Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of critical dimensions and the reduction of feature sizes in manufacturing integrated circuits. Specifically, the method controls photoresist flow rates to develop critical dimensions beyond the resolution limits of the photoresist material used, and the limits of lithographic tool sets. The resist material characteristics are modified by exposing the resist pattern to either electrons, photons, or ions. The exposure modifies the glass transition temperature, cross linking characteristics, decomposition temperature, or molecular weight of the resist material. The post-exposure resist is then easier to control during a subsequent reflow process to reduce the hole size or line size of the patterned resist.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diffuser for a backlight module is disclosed. The method includes providing a transparent substrate; forming a first transparent photoresist layer on the transparent substrate; spreading a plurality of masking particles on the first transparent photoresist layer; exposing and developing the first transparent photoresist layer; removing the masking particles; etching the exposed region of the first transparent photoresist layer to form a first scattering array; and optionally forming a passivation layer on the first transparent photoresist layer.

Abstract: Incorporating a sulfonyldiphenol compound into photothermographic materials improves Raw Stock Keeping and post-processing “hot-dark” print stability especially under harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature.

Abstract: Thermally developable materials including photothermographic and thermographic materials having a buried conductive backside layer comprising one or more binder polymers, and an antistatic compound that is an organic solvent soluble alkali metal salt of any of a perfluorinated aliphatic carboxylic acid having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, a perfluorinated aliphatic sulfonate, or a tetrafluoroborate, provide antistatic coatings that exhibit little dependence on humidity.

Abstract: A silver halide emulsion which exhibits high sensitivity, high contrast, little sensitivity variation with humidity conditions at the time of exposure, and excellent reciprocity law properties at high illumination intensities. Also, a method of preparing the emulsion in a stable manner, and a silver halide color photographic photosensitive material and an image forming method that use the emulsion. The emulsion includes a mesoionic compound having a thiolate structure or a protonated thiolate structure, and the emulsion is sensitized by an Au (III) compound. The emulsion preferably contains an oxidatively dimerized form of a mesoionic compound having a thiolate structure, and a silver chloride content of at least 90 mol %.

Abstract: A photothermographic material of the present invention comprises: a support; a photosensitive silver halide; a non-photosensitive organic silver salt; a heat developer; a binder; and a fluorine compound containing a specific structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and treatment of a urological disorder or urological disorders. Specifically, the present invention identifies the differential expression of Carboxypeptidase Z, identified as “8263” gene in tissues relating to urological disorder, relative to their expression in normal, or non-urological disorder disease states, and/or in response to manipulations relevant to a urological disorder. The present invention describes methods for the diagnostic evaluation and prognosis of various urological diseases, and for the identification of subjects exhibiting a predisposition to such conditions. The invention also provides methods for identifying a compound capable of modulating a urological disorder or urological disorders. The present invention also provides methods for the identification and therapeutic use of compounds as treatments of urological disorders.

Abstract: This invention has as its object a process for generating the idiosyncratic catalytic imprint of a sample, characterized in that it comprises the following stages: the sample that is likely to have the catalytic activity is brought into contact with a group of substrates; the signals that are generated after said contact are captured in some way. Advantageously, after the signals are captured, a processing of the latter that consists of assigning to each signal a digital value constituting a component of a graphic display, for example a color display, of the idiosyncratic imprint is carried out.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel human genes, to proteins expressed by the genes, and to variants of the proteins. The invention also relates to diagnostic assays and therapeutic agents related to the genes and proteins, including probes, antisense constructs, and antibodies. The subject nucleic acids have been found to be differentially regulated in tumor cells, particularly in colon cancer tissue.

Abstract: The invention is a new method to analyze nucleic acid-protein binding data in a systematic or statistical manner in order to determine the DNA binding regions for proteins which bind to DNA and are usually involved in the regulation of the expression of genes, and may enhance, promote or repress the expression of the gene.

Abstract: A purified polynucleotide having a chain of nucleotides corresponding to a mutated sequence, which in wildtype form encodes a polypeptide implicated in hereditary sensory defect, wherein said mutated purified polynucleotide presents a mutation responsible for prelingual non-syndromic deafness selected from the group consisting of a specific deletion of at least one nucleotide.

Abstract: The entire process of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is simplified by using oligonucleotide-immobilized microplates made of, e.g., polypropylene, to which oligonucleotides are securely immobilized and which can be subjected to thermal cycles of PCR. RT-PCR is preferably conducted in solid-phase. Capturing of mRNA and RT-PCR can be conducted in the same plates. The cDNA synthesized from the mRNA captured on the microplates can be used more than once. Further, in combination with the microplates, a filter plate is used for the preparation of cell lysates wherein target cells are placed on the filter plate, and a lysis buffer is passed through the cell layer on the filter to transfer cell lysate directly to the microplate via well-to-well communication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for genotyping any HCV isolate present in a biological sample, previously identified as being HCV positive, and for classifying said isolate according to the percentage of homology with other HCV isolates, comprising the steps of: contacting said sample in which the ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides have been made accessible, if need be, under suitable denaturation, with at least one probe from about 10 to about 40 nucleotides, with said probe being liable to hybridize to a region being in the domain extending from nucleotide at position -291 to nucleotide at position -66 of the 5? untranslated region of one of the HCV isolates represented by their cDNA sequences, with said numbering of position beginning with the first ATG codon of the open reading frame encoding the HCV polyprotein, or with said probe being complementary to the above-defined probes, detecting the complexes possibly formed between said probe and the nucleotide sequence of the HCV isolate to be iden

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for conducting an assay to detect nucleic acid hybridization in the presence of oxygen. In particular, ruthenium complexes having a reduction potential that does not coincide with the reduction potential of molecular oxygen are disclosed and amperometric techniques for their use are described. In preferred embodiments, the ruthenium complex is ruthenium (III) pentaamine pyridine and the nucleic acid hybridization event that is detected is DNA hybridization. Further, techniques for enhancing detectable contrast between hybridized and unhybridized nucleic acids are disclosed. In particular, the use of elongated target strands as well as the use of uncharged probe strands are discussed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the temperature of a biochemical reaction such as an amplification reaction is described. The method comprises effecting the reaction in the presence of a fluorescently labeled temperature probe DNA sequence which comprises a double stranded region which denatures at a predetermined temperature, the fluorescent label of said temperature probe sequence being arranged so that a detectable signal occurs at the point at which denaturation of said region takes places; and monitoring fluorescence from said reaction mixture so as to determine when said predetermined temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A competitive binding assay is used to determine whether a non-nucleic acid molecule from a library of non-nucleic acid molecules binds to a target. The non-nucleic acid molecule competes with a labeled nucleic acid ligand for binding to the target which may be immobilized. Detecting displacement of labeled nucleic acid ligand from a complex of the labeled nucleic acid ligand and the target determines binding of the non-nucleic acid molecule to the target. The nucleic acid ligand may be immobilized and contacted with a labeled target to form a complex. Adding a non-nucleic acid molecule to the complex displaces labeled target from the complex, and detecting displacement of the labeled target determines binding of the non-nucleic acid molecule to the target. Labeled nucleic acid ligand or labeled target displaced from or remaining in the complex can be detected for detecting displacement. Nucleic acid ligands that bind to the target are identified by the SELEX method.

Abstract: Provided are means and methods for sensing proteasome activity and other degradation pathways with a high level of sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for genotyping any HCV isolate present in a biological sample, previously identified as being HCV positive, and for classifying said isolate according to the percentage of homology with other HCV isolates, comprising the steps of: contacting said sample in which the ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides have been made accessible, if need be, under suitable denaturation, with at least one probe from about 10 to about 40 nucleotides, with said probe being liable to hybridize to a region being in the domain extending from nucleotide at position ?291 to nucleotide at position ?66 of the 5? untranslated region of one of the HCV isolates represented by their cDNA sequences, with said numbering of position beginning with the first ATG codon of the open reading frame encoding the HCV polyprotein, or with said probe being complementary to the above-defined probes, detecting the complexes possibly formed between said probe and the nucleotide sequence of the HCV isolate to be iden

Abstract: The invention concerns composititions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic cell growth and proliferation in mammals, including humans. The invention is based on the identification of cardiotrophin-1 gene amplified in the genome of tumor cells. Such gene amplification is expected to be associated with the overexpression of the gene product and contribute to tumorigenesis. Accordingly, the cardiotrophin-1 polypeptide encoded by the amplified gene is believed to be a useful target for the diagnosis and/or treatment (including prevention) of certain cancers, and may act as a predictor of the prognosis of tumor treatment.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence which regulates the autolytic activity of bacteria is provided. Methods for identifying and using agents which interact with the gene to inhibit bacterial growth and infectivity also are provided.

Abstract: A method for the isolation of CDRs in a defined framework that is stable and soluble in reducing environment is described as well as thus obtainable scFv. Starting from such scFv with defined framework a scFv library can be generated wherein the framework is conserved while at least one complementary determining region (CDR) is randomized. Such library, e.g. in yeast cells, is suitable for screening for antibody/CDR-interactions or for screening for antibodies.

Abstract: A method for the isolation of CDRs in a defined framework that is stable and soluble in reducing environment is described as well as thus obtainable scFv. Starting from such scFv with defined framework a scFv library can be generated wherein the framework is conserved while at least one complementary determining region (CDR) is randomized. Such library, e.g. in yeast cells, is suitable for screening for antibody/CDR-interactions or for screening for antibodies.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing whether an epithelial tissue is an abnormal tissue by determining an expression pattern for PML in the epithelial tissue; determining an expression pattern for nuclear bodies in the epithelial tissue; determining SUMO-1 colocalization and comparing the expression pattern for PML and the expression pattern for nuclear bodies with a control are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosing whether a subject has mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, Type A severe dysplasia, Type B severe dysplasia, cervical squamous cell carcinoma, or poorly-differentiated cervical squamous cell carcinoma, by determining an expression pattern for PML, an expression pattern for nuclear bodies, and SUMO-1 colocalization and determining whether the sample is consistent with expression patterns expected for mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, Type A severe dysplasia, Type B severe dysplasia, cervical squamous cell carcinoma, or poorly-differentiated cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to SCUBE molecules and generally to gene expression in vascular endothelial cells. The invention specifically relates to the discovery of a novel gene family containing the genes and proteins referred to herein as SCUBE1, SCUBE2 and SCUBE3 which can be expressed in endothelial cells. SCUBE proteins may be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammatory disease, bone metabolism disorders, urinary bladder disorders and breast disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies which, in agueous solution, selectively bind to a transferrin-homologous carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) without the latter needing to be bound to a solid phase. CDT is characterized by at least one of the two oligosaccharide chains which are normally bound to Asn 413 and/or Asn 611 of transferrin being entirely or substantially entirely lacking.

Abstract: A post-incubation treatment is employed to effectively remove targets, such as proteins/protein complexes, or other label-bearing moieties that may non-specifically bind to a microarray substrate during a binding assay. Following incubation, a one-step wash is carried out with a liquid containing digester, e.g., a digestive enzyme (protease) or lysosome, which is effective to remove non-specifically bound targets or at least labeled portions of such targets from the substrate. Proteases are bound to or coated onto large molecules or onto solid particles of such a size such that they are prohibited from entering the porous surfaces of 3-D hydrogel microspots and are unable to reach and digest labeled target-probe complexes that are disposed within such porous hydrogel microspots. Digested segments of such protein which contain labels (or of essentially the entire protein) are carried away in the wash liquid and thus are not present to create background noise during imaging.

Abstract: Nuclear matrix proteins (NMP) which are characterized by a defined expression in tissue are provided. These NMPs are useful markers in diagnosing and monitoring the stage of malignancy of a cell and treating cell proliferative disorders associated with the NMP. Also provided are substantially purified polypeptides and nucleotide sequences encoding the NMPs of the invention.

Abstract: The recombinant production of Gap4, a chimeric GapC plasmin binding protein comprising the entire amino acid sequence of the Streptococcus dysgalactiae GapC protein in addition to unique amino acid sequences from the Streptococcus parauberis and Streptococcus agalactiae GapC proteins, is described. Also described is the use of Gap4 chimeric GapC protein in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat streptococcal infections in general and mastitis in particular.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the likelihood and severity of cardiovascular disease in a patient is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against autoantigens, including myosin, oxidized LDL, ?-2-glycoprotein, heat shock protein-60, platelet glycoprotein, and immune complexes. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the likelihood and severity of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A novel sarR gene and sarR gene product which down regulates the expression of sarA and the resulting virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus is provided. Methods for modulating the expression of sarA and virulence determinants are also provided. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides structural information relating to the gene product and enables the identification and formulation of lead compounds and reducements for treating and preventing infections by S. aureus and related bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active agent, in particular a metalloproteinase inhibitory agent of casein-derived peptides obtained by hydrolysis of casein by a food grade bacteria. The invention also relates to the manufacture of an active agent, in which a food grade bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus helveticus is contacted with casein in order to perform a hydrolysis and obtain casein-derived peptides exhibiting metalloproteinases inhibitory property. The present invention also includes isolated and purified inhibitory peptides obtained by hydrolysis of casein by the bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing protein expression levels whereby at least one amino acid in a protein amino acid sequence is substituted for the amino acid, proline. Preferably, the substitution occurs within 15 amino acids, more preferably within 10 amino acids and most preferably within 5 amino acids of a cysteine amino acid residue. The present invention not only includes methods for polypeptides with proline substitutions, but also polynucleotides with codon substitutions for which a codon for any amino acid, except proline, is substituted for a codon encoding for proline.

Abstract: A method for culturing cells in the presence of an alcanoic acid for enhancing protein production.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel PTH gene. The invention further relates to methods of screening, diagnosis and development of therapies for bone related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric chemokine receptor comprising two components: a first sequence comprising the N terminus through the last residue of the seven helix TM region of a first chemokine receptor joined with a second sequence comprising the C terminus of a second chemokine receptor extending from the first intracellular residue of the chemokine receptor to the last residue of the chemokine receptor. The chimeric chemokine receptor can be employed in various applications, such as ligand binding and screening assays and signalling assays. The chimeric chemokine receptor can also form a component of a chemokine receptor modulator design program.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to increase secretion of male hormones or alleviate or prevent sexual disorders, e.g., impotence, in a mammal, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also provided are methods of making and using these compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding MGAT3 polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing MGAT3 polypeptides, fragments, and homologues thereof. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel MGAT3 polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides, such as obesity. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for producing an L-amino acid, such as L-phenylalanine or L-threonine, is provided using a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia, wherein the L-amino acid productivity of said bacterium is enhanced by enhancing an activity of the protein encoded by the yedA gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated strains of a Streptomyces spp. which are endophytes of dicotyledonous plants and to methods for selecting such strains. The present invention also relates to compounds having biological activity selected from the group consisting of munumbicin A, munumbicin B, munumbicin C and munumbicin D, kakadumycin A, kakadumycin B, and kakadumycin C. The present invention further relates to compositions of such compounds and to methods of protecting plants against attack by a plant pathogen and methods of inhibiting bacterial growth, fungal growth, viral infection, growth of parasitic organisms, and cancer cell growth with such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microorganism having an excellent ability to convert sterol into and rost-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) and androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD), a method for preparation of the microorganism and use thereof, and more particularly, a mutant strain of Mycobacterium fortuitum ATCC 29472, Mycobacterium fortuitum EUG-119, a method for preparation of the mutant and use thereof in preparing AD and ADD. The mutant of the present invention has an excellent ability to convent sterol into AD and ADD which are steroid hormone precursors, compared with the known microorganisms and accordingly, is very useful for mass production of steroid hormones.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which has a high ability of producing docosahexaenoic acid. The present invention provides a Thraustochytrium strain which has an ability of producing docosahexaenoic acid, and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the elimination of mannosylphosphorylation on the glycans of glycoproteins in the yeast genus Pichia. The elimination of mannosylphosphorylated glycoproteins results from the disruption of the PNO1 gene and the newly isolated P. pastoris MNN4B gene. The present invention further relates to methods for producing modified glycan structures in host cells that are free of glycan mannosylphosphorylation.

Abstract: A microsample treatment apparatus and an apparatus for detecting chemotaxis of cells and separating chemotactic cells includes a number of wells that are connected to each other via a part having resistance to fluids. The wells are each provided with tubes for injecting/sucking a sample and, if necessary, tubes for relieving pressure changes at the injection/suction. The tubes have a space in common at the top ends thereof in which a liquid can be held.

Abstract: Disclosed are replicatable viral DNA vectors encoding a site-specific DNA-altering enzyme and a DNA target recognized by the enzyme, the enzyme selectively converting, in a cell expressing the enzyme, the DNA vector to a rearranged form. The invention further relates to methods for assembling recombinant adenoviral DNAs. These methods include the steps of: (a) providing a first linearized DNA vector including a restriction site and a cos site and a second linearized DNA vector including the restriction site, an adenoviral nucleic acid molecule, and a cos site; and (b) ligating the first and second linearized DNA vectors, the ligation assembling a recombinant adenoviral DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mammalian expression vectors including nuclear matrix attachment region of human interferon ?, and more particularly to pPGM-1, pPGM-2 and pPGM-3 including nuclear matrix attachment region of interferon ? gene. Those expression vectors confer position independent expression of the introduced foreign gene, thus increasing the frequency of colonies which efficiently express the recombinant protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated human pluripotent adult stem cells which express CD13, CD34, CD56 and CD117, and which do not express CD1O, which are capable of differentiating in all three germ lineages and differentiated cells derived therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for differentiating precursor cells into mature dendritic cells, comprising placing the precursor cells in a medium suitable for their differentiation and adding to the medium, in a predetermined amount, at least one fraction of oxidized lipoproteins selected among oxidized very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and/or oxidized intermediate density lipoproteins (IDLs) and/or oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDLs). The precursor cells are preferably monocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition of matter, comprising: DNA encoding a viral Vpx protein fused to DNA encoding a protein. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition of matter, comprising: DNA encoding a viral Vpr protein fused to DNA encoding a protein. The present invention further provides DNA, vectors and methods for expressing a lentiviral pol gene in trans, independent of the lentiviral gag-pol. A gene transduction element is optionally delivered to a lentiviral vector according to the present invention. Also provided are various methods of delivering a virus inhibitory molecule to a target in an animal. Further provided is a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Provided are retroviral vector genomes and vector systems comprising the genomes. In particular, a retroviral vector genome comprising two or more NOIs, operably linked by one or more Internal Ribosome Entry Site(s); a lentiviral vector genome comprising two or more NOIs suitable for treating a neurodegenerative disorder; and a lentiviral vector genome which encodes tyrosine hydroxylase, GTP-cyclohydrolase I and, optionally, Aromatic Amino Acid Dopa Decarboxylase are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of transforming plant cells using whiskers on various types of target tissue. And further relates to a method of transforming plant cells using whiskers with an improved agitation method.