Abstract: A method for detecting a DNA having the mitochondrial DNA 3243 mutation is disclosed. Quantitative PCR is used with a primer having a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence starting from the nucleotide number 243 in SEQ ID NO: 2 and having a length of 12 to 30 nucleotides. A method is also disclosed for detecting a DNA having the mitochondrial DNA 3243 mutation by using a nucleic acid probe which is end labeled with a fluorescent dye. The fluorescence of the fluorescent dye decreases upon hybridization. The nucleic acid probe has a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence starting from nucleotide number 230 in the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 and a length of 14 to 40 nucleotides. The 3? end of the probe is labeled with the fluorescent dye.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the identification, characterization and use of a novel anti-viral protein that includes a mitochondrial anti-viral signaling protein.

Abstract: The invention provides novel extracts, proteins, and complexes that improve the polymerization activity of nucleic acid polymerases. Included within the aspects of the invention are methods for identifying compositions with a polymerase enhancing activity, methods for purifying and using these compositions, and specific extracts, proteins, and complexes that function to enhance polymerase activity. As an example, specifically described is nucleotide and amino acid sequence information for Pyrococcus furiousus PEF (P45), which was used to produce a recombinant PEF.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of regiospecific rapamycin 42-hemiesters and regiospecific FK506 32-esters with dicarboxylic acids is described. The methods involve catalyzing the reaction between a rapamycin or a FK-506 and a dicarboxylic anhydride or a bifunctional activated ester of dicarboxylic acid with a lipase.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the manufacture of MPA by fermentation under optimal fermentation parameters using a new strain of Penicillium arenicola.

Abstract: Effective processes are provided for the production of xylitol and ethanol and other products from solutions derived from lignocellulose-containing material in biomass. The solutions can be hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed before being fermented with microbes. The fermented solution can be distilled and can be subsequently separated, such as, by chromatographic separation, membrane separation, etc. The recovered xylitol solution can be crystallized to provide pure xylitol crystals.

Abstract: Electro-poration device for the permeabilization of cells contained in a substrate comprising a signal generator for generating a stimulating signal applied by means of electrodes to the substrate wherein an electric field permeabilizing the cells membranes is induced. The device calculates and monitors the instantaneous value or the ratio GT between the current flowing through the substrate and the voltage of the stimulating signal applied to the substrate; in particular, the stimulating signal is applied in a modified manner according to the shape of an initial portion of the waveform of a curve CGT representing the value of ratio GT in successive instants after the application of the stimulating signal. The system will achieve permeabilization of cells in substrate with no or minimum damage, allowing to introduce or to extract molecules in or from the electropermeabilized living cells.

Abstract: There is provided a method for classifying and counting leukocytes with abnormal DNA amount, which comprises: (1) a step of staining cells in a sample obtained from a hematological sample by treatment with a hemolytic agent to lyse erythrocytes, with a fluorescent dye which can make a difference in the fluorescence intensity at least among mature leukocytes, leukocytes with abnormal DNA amount and immature leukocytes; (2) a step of introducing the sample containing the stained cells into a flow cytometer to measure scattered light and fluorescence of the respective cells; (3) a step of classifying leukocytes and coincidence cells/platelet clumps utilizing a difference in the intensity of a scattered light peak and a difference in the scattered light width; (4) a step of classifying and counting mature leukocytes, leukocytes with abnormal DNA amount and immature leukocytes, utilizing a difference in the scattered light intensity and a difference in the fluorescence intensity of leukocytes classified in the

Abstract: This invention relates to aggrecanase polypeptides and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, crystals of aggrecanase and aggrecanase polypeptide/ligand complexes, and related methods and software systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding the proteins ROC1 and ROC2, the isolated proteins themselves, expression vectors containing at least a fragment of the ROC1 and ROC2 polynucleotide sequences, and host cells comprising the same. Methods of producing the ROC1 and ROC2 proteins are also disclosed, and methods of detecting the polynucleotides in samples are included in this invention, as are antibodies to the ROC1 and ROC2 proteins and antisense molecules complementary to polynucleotides encoding the same. The present invention further includes methods for screening bioactive agents that are capable of binding to a ROC protein, methods of screening bioactive agents capable of interfering with the binding of ROC proteins, and methods of screening bioactive agents capable of modulating the activity of a ROC protein. Such screening methods are capable of identifying compounds that have pharmacological.

Abstract: Methods for isolating a highly purified QSOX enzyme from milk or whey are described. The enzyme may be used to generate intermolecular and intramolecular disulfide bridges and to facilitate oxidative protein folding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protein with enzymatic activity, comprising a GFAT sequence and at least one sequence of a purification marker, the sequence for the purification marker being inserted between two consecutive amino acids of the GFAT sequence.

Abstract: A recombinant Drosophila melanogaster deoxynucleoside kinase that remains stable during the synthesis of nucleoside monophosphate without the addition of stabilizing SH reagents or stabilizing proteins, and that accepts all four natural deoxynucleotides is provided. In addition, the invention concerns DNA sequences, vectors, transformed cells, a method for production of the recombinant kinase as well as its use for preparing nucleoside monophosphates.

Abstract: Methods for making an immunogenic conjugate that includes a hapten or an antigen covalently linked to a carrier. The methods include reacting a first agent with a dihydrazide resulting in a hydrazino-modified first agent, wherein the first agent is a hapten, an antigen or a carrier; reacting a second agent with a benzaldehyde compound resulting in a benzaldehyde-modified second agent, wherein the second agent is a hapten, an antigen or a carrier, provided that the first agent or the second agent is a carrier; and reacting the hydrazine-modified first agent with the benzaldehyde-modified second agent resulting in an immunogenic conjugate comprising a hapten or an antigen covalently linked to a carrier via a hydrazone linkage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants having mutations corresponding to one or more of the following mutations A181E,D,Q,N,V; I201W,F,L; Q264R,D,K,E; Y290R,E,K; and S334A,V,T,L,I,D (using SEQ ID No. 2 for numbering).

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant biochemistry. More specifically the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from plant cells, in particular, nucleic acid sequences from maize and soybean associated with the tetrapyrrole pathway. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins and fragments of proteins. In addition, the invention also encompasses proteins and fragments of proteins so encoded and antibodies capable of binding these proteins or fragments. The invention also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and fragments of proteins and antibodies, for example for genome mapping, gene identification and analysis, plant breeding, preparation of constructs for use in plant gene expression and transgenic plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated bacteriophage having strong lytic activity against strains of Clostridium perfringens, and methods of using that bacteriophage, and/or progeny or derivatives derived therefrom, to control the growth of Clostridium perfringens in various settings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated bacteriophage having strong lytic activity against strains of Clostridium perfringens, and methods of using that bacteriophage, and/or progeny or derivatives derived therefrom, to control the growth of Clostridium perfringens in various settings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated bacteriophage having strong lytic activity against strains of E. coli O157:H7, and methods of using that bacteriophage, and/or progeny or derivatives derived therefrom, to control the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in various settings.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials involved in displaying polypeptide sequences using viruses such as avian leukosis viruses. Specifically, the invention provides nucleic acid molecules, collections of nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, collections of polypeptides, viruses, and collections of viruses as well as methods for making nucleic acid molecules, collections of nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, collections of polypeptides, viruses, and collections of viruses. The invention also provides methods for obtaining displayed polypeptide sequences that interact with biological molecules and/or cells as well as methods for identifying biological molecules that interact with displayed polypeptides.

Abstract: The cDNA that encodes a glycoprotein receptor from the tobacco hornworm which binds a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been obtained and sequenced. The availability of this cDNA permits the retrieval of DNAs encoding homologous receptors in other insects and organisms as well as the design of assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides and the development of methods to manipulate natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to destroy target cells, tissues and/or organisms.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a biologically based test system for the detection of inorganic and organic pollutants in water samples. In particular, the present invention is concerned with the development of a strategy for the control of background expression of biosensors in the biologically based test system. Furthermore, the present invention provides a test kit for determining concentrations of inorganic and organic pollutants in water samples, the test kits are suitable for field tests.

Abstract: Lactic bacterial strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Pediococcus which are capable of initiating and carrying out a complete malolactic fermentation on direct introduction, in the dried, frozen or lyophilised state, without a previous acclimatization step, at a concentration of between 106 and 5×107 UFC/ml , into a wine with an alcohol content of 10% or more and an average or high pH level. The resistance to alcohol is apparent with an excellent survival rate on inoculation and a rapid start to the fermentation activity such that the strain i) converts at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, of the malic acid into lactic acid in 5 days after inoculation of the wine and ii) converts at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the malic acid into lactic acid within 10 days of the inoculation of the wine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a DNA or RNA sample within a sample processing module. The method includes the steps of providing a sample well within the sample processing module that contains the DNA or RNA sample, coupling ultrasonic energy from an external source into the sampling well and denaturing and fragmenting the DNA or RNA sample using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A feed controlling apparatus that controls feeding of plural minute objects that flow along a channel of a fluid, and receive a predetermined process at a predetermined position, includes a detector that detects whether there is the object at the predetermined position, and a controller that controls feeding of the object to be supplied to the predetermined position based on a detection result by the detector.

Abstract: A flow cell device is incorporated in the sensor unit for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. A box shaped flow cell body has a lower surface, and is disposed in contact of the lower surface with a sensing surface for detecting reaction of sample. Two flow channels are formed in the flow cell body, for flow of the sample. Each of the flow channels include a fluid passageway, formed in the lower surface, for flow of the sample in contact with the sensing surface. Two end cavities are formed in an upper surface of the flow cell body and open therein, to extend from ends of the fluid passageway. The flow channels are arranged adjacent to one another, disposed to extend in a direction of the flow. Fluid passageways of the flow channels are overlapped partially on one another in a flow cell longitudinal direction of the flow cell body.

Abstract: A garden composter has a longitudinally extending cylindrical drum which is mounted to a support frame and can be rotated relative to the support frame about an axis of rotation of the drum. The drum has at least two load openings formed in a cylindrical wall portion between two end wall portions and removable closure caps for selectively closing the load openings. At least one partition divides the drum into a number of chambers disposed side by side along the longitudinal axis. Each chamber communicates with a respective load opening. The partition has a fixed portion coupled to the drum and a relatively movable portion. Each portion has at least one flow control partition opening and the movable portion can be moved so that its associated flow control partition opening may be selectively brought into and out of registration with corresponding flow control partition openings in the fixed portion.

Abstract: DNA compositions that mediate gene silencing via RNA interference are provided. The DNA compositions include an RNA polymerase III promoter, which drives expression of a nucleotide sequence encoding an intermediate small interfering RNA molecule, and RNA polymerase III terminator.

Abstract: Substantially pure WIP-1 and its use in assays to identify PAP-1/WIP-1 interaction inhibitors or WIP-I/WNV Cp interaction inhibitors are disclosed. Compositions comprising antisense sequences to prevent expression of WIP-1 and methods of treating cancer using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to cellular compositions comprising hematopoietic cells with the potential or increased potential to form non-hematopoietic cells; methods for producing such cellular compositions; methods for differentiation of cells of cellular compositions of the invention into cells that exhibit morphological, physiological, functional, and/or immunological features of non-hematopoietic cells; and uses of the cellular compositions. The invention also relates to a method for the expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising expanded definitive endoderm cells as well as methods for expanding definitive endoderm cells in culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for multiplying conifer embryogenic tissue. The methods of the present invention each include the step of continuously culturing conifer embryogenic tissue in liquid multiplication medium for a period of time sufficient for the embryogenic tissue to multiply.

Abstract: A method for conditionally knocking out and altering gene function and genetic sequences that can be used in such methods, for use in gene trapping and gene targeting. Specifically, the genetic sequence is a inducible gene silencer comprising: (a) a splice acceptor sequence; (b) an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) sequence; (c) a nucleotide sequence coding for a reporter protein; (d) a polyadenylation sequence; and (e) a pair of oppositely oriented recombination site sequences, which cause single cycle inversions in the presence of a suitable recombinase enzyme, flanking elements (a) through (d).

Abstract: A method for producing human-like glycoproteins by expressing a Class 2 ?-mannosidase having a substrate specificity for Man?1,3 and Man?1,6 glycosidic linkages in a lower eukaryote is disclosed. Hydrolysis of these linkages on oligosaccharides produces substrates for further N-glycan processing in the secretory pathway.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing immature leukocyte capable of analyzing accurately immature leukocyte such as myeloblast and immature granulocyte, and mature leukocyte, which reagent has broader allowable range of sample processing conditions than conventional ones, and a reagent kit are provided. The present invention relates to a reagent for analyzing immature leukocyte containing a surfactant for giving damage to cell membrane of red blood cell and mature leukocyte in the sample, a solubilizing agent for causing contraction to damaged blood cell, sugar, a dye for staining nucleic acid.

Abstract: Protein dyes whose molecular structure is that of a coumarin moiety coupled to a quaternary ammonium heterocycle through a vinyl or polyvinyl linkage demonstrate the ability to associate with proteins in a non-covalent, non-specific manner at low pH, where the associated form displays a significantly higher fluorescence emission than the unassociated form. This makes the dyes useful as selective labels for proteins at the low pH and eliminates the need for the removal of extraneous components from the medium in which the proteins reside prior to detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of using BOC/CDO hedgehog antagonists to inhibit hedgehog signaling, as well as treating and diagnosing disorders relating to hedgehog signaling or overexpression of hedgehog, including cancer, cell proliferative disorders, and angiogenesis, neurological disorders, as well as other conditions affected by hedgehog signaling such as hair growth, neural stem cell differentiation, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, lung surfactant production, formation of lamellated bodies in lung cells.

Abstract: An analyzing cartridge and method for using it to analyze a sample having a plurality of reservoirs and capillaries connected for communication between these reservoirs and is provided therein with a reagent required for analysis. The reservoirs are provided with openings leading to the outside of the cartridge, and the openings are covered with vents each consisting of a gas-permeable/non-liquid-permeable, hydrophobic, porous membrane. The analyzing cartridge requires only trace amounts of a sample and a reagent and no maintenance. It is provided with a non-fluid reagent in vent-carrying reservoirs thereby making it possible to formulate a very trace amount of reagent solution in the cartridge by injecting a reagent dissolving liquid into the reservoirs immediately before analyzing. A liquid feed control device controls the feeding of the liquid between the reservoirs via the capillaries when it is attached to the cartridge to allow or control the entry/exit of air via the vents.

Abstract: A reaction vessel and a reaction system having an annular tube with an inlet, an outlet, and at least one expandable section between the inlet and the outlet. The expandable section of the annular tube has a first shape and a second expanded shape. The expandable section of the annular tube expands to from the first shape to the second expanded shape in response to a change in the physical environment of the annular tube. When the expandable section of the annular tube is in the second expanded shape, the portions of the annular tube adjoining the expandable section of the annular tube are substantially less expanded.

Abstract: A device for the separation of small particles or cells from a fluid suspension of the same is described. The device includes a coaxial tubular design in which the inner tube is a micro porous tube that allows the passage of liquids and certain particulates up to a certain size cut-off, and the outer tube allows for the collection of passed fluids. Inlet and outlet ports allow the introduction and flushing of components of interest. Embodiments of the device can be used for the separation of blood components, the sequestering of micro spheres used in micro-sphere-based immuno assay, and sample filtration. Other applications are not precluded. Another field of application for this device is in the separation of plasma from red blood cells. The red blood cells will not pass through the membrane due to their size, but plasma will.

Abstract: A rapid diagnostic test system includes a lateral-flow strip for performing a binding assay. The lateral-flow strip contains a binding agent having a deposition density that varies periodically along at least a portion of the lateral-flow strip. The test system further includes an imaging system that is used to capture an image of the portion of the lateral-flow strip.

Abstract: Conjugates that include polymers that are reversibly self-associative in response to a stimulus and methods for using the conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a systematic process for the creation of functionally organized, spatially patterned assemblies polymer-microparticle composites including the AC electric field-mediated assembly of patterned, self supporting organic (polymeric) films and organic (polymeric)-microparticle composite films of tailored composition and morphology; the present invention further relates to the incorporation of said assemblies into other structures. The present invention also relates to the application of such functional assemblies in materials science and biology. Additional areas of application include sensors, catalysts, membranes, micro-reactors, smart materials. Miniaturized format for generation of multifunctional thin films. Provides a simple set-up to synthesize thin films of tailored composition and morphology.

Abstract: A step wall is formed over a substrate. Catalytic material of different composition than the step wall is provided proximate thereto. A carbon nanotube is grown from the catalytic material along the step wall generally parallel to the substrate. A method of fabricating integrated circuitry includes forming a step wall over a semiconductor substrate. Catalytic material is provided proximate the step wall. An elevationally outer surface of the catalytic material is masked with a masking material. The catalytic material and the masking material are patterned to form an exposed end sidewall of the catalytic material proximate the step wall, with remaining of the elevationally outer surface of the catalytic material being masked. A carbon nanotube is grown from the exposed end sidewall of the catalytic material along the step wall generally parallel to the semiconductor substrate. The carbon nanotube is incorporated into a circuit component of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method is for making a spintronic device and may include forming at least one superlattice and at least one electrical contact coupled thereto, with the at least one superlattice including a plurality of groups of layers. Each group of layers may include a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion having a crystal lattice, at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within the crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions, and a spintronic dopant. The spintronic dopant may be constrained within the crystal lattice of the base semiconductor portion by the at least one non-semiconductor monolayer. In some embodiments, the repeating structure of a superlattice may not be needed.

Abstract: A transfer molding apparatus, wherein said top-half mold and said bottom-half mold form a plurality of cavities interconnected, and wherein said pressure adjusting means reduces the pressure of the cavities every time a specified amount of resin is supplied into any one of a plurality of cavities.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device includes a conduction substrate, a reflection layer, a patterned transparent conduction layer, at least one light emitting diode (LED) element, a first contact electrode and a second contact electrode. The reflection layer is disposed on the conduction substrate, and the patterned transparent conduction layer is formed on the reflection layer. The LED element is formed on the patterned transparent conduction layer, and the LED element includes a first semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer and a second semiconductor layer in sequence. The second semiconductor layer is disposed on the patterned transparent conduction layer and the reflection layer. The first contact electrode is disposed at one side of the first semiconductor layer, and the second contact electrode is disposed at one side of the conduction substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display and a fabricating method thereof for improving an aperture ratio are disclosed. A liquid crystal display (LCD) according to the present invention includes a gate line, a data line and a common line on the thin film transistor array substrate, the gate line crossing the data line to define a pixel region; a thin film transistor near the crossing of the gate line and the data line; a common electrode connected to the common line in the pixel region; and a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor in the pixel area for forming an in-plane electric field in association with the common electrode during an operation of the LCD, wherein an edge of the pixel electrode overlaps the common line with at least one insulating layer therebetween, and an edge of the common electrode overlaps the pixel electrode with said at least one insulating layer therebetween.

Abstract: A method for reducing insertion loss in a transition region between a plurality of input or output waveguides to a free space coupler region in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) includes the steps of forming a passivation layer over the waveguides and region and forming the passivation overlayer such that it monotonically increases in thickness through the transition region to the free space coupler region.

Abstract: Method for making an electromechanical component on a plane substrate and comprising at least one structure vibrating in the plane of the substrate and actuation electrodes. The method comprises at least the following steps in sequence: formation of the substrate comprising one silicon area partly covered by two insulating areas, formation of a sacrificial silicon and germanium alloy layer by selective epitaxy starting from the uncovered part of the silicon area, formation of a strongly doped silicon layer by epitaxy, comprising a monocrystalline area arranged on said sacrificial layer and two polycrystalline areas arranged on insulating areas, simultaneous formation of the vibrating structure and actuation electrodes, by etching of a predetermined pattern in the monocrystalline area designed to form spaces between the electrodes and the vibrating structure, elimination of said sacrificial silicon and germanium alloy layer by selective etching.