Abstract: The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. In one aspect, the invention provides delayed release compositions comprising an desired ingredient coated by a latex polymer coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of L-amino acids by fermentation of recombinant microorganisms of the Enterobacteriaceae family, characterized in that a) the microorganisms producing the desired L-amino acid and wherein the lamB-gene or nucleotide sequence coding for the gene product maltoporin is amplified, particularly overexpressed, are cultivated in a medium in conditions enabling the desired L-amino acid to be enriched in the medium or in cells, and b) the desired L-amino acid is isolated, wherein constituents of the fermentation broth and/or biomass remain in the entirety thereof or in parts thereof (=0 bis 100%) in the isolated product or are fully removed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of phosphatidylserine of formula wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a saturated, mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated acyl C10-C30, X=OH or OM where M=alkaline or alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkylammonium (including the inner salt) including the transphosphatidylation reaction between phosphatidylcholine of the general formula wherein R1 and R2 and X have the above specified meanings, R3=CH2—CH2—NH2 o CH2—CH2—N+(CH3)3 and Serine in D, L or racemic form catalized by the phospholipase D enzyme (PLD), characterized in that said reaction is carried out in a hydroalcoholic medium containing an aliphatic alcohol and in the presence of bivalent metal oxide.

Abstract: A process for enzymatic production of glyceride compositions, specifically industrially practicable production of triglycerides, including conjugated linoleic and linolenic acid triglycerides, and the compositions produced by such process. An enzymatic reaction zone is first utilized, in which a mixture of glycerol and fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives is reacted in the presence of an enzymatic catalyst to form 1,3 diglycerides. The mixture is then circulated through a second thermal rearrangement zone, maintained at a higher temperature, to promote rearrangement of the 1,3 diglycerides to 1,2 diglycerides. Triglycerides are produced by re-circulating the mixture through the enzymatic production zone.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a transformation system for Labyrinthulomycota that allows the elucidation of biosynthetic mechanisms of lipids such as PUFA and carotenoids as well as for the construction of a high production system and the design and development of novel functional lipid molecules by the control of the mechanisms. The present invention provides a vector for the transformation of Labyrinthulomycota with a transgene, which comprises at least (1) a nucleotide sequence which is homologous to a part of chromosomal DNA of Labyrinthulomycota and is capable of homologous recombination with the chromosomal DNA, (2) a selection marker gene having a promoter sequence located upstream and a terminator sequence located downstream, and (3) a cloning site for transgene insertion having a promoter sequence located upstream and a terminator sequence located downstream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new process using biological method for the preparation of immobilized nano-particles of metals. Fungi are used to efficiently prepare immobilized nano-particles of various metals ions such as Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ni, Rh and Ru from their aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a polynucleotide sequence expressed in Flammulina velutipes against carboxin and the proteins encoded thereby. Also provided is the expression vector and host cell comprising the polynucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to ginsenoside glycosidases which hydrolyzes ginsenosides having higher contents in ginsengs so as to prepare rare ginsenosides with high physioloigical activity. Said ginsenoside glycosidases are derived from microorganism cultures, ginseng plants, almonds, wheat brans, malts and animal livers etc., and are categoried to four types depending on their capability of hydrolyzing the sugar moieties of ginsenosides, namely, ginsenoside glycosidase I, ginsenoside glycosidase II, ginsenoside glycosidase III and ginsenoside-?-rhamnosidase. The invention also relates to the uses of the ginsenoside glycosidases in preparing rare ginsenosides.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides possessing (endo)xylanase activity are disclosed which can degrade cellulose implant extracts and plant materials. The polypeptides can cleave ?-D-xylan polymers at internal (1-4) bonds between adjacent xylopyranosyl units. The amino acid sequence and encoding DNA sequence is given and the polypeptide was used to treat cellulose in the preparation of edible foodstuffs and animal feed. The polypeptides have both arabinoxylanase and xylosidase activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA encoding a human Tumor Antigen Derived Gene-14 (TADG-14) protein selected from the group consisting of: (a) isolated DNA which encodes a TADG-14 protein; (b) isolated DNA which hybridizes to isolated DNA of (a) above and which encodes a TADG-14 protein; and (c) isolated DNA differing from the isolated DNAs of (a) and (b) above in codon sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, and which encodes a TADG-14 protein. Also, provided is a vector capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention adapted for expression in a recombinant cell and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in the cell.

Abstract: This document involves methods and materials related to obtaining Paramyxoviridae virus preparations.

Abstract: A probiotic composition including the bacilli (1) Bacillus subtilis, (2) Bacillus coagulans, and (3) Enterococcus faecium. The composition may further include a carrier medium, such as fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS), as incorporated in a dose form such as a pill, capsule, powder or sachet. The compositions of the invention may be usefully employed as health or nutritional supplements, food additives, or therapeutic agents for combating a wide variety of physiological disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, autism, and fibromyalgia.

Abstract: With the goal of creating a combination vaccine against Shigella and other diarrheal pathogens we have constructed a prototype vaccine strain of Shigella flexneri 2a (SC608) that can serve as a vector for the expression and delivery of heterologous antigens to the mucosal immune system. SC608 is an asd derivative of SC602, a well-characterized vaccine strain, which has recently undergone several phase 1 and 2 trials for safety and immunogenicity. Using non-antibiotic asd-based plasmids, we have created novel constructs for the expression of antigens from enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), including CFA/I (CfaB and CfaE) and the B-subunit from heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) in Shigella vaccine strain SC608. Heterologous protein expression levels and cellular localization are critical to immune recognition and have been verified by immunoblot analysis.

Abstract: A purified thermostable enzyme is derived form the thermophilic archaebacterium Thermococcus gorgonarius. The enzyme can be native or recombinant, retains approximately 90% of its activity after incubation for two hours at 95° C. in the presence of stabilizing agents and possesses 3?-5? proofreading exonuclease activity. Thermostable DNA polymerases are useful in many recombinant DNA techniques, especially nucleic acid amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for producing fermented milk and whey that enable effective production in high yield of fermented milk and whey having high content of an ACEI peptide that is highly safe and applicable to pharmaceuticals, functional foods, health foods, and the like. The methods are: a method including the steps of mixing lactic acid bacteria and a starting material containing milk by stirring to prepare a mixed material, and fermenting the mixed material under stirring so that curd pieces and whey containing an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory peptide are generated, whereby fermented milk containing the curd pieces and the whey containing the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory peptide is produced; and a method including the steps of subjecting the resulting fermented milk to centrifugation and/or filter pressing to separate and recover whey.

Abstract: A bacterial growth medium for promoting auto-induction of transcription of cloned DNA in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise is disclosed. The transcription is under the control of a lac repressor. Also disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for improving the production of a selenomethionine-containing protein or polypeptide in a bacterial cell, the protein or polypeptide being produced by recombinant DNA techniques from a lac or T7lac promoter, the bacterial cell encoding a vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine methylase. Finally, disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for suppressing auto-induction of expression in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise, said transcription being under the control of lac repressor.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula (1) in enantiomerically enriched form, which comprises selective hydrolysis of the corresponding racemic compound (2) catalysed by an enzyme derived from a non-mammalian source and having esterase or lipase activity, wherein R is methyl or C2-10 linear or branched alkyl.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the encapsulation of cells on microfluidic platforms are disclosed. The microfluidic device generally includes a plurality of functional regions to shear, focus, and encapsulate a desired cell or group of cells into a droplet. The microfluidic device can further comprise a polymerization zone to form a polymer bead around the droplet.

Abstract: Methods and devices for isolating nucleic acids from a mixture containing such nucleic acids and extraneous matter are provided. In one embodiment, the method of the invention comprises passing the mixture through a glass frit under conditions effective to separate the nucleic acids from the extraneous matter. In a more specific embodiment, the glass frit is a sintered glass frit.

Abstract: Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.

Abstract: A method for selectively orienting molecules on a surface of a solid support. The method includes the steps of: (a) attaching a linker molecule to the surface of the solid support, the linker molecule including a head group that is capable of binding to the solid support, and a tail group that is capable of chelating to a metal ion; (b) subsequently treating the solid support with a solution containing the metal ion; (c) attaching a metal ion chelating tag to the molecules to form tagged molecules; and (d) capturing the tagged molecules on the solid support by contacting it with the tagged molecules to form a monolayer of molecules on the surface of the solid support in which a majority of the molecules are held in the same orientation with respect to the surface. The invention also provides a sensor chip formed using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A container assembly comprises a vessel for containing a biological medium, gametes and/or one or more embryo(s). The vessel has a CO2 permeable seal and a closure valve device for selective access. A buffer chamber for a CO2 enriched atmosphere cooperates with the vessel and is in communication with the CO2 permeable wall. Such a container assembly is particularly adapted for intravaginal use in which case the permeable seal prevents ingress of vaginal secretions. The buffer chamber mediates the aqueous pH in the vessel after the container assembly is removed from a CO2 enriched environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to NS1 proteins or parts thereof of Flaviviruses, in particular of Dengue viruses useful for vaccination against said Flavivirus and against one or more other Flaviviruses. The invention further concerns the NS1 protein or parts thereof of one Dengue virus serotype, in particular serotype 2, useful for vaccination against Dengue viruses from all serotypes. The invention further concerns DNA comprising an expression cassette coding for a Flavivirus NS1 or parts thereof, vectors comprising said DNA and vaccines containing or expressing a Flavivirus NS1.

Abstract: Methods for clarification of cell samples using centrifugation in combination with depth filtration.

Abstract: A composition which comprises an animal cell population which contains immature animal cells. The immature animal cells are characterized by expression of alpha-fetoprotein or lack of essential expression of alpha-fetoprotein and albumin, and at least a portion of said immature animal cells or at least a portion of the progeny of said immature animal cells is capable of differentiating into cells which express albumin. The cell population is cultured under conditions which result in expansion of the cells. Expansion of the cells may be achieved by culturing the cells in the presence of an extracellular matrix and liver stromal cells; and preferably in the presence of growth factors. Such cells may be used for liver transplantation, artificial livers, and for toxicology and pharmacology studies. Such cells may also be genetically engineered to express proteins or polypepetides of interest.

Abstract: A plate manufactured to enable samples of cells, micro-organisms, proteins, DNA, biomolecules and other biological media to be positioned at specific locations or sites on the plate for the purpose of performing addressable analyses on the samples. Preferably, some or all of the sites are built from a removable material or as pallets so that a subset of the samples of interest can be readily isolated from the plate for further processing or analysis. The plate can contain structures or chemical treatments that enhance or promote the attachment and/or function of the samples, and that promote or assist in their analyses. Use of the plate advantageously enables the selection and sorting of cells based on dynamic phenomena and the rapid establishment of stable tranfectants.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.

Abstract: Yeast cells are mutagenized to obtain desirable mutants. Mutagenesis is mediated by a defective mismatch repair system which can be enhanced using conventional exogenously applied mutagens. Yeast cells with the defective mismatch repair system are hypermutable, but after selection of desired mutant yeast strains, they can be rendered genetically stable by restoring the mismatch repair system to proper functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing an NOx removal catalyst, which method enables assessment of actual catalytic performance in consideration of gas flow condition in the gas conduits of the NOx removal catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing concentrated spots of collected particulates from an impact collection surface, and transferring those particulates into a container suitable for preparing a liquid sample. A jet of fluid can be utilized to remove and transfer the particulates. If a liquid jet is employed, care is taken to minimize the quantity of liquid to avoid unnecessarily diluting the sample. A mechanical scraper can alternatively be employed to remove and transfer the particulates into the container. The scraper can be rinsed with liquid or vibrated to remove the particulates. Alternatively, the portion of the surface containing a specific spot of particulates can be removed and placed into a container.

Abstract: A method of operating a blanching system includes steps of automatically sampling a blanching solution and mixing the sampled blanching solution with a reagent that is formulated to change at least one property according to a concentration of a metal ion in the blanching solution. This property is automatically sensed with an automated sensor and a controller is used to automatically control a concentration of metal ions in the blanching solution in response to a signal that is received from said automated sensor.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical assay apparatus and method for determining chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a water sample is described. The photoelectrochemical assay comprises: a) a measuring cell for holding a sample to be analysed b) a titanium dioxide nanoparticle photoelectric working electrode and a counter electrode disposed in said cell, c) a UV light source adapted to illuminate the photoelectric working electrode d) control means to control the illumination of the working electrode e) potential measuring means to measure the electrical potential at the working and counter electrodes f) analysis means to derive a measure of oxygen demand from the measurements made by the potential measuring means.

Abstract: Minor groove binder-oligonucleotide probes are provided along with methods for their use wherein the probes have an attached fluorophore which, in an unhybridized form exhibits very low background signal.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers with lasing characteristics that allow the polymers to be useful in detecting analytes. In one aspect, the polymer, upon an interaction with an analyte, may exhibit a change in a lasing characteristic that can be determined in some fashion. For example, interaction of an analyte with the polymer may affect the ability of the polymer to reach an excited state that allows stimulated emission of photons to occur, which may be determined, thereby determining the analyte. In another aspect, the polymer, upon interaction with an analyte, may exhibit a change in stimulated emission that is at least 10 times greater with respect to a change in the spontaneous emission of the polymer upon interaction with the analyte. The polymer may be a conjugated polymer in some cases. In one set of embodiments, the polymer includes one or more hydrocarbon side chains, which may be parallel to the polymer backbone in some instances.

Abstract: The histamine detection method of the invention includes: a reaction step of causing a sample solution possibly containing histamine to react with 2,3-naphathalene dicarboxylaldehyde at PH of less than 10; and a detection step of detecting histamine based on a color change in the reaction step. The arrangement of this histamine detection method ensures the good color development in a visible region and thus enables easy and quick detection of histamine.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical sensor for detecting chemical reaction activity, including, e.g., enzyme activity and catalytic or reactive molecule activity. An optical sensor of the invention includes a porous photonic film that produces a predetermined spectral reflectance response. In preferred embodiments, the film has a chemical coating (such as a hydrophobic layer) within its pores with an affinity for the reaction product(s) of the catalytic or otherwise reactive analyte A coating can also act as a protective layer in preferred embodiment. A thin substrate susceptible to reaction by at least one analyte of interest is on the surface of the thin film to block pores of the thin film. A method of detecting chemical reaction activity of the invention exposes the optical sensor to an analyte of interest, such as an enzyme or otherwise catalytic or reactive molecule.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to quantitate with good accuracy, furthermore, quantitate absolutely, one or a plurality of biological molecules in a sample such as a tissue, a biological fluid, a cell, a cell organ or protein complex. By adding a metabolically isotope labeled biological molecule as an internal standard substance and measuring with a mass spectrometer, quantitating with good accuracy one or a plurality of target molecules in a sample has become possible. In addition, by performing waveform separation processing during mass analysis, a highly accurate quantitative analysis method of mass analysis is provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for diluting a sample are disclosed. A sample is first diluted by a porous tube type diluter configuration. Then the diluted flow is further diluted by a ejector type diluter configuration. Further a heat exchange based on serrature heat exchange elements inside said porous tube type diluter configuration is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for performing microfluidic sampling are provided. The method includes providing a substrate including an arrangement of first, second and third electrodes, wherein the second electrode is interposed between the first and third electrodes. The method additionally includes causing a fluid input to continuously flow to the first electrode and biasing the first, second and third electrodes to a first voltage to cause a portion of the fluid input to spread across the second and third electrodes. The method further includes biasing the second electrode to a second voltage different from the first voltage to form a droplet on the third electrode, the droplet being separate from the fluid input.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and/or quantifying an IgE antibody present in a liquid sample. The IgE antibody is specific to a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody, or a hapten. These methods can be used for monitoring and evaluating the immunological status of a subject.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive ligand sensor device (MLSD), system and method are provided having at least one magnetostrictive particle (MSP) to which is bound at least one binding element. The MSP may be dispersed in a sample containing a target ligand such that the target ligand binds thereto. A driver is also provided to emit a varying magnetic field such that the MSP produces a resonance response detectable by a measurement device configured to receive and detect changes in the resonance response that are due to alterations of the binding element. The MLSD and assays find use in identifying and quantitating ligands as well as chemicals and environmental conditions in a sample or patient.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor node module includes forming a protruding structure on a carrier. A sensor die is applied onto the protruding structure with an active sensing surface of the sensor die facing the carrier. The sensor die is encapsulated with mold material, wherein the protruding structure prevents the mold material from covering the active sensing surface. The carrier and the protruding structure are removed from the sensor die.

Abstract: A method for patterning a substrate includes forming a material layer on the substrate; performing a first etching on the material layer to form a pattern; measuring the pattern of the material layer using an optical spectrum metrology tool; determining whether the measuring indicates that the etching step achieved a predefined result; and producing an etching recipe and performing a second etching of the material layer using the etching recipe if the predefined result was not achieved.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die with a plurality of solder bumps formed on bump pads. A substrate has a plurality of contact pads each with an exposed sidewall. A solder resist is disposed opening over at least a portion of each contact pad. The solder bumps are reflowed to metallurgically and electrically connect to the contact pads. Each contact pad is sized according to a design rule defined by SRO+2*SRR?2X, where SRO is the solder resist opening, SRR is a solder registration for the manufacturing process, and X is a function of a thickness of the exposed sidewall of the contact pad. The value of X ranges from 5 to 20 microns. The solder bump wets the exposed sidewall of the contact pad and substantially fills an area adjacent to the exposed sidewall. The contact pad can be made circular, rectangular, or donut-shaped.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microchannel plate includes forming a plurality of pores in a silicon substrate. The plurality of pores is oxidized, thereby consuming silicon at surfaces of the plurality of pores and forming a silicon dioxide layer over the plurality of pores. At least a portion of the silicon dioxide layer is stripped, which reduces a surface roughness of the plurality of pores. A semiconducting layer can be deposited onto the surface of the silicon dioxide layer. The semiconducting layer is then oxidized, thereby consuming at least some of the polysilicon or amorphous silicon layer and forming an insulating layer. Resistive and secondary electron emissive layers are then deposited on the insulating layer by atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon device includes steps of: forming a silicon layer 4a that indicates a second conductivity type on a first surface S1a of a silicon substrate 2a that indicates a first conductivity type; and exposing, after the step, a third surface S3a of the silicon layer 4a for a period of a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 6 hours to an argon-containing atmosphere which is adjusted to temperatures of a minimum of 400° C. and a maximum of 900° C. and pressures of a minimum of 4 MPa and a maximum of 200 MPa.

Abstract: Provided is a light-emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The light-emitting device includes a substrate having at least one protruded portion with a curved surface in which a consistent defect density and uniform stress distribution can be obtained even when the growth of the semiconductor crystal layer and the forming of the light-emitting device are completed. In addition, the light-emitting device has a high the light extraction efficiency for extracting light generated at an electroluminescense layer externally.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display device includes: preparing a substrate including a first area and a second area, forming a first layer on the first area and the second area, forming a second layer on the first layer of the first area, respectively forming a first electrode layer on the second layer of the first area and the first layer of the second area, forming a reflective layer on the first electrode layer of the first area, and forming a second electrode layer on the reflective layer.