Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identification of a compound which modulates pre-adipocyte differentiation comprising testing whether the compound modulates the activity and/or amount of O/E-1 and/or O/E-2 and/or O/E-3. The invention also relates to use of a compound able to modulate the activity or amount of O/E-1 and/or O/E-2 and/or O/E-3 in preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, IRS, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ataxia, in particular to protein and nucleic acids encoding proteins associated with ataxia. The present invention provides assays for the detection of ataxia polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease or disease carrier states.

Abstract: Methods are provided for restoring wild-type p53 gene function to a cell. Such methods include gene therapy. Typically, this will stop tumor cells from proliferating.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences for detecting the presence of nucleic acids, particularly mRNA, encoding human prostate-associated genetic markers encoding prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or human kallikrein 2 (hK2) are disclosed. Preferred combinations of nucleic acid sequences amplifying and detecting the prostate-associated genetic markers RNA, used in methods that include amplification of the target sequences and detection of the amplified sequences are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of prostate-associated genetic marker nucleic acids, particularly mRNA, in a biological sample of non-prostate origin are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting high-throughput interactions between test compositions and analytes, comprising one or more test compositions, and a plurality of independent micromatrices, wherein each said micromatrix encapsulates at least one said test composition; and said micromatrices are made of a material that is permeable to an analyte.

Abstract: It has been found that syntaxin binds and regulates the nucleotide binding folds (NBFs) of sulfonylurea receptors (SURs) in a ATP- and ADP-dependent manner. The present invention therefore provides methods for identifying compounds that effect the binding between a syntaxin protein and a NBF1 and/or NBF2 of a sulfonylurea receptor (SUR). Compounds identified using the method of the invention are useful for treating and/or preventing diseases and/or conditions that have, as their underlying basis, a dysregulation of KAT 191 channels.

Abstract: The invention pertains to agonists and antagonists of LDCAM and methods of treating disease and infection by administering one or more LDCAM antagonists or agonists. This abstract is provided for the sole purpose of enabling the reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An isolated protein sequence or peptide from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding region of human papillomavirus (HPV) that is soluble in an aqueous medium, and characterized by a relative paucity of tryptophan, methionine and cysteine residues, and a relative abundance of glycine and asparagine residues. Also disclosed are isolated protein sequences or peptides from the E2, E6 or E7 early coding regions of HPV 16 and 18 and methodologies for detecting or diagnosing cancer or cellular abnormalities. Detection or diagnosis of Cancer or cellular abnormalities may include detecting or diagnosing pre-cancerous or pre-malignant conditions, cervical dysplasia, cervical carcinoma, koilocytosis, hyperkeratosis, intraepithelial lesions, and other cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the antibiotic susceptibility of a microorganism comprising the following steps. First, a culture of the microorganism whose susceptibility is to be determined is admixed with an antibiotic to which susceptibility is to be assayed, and a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing effective amount to form an assay culture. Next, the assay culture is incubated under appropriate culture conditions and for a time sufficient to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulating the nature and/or level of an immune response to a molecule. In particular, the invention relates to effecting an increase in the TH1 immune response to molecules such as, but not limited to, antigens or immunogens. The invention also relates to reducing a TH2 immune response to molecules. More particularly, the invention relates to altering the level of TH1- and TH2-associated immunoglobulins, the level of proliferation of TH1- and TH2-associated cytokines, and the level of proliferation of TH1 and TH2 cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode Dermacentor variabilis ligand gated ion channel proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding D. variabilis LGIC/GluCl channels, substantially purified forms of associated D. variabilis channel proteins and recombinant membrane fractions comprising these proteins, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate associated Dermacentor variabilis LGIC/GluCl, which will be useful as insecticides and acaracides.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for regulating gene expression and production of proteinaceous molecules. The invention provides a method for producing a proteinaceous molecule in a cell comprising selecting a cell for its suitability for producing the proteinaceous molecule, providing a nucleic acid encoding the proteinaceous molecule with a nucleic acid comprising a STAR (STabilizing Anti-Repression) sequence, expressing the resulting nucleic acid in the cell and collecting the proteinaceous molecule. Providing at least one STAR sequence to a nucleic acid encoding a proteinaceous molecule will enhance production (yield) of the proteinaceous molecule by a host cell, increase the proportion of host cells with acceptable expression levels, and/or increase stability of a gene expression level.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods of sample preparation and analysis involving reproducibly reducing the complexity of a nucleic sample. The invention further provides for analysis of the above sample by hybridization to an array which may be specifically designed to interrogate the desired fragments for particular characteristics, such as, for example, the presence or absence of a polymorphism. The invention further provides for novel methods of using a computer system to model enzymatic reactions in order to determine experimental conditions before conducting actual experiments.

Abstract: A pyruvate carboxylase gene having SEQ ID NO:1 as well as an amino acid sequence having SEQ ID NO:2 expressed by the pyruvate carboxylate gene are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for microbial production of amino acids of the aspartate and/or glutamate family in which the pyruvate carboxylase activity is increased by genetically changing the pyruvate carboxylase gene having SEQ ID NO:1 through expression of a microorganism which produces the corresponding amino acid having SEQ ID NO:2.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the N-demethylation or the N- and O-demethylation of a thebaine derivative which process comprises fermenting the derivative with a biocatalyst selected from the filamentous fungi from Cunninghamella dalmatica NRRL 1394, Cunninghamella echinulata NRRL 1387, Cunninghamella echinulata NRRL 1384, Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 36190, Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 11585a, Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244, Cunninghamella polymorpha NRRL 1395, or Rhizopus nigricans Z5/1 in a basal fermentation medium at a temperature of at least 25° C. and not more than 34° C., for a period of time of at least 3 days.

Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.

Abstract: A method for producing substantially pure ammonium gluconate or metal gluconate that includes separating reagents for reuse from the enzymatically converted gluconate by ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermostable enzyme glucose oxidase of high Transition temperature (Tm) useful for biological processes of high temperature, said process comprising steps of silanizaton of the activated glass beads by evaporative deposition of Aminopropyl triethoxysilane in acetone, heating the silanated glass beads overnight at about 115° C., treating the heated glass beads with glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer of pH about 6.0 for one hour each, both with and without vacuum, exposing the treated beads to the enzyme at about 30° C. and for time duration ranging between 3-5 hours with intermittent shaking, reducing the Schiff's base obtained in preceeding step by treating the beads of step (d) with sodium cyanoborohydride, obtaining thermostable enzyme immobilized on the beads, blocking the unoccupied regions of the glass beads with glycine, and a method of using the said thermostable enzymes, and a thermostable enzyme thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing 1,3-propanediol from a carbon-containing substance, said method comprising a step which consists in culturing a recombinant micro-organism not producing coenzyme B12 in the absence of coenzyme B12 or one of its precursors. The invention also concerns a nucleic acid coding for a glycerol dehydratase whereof the catalytic activity is independent of the presence of coenzyme B12 or one of its precursors and a nucleic acid coding for a 1,3-propanol dehydrogenase intervening in the synthesis of 1,3-propanediol. The invention further concerns recombinant vectors and host cells comprising said nucleic acids and the polypeptides coded by the latter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein comprising (1) the A subunit of Shiga-like bacterial toxin, or a truncated or mutated version thereof; and (2) human vascular endothelial growth factor, or a truncated or mutated version thereof; wherein the fusion protein possesses ribosome inactivating activity and ability to bind to cellular VEGF receptors. The present invention is also directed to polypeptides the above combination of toxin and growth factor, as well as expression vectors and transformed cells incorporating the above nucleic acid. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating patients suffering from diseases relating to angiogenesis.

Abstract: Microorganisms showing higher productivity of unusual-polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) than ever by using an inexpensive substrate or under specific conditions are obtained from wild strains and mutant strains. The microorganisms are cultured with such substrates to synthesize an unusual-polyhydroxyalkanoate. The unusual-polyhydroxyalkanoate can be produced with high efficiency at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor vitigenus, from the liana, Paullinia paullinioides. This fungus produces naphthalene under certain cultural conditions that has chromatographic and mass spectral properties that are identical to authentic naphthalene. In a preferred embodiment, the naphthalene in the gas phase of M. vitigenus is useful in the repellency of unwanted insect pests. The unique biological activity of the novel endophyte suggests a wide range of potential practical applications, particularly in the area of insect repellents, insecticides, antimicrobials, anthelmintics and vermicides.

Abstract: Two acyltransferases are provided, suitable for use in the manufacture of microbial oils enriched in omega fatty acids in oleaginous yeast (e.g., Yarrowia lipolytica). Specifically, the genes encoding phophatidylcholine-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT2) have been isolated from Y. lipolytica. These genes encode enzymes that participate in the terminal step in oil biosynthesis in yeast. Each is expected to play a key role in altering the quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids produced in oils of oleaginous yeasts.

Abstract: The expression and subcellular localization of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (PBR) is shown in this application to correlate with the metastatic potential of cells, and increased cell proliferation. Inhibition of PBR expression, function or stability results in a decrease in cell proliferation. Compositions and methods for regulating and/or monitoring PBR and its expression are useful for the detection, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of solid tumors, in particular, breast cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for achieving successful treatment of disorders of the human prostate. In preferred embodiments, methods and compositions are provided that improve the specificity and safety of gene delivery vectors, and improve the prostate-specificity and activity of genetic constructs targeted for prostate-specific expression. Also disclosed are methods utilizing a variety of therapeutic genes, including those encoding tumor-specific therapeutics, e.g., TRAIL, tumor suppressors, cytotoxins, and the like, for the treatment of proliferative disorders of the prostate, and in particular, prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and prostatic tumors. In preferred embodiments genetic constructs are disclosed comprising one or more prostate-specific chimeric enhancer elements in combination with one or more wildtype core enhancer elements and a prostate-specific proximal promoter that increase expression of selected heterologous genes operably positioned under their control.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of controlling gene silencing using site-specific recombination. A variety of constructs are provided which are useful for conditional or regulated gene silencing in plants, comprising a suite of constitutive, inducible, tissue-specific or developmental stage-specific promoters operably linked to target sequences (TS). Recombinase inversion or excision yields double-stranded TS RNA, which thereby functions to trigger endogenous gene silencing mechanisms. By matching promoters, responsive to various inducers, plant tissues or plant developmental states with the recombinase systems, transcriptional stop fragments or introns and target sequences, gene silencing of virtually any target sequence may be modulated at any plant development stage or in any plant generation. This is especially useful, when genes responsible for gene silencing are down-regulated to permit expression of particular transgenes at levels greater than permitted when gene silencing is activated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for stabilizing tissues, cells, and cell components such that desired antigenic sites, light scatter properties and cellular morphology are preserved for a useful period of time. The stabilizing solution includes glycine, lysine and formaldehyde.

Abstract: A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.

Abstract: A carrier for cell culture comprising a carrier having a cationic group and polypeptide-modified portions formed on a surface of the carrier in a sea-island structure, and a carrier for cell culture comprising a water-containing gel comprising alginic acid, wherein a surface of the carrier is coated with collagen, and wherein the collagen is bound to a surface of the water-containing gel by means of chitosan.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides libraries which are useful for rapid identification of biologically active compounds. The invention further provides peptides which include cell-growth affecting peptides and peptides which enhance or inhibit production of cellular proteins. Many of the peptides of the invention may be produced in large quantity by recombinant techniques and formulated in culture medium to produce the desired effect on cultured cells and tissues. Certain of the libraries of the invention and the peptides identified in them are particularly useful in concatemer-based recombinant expression methods.

Abstract: A method of assembling large DNA fragments in a chromosome using site specific recombinases and alternating excisionases. The method may be performed in vitro or in vivo, but larger assemblies are possible when the assembly is performed in vivo. For an in vivo assembly, the cell must be engineered to contain the desired recombinases, each in an inducible construct so that the desired recombinase can be expressed at the correct time with the correct choice of inducing agent.

Abstract: Calmodulin-like polypeptides named rgs-CaM are disclosed. cDNAs coding rgs-CaM are also provided. In addition, methods of using rgs-CaM cDNAs and polypeptides for modulating gene expression in plants are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an inorganic phosphoric acid is detected by a method which includes: subjecting a sample to a measurement system containing glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, and an electron mediator; and measuring a current value in the measurement system. In the method, a pyrophosphate is quantitatively measured with high sensitivity and at a high speed through converting the pyrophosphate in a sample into an inorganic phosphoric acid. Such a measurement of a pyrophosphate allows for quantitative determination of the pyrophosphate which is produced concurrent with the extension of a DNA, thereby enabling the detection of the presence of a targeted nucleic acid, and typing of a base in a SNP site of a targeted DNA.

Abstract: A process and an assembly for simultaneously evaluating a plurality of catalysts is provided wherein the flow rate of a reactive fluid to each of a plurality of reactors is automatically adjusted based on the measured amount of catalyst sample in each reactor to concurrently obtain a substantially identical fluid space velocity in each of the reactors.

Abstract: An element for ascertaining radiation dosage comprising: a flexible polymeric support, a first coated layer, said coated layer comprising a electrically conducting material and a binder and a second coated layer, said coated layer comprising a binder and alanine wherein the alanine, upon exposure to ionizing radiation, produces radicals that remain stable for long periods of time.

Abstract: A peptide compound for measuring sulfur compound and ammonia and measurement method and device using the compound. The method comprises contacting an analyte with a sensory device coated with the peptide compound to produce a signal, processing the signal to produce a result, and comparing the result with a database to define the presence of the sulfur compound and ammonia in the analyte.

Abstract: Porphyrins containing one or more neutral or negatively-charged, closo- or nido-carborane substituents are useful as chelators. The carbon-carbon bonds linking the boron-containing groups to the porphyrin ring make the compounds highly resistant to hydrolysis. These compounds have potential for use in selective binding to specific ligands. These compounds are highly stable, soluble in water and organic solvents, and have low toxicity.

Abstract: A method for estimating the sulfur content in the fuel of an internal combustion engine equipped with a catalyser; the percentage of sulfur present in the fuel supplied during a specific measurement time interval is estimated by dividing the quantity of sulfur stored in the catalyser during the measurement time interval by the product of a fixed conversion constant and the mass of fuel supplied to the cylinder in the measurement time interval.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine the presence of an analyte in a sample. The method provides an element with a sample application zone, a detection zone, a zone containing immobilized analyte or analyte analogue, a conjugate that has a first bioaffine binding partner capable of a specific binding reaction with the analyte and a first detectable label, and a universal conjugate, which can be detached by liquid and comprises a second bioaffine binding partner and a visually detectable label. The second bioaffine binding partner is capable of a specific binding reaction with the first detectable label. The method also includes contacting the sample application zone with the sample, contacting the sample with the conjugate and the universal conjugate to react the analyte with the and the universal conjugate to form a detection complex, and determining the presence of the detection complex in the detection zone of the element.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and characterizing one or more ligands of a peptide are provided. In particular, the invention provides a phage ligand sensor device (PLSD) comprising a sensor coupled to a binding element of interest. Binding elements of interest comprise phage displaying at least one foreign peptide. The PLSD and assays find particular use in identifying and characterizing ligand-peptide interactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting, analyzing, and identifying biomolecules. More particularly, the invention provides Element Coded Affinity Tags comprising a metal chelate and a metal ion and methods of using the tags to detect, analyze, and identify biomolecules including polypeptides, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides.

Abstract: A method of etching an iridium layer for use in a ferroelectric device includes preparing a substrate; depositing a barrier layer on the substrate; depositing an iridium layer on the barrier layer; depositing a hard mask layer on the iridium layer; depositing, patterning and developing a photoresist layer on the hard mask; etching the hard mask layer; etching the iridium layer using argon, oxygen and chlorine chemistry in a high-density plasma reactor; and completing the ferroelectric device.

Abstract: An exemplary method for making a memory structure comprises forming a first ferromagnetic layer, forming a spacer layer above the first ferromagnetic layer, forming a second ferromagnetic layer above the spacer layer by applying a first deposition process to form a thin layer of ferromagnetic material substantially covering the spacer layer, the first layer being formed at a first energy level, and applying a second deposition process to form the remainder of the second ferromagnetic layer above the thin layer of ferromagnetic material, the second ferromagnetic layer being formed at a second energy level, higher than the first energy level. This way, the spacer layer is protected by the thin layer during the second energy level deposition.

Abstract: A magnetic memory device comprises a plurality of magneto-resistance effect elements arranged in a matrix form. The each of a plurality of magneto-resistance effect elements have a pattern shape which substantially internally touches an ellipse having major and minor axes of the magneto-resistance effect element as major and minor axes thereof and a pitch between the adjacent magneto-resistance effect elements in a direction of the major axis is longer than that in a direction of the minor axis.

Abstract: A common pinned layer is shared by multiple memory cells in an MRAM device. The common pinned layer includes a plurality of domain wall traps that prevent the formation of domain walls within a region of the common pinned layer corresponding to a given memory cell. Therefore, the memory cells can advantageously be formed such that the domain walls, to the extent they exist, fall between (rather than within) the memory cells, thereby improving the performance of the MRAM device.

Abstract: A method and a controller for the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of substrates and, in particular, for the chemical mechanical polishing of metallization layers is disclosed. In a linear model of the CMP process, the erosion of the metallization layer to be treated is determined by the overpolish time and possibly by an extra polish time on a separate polishing platen for polishing the dielectric layer, wherein the CMP inherent characteristics are represented by sensitivity parameters derived empirically. Moreover, the control operation is designed so that even with a certain inaccuracy of the sensitivity parameters due to subtle process variations, a reasonable controller response is obtained.

Abstract: A method for cross sectioning a feature of a semiconductor device while preserving the grain structure of a contact material is provided. The method initiates with exposing the contact material of a contact at a first depth within the semiconductor device. Then, the exposed contact material at the first depth is coated. The coated material is then removed, thereby exposing the contact material at a second depth within the semiconductor device. Then, the exposed material at the second depth is coated.

Abstract: A packaging method, a packaging structure and a package is substrate capable of restraining a warp of a thin film substrate, increasing a product yield, and building up a sufficient cooling capacity in the case of mounting an LSI having a high exothermic quantity. A package substrate 1 of the invention is such that an opening 11 is formed in a first substrate 12, a thin film substrate (a second substrate) 13 is laminated on the first substrate 12, the opening 11 is covered with the thin film substrate 13. Next, a capacitor (a first electronic part) 14 is inserted into the opening 11 and bonded to the thin film substrate, a resin 15 fills an interior of the opening 11 to a fixed or larger thickness and is hardened, the thin film substrate 13 and the capacitor 14 are thereby sustained by the resin 15, an LSI 16 (a second electronic part) that should be connected to the capacitor 14 is bonded to a surface, on an exposed side, of the thin film substrate 13, and the capacitor 14 is connected to the LSI 16.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of evaluating a semiconductor device having an ESD protective element, wherein a MOSFET is formed on the same substrate, comprising a step (electric characteristic measurement) for measuring an electric characteristic of the MOSFET, a step (snapback characteristic measurement) for measuring a snapback characteristic of the MOSFET, a step (impurity profile extraction) for extracting an impurity profile of the MOSFET from the electric characteristic and snapback characteristic of the MOSFET by using an inverse modeling technique, and a step (impurity profile adaptation) for causing the extracted impurity profile of the MOSFET and an impurity profile of the ESD protective element to correspond to each other, whereby the impurity profile of the ESD protective element is evaluated from the electric characteristic.