Abstract: A human mutY polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for preventing and/or treating diseases associated with a mutation in this gene. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence endcoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases, for example, cancer, area also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of a target molecule by generating multiple detectable oligonucleotides through reiterative enzymatic oligonucleotide synthesis events on a defined polynucleotide sequence. The methods generally comprise using a nucleoside, a mononucleotide, and oligonucleotide, or a polynucleotide, or analog thereof, to initiate synthesis of an oligonucleotide product that is substantially complementary to a target site on the defined polynucleotide sequence; optionally using nucleotides or nucleotide anologs as oligonucleotide chain elongators; using a chain terminator to terminate the polymerization reaction; and detecting multiple oligonucleotide products that have been synthesized by the polymerase. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for detecting a target protein, DNA or RNA by generating multiple detectable RNA oligoribonucleotides by abortive transcription.

Abstract: The present invention describes oligonucleotides targeted to HPV Type 16 and/or Type 18 nucleic acid sequences which are particularly useful to aid in detecting HPV type 16 and or 18. The oligonucleotides can aid in detecting HPV Type 16 and/or Type 18 in different ways such as by acting as hybridization assay probes, helper probes, and/or amplification primers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting the risk of a patient for developing adverse drug reactions, particularly SJS or TEN. It was discovered that an HLA-B allele, HLA-B* 1502, is associated with SJS/TEN that is induced by a variety of drugs. The correlation with HLA-B* 1502 is most significant for carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN, wherein all the patients tested have the HLA-B* 1502 allele. In addition, another HLA-B allele, HLA-B*5801, is particularly associated with SJS/TEN induced by allopurinol. Milder cutaneous reactions, such as maculopapular rash, erythema multiforme (EM), urticaria, and fixed drug eruption, are particularly associated with a third allele, HLA-B *4601. For any of the alleles, genetic markers (e.g., HLA markers, microsatellite, or single nucleotide polymorphism markers) located between DRB1 and HLA-A region of the specific HLA-B haplotype can also be used for the test.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging and prognosticating prostate cancer.

Abstract: Methods for making cDNA molecules, for amplification of RNA by PCR and for preparation of cDNA libraries are provided. Kits for making cDNA molecules also are provided. Compositions are also provided comprising mixtures of reagents, including reverse transcriptases, buffers, cofactors and other components, suitable for immediate use in conversion of RNA into cDNA and RT PCR without dilution or addition of further components. These compositions are useful, alone or in the form of kits, for cDNA synthesis or nucleic acid amplification (e.g., by the Polymerase Chain Reaction) or for any procedure utilizing reverse transcriptases in a variety of research, medical, diagnostic, forensic and agricultural applications.

Abstract: This invention provides analyte sensitive oligonucleotide compositions for detecting and analyzing analytes in solution, including complex solutions using cross reactive arrays of analyte sensitive oligonucleotide compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining nucleic acid sequences of a template nucleic acid that requires no prior knowledge of the nucleic acid sequence present in the template nucleic acid. The method is based on combining information about the mass of a fragment, the mass of any one nucleotide and the combinations thereof, and the sequence specificity of a nucleotide cutter, either enzymatic or chemical cutter, to determine a sequence of a nucleic acid fragment. This method allows for de novo detection of sequences in a target nucleic acid without requiring any prior sequence information. This method is called Partial Sequencing by Fragmentation (PSBF) and it works by fragmenting a target into oligo- or polynucleotides whose masses or lengths are uniquely associated with known sequences. The identities of these sequences are determined solely by the specific fragmentation method used, and are always independent of the target.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention also provides a system and methods for modulating, controlling, preparing, and studying receptors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic assay for selectively measuring levels of the 35kD form of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFIa or TAFIai), or a derivative or variant thereof, but not the TAFI proenzyme (TAFI) or the N-terminal activation peptide of TAFI.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to products and methods permitting the identification of Enterobacter species organisms. In addition, the invention provides the capability to differentiate Enterobacter infections from other acute bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to fusion proteins comprising a Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE) and an immunoglobulin element. The invention also encompasses methods of treating a condition characterized by activation of an inflammatory cytokine cascade comprising administering such fusion proteins. The invention is also drawn to nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins, as well as vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of recombinant proteins in a human cell line. The methods and compositions are particularly useful for generating stable expression of human recombinant proteins of interest that are modified post-translationally, for example, by glycosylation. Such proteins may have advantageous properties in comparison with their counterparts produced in non-human systems such as Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing an L-amino acid, for example L-threonine, L-lysine, L-histidine, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine, L-tryptophan or L-glutamic acid, using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, wherein the bacterium has been modified to enhance an activity of L-arabinose permease.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing an optically active 2-alkylcysteine or a salt thereof, characterized by allowing cells of microorganism or treated products thereof having an activity of stereoselective hydrolysis of the amide bond of a 2-alkyl-L-cysteinamide or a salt thereof to act on a 2-alkylcysteinamide consisting of a mixture of D- and L-isomers or a salt thereof; and allowing the obtained 2-alkyl-L-cysteine and 2-alkyl-D-cysteinamide to react with an aldehyde or a ketone, or an acetal or ketal thereof, so as to derive therefrom a 4-alkylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof and a 4-alkylthiazolidine-4-carboxamide or a salt thereof, thereby efficiently separating and obtaining a 2-alkyl-L-cysteine or a salt thereof, or a 2-alkyl-D-cysteine or a salt thereof. There is also provided a process for producing a 4-alkylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid or a salt thereof from the 2-alkylcysteine or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing an intermediate for synthesizing escitalopram and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof from 4-(4-dimethylamino)-1-(4?-fluorophenyl)-1-(hydroxybutyl)-3-(acyloxymethyl)benzonitrile is described. The process involves converting said intermediate into the (S+) enantiomer of citalopram by means of enzymatic enantiomeric resolution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a microbial oil comprising culturing a micro-organism in a two stage fermentation process where, in a last stage that precedes the end of fermentation, the carbon source is: consumed by the micro-organisms at a rate greater than it is added to the medium; added at a rate ?0.30 M carbon/kg medium; or is rate limiting on the growth of the micro-organism. The micro-organisms thus have the carbon source restricted so that they preferentially metabolise fats or lipids other than arachidonic acid (ARA), so increasing the proportion of ARA in the cells. A microbial oil is then recovered from the micro-organism, using hexane as a solvent, that has at least 50% ARA and at least 90% triglycerides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which has an activity of hydroxylating a compound represented by the formula (I-a): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or an alkali metal, and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a ring-closed lactone form thereof; a DNA encoding the protein; and a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA.

Abstract: A human-derived novel chondroitin synthase, which is an enzyme for synthesizing a fundamental backbone of chondroitin and has both glucuronic acid transferring activity and N-acetylgalactosamine transferring activity.

Abstract: Provided are novel rumen bacterial mutants resulted from the disruption of a lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldhA) and a pyruvate formate-lyase gene (pfl) from rumen bacteria; a novel bacterial mutant (Mannheimia sp. LPK7) having disruptions of a ldhA, a pfl,a phosphotransacetylase gene (pta), and a acetate kinase gene (ackA); a novel bacterial mutant (Mannheimia sp. LPK4) having disruptions of a ldhA, a pfl, and a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene (ppc) involved in the immobilization of CO2 in a metabolic pathway of producing succinic acid; and a method for producing succinic acid, characterized by culture of the above mutants in anaerobic conditions. The bacterial mutants have the property of producing succinic acid at high concentration while producing little or no organic acids, as compared to the prior wild-type strains of producing various organic acids. Thus, the bacterial mutants are useful as strains for the industrial production of succinic acid.

Abstract: An isolated microorganism comprising a Propionibacteria strain. When the microorganism is fed to a ruminant, protein and fat levels in milk produced by the ruminant are increased, while body condition and milk production levels are maintained. When fed to the ruminant, the microorganism also has positive effects on various metabolic hormones and metabolites, e.g, an increase in energy balance, plasma non-esterified fatty acids levels, and plasma leptin level. Supplementation with propionibacteria reduced dry matter intake but did not affect milk production in the cows. Therefore, the propionibacteria of the invention made the cows more energy efficient as cows produced the same amount of milk, yet consumed less dry matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fungal C16/18 fatty acid elongase that is able to catalyze the conversion of palmitate (16:0) to stearic acid (18:0). Specifically, the nucleotide sequence of a Mortierella alpina C16/18 fatty acid elongase is provided (designated as “ELO3”). Methods of increasing microbial oil production, increasing carbon flux into the polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic pathway and increasing the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids by over-expression of the C16/18 fatty acid elongase are described herein. Most desirably, the substrate specificity of the instant ELO3 will be particularly useful to enable accumulation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in oleaginous yeast, such as Yarrowia lipolytica.

Abstract: A device for detecting cells and/or molecules on an electrode surface is disclosed. The device detects cells and/or molecules through measurement of impedence changes resulting from the cells and/or molecules. A disclosed embodiment of the device includes a substrate having two opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of electrode arrays are positioned on the substrate. Each electrode array includes at least two electrodes, and each electrode is separated from at least one adjacent electrode in the electrode array by an expanse of non-conductive material. The electrode has a width at its widest point of more than about 1.5 and less than about 10 times the width of the expanse of non-conductive material. The device also includes electrically conductive traces extending substantially longitudinally to one of the two opposing ends of the substrate without intersecting another trace. Each trace is in electrical communication with at least one of the electrode arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutation genes of the AQP(aquaporin), a method for detecting cancer using mutations and expressions of the AQP and a DNA chip possessing oligonucleotides of mutated AQP base sequence. In case of the present method for detecting cancer and DNA chip using the AQP's mutations and expressions, it is highly accurate, rapid and effective in cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: A new design for a static diffusion cell for use in a diffusion sampling apparatus to be used in conjunction with automated or manual sampling is disclosed. The diffusion cell of present invention provides to an improved and efficient diffusion assay system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a commercializable cell and to a gene reporter assay method and a kit which use this cell to determine the presence and/or the level of a molecule that activates signal transduction activity of a cell surface protein. This cell is treated in such a manner that it will have a sufficiently long shelf life for its intended purpose, whereupon at the end of its useful shelf life or at the end of its use, i.e., in an assay, the cell undergoes cellular death.

Abstract: The present invention provides adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), adipose-derived stem cell-enriched fractions (ADSC-EF) and adipose-derived lattices, alone and combined with the ADSCs of the invention. In one aspect, the present invention provides an ADSC substantially free of adipocytes and red blood cells and clonal populations of connective tissue stem cells. The ADSCs can be employed, alone or within biologically-compatible compositions, to generate differentiated tissues and structures, both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the ADSCs can be expanded and cultured to produce molecules such as hormones, and to provide conditioned culture media for supporting the growth and expansion of other cell populations. In another aspect, the present invention provides an adipose-derived lattice substantially devoid of cells, which includes extracellular matrix material from adipose tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods for treating an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof. The invention further provides methods for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides cell-based formulations and related kits.

Abstract: Polyampholyte are able to condense nucleic acid to form small complexes which can be utilized in the delivery of nucleic acid to mammalian cells. The polyampholytes can be formed prior to interaction with nucleic acid or they can be formed in the presence of nucleic acid. Stabilized polycation/nucleic acid complexes can be modified to reduce the positive charge of the polycation and add targeting ligands without destabilizing the complex. The resultant particles retain their small size and are more effective in delivery of nucleic acid to cells in vivo.

Abstract: A method for preparing receptor-coated particles is described which comprises the following steps: a) providing a support body, b) conducting a liquid containing particles into or onto the support body, c) immobilizing the particles on at least one surface area of the support body, d) conducting a liquid which contains receptors or receptor building blocks for synthesizing polymeric receptors over the immobilized particles, e) coupling the receptors or receptor building blocks location—or/and time-specifically to the immobilized particles at in each case predetermined positions of the support body, f) repeating, where appropriate, the steps (d) and (e), until the desired receptors have been synthesized on the immobilized particles at the in each case predetermined positions of the support body.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of naturally occurring compounds and derivatives thereof as markers for predisposition of diabetes related diseases. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of the diabetes related diseases.

Abstract: A method of identifying a ligand to a target molecule that includes: providing a reference compound that interacts with the target molecule; collecting a 1D 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of the reference compound in the presence of the target molecule; providing a plurality of test samples, each test sample including at least one test compound; collecting a 1D 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of the reference compound in the presence of each test sample and the target molecule; comparing the spectrum of the reference compound in the presence of the target molecule to the spectrum of the reference compound in the presence of each test sample and the target molecule to determine a change in one or more of the reference compound resonances; and identifying at least one test compound that interacts with the target molecule, wherein the test compound displaces the reference compound.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor array and a method of forming the same. The sensor array includes an array of apertures etched into a 3D patterned resist layer to expose areas of one or more agents and/or reagents deposited on a substrate. The sensor is formed using a Self-Aligned Imprint Lithography (“SAIL”) method, a process that allows for a one-time deposition of all required materials followed by a series of etching/cleaning steps. The location of reagents on the sensor template, as well as the concentration gradient of each reagent, may be controlled through the sensor manufacturing process. Bores of a single reagent, or bores containing two or more reagents, may be formed using the SAIL process.

Abstract: Equipment and method of use for in vitro buccal dissolution testing. The invention is particularly useful for evaluating the effect of taste-masking in oral dosage forms.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for taking up a first medium, which is present in a first phase, into a capillary device In the capillary device, a reduced pressure is produced which is less than a critical pressure such that, if it is exerted in the capillary device, a surface tension which is produced by the first medium in the capillary device, when the first medium has been taken up fully by the capillary device, would be overcome so that a second medium which is present in a second phase, different from the first phase, would be taken up into the capillary device.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to dispensing of fluids and, in particular, to methods and systems for dispensing microfluidic or sub-microfluidic volumes of droplets of chemical, biological or other reagents or liquids. Embodiments of the invention have particular efficacy in accurately dispensing small drops having volumes from about 100 nL down into the picoliter range.

Abstract: A hazardous substance (20) is removed by using a hazardous substance removing material (10) in which a support (11) supports an antibody (12). Humidity of the ambient atmosphere of the antibody (12) is controlled so that the antibody (12) becomes active.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simultaneously carrying out the detection or measurement of a substance interacting with a physiologically active substance immobilized on a biosensor and the analysis of the effects of the above substance on the biological activity of the physiologically active substance. The present invention provides a method using a biosensor formed by immobilizing a physiologically active substance on a substrate, wherein the detection and measurement of a substance interacting with said physiologically active substance and the measurement of the biological activity of said physiologically active substance are carried out on said single biosensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for evaluating the physiological activity of an external stimulus on living cells by means of a surface plasma resonance analyzer, which comprises evaluating the physiological activity of the external stimulus on the cells with an indication of a secondary signal appearing after a primary signal upon the exposure of the living cells to the external stimulus. According to the invention, the level of the physiological activity of an external stimulus on living cells can be evaluated accurately.

Abstract: A spin transistor and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The method includes defining a required area on a substrate by lithography; forming a doping area by ion-implantation, and forming a magnetoresistive film on the substrate. Finally, the method produces a spin transistor with the emitter, the base, and the collector in the same plane surface. The manufacturing method integrates the emitter, the base, and the collector into one plane, so that miniaturization of the spin transistor is achieved, and it is advantageous for the integration and subsequent packaging of the spin transistor and integrated circuit elements.

Abstract: Magneto-resistive random access memory elements include a ferromagnetic layer having uniaxial anisotropy provided by elongate structures formed in the ferromagnetic film. The magnetic dipole aligns with the long axis of each structure. The structures can be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the ferromagnetic film can be applied to a seed layer having a textured surface. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic film can be stressed to generate the textured structure. Chemical mechanical polishing also can be used to generated the structures.

Abstract: In an IC structure and method for debugging or adjusting the parameters of an IC circuitry, edit structures are formed in the IC device and are connected to desired portions of the IC circuitry buy forming vias through the passivation layer overlying the top metal layer and forming metal interconnects.

Abstract: A method of forming a stacking structure by forming an electroconductive layer precursor pattern by an electroconductive paste made of a resin component, electroconductive fine particles, and glass fine particles, forming a dielectric layer precursor pattern by a dielectric paste made of a resin component and glass fine particles, and simultaneously baking both of those patterns, wherein they are held for a predetermined time while keeping a baking temperature which is equal to or higher than a decomposing temperature of the resin component and is equal to or lower than a baking start temperature of the glass fine particles and, thereafter, their baking is completed at the baking temperature which is equal to or higher than the baking start temperature of the glass fine particles and is lower than its softening point. Thus, the occurrence of a void and a pin hole in an insulative layer can be prevented in the stacking structure after the baking.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser device comprises a laminate consisting of a semiconductor layer of first conductivity type, an active layer and a semiconductor layer of second conductivity type, which is different from the first conductivity type, that are stacked in order, with a waveguide region being formed to guide a light beam in a direction perpendicular to the direction of width by restricting the light from spreading in the direction of width in the active layer and in the proximity thereof, wherein the waveguide region has a first waveguide region and a second waveguide region, the first waveguide region is a region where light is confined within the limited active layer by means of a difference in the refractive index between the active layer and the regions on both sides of the active layer by limiting the width of the active layer, and the second waveguide region is a region where the light is confined therein by providing effective difference in refractive index in the active layer.

Abstract: A microlens structure that includes a wedge formed to support and tilt the microlens is disclosed. The wedge results from heating a layer of patterned flowable material. The degree and direction of incline given to the wedge can be controlled in part by the type of patterning that is performed.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device including the steps of fabricating at least one component on a substrate and coating the component with a first self-aligned polymer film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device, comprising: a step of forming an imaging portion comprising a photoelectric conversion portion and a charge transfer portion that transfers charges generated in the photoelectric conversion portion; and a step of forming a condensing lens over the imaging portion, wherein the step of forming the condensing lens comprises: a step of forming a lens substrate for forming a lens; a step of forming a first optical film having a lens shape by patterning the lens substrate; and a step of forming a second optical film on the first optical film by controlling a filming condition so as to form the lens having a desired curvature.

Abstract: A method for forming a buried mirror in a semiconductor component includes the steps of forming a structure comprising a semiconductor layer laid on an insulating layer covering a substrate; forming one or several openings in the semiconductor layer emerging at the surface of the insulating layer; eliminating a portion of the insulating layer, whereby a recess is formed; forming a second thin insulating layer against the wall of the recess; and forming a metal layer in the recess against the second insulating layer.