Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring nitric oxide production and oxygen consumption in cultures of adherent cells continuously and without destroying the cells. The method involves flowing growth media through a tube having adherent cells are adhered to the inner surface thereof and then contacting the growth media with an NO or O2 sensor to detect the concentration of NO or O2 in the growth media.

Abstract: A roller bottle is provided with a bottom wall, a top wall and a cylindrical side wall extending between the bottom and top walls. The top wall includes an opening to provide access to the interior of the roller bottle. The cylindrical side wall of the roller bottle is formed with at least one spiral pleat extending substantially from the bottom to the top for increasing cell growth surface area and for facilitating the flow of liquid to all interior surface areas of the bottle as the bottle is rolled about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A recombinant vector comprising capsid proteins derived from simian adenovirus Pan5, Pan6, Pan7, SV1, SV25 or SV39 sequences are described. These vectors contain a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences packaged in the capsid. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of HsKip3, antibodies to HsKip3, methods of screening for HsKip3a modulators using biologically active HsKip3, and kits for screening for HsKip3a modulators.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of isolating CD8+ cells which employs an antibody which specifically binds to CD8 molecules present on the surface of CD8+ cells but does not activate the CD8+ cells once bound. This invention also provides related hybridoma cell lines, monoclonal antibodies, antigenic polypeptides, isolated CD8+ cells, and kits.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of monoclonal antibodies is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing patient specific anti-cancer antibodies using a novel paradigm of screening. By segregating the anti-cancer antibodies using cancer cell cytotoxicity as an end point, the process makes possible the production of anti-cancer antibodies customized for the individual patient that can be used for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The invention further relates to the process by which the antibodies are made and to their methods of use. The antibodies can be made specifically for one tumor derived from a particular patient and are selected on the basis of their cancer cell cytotoxicity and simultaneous lack of toxicity for non-cancerous cells. The antibodies can be used in aid of staging and diagnosis of a cancer, and can be used to treat tumor metastases.

Abstract: There is provided a simplified and inexpensive method for the in-vitro identification, isolation and culture of human vasculogenic progenitor cells. The method and the progenitor cells isolated thereby can be used for in-vitro vascular engineering, treatment of congenital and acquired vascular and hematological abnormalities, for evaluation and development of drugs affecting vasculo- and angiogenic processes, and for further investigation into tissue differentiation and development.

Abstract: The invention relates to new keratinocytes which may be cultured in vitro and the advantageous use thereof for preparing a product which can be used to treat acute and chronic wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigment epithelial cell of the eye containing vector DNA of an adenoviral vector with large DNA capacity, to the improved isolation and cultivation of these cells and to methods for production and the use in the therapy of an eye or nerve disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified.

Abstract: The present invention provide: a novel process for culturing animal cells and a kit for culturing animal cells, in which, even if the number of cells as sampled for biopsy is extremely small, the proliferation can sufficiently be maintained so as to enable to carry out various culture and/or tests, especially anticancer agent sensitivity tests, and the contamination with bacteria can be inhibited without damaging physiological activity of cells, especially sensitivity to anticancer agents. The process for culturing animal cells, according to the present invention, comprises the step of culturing a sample containing animal cells obtained from living body tissue in order to subject the sample to further culture and/or a test, with the process being characterized in that a culture medium is used wherein the culture medium has a proliferating action and physiological activity-retaining action on the animal cells, and further has a killing action and/or multiplication-inhibition action on bacteria.

Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device has a sterilization indicator contained within a container; and a variable diffusion restriction into said container.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a test kit for performing this method for determining the volume of a sample of the liquid. In the method, a specific concentration of a chromophoric indicator is provided in this liquid, a sample is separated from the liquid, the optical absorption of the separated sample is measured, and the volume of the separated sample is determined by correlation of the measured optical absorption with the concentration of indicator in this liquid. Ions that generate a color in the sample by complexing with a specific ligand are used as the indicator to stain the liquid.

Abstract: A reagent system is provided for substantially lysing red blood cells in a whole blood sample prior to leukocyte analysis, which system includes a first reagent for substantially lysing the red blood cells in the whole blood sample, and a second reagent for quenching the activity of the first reagent. The first reagent is formulated to include an autoclaved saponin compound and an acid selected from the group consisting of a halogenated carboxylic acid, a phosphoric acid and a combination thereof. The second reagent includes a base and has a pH value of about 8 to 12. Also provided is a method of lysing the red blood cells and stabilizing white blood cells present in a sample of whole blood.

Abstract: Karl Fischer reagent comprising iodide, sulphur dioxide with an initial concentration above 0.5 M, and imidazole/imidazole derivative dissolved in alcoholic solvent, whereby the molar ratio between the initial imidazole/imidazole derivative concentration and the initial sulphur dioxide concentration is above 10. The reagent contains a modifying substance that is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, or a primary or secondary alcohol, or a combination thereof. A method for the determination of water content by means of Karl Fischer coulometric titration in a diaphragm-free cell, whereby the Karl Fischer reagent is used, and the coulometric titration is carried out in a diaphragm-free cell. Use of the Karl Fischer reagent in a method for the determination of water content by means of coulometric titration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing an assay on chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids. The apparatus includes an assay chamber for fluid reactions and a centrifugal force activated-valve for controlling fluid movement through the assay chamber. An active surface can be positioned in the assay chamber to react with fluids passed through the assay chamber. The active surface may contain biomolecular probes. The biomolecular probes can be DNA, DNA fragments, RNA, RNA fragments, reagents, protein, protein fragments, lipids, and lipid fragments. The apparatus is particularly useful when multiple reactions, dilutions, or washing steps are required to determine a final answer. The centrifugal force activated-valve provides positive control over fluid in the assay chamber and allows for repeated use of the same chamber for multiple reaction steps. The apparatus can be disposed of after an assay to eliminate potential contamination from reuse of the same apparatus.

Abstract: A method of transporting a desired fluid in a channel includes: providing a working fluid to transport the desired fluid, such as a sample; providing a first segment of a first buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; providing a first segment of the desired fluid; providing a second segment of a second buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; providing the desired fluid to be transported and further manipulated; and transporting the desired fluid in the channel by applying a motive force to the working fluid which in turn exerts force against the desired fluid through the first and second buffer fluid. The method prevents dilution of a sample in an apparatus such as a diagnostic analyzer or an apparatus for immunohematological testing of blood. A microfluidics handling system includes a microsystem platform that has: a substrate having: a first flat, planar surface; and a second flat planar surface opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: A method and kit for testing a multi-channel blood-testing cartridge. In particular, blood-testing cartridges are tested with plasma samples with clotting times measured to indicate whether a batch of cartridges is suitable for testing the blood of a patient.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using ion-detecting microspheres containing an ionphore and a chromoionphore in clinical laboratory instrumentation such as flow cytometry for sample analysis. In one embodiment, the microspheres are contacted with a flowing stream of a sample under conditions that allow the ion-selective ionophores to complex with the ions in the sample, and to cause deprotonation of the chromoionophore. The complexes are then exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the deprotonated chromoionophore to emit a fluorescence signal pattern. Detection of the fluorescence signal pattern emitted by the deprotonated chromoionophore in microspheres containing the complexes allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample. In one embodiment, lead ion-detecting microspheres are provided that can detect nanomolar levels of lead ions with response times on the order of minutes.

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions with picogram to microgram amounts of protein in picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises a microarray with a plurality of micro-chambers in the microarray. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated dispensing mechanism. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: A method for determining the release of a peptide from a sustained release polylactide formulation which can be carried out in a shorter time than a real-time method by accelerating the release of the peptide from the formulation. It can be used to discriminate between batches of formulations for quality control purposes and to discriminate between formulations, for example, having different drug loadings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for observing a chemical substance. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a vessel having a base portion and an at least partially transparent wall portion depending from and extending away from the base portion. The base portion and the wall portion define an interface region at an interface between the base portion and the wall portion. The vessel can further include a background material fixedly attached to the base portion and/or the interface region, with the background material having a surface visible through the wall portion from a region exterior to the vessel. The background material can be attached to an inner surface or an outer surface of the vessel, or the background material can be integrated with a medium that forms the base portion and the wall portion of the vessel. The background material can have a single color, such as white or black, or the background material can have a plurality of hues to make the contents of the vessel more clearly visible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for quickly and easily measuring and monitoring the pH of aquatic environments, such as lakes, streams, drinking waters, fisheries, aquariums, pools, hot-tubs, and spas. The current invention includes devices that are reusable and capable of monitoring the pH in a reversible fashion, thereby allowing continuous pH sensing without a need for the user to physically perform pH tests. Operation of the invention involves placing the device into the aquatic environment and optically detecting a color change in the membrane, for example, by looking at the device, when a pH measurement is desired. In addition, the device is both inexpensive and reusable, allowing the user to monitor the pH of various aquatic environment at minimal costs.

Abstract: A reader is provided that, itself, addresses the issue of damage or degradation to arrays within the reader by virtue of air exposure. In doing so, experimental variability is reduced, and read/scan signal strength degradation is minimized for arrays/slides scanned or otherwise read toward the end of a run. The subject scanners employ a filter that reduces the amount of chemicals in the air inside the device that are harmful to the array, or the dye on the array. The implementation of adding a chemical filter to the reader device may be such that air is either drawn into or, alternatively, pushed through the filter into the same. It is possible that the entirety of the device may be provided with filtered air, or just the region holding slides to be scanned. Array readers so-constructed as well as associated methodology involving filtering incoming air while reading arrays are covered.

Abstract: The invention provides a mass spectrometric method for analyzing a sample in a solution, including the steps of directing a flow of a solution containing sample compounds to be analyzed towards a supersonic nozzle having an input end and an output end; vaporizing the solution and sample prior to its expansion from the output end of said supersonic nozzle; allowing expansion of the vaporized sample and solution from said supersonic nozzle into a vacuum system, forming a supersonic molecular beam with vibrationally cold sample molecules; ionizing the vaporized sample compounds with electrons while contained as vibrationally cold molecules in said supersonic molecular beam; mass analyzing the ions formed from said sample compounds; detecting said ions formed from said sample compounds after mass analysis, and processing the data obtained from the resulting mass spectral information, for identifying and/or quantifying the chemical content of said sample.

Abstract: The measurement of the particle size distribution of an aerosol is of crucial importance in pharmaceutical development. A prerequisite for this is a valid method, e.g. the cascade impactor method described in the pharmacopoeias. It requires measurement of the active substance concentration in order to determine the particle size distribution. The invention provides a process which makes it possible to measure the size of aerosol droplets containing pharmaceutical substances which are unstable in the event of changes in the pH.

Abstract: A method of testing multiple fluid samples with multiple biopolymer arrays. A cover is assembled to a contiguous substrate carrying on a first side, multiple arrays each with multiple regions of biopolymers linked to the substrate, such that the cover and the substrate together form a plurality of chambers each containing a biopolymer array and each being accessible through its own port. Multiple fluid samples are introduced into respective chambers through a port of each such that the fluid samples contact respective arrays. A binding pattern of the arrays is observed. An apparatus and kit useful in such methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supplying a portion of a fluid stream and, alternately, a fluid of known composition and concentration to an analyzer are provided. The fluid stream is directed through a series of connected chambers formed in an integral housing. A sampling needle has an inlet in one of the chambers and an outlet in fluid communication with the analyzer. When desired, a tube or vial containing a known fluid may be inserted into a chamber containing the sampling needle, so that the known fluid will be supplied to the analyzer. A second needle provides ventilation to the vial to prevent the formation of a vacuum as the known fluid is drained from the vial.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for conducting chemical or biochemical reactions on a solid surface within an enclosed chamber. The invention may be used in conducting hybridization reactions, as of biopolymers such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides, peptides, polypeptides, proteins, antibodies, and the like. In another aspect, the invention provides an improved method for mixing a thin film of solution, as in a hybridization chamber. The invention further provides a kit for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a chromatographic zone on which is disposed a plurality of microporous particles. The chromatographic zone can effectively reduce the “hook effect” in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner. In particular, the plurality of microporous particles allows larger-sized analyte/probe complexes to reach the detection zone before the uncomplexed analyte. Because the uncomplexed analyte is substantially inhibited from competing with the complexes for the binding sites at the detection zone, the incidence of “false negatives” may be limited, even at relatively high analyte concentrations.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a delivery vehicle including sickle red blood cells carrying a moiety. The moiety can be any type of diagnostic or therapeutic agent. The present invention further provides for a method of diagnosing systemic hypoxia, acidosis, or hypertonicity by administering sickle red blood cells to a patient and detecting the location of the sickle red blood cells. Additionally, the present invention provides for a method of therapeutic treatment of systemic hypoxia, acidosis, or hypertonicity by administering sickle red blood cells to a patient. Further, the present invention provides for a delivery vehicle that specifically localizes or concentrates at systemic hypoxia, acidosis, or hypertonicity areas. The delivery vehicle is used in diagnosing and therapeutically treating these areas of hypoxia, acidosis, or hypertonicity also. The present invention further provides for a method of making the delivery vehicle described herein.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(?) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: A method for forming an epitaxial layer in a capacitor over interconnect structure, includes selecting a laser having a suitable wavelength for absorption at a seeding layer/annealing layer interface of the capacitor over interconnect structure, and directing laser energy from the selected laser at the capacitor over interconnect structure. The laser energy anneals a feature of the capacitor over interconnect structure to form an epitaxial layer. The annealing is accomplished at a temperature below about 450° C. The selected laser can be an excimer laser using a pulse extender. The capacitor over interconnect structure can be a ferroelectric capacitor formed over a conventional CMOS structure.

Abstract: A ferroelectric capacitor includes a pair of electrodes, and at least one ferroelectric held between the pair of electrodes, in which the ferroelectric includes a first ferroelectric layer having a surface roughness (RMS) determined with an atomic force microscope of 10 nm or more; and a second ferroelectric layer being arranged adjacent to the first ferroelectric layer and having an RMS of 5 nm or less. A process produces such a ferroelectric capacitor by forming a first ferroelectric layer on or above one of a pair of electrodes at a temperature equal to or higher than a crystallization temperature at which the first ferroelectric layer takes on a ferroelectric crystalline structure, and forming a second ferroelectric layer on the first ferroelectric layer at a temperature lower than a crystallization temperature at which the second ferroelectric layer takes on a ferroelectric crystalline structure.

Abstract: A magnetic memory device includes a first wiring layer which runs in the first direction, a memory element which is arranged above the first wiring layer, second wiring layers which are arranged on the memory element and run in a second direction different from the first direction, and a first magnetic shield layer which is formed on the side surface of each second wiring layer and formed around the side surface of the memory element.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic memory device which has a small switching current for a writing line and which has a small variation therein. A method for producing such a magnetic memory device includes: forming a magnetoresistive effect element; forming a first insulating film so as to cover the magnetoresistive effect element; forming a coating film so as to cover the first insulating film; exposing a top face of the magnetoresistive effect element; forming an upper writing line on the magnetoresistive effect element; exposing the first insulating film on a side portion of the magnetoresistive effect element by removing a part or all of the coating film; and forming a yoke structural member so as to cover at least a side portion of the upper writing line and so as to contact the exposed first insulating film on the side portion of the magnetoresistive effect element.

Abstract: A method for forming a LOCOS layer in a semiconductor device includes steps of oxidizing a high voltage region of the semiconductor device to form a LOCOS layer in the high voltage region; and etching the LOCOS layer according to a pattern.

Abstract: A semiconductor element and a circuit substrate each having electrodes disposed at narrow pitch are electrically connected with high reliability by conductive paste. A semiconductor device with a semiconductor section and a circuit substrate electrically connected and a method for manufacturing such semiconductor device are provided. The manufacturing method includes processes of: forming semiconductor electrodes at the semiconductor section; forming substrate electrodes at the circuit substrate; firstly affixing one part of the semiconductor section and circuit substrate to an intermediate connector made of insulating material; forming via holes at intermediate connector according to positions of the semiconductor electrodes and positions of the substrate electrodes; electrically connecting each semiconductor electrode and each substrate electrode via each via hole; and secondly affixing the other part of the semiconductor section and circuit substrate to the intermediate connector.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is manufactured according to the steps below. A lattice-shaped rib forming member, which is an aggregation of a plurality of frame-shaped ribs for configuring a plurality of solid-state imaging devices, is resin-molded. An aggregate wiring board is used, which has regions corresponding to a plurality of the wiring boards, and in which a plurality of the wiring members are provided in each of the regions, and the imaging element is fastened to each region of the aggregate wiring board and the electrodes of the imaging elements and the wiring members are connected by a thin metal wire. The rib forming member is placed on the wiring board face and joined to the wiring board face, so that the imaging element is disposed inside the lattice elements of the rib forming member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic memory apparatus which comprises a patterned magnetic recording medium in which multilayered films each having a first magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic metal layer or a nonmagnetic insulating layer and a second magnetic layer deposited discretely on a conductive electrode layer formed on a substrate, and a cantilever array having a plurality of cantilevers each having a conductive chip at its distal end. This provides a magnetic solid memory apparatus that has a large memory capacity and a super fast transfer rate, the merits of a hard disk apparatus, and a nanostructure and low power consumption, which are the merits of a semiconductor memory.

Abstract: A memory cell comprises a chalcogenide random access memory (CRAM) cell and a CMOS circuit. The CMOS circuit accesses the CRAM cell. The CRAM cell has a cross-sectional area that is determined by a thin film process (e.g., a chalcogenide deposition thin film process) and by an iso-etching process. If desired, the chalcogenide structure may be implemented in series with a semiconductor device such as a diode or a selecting transistor. The diode drives a current through the chalcogenide structure. The selecting transistor drives a current through the chalcogenide structure when enabled by a voltage at a gate terminal of the selecting transistor. The selecting transistor has a gate terminal, a source terminal, and a drain terminal; the gate terminal may be operatively coupled to a word line of a memory array, the source terminal may be operatively coupled to a drive line of the memory array, and the drain terminal may be operatively coupled to a bit line of the memory array.

Abstract: A light emitting device is provided in which reduction of recombinations in a light emitting element is prevented by using a low-resistant electrode structure. A light emitting device of the present invention has a light emitting element composed of first and second electrodes and an organic compound layer that is sandwiched between the first and second electrodes, and the device is characterized in that one of the first and second electrodes has a transparent conductive film, a transparent conductive resin formed on the transparent conductive film, and a plurality of conductors formed on the transparent conductive resin.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of silicon carbide wherein silicon clusters are dissociated in a gas phase. Silicon clusters may be dissociated by a silicon-etching gas such as a group VII-containing component. A semiconductor device is also disclosed having a layer formed by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor device of the present invention includes forming a surface electrode on a semiconductor element, forming a solder layer by plating on one principal surface of the surface electrode, mounting the semiconductor element on the sub-mount so that the solder layer contacts a principal surface of the sub-mount, and bonding the sub-mount and the semiconductor element to each other via the solder layer.

Abstract: A frame for a semiconductor package has die-pads supported with suspending leads of individual lead frames. Semiconductor devices are arranged on the die-pads. These semiconductor devices are collectively molded with molding compound, and then the collectively molded semiconductor packages are cut into individual packages by means of a dicing saw. In the frame, suspending leads are formed into fish tails, wherein at least one of a longitudinal grid-lead and a transverse grid-lead is eliminated within areas enclosed with fish tails of the suspending leads. Accordingly, whether an R-shape generated by producing the frame by etching is large or small, the existence of metal pieces at the edges of the semiconductor packages is substantially prevented.

Abstract: Structure and method for fabrication of a leadless chip carrier have been disclosed. A disclosed embodiment comprises a substrate having a top surface for receiving a semiconductor die. The disclosed embodiment also comprises a printed circuit board attached to a bottom surface of the substrate. The disclosed embodiment further comprises at least one via in the substrate, which provides an electrical connection between a signal bond pad of the semiconductor die and the printed circuit board. The at least one via also electrically connects a substrate bond pad and the printed circuit board. The substrate bond pad is further connected to the signal bond pad of the semiconductor die by a signal bonding wire. The at least one via further provides an electrical connection between the signal bond pad of the semiconductor die and a land that is electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A semiconductor die having a through via formed therein is disclosed. A first conductive layer is formed on the front side of the die and a second conductive layer is formed on the backside of the die, and coupled with the through via. A first package substrate is electrically coupled with the first conductive layer, and a second package substrate is electrically coupled with the second conductive layer. In another embodiment, a substrate ball electrically couples the first and second package substrates. In a further embodiment, a flip chip bump is attached to the first package substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device of a chip-on-chip structure having a support semiconductor chip, first and second chip blocks supported and connected on one surface of the support semiconductor chip and an insulator arranged between the first and second chip blocks. The first and second chip blocks each include one or a plurality of semiconductor chips having an active surface nearly parallel with the one surface of the support semiconductor chip. Within the insulator, an intralevel wiring is arranged on a wiring plane as a plane including an inactive or active surface of any of the semiconductor chips structuring the first or second chip block.

Abstract: A semiconductor multi-package module has stacked lower and upper packages, each of which includes a die attached to a substrate, in which the second package is inverted, in which the upper and lower substrates are interconnected by wire bonding, and in which the inverted second package comprises a bump chip carrier package. Also, a method for making a semiconductor multi-package module, by providing a lower molded package including a lower substrate and a die, affixing an upper bump chip carrier package including an upper substrate in inverted orientation onto the upper surface of the lower package, and forming z-interconnects between the upper and lower substrates.