plurality of external connection portions on an upper surface, and an insulating member which is made of a resin containing reinforcing materials and arranged on a side of the semiconductor structure. An insulating film is formed on the upper surface of the semiconductor structure, except the external connection portions, and on an upper surface of the insulating member. A plurality of upper wirings each of which has a connection pad portion are located on an upper side of the insulating film and electrically connected to a corresponding one of the external connection portions of the semiconductor structure. The connection pad portion of at least one of the upper wirings is arranged above an upper surface of the insulating member.

Abstract: A spring contact for establishing electrical contact between a lead element of an IC device and a substrate. The spring contact generally comprises a contact portion and a base portion. The contact portion, which generally comprises a coil-type compression spring, is configured to engage and resiliently bias against a lead element of the IC device. The spring contact is disposed in a mating aperture formed in the substrate. The base portion of the spring contact is configured to secure the spring contact within the mating aperture and to establish electrical contact with the substrate. A plurality of such spring contacts and mating apertures may be arranged on the substrate in an array corresponding to the pin-out of the IC device. A clamping element secures the IC device to the substrate and biases the IC device against the spring contacts.