Abstract: Bacterial strains transformed with the pcu genes are useful for the production of para-hydroxybenzoate (PHBA). Applicant has provided the p-cresol utilizing (pcu) and tmoX gene sequences from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1, the proteins encoded by these sequences, recombinant plasmids containing such sequences, and bacterial host cells containing such plasmids or integrated sequences. Method for the use of these materials to produce PHBA are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an air atmosphere for a harmful biological or chemical agent includes providing a plurality of mammalian respiratory airway epithelial cells borne on a porous support; contacting the porous support with a cell nutrient medium and with air by positioning said porous support at an air-liquid interface between the cell nutrient liquid and the air; sampling the air atmosphere to thereby create an air flow over the air-liquid interface so that the respiratory epithelial cells borne on the porous silicone support are contacted by the sampled air; and monitoring the respiratory epithelial cells for at least one physiological parameter indicating the cells have been exposed to the harmful agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nucleotide sequence encoding D-amino oxidase (D-AAO, EC 1.4.3.3) from Arthrobacter protophormiae. This may be inserted into an expression and used to transform a microbial host. The transformed microbial hosts ecomically produce D-AAO which may be used to oxidize D-amino acids.

Abstract: The gene for the diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) from Ricinus communis L., the castor plant, has been isolated, cloned, and used to transform other plants and micro-organisms. When the gene is expressed in a heterologous system, the corresponding DGAT protein is active and shows unusual and selective action for hydroxylated fatty acyl glycerides. DGAT carries out the final step in castor oil biosynthesis, and is believed to be largely responsible for many of the attributes of castor oil, making it an excellent candidate for industrial uses. This invention makes it possible to enhance the oil-producing capacity of other plants and micro-organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel JNK activating phosphatase polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, antibodies and methods for producing JNK activating phosphatase polypeptides. Also provided for are methods for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with JNK activating phosphatase polypeptides.

Abstract: A fibrinolytically active metalloproteinase polypeptide (called “novel acting thrombolytic”) which is useful for blood clot lysis in vivo and methods and materials for its production by recombinant expression are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing hydroxynitrile lyases. A process is provided whereby hydroxynitrile lyases may be produced by cultivation in bacteria or suitable host cells. Cells containing a gene encoding for a hydroxynitrile lyase may be precultivated, induced with a low concentration of IPTG, cultured, and lysed. The process allows for the production of relatively large quantities of hydroxynitrile lyases in a dissolved, native, and active form, and without the presence of substantial amounts of inclusion bodies, and thus allowing for the production of the lyases without requiring expensive and time consuming renaturation steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of production of a purified enveloped virus antigen. In particular, it provides purified Ross River Virus (RRV) antigens, and vaccines comprising purified, inactivated Ross River Virus (RRV) antigen.

Abstract: A strain of Bifidobacterium isolated from resected and washed human gastrointestinal tract is significantly immunomodulatory following oral consumption in humans. The strain is useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable inflammatroy activity, especially gastrointestinal inflammatory activity such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. The inflammatory activity may also be due to cancer.

Abstract: The present invention describes the identification of novel non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and associated biosynthetic genes from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. The present invention further provides methods for generating novel compounds, such as antibiotics, from these synthetases and associated genes.

Abstract: Supports for immobilizing molecules, particularly biomolecules, methods of making such supports, kits, and biomolecular hybridization assay devices are disclosed. The methods, supports and devices include forming a triamine layer on at least a portion of a substrate and attaching a compound to a portion of the substrate.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method for determining the affinity between binding partners, or a property of one of the binding partners dependent on the affinity, comprising the steps of: (i) contacting the binding partners, one of which is immobilised on a surface; (ii) oscillating the surface at increasing amplitude; and (iii) detecting a dissociation event. An analogous method can be used to separate a target analyte from a composition. The subject invention also pertains to an apparatus for determining the affinity between binding partners, and comprises: a surface (10) having one binding partner (16) immobilised thereon; means for oscillating the surface at increasing amplitude; and means (14, 15) for detecting a dissociation event.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated, purified and characterized human tyrosine hydroxylase (hTH) promoter nucleic acid sequence. The invention further provides a method of selecting TH positive (TH+) cells by preparing a construct comprising a hTH promoter operably linked to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, for example, green fluorescent protein encoding sequence, and transfecting cells, particularly stem cells, with the construct. The invention also provides a hTH promoter, useful in gene therapeutic applications in driving therapeutic genes or other nucleic acid sequences operably linked to the hTH promoter. Additionally, the invention provides cell lines and transgenic animals expressing a transgene comprising the hTH promoter operably linked to a heterologous sequence, which cell lines and transgenic animals are useful for isolating TH+ cells for transplantation or for screening of therapeutic agents that affect TH+ function.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cells comprising a recombinant polynucleotide sequence that encodes a telomerase reverse transcriptase protein, variant, or fragment having telomerase catalytic activity when complexed with a telomerase RNA.

Abstract: The thin film of the invention comprises a hydrate of a vitrified gel containing one or more extracellular matrix components, which can be integrated with a retainer as required. A hydrogel thin film containing one or more extracellular matrix components such as thin-film collagen hydrogel thin film, which is useful for a cell culture substratum and for preventing organ adhesion, can be easily prepared, and is excellent in expediency.

Abstract: Arrays including microparticles having probe and marker moieties are used for the detection of a target in a sample. Microparticles are randomly immobilized on at least a portion of a substrate. A detection scheme is performed to detect the marker associated with the microparticle and the identity of the probe, and any target bound to the probe.

Abstract: A polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing composition for treating hypertriglyceridemia and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: Protein synthesis inhibitor resistance genes (typified by a cycloheximide resistance gene) are capable of imparting resistance to a protein synthesis inhibitor (typified by cycloheximide) to animal cells sensitive to the inhibitor. The genes have a sequence mutated by substitution in a gene encoding a ribosome-constituting protein derived from an animal. The genes may be placed in recombinant vectors, including expression vectors containing the gene together with a foreign protein structural gene.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector. The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle.

Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed for the inhibition and control of gibberellic acid levels. In particular, nucleic acid sequences of copalyl diphosphate synthase. 3-? hydroxylase, and 2-oxidase and additional nucleic acid sequences are disclosed. Gibberellic acid levels may be inhibited or controlled by preparation of a chimeric expression construct capable of expressing a RNA or protein product which suppresses the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway sequence, diverts substrates from the pathway or degrades pathway substrates or products. The sequence is preferably a copalyl diphosphate synthase sequence, a 3?-hydroxylase sequence, a 2-oxidase sequence, a phytoene synthase sequence, a C20-oxidase sequence, and a 2?,3?-hydroxylase sequence. Administration of a complementing agent, preferably a gibberellin or gibberellin precursor or intermediate restores bioactivity.

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: The present invention is drawn to a hematology control made from particles a particle having a biopolymer attached to a surface of the particle. The particle simulates a component of a blood sample, such as a reticulocyte or nucleated red blood cell component of a blood cell sample in a flow cytometer or hematology analysis instrument. The present invention is further drawn to methods of making and using the hematology control.

Abstract: Improved flow cytometer system particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, including a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a HEPES bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial applications of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: An assay pad for measuring the concentration of HDL-associated cholesterol in a sample, a method for using the pad, and a diagnostic assay device for carrying out the method are described. The assay pad includes a polymer adhesive or heat laminate bond. The assay design prevents interference by reagents used for such removal with the HDL quantification reaction or with other assays carried out on the same sample. If desired, removal of non-HDL lipoproteins and assay of HDL cholesterol can be carried out without interruption of the assay.

Abstract: A method of determining allergen activity in dust comprises: providing a dust sample; extracting from the dust sample at least one breakdown component or proteins or peptides; reacting the extracted at least one breakdown component with a colorimetric amine detection reagent such as TNBSA; and quantitatively measuring the intensity of any resulting coloration. The allergen activity may be gauged by the intensity of coloration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: Provided is a method for immobilizing a biomolecule on a solid substrate. The method includes coating the solid substrate with silane anhydride to introduce an anhydride functional group onto a surface of the solid substrate; obtaining a carboxyl group from the anhydride functional group by hydrolysis; reacting the carboxyl group with carbodiimide and succinimide to activate the carboxyl group; and contacting the biomolecule with the solid substrate having the activated carboxyl group on its surface to immobilize the biomolecule on the solid substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stimulus-responding polymer obtained by polymerizing at least a monomer represented by a general formula (1) and a monomer represented by a general formula (2), and a separation method or concentration method of microorganisms, a purification method, detection method or concentration method of nucleic acids, a separating agent, a separation method of biomaterials and a conversion method of materials, which use this polymer, (in the formula, R11 represents hydrogen atom or methyl group, and R12 represents single bond or a straight or branched alkylene group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms) (in the formula, R13 represents hydrogen atom or methyl group, and R14 represents hydrogen atom, a straight, branched or cyclic alkyl group, alkoxyl group or alkylamino group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group).

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a new cathepsin C homolog (RCP) expressed in THP-1 cells. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode RCP, expression vectors for the production of purified RCP, antibodies capable of binding specifically to RCP, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of RCP-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of RCP, diagnostic tests for activation of monocyte/macrophages based on RCP-encoding nucleic acid molecules, and use of the protein to produce antibodies capable of binding specifically to the protein and use of the protein to screen for inhibitors.

Abstract: An exemplary method for making a memory structure having different-sized memory cell layers comprises forming at least two layers of ferromagnetic materials, forming at least one mask layer above the ferromagnetic materials, patterning the at least one mask layer, etching the ferromagnetic materials using the at least one mask layer as a first etch transfer mask, laterally reducing a planar dimension of the at least one mask layer to be narrower than the ferromagnetic materials, and etching a layer of the ferromagnetic materials using the reduced at least one mask layer as a second etch transfer mask, such that the ferromagnetic layer being etched becomes a different lateral size than another ferromagnetic layer of the ferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming a ferroelectric thin film that is uniform and good in crystallinity. The method includes applying a liquid to a surface of a substrate. The liquid includes ultra-fine particle powder comprising at least one element constituting the ferroelectric thin film to a surface of a substrate. The liquid applied to the surface of substrate is then baked.

Abstract: In an MRAM and method for fabricating the same, the MRAM includes a semiconductor substrate, a transistor formed on the semiconductor substrate, an interlayer dielectric formed on the semiconductor substrate to cover the transistor, and first and second MTJ cells formed in the interlayer dielectric to be coupled in parallel with a drain region of the transistor, wherein the first MTJ cell is coupled to a first bit line formed in the interlayer dielectric and the second MTJ cell is coupled to a second bit line formed in the interlayer dielectric, and wherein a data line is formed between the first MTJ cell and a gate electrode of the transistor to be perpendicular to the first bit line and the second bit line. The MRAM provides high integration density, sufficient sensing margin, high-speed operation and reduced noise, requires reduced current for recording data and eliminates a voltage offset.

Abstract: A cleaning method for use in an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: measuring components and concentration of each component of gas in a process chamber of an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device, or selected from a group including gas in the chamber, a process gas in a gas inlet pipe, and gas in a gas outlet pipe; performing a prescribed process on a substrate in the chamber, while adjusting the components and the concentration of each component of the process gas, and of an atmosphere in the chamber, on the basis of the values measured, and taking the substrate from the chamber after the process is subjected; and generating and applying a cleaning gas on the basis of the values measured, the cleaning gas having such components and such concentration as to remove residues.

Abstract: A front-end-of-line piece of a semiconductor die is manufactured in a first manufacturing line. A back-end-of-line piece of a semiconductor die is manufactured using a second manufacturing line, which will typically be different than the first manufacturing line. The front-end-of-line piece and the back-end-of-line piece are combined during a joining process to form a semiconductor die. The semiconductor die is subsequently tested to determine if the semiconductor die is a functional semiconductor die.

Abstract: A method for enhancing grain structure of a contact material for a semiconductor device is provided. The method initiates with exposing the contact material of a contact at a first depth within the semiconductor device. Then, the exposed contact material at the first depth is coated. In one embodiment, the exposed contact material is coated via a voltage potential driven energy. The coated material is then removed, thereby exposing the contact material at a second depth within the semiconductor device. Then, the exposed material at the second depth is coated.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a measuring pattern that enhances measuring reliability and a method of measuring the semiconductor device using the measuring pattern. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a chip area in which an integrated circuit is formed, and a scribe area surrounding the chip area. The semiconductor device also includes a measuring pattern formed in the scribe area and having a surface sectional area to include a beam area in which measuring beams are projected, and a dummy pattern formed in the measuring pattern to reduce the surface sectional area of the measuring pattern. The surface sectional area of the dummy pattern occupies from approximately 5% to approximately 15% of a surface sectional area of the beam area.

Abstract: A method of calculating a process parameter for a deposition of an epitaxial layer on a substrate. The method includes the steps of measuring an effect of the process parameter on a thickness of the epitaxial layer to determine a gain curve for the process parameter, and calculating, using the gain curve, a value for the process parameter to achieve a target thickness of the epitaxial layer. The value is calculated to minimize deviations from the target thickness in the layer. Also, a substrate processing system comprising that includes a processor to calculate a value for the process parameter to achieve a substantially uniform epitaxial layer of a target thickness on the substrate, where the value is calculated using a gain curve derived from measurements of layer uniformity as a function of the value of the process parameter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes, (a) mounting a plurality of first semiconductor chips in a manner not to overlap with one another on a substrate having a plurality of wiring patterns formed thereon, and electrically connecting each of the first semiconductor chips to any one of the wiring patterns, (b) conducting an electrical examination on a plurality of mounted bodies each including one of the first semiconductor chips and any one of the wiring patterns electrically connected to each other, (c) stacking a second semiconductor chip on the first semiconductor chip of any one of the mounted bodies that pass the electrical examination, excluding any of the mounted bodies that fail the electrical examination and thereafter, (d) cutting the substrate so as to divide the wiring patterns.

Abstract: In a thin film processing method and system, a film thickness is regulated by using electron beams irradiated from a plurality of electron beam tubes onto a film of varying thickness formed on an object to be processed, wherein the output powers or beam irradiation times of the electron beam tubes are individually controlled according to a distribution of the thickness. In the method and system, electric charges charged in a film of an object to be processed can be removed also.

Abstract: A measurement-facilitating method of measuring the breakdown voltage of a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, and a semiconductor epitaxial wafer whose breakdown voltage is superior are realized. In a method of measuring the breakdown voltage of a semiconductor epitaxial wafer having to do with the present invention, the breakdown voltage between contacts 14 and 18 is measured only through the Schottky contacts, without need for ohmic contacts. Inasmuch as the manufacturing process of forming ohmic contacts is accordingly omitted, the semiconductor epitaxial wafer 10 may be readily used in a breakdown-voltage measurement test. The measurement of the wafer-10 breakdown voltage thus may be readily carried out. Likewise, because the inter-contact breakdown voltage V2 of a wafer 10 can be measured prior to manufacturing a working device from it, unsuitable wafers 10 can be excluded before they are cycled through the working-device fabrication process.

Abstract: Particles, which may include nanoparticles, are mixed with carbon nanotubes and deposited on a substrate to form a cold cathode. The particles enhance the field emission characteristics of the carbon nanotubes. An additional activation step may be performed on the deposited carbon nanotube mixture to further enhance the emission of electrons.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices in an optoelectronic integrated circuit are electrically isolated from each other by using planar lateral oxidation to oxidize a buried semiconductor layer vertically separating the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for packaging for electronic devices that are light or other radiation-sensitive, such as image sensors including CCD or CMOS chips. In one embodiment of the invention, an image sensor package is assembled by surrounding a chip with a barrier of transfer mold compound and covering the chip with a transparent lid. In another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter area of a chip, including interconnections such as wire bonds and bond pads, is encapsulated with a liquid dispensed epoxy, and a transparent lid is attached. In yet another embodiment of the invention, chip encapsulation is accomplished with a unitary shell of entirely transparent material. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a substrate-mounted chip and a transparent lid are loaded into a transfer mold that holds them in optimal alignment. The transfer mold is then filled with molding compound to encapsulate the chip and interconnections, and to retain the transparent lid.

Abstract: Optical devices and methods for constructing the same are disclosed. An example optical device includes an optical transmitter, a photodetector and a waveguide optically coupling the optical transmitter and the photodetector. It also includes a substrate having a first cavity to receive the optical transmitter and a second cavity to receive the second transmitter. The first and second cavities are located and dimensioned to passively align the optical transmitter, the waveguide and the photodetector when the transmitter is inserted into the first cavity and the photodetector is inserted into the second cavity.

Abstract: Radiation-emitting semiconductor device, method for fabricating same and radiation-emitting optical device. A radiation-emitting semiconductor device with a multilayer structure (100) comprising a radiation-emitting active layer (10), with electrical contacts (30, 40) for impressing a current in the multilayer structure (100) and with a radiotransparent window layer (20). The window layer is arranged exclusively on the side of the multilayer structure (100) facing away from a main direction of radiation of the semiconductor device and has at least one side wall that includes a first side wall portion (20a) which extends obliquely, concavely or in a stepwise manner toward a central axis of the semiconductor device lying perpendicular to the multilayer sequence.

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 vertical light emitting diode (LED) includes a metal substrate; a p-electrode coupled to the metal substrate; a p-contact coupled to the p-electrode; a p-GaN portion coupled to the p electrode; an active region coupled to the p-GaN portion; an n-GaN portion coupled to the active region; and a phosphor layer coupled to the n-GaN.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS device includes forming a magnetic sensor over a SOI wafer which may include an epoxy layer; forming a pair of MEMS flux concentrators sandwiching the magnetic sensor; connecting an electrostatic comb drive to each of the flux concentrators; connecting a spring to the flux concentrators and the comb drive; performing a plurality of DRIE processes on the SOI wafer; and releasing the flux concentrators, the comb drive, and the spring from the SOI wafer. Another embodiment includes forming adhesive bumps and a magnetic sensor on a first wafer; forming a second wafer; forming a pair of MEMS flux concentrators, a pair of electrostatic comb drives, and at least one spring on the second wafer; bonding the second wafer to the adhesive bumps; and compressing the adhesive bumps using non-thermal means such as pressure only.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor device that includes a suspended micro-system. According to the method, a silicon porous layer is formed above a silicon substrate, and the silicon porous layer is oxidized. An oxide layer is deposited, and a first polysilicon layer is deposited above the oxide layer. The first polysilicon layer, the oxide layer, and the silicon porous layer are selectively removed. A nitride layer is deposited, and a second polysilicon layer is deposited. The second polysilicon layer, the nitride layer, the first polysilicon layer, and the oxide layer are selectively removed. The silicon porous layer is removed in areas made accessible by the previous step. Also provided is a semiconductor device that includes a suspended structure fixed to at least two walls through a plurality of hinges, with the suspended structure including an oxide layer, a first polysilicon layer, a nitride layer, and a second polysilicon layer.

Abstract: A pinned photodiode with a pinned surface layer formed by a self-aligned angled implant is disclosed. The angle of the implant may be tailored to provide an adequate offset between the pinned surface layer and an electrically active area of a transfer gate of the pixel sensor cell. The pinned surface layer is formed by employing the same mask level as the one employed for the formation of the photodiode region, and then implanting dopants at angles other than zero degrees.