Abstract: A cell death inducer for mast cells, a preventive/therapeutic agent for diseases in which mast cells are implicated, having a fusion protein including a PTD and an MITF variant as an active ingredient and a fusion protein comprises a His Tag, a PTD, and an MITF variant, wherein the MITF variant being an MITF mi variant, wh variant, HLH fragment, or A-type N-terminal region (1-305) fragment, and the PTD being a TAT-derived peptide; DNA coding for the fusion protein; and a method for preparing the fusion protein using genetic engineering techniques. Actions of the fusion protein of the present invention include inhibiting an activity of endogenous MITF by translocating into mast cells, inhibiting a survival of mast cells derived from precursor cells, and inducing cell death (apoptosis) in mature mast cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel, purified and isolated IL-1 zeta and Xrec2 polypeptides and fragments thereof, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for making large amounts of highly pure colonization factors. The methods of the present invention differ from prior art methods in that host cells which express the colonization factor of interest are cultured in media comprising more than about 50 ?g/l of an antibiotic, the media is centrifuged and then filtered with a 0.2 ?m filter tangential flow cartridge and a 300,000 MW cut-off filter, and a divalent cation is added. As disclosed herein the colonization factors made by the method of the present invention may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating or preventing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections.

Abstract: A system, including methods and apparatus, for microfluidic analysis of a nucleic acid target in a nucleic acid mixture. The system includes a method to preselect the target from the mixture before amplification. Preselection enriches the mixture for the target by retaining the target on a target-selective receptor and then removing unretained non-target nucleic acids. The preselected target then may be amplified from the enriched mixture and assayed. Devices configured to carry out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing an L-amino acid comprising culturing a microorganism having an ability to produce an L-amino acid in a medium, whereby the L-amino acid accumulates in the medium, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium, whereby said microorganism comprises a methanol-utilizing bacterium having the Entner-Doudoroff pathway in which 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase activity and/or 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate aldolase activity is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant microorganisms which, in comparison to the starting organism, have a higher concentration or activity of a D-amino acid oxidase, of an L-amino acid dehydrogenase, of an NADH cosubstrate regenerating enzyme and, if necessary, of a catalase. The invention also includes methods for preparing L-amino acids from D-amino acids using of these microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for production of lactic acid involving extracting protein from a natural renewable feedstock, preferably extracted from lignocellulose sources such as soybean hull, separating the feedstock into liquid and solid substrate feedstock, steam exploding the solid substrate feedstock by placing the solid feedstock in a pressure chamber, pressurizing the steam chamber with saturated steam, maintaining the pressure until the solid feedstock reaches temperatures in excess of the boiling point of water at atmospheric pressure, and explosively decompressing the pressure to a pressure no greater than atmospheric pressure. Hydrolyzing the steam-exploded feedstock by either acid hydrolysis or enzyme hydrolysis, and fermenting the resulting hydrolyzed feedstock to produce lactic acid. The hydrolyzing and fermenting steps may be carried out simultaneously, followed by recovering the lactate from the resultant material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an economically viable process for producing large quantity of higher fatty alcohol of chain length C24–C36 from natural waxes. The said alkanols have enriched percentage of 70–95% of C28 fatty alcohol (Octacosanol) along with less percentage of lower chain length fatty alcohols. The invention discloses the use of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction along with immobilized enzyme for saponification. The present invention also discloses the cosmetic applications of alkyalkanols collectively referred to as policosanol, for control of sebum secretion and as anti-acne component effectively used in cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: Canavan disease, an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy, is caused by deficiency of aspartoacylase and accumulation of N-acetylaspartic acid in brain. Human aspartoacylase (ASP) cDNA spanning 1,435 bp has been cloned and expressed in E. coli. A base change, a854>c, has been found in 85% of the 34 Canavan alleles tested so far, which results in a missense glu285>ala mutation that is predicted to be part of the catalytic domain of aspartoacylase. The invention therefore provides nucleic acid sequences, genes, polypeptides, antibodies, vectors containing the gene, host cells transformed with vectors containing the gene, animal models for the disease, methods for expressing the polypeptide, genetic screening methods and kits, diagnostic methods and kits, methods of treating Canavan disease and methods of genetic therapy for the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme having novel N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OMGnT) activity, a polynucleotide encoding the enzyme, a recombinant polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide, a host cell comprising the recombinant polynucleotide, a method for producing an enzyme protein having OMGnT activity by culturing the host cell in a medium, and a method for modifying a sugar chain structure with the enzyme and a carbohydrate having a sugar chain structure modified by the method. This enzyme enables the production of complex carbohydrates, which could not be formed with conventional glycosyltransferases.

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 nucleotide-sugar-synthesizing enzymes (enzymes with nucleotidyltransferase or pyrophosphorylase activity) from nonparasitic protists, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof for preparing nucleotide-sugars. The enzymes according to the invention make possible or greatly simplify the enzymatic preparation of various nucleotide-sugars on the industrial scale from low-cost precursors. It is possible with the aid of the discovered enzymes to prepare, for example, GDP-fucose, GDP-mannose, UDP-glucose, UDP-glucosamine, UDP-galactose, UDP-galactosamine, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine in economic quantities.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule having substantially the same nucleotide sequence as SEQ ID NO:1. Also provided is an isolated oligonucleotide having at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence referenced as SEQ ID NO:11. An isolated polypeptide having substantially the same amino acid sequence as SEQ ID NO:2 is further provided as well as an antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, which specifically binds to an ATX polypeptide and has an amino acid sequence as referenced in SEQ ID NO:2. A method for identifying an ATX-modulatory compound is additionally provided. The method consists of measuring the level of an ATX polypeptide in the presence of a test compound, wherein a difference in the level of said ATX polypeptide in the presence of said test compound compared to in the absence of said test compound indicating that said test compound is an ATX-modulatory compound, and wherein said ATX-modulatory compound is not caffeine or wortmannin.

Abstract: A gene encoding a polypeptide having an activity of digesting sulfated fucogalactan which is useful in sugar chain engineering reagents, analyzing the structures of sulfated fucose-containing polysaccharides and preparing degraded products of the polysaccharides; a genetic engineering process for producing the polypeptide; and the polypeptide obtained by the process.

Abstract: The disclosure provides purified and isolated SVPH1–8 polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against such polypeptide, and fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptide. In addition, the disclosure provides uses of such polypeptides, fragmented peptides, antibodies and nucleic acids as well as kits containing the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated proteases of the RP-II type and variants of RP-II proteases exhibiting improved properties in comparison to the parent RP-II protease, DNA constructs and vectors coding for the expression of said proteases and variants, host cells capable of expressing the proteases and variants from the DNA constructs, as well as a method of producing them by cultivating said host cells. The proteases may advantageously be used as constituents in detergent compositions and additives, optionally in combination with other enzymes such as proteases, lipases, cellulases, amylases, peroxidases or oxidases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cDNA molecule encoding human NAALAD-ases designated herein as L, II and IV and having the amino acid sequences illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5. The NAALAD-ases themselves also form part of the invention. Further provided are expression vectors incorporating the cDNA molecules suitable for transforming a cell, tissue or organism.

Abstract: The x-ray crystal structure of BACE or BACE-like proteins is useful for solving the structure of other molecules or molecular complexes, and identifying and/or designing potential modifiers of BACE activity.

Abstract: The present invention comprises crystalline polyketide synthases, isolated non-native polyketide synthases having the structural coordinates of said crystalline polyketide synthases, and nucleic acids encoding such non-native polyketide synthases. Also disclosed are methods of predicting the activity and/or substrate specificity of putative polyketide synthase, methods of identifying potential polyketide synthase substrates, and methods of identifying potential polyketide synthase inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to Corynebacterium ammoniagenes CJXOL 0201 KCCM 10447 producing 5?-xanthylic acid. More specifically, the invention relates to Corynebacterium ammoniagenes CJXOL 0201 KCCM 10447 which is a mutant strain of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes KCCM 10340 having a resistance to oligomycin. In order to obtain mutant strain having enhanced respiratory activity, the present invention adopted Corynebacterium ammoniagenes KCCM 10340 as parent strain and treated it with UV radiation and mutation derivatives such as N-methyl-N?-nitro-n-nitrosoguanidine(NTG) according to ordinary procedure. Therefore, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes CJXOL 0201 KCCM 10447 of the present invention makes it possible to increase ATP reproducing activity for same period of fermentation and can accumulate 5?xanthylic acid in culture medium at a high yield and concentration rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new strain of Pseudomonas putida (designated as HI-70) and to the isolation, cloning, and sequencing of a cyclododecanone monooxygenase-encoding gene (named cdnB) from said strain. The invention also relates to a new cyclododecanone monooxygenase and to a method of use of the cyclododecanone monooxygenase-encoding gene.

Abstract: Treatment of a lactic acid ester derivative with an enzyme or the like, which has asymmetric ester-hydrolyzing ability, can specifically hydrolyze the ester moiety of an isomer existing as the pair to the racemic derivative.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for controlled transport of magnetic beads between a position X and different position Y, such that the magnetic beads are manipulated or transported by applying successively a series of N local magnetic fields which have magnetic field gradients different from 0 in the neighborhood of said magnetic beads. Each of these N local magnetic fields is generated by a single current carrying structure, in which the current density is not constant. The invention generally relates to application in the domain of biochips and micro-arrays, used in diagnostics, genetics and molecular studies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for interfacing nanofluidic and microfluidic components suitable for use in performing high throughput macromolecular analysis. Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the nanofluidic area. In one embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of lateral spatial gradient structures for narrowing the cross section of a value from the micron to the nanometer length scale. In another embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of a vertical sloped gradient structure. Additionally, the gradient structure can provide both a lateral and vertical gradient.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cytotoxic assay using a new established fish cell line. The invention attained according to the object is a cytotoxic assay, wherein an evaluation of toxicity of a specimen is performed on the basis of its toxicity to an established cell line originated from sturgeon, preferably a STIP-1 cell line (FERM BP-8421) and a STIP-3 cell line (FERM BP-8422). Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a new established cell line expected to be used in the diagnosis of viral infection disease of sturgeon and so on. The invention attained according to the object is an established cell line originated from a sturgeon eyeball, particularly a STIP-1 cell line (FERM BP-8421) and a STIP-3 cell line (FERM BP-8422).

Abstract: Enriched neural stem and progenitor cell populations, and methods for identifying, isolating and enriching for neural stem cells using reagent that bind to cell surface markers, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cell lines that may have improved adhesive qualities, transgene expression level, growth rate, and/or growth rate in serum free medium or even chemically defined compared to cells of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for lyophilizing eukaryotic cells and isolating intact nucleic acids from such cells, and related kits for using the same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of stem cells and cancer stem cells. ?-catenin is also identified as a target for the development of therapeutic moieties against hematopoietic tumors, i.e. leukemia and lymphoma cells, which may include screening assays directed at ?-catenin, or members of the ?-catenin signaling pathway. Cellular proliferation in hematopoietic cells can be altered by introducing stabilized ?-catenin into a hematopoietic cell that is altered in its ability to undergo apoptosis but which is not fully transformed. The immortalized cells are useful in screening assays, and in the analysis of pathways by which hematopoietic cells undergo transformation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for culturing primate embryonic stem cells. These cells are cultured on a prolonged and stable basis in the presence of exogenously supplied fibroblast growth factor and in the absence of animal serum. Preferably there is also a fibroblast feeder layer. Also disclosed is a culture media containing fibroblast feeder layer and the fibroblast growth factor.

Abstract: An organotypic culture comprises an artificial stroma overlayed with epithelial cells isolated from a human colon or intestine. The stroma comprises a mixture of collagen and human fibroblasts isolated from a human colon or intestine. The culture contains a factor that binds the IGF-1 receptor, a factor that binds the EGF receptor, and a factor that binds the LIF receptor. These factors may be added exogenously to the culture via medium or may be expressed by various recombinantly engineered cell types in the culture. The organotypic culture can result in growth that is in situ-like or emphasizes other physiological or morphological states, depending on the balance of factors in the growth media. The organotypic culture may be used in methods for screening of therapeutic, carcinogenic, or growth enhancement factors, or for treating intestinal injuries by applying to the site of an injury the intact culture or the components thereof.

Abstract: A method for gene therapy using small fragment homologous replacement. The method introduces small fragments of exogenous DNA into regions of endogenous genomic DNA virtually homologous to the exogenous DNA. The exogenous DNA fragments contains sequence modification that correct mutations in the endogenous DNA or introduce mutations that alter cellular or an infecting pathogen phenotype.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of HIF1? and/or HIF2?. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding HIF1? and HIF2?. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of HIF1? and/or HIF2? expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of HIF1? and/or HIF2? are provided.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a DNA chip and an apparatus therefor that allow a picture to be reconstructed in the following steps: A plurality of irradiation spots are formed on a DNA probe array mounted on a stage. Then, the stage is displaced in X, Y directions so as to execute a scanning, thereby irradiating substantially all the entire surface of the DNA probe array. Next, a plurality of emitted fluorescent lights, which are generated from the plurality of irradiation spot portions on the DNA probe array, are converged and are then detected simultaneously by multi detectors. Finally, a data processing apparatus processes the detected signals, thereby reconstructing the picture.

Abstract: Performing high-resolution determination of the relative shift of the spectral properties of a biosensor. The shift in the resonance peak of the biosensor is indicative of the amount of material bound to the surface of the biosensor. A preferred biosensor is a Guided Mode Resonant Filter Biosensor (GMRFB). In one aspect of the invention, curve fitting is used to determine the relative location of the spectrum of the unexposed biosensor with respect to those spectra that are altered (e.g., shifted) by the presence of materials bound to the surface of the biosensor. In an alternative embodiment, the cross correlation function is used to detect spectral peak offsets between a reference spectrum and a spectrum measured from an exposed biosensor. In yet another alternative, maximal likelihood estimation techniques are used to determine the spectral shift or offs.

Abstract: A covalent conjugate of a 4?-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid derivative (HABA) and an avidin-type molecule, of the formula: wherein A is (CH2)n or —CH?CH—, wherein n is an integer from 0–10; B is (CH2)n wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10; m is zero or 1; and Av is the residue of an avidin-type molecule selected from the group comprising native egg-white avidin, recombinant avidin, deglycosylated avidins, bacterial streptavidin, recombinant streptavidin, truncated streptavidin and other derivatives of said avidin-type molecules. These HABAylated avidins are red colored in the quinone configuration and can be used in many applications in the avidin-biotin technology.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ferroelectric capacitor in accordance with the present invention includes: (a) a step of forming a ferroelectric laminated body by successively laminating a lower electrode layer, a ferroelectric layer and an upper electrode layer over a base substrate; (b) a step of patterning at least the upper electrode layer and the ferroelectric layer by dry etching; (c) a step of coating a coating composition including a compound having an element composing the ferroelectric layer at least on a side wall of the ferroelectric layer; and (d) a step of thermally treating the coating composition, to crystallize the coating composition coated on the side wall of the ferroelectric layer.

Abstract: An MTJ (magnetic tunneling junction) MRAM (magnetic random access memory) cell is formed on a conducting lead and magnetic keeper layer that is capped by a sputter-etched Ta layer. The Ta capping layer has a smooth surface as a result of the sputter-etching and that smooth surface promotes the subsequent formation of a lower electrode (pinning/pinned layer) with smooth, flat layers and a radical oxidized (ROX) Al tunneling barrier layer which is ultra-thin, smooth, and to has a high breakdown voltage. A seed layer of NiCr is formed on the sputter-etched capping layer of Ta. The resulting device has generally improved performance characteristics in terms of its switching characteristics, GMR ratio and junction resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various advanced process control methodologies for thermal oxidation processes, and various systems for accomplishing same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises measuring an ambient pressure of an environment external to an oxidation chamber, determining a correction factor based upon at least the measured ambient pressure, determining at least one parameter of a thermal oxidation process to be performed in the oxidation chamber based upon the determined correction factor, and performing the thermal oxidation process comprised of the determined parameter on at least one substrate positioned in the oxidation chamber.

Abstract: A method for electrically testing a semiconductor wafer during integrated-circuit fabrication process, the method including: (i) providing a scanning charged-particle microscope (SCPM), having a defined scanning plane and operative, while in any one mechanical state, to scan a surface in the scanning plane within a two-dimensional scanning window, which has a given maximum size; (ii) providing in association with any layer of the wafer, it being a test layer, one or more test structures, each test structure including normally conductive areas within a normally non-conductive background in one or more layers, which include said test layer, the conductive areas formed as one or more patterns; the patterns in said test layer include one or more clusters of mutually isolated pads; each pad is conductively connected with a corresponding distinct point on the patterns and all the pads in any one cluster are sized and arranged so that at least a significant portion of each pad falls within a common window whose size

Abstract: Methods for processing at least one die which comprises an integrated circuit. In one example of a method of the invention, an identification code is applied to a carrier. A singulated die is deposited into the carrier which holds the singulated die. The singulated die comprises an integrated circuit. The identification code may be applied to the carrier before or after depositing the singulated die into the carrier. The carrier may be used in testing the singulated die and may include a plurality of singulated die or just one singulated die. In another example of a method of the invention, an identification code is applied to a die. The die is deposited into a carrier which holds the die. The die comprises an integrated circuit, and the carrier holds the die in singulated form. Typically the die is placed in the carrier without any packaging which may protect the die. The identification code may be applied to the die before or after it is deposited into the carrier.

Abstract: A test structure and a test method for determining misalignment occurring in integrated circuit manufacturing processes are provided. The test structure includes a first conductive layer having a first testing structure and a second testing structure, a dielectric layer thereon, and a second conductive layer on the dielectric layer. The second conductive layer includes a third testing structure and a fourth testing structure, which respectively overlap a portion of the first testing structure and the second testing structure in a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. The method includes a step of measuring the electrical characteristic between the first and the second conductive layers to calculate an offset amount caused by the misalignment.

Abstract: A method and system for injecting charge includes providing a first material on a second material and injecting charge into the first material to trap charge at an interface between the first and second materials. The thickness of the first material is greater than a penetration depth of the injected charge in the first material.

Abstract: Semiconductor light emitting devices are fabricated by placing a suspension including phosphor particles suspended in solvent on at least a portion of a light emitting surface of a semiconductor light emitting element, and evaporating at least some of the solvent to cause the phosphor particles to deposit on at least a portion of the light emitting surface. A coating including phosphor particles is thereby formed on at least a portion of the light emitting surface. Particles other than phosphor also may be coated and solutions wherein particles are dissolved in solvent also may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides silicon based thin-film structures that can be used to form high frequency optical modulators. Devices of the invention are formed as layered structures that have a thin-film dielectric layer, such as silicon dioxide, sandwiched between silicon layers. The silicon layers have high free carrier mobility. In one aspect of the invention a single crystal silicon material is bonded to a thin-film dielectric material to form a silicon-insulator-silicon thin-film structure for an optical modulator.

Abstract: A waveguide is fabricated by first preparing two waveguide precursor pieces. Each waveguide precursor piece includes a single-crystal substrate, and an epitaxial coating layer of an oxide coating material on the substrate. The oxide substrate material preferably comprises yttrium as a substrate-material cation, and the oxide coating material preferably comprises a coating-material cation selected from the group consisting of ytterbium, thulium, erbium, and holmium. The two substrates are placed together with the coating layers in contact to form a precursor structure. The precursor structure is heated to an elevated diffusion temperature so that the coating layers bond together and the coating materials and the respective substrate materials interdiffuse to form the waveguide having an interdiffused region. A laser beam may be directed through the interdiffused region, while the interdiffused region is optionally optically pumped through one or both of the substrates.

Abstract: A thin film transistor array substrate includes a gate line formed on a substrate, a data line formed on the substrate intersecting with the gate line to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor formed at the intersection of the gate line and the data line, the thin film transistor including gate electrode formed on the substrate, a gate insulating layer formed on the gate electrode and the substrate, a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer, an ohmic contact layer on the semiconductor layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the ohmic contact layer, and a transparent electrode material within the pixel region and connected to the drain electrode of the thin film transistor, wherein the gate insulating layer includes a gate insulating pattern underlying the data line and the transparent electrode material, and covering the gate line.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device includes a mirror having a top surface with trenches, a beam connected to the mirror, rotational comb teeth connected to the beam, and one or more springs connecting the beam to a bonding pad. The mirror can have a bottom surface for reflecting light. Stationary comb teeth can be interdigitated with the rotational comb teeth either in-plane or out-of-plane. Steady or oscillating voltage difference between the rotational and the stationary comb teeth can be used to oscillate or tune the mirror. The comb teeth can have a tapered shape.

Abstract: An integrated MEMS package and associated packaging method are provided. The method includes: forming an electrical circuit, electrically connected to the first substrate; integrating a MEMS device on a first substrate region, electrically connected to the first substrate; providing a second substrate overlying the first substrate; and, forming a wall along the first region boundaries, between the first and second substrate. In one aspect, the electrical circuit is formed using thin-film processes; and, wherein integrating the MEMS device on the first substrate region includes forming the MEMS using thin-film processes, simultaneous with the formation of the electrical device. Alternately, the MEMS device is formed in a separate process, attached to the first substrate, and electrical interconnections are formed to the first substrate using thin-film processes.

Abstract: A barrier implanted region of a first conductivity type located below an isolation region of a pixel sensor cell and spaced from a doped region of a second conductivity type of a photodiode of the pixel sensor cell is disclosed. The barrier implanted region is formed by conducting a plurality of deep implants at different energies and doping levels below the isolation region. The deep implants reduce surface leakage and dark current and increase the capacitance of the photodiode by acting as a reflective barrier to electrons generated by light in the doped region of the second conductivity type of the photodiode.