Abstract: Methods of forming a component of a thin film magnetic head and improving the plating of a component of a thin film magnetic head are provided. The methods include the use of a high activation energy chemically amplified photoresist (CARS) that is contacted with a low pH high saturation magnetic moment plating solution to form a magnetic head component that is essentially free of plating defects. The methods find utility in hard disk drive applications, such as in the manufacture of magnetic poles for the write head of a hard disk drive.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making a multi-reservoir device comprising (i) patterning one or more photoresist layers on a substrate; (ii) depositing onto the substrate at least one metal layer by a sputtering process to form a plurality of reservoir caps and conductive traces; (iii) removing the photoresist layers using a liftoff process; (iv) forming a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate; (v) loading each reservoir with reservoir contents (such as a drug or sensor); and (vi) sealing each reservoir. Optionally, the reservoir cap comprises a first conductive metal layer coated with one or more protective noble metal films. To enhance the resistance of the substrate (e.g., a silicon substrate) to etching in vivo, the interior sidewalls of the reservoirs optionally can include a protective coating (e.g., gold, platinum, carbon, silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, and platinum silicide), or sidewalls comprising silicon can be doped with boron or another impurity.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of fabricating an optically-pumped disk-array solid-state laser amplifier having one or more disks, wherein one or more of the one or more disks having two opposed surfaces, including the steps of patterning a photoresist mask on one or more of the two opposed surfaces of the one or more disks and processing the one or more disks through the patterned photoresist mask, whereby the temperature profile improved radially across the disk's surface, amplified spontaneous emission are reduced, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of removing photoresist is provided. In the whole process of removing the photoresist, plasma is not used. Instead, a first solution is used in a first removal step to remove a photoresist layer. Then, a second solution is used in a second removal step to completely remove the photoresist layer. The first solution and the second solution have different polarities, and the polarity of the first solution is large than that of the second solution.

Abstract: Flexographic printing plates are produced by exposing the photopolymer plates to a light source and washing out (developing) the masked out, non-exposed areas with a solvent. The invention provides substituted benzene solvents suitable for use in the development of photopolymer printing plates. The solvents, which include substituted benzene alone or mixed with co-solvents and/or non-solvents, are effective in developing a large number of different photopolymer printing plates and can produce images superior to those obtained with commercially available solvents currently used in such applications.

Abstract: Use of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS 1) and/or of fragments of the N-terminal part of CPS 1 from body fluids or body tissues as marker peptides for the diagnosis and for the prognosis and the monitoring of inflammations and infections, including sepsis, and of liver failure as part of multiorgan failure or for determinations in connection with inflammatory and other liver diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting neoplastic or damaged cells and for detecting multidrug resistance in neoplastic or damaged cells by detecting an increase in the cell surface expression of a nucleophosmin (NPM) protein on the surface of such a multidrug resistant neoplastic or damaged cells as compared to the level of expression of the nucleophosmin protein on the surface of a normal cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. The invention is also directed to a method and apparatus for constructing molecular arrays having a plurality of test sites. The invention allows for definitive high throughput analysis of multiple analytes in complex mixtures of sample substances. A combinatorial analysis process is described that results in the creation of an array of integrated chemical devices. These devices operate in parallel, each unit providing specific sets of data that, when taken as a whole, give a complete answer for a defined experiment. This approach is uniquely capable of rapidly providing a high density of information from limited amounts of sample in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for modulating Phase II conjugating enzymes such as, for example, UGTs. Phase II conjugating enzymes such as UGTs function in concert with Phase I monooxygenase enzymes such as cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) to eliminate steroids and xenobiotics. Nuclear receptors SXR/PXR and CAR are xenosensors regulating expression of CYP genes such as CYP3A and 2B. The ability of this group of receptors to regulate expression of UGT in response to steroids and/or xenobiotics provides novel approaches for direct regulation/activation of a glucuronidation pathway, thereby providing methods to achieve physiologic homeostasis with respect to steroids and/or xenobiotics. SXR/PXR and CAR regulation/activation of UGT represents the first evidence of receptors that can transduce/transactivate both Phase I and Phase II adaptive hepatic response. In another aspect, the present invention also provides transgenic rodents expressing one or more of SXR, CAR or PXR.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synthesizing templated molecules attached to the templated which directed the synthesis thereof. The method involves a template, a scaffold functional entity and a functional entity attached to a building block, which, in turn, is attached the template. The scaffold functional entity and the functional entity of the building block are both provided with complementary dimerization domains allowing the functional entities to come into close proximity when the complementary domains interact with to each other. The method may be used for generating libraries of templated molecules which may be selected for biological activity.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method for performing a bisulfite reaction to determine methylation positions in a nucleic acid, i.e. methylated and non-methylated cytosines, whereby the nucleic acid is incubated in a solution comprising the nucleic acid for a time period of 1.5 to 3.5 hours at a temperature between 70 and 90° C., whereby the concentration of bisulfite in the solution is between 3 M and 6.25 M and whereby the pH value of the solution is between 5.0 and 6.0 whereby the nucleic acid, i.e. the cytosine bases in the nucleic acid, are deaminated. Then the solution comprising the deaminated nucleic acid is desulfonated and preferably desalted. The application is further related to a solution comprising bisulfite with a certain pH and uses thereof as well as a kit comprising the solution.

Abstract: A method and assay system is provided for screening for antimicrobial agents that inhibit or otherwise disrupt the transcription of bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, particularly those in Gram-positive bacteria. The method and assay utilizes purified RNA polymerase, isolated, for example, from either Bacillus subtilis or Escherichia coli, and a template DNA fragment which encodes glycyl-tRNA synthetase, containing the promoter and leader region of the B. subtilis glyQS gene, including the T-Box terminator/antiterminator. Incubation in the presence of nucleotide triphosphates results in synthesis of an RNA transcript initiating at the glyQS promoter and terminating at the leader region terminator. Read-through of the terminator, and synthesis of an extended transcript, is dependent on addition of purified glycyl-tRNA. The method and assay is dependent on the use of the specified tRNA species; non-specific tRNA fails to stimulate antitermination.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for amplifying a target sequence by strand displacement replication using strand-displacing primers. The method uses primers that have only ribonucleotides or purine ribonucleotides and at least one 2?-substituted pyrimidine-2?-deoxyribonucleotide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identifying Streptomyces species using groEL2 gene that can compensate for drawbacks of conventional methods of morphologic classification and 16S rDNA identification being time-consuming, unfaithful, and expensive, thus enabling to efficiently identify Streptomyces species.

Abstract: Method for detecting macromolecular biopolymers using a unit for immobilizing macromolecular biopolymers, in which the unit is provided with first molecules serving as capture molecules.

Abstract: The gene responsible for systemic carnitine deficiency was found to be the OCTN2 gene involved in the transportation of organic cations. This invention enables tests for this disease by detecting whether or not the OCTN2 gene has a mutation. Furthermore, systemic carnitine deficiency can be treated using the normal OCTN2 gene and its protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for predicting whether a patient having varicocele-associated infertility will have an increase in sperm in the ejaculate after varicocele repair surgery. In the method of the present invention, the present or absence of undelete forms of exons 6, 7, 8 and 9 the patient's L-VDCC ?1c transcript is detected. The presence of undeleted forms of the exons indicates that varicocele repair surgery will result in increased ejaculate, and the absence of undeleted forms of the exons indicates that varicocele repair surgery will not result in increased ejaculate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of detecting interacting molecules. The invention provides a set of a first and a second probe, each such probe provided with a dye allowing energy transfer; at least one probe provided with a reactive group allowing juxtaposing the first and second probe. A method is provided for detecting at least two interacting molecules at the single cell level using of a set of probes according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for substances which inhibit the oligomerization of NEMO and/or IKK-related complexes and/or signaling pathways based on the interference with NEMO oligomerization.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases, for changing the proliferative capacity of cells and organisms, and for identification and screening of compounds and treatments useful for treatment of diseases such as cancers.

Abstract: A method is provided for the diagnosis of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or prion disease in an animal which comprises assaying a sample obtained from said animal to determine the number of hematopoietic cells of the erythroid, megakaryocyte or platelet cell lineages in the sample or an expression product thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying an agent that specifically binds and/or modulates one topology of a chemokine receptor but not a second topology of the receptor. Such agents are useful as therapeutics for diseases or conditions associated with a particular chemokine receptor topology. Moreover, the agents are useful for detecting a particular topology of a chemokine receptor, thereby diagnosing disease or predisposition for a disease. In addition, the agents are useful for identifying and isolating cells that express a particular topology of a chemokine receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bitter-taste receptors and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block bitter taste transduction, or enhance bitter taste response.

Abstract: New applications for the use of distinguishable particulate labels available in a variety of hues and sized in the submicron range are described. These applications include profiling of cellular components, obtaining secretion patterns, identifying a multiplicity of components in chromatographic or electrophoretic techniques and identification of desired immunoglobulin secreting cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods useful in the preparation of immunostimulatory vaccines which include as one of their components, activated antigen presenting cells which are characterized by having an ability to stimulate a therapeutic T cells response in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to regulation of cellular proliferation. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding SAK, which is a protein kinase involved in modulation of cellular proliferation and cell cycle regulation. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents, including small molecule chemical compositions, antibodies, peptides, cyclic peptides, nucleic acids, RNAi, antisense nucleic acids, and ribozymes, that modulate cell cycle regulation and cellular proliferation via modulation of SAK; as well as to the use of expression profiles and compositions in diagnosis and therapy related to cell cycle regulation and modulation of cellular proliferation, e.g., for treatment of cancer and other diseases of cellular proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating a pancreas as a source of therapeutically useful islets. A scoring system is set forth whereby 5 criteria are listed. If three criteria are positive, then the pancreas is a suitable source of therapeutically useful islets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing specimens for a cryo-electron microscope, comprising an environmental chamber, a holder for a sample or a carrier, and at least one blotting element to which a medium for absorbing liquid is or can be attached, both disposed in the environmental chamber, and a cooling medium for cooling down said sample. The said blotting element can be moved towards the sample or carrier in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that colon carcinoma, carcinogenesis, or the predisposition thereto is associated with the level of Wnt2, Wnt5, BMP6, and Fz receptors and the full-length and dominant negative form of LEF1.

Abstract: Provided are four new fluorescent proteins. The proteins were derived from two wild-type fluorescent proteins: a red fluorescent protein (RFP) that was isolated from Actinodiscus or Discosoma sp. 1 and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) isolated from Montastraea cavernosa. Two mutant forms were generated from each wild-type protein. Each of the mutated forms has a higher fluorescence intensity than the respective wild-type form. The mutant forms of the fluorescent proteins allow for more sensitive detection of the fluorescence emitted by the proteins. Additionally, one of the mutant proteins is more resistant to photobleaching than its wild-type protein. The invention also encompasses isolated nucleic acids encoding the mutant forms of the wild-type RFP and GFP.

Abstract: The sequences of 5? ESTs and consensus contigated 5?ESTs derived from mRNAs encoding secreted proteins are disclosed. The 5? ESTs and consensus contigated 5?ESTs may be to obtain cDNAs and genomic DNAs corresponding to the 5? ESTs and consensus contigated 5?ESTs. The 5? ESTs and consensus contigated 5?ESTs may also be used in diagnostic, forensic, gene therapy, and chromosome mapping procedures. Upstream regulatory sequences may also be obtained using the 5? ESTs and consensus contigated 5?ESTs. The 5? ESTs and consensus contigated 5?ESTs may also be used to design expression vectors and secretion vectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transformed yeast cell containing a first heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a mammalian G protein-coupled receptor and a second heterologous DNA sequence which codes for a mammalian G protein ? subunit (mammalian G?). The first and second heterologous DNA sequences are capable of expression in the cell, but the cell is incapable of expressing an endogenous G protein ?-subunit (yeast G?). The cells are useful for screening compounds which affect the rate of dissociation of G? from G?? in a cell. Also disclosed is a novel DNA expression vector useful for making cells as described above. The vector contains a first segment comprising at least a fragment of the extreme amino-terminal coding sequence of a yeast G protein-coupled receptor. A second segment is positioned downstream from the first segment (and in correct reading frame therewith), with the second segment comprising a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous G protein-coupled receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods related to the expression of Bowman-Birk protease inhibitors and variants thereof in bacterial species. The present invention further provides fusion nucleic acids, vectors, fusion polypeptides, and processes for obtaining the Bowman-Birk protease inhibitors.

Abstract: Host cells, such as E. coli, are provided with an expression system for making starter units required for biosynthesis of polyketides using the ato pathway.

Abstract: The present invention is related to glucoamylases having at least 80% sequence identity to a Trichoderma glucoamylase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and biologically functional fragments thereof. The invention is also related to DNA sequences coding for the glucoamylases, vectors and host cells incorporating the DNA sequences, enzyme compositions and methods of using the glucoamylases in various applications.

Abstract: A test kit for immunochromatography comprising a test strip and a test tube is described. The test strip comprises a detection zone for detecting an analyte in a sample. The test tube accommodates the test strip. The test tube comprises an indicator at a position corresponding to the detection zone of the test strip which is inserted into the test tube.

Abstract: A highly deacetylated chitosan obtained from microbial biomass, a method of obtaining chitosan from microbial biomass, and biomass for making chitosan are disclosed. The method includes providing chitin-containing biomass; reacting the chitin-containing biomass in a caustic solution of greater than 25 percent alkali at a reaction temperature greater than 95° C. for a reaction period of at least 10 hours to convert the chitin in the biomass to chitosan; and separating the chitosan from the caustic solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for converting plant cell wall polysaccharides into one or more products, comprising: treating the plant cell wall polysaccharides with an effective amount of a spent whole fermentation broth of a recombinant microorganism, wherein the recombinant microorganism expresses one or more heterologous genes encoding enzymes which degrade or convert the plant cell wall polysaccharides into the one or more products.

Abstract: Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on a carrier selected from the group consisting of macroporous adsorbent resin of the acrylic type, synthetic epoxy activated resin and Mg—Al-hydrotalcite enhances its enantioselectivity by six to seven folds. The immobilized Candida rugosa lipase is suitable for use in resolution of racemic alcohols and/or carboxylic acids, particularly in resolution of racemic menthol or production of menthyl esters.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies which catalyze hydrolysis of ?-amyloid. Antibodies generated are characterized by the amide linkage which they hydrolyze. Methods of generating the antibodies by using ?-amyloid peptides which incorporate transition state analogs are also provided. Also disclosed is a vectorized antibody which is characterized by the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, and is further characterized by the ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of ?-amyloid. The vectorized antibody can take the form of bispecific antibody, which has a first specificity for the transferrin receptor and a second specificity for a taransition state adopted by ?-amyloid hydrolysis.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a water-soluble polypeptide fragment of human tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, which is useful for the inhibition of angiogenesis. The nucleic acid comprises a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 6, a polynucleotide hybridizable to SEQ ID NO: 6, a polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 7, a polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 12, a polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide epitope of SEQ ID NO: 7, or a polynucleotide that is hybridizable to a polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide epitope of SEQ ID NO: 7. Vectors and recombinant cells comprising the nucleic acid are also provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a process for conveniently producing phosphorylase at a high purity using a phosphorylase-producing microorganism. Namely, a process for producing phosphorylase characterized by culturing a phosphorylase-producing microorganism in a medium containing phosphoric acid or its salt at a concentration of 50 mM or above and collecting the phosphorylase thus produced in the medium.

Abstract: The present invention is related to glucoamylases having at least 80% sequence identity to a Trichoderma glucoamylase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and biologically functional fragments thereof. The invention is also related to DNA sequences coding for the glucoamylases, vectors and host cells incorporating the DNA sequences, enzyme compositions and methods of using the glucoamylases in various applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent beta-glucosidase, comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 142, 183, 266, and 703 of amino acids 1 to 842 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or corresponding to positions 142, 183, 266, and 705 of amino acids 1 to 844 of SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the variant has beta-glucosidase activity. The present invention also relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the variant beta-glucosidases and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foreign peptide sequences fused to recombinant plant viral structural proteins and a method of their production. Fusion proteins are economically synthesized in plants at high levels by biologically contained tobamoviruses. The fusion proteins of the invention have are useful as antigens for inducing the production of antibodies having desired binding properties, e.g., protective antibodies, or for use as vaccine antigens for the induction of protective immunity against the parvovirus. Feline parvovirus epitopes were fused to the N-terminus of the TMV coat protein, expressed in Nicotiana plants, extracted, purified, characterized and administered to animals, resulting in protective immunity.

Abstract: Liquid chemical compositions are disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media under reducing conditions, including, but not limited to, denitrifying, manganese-reducing, iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing conditions. One such liquid chemical composition includes sodium nitrate in the range of one-fifth (0.2) to four (4) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; sodium hexametaphosphate or other biologically hydrolyzable ring or linear polyphosphate in the range of one twentieth (0.05) to five (5) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; a surfactant in the range of 0.01% to 10% by volume of the chemical composition; and a diluent in the form of water.

Abstract: A device for processing fluids includes a filter to capture a cell sample. The filter has a physical barrier to isolate the cell sample on the filter. Growth detection circuitry is associated with the filter. The growth detection circuitry identifies, through electrical measurements, a cell growth rate and hence the presence of live cells associated with the cell sample.

Abstract: Acoustic wave devices coated with a biolayer are described for the detection target bio-molecules. The acoustic wave device is connected in an oscillator circuit, and the frequency shift ?f resulting from a biomolecular event is recorded. Further described are the use of Rayleigh wave surface acoustic wave devices for vapor phase detection as well as quartz crystal microbalance devices for liquid phase measurements. A biofilm on the surface of the acoustic wave device comprises of a layer of antibodies raised against a specific target molecule or antigen. Signatures for detection events are presented in the form of frequency shifts ?f(t).

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for interrogating an optical biosensor. The apparatus includes (a) locating means for positioning one or more optical biosensors; (b) calibration means for generating a reference measurement; (c) one or more biosensors for generating one or more sample measurements, the biosensors being substantially planar and removable from the apparatus; (d) a reading means for interrogating biosensor and calibration means, and (e) a transport means for moving one or more of a biosensor, the calibration means and the reading means, whereby the reading means is positioned to interrogate the biosensor and the calibration means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a newly discovered gene family with multiple isoforms, designated TAG-1, TAG-2a, TAG-2b, TAG-2c, and TAG-3, nucleic acid sequences encoding those proteins, and antibodies generated against said proteins. The genes, proteins, and peptides described herein may be used as diagnostic indicators of the presence of cancer and/or used in therapeutics to treat cancer.