Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.

Abstract: A novel tyrosyl diester antibiotic is obtained from fermentation of a recombinant strain of Streptomyces lividans designated Stretomyces lividans WD 15684 (ATCC-202143). The new antibiotic, designated tyrissamycin, exhibits antibacterial activity, particularly against gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a novel gene originating in an acetic acid bacterium, which participates in temperature tolerance; a method of improving the temperature tolerance of a microorganism, in particular, an acetic acid bacterium using the above gene; and a method of efficiently producing vinegar having a higher acetic acid concentration with the use of an acetic acid bacterium whose temperature tolerance has been improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to health food, health drink, and health supplement. The invention relates to biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of animals. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions to produce a healthful benefit in a subject with immunodeficiency disorders or immunosuppression by promoting activation and proliferation of white blood cells.

Abstract: Mutants of 2,5-diketo-D-gluconic acid reductase A, an enzyme used to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, a precursor of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are prepared by site-directed mutagenesis. These mutants have increased catalytic activity, increased expression levels, and/or enhanced temperature stability.

Abstract: Drug screening assays useful in the discovery of pharmaceutically active compounds for use in the treatment of diseases involving abnormal lipid metabolism including diabetic neuropathy are taught. In particular, the control region of delta-5-desaturase gene is taught as a target for the drug screening methods, which serve to identify nucleotides, proteins, compounds and/or other pharmacological agents, which modulate the activity of desaturase enzymes or regulate the level of expression of the desaturase genes. Cell-based and cell lysate assays are taught for detecting components that interact with the desaturase enzymes and modify fatty acid profiles. In addition, cell-based and cell lysate assays are used to identify functional and regulatory elements controlling expression of the desaturase genes as well as to screen for components that modulate the transcriptional activity of the desaturase genes. Also taught is the gene for rat delta-5-desaturase.

Abstract: A novel strain of Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremori (“Ropy 352”) has been identified and isolated. Ropy 352 produces a previously unknown exopolysaccharide (EPS 352) that when expressed or added to milk, imparts highly desirable sensory characteristics to the milk, including making the milk very thick, with a very smooth mouth-feel, and slightly sweet with an obvious “chewable-bite”.

Abstract: An enzyme exhibiting endo-?-1,4-glucanase activity which belongs to family 9 of glycosyl hydrolases is obtainable from or endogeneous to a strain belonging to the genus Bacillus such as Bacillus licheniformis, ATCC 14580; an isolated polynucleotide (DNA) molecule encoding an enzyme or enzyme core (the catalytically active domain of the enzyme) exhibiting endo-?-1,4-glucanase activity selected from (a) polynucleotide molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 from nucleotide 76 to nucleotide 1455 or from nucleotide 76 to nucleotide 1941, (b) polynucleotide molecules that encode a polypeptide being at least 75% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid residue 26 to amino acid 485 or from amino acid residue 26 to amino acid residue 646, and (c) degenerate nucleotide sequences of (a) or (b), the expressed endoglucanase enzyme being useful in various industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a novel ?-glucosidase and a gene that codes for the enzyme, and to develop a technique of utilizing the ?-glucosidase or a composition that contains the enzyme for processing plants or plant-derived substances. According to the invention, there are provided a novel enzyme showing a ?-glucosidase activity and derived from filamentous fungi of the genus Acremonium, a gene that codes for the enzyme, a method of using the gene for expressing ?-glucosidase, an enzyme composition that contains ?-glucosidase, and a method of processing plants or plant-derived substances with the enzyme or the enzyme compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cellulase enzymes, especially novel endoglucanases including endoglucanase fusion proteins, preparations and compositions containing these endoglucanase enzymes and fusion proteins, expression vectors, host cells and methods for their preparation and uses of the cellulases, preparations and compositions in the textile, detergent and pulp and paper industries.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding a delta-8 desaturase along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using this delta-8 desaturase in plants and oleaginous yeast.

Abstract: An chimerical polypeptide that arrests proliferating cells in mitosis is provided. In general the polypeptide has an N-terminal transit peptide, such as HIV-1 Tat, and a C-terminal cell-cycle effector, such as a G2/M cyclin or a cytostatic factor. A polynucleotide under the control of a heterologous promoter that encodes a polypeptide that arrests cells in mitosis is also provided. The polynucleotide may, for example, encode a G2/M cyclin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the agent that inhibits transit through mitosis is provided. A method of treating patients suffering from a hyperplasia, such as cancer, psoriasis or benign prostate hyperplasia is provided.

Abstract: System for thermocycling of fluids in cartridges comprising a thermocycling unit in thermal contact with a first substantially planar and heat conducting wall of a cartridge, a light source for transmitting light into the interior of said cartridge through a second light transparent wall of said cartridge which is arranged substantially perpendicular to said first wall, a light detector for detecting light emerging from the interior of the cartridge through said second wall and a fluid providing unit coupled to an inlet of the cartridge for providing the cartridge with fluid and an outlet of the cartridge to drain gas when the cartridge is filled with fluid. The invention further concerns a cartridge for conducting the thermal cycling of fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adenovirus fiber modified by the mutation of one or more residues. The residues are directed towards the natural cell receptor in the three-dimensional structure of said adenovirus. The invention further relates to a DNA fragment, and expression vector, and a cell line expressing said fiber, and also concerns an adenovirus, the process for producing this type of adenovirus, and an infectable host cell, as well as their therapeutic application and a corresponding pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Mutations to the tumor suppressor protein p53 have been observed in 40-60% of all human cancers. These mutations are often associated with high nuclear and cytoplasmic concentrations of p53. Since many tumors exhibit highly elevated p53 levels, the protein is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Unfortunately, p53 is an autoantigen that is likely to be tolerated as a self-protein by the immune system. The present invention is based on the discovery that this self-tolerance can be overcome by administration of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) containing a nucleic acid that encodes p53 (rMVAp53). The invention discloses a method of generating a p53-specific CTL-response to tumor cells expressing mutated p53 by administering a composition comprising rMVAp53. Administration of rMVAp53 decreases tumor development, tumor growth, and mortality in a variety of malignant cell types. These effects are enhanced by administration of CTLA-4 blocker and/or CpG oligodeoxynucleotide immunomodulators.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are expression vectors which display a passenger polypeptide on the outer surface of a biological entity. As disclosed herein the displayed passenger polypeptide is capable of interacting or binding with a given ligand. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the expression vectors. N/C terminal fusion expression vectors and methods of making and using are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for preparing monolayers of cells. The apparatus comprises a container (6) for a cryosubstitution system and an insert (1) for the container, the insert (1) having a surface (1a) and a plurality of orifices (3). An SCS (2) together with a cellular monolayer (20) is insertable into each of the orifices (3). The SCS (2) is thus arranged perpendicular to the surface (1a) of the insert (1).

Abstract: Animal stem cells are obtained and maintained by culturing cells containing, in the genome, a selectable marker. Differential expression of the selectable marker enables preferential survival and/or division of the desired stem cells compared to the non-stem cells.

Abstract: It has been discovered that when pluripotent stem cells are cultured in the presence of a hepatocyte differentiation agent, a population of cells is derived that has a remarkably high proportion of cells with phenotypic characteristics of liver cells. In one example, human embryonic stem cells are allowed to form embryoid bodies, and then combined with the differentiation agent n-butyrate, optionally supplemented with maturation factors. In another example, n-butyrate is added to human embryonic stem cells in feeder-free culture. Either way, a remarkably uniform cell population is obtained, which is predominated by cells with morphological features of hepatocytes, expressing surface markers characteristic of hepatocytes, and having enzymatic and biosynthetic activity important for liver function.

Abstract: The invention provides a peptide having at least 3 amino acids comprising an amino acid sequence selected from a) X1SM [SEQ.ID.NO.:1] b) LX2HK [SEQ.ID.NO.:2] c) PSGX3ARA [SEQ.ID.NO.:9] d) SX4RSMNF [SEQ.ID. NO.:16] e) LX5HKSMP [SEQ.ID.NO.:18] in which X is a basic amino acid residue, X1 is Q or P, X2 is A or T, X3 is an acidic amino acid residue and X4 is P or Q, the invention further provides non-viral cell-targeting vector complexes and methods associated therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for rapidly generating a plurality of isolated effluents have been developed. A specific embodiment involves screening a plurality of solids through simultaneously contacting the members of the plurality with a fluid, sampling the resulting fluids, and processing the resulting fluids to, for example, determine changes as compared to the feed fluid or as compared to other resulting fluids.

Abstract: A system for detecting and analyzing patient sample quality and/or analytes, while the sample is in the metering tip used to aspirate the sample liquid from an original patient sample container, and also to dispense the liquid onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis may be done on the sample liquid while it is still in the tip which has been converted into a cuvette. One technique for such analysis is by scanning the cuvette for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure. Near-infrared and adjacent visible radiation may be used, and the absorption spectra of the liquid detected and analyzed. A possible aspect of the present invention relates to enhancing throughput of an analyzer by conducting a sample quality measurement in a process that is parallel to the main analyzer timing cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of photometric analysis, particularly to photometric analysis apparatuses which use disk-shaped rotors, in which the rotors are loaded automatically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of carbon-13 and deuterium metabolic tracers and methods that when used in conjunction with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, provide a measurement of metabolic fluxes in the target organisms. The tracers of the present invention may be taken orally during the same clinical exam. The metabolic information can be derived from blood, urine or other fluids to provide a comprehensive profile of glucogenic metabolism. The subject matter of the present invention may be applied to the study of metabolic dysfunction related to obesity, diabetes, HIV infection and a variety of other disease conditions.

Abstract: A method of detecting parasite infection, particularly malaria, includes mixing a blood sample with a lytic reagent system to lyse red blood cells, and to form a sample mixture; performing a differential analysis of white blood cells of the sample mixture on a blood analyzer, and obtaining a cell volume distribution of a white blood cell subpopulation from a cell volume measurement used in the differential analysis; obtaining a cell volume parameter from the cell volume distribution of the white blood cell subpopulation; evaluating the cell volume parameter against a predetermined criterion, and reporting an indication of the parasite infection if the cell volume parameter meets the predetermined criterion. The method also uses a discriminant obtained from cell volume parameters of two different white blood cell subpopulations against a predetermined criterion. The method further use a cell distribution parameter of a cell distribution obtained using a RF impedance measurement.

Abstract: Device and methods for the removal of phospholipids from biological samples are disclosed and described. Removal of phospholipids may be desirable for the analysis of the phospholipids themselves, or to prevent the phospholipids from conflicting with and effectively masking other analytes in the sample for which identification or quantification is sought.

Abstract: In a method for quantitating an analyte by measuring time resolved transfer of fluorescence energy to or from a label quantitatively associated with the analyte, the present invention provides an improvement comprising measuring the energy transferred from donor compounds having the ability to absorb light energy and then transfer this energy to cross-linked allophycocyanin in a time-resolved manner, where the cross-linked allophycocyanin used according to this invention has not been exposed to strongly chaotropic agents after cross-linking.

Abstract: In order to identify a marking which is arranged on a body and contains a marking substance with a specific property, the marking initially is scanned by use of radiation. The marking substance is then brought into contact with a detector substance having a specific property corresponding to the marking substance. A combination of the marking and detector substances which results because of the corresponding specific properties, exhibits fluorescent behavior. The marking is then scanned by use of the radiation in a second measurement, and identified by based upon the results of the two measurements.

Abstract: This invention is to a microreactor type of reaction and analysis system. The system includes a chemical reaction chamber having internal conduits through which a chemical reactant, such as a reaction gas, can be fed. The conduits for transporting fluids such as reactant, carrier gas and balance gas are in appropriate communication such that the amount of reactant going directly to a catalyst located in the reaction chamber can be optimally controlled. The system is highly useful for studying the kinetics of a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held device of the type useful to perform an in vitro immunodiagnostic assay for an analyte of interest. In embodiments of the invention, the device incorporates a carrier for conducting the assay which comprises an array of pads including a sample pad, a narrow detection pad for detecting analyte, and a bridging pad coupled in flow communication therebetween. The device is provided with a housing adapted to deliver sample onto the carrier as a linear band having a width greater than the detection pad. In combination, these features yield a device that retains the sensitivity required for diagnostic accuracy, yet is improved in terms of cost and ease of manufacture.

Abstract: Colloidal metal particles having a coating comprising non cross-linked, SH-activated dextran or aminodextran. Biomolecules may be linked directly or indirectly to the particles, which are useful as detection reagents in immunological assays.

Abstract: The fabrication of the wafer may be analyzed starting from when the wafer is in a partially fabricated state. The value of a specified performance parameter may be determined at a plurality of locations on an active area of a die of the wafer. The specified performance parameter is known to be indicative of a particular fabrication process in the fabrication. Evaluation information may then be obtained based on a variance of the value of the performance parameter at the plurality of locations. This may be done without affecting a usability of a chip that is created from the die. The evaluation information may be used to evaluate how one or more processes that include the particular fabrication process that was indicated by the performance parameter value was performed.

Abstract: The method for determining the thickness of a dielectric layer according to the invention comprises the step of providing an electrically conductive body (11) having a dielectric layer (13) which is separated from the electrically conductive body (11) by at least a further dielectric layer (3) and a surface (15) of which is exposed. Onto the exposed surface (15) an electric charge is deposited, thereby inducing an electric potential difference between the exposed surface (15) and the electrically conductive body (11). An electrical parameter relating to the electric potential difference is determined and a measurement is performed to obtain additional measurement data relating to the thickness of the dielectric layer (13) and/or to the thickness of the further dielectric layer (3). In this way the thickness of the dielectric layer (13) and/or of the further dielectric layer (3) is determined.

Abstract: Methods for producing phosphor based light sources are disclosed. One method includes measuring an excitation light output of an LED, forming a plurality of phosphor film articles, measuring an optical characteristic of each of the plurality of phosphor film articles, selecting one of the plurality of phosphor film articles based on the LED excitation light output and measured optical characteristic of the one of the plurality of phosphor film articles to obtain a desired emission light output from the phosphor film article when the phosphor film article is positioned to receive the excitation light, and positioning the phosphor film article to receive the excitation light.

Abstract: A device and method for designing and manufacturing an integrated heat spreader so that the integrated heat spreader will have a flat surface on which to mount a heat sink after being assembled into a package and exposed to the heat of a die. This device and method for designing and manufacturing an integrated heat spreader would generate a heat spreader that would be built compensate for deformations resulting from (1) physical manipulation during assembly (2) thermal gradients during operation and (3) differing rates of expansion and contraction of the package materials coupled with multiple package assembly steps at elevated temperatures so that one surface of the integrated heat spreader would have a flat shape.

Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus comprising an optical die flip-chip bonded to a substrate and defining a volume between the optical die and the substrate, the optical die including an optically active area on a surface of the die facing the substrate, an optically transparent material occupying at least those portions of the volume substantially corresponding with the optically active area, and an underfill material occupying portions of the volume not occupied by the optically transparent material.

Abstract: A poly-silicon liquid crystal display device with an improved aperture ratio and a simplified method of fabricating the same are disclosed. A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes first and second substrates; a gate line on the first substrate; a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel region; a thin film transistor (TFT) near the crossing of the gate and data lines, the TFT having a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode; a pixel electrode in the pixel region, the pixel electrode having a double-layer structure in which a metal layer is formed on a transparent conductive layer; a black matrix on the second substrate, the black matrix having an aperture portion partially overlapping the pixel electrode and the drain electrode; and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a substrate including a first driving region, a second driving region, and a pixel region, the pixel region including a switching region and a storage region; a first n-type transistor in the first driving region, a second p-type transistor in the second driving region; a third transistor in the switching region, the third transistor including a gate electrode, an active layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode; an extension portion in the storage region and extending from the active layer; a metal pattern on the extension portion; a storage line over the metal pattern; and a pixel electrode in the pixel region and contacting the third transistor, wherein the metal pattern, the storage line and the pixel electrode form first, second and third electrodes of a storage capacitor that includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor parallel to each other.

Abstract: In a semiconductor photo-detector of the present invention, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer having, and a photo-absorption part composed of a photo-absorption layer sandwiched between these layers are disposed on a substrate, at least the photo-absorption layer is formed at a position apart inwardly by a finite length from an end surface of the substrate, an end surface of the second semiconductor layer and the substrate or the end surface of the substrate is provided with a light incident facet angled inwardly as it separates from the surface of the second semiconductor or the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Nanoelectromechanical switch systems (NEMSS) that are structured around the mechanical manipulation of nanotubes are provided. Such NEMSS can realize the functionality of, for example, automatic switches, adjustable diodes, amplifiers, inverters, variable resistors, pulse position modulators (PPMs), and transistors. In one embodiment, a nanotube is anchored at one end to a base member. The nanotube is also coupled to a voltage source. This voltage source creates an electric charge at the tip of the free-moving-end of the nanotube that is representative of the polarity and intensity of the voltage source. The free-moving end of this nanotube can be electrically controlled by applying an electric charge to a nearby charge member layer that is either of the same (repelling) or opposite (attracting) polarity of the nanotube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic semiconductor device comprising an organic semiconductor layer having good charge carrier transport property, wherein a carrier injection to the organic semiconductor layer is easy. The above problem is solved by an organic semiconductor device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode facing to each other, and an organic semiconductor layer provided in between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a charge carrier injection promoting layer is formed in between the organic semiconductor layer and at least one electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method for coupling a lid to a support substrate having a semiconductor chip coupled thereto and a clamp fixture. Each semiconductor component has a semiconductor chip mounted to a semiconductor component and a lid coupled to the support substrate via a lid attach material. The lid attach material is cured either using a two-step process that includes a partial cure step followed by a clampless cure step or by curing the die attach material in a clamp fixture without including a pre-cure step. The semiconductor component manufacture decides on the curing approach based on cost and the number of semiconductor components being manufactured. If the semiconductor manufacturer opts for curing with a clamp fixture, the clamp fixture includes a base plate insert on which the semiconductor components are placed and a compression mechanism that includes a compression plate having a compressive material disposed thereon.

Abstract: A flip chip packaging process uses an underfill as an encapsultant to reduce the possibility of delamination from occurring due to differential coefficients of thermal expansion, and thus the reliability of a flip chip package structure can be increased. Furthermore, the flooding of the encapsulant over the cutting line need not be taken into consideration for cutting the substrate. Therefore, the usage area of the substrate usage is increased, i.e., more chips can be mounted per unit area of the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated circuit lid fixture and methods of using the same are provided. In one aspect, an integrated circuit lid fixture is provided that includes a base that has a plurality of pillars. Each of the plurality of pillars has a surface for supporting a substrate that may be removably seated thereon. The surfaces of the plurality of pillars have a first footprint at least as large as a footprint of the substrates to be placed thereon. A plate is provided for applying a compressive force to an integrated circuit lid positioned on any of the substrates removably seated on the pillars.

Abstract: A semiconductor package assembly and method for electrically isolating modules, having a capacitor within the semiconductor package assembly. The package assembly and method are suitable for electrically isolating modules according to IEEE 1394.

Abstract: A carrier for use in a chip-scale package, including a polymeric film with apertures defined therethrough. The apertures, which are alignable with corresponding bond pads of a semiconductor device, each include a quantity of conductive material extending substantially through the length thereof. The carrier may also include laterally extending conductive traces in contact with or otherwise in electrical communication with the conductive material in the apertures of the carrier. Contacts may be disposed on a backside surface of the carrier. The contacts may communicate with the conductive material disposed in the apertures of the carrier. A conductive bump, such as a solder bump, may be disposed adjacent each or any of the contacts. A chip-scale package including the carrier of the present invention is also within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention, which relates to an electronic component with a semiconductor chip, which is connected to a carrier substrate and surrounded by a housing, is based on presenting a substrate-based, housed electronic component, which enables the continuous release of the internal vapor pressure arising when the electronic component is heated, and at the same time can be produced inexpensively using the known and tried-and-tested methods and materials. According to embodiments of the invention, this is achieved by virtue of the fact that the carrier substrate comprises a plurality of hollow vias open on both sides, which vias are distributed areally in at least one section of the carrier substrate that is covered by the housing.

Abstract: A substrate structure comprising a substrate; a solder mask is formed over the substrate; and a metal trace structure formed within the solder mask. The metal trace structure including a channel therein for the receipt of underfill. The metal trace structure further including a central portion with arms radiating outwardly therefrom, dividing the solder mask into separate areas. A method of underfilling a chip wherein a chip having a pattern of solder bumps formed on the underside of the chip is placed underside first onto the metal trace structure of the present invention. The solder bump pattern including openings over the metal trace structure. Underfill is introduced into the metal trace structure so that the underfill flows from the metal trace structure and between the solder bumps to underfill the chip.

Abstract: A method is provided to suppress detachment between semiconductor packages while preventing dislocation at the time of mounting a stacked semiconductor package on a motherboard. Semiconductor packages PK1 and PK2 are bonded to each other through protruding electrodes and resin is provided between the semiconductor packages PK1 and PK2. The resin is provided in the peripheries of the protruding electrodes so as to contact each of the protruding electrodes while not contacting a semiconductor chip.