Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making a negative pattern of carbon nanotubes or a polymerized carbon nanotube composite having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) by modifying the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes with polymerizable functional groups such as oxirane and anhydride groups and subjecting the surface-modified carbon nanotubes either to a photolithography process or to a heatcuring process. By virtue of the present invention, desired patterns of carbon nanotubes can be easily made on the surfaces of various substrates, and polymerized carbon nanotube composites improved in hardening properties can be made without additional polymers.

Abstract: An organic monomolecular film is formed on a first substrate, and micro processed using photolithography technique to form an organic monomolecular film pattern. Then, a thin film is selectively grown on the organic monomolecular film pattern, and transcribed onto a second substrate to form a micro pattern made of the thin film on the second substrate.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic emulsion, wherein 70% or more of the total projected area of silver halide grains is occupied by silver halide grains satisfying the following requirements (a) to (d). (a) It is composed of a tabular silver halide host grain with an aspect ratio of 12 or more having two mutually parallel principal planes and a silver halide protrusion portion bonded by epitaxial junction on the surface of the host grain. (b) The silver bromide content rates of the host grain and the protrusion portion both are 70 mol % or more. (c) When the average silver iodide content rate of all grains is I mol %, the average silver iodide content rate of the region of 8%, based on the silver amount of the host grain, of the outer shell of the host grain is (I+12) mol % or less.

Abstract: A silver halide emulsion chemically sensitized by a compound of formula (1), (6-1), (6-2) or (7); and a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material containing the silver halide emulsion: Formula (1) E1-Ch-E2 Formula (6-1) W1 . . . AuX2m Formula (6-2) [W1 . . . Au . . . W2]X2m Formula (7) E5-Ch-Au . . . (L2)1 wherein Ch is a sulfur, selenium or tellurium atom; E1, E2, and E5 each are, for example, a specific methylene group having a substituent; Au is a monovalent or trivalent gold ion; W1 and W2 each are a specific chalcogen compound; X2 is a monovalent anion; m is 1, 2 or 3; L2 is a compound that can coordinate with gold through a nitrogen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium or phosphorous atom; and l is 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: A photothermographic imaging material including a support having thereon an image forming layer containing light-insensitive organic silver salt grains, photosensitive silver halide grains, a reducing agent for silver ions and a binder, wherein: (i) each of the photosensitive silver halide grains produces a larger number of latent images in a surface portion of the grain than in an inner portion of the grain by exposure to light; (ii) each of the photosensitive silver halide grains produces a larger number of latent images in the inner portion of the grain than in the surface portion of the grain after being subjected to a thermal development; (iii) a surface photographic speed of each of the photosensitive silver halide grains decreases after being subjected to the thermal development; and (iv) the photothermographic imaging material contains a reducible silver salt compound represented by Formula (I) described in the specification.

Abstract: A photothermographic imaging material containing a support having thereon: (i) a photosensitive layer containing photosensitive silver halide grains, light-insensitive organic silver salt grains, a binder, and a reducing agent for silver ions; and (ii) one or more non-photosensitive layers, wherein a powder compound which is preliminarily dried at a lower temperature than a temperature used for thermal development is incorporated in the photosensitive layer or in the non-photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A photothermographic material comprising at least (a) a photosensitive silver halide, (b) a reducible silver salt, (c) a reducing compound represented by the following general formula (1), and (d) a binder: Q1—NHNH—R1: ??Formula (1) wherein, in the general formula (1), Q1 represents a 5- to 7-membered unsaturated ring bonding to NHNH—R1 at a carbon atom, and R1 represents a carbamoyl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, a sulfonyl group or a sulfamoyl group, provided that when R1 is propylcarbamoyl group, Q1 is not 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-cyanophenyl group. According to the present invention, there is provided a novel photothermographic materials showing high sensitivity, high development speed and little fluctuation of performance due to heat development temperature variation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting bacteria and a nano-well device having one or more input/output connections about a gap and one or more bacteriophages at or about the gap that trigger a detectable electrical field fluctuation when the one or more bacteriophages contact a cognate target within a liquid sample.

Abstract: We have now discovered that eukaryotes, including mammals, have a DNA mismatch repair pathway analogous to the pathway that exists in bacteria. Defects or alterations in this mismatch repair pathway in a mammal, such as a human, will result in the accumulation of unstable repeated DNA sequences. Such a phenotype has a high correlation to disease state in a number of cancers, such as hereditary colon cancers. Accordingly, discovering a defect or alteration in the pathway can be diagnostic of a predisposition to cancer, and prognostic for a particular cancer.

Abstract: The present invention includes polymorphisms in nucleic acids encoding the alpha-2B adrenergic receptor and expressed alpha-2B adrenergic receptor molecule. The invention also pertains to methods and molecules for detecting such polymorphisms. The invention further pertains to the use of such molecules and methods in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases.

Abstract: Icosahedral phage and collections thereof that display various compounds are provided. In some instances, the icosahedral phage include nucleic acid tags that serve to record a characteristic of the compound or compounds that are attached to the phage. A number of different methods for using the icosahedral phage to screen a library of compounds for a desired biological activity are also provided, especially assays for compounds that are substrates for receptor-mediated transport processes such as endocytosis and transcytosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic/prognostic screening methods for identifying alternations in the sequence of a km23 nucleic acid or polypeptide form. Furthermore, the invention relates to mutations in the km23 gene in human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancer. Specific mutations in the km23 gene associated with ovarian cancers have been identified. The invention also provides human km23 polypetides, fragments and mutants thereof, oligonucleotides and primers directed to km23 nucleic acid forms, expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, antagonists and their use for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases associated with the expression or activity of km23, or with defects in the signaling pathway for TGF? superfamily members.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the detection of cytosine methylation in DNA samples, wherein the following steps are conducted: (a) a genomic DNA sample, which comprises the DNA to be investigated and background DNA, is chemically treated in such a way that all of the unmethylated cytosine bases are converted to uracil, whereas the 5-methylcytosine bases remain unchanged; (b) the chemically treated DNA sample is amplified with the use of at least 1 primer oligonucleotide as well as a polymerase, whereby the DNA to be investigated is preferred as the template over the background DNA, and (c) the amplified products are analyzed and the methylation status in the DNA to be investigated is concluded from the presence of an amplified product and/or from the analysis of additional positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the amplification of mRNA of a sample, comprising the steps of i.) generating cDNA from polyadenylated RNA employing at least one primer hybridizing to said polyadenylated RNA and comprising a 5? poly(C) or a 5? poly(G) flank; ii.)(aa) if present, removing non-hybridized, surplus primer(s) and/or surplus dNTPs; ii.)(ab) 3? tailing of said generated cDNA with a poly(G) tail when in step i.(a) primer(s) comprising a 5? poly(C) flank was employed or a poly(C) tail when in step i.(a) primer(s) comprising a 5? poly(G) flank was employed; or ii.)(b) 3? tailing of said generated cDNA with a poly(G) tail when in step i.(a) primer(s) comprising a 5? poly(C) flank was employed or a poly(C) tail when in step i.(a) primer(s) comprising a 5? poly(G) flank was employed using an RNA-ligase, irrespective of the presence or absence of surplus primer(s) and/or surplus dNTPs; and iii.

Abstract: A method of constructing a synthetic polynucleotide, the method including selecting a first codon of a parent polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide for replacement with a synonymous codon, wherein the synonymous codon is selected on the basis that it exhibits a higher translational efficiency in an epithelial cell of a mammal than the first codon in a comparison of translational efficiencies of codons in test cells of the same type as the epithelial cell; and replacing the first codon with the synonymous codon to construct the synthetic polynucleotide.

Abstract: This invention provides a modified yeast two-hybrid system in order to identify NO-dependent protein-protein interactions. Bait proteins implicated in apoptotic signaling pathways were used to identify NO-dependent interactions. The physiological relevance of these interactions is demonstrated by their occurrence and dependence on endogenous NO in mammalian cells, and by the functional interrelatedness of bait and prey.

Abstract: The present invention provides a useful system for assays that comprises a solid support, a plurality of capture oligonucleotides immobilized onto the solid support, and complementary oligonucleotides attached to capture ligands. A detectable label can be directly attached to the capture oligonucleotides or the complementary oligonucleotides. The labeled oligonucleotides can be detected, and used to determine the quality of the assay. A labeled detector ligand corresponding to a target ligand can also be independently detected apart from the labeled oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetic testing system that ensures complete traceability of animals and food products and involves a method of uniquely identifying animals for data collection, records management and retrieval purposes involving a novel method of genetic analysis using individual DNA fingerprinting of parentage of individual animal to effectively provide for full traceability of animals from birth to consumption.

Abstract: A random-primed reverse transcriptase-in vitro transcription method of linearly amplifying RNA is provided. According to the methods of the invention, source RNA (or other single-stranded nucleic acid), preferably, mRNA, is converted to double-stranded cDNA using two random primers, one of which comprises a RNA polymerase promoter sequence (“promoter-primer”), to yield a double-stranded cDNA that comprises a RNA polymerase promoter that is recognized by a RNA polymerase. Preferably, the primer for first-strand cDNA synthesis is a promoter-primer and the primer for second-strand cDNA synthesis is not a promoter-primer. The double-stranded cDNA is then transcribed into RNA by the RNA polymerase, optimally in the presence of a reverse transcriptase that is rendered incapable of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity during this transcription step. The subject methods produce linearly amplified RNA with little or no 3? bias in the sequences of the nucleic acid population amplified.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting and analyzing protein-protein interactions and agonists and antagonists thereof, detecting and analyzing protein sequences, and regulatable gene expression in multicellular organisms or cells therefrom.

Abstract: Methods for the production and use of stable complexes of duplex nucleic acid molecules and oligonucleotides are presented. These complexes can be used for the detection and purification of a known nucleic acid target as well as the manipulation of a defined nucleic acid target sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides universal G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) reporter constructs. The constructs comprise a serum response element, a cAMP response element, and a multiple response element. These reporter constructs are able to detect activities of all GPCRs examined. Further provided by the present invention are host cells harboring a universal GPCR reporter construct of the invention, as well as assays for detecting modulators of GPCRs using the host cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining activity of a protease.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for detecting cancers and for evaluating the prognosis of cancer patients. In particular, the methods of this invention utilize YKL-40 as a marker for the presence or absence of a cancer and for the prognosis (e.g. likelihood of recurrence) of a cancer. Elevated levels of YKL-40 are indicative of the presence of a cancer in undiagnosed subjects and indicate likely recurrence of the cancer in subjects diagnosed as having a cancer.

Abstract: The use of polyalkylene oxide modified reagents is disclosed in a method for the detection of an analyte or in suitable reagent kits for such methods.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the determination of apoptotic products in samples taken from patients in which apoptosis is induced as a result of disease or therapy, which is characterized in that the concentration of the apoptotic products in samples taken from patients is correlated with the effectiveness of the therapy and thus serves as a follow-up for the therapy. The serum samples are taken at various times and determined. The present invention in particular concerns a method in which the concentration of nucleosomes is determined in serum samples of tumour patients in order to assess the effectiveness of tumour therapy. Furthermore the present invention also concerns the use of a method according to the invention to determine the effectiveness of therapy in tumour patients who are subjected to a radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment as well as in patients after an acute ischaemic event or after hypothermia treatment.

Abstract: To provide a screening method for an apoptosis-suppressing substance or an apoptosis-promoting substance, the application of which substances to pharmaceuticals or diagnostic drugs are expected, also to provide an apoptosis-suppressing substance or an apoptosis-promoting substance, since Bcl-2 family having apoptosis-suppressing or -promoting activities is deeply involved in many diseases. To attain the above object, VDAC-liposomes, an indicator substance such as fluorescent-labeled cytochrome c or isotope-labeled sucrose etc. capable of passing through VDAC (voltage-dependent anion channel), and a subject substance are incubated, and then concentration changes in the indicator substance, inside and outside the VDAC-liposomes before and after the incubation, are detected in order to estimate presence or absence of the apoptosis-suppressing activity or -promoting activity of the subject substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention provides gene expression profiles associated with prostate cancers. Genes identified as cancer markers using the methods of the present invention find use in the diagnosis and characterization of prostate cancer. In addition, the genes provide targets for cancer drug screens and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Immunoassays for malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein (MDA-modified LDL) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL), monoclonal antibodies (and the cell lines for them) for use in the assays, and a storage-stable standard (which may be used as a calibrator and/or control) are disclosed. MDA-modified LDL and OxLDL are implicated in atherosclerosis and its etiology.

Abstract: Immunoassays for malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein (MDA-modified LDL) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL), monoclonal antibodies (and the cell lines for them) for use in the assays, and a storage-stable standard (which may be used as a calibrator and/or control) are disclosed. MDA-modified LDL and OxLDL are implicated in atherosclerosis and its etiology.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a model system for structure-activity relationship analysis of peptide or protein molecules involved in important biological processes. Provided by the invention are combinatorial peptide libraries comprising peptides with a novel “tryptophan zipper” scaffold (trpzip) that forms stable ?-hairpin structure in solution. Methods of selecting and using such scaffold are provided herein, which are useful for mimicking native protein structures and interactions and designing therapeutic agents. Thus, the invention has profound utility for biological studies and drug development.

Abstract: A method for determining the relative benefits of products which affect animal epithelial tissue is provided. Also provided is a method for evaluating quantitative changes on one or more affected surfaces of epithelial tissue of a subject caused by a test product.

Abstract: A variant human ?7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) polypeptide is provided wherein the variant contains an amino acid substitution at the valine-274 position of the wild-type human ?7 nAChR. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the variant human ?7 nAChR, vectors and host cells containing such nucleic acid molecules are also provided. In addition, methods are provided for producing the variant as are methods of using such variants for screening compounds for activity at the nAChR.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody designated SM047 against cancer, specifically ovarian carcinoma. SM047 is strongly expressed in most ovarian serous adenocarcinomas and in other female genital tract adenocarcinomas. The monoclonal antibody according to the invention is useful to detect a cancer, specifically ovarian carcinoma and/or or determine the origin of cancer. The present invention also provides a hybridoma cell producing the monoclonal antibody and an antigen which binds to the monoclonal antibody according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to quantitate the hLH? core fragment in a sample. The present invention now makes it possible to evaluate the metabolism of hLH in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and to distinguish between normal and abnormal physiological states.

Abstract: The present invention is directed antibodies specific to multiple beta blockers, as well as immunogens used to produce the antibodies and immunoassay kits and methods for using the antibodies.

Abstract: A test method and test device for hygiene monitoring of a test sample from a biological material or a surface with a biological material to detect the presence of phosphate and glucose as a measure of hygiene by employing a swab-type, puncturable-membrane test apparatus or a lateral-flow or capillary-flow test apparatus.

Abstract: Methods for improving the production of a secondary metabolite by a fungus by increasing the yield or productivity of the secondary metabolite produced by the fungus are described. The methods include increasing the expression of LYS14, for example, by transforming a cell with a nucleic acid molecule encoding LYS14.

Abstract: In situ fluorescence method to monitor state of sulfur-deprived algal culture's ability to produce H2 under sulfur depletion, comprising: a) providing sulfur-deprived algal culture; b) illuminating culture; c) measuring onset of H2 percentage in produced gas phase at multiple times to ascertain point immediately after anerobiosis to obtain H2 data as function of time; and d) determining any abrupt change in three in situ fluorescence parameters; i) increase in Ft (steady-state level of chlorophyll fluorescence in light adapted cells); ii) decrease in Fm?, (maximal saturating light induced fluorescence level in light adapted cells); and iii) decrease in ?F/Fm?=(Fm??Ft)/Fm? (calculated photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII) signaling full reduction of plastoquinone pool between PSII and PSI, which indicates start of anaerobic conditions that induces synthesis of hydrogenase enzyme for subsequent H2 production that signal oxidation of plastoquinone pool asmain factor to regulate H2 under sulfur depletio

Abstract: A method of producing a carotenoid in solid form includes culturing a strain of Chlorophyta algae cells in a minimal inorganic medium and separating the algae comprising a solid form of carotenoid. In one embodiment f the invention, the strain of Chlorophyta algae cells includes a strain f Chlamydomonas algae cells.

Abstract: A gram-negative bacterial cell is described that is deficient in a chromosomal gene present in a wild-type such cell which gene shares at least 80% sequence identity with the native sequence of the yfcK gene and encodes an aminopeptidase. Alternatively, a gram-negative bacterial cell is deficient in a chromosomal gene present in a wild-type such cell which gene encodes an aminopeptidase that shares at least 80% sequence identity with the native sequence of aminopeptidase b2324. Either of these types of cells, when comprising a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous polypeptide, produces an N-terminal unclipped polypeptide when it is cultured and the polypeptide recovered, with virtually no N-terminal clipped polypeptide produced as an impurity. Conversely, a method is provided for cleaving an N-terminal amino acid from a polypeptide comprising contacting the polypeptide with an aminopeptidase sharing at least 80% sequence identity with the native sequence of aminopeptidase b2324.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: manipulation of the amino acid sequence of tropoelastin, particularly human tropoelastin, to modify its protease susceptibility; to tropoelastin derivatives having modified protease susceptibility; to peptidomimetic molecules which contain amino acid sequences which correspond to or incorporate the protease susceptible sequences of tropoelastin; and to uses of the tropoelastin derivatives and peptidomimetic molecules. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules and genetic constructs encoding the amino acid sequences of the derivatives and peptidomimetic molecules of the invention.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for releasing proteins from cells and/or inactivating viruses. In the process, a host cell containing a protein of interest is contacted with a solution of an effective amount of a detergent.

Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences from Coryneform bacteria which code for the MtrA and/or MtrB proteins and processes for the fermentative preparation of amino acids using bacteria in which the mtrA and/or mtrB genes are attenuated.

Abstract: A method of producing recombinant proteins, or polypeptides, in bacteria or other host cells grown on a substantially solid, i.e., solid or semi-solid, nutrient growth medium harboring DNA sequences of interest for encoding the recombinant proteins under the control of an inducer-regulated promoter or constitutive promoter. The bacteria are harvested from the solid or semi-solid nutrient medium and the desired recombinant protein is recovered by disrupting the surface of the bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention features a nucleic acid construct for expressing a product, e.g., a small peptide such as GLP-1. The construct includes a nucleic acid sequence encoding a signal peptide and a nucleic acid sequence which encodes the pro-region of somatostatin or a functional fragment thereof. The construct can further include a sequence encoding the small peptide or the construct can be used to express an endogenous genomic sequence encoding the small peptide. The present invention further features genetically engineered cells, and methods of using such constructs or cells.

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism capable of producing L-threonine and having an inactivated galR gene, a method of producing the same and a method of producing L-threonine using the microorganism. The microorganism can be used to produce L-threonine in high yield.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease activity, and oligonucleotides therefrom. The isolated nucleic acid molecules can be expressed in appropriate bacterial cells to enhance the production of 2-KLG, which can subsequently be converted to ascorbic acid. Further provided are isolated polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease activity, immunogenic peptides therefrom, and antibodies specific therefor. The invention also provides methods of identifying novel 2,5-DKG permeases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant Bacillus host cell containing a recombinant vector including a nucleic acid segment having a coding region segment encoding enzymatically active hyaluronan synthase (HAS). The recombinant Bacillus host cell is utilized in a method for producing hyaluronic acid (HA).