Abstract: The present invention makes available rapid, effective assays for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically interact with and modulate the activity of a cellular receptor or ion channel. The subject assays enable rapid screening of large numbers of polypeptides in a library to identify those polypeptides which induce or antagonize receptor bioactivity. The subject assays are particularly amenable for identifying agonists and antagonists for orphan receptors. In particular the present invention makes available novel ligand agonists of human formyl peptide receptor like-1 (FPRL-1) receptors. These novel ligand agonists are used in the assays of the invention to identify modulators of FPRL-1 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer therapies and diagnostics, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention provides tumor antigens associated with specific cancers and diagnostic assays for the detection of such antigens and associated autoantibodies as indicative of the presence of specific cancers. The present invention further provides cancer immunotherapy utilizing the tumor antigens of the present invention.

Abstract: Follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is distinguished from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) by comparing amount of an expression product of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, TARSH, and ACO1 in a test follicular thyroid specimen to a normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTA if the amount of expression product of TARSH is equal to or greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTC if the amount of expression product of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, or ACO1 is greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen.

Abstract: Methods of rapidly generating and analyzing a plurality of polypeptides are disclosed. More specifically, libraries and arrays of polypeptides are assayed in order to determine their individual immunogenic effect. Based on the immunogenic effect of polypeptides, specific subunit vaccines can be developed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to serine hydroxymethyltransferase (E.C. 2.1.2.1) as novel target for herbicides, and to nucleic acid sequences encoding a polypeptide with the biological activity of a serine hydroxymethyltransferase, which, when not present, bring about growth retardation symptoms and chlorotic leaves, comprising the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID No:3, and functional equivalents of the abovementioned nucleic acid sequence or the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO:7 and functional equivalents of the abovementioned nucleic acid sequence. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of the abovementioned nucleic acid sequences, of functional analogs of the SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:7 or of polypeptides encoded by one of the abovementioned nucleic acid sequences in a method for identifying herbicidally active compounds which inhibit serine hydroxymethyltransferases, and to the use of these compounds which have been identified by the method as herbicides.

Abstract: Compositions for an alkaline phosphatase and methods for over-expression and purification of thermolabile Antarctic phosphatase (TAP) are provided. Uses for TAP include dephosphorylation of nucleic acids, sugars, peptides and proteins. TAP as described herein has advantages over phosphatases from other sources with respect to thermolability at 65° C. and efficiency of dephosphorylation activity at approximately neutral pH.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for improving pulmonary surfactant catabolism. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for making and using a lysosomal phospholipase A2 in methods for the diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of phospholipid catabolism such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.

Abstract: Provided are crystals relating to Cathepsin S and its various uses.

Abstract: An in vitro method for identifying subjects at risk of heart failure following a Myocardial Infarction comprising analyzing the concentration of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in a bodily sample from a subject who has suffered a Myocardial Infarction and comparing this concentration with a reference for concentrations of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in individuals who have not suffered a Myocardial Infarction; wherein a raised concentration of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in the bodily sample from a subject who has suffered a Myocardial Infarction suggests the subject is at risk of heart failure.

Abstract: We provide a lactate biosensing strip comprising a working electrode and a reference electrode, the two electrodes being deposited on an electrically insulated base support, the working electrode being formed by immobilizing lactate oxidase and an electron mediator on an inorganic graphite matrix and the graphite layer being deposited on a silver layer of the working electrode and the reference electrode being formed by depositing silver chloride on a silver layer of the reference electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding a numerous polypeptides useful for the stimulation of glial cell (particularly, Schwann cell) mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use in stimulating glial cell mitogenesis and treating glial cell tumors. Methods for the synthesis, purification and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as both therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases involving glial cells are also provided. Also included is the mature GGF peptide and the DNA encoding said peptide, exclusive of the N-terminal signal sequence. The mature GGF peptide and DNA encoding the same are also useful for treatment of conditions of the central nervous system. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes useful for both diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving glial cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining a desired protein from a transgenic host organism, the gene coding for this protein being not expressed until the host organism has been harvested and the method being characterized in that (a) the transgenic host organism contains the gene coding for the desired protein such that it is only expressed in the presence of a chemical inductor, and (b) contacting with the inductor takes place via the phase surrounding the host organism after the host organism has been harvested. The invention also relates to a host organism suitable for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Cell lysis compositions, methods for extracting and isolating proteins and peptides from a host cells using the compositions, kits and apparatus for extracting and isolating protein and peptide molecules from host cells and for detecting for the presence of a protein or peptide. The composition allows for the extraction and isolation of proteins and peptides from host cells without the need for mechanical disruption and with or without isolation of the cells from cell medium. The composition includes at least one surfactant having a hydrophobic-lipophilic balance value in the range from about 11 to about 16; and at least one cell membrane altering compound.

Abstract: Methods are provided for amplification and monitoring of oligonucleotide amplification in which a primer has an overlap with one or more bases of a detection probe.

Abstract: An assay for detection of a mammalian cell proliferative disorder associated with a hypermutable nucleic acid sequences is provided. The identification of particular hypermutable sequences such as microsatellite loci correlates with a particular cancer, thereby allowing detection of both primary tumors and metastatic sites within a patient.

Abstract: The invention refers to a novel C. elegans p21-activated kinase gene, the pak-3 gene, and associated loss-of-function phenotypes. These phenotypes can be used to elucidate PAK signaling pathways in C. elegans and to screen compounds that modulate PAK signaling.

Abstract: A method for producing L-glutamic acid by fermentation, which comprises culturing a microorganism having L-glutamic acid-producing ability in a liquid medium of which pH is adjusted to a condition under which L-glutamic acid produced by the microorganism is allowed to be precipitated, to allow L-glutamic acid to be produced and accumulated with precipitation of L-glutamic acid accompanied, wherein an operation causing existence of L-glutamic acid crystals in the medium is performed when a concentration of L-glutamic acid in the medium is lower than the concentration at which spontaneous crystallization occurs.

Abstract: The invention relates to amino acid-producing bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae, in particular from the species Escherichia coli, which contain a stop codon chosen from the group amber, ochre and opal in the nucleotide sequence for the coding region of the rpoS gene and a suppressor for a stop codon chosen from the group amber suppressor, ochre suppressor and opal suppressor. This invention also relates to a process for preparing amino acids, in particular L-threonine, using these bacteria.

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: The present invention provides a process for efficiently producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies having controlling effects on Scarabaeidae insects, and a control agent and controlling method for Scarabaeidae insects obtained by said production process. In a process for producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies by culturing Bacillus popilliae in a medium containing an adsorbent, the medium contains 0.2-4.0% by weight of glutamic acid.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Geobacillus Strain T1 bacteria isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent capable of producing thermostable lipase T1 gene. The production of thermostable lipase T1 gene from a novel Geobacillus bacterium having a designated as strain T1, was aerobic, gram positive and endospore-forming, rod-shaped. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.6%. On the basic of physiological data, phenotypic traits and molecular analysis, strain T1 represents a novel species within the genus Geobacillus, The thermostable T1 lipase gene was subcloned into the pGEX-4T1 vector with and without signal peptide in prokaryotic system. The 28 amino acid residues signal peptide alter the conformation of GST moiety and preventing it from bind to affinity glutathione Sepharose column. By expression and simplification of the purification through single step affinity chromatography shows a specific activity of 292.929 U/mg and 72.55% of fusion lipase was recovered from crude cell lysate.

Abstract: A non-sporulating Bacillus subtilis strain, a method for preparing it and its use as a production organism. A method for preparing a biologically prepared product with the non-sporulating bacterium is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biological scanner for scanning biological growth plates. A biological growth plate can be loaded into the biological scanner. Upon loading of a biological growth plate, the biological scanner generates an image of the plate and may perform an analysis of the image. Various embodiments are directed to loading features that facilitate automated loading and proper positioning of a plate within the biological scanner, and ejection features that facilitate the automated ejection of the plate from the scanner. Additional embodiments are directed to features that allow a scanner unit of the biological scanner to be attached to a mounting platform of the scanner in different possible configurations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for rapid detection of analytes in a sample. Surprisingly, it has been found that bulking materials having non-sugar sweeteners effectively enhance chromatographic detection methods by providing component stability and controlled release. Thus, the novel components and methods disclosed herein provide a completely new modality of chromatographic analyte detection.

Abstract: Replication-competent adenovirus vectors specific for cells which allow a probasin transcriptional response element (PB-TRE) to function, such as cells which express the androgen receptor (AR), and methods of use of such viruses are provided. These viruses comprise an adenoviral gene under control of a transcriptional regulatory portion of a PB-TRE, which is in turn dependent upon AR expression. The gene can be, for example, a gene required for viral replication or the adenovirus death protein gene (ADP). The viruses can also comprise at least one additional adenoviral gene under control of at least one additional prostate-specific transcriptional response element, such as that controlling prostate-specific antigen expression (PSA-TRE). Thus, virus replication can be restricted to target cells exhibiting prostate-specific gene expression, particularly prostate carcinoma cells.

Abstract: Phosphorylated Apoptin is described. Apoptin is tumor-specifically phosphorylated and part of the Apoptin apoptotic pathway in tumor cells is elucidated. New therapeutic possibilities, for example, novel therapeutic compounds that can work alone or, sequentially to, or jointly with other known compounds. Also, the use of tumor-specifically phosphorylation of Apoptin for diagnostic purposes is described. Such a diagnostic purpose can, for example, be a method for detecting the presence of cancer cells or cells that are cancer prone or a method to identify a putative cancer inducing agent or a method for the in vitro treatment effect of Apoptin on tumor cells by testing the phosphorylation state of Apoptin. Even more, the invention provides possibilities to further elucidate the apoptotic pathway and to identify for example crucial mediators of phosphorylation in human tumor cells. Interfering with such a mediator could provide new anti-cancer therapies.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of generating a natural, living biological matrix that can serve as, or form a part of, a natural biological scaffold. The matrix is generated by incubating together biological cells and cellular debris. Any naturally occurring cell can be a biological cell included in the matrix. The invention also provides methods of treating a patient by implanting the matrix or scaffolding into a tissue of the patient, thereby augmenting the existing tissue.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. The enhanced rate of mutation can be further augmented using mutagens. Moreover, the hypermutability of mismatch repair deficient cells can be remedied to stabilize cells or mammals with useful mutations.

Abstract: Fluid testing device for determining the value of each of a plurality of properties of a fluid, the fluid testing device including a planar base and a plurality of test sections, located on the planar base, each of the test sections including a test sub-section which exhibits a color according to the value, as a result of reaction of a reagent with the fluid and a reference section located adjacent to the test sub-section, the reference section including a plurality of different reference colors.

Abstract: A food spoilage sensor of the general formula wherein M is a transition metal ion; D1, D2, D3 and D4 can be the same or different and can be N or P; R1 and R2, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, and R7 and R8 can be the same or different and from, taken together with the adjacent carbon atoms to which they are bonded and joined together, an aromatic or a cyclic group with at least one of the aromatic or cyclic groups possessing one or more polymerizable moieties. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines which are released by food spoilage microorganisms and undergo a detectable color change upon exposure thereto.

Abstract: The presence of an aerosol or cloud (3) of a toxic substance is detected by producing an aerosol (17, 5) of ligands (13) to the target substance in a region of sky that contains the target substance, permitting molecules the target substance to bind to the ligand, directing light (7, 21) of a first frequency into the revised aerosol; and then inspecting (9, 25) the revised aerosol for emissions of light of a second frequency. When light of the second frequency exists an alarm (15, 31) is initiated.

Abstract: A method for providing improved estimates of properties of a chemical manufacturing process is disclosed. The method employs a process model that includes, or is modified by, scores or other gains obtained from the mathematical transformation of data obtained from an on-line analyzer. Chemical manufacturing processes using the method also are disclosed.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds are used in homogeneous assays to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample without strong acid or strong base treatment. The chemiluminescent acridinium compounds include acridinium esters with electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus to inhibit pseudo-base formation, or acridinium sulfonamides with or without electron donating functional groups at the C2 and/or C7 position on the acridinium nucleus.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured in such a way that a semiconductor chip connected with leads whose internal ends are interconnected with bonding wires are completely sealed and enclosed in a resin corresponding to a package while external ends of leads are exposed from the surface of the package. In manufacture, a chip fixing member is used to fix the semiconductor chip in a prescribed position, while wire fixing members are used to fix the bonding wires in prescribed positions. Both the fixing members are retracted into the split mold so as to avoid formation of unfilled portions or voids in the resin in the cavity. In inspection, an electrical conduction is detected between the bonding wire(s) and an electrode layer formed inside of the cavity, so that a semiconductor device produced in the cavity is automatically removed from the manufacturing line.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient test method and system for testing the IC package, such as BGA types of packages. With the present invention, manufacturer can have an easier way in testing various types of packages, including newer types. Manufacturer also can get the testing outcome which is more accurate. Furthermore, the present invention helps the manufacturer achieve a significant improvement in an IC packaging process.

Abstract: A nitride semiconductor light emitting device includes a substrate, an n-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the substrate and provided with an electrode region of a predetermined area adjacent to a center of one lateral side of the top surface of the substrate, an n-type electrode formed on the electrode region, an activation layer, a p-type nitride semiconductor layer, and a p-type electrode which has a bonding pad adjacent to a center of another lateral side opposite to the lateral side adjacent to the electrode region to have a predetermined space from the n-type electrode and a band-shaped extension connected to the bonding pad to extend along a lateral side of the top surface of the p-type nitride semiconductor layer in opposite directions from a connected portion of the extension with the bonding pad.

Abstract: A method for fabricating GaN-based LED is provided. The method first forms a first contact spreading metallic layer on top of the texturing surface of the p-type ohmic contact layer. The method then forms a second and a third contact spreading metallic layers on top of the first contact spreading layer. The p-type transparent metallic conductive layer composed of the three contact spreading metallic layers, after undergoing an alloying process within an oxygenic or nitrogenous environment under a high temperature, would have a superior conductivity. The p-type transparent metallic conductive layer could enhance the lateral contact uniformity between the p-type metallic electrode and the p-type ohmic contact layer, so as to avoid the localized light emission resulted from the uneven distribution of the second contact spreading metallic layer within the third contact spreading metallic layer. The GaN-based LED's working voltage and external quantum efficiency are also significantly improved.

Abstract: An integrated optoelectronic silicon biosensor that can detect biomolecules by the change of the optical coupling between the integrated light source and the integrated detector that is caused by the binding of the appropriately labeled analytes onto the recognition molecules, that have been previously immobilized onto the integrated optical fiber that connects the optical source with the detector. The device contains the optoelectronic silicon chip and its biological activation. The optoelectronic chip is realized following integrated circuits fabrication methods so as the light source, the detector and the optical fiber, that optically couples the light source with the detector, to be monolithically integrated on the same silicon substrate. The biological activation of the chip is performed through physicochemical modification of the chip surface in order to permit immobilization of the recognition biomolecules onto the optical fiber surface.

Abstract: A polymer well may be formed over a thermal oxide formed over a semiconductor substrate in one embodiment. The well may include a waveguide and a pair of heaters adjacent the waveguide. Each heater may be mounted on a platform of insulating material to reduce heat loss through the substrate and the thermal oxide, in one embodiment.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to electronic assemblies and methods for forming electronic assemblies. One method includes providing a die and a copper heat spreader that are to be coupled to one another through a thermal interface material. A layer of tin is formed on the copper heat spreader. The heat spreader and the die are clamped together with the tin positioned between the heat spreader and the die. The assembly is heated so that the tin melts and forms at least one intermetallic compound with copper from the heat spreader. The heat spreader is then coupled to the die through the intermetallic compound.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic parts packaging structure of the present invention, includes the steps of forming a first uncured resin layer on a substrate, arranging an electronic parts on the first uncured resin layer, forming a second uncured resin layer that covers the electronic parts, and obtaining an insulating layer, in which the electronic parts is embedded, by curing the first uncured resin layer and the second uncured resin layer by annealing.

Abstract: A wafer level chip scale packaging structure and the method of fabricating the same are disclosed to form a sacrificial layer below the bump using a normal semiconductor process. The bump is used to connect the signals between the Si wafer and the PCB. The interface between the sacrificial layer and the PCB is the weakest part in the whole structure. When the stress applied to the bump is overloaded, the interface between the sacrificial layer and the adjacent layers will peel or the sacrificial layer material will crash to remove the stress generated by different thermal expansion coefficients of the Si wafer and the PCB. The sacrificial layer would help avoid the crash occurring to the bump to protect the electrical conduction between the Si wafer and the PCB.

Abstract: A thermally enhanced wirebond BGA package having a laminate substrate, an IC device mounted on the substrate, and a metal cap defining a cavity inside the package between the IC device and the metal cap. A substantial portion of the cavity is filled with a thermally enhanced epoxy encapsulant establishing a thermal conduction path between the IC device and the metal cap. The BGA package may be further enhanced by bonding a metal heat slug on the laminate substrate and mounting the IC device on the slug.

Abstract: An alloying method includes the steps of forming a metal layer on a semiconductor having been transferred to a material having a low thermal conductivity, and alloying an interface between the semiconductor and the metal layer by irradiating the interface with a laser beam having a wavelength absorbable in at least one of the semiconductor and the metal layer. The irradiation energy of the laser beam is set in a range of 20 to 100 mJ/cm2. The material having a low thermal conductivity is a resin or amorphous silicon. According to the alloying method using laser irradiation, since the entire semiconductor is not heated and only a necessary portion is locally heated, the necessary portion can be readily alloyed to be converted into an ohmic contact without exerting adverse effect on characteristics of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A very high density field programmable memory is disclosed. An array is formed vertically above a substrate using several layers, each layer of which includes vertically fabricated memory cells. The cell in an N level array may be formed with N+1 masking steps plus masking steps needed for contacts. Maximum use of self alignment techniques minimizes photolithographic limitations. In one embodiment the peripheral circuits are formed in a silicon substrate and an N level array is fabricated above the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed in the present invention. The liquid crystal display device includes a gate line and a data line crossing each other on a substrate, a pixel electrode at an area defined by the gate line and the data line, a gate electrode connected to the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line, a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode, and a semiconductor layer acting as a channel between the source and drain electrode, wherein the data line and the semiconductor layer has a trench formed at a side facing to the drain electrode.

Abstract: To provide a method of efficiently configuring a circuit requiring high inter-device consistency by using thin-film transistors. A semiconductor layer is formed on a substrate and is patterned into desired shapes to form first semiconductor islands. The first semiconductor islands are uniformly crystallized by laser irradiation within the surface areas thereof. Thereafter, the semiconductor layers are patterned into desired shapes to become active layers of the thin-film transistors layer. Active layers of all of thin-film transistors constituting one unitary circuit are formed of one of the first semiconductor islands in this case. Thus, the TFTs mutually realize high consistency.

Abstract: Methods for processing an amorphous silicon thin film sample into a polycrystalline silicon thin film are disclosed.

Abstract: A lower electrode may be covered by a protective film to reduce the exposure of the lower electrode to subsequent processing steps or the open environment. As a result, materials that may have advantageous properties as lower electrodes may be utilized despite the fact that they may be sensitive to subsequent processing steps or the open environment.

Abstract: A fabrication method for a non-volatile memory is provided. To fabricate the non-volatile memory, a plurality of first trenches and second trenches are formed in a substrate, wherein the second trenches are disposed above the first trenches and cross over the first trenches. Then, a tunneling layer and a charge storage layer are sequentially formed on both sidewalls of each second trench. An isolation layer is filled into the first trench. Furthermore, a charge barrier layer is formed on the sidewall of the second trench, and a gate dielectric layer is formed at the bottom of the second trench. A control gate layer is filled into the second trench. Finally, two first doping regions are formed in the substrate at both sides of the control gate layer.