Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. The invention relates as well to the DNA sequences encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, designated PPAR-?, obtained from a human source. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-21 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-21 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Using the expression vectors, the IL-21 gene was produced in E. coli to a level of greater than 1 g/L in fed batch fermentation. Also included are OmpT deficient E. coli strains transformed with an IL-21 expression vector.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a chicken LIF gene. Based on this genetic information, LIF protein derived from the chicken can be stably supplied and it solves the problems of the creation of transgenic chickens in the past. In addition, the present invention provides not only transgenic chickens for testing purposes but also supplies the first practical transgenic stock animals. The present invention relates to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) shown in sequence No. 2, and the gene that encodes thereof shown in sequence No. 1, and a manufacturing method of chicken LIF. In addition, the present invention pertains to a differential preventer of the chicken differentiable cell, and a method of chicken differential prevention and a culturing method for the chicken differentiable cell using thereof, and a medium comprising thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel human IL-1 epsilon polypeptides, 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, the use of such polypeptides and fragmented peptides in cellular and immune reactions and as molecular weight markers, the use of such polypeptides and fragmented peptides as controls for peptide fragmentation, and kits comprising these reagents.

Abstract: Raffinose is produced by allowing a raffinose synthase having the following properties to act on sucrose and galactinol: (1) action and substrate specificity: produces raffinose from sucrose and galactinol; (2) optimum pH: about 6 to 8; (3) optimum temperature: about 35 to 40° C.; (4) molecular weight: (i) about 75 kDa to 95 kDa estimated by gel filtration chromatography; (ii) about 90 kDa to 100 kDa estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Native PAGE); and (iii) about 90 kDa to 100 kDa estimated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under a reduced condition (SDS-PAGE); and (5) inhibition: inhibited by iodoacetamide, N-ethylmaleimide, and myo-inositol.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ?-keto acid reductase isolated from Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum, and a DNA encoding the reductase. The enzyme and homologs thereof reduce ?-keto acids under the presence of NADH to produce optically active ?-hydroxy acids. The ?-hydroxy acids of the present invention include optically active mandelic acid derivatives of formula II.

Abstract: hPDP polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing hPDP polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The production of biomass or a desired product from a cell can be improved by inducing conversion of ATP to ADP without primary effects on other cellular metabolites or functions which is achieved by expressing an uncoupled ATPase activity in the cell and incubating the cell with a suitable substrate to produce the biomass or product. This is conveniently done by expressing in the cell the soluble part (F1) of the membrane bound (F0F1 type) H+ ATPase or a portion of F1 exhibiting ATPase activity. The organism from which the F1 ATPase or portions thereof is derived, or in which the F1 ATPase or portions thereof is expressed, may be selected from prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Abstract: Novel carbonyl hydrolase variants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally-occurring or recombinant non-human carbonyl hydrolases are disclosed. The variant carbonyl hydrolases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant carbonyl hydrolase to generate the substitution of a plurality of amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase. Such variant carbonyl hydrolases have properties which are different from those of the precursor hydrolase, such as altered proteolytic activity, altered stability, etc. The substituted amino acid residues correspond to positions +76 in combination with one or more of the following residues +99, +101, +103, +104, +107, +123, +27, +105, +109, +126, +128, +135, +156, +166, +195, +197, +204, +206, +210, +216, +217, +218, +222, +260, +265 and/or +274 in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subtilisin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention discloses novel sucrose isomerases, polynucleotides encoding these sucrose isomerases, methods for isolating such polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Also disclosed are cells, including transformed bacterial or plant cells, and differentiated plants comprising cells, which contain these sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides, as well as extracts thereof. Methods of producing isomaltulose are also disclosed which use the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, cell extracts and plants of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated PGC-1b and PGC-1c nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel isoforms of PGC-1 family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing PGC-1 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a PGC-1 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated PGC-1 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PGC-1 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Purified nucleic acids, vectors and cells containing a gene cassette encoding at least one modified bioluminescent protein, wherein the modification includes the addition of a peptide sequence. The duration of bioluminescence emitted by the modified bioluminescent protein is shorter than the duration of bioluminescence emitted by an unmodified form of the bioluminescent protein.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing such polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of excysting and growing protozoal oocysts by in vitro tissue culture resulting in production of a continuous culture of merozoites. The invention also provides an economical and reliable supply of cultured Eimeria sp. for vaccine production, assays and research. Domesticated avians that have been vaccinated using the provied Eimeria sp. are also provided.

Abstract: This method facilitates the cost effective treatment of liquid, hazardous, and solid waste in a landfill or composting site or any other containment facility. The ability to distribute the oxygen to the waste, facilitate aerobic degradation, and remove the spent waste are the focal points of the process. This invention can digest any size landfill or treat any size green waste pile. Waste moisture content is increased, eliminating fires and the aerobic degradation halts the production of harmful greenhouse gases and odors. Liquid is oxygen-supplemented and added to the waste to maintain aerobic degradation. Temperature increases with the availability of the dissolved and released oxygen. The bacteria break down the solids and liquid waste. The digested material is available for release, cover or agricultural uses. Facility space is recovered, odors are minimized, and environmental risk is minimized.

Abstract: Electrodes and configurations for electrochemical bioreactor systems that can use electrical energy as a source of reducing power in fermentation or enzymatic reactions and that can use electron mediators and a biocatalyst, such as cells or enzymes, to produce electricity are disclosed. Example electrodes in the system may comprise: (1) neutral red covalently bound to graphite felt (FIG. 1); (2) a carboxylated cellulose bound to the graphite fell, neutral red bound to the carboxylated cellulose, NAD+ to the graphite fell, and an oxidoreductase (e.g., fumarate reductase) bound to the graphite fell; or (3) a metal ion electron mediator bound to graphite. Various biocatalysts, such as an oxidoreductase, cells of Actinobacillus succinogenes, cells of Escherichia coli, and sewage sludge, are suitable for use in the electrochemical bioreactor system.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid sequences which are complementary, in one embodiment, to a wide variety of mouse genes. The invention provides the sequences in such a way as to make them available for a variety of analyses. In one embodiment the nucleic acid sequences provided are present as an array of probes that may be used to measure gene expression of at least 30,000 mouse genes. As such, the invention relates to diverse fields impacted by the nature of molecular interaction, including chemistry, biology, medicine, and medical diagnostics.

Abstract: Isolated ASMT nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as well as ASMT allozymes. Methods for determining if a mammal is at risk for toxicity from acute or chronic arsenic exposure also are described.

Abstract: The invention features tumor antigens; tumor antigen-encoding nucleic acids; antibodies specific for tumor antigens and methods of using the antibodies; methods of identifying tumor antigens and the nucleic acids that encode them; methods of monitoring or diagnosing tumors in patients; methods of testing patients for the increased likelihood of developing a tumor; and methods and compositions for treatment of a tumor or prophylaxis against developing a tumor.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cryopreservation and a method for preventing injury caused by cooling and warming of tissue and for reducing the toxicity of vitrification solutions. The present method achieves reduction or elimination of injury by increasing the tonicity of the medium to greater than isotonic prior to cooling. The method was developed by attempting to simulate without freezing, the events that take place during freezing living cells and/or tissue. A further benefit of the method is that, since the cryopreservation medium is hypertonic, it can be diluted to a more extreme degree in one step once the system is rewarmed, without engendering the degree of cell swelling that would attend the same dilution factor when diluting an isotonic cryopreservation medium.

Abstract: A packaging cell line capable of complementing recombinant adenoviruses based on serotypes from subgroup B, preferably adenovirus type 35. The cell line is preferably derived from primary diploid human cells transformed by adenovirus E1 sequences either operatively linked on one or two DNA molecules, the sequences operatively linked to regulatory sequences enabling transcription and translation of encoded proteins. Also, a cell line derived from PER.C6 that expresses functional Ad35-E1B sequences. The Ad35-E1B sequences are driven by the E1B promoter and terminated by a heterologous poly-adenylation signal. The new cell lines are useful for producing recombinant adenoviruses. The cell lines can be used to produce human recombinant therapeutic proteins such as human antibodies. In addition, the cell lines are useful for producing human viruses other than adenovirus such as influenza, herpes simplex, rotavirus, and measles.

Abstract: This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells and differentiated neurons, obtained by culturing pluripotent cells in special growth cocktails. The technology can be used to produce progenitors that proliferate through at least ˜40 doublings, while maintaining the ability to differentiate into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The neural progenitors and terminally differentiated neurons of this invention can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants cells that express a peptide mimotope of the non-peptide mycotoxin deoxynivalenol. In particular, the peptide mimotope competes with deoxynivalenol for binding to a monoclonal antibody and is antagonistic to the inhibitory effects of deoxynivalenol on in vitro protein synthesis. ransgenic plants expressing the peptide mimotype are resistant to deoxynivalenol.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the isolation of nucleotide sequences of the 2S albumin gene and its promoter from grape. Promoter sequences of the invention provide for seed-specific transcription of operably linked polynucleotide sequences. Seed-specific expression activity of the subject promoter was also characterized by using transient green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression analysis in transformed somatic embryos (SE) of grape (cv. Thompson Seedless). The subject invention also concerns expression constructs comprising a promoter of the present invention. Plants, plant tissues, and plant cells bred to contain or transformed with a polynucleotide of the invention are also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of novel proteins exhibiting bonding activity for certain ligands, the so-called anticalins. To this end, the structure of peptides of the lipocalin family is modified by amino acid replacement in their natural ligand binding pocket using genetic engineering methods. A like immunoglobulin, the anticalin thus obtained can be used to identify or bond molecular structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are sequences encoding monomeric variants of DsRed fluorescent proteins and methods of use.

Abstract: Lentiviral vectors modified at the 5? LTR or both the 5? and 3? LTR are useful in the production of recombinant lentivirus vectors (See the Figure). Such vectors can be produced in the absence of a functional tat gene. Multiple transformation of the host cell with the vector carrying the transgene enhances virus production. The vectors can contain inducible or conditional promoters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry-chemical method and a test kit for the rapid, quantitative analysis of total acid in wine and must. In this method, a slightly alkaline buffer is added to the sample to be analyzed, and the total acid content is determined from the resultant pH with the aid of a test stick with pH indicator.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to by physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: A method for optical measuring of the solid substance content in a fluid uses periodical flushing of an optical sensor (1) with a combination of pressurized air and water in the form of a jet. The jet exerts a very powerful cleaning effect without causing scratches on measuring surfaces of glass or similar materials. The invention also relates to a system for performing such flushing in connection with measuring.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample includes at least one reagent supply and at least one reaction containment device for containing a volume of sample and a volume of said at least one reagent from said at least one reagent supply. A wash-free delivery system introduces reagent into at least one reaction containment device without requiring washing of delivery components.

Abstract: This invention provides novel assays that are prognostic and/or diagnostic for atherosclerosis or risk of atherosclerosis. It was discovered that high density lipoprotein (HDL) or components thereof can prevent the oxidation of lipids (e.g., lipids present in LDLs) and can also repair (reduce) already oxidized lipids and thereby reduce the inflammatory response associated with and characteristic of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Moreover it was a discovery of this invention that individuals vary in the ability of their HDL to afford such protection. Thus an assay of HDL protective and/or repair activity provides a highly effective assay for risk of atherosclerosis and its associated pathologies and such assays are provided herein.

Abstract: An improved method of screening crystal growth conditions is provided wherein molecules are crystallized from solutions containing dyes. These dyes are selectively incorporated or associated with crystals of particular character thereby rendering crystals of particular character colored and improving detection of the dyed crystals. A preferred method involves use of dyes in protein solutions overlayed by oil. Use of oil allows the use of small volumes of solution and facilitates the screening of large numbers of crystallization conditions in arrays using automated devices that dispense appropriate solutions to generate crystallization trials, overlay crystallization trials with an oil, provide appropriate conditions conducive to crystallization and enhance detection of dyed (colored) or undyed (uncolored) crystals that result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for distinguishing between protein variants using high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS). A method according to the instant invention includes the steps of providing a FAIMS analyzer region defined by a space between two spaced-apart electrodes, and providing predetermined conditions within said FAIMS analyzer region. Ions of an analyte protein are produced from a solution having predetermined properties and including the analyte protein, using a suitable ionization source. The ions are introduced into the FAIMS analyzer region, transmitted therethrough, and detected. An intensity of the detected ions is measured at a predetermined CV value. At least a difference is determined, between the detected intensity and a reference value, the reference value relating to an expected intensity at the predetermined CV value for a reference form of the analyte protein.

Abstract: A process is provided for transferring and releasing substances which are air-sensitive or moisture-sensitive or light-sensitive, or air-sensitive and moisture-sensitive, or air-sensitive and light-sensitive, or moisture-sensitive and light-sensitive, or air-sensitive, moisture-sensitive and light-sensitive, at least one substance (20) which is air-sensitive or moisture-sensitive or light-sensitive, or air-sensitive and moisture-sensitive, or air-sensitive and light-sensitive, or moisture-sensitive and light-sensitive, or air-sensitive, moisture-sensitive and light-sensitive.

Abstract: Device (1) for assaying a particulate analyte, comprising (a) a receptacle (2) for receiving a suspension (5) of particulate analyte, and containing label (3) for the particulate analyte, and (b) a porous detection material (4) that is permeable to label (3) but is impermeable to particulate analyte, the detection material (4) being arranged within receptacle (2) such that introduction of suspension (5) of particulate analyte into receptacle (2) forms liquid communication between label (3) and detection material (4). After liquid sample (5) is introduced into the receptacle (2), capillary flow through the porous detection material (4) begins. Particulate analyte cannot flow through the detection material (4) and is captured at its surface. Addition of liquid sample (5) also releases the label (3) within the receptacle (2), which is then free to flow through the detection material (4). Label (3) encounters the captured analyte and gives a signal (7).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the critical dimensions and monitoring the phase shift angles of photomasks. Critical dimensions measurement data before wafer processing and after wafer processing are collected by an integrated metrology tool to adjust the process recipe, to determine if the critical dimensions are in specification and to determine if additional etching is required. Phase shift angle and uniformity across substrate measurement after wafer processing are collected by an integrated metrology tool to determine if the phase shift angle and its uniformity are in specification. The real time process recipe adjustment and determination if additional etching is requires allow tightening of the process control. The phase shift angle and uniformity monitoring allows in-line screening of phase shift photomasks.

Abstract: In a stacked die integrated circuit structure, the structure can subsequently be tested by removing any packaging material and separating the die from a die paddle and from each other. The separation can involve the use of chemicals or heat, with or without the use of mechanical force. One aspect of the invention includes making use of specifically chosen adhesives to secure the die to the die paddle and to each other, so that any subsequent removal can readily be achieved.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring cracks in a semiconductor device, such as a wafer and, more particularly, to a BEOL wirebond crack sensor for low-k dies or wafers, and a method of providing the wirebond crack sensor for low-k wafers or the like structures.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a doping apparatus, a doping method, and a method for fabricating a thin film transistor that can carry out doping to the carrier concentration which is optimum for obtaining the desired electric characteristic non-destructively and in an easy manner. In accordance with the present invention, an electric characteristic of a semiconductor element (threshold voltage in a transistor and the like) is correctly and precisely monitored by using a contact angle, and is controlled by controlling a doping method. In addition, the present invention can be momentarily acquired information by in-situ monitoring the characteristic and can be fed back without a time lag.

Abstract: A current-voltage response of at least one site of a semiconductor wafer where ions have been implanted in the semiconducting material of the semiconductor wafer is measured prior to annealing the semiconductor wafer. From the measured response, a determination is made whether the ion implantation is within acceptable tolerance(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are a display system and a method of producing the same. In the present invention, a hexagonal pyramid shaped GaN semiconductor light-emitting device selectively crystal-grown is fixed on an upper surface of a substrate by embedding it in an insulation layer formed of an epoxy resin. Then the insulation layer is selectively dry etched in an oxygen plasma atmosphere to expose an upper end portion of the GaN semiconductor light-emitting device. A conductor film is formed on the entire surface, and a required portion of the conductor film is left as a lead-out electrode while the unrequired portion is removed by lithography.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfabrication process which may be used to manufacture a MEMS device. In one embodiment, the process comprises depositing at least one first layer on a substrate. The process further comprises patterning said first layer to define at least a first portion of said microelectromechanical system device. The process further comprises depositing a second layer on said first layer. The process further comprises patterning said second layer using said first layer as a photomask. The process further comprises developing said second layer to define at least a second portion of the microelectromechanical system device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate; forming a thin film on the substrate; forming a photoresistable layer on the thin film; irradiating light onto the photoresistable layer through a photo mask having a transmissive region, a semi-transmissive region, a diffractive region and an interceptive region, and developing the photoresistable layer to form a photoresist pattern having at least three different thicknesses. With the above-described process, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), for example, can be manufactured using three photo masks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for introducing light into a waveguide, which device comprises: a light source, preferably an electro-optical converter, more preferably a VCSEL, for generating a light beam; a reflector for receiving at least a part of the light beam and for reflecting at least a part of the received part, wherein the waveguide and the material layer lie substantially mutually in line and both rest at least partially on a substantially flat substrate, wherein the light source and the reflector are positioned relative to the waveguide such that at least a part of the reflected part is introduced into the waveguide. The invention also relates to a device for emitting light from a waveguide. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such devices.

Abstract: A system and method is described for providing automated sample preparation for plan view transmission electron microscopy. A sample wafer is microcleaved from a semiconductor wafer and mounted on a first support stub. Then the sample wafer is cut with an automated diamond sawing tool to expose a cross sectional view of the sample wafer. The sample wafer is removed from the first support stub and rotated to orient the sample wafer for plan view imaging. The rotated sample wafer is then remounted on a second support stub and cut with the automated diamond sawing tool to expose a plan view surface of the rotated sample wafer. The remounted sample wafer is subsequently prepared for focused ion beam (FIB) milling and plan view transmission electron microscopy imaging.

Abstract: A method of fabricating quantum features on a substrate from a layer of material selected from materials identified in the III-V periodic groups (e.g., silicon (Si), InP, Si—Ge, and the like) uses sequentially two patterned masks, each mask includes an elongated mask pattern disposed substantially orthogonal to the elongated pattern of the other mask. In one embodiment, the method forms on a semiconductor wafer a plurality of quantum dots having topographic dimensions of about 30 nm or less. In another embodiment, the invention may be halted after a first etch process to form quantum lines.

Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting element, manufacturing method thereof, integrated semiconductor light emitting device, manufacturing method thereof, illuminating device, and manufacturing method thereof are provided. An n-type GaN layer is grown on a sapphire substrate, and a growth mask of SiN, for example, is formed thereon. On the n-type GaN layer exposed through an opening in the growth mask, a six-sided steeple-shaped n-type GaN layer is selectively grown, which has inclined crystal planes each composed of a plurality of crystal planes inclined from the major surface of the sapphire substrate by different angles of inclination to exhibit a convex plane as a whole. On the n-type GaN layer, an active layer and a p-type GaN layer are grown to make a light emitting element structure. Thereafter, a p-side electrode and an n-side electrode are formed.

Abstract: A trench photosensor for use in a CMOS imager having an improved charge capacity. The trench photosensor may be either a photogate or photodiode structure. The trench shape of the photosensor provides the photosensitive element with an increased surface area compared to a flat photosensor occupying a comparable area on a substrate. The trench photosensor also exhibits a higher charge capacity, improved dynamic range, and a better signal-to-noise ratio. Also disclosed are processes for forming the trench photosensor.

Abstract: A linear accelerometer is provided having a support substrate, fixed electrodes having fixed capacitive plates, and a movable inertial mass having movable capacitive plates capacitively coupled to the fixed capacitive plates. Adjacent capacitive plates vary in height. The accelerometer further includes support tethers for supporting the inertial mass and allowing movement of the inertial mass upon experiencing a linear acceleration along a sensing axis. The accelerometer has inputs and an output for providing an output signal which varies as a function of the capacitive coupling and is indicative of both magnitude and direction of vertical acceleration along the sensing Z-axis. A microsensor fabrication process is also provided which employs a top side mask and etch module.