Abstract: The present invention relates to ?5 desaturases, which have the ability to convert dihomo-?-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3 ?-6) to arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4 ?-6) and/or eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA; 20:4 ?-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 ?-3). Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ?5 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these ?5 desaturases in oleaginous yeast are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the production of 2-butanone by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanone product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for a robust production of isoprenoids via one or more biosynthetic pathways. The invention also provides nucleic acids, enzymes, expression vectors, and genetically modified host cells for carrying out the subject methods. The invention also provides fermentation methods for high productivity of isoprenoids from genetically modified host cells.

Abstract: A method for the production of 1-butanol by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanol product.

Abstract: A method for the production of 2-butanol by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanol product.

Abstract: A method for the production of isobutanol by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanol product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enzymatic hydrolysis of arabinoxylan, and an enzyme composition suitable for use in such a process.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in a biofuel crop plant such as alfalfa or switchgrass, by modification of the lignin biosynthetic pathway. Also provided are plants prepared by the methods of the invention. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing ethanol by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: An opening is formed in a cell using laser radiation. A Bessel beam is formed using the laser radiation and the Bessel beam is directed onto the cell to form an opening. The guiding of material towards the opening may be involved using optical trapping/manipulation. The material may change cellular function or analyse cell behaviour. Both pulsed laser radiation and continuous wave radiation may be formed using the same laser.

Abstract: DNA and recombinant DNA that encode a peptide-forming enzyme, a method for producing a peptide-forming enzyme, and a method for producing a dipeptide are disclosed. A method for producing a dipeptide includes producing a dipeptide from a carboxy component and an amine component by using a culture of a microbe belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium and having the ability to form the dipeptide from the carboxy component and the amine component, a microbial cell separated from the culture, treated microbial cell product of the microbe or a peptide-forming enzyme derived from the microbe.

Abstract: This invention relates to amylase polypeptides, and nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides and uses thereof. The amylases of the present invention have been engineered to have more beneficial qualities. Specifically the amylases of the current invention show an altered exospecifity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood coagulation accelerator excellent under severe conditions at ordinary or higher temperatures and capable of exhibiting high blood coagulation performance stably over a long period of time, as well as a container for blood examination wherein the blood coagulation accelerator is accommodated. Disclosed is a blood coagulation accelerator comprising an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing in a peptide chain a bond between arginine and an arbitrary amino acid residue and/or a bond between lysine and an arbitrary amino acid residue, an inactivated enzyme product comprising the above-mentioned enzyme inactivated by radiation irradiation, and ?-alanine.

Abstract: T4 bacteriophages are bound to substrates such as liposomes using a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for improving the viral safety of liquid Factor VII compositions, in particular those comprising active Factor VII polypeptides (a Factor VIIa polypeptide).

Abstract: A rotating wall vessel is used as a culture vessel and bioreactor for the cultivation of hepatocytes in the form of spheroids to generate a culture with many properties of the intact liver. These properties include enzyme activity comparable to fresh cells and long-term maintenance of viability and cellular function for periods on the order of months. The cultures may be used to produce hepatocyte products, evaluate-metabolism of an agent, propagate Hepatitis C virus and test agents as inhibitors of this virus. Thus, the culture system disclosed herein makes long term functional cultivation of human hepatocytes feasible.

Abstract: A culture container and a method of culture which do not require a plurality of incubators in a case where a plurality of cells of different kinds which like different gas concentrations should be cultured simultaneously. A culture double container 1 comprises a gas-permeable culture container 2 having an inlet and an outlet 6, a gas-impermeable container 3 covering the culture container 2, and joint portions 12 and 13 for holding the culture container 2 in the gas-impermeable container 3 in such a manner that space is defined between the culture container 2 and the gas-impermeable container 3. The culture double container 1 receives gas controlled in its composition in the space defined houses the culture container 2 and the gas-impermeable container 3 during culture of cell or micro-organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool head for a device that is used to automatically isolate and treat cell clones by means of a cloning dome, which isolates the respective cell clone from the environment, said cloning dome being held in a detachable manner by the tip of a pipette and the latter being fixed by a non-positive fit to a conical receiving element of the tool head. To hold the cloning dome on the tip of the pipette, the latter comprises a conical section, over which a complementary conical section of the cloning dome is folded and the tool head is fixed to an arm of a robot system. According to the invention, the end of the arm that is located on the tool head side is equipped with a receiving block (1), which has a lower (2) and an upper (3) stop to delimit the displacement path of a displaceable holder (4) for the pipette tip receiving element, said holder (4) being guided on the receiving block (1) by means of a linear guide (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.

Abstract: A bioreactor device for studying the effects of physical, chemical, mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli on the cellular activity. In particular, the device uses a sensorized premixing chamber (1), a culture chamber (2) for observing the development of the cells by a microscope (40). Output signals are transmitted to a control unit for amplifying and filtering the signals (50), which transmits the treated signals to a computer (52). To another control unit (51) actuating electrovalves (20), (21) and (22) are connected that adjust the introduction of gas in the premixing chamber. The culture medium is drawn from the premixing chamber (1) through a duct (4) and its flow is adjusted by a peristaltic pump (30). The culture medium crosses then the culture chamber (2) and continues its path in a duct (3), returning again in the premixing chamber (1). At the outlet of the culture chamber (2) the duct has a sample point (23) for picking up an amount of culture medium to analyse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood testing bottomed tube, which comprises a tubular member having an open one end and closed another end, and a coating layer formed on at least a part to be contacted with blood on said tubular member, said coating layer being made of a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether or a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether, the present invention also relates to a stopper for a blood testing bottom tube and a blood testing container.

Abstract: A cylindrical or annular polymeric bioreactor is disclosed which provides enhanced mixing and aeration of the growth medium while simultaneously offering reduced mechanical shear force.

Abstract: Canine and feline 5T4 polypeptide sequences and nucleotide sequences encoding them are provided. A vector system comprising a nucleic acid encoding 5T4 and a 5T4-specific agent are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of propagating transformed neurons in a simulated microgravity environment generated by a rotating wall vessel (“3-D culture”) so that the phenotype of the transformed neurons so cultured becomes closer to that of non-transformed neurons (primary neurons) and less like the phenotype of transformed neurons cultured via standard cell culture techniques (“2-D culture”).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, upon introducing an extracellular substance, such as sperm, a cell nucleus, a nucleic acid, and a protein, into a mammalian oocyte, for introducing the extracellular substance into a mammalian oocyte, which is safe for the mammalian oocyte, enables efficient introduction, and is technically easy. By treating the mammalian oocyte with a tubulin-polymerization inhibitor such as vinblastine, membrane fusion between the oocyte and the sperm is promoted, and the sperm and the oocyte are fused without making a hole in the oolemma and fertilization can be achieved. The method of the present invention can be applied not only to the case of introducing sperm into a mammalian oocyte, but also to the case of introducing an extracellular substance, such as a cell nucleus, a nucleic acid, and a protein, into a mammalian oocyte.

Abstract: A bioreactor chamber assembly including a bioreactor chamber and an outer chamber assembly is provided. In one design, the bioreactor chamber includes an upper grip assembly having a plurality of struts extending downward terminating in upper grips, each strut terminating in an upper grip, and a lower grip assembly containing one or more sample compartments and a lower grip. A sample can be formed in situ via injection into a sleeve contained within the sample compartment, where the sleeve encloses the upper and lower grips and enables a construct to form attached to these grips. In a second design, a split mold is received in the bioreactor chamber, the split mold having a cavity for receiving the upper and lower grips. Tissue explants and engineered constructs can be held within these grips. Medium level in the sample compartment is controlled, and different lengths of samples can be accommodated in the sample compartment.

Abstract: An artificial physiological salt solution, wherein the active hydrogen reaction value is 0.01 to 1, the pH is 4.0 to 7.9 and the osmotic pressure is 260 mOsm/L to 2560 mOsm/L, as well as a manufacturing method for the same are provided as a novel artificial physiological salt solution, which has active oxygen eliminating activity and anti-inflammation effects, and can be appropriately used in a multitude of applications such as organ cleaning solutions (cleaning solutions for the eyes, cleaning solutions for the nose and the like), artificial infusions, artificial amniotic fluid, protective solutions, cell/tissue cultures and the like, as well as a manufacturing method for the same.

Abstract: Use of nitric oxide modulators during the transformation process can enhance Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro by inhibiting a pathway component of a TGF-? signaling pathway and overexpressing one or more cell fate-inducing polypeptides in pluripotent cells, causing differentiation of the pluripotent cells into dopaminergic neurons. Also disclosed are methods for treating a neurodegenerative disease in a patient by generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro, and transplanting them into the brain of the patient, such that the dopaminergic neurons are sufficient to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: Regulatory elements, specifically replicators and transgene constructs containing replicator nucleic acid sequences, are disclosed herein. Methods of using replicators and transgene constructs including replicators to inhibit, delay, or prevent gene silencing are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A reagent and colorimetric autoanalyzer are provided for determining nitrate concentration using an EPA approved method. Methods of determining nitrate concentration using a reagent and a calorimetric autoanalyzer are also provided. The device and use thereof allows for the automated and accurate determination of nitrate in a sample, resulting in a non-hazardous method that is not labor intensive to determine the amount of nitrate in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are various preferred embodiments for dynamic transfer of information from a test sensor to an analyte medical test device. Exemplary embodiments include various containers, systems and methods.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.

Abstract: An oximeter for spectro-photometric in-vitro determination of hemoglobin derivatives in a sample, typically a hemolyzed blood sample, is provided comprising a single measurement light source emitting measurement radiation, a sample chamber, for instance a measurement cuvette containing the sample, a detector device, which records a spectrum of the measurement radiation after its interaction with the sample, and an evaluation unit following the detector device, which determines the hemoglobin derivatives and at least one further analyte from the spectrum recorded by the detector device.

Abstract: Among other things, for use in directional motion of chiral objects in a mixture, a field is applied across the chamber and is rotating relative to the chamber to cause rotation of the chiral objects. The rotation of the objects causes them to move directionally based on their chirality. The method applies to sugars, proteins, and peptides, among other things, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids are featured. The methods can include: derivatizing one or more molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids in a sample comprising a branched-chain amino acid labeled with one or more heavy atoms as a first standard; adding, to the sample, after derivatization, a nonderivatized or derivatized branched chain amino acid that is labeled with one or more heavy atoms, as a second standard; evaluating the sample using tandem mass spectrometry; and detecting peaks indicative of derivatized and nonderivatized forms of one or more branched-chain amino acids in the sample.

Abstract: A solid-phase permethylation procedure is described. For example, solid-phase permethylation can be utilized to prepare permethylated linear and branched, neutral and sialylated oligosaccharides, which can be analyzed by MALDI-MS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying low copy nucleic acid segments from within a known nucleic acid sequence and selecting among the identified low copy segments for segments that are thermodynamically suitable for use in hybridization experiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor which is used to detect ammonia by detecting and evaluating conductivity variations on semi-conductive metal oxides, comprising: a substrate, a gas sensitive layer made of a semi-conductive metal oxide, a catalytic filter which is disposed in front of the metal oxide, said filter being used to convert ammonia, contained in the measuring gas, into a NO/NO2 mixture or to only NO2, measuring electrodes which are arranged on the surface of the substrate in order to detect conductivity variations in the semi-conductive metal oxide which is at least sensitive to NO/NO2, a controllable electric heating device which is used to adjust predetermined temperatures at least for the semi-conductive metal oxide, whereby the formed NO/NO2 can be guided to the metal oxide and the content of ammonia in the measuring gas can be determined from the NO/NO2-measurement by means of the semi-conductive metal oxide.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds or hypochlorous acid probes which can be used as reagents for measuring, detecting and/or screening, directly or indirectly, hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite. Provided also herein are methods that can be used to measure, directly or indirectly, the amount of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite in chemical samples and biological samples such as cells and tissues in living organisms. Specifically, the methods include the steps of contacting the hypochlorous acid probes disclosed herein with the samples to form one or more fluorescent compounds, and measuring fluorescence properties of the fluorescent compounds. Provided also herein are high-throughput screening fluorescent methods for detecting or screening hypochlorous acid or compounds that can increase or decrease, directly or indirectly, the level of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite in chemical and biological samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining a total concentration of a component in a sample, including a reactor for oxidizing or reducing the sample, a chromatographic column coupled to the reactor for separating the component in the sample, and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting the component. In further embodiments, a filter may be used instead of or in addition to the column. Moreover, multiple sensors may be used instead of or in addition to the column for simultaneously detecting multiple components.

Abstract: Improved brine solutions and uses thereof for uncontaminatedly and/or efficiently freezing items such as foods, and biological samples. In accordance with one embodiment, a brine solution containing a sufficient amount of dye in conferring the solution a distinctive color is used in the freezing process. In accordance with another embodiment, a brine solution containing deionized water is used for improving the freezing efficiency and/or freezing capacity.

Abstract: This invention relates, inter alia, to detecting and/or measuring succinylacetone and one or more additional biological analytes using mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method of testing an animal for pregnancy or identifying the sex of the animal comprising the steps of first, providing a first vessel containing a liquid and having a removable surface wherein said removable surface is at least partially coated with an antibody and then introducing a bodily fluid from the female animal into said first vessel so that said bodily fluid contacts the liquid and then manipulating the first vessel so that the liquid contacts the antibody. Then, a second vessel containing a reporter hormone solution is provided and the removable surface from the first vessel is displaced to the second vessel and manipulating the second vessel so that the reporter hormone solution contacts the removable surface. Then, a third vessel containing an indicating solution which has an appearance which is related to the amount of the reporter hormone contacted is provided, and the removable surface is displaced from the second vessel to the third vessel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the quantitative measurement of at least one analyte of interest in a liquid sample by immunochromatography, said method comprising weighted measurement of the quantity of analyte with respect to a control. The method is of particular application to medical diagnostics in the field of hemostasis, for example to exclude a risk of diagnosis of venous thromboembolic disease.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include methods and assays for detecting an analyte in a sample using a plurality of control zone capture agents. Some embodiments include detection of multiple analytes in a sample utilizing a plurality of analyte binders and a control zone containing multiple control zone capture agents. In some embodiments, the multiple control zone capture agents capture a plurality of binders within one control zone. Test results are determined by comparison of the control zone signal to a test zone signal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit having a magnetic tunnel junction device is disclosed. The method includes depositing a bottom pinning structure above the bottom conductive structure. A first ferromagnetic structure is deposited above the bottom pinning structure in a chamber. A tunnel barrier structure is deposited above the first ferromagnetic layer structure in the chamber, and a second ferromagnetic structure is deposited above the tunnel barrier structure of the magnetic tunnel junction device in another chamber.

Abstract: Dicing lines extending longitudinally and transversely, and chip areas surrounded by the dicing lines are formed in a resist mask. Critical-dimension patterns are formed in the dicing lines so as to be paired while placing the center line thereof in between. The dimensional measurement of the resist film having these patterns formed therein is made under a CD-SEM, by specifying a measurement-target chip area out of a plurality of chip areas, and by specifying a position of a critical-dimension pattern on the left thereof. Then, the distance of two linear portions configuring the critical-dimension pattern is measured, wherein a portion at a point of measurement on the measurement-target chip area side as viewed from the center line of the dicing line is measured.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor package provides a ball grid array, BGA, formed on a package substrate. The apices of the solder balls of the BGA are all at the same height, even if the package substrate is non-planar. Different solder ball pad sizes are used and tailored to compensate for non-planarity of the package substrate that may result from thermal warpage. Larger size solder ball pads are formed at relatively-high locations on the package substrate. An equal amount of solder is formed on each of the solder ball pads to produce solder balls having different heights and coplanar apices.

Abstract: A method for producing an inkjet head for jetting an ink from a nozzle that is formed on a nozzle main body formed of a metal material, the method includes smoothening a surface of the nozzle main body, applying a silica sol solution to the nozzle main body so as to form a silica sol film, wherein the silica sol solution has a concentration that is controlled to avoid a nozzle clogging in the nozzle main body, heating the silica sol film formed on the nozzle main body to thereby convert the silica sol film into an SiO2 film, applying an ink repellent agent solution to the SiO2 film and drying to thereby form an ink repellent film, wherein the ink repellent agent solution is prepared by dissolving a compound having an alkoxysilane residue at an end of a perfluoro polyether chain in a solvent.