Abstract: There is provided a positive type resin composition comprising (A) a resin component comprising within the principal chain a structural unit derived from a (meth)acrylate ester and incorporating an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group containing a polycyclic group on an ester side chain section, for which the solubility in alkali increases under the action of acid, (B) an acid generator component which generates acid on exposure, and (C) an organic solvent, wherein the component (A) comprises both a structural unit derived from a methacrylate ester and a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester. According to such a resist composition, a resist pattern can be formed which displays little surface roughness and line edge roughness on etching, and also offers excellent resolution and a wide depth of focus range.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive medium comprises hydrophilic polymer particles, the particles comprising a thermally softenable hydrophobic polymer, a hydrophilic polymer and a bonding compound capable of chemically bonding to the hydrophobic polymer and to the hydrophilic polymer. Th radiation-sensitive medium further may comprise a substance capable of converting radiation into heat. The radiation-sensitive medium is aqueous-ineluable when coated and dried, and becomes hydrophobic under the action of heat. The polymer particles are made by polymerization of at least one hydrophobic monomer and at least one bonding compound in the presence of the hydrophilic polymer. The radiation-sensitive medium may be provided as a coatable composition to be applied to substrates to form a processless radiation-imageable lithographic printing precursor.

Abstract: Novel anti-reflective coatings comprising small molecules (e.g., less than about 5,000 g/mole) in lieu of high molecular weight polymers and methods of using those coatings are provided. In one embodiment, aromatic carboxylic acids are used as the chromophores, and the resulting compounds are blended with a crosslinking agent and an acid. Anti-reflective coating films prepared according to the invention exhibit improved properties compared to high molecular weight polymeric anti-reflective coating films. The small molecule anti-reflective coatings have high etch rates and good via fill properties. Photolithographic processes carried out with the inventive material result in freestanding, 110-nm profiles.

Abstract: A dry film photoresist includes a functional polymer. The functional polymer has ?,?-unsaturated groups and groups that generate a free radical upon exposure to actinic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of patterned workpieces in the production of semiconductor and other devices. Methods and devices are described utilizing resist and transfer layers over a workpiece substrate. The methods and devices produce small feature dimensions in masks and phase shift masks. The methods described may apply to both masks and direct writing on other workpieces having similarly small features, such as semiconductor, cryogenic, magnetic and optical microdevices.

Abstract: A process and related structure are disclosed for using photo-definable layers that may be selectively converted to insulative materials in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, including for example dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), synchronous DRAMs (SDRAMs), static RAMs (SRAMs), FLASH memories, and other memory devices. One possible photo-definable material for use with the present invention is plasma polymerized methylsilane (PPMS), which may be selectively converted into photo-oxidized siloxane (PPMSO) through exposure to deep ultra-violet (DUV) radiation using standard photolithography techniques. According to the present invention, structures may be formed by converting exposed portions of a photo-definable layer to an insulative material and by using the non-exposed portions in a negative pattern scheme, or the exposed portions in a positive pattern scheme, to transfer a pattern into to an underlying layer.

Abstract: A color photographic material is disclosed comprising a black image forming coupler substituted in the 2, 4 and/or 6 position shown by formula (I) or formula (II), where in LINK represents a divalent linking group, BALL represents a group that prevents the coupler from diffusing away from the layer containing it. X and Y each represent a hydrogen atom or a coupling-off group capable of being released upon an oxidative coupling reaction with a developing agent. The material has a good color reproduction and excellent light stability.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting bacterial growth in whole blood and/or blood components, which may therefore also be used to extend the storage time for the whole blood and/or blood components, through treatment with carbon monoxide. This method is preferably used for the preservation of platelets, which are both particularly vulnerable to bacterial and other microbial infection, and which are also particularly suitable for use with the method of the present invention. Carbon monoxide may be present in an amount of from about 40% to about 100%. Platelets may be stored in a solution buffered by any suitable buffer, such as sodium bicarbonate. Platelet viability may be determined by measuring the ability to aggregate, for example in response to an agonist such as collagen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the determination of insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, and non-insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus based on oral glucose tolerance test data and lipid ratios from reference populations that define an insulin resistance index. The invention also provides methods for using the IR index to determine disease progression and to evaluate the efficacy of the therapeutic agents. The invention further provides an IR calculator for automating diagnosis, producing and storing patient medical records.

Abstract: The invention comprises stabilized polynucleotide complexes that have a cryoprotectant and are lyophilized. Cryoprotectant compounds comprise carbohydrates or sugars, preferably lactose and sucrose, but also glucose, maltodextrins, mannitol, sorbitol, trehalose, and others. Other suitable cryoprotectants include amino acids such as betaines and prolines. Polynucleotide complexes stabilized according to the invention can be used for transfection, and exhibit improved tranfection efficiency with respect to polynucleotide complexes without cryoprotection.

Abstract: A method of determining the relative amounts of individual polynucleotides in a complex mixture of different-sequence polynucleotides is disclosed. The polynucleotides, after fluorescent labeling, are contacted under hybridization conditions with an array of different DNA sequences disposed at discrete locations on a non-porous surface, at an array density of at least about 100 sequences/cm2, where the different DNA sequences in the array are effective to hybridize to individual polynucleotides in the mixture. The level of fluorescence associated with each array sequence provides a measure of its relative amount in the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the efficient in vivo diversification of gene-products in filamentous fungi, starting from (but not limited to) two or more copies of a single gene constituent. The diversification involve use of the Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) process in N. crassa, and other fungi that have analogous mutational processes. The invention takes advantage of the induction of G:C to A:T transition mutations specific to duplicated DNA sequences during the premeiotic dikaryon phase of the life cycle of the fungus. The methods and compositions of the invention can be utilized to generate diversity in target genes, and are proposed for the purpose of altering and generating novel forms and activities of gene-products thus encoded. Duplicated genes may be introduced into the organism and are present either in tandem, or at separate ectopic locations within the genome of the fungus.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for prognosis, diagnosis, staging and disease progression in human cancer patients related to expression levels of a plurality of genes that are differentially expressed in chemotherapeutic drug resistant and drug sensitive tumor cells.

Abstract: A nucleic acid is (a) a nucleic acid comprising a base sequence shown in base numbers 1–39726 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or (b) a nucleic acid wherein a part of the bases 1–39726 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is deleted, substituted or added, and having a homology of 80% for the base sequence. Also, a probe comprises the above nucleic acid, and a screening is carried out by using such a probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to genetic sequences exhibiting differential expression patterns in cancer tissue relative to normal tissue. The identification of differentially expressed genetic sequences permits their use as molecular markers for cancer, as early indicators of cancer progression and/or as predictive markers for a propensity or likelihood of a cancer to develop. The present invention relates particularly to genetic sequences exhibiting expression patterns up-regulated in cervical cells or associated with pre-, early- or late-onset cervical cancer relative to normal cervical cells. The genetic sequences of the present invention provide markers for early- or late-onset cervical cancer and/or a cancer related to cervical cancer. The markers of the present invention further provide potential targets for the development of therapeutic protocols for the treatment or prophylaxis of cervical or related cancer.

Abstract: A tool that can screen bacteria for ?-lactamases against a panel of various antibiotics is desirable. A biosensor incorporating an indicator molecule into ?-lactamases may achieve this purpose, but it requires that the attached indicator molecule must not impair the binding affinity of the protein to a great extent to provide a higher sensitivity. A modified ?-lactamases with a residue on the ?-loop or outside the ?-loop but close to the active site of ?-lactamase being replaced by a reactive residue is developed in this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enriching tumor cells from a body fluid, in which a cell separation medium of a specific density is overlaid with the body fluid and it is subsequently determined whether the enriched cells express an epithelial marker, for example a cytokeratin. A kit suitable for this method is likewise provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing rapid DNA sequencing, such as genomic sequencing, is provided herein. The method includes the steps of preparing a sample DNA for genomic sequencing, amplifying the prepared DNA in a representative manner, and performing multiple sequencing reaction on the amplified DNA with only one primer hybridization step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for analyzing the organismic complexity of a sample through analysis of the nucleic acid in the sample. In the disclosed method, through a series of steps, including digestion with a type II restriction enzyme, ligation of capture adapters and linkers and digestion with a type IIS restriction enzyme, genome signature tags are produced. The sequences of a statistically significant number of the signature tags are determined and the sequences are used to identify and quantify the organisms in the sample. Various embodiments of the invention described herein include methods for using single point genome signature tags to analyze the related families present in a sample, methods for analyzing sequences associated with hyper- and hypo-methylated CpG islands, methods for visualizing organismic complexity change in a sampling location over time and methods for generating the genome signature tag profile of a sample of fragmented DNA.

Abstract: Novel means and methods for analyzing hybridization data derived from hybridization assays between a target nucleic acid and differently sequenced polynucleotide probes involve selecting probe sets that define reference sequences for sequence signatures and deriving useful data about the nature of the target nucleic acid molecule based on its hybridization to the probes. The methods are useful for determining whether the target contains a nucleic acid or polypeptide sequence signature, whether the target encodes a member of a gene family, or whether the target is derived from one of any number of genes.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid sequences which are complementary, in one embodiment, to a wide variety of E. coli genes. The invention provides the sequences in such a way as to make them available for a variety of analyses. In one embodiment the nucleic acid sequences provided are present as an array of probes that may be used to measure gene expression of at least 20,000 E. coli genes and at least 500 intragenic regions. As such, the invention relates to diverse fields impacted by the nature of molecular interaction, including chemistry, biology, medicine, and medical diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screening methods, compositions, and kits for detecting for the presence or absence of one or more target analytes, e.g. proteins such as antibodies, in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to a method that utilizes reporter oligonucleotides as biochemical barcodes for detecting multiple protein structures or other target analytes in one solution.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for amplifying RNA from an RNA template. Methods and compositions are further provided for detecting an RNA in an RNA containing sample. Compositions used for the amplification of RNA from RNA include a RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase, a RNA helicase, and an energy source. Illustrative RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase enzymes are derived from the tomato or tobacco plant, while illustrative RNA helicase enzymes include the eIF4A and eIF4B proteins.

Abstract: Specific binding members directed to eotaxin-1, in particular human antibodies and antibody fragments against human eotaxin-1 and especially those which neutralise eotaxin-1 activity. The antibodies VH and/or VL domain of the scFv fragment herein termed CAT-212 and of the IgG4 antibody herein termed CAT 213. One or more complementary determing regions (CDRs) of the CAT-212/-213 VH and/or VL domains, especially VH CRD3 in other antibody framework regions. Compositions containing specific binding members, and their use in methods of inhibiting or neutralising eotaxin, including methods of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting urothelial carcinoma using an antibody that specifically reacts with a calreticulin protein or a fragment thereof and immunoassaying a calreticulin protein in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a plurality of pairs of interacting proteins and plasmids for use in the method. The pair of plasmids is adapted for use in a modified two hybrid system wherein wherein each plasmid comprises a recombinase recognition site. The method comprises the steps of providing cDNAs encoding test polypeptides, inserting the cDNAs into the first and second plasmids, recombining the first and second plasmids to obtain recombined plasmids, isolating and digesting the recombined plasmids, ligating the restriction fragments to a universal adapter to provide a pool of digested fragments flanked by a universal adapter, selecting and amplifying desired sequences, forming concatamers from the amplified sequences, and sequencing the concatamers to determine the nucleotide sequences encoding a plurality of pairs of interacting proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel members of the Capsaicin/Vanilloid receptor family. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-hVR-1, anti-hVR-2, and anti-rVR-2 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or amount of an analyte in a sample of whole blood comprises the step of treating the sample with a nonlytic hypertonic salt composition to reduce the hematocrit by reducing the size of the red blood cells. In optical detection systems, the smaller red blood cells create greater scatter, which allows a more accurate correction to be applied in a dual-wavelength detection system. In electrochemical detection systems, as well as in optical detection systems, the smaller red blood cells provide less obstruction to the diffusion of analyte and reagents in the sample, to facilitate the reactions thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides potent inhibitors of glycosyltransferases. The glyscosyltransferase inhibitors are useful for inhibiting the synthesis of glycosides. Accordingly, the glycosyltransferase inhibitors find use, for example, in the modulation of biological processes that involve glycoside-mediated cell adhesion.

Abstract: An analytical fluorometric method and a kit for use in such method are disclosed for assessing the presence of alkaline sphingomyelinase (SMase) in the stool of a patient in need of such an assessment since alkaline SMase is a marker of serious pathological states, such as colon cancer.

Abstract: Image analysis methods and apparatus are used for distinguishing live and dead cells. The methods may involve segmenting an image to identify the region(s) occupied by one or more cells and determining the presence of a particular live-dead indicator feature within the region(s). In certain embodiments, the indicator feature is a cytoskeletal component such as tubulin. Prior to producing an image for analysis, cells may be treated with a marker that highlights the live-dead indicator in the image. In the case of tubulin, the marker will co-locate with tubulin and provide a signal that is captured in the image (e.g., a fluorescent emission).

Abstract: Materials and methods for incorporating adenosine derivatives into the 5? end of transcribed RNA are disclosed. Adenosine derivatives include naturally occurring compounds such as Coenzyme A, NAD, and FAD, as well as various non-naturally occurring compounds. The derivatives can be used to impart desirable properties to the RNA such as fluorescence, the ability to bind to receptors or ligands, and improved catalytic activity. The transcribed RNAs can be used in a variety of applications including nucleic acid detection, designed or random generation of catalytic RNAs, antisense applications, and in the study of RNA structure and function.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for in vitro synthesis and assembly of long, gene-length polynucleotides based upon assembly of multiple shorter oligonucleotides synthesized in situ on a microarray platform. Specifically, there is disclosed a process for in situ synthesis of oligonucleotide fragments on a solid phase microarray platform and subsequent, “on device” assembly of larger polynucleotides composed of a plurality of shorter oligonucleotide fragments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the fermentative production of amino acids, providing microorganisms, methods and processes useful therefor. Microorganisms of the invention are capable of converting glucose to amino acids other than L-isoleucine, L-leucine and L-valine with greater efficiency than the parent strain. The efficiency of conversion may be quantified by the formula: [(g amino acid produced/g dextrose consumed)*100]=% Yield and expressed as yield from dextrose. The invention provides microorganisms that are made bradytrophic for the synthesis of valine by mutagenesis.

Abstract: This invention provides transformed microorganisms which can produce ethanol from cellooligosaccharide, by introducing ?-glucosidase gene by recombinant DNA method, into microorganisms belonging to genus Zymobacter which cannot utilize cellooligosaccharide.

Abstract: The invention relates to developments in the treatment of diabetes in mammals. Particularly it relates to a method of preparing a xenotransplantable porcine islet preparation capable upon xenotransplantation of producing porcine insulin in an appropriate recipient mammal, the method including or comprising the steps of: (I) harvesting the pancreas of piglets at or near full term gestation, and (ii) extracting pancreatic ? islet cells from the harvested pancreas wherein the islets (at least at some stage in the performance of the method) are exposed to nicotinamide. Further, the invention relates to a method of encapsulation of a xenotransplantable porcine islet preparation, and transplantation of such a preparation, or a capsule containing such a preparation, into an appropriate recipient mammal.

Abstract: Described are an enzyme having an activity to transfer N-acetylglucosamine to N-acetylgalactosaminyl group through a ?1,3-linkage; nucleic acid coding for the enzyme; and method for diagnosis of a cancer and/or tumor, especially a cancer and/or tumor of a digestive organ using the expression amount of the gene of the enzyme as an index. A gene coding for a novel enzyme having an activity to transfer N-acetylglucosamine to N-acetylgalactosaminyl group through the ?1,3-linkage was cloned from human colon and stomach cells, and the gene was sequenced. The enzyme was expressed, and a monoclonal antibody to the enzyme was prepared. Since this enzyme is not produced substantially or at all in cancer and/or tumor cells, especially in cancer or tumor cells of a digestive organ, the cancer and/or tumor may be diagnosed using the expression of the gene of the enzyme as an index.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID Nos. 1 or 20 or having at least 55% sequence identify therewith and/or capable of hybridising under medium stringency conditions to the complementary sequence of SEQ ID Nos. 1 or 20, or the complementary sequence of said sequences, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes or is complementary to a sequence which encodes a heat labile alkaline phosphatase and to a recombinant heat labile alkaline comprising: (a) all or a significant part of an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID No. 2; or (b) all or a significant part of an amino acid sequence which has at least 60% sequence identify with SEQ ID No. 2 as well as methods for the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: Genes encoding novel cellulases, and a gene encoding a protein that facilitates the action of such novel cellulases, the novel cellulases and a protein that facilitates the action of such cellulases, and enzyme preparations containing such proteins are described. The native hosts and the culture medium of said hosts containing said novel cellulases are also disclosed. These proteins are especially useful in the textile and detergent industry and in pulp and paper industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to newly identified gene sequences that encode novel proteases obtainable from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full length gene sequence of the novel genes, their cDNA sequences as well as the full-length functional protein and fragments thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with DNA according to the invention and cells wherein a protease according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance or reduce its activity and/or level of expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel obligately symbiotic thermophile Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 (Accession NO: KCTC 0685BP), and a thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1. The present invention also relates to a pure culture method of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1, a method of growth measurement for Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 and its relative symbiotic bacteria showing low-growth yield using nitrate respiration, and a screening method of relative symbiotic strains of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 from the environment using a specific antibody to it. Therefore, the thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 in this invention can provide more stable catalysts in enzymatic biotransformation processes which enzymatically produce valuable medico-amino acids 3,4-dehydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) and L-tryptophan.

Abstract: Isolated strains of supercapsulated streptococci band at a density of no greater than 1.03 g/cm3 in a Percoll gradient and are capable of producing hyaluronic acid with molecular weight exceeding 6 million Da. Methods of producing high molecular weight hyaluronic acid employ a supercapsulated strain of streptococcus which bands at a density of no greater than 1.03 g/cm3 in a Percoll gradient. Methods of selecting streptococcus strains capable of producing hyaluronic acid with a molecular weight exceeding 6 million Da comprise, inter alia, cultivating supercapsulated strains of streptococci which band at a density of no greater than 1.03 g/cm3 in a Percoll gradient.

Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection is further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

Abstract: A Method for detecting hepatitis B virus as well as a kit and a reagent therefor, comprising using a phosphate buffer that specifically binds to hepatitis B virus, for example a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a specific site of core-related protein of hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation method of an insect cell extract solution for cell-free protein synthesis, the insect cell extract solution, a protein synthesis method in a cell-free system, which uses the insect cell extract solution, and a kit for cell-free protein synthesis containing the insect cell extract solution. The extract solution is easily prepared by the method of the present invention and can synthesize a higher amount of protein than by extract solutions prepared by conventional methods.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for inhibiting process formation and extension by cells in culture. The subject invention further includes cultures of process-forming cells wherein formation and extension of processes have been inhibited. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns methods of transplantation using process-forming cells that have been cultured by the process-inhibiting methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of identifying compounds that modulate neurogenesis. The methods involve providing a compound that modulates prokineticin receptor signaling; contacting a neural stem or progenitor cell with the compound; and determining the ability of the compound to modulate neurogenesis. The invention also provides methods for modulating neurogenesis. The methods involve contacting a neural stem or progenitor cell with an effective amount of a compound that modulates prokineticin receptor signaling. Such methods are useful for both ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic applications where neural regeneration is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing fatty acid desaturase mutants having a substantially increased activity towards substrates with fewer than 18 carbon atom chains relative to an unmutagenized precursor desaturase having an 18 carbon chain length specificity, the sequences encoding the desaturases and to the desaturases that are produced by the methods. The present invention further relates to a method for altering a function of a protein, including a fatty acid desaturase, through directed mutagenesis involving identifying candidate amino acid residues, producing a library of mutants of the protein by simultaneously randomizing all amino acid candidates, and selecting for mutants which exhibit the desired alteration of function. Candidate amino acids are identified by a combination of methods. Enzymatic, binding, structural and other functions of proteins can be altered by the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to alpha amylases and to polynucleotides encoding the alpha amylases. In addition methods of designing new alpha amylases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The alpha amylases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: Highly efficient gene transfer into primate-derived embryonic stem (ES) cells has successfully been achieved by using a simian immunodeficiency virus vector (SIV) pseudotyped with VSV-G protein, which is a surface glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) The present invention provides simian immunodeficiency virus vectors for gene transfer to primate ES cells. The method for gene transfer to primate ES cells using the vectors of the present invention is useful in, for example, research into embryology and disease, clinical applications, and experimental models for primates. The method is also useful in assaying and screening for genes and reagents able to enhance the specific differentiation of tissues or cells, and which are useful in preparing desired cells or tissues differentiated from ES cells.