Abstract: A process for preparing a toner, includes solvent flashing wax and resin together to emulsify the resin and wax to a sub-micro size; mixing the wax and resin emulsion with a colorant, and optionally a coagulant to form a mixture; heating the mixture at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the resin to aggregate the resin, colorant, and wax, to form aggregated particles; heating the aggregated particles and coalescent agent at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of said resin, to coalesce the aggregated particles to form toner particles, optionally cooling the mixture; and isolating the toner particles.

Abstract: Provided is an image transfer material, comprising an optional support material, and a non-woven or woven fiber web layer, wherein the fiber web is impregnated or coated with a image receiving formulation. The fiber web layer is optionally attached to the support with an adhesion layer. Also provided is a heat transfer process wherein after imaging, the fiber web and adhesion layer are peeled from the optional support material and placed, preferably image side up (when imaged), on top of a receptor element. Alternatively, the fiber web and adhesion layer are peeled and then optionally imaged prior to being placed on the receptor element. Then, an optional non-stick sheet is placed over the imaged fiber web (if placed imaged side up) and heat is applied to the fiber web or the non-stick sheet, if present. The adhesion layer then melts and adheres the imaged web layer to the receptor element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition comprising at least a thermoplastic elastomer (a), a photopolymerizable unsaturated monomer (b), and a photopolymerization initiator (c), characterized in that the thermoplastic elastomer (a) comprises at least vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon units, butadiene units, and alkylene units and contains alkylene units not less than 5 wt % and not more than 80 wt % with respect to the total amount of butadiene units and alkylene units. The present invention provides a photosensitive resin composition that simultaneously achieves excellent fine line reproducibility, ester solvent resistance, and prevention of cracks occurring on plate surface.

Abstract: A photo-curable resin composition comprising a silphenylene-bearing polymer having a Mw of 3,000-500,000 can be processed to form patterned films having a widely varying thickness from submicron to more than 20 ?m. The cured films have good adhesion to substrates, heat resistance, electrical insulation and chemical resistance.

Abstract: A positive resist composition, which comprises: (A) a resin having a monocyclic or polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon structure, of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (C) a resin having a repeating unit represented by formula (C) as defined in the specification; and (D) a solvent, wherein a content of the resin as the component (C) is from 0.1 to 20 mass % based on a solid content of the positive resist composition, and a pattern forming method using the same.

Abstract: A thermoacid generator for antireflective film formation, characterized by being represented by the following formula (1): (wherein R1 represents C1-20 alkyl, alkenyl, oxoalkyl, or oxoalkenyl (hydrogen atoms in these groups may have been replaced with fluorine atoms); R2 represents linear, branched, or cyclic C1-20 alkyl, alkenyl, oxoalkyl, or oxoalkenyl, C6-20 aryl, or C7-12 aralkyl or aryloxoalkyl; R3 represents hydrogen or alkyl; and Y? represents a non-nucleophilic counter ion); a composition for forming an antireflective film; and an antireflective film made from the composition. With the thermoacid generator and composition, satisfactory etching resistance and the satisfactory ability to prevent the reflection of short-wavelength light (ability to absorb short-wavelength light) are attained. Furthermore, the antireflective film can inhibit an overlying photoresist film from generating a scum.

Abstract: The use of sugar-containing hydrogels as very highly porous, aqueous support material for the immobilization of oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules for sensor applications. Unusually large sizes of interconnected pores allow large target molecules to pass rapidly into and through the gel and bind to immobilized biomolecules. Sugar-containing hydrogels have extremely low non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, providing low background levels. Some hydrogel materials do not have this type of homogeneous interconnected macroporosity, thus large target molecules cannot readily diffuse through them. Additionally, they nearly always experience non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, limiting their usefulness in sensor applications. A method is provided for preparing sugar polyacrylate hydrogels with functional chemical groups which covalently bond oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: The use of sugar-containing hydrogels as very highly porous, aqueous support material for the immobilization of oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules for sensor applications. Unusually large sizes of interconnected pores allow large target molecules to pass rapidly into and through the gel and bind to immobilized biomolecules. Sugar-containing hydrogels have extremely low non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, providing low background levels. Some hydrogel materials do not have this type of homogeneous interconnected macroporosity, thus large target molecules cannot readily diffuse through them. Additionally, they nearly always experience non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, limiting their usefulness in sensor applications. A method is provided for preparing sugar polyacrylate hydrogels with functional chemical groups which covalently bond oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay kit for the measurement of free D-galactose and/or L-arabinose in a sample, the kit comprising galactose mutarotase and (3-galactose dehydrogenase. The kit may further comprise a reagent capable of hydrolysing molecules containing D-galactose and/or L-arabinose, to yield the free mono- or disaccharide so that the kit finds use for determination of not just of free D-galactose and/or L-arabinose but also those molecules as released (or synthesized) from other molecules, including lactose, D-galactose-1-phosphate, galactosyl-sucrose oligosaccharides (such as raffinose), galactan, galactomannan, arabinan and arabinogalactan.

Abstract: This document includes methods and materials for enriching and detecting cancer markers. For example, this document includes methods and materials for enriching methylated mammalian nucleic acid from stool samples.

Abstract: This invention is directed to diagnostic methods detecting the presence of an antibody to a virus in a sample from a subject and kits for using the methods.

Abstract: A regulable molecular motor micropower biosensor comprises: a rotary motor, an optical energy conversion device, a signal molecular output device, a power resource system, a protective layer, a supporting material, and a bilayer lipid membrane fixing material. The molecular motor micropower biosensor is used for detecting biological macromolecules, viral molecules, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated novel virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The hSARS virus is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to known member of Coronaviridae. The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the hSARS virus. Furthermore, the invention provides the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from the hSARS virus and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods, including vaccines. In addition, the invention provides chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and antibodies immunospecific to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid are provided. A fluorescent label attached to a nucleic acid is incorporated into at least one strand of the target nucleic acid and the methods include monitoring change in fluorescence emission resulting from dissociation of the labeled strand of the amplification product from its complementary strand.

Abstract: The SBDS gene has been identified as the site of mutations associated with SDS. Methods are provided for determining whether a subject is suffering from SDS.

Abstract: Identification of a pig as resistant or non-resistant to enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC). Particularly, there is provided methods, probes and DNA molecules involved in identifying a pig as resistant or non-resistant to ETEC. There is also provided methods for breeding pigs using the information of resistance/non-resistance, mixed boar semen, and methods for developing drugs to compensate for non-resistance to ETEC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences for regulating the transcription and expression of genes, the novel promoters and expression units themselves, methods for altering or causing the transcription rate and/or expression rate of genes, expression cassettes comprising the expression units, genetically modified microorganisms with altered or caused transcription rate and/or expression rate, and methods for preparing biosynthetic products by cultivating the genetically modified microorganisms.

Abstract: An assay for detecting and identifying micro-organisms, particularly bacteria, is disclosed. In particular, an assay for detecting bacteria in a sample is disclosed. Bacteria are identified according to Gram-, genus- species- and strain-specificity based on multigenotypic testing of bacterial DNA from human, animal or environmental samples.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of diagnosis of a predisposition to develop thrombotic disease, to test systems and their use for the diagnosis of a predisposition to develop thrombotic disease, to a P2X1 promoter variant and its use for screening for an anti-thrombotic agent, and to methods for identifying an individual that can be prophylactically or therapeutically treated with an anti-thrombotic agent, or for adapting a therapeutic or prophylactic dose of an anti-thrombotic agent.

Abstract: A device for in-line blood screening and testing using biochips is disclosed. The screening methods include nucleic acid amplification techniques and antibody/antigen assays to detect target molecules and agents indicative of infectious diseases or metabolic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of characterizing a nucleic acid region and, more particularly, to a method of analysing a marker nucleic acid region. The method of the present invention is based on identification of one or both of the nucleic acid regions flanking a marker nucleic acid region and provides a means of analysing a marker nucleic acid region which is characteristic of a clonal population of cells. The method of the present invention is useful in the context of enabling a range of applications including, but not limited to, monitoring the progression of a condition characterized by the presence of a clonal populations of cells (such as a neoplastic condition), monitoring the levels of one or more clonal cell population, predicting the likelihood of a subject's relapse from a remissive state to a disease state, for assessing the effectiveness of existing therapeutic drugs and/or new therapeutic agents and identifying the presence of a marker region.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantifying modified nucleic acid oligonucleotides. These methods and compositions are useful for detecting and quantifying diagnostic and/or therapeutic synthetic modified oligonucleotides, such as aptamers, RNAi, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes in a biological sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct detection of chemical reactions are provided. In a preferred embodiment, electric charge perturbations of the local environment during enzyme-catalyzed reactions are sensed by an electrode system with an immobilized target molecule. The target molecule is preferably DNA. The charge perturbation caused by the polymerase reaction can uniquely identify a DNA sequence. The polymerization process generates local perturbations of charge in the solution near the electrode surface and induces a charge in a polarazible gold electrode. This event is detected as a transient current by a voltage clamp amplifier. Detection of single nucleotides in a sequence can be determined by dispensing individual dNTPs to the electrode solution and detecting the charge perturbations. Alternatively, multiple bases can be determined at the same time using a mix of all dNTPs with subsequent analysis of the resulting signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is are methods for identifying a nucleic acid in a sample. In one example, the method includes: (a) contacting the nucleic acid in the sample with an oligonucleotide that is specific for the nucleic acid in the sample and that is labeled with at least a first fluorescent dye; (b) contacting the nucleic acid in the sample with a second fluorescent dye that is different from the first fluorescent dye, such that the second fluorescent dye interacts with the nucleic acid; (c) amplifying the nucleic acid if present in the sample; and (d) detecting the nucleic acid if present in the sample by observing fluorescence from the first fluorescent dye after the oligonucleotide hybridizes to the amplified nucleic acid and determining the melting temperature of the amplified nucleic acid by measuring the fluorescence of the second fluorescent dye. The second fluorescent dye may include a fluorescent intercalating agent.

Abstract: Provided are methods of isolating and amplifying nucleic acids from and in a nucleic acid-containing sample. The nucleic acid isolation method includes contacting a nucleic acid-containing sample to a silanized solid support to capture nucleic acids to the silanized solid support and treating the nucleic acid-captured solid support with an alkaline solution of pH 9 to 14. The nucleic acid amplification method includes contacting a nucleic acid-containing sample to a silanized solid support to capture nucleic acids to the silanized solid support; treating the nucleic acid-captured solid support with an alkaline solution of pH 9 to 14; and adding a nucleic acid amplification solution to the resultant solution after the alkaline solution treatment to perform nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an individual is at an increased risk for myocardial infarction, comprising screening for the presence of Factor II and Factor XIII alleles associated with myocardial infarction. Also provided are kits and primers that specifically hybridize adjacent to the allele-specific regions of the Factor II and Factor XIII genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of a disease related to immune maturation and regulation of immune response towards self and nonself, comprising the steps of detecting in a biological specimen the presence of a DNA sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods of making and using immobilized arrays of nucleic acids, particularly methods for producing replicas of such arrays. Included are methods for producing high density arrays of nucleic acids and replicas of such arrays, as well as methods for preserving the resolution of arrays through rounds of replication. Also included are methods which take advantage of the availability of replicas of arrays for increased sensitivity in detection of sequences on arrays. Improved methods of sequencing nucleic acids immobilized on arrays utilizing single copies of arrays and methods taking further advantage of the availability of replicas of arrays are disclosed. The improvements lead to higher fidelity and longer read lengths of sequences immobilized on arrays. Methods are also disclosed which improve the efficiency of multiplex PCR using arrays of immobilized nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region. More particularly, the present invention concerns Fc region-containing polypeptides that have altered effector function as a consequence of one or more amino acid modifications in the Fc region thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for targeted modification of chromatin structure, within a region of interest in cellular chromatin, are provided. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, transcription and recombination, that require access of exogenous molecules to chromosomal DNA sequences.

Abstract: This invention is related to a method and assay kit for rapidly quantifying global DNA methylation through immobilizing DNA by simple dry-capture on the plastic carrier followed by immunodetection of 5-methylcytosine structure that is the marker of DNA methylation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to identify polymorphisms at the human TLR4 locus, as well as methods to identify individuals at risk of indications that increase their morbidity and mortality.

Abstract: A novel method is provided to assay at least one nucleic acid. According to this method, a nucleic acid polymerization reaction is conducted in a nucleic acid polymerization reaction system, which contains (A) the at least one nucleic acid as a template, (B) at least one nucleotide monomer labeled with at least one label selected from the group consisting of (a) fluorescent dyes, (b) quenchers and (c) immune related substances with a fluorescent dye or quencher contained therein, and (C) at least one nucleic acid-synthesizing enzyme. The template nucleic acid or a nucleic acid, which has been synthesized using the template nucleic acid as a template, is then assayed from a change or an amount of a change in an optical character of the nucleic acid polymerization system.

Abstract: Nucleosides and nucleotides are disclosed that are linked to detectable labels via a cleavable linker group.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection, in a patient by detecting the expression level of one or more genes in a patient, are described. Diagnostic oligonucleotides for diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection and kits or systems containing the same are also described.

Abstract: Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for a significant number of birth defects, including mental retardation. The present invention is related to methods for non-invasive and rapid, prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities based on analysis of a maternal blood sample. The invention exploits the differences in DNA between the mother and fetus, for instance differences in their methylation states, as a means to enrich for fetal DNA in maternal plasma sample. The methods described herein can be used to detect chromosomal DNA deletions and duplications. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to diagnose chromosomal aneuploidy and related disorders, such as Down's and Turner's Syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions involving flavivirus envelope protein domain III antigens for the detection of virus and detection of antibodies against the virus. Such methods and compositions may be used to detect TBE serocomplex viruses or West Nile virus infection in a subject, patient, animal or biological fluid. The present invention also concerns kits for implementing such methods. In some embodiments, kits contain a recombinant TBE serocomplex virus or West Nile virus envelope protein domain III antigen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of gene products that are the result of tumor-associated expression and the nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases wherein these gene products are the result of an aberrant tumor-associated expression. The invention also relates to the proteins, polypeptides and peptides that are the result of tumor-associated expression and to the nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a specific human taste receptor in the T2R taste receptor family, hT2R71 that responds to particular bitter compounds The present invention further relates to the use of this receptor in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of this taste receptor. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. A preferred embodiment is the use of the identified compounds as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for blocking bitter taste.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are VEGF-D antibody diagnostic kits and methods of using such kits for the detection of VEGF-D in a biological sample.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a new family of chemokines, the CX3C family, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: Human MAN2A genes are identified as modulators of the IGFR pathway and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGFR function Methods for identifying modulators of IGFR comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of MAN2A are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing an artificial immune system. The artificial immune system comprises a cell culture comprising T cells, B cells and antigen-primed dendritic cells. The artificial immune system of the present invention can be used for in vitro testing of vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel splice-variant of the ClC-4 protein, termed ClC-4A. ClC-4A is expressed in taste bud cells and is involved in sour taste perception. The invention provides ClC-4A polynucleotides and ClC-4A polypeptides, vectors, host cells and ClC-4A specific antibodies as well as designing high potency taste stimuli, determining taste preferences in animals, developing breed-specific foods, and modifying the taste of foods and medications.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient suffering from pancreatitis comprising treating said patient with a therapeutically effective amount of a cholinergic agonist selective for an ?7 nicotinic receptor in an amount sufficient to decrease the amount of the proinflammatory cytokine that is released from a macrophage wherein said condition is acute pancreatitis. The compounds of the present invention include a quaternary analog of cocaine; (1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-carbamic acid 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-ethyl ester; a compound of formula (I), a compound of formula (II), a compound of formula (III), a compound of formula (IV), and an oligonucleotide or mimetic capable of attenuating the symptoms of acute pancreatitis wherein the oligonucleotide or mimetic consists essentially of a sequence greater than 5 nucleotides long that is complementary to an mRNA of an ?7 cholinergic receptor. The variables of formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV) are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to insect odorant receptor genes and methods for identifying odorant receptor genes. The invention provides nucleotide sequences of insect odorant receptor genes Or83b, amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins (including peptides or polypeptides), and related products and methods. The nucleic acids of the invention may be operatively linked to promoter sequences and transformed into host cells. Methods of production of an Or83b odorant receptor protein (e.g., by recombinant means), and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Antibodies to an Or83b odorant receptor protein, and derivatives and analogs thereof, are provided. Methods for identifying molecules that bind or modulate the activity of these Or83b odorant receptor genes are provided. Molecules found to bind or modulate the activity of Or83b genes may be formulated into pest control agents by providing a carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions for detection and isolation of cancer cells with metastatic potential. The invention further relates to assays for measuring the metastatic potential of such cancer cells and drug screening assays for the identification of agents having anti-metastatic potential. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for inhibiting the metastatic potential of cancer cells by modulating the activity of serine integral membrane proteases [(SIMP) consisting of seprase and dipedidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)] expressed on the surface of metastasizing cancer cells.

Abstract: Described is a novel gene and its encoded secreted tumor antigen, termed BPC-1, and to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and compositions useful in the management of various cancers which express BPC-1, particularly including prostate cancer and bladder cancer. In human normal tissues, BPC-1 is only expressed in certain tissues of the brain. However, BPC-1 is expressed at high levels in prostate cancer cells and is also expressed in bladder cancer cells. The structure of BPC-1 includes a signal sequence and a CUB domain. BPC-1 protein is secreted. Preliminary experimental evidence suggests that BPC-1 is directly involved in oncogenesis or maintenance of the transformed phenotype of cancer cells expressing BPC-1. BPC-1 also appears to bind specifically to a cellular protein expressed in prostate cancer cells and other cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for improving the effectiveness of a chemotherapeutic regimen to eradicate multidrug-resistant transformed cells from the body of a mammal, preferably from the body of a human. The present disclosure capitalizes on the discovery of a novel multidrug-resistance associated protein (MRP), herein designated MRP-?. The disclosed compositions include MRP-? nucleic acids, including probes and antisense oligonucleotides, MRP-? polypeptides and antibodies, MRP-? expressing host cells, and non-human mammals transgenic or nullizygous for MRP-?. The disclosed methods include methods for attenuating aberrant MRP-? gene expression, protein production and/or protein function. In addition, methods are disclosed for identifying and using a modulator, such as an inhibitor, of MRP-?. Preferably, the modulator is a small molecule.

Abstract: This invention provides methods employing prefoldin-4 (PFDN-4) nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences to detect cancer or a propensity to develop cancer, to monitor the efficacy of a cancer treatment, and/or for prognostic applications. Further, the invention provides methods of identifying inhibitors of PfDN-4 and methods of treating cancer by inhibiting the expression and/or activity of PFDN-4.