Abstract: A photoresist pattern forming method, comprising a first step of forming on an underlayer a photoresist film which includes a convex portion and a concave portion having a thickness thinner than a thickness of the convex portion, and a second step of processing the photoresist film to form, in a portion which has been the convex portion, an opening having a width narrower than a width of the convex portion, wherein in the second step, the convex portion of the photoresist film is at least partially exposed, and the photoresist film is then developed, and exposure light is condensed by the convex portion in exposing the photoresist film.

Abstract: A method for forming a resist under layer film includes providing a composition for forming a resist under layer film on a substrate which is to be processed. The composition includes a solvent and a calixarene compound or a derivative of the calixarene compound. The composition is set under an oxidizing atmosphere with an oxygen content of 1% or more by volume to form a resist under layer film.

Abstract: A developing treatment method includes: a treatment solution supplying step of supplying a treatment solution made by diluting a hydrophobizing agent hydrophobizing a resist pattern with hydrofluoroether onto a substrate on which a rinse solution has been supplied after development of the resist pattern; a hydrophobic treatment stabilizing step of stabilizing a hydrophobic treatment of the resist pattern with the supply of the treatment solution stopped and rotation of the substrate almost stopped; and a treatment solution removing step of removing the treatment solution from a top of the substrate on which the treatment solution has been supplied. The hydrophobizing agent is trimethylsilyldimethyl-amine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to identify whether a candidate compound is a modulator of atherogenesis. In certain embodiments, the GPCR couples to Gi. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic disease, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and ischemic stroke. Agonists of the invention are additionally useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of conditions related to MCP-1 expression, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Method of detecting molecules, using a sensor having a membrane layer having parallel pores extending through the membrane layer and incorporating therein probe molecules that bind with corresponding target molecules when present in the pores, electrodes, and an ionic solution in contact with the electrodes and the pores, wherein the electrodes are energized to induce an electrical current in the solution through the pores, wherein the electrical current induces an electrical parameter in the electrodes that is indicative of a through-pore electrical impedance of the pores, wherein the through-pore electrical impedance is increased when there is probe-to-target molecule binding in the pores relative to when there is an absence of such binding.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for detecting a biomolecule including: immobilizing a nucleic acid aptamer capable of specifically binding to a biomolecule to be detected on the surface of a bead on which fluorophores are arranged; hybridizing the nucleic acid aptamer with a guard nucleic acid (g-nucleic acid) labeled with a quencher to quench fluorescence; and reacting a sample including the biomolecule to be detected with the nucleic acid aptamer and detecting a fluorescence signal emitted as the biomolecule binds with the nucleic acid aptamer and the g-nucleic acid labeled with the quencher is separated, and a device for detecting a biomolecule for conducting the detection method. The present disclosure allows for effective, convenient and fast detection of the biomolecule to be detected, enables quantitative analysis, and enables detection of even a trace amount of sample.

Abstract: Although it can be farnesylated, mutant lamin A expressed in Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome cannot be defarnesylated; the characteristic mutation causes deletion of a cleavage site necessary for binding the protease ZMPSTE24 and effecting defarnesylation. The result is an aberrant farnesylated protein (“progerin”) that alters normal lamin A function as a dominant negative, and assumes its own aberrant function through its association with the nuclear membrane. Retention of farnesylation, and potentially other abnormal properties of progerin and other abnormal lamin gene protein products, produces disease. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) will inhibit formation of progerin, cause a decrease in lamin A protein, and/or an increase prelamin A protein. Decreasing the amount of aberrant protein improves cellular effects caused by and progerin expression. Similarly, treatment with FTIs should improve disease status in progeria and other laminopathies.

Abstract: Attenuated, replication-deficient viruses such as vaccinia viruses are used to deliver an exogenous viral, bacterial, parasitic or tumor antigen to an epidermal tissue such as the skin, lungs or gastrointestinal tract, which has been mechanically disrupted, in an amount effective to elicit or stimulate a cell mediated immune response. The epidermal tissue may be mechanically disrupted by a device such as a scarification needle or an abrader device. The epidermis may be mechanically disrupted prior to, at the same time, or immediately after the administration of the vaccine. The vaccine can be used to induce immunity against a pathogen, such as a virus, bacteria, or parasite, or against a cancer in a subject that has or is at risk of developing cancer. In some embodiments a co-stimulatory molecule, a growth factor, an adjuvant and/or a cytokine is administered before, with or after the viral vaccine. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory molecule is co-expressed with the antigen by the virus.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and nucleic acids for detecting, differentiating or distinguishing between colon cell proliferative disorders as well as therapy thereof by analysis of the gene EYA4 and its promoter and regulatory sequences. The invention further provides novel nucleic acid sequences useful for the cell proliferative disorder specific analysis of said gene as well as methods, assays and kits thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a kit for detecting nucleic acid sequence variation using melting curve analysis, especially relates to a method and a kit for detecting nucleic acid sequence variation by melting curve analysis using self-quenched probe. Said method provides the characteristics of the self-quenched probe employed, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid amplification conditions, so that the probe can bind to the amplified target sequence, and variations of the target sequence can be detected by melting curve analysis. The present invention also encompasses a kit assembled according to the method described.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a highly-efficient transformation technology, specifically, a highly-efficient promoter used for transforming algae, a vector comprising the promoter, and a method for transforming algae by using the vector. The promoter according to the present invention is characterized in comprising a polynucleotide constituting a non-coding region located upstream of a gene encoding a structural protein of a ClorDNA virus, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a gene expression profile being predictive for the specific response of an individual tumor to a pharmaceutically effective compound, the use thereof, a microarray wherein the nucleotide sequences attached to the substrate consist of nucleotide sequences corresponding to the predictive genes of said gene expression profile, and a diagnostic kit containing said microarray.

Abstract: The invention relates to determining the presence of an EZH2 gene mutation in a sample from a subject and inhibition of wild-type and certain mutant forms of human histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex which catalyzes the mono-through tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3-K27). In one embodiment the inhibition is selective for the mutant form of the EZH2, such that trimethylation of H3-K27, which is associated with certain cancers, is inhibited. The methods can be used to treat cancers including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Also provided are methods for identifying small molecule selective inhibitors of the mutant forms of EZH2 and also methods for determining responsiveness to an EZH2 inhibitor in a subject.

Abstract: Contemplated systems and methods allow analysis of multiple and distinct patient samples using a labeling scheme that entirely avoids carry-over of a label or reagent to the analytic platform, typically an addressable solid phase. In preferred aspects, a hybridization portion, a fluorophore, and/or a quencher are removed by a 5?-3?-exonuclease activity of a polymerase from a reporter oligonucleotide to so remove the oligonucleotide from the pool of molecules that bind to the solid phase and/or or to provide signal differentiation by removal of a fluorophore or quencher.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides amplification methods in which nucleotide tag(s) and a barcode nucleotide sequence are added to target nucleotide sequences. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that includes a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device also includes a plurality of sets of first chambers and a plurality of sets of second chambers. Each set of first chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of first input lines. Each set of second chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device further includes a plurality of first pump elements in fluid communication with a first portion of the plurality of second input lines and a plurality of second pump elements in fluid communication with a second portion of the plurality of second input lines.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of generating sequence profiles of populations of nucleic acids, whose member nucleic acids contain regions of high variability, such as populations of nucleic acids encoding T cell receptors or B cell receptors. In one aspect, the invention provides pluralities of sets of primers for generating nested sets of templates from nucleic acids in such populations, thereby insuring the production of at least one template from which sequence reads are generated, despite such variability, or dispite limited lengths or quality of sequence reads. In another aspect, members of such populations are bidirectionally sequenced so that further sequence information is obtained by analyzing overlapping sequence reads in the zones of highest variability.

Abstract: Novel hydroxylated 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds, methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a hydroxylated 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid derivative are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating or preventing a disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated therewith.

Abstract: Uses of recombinant procalcitonin 3-116 in the diagnosis and therapy of septic diseases and the measurement of prohormones other than procalcitonin, and of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, as biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for detecting the complement Factor B cleavage product Ba in a biological sample are described. These methods, compositions and kits are useful in convenient, reliable and early diagnosis of or ruling out pre-eclampsia in a pregnant human subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selectively controlling the function of a helper T cell. In the present invention, a mouse lacking a gene involved in ganglioside biosynthesis (ganglioside GM3 synthetase gene) (SAT-I KO) was produced and analyzed. As a result, the present invention provides, for example, a method for screening a substance which induces selective suppression of the function of a helper T cell in an immune response, including control of production of a sphingoglycolipid in the helper T cell, and moderation or suppression of an excessive immune response caused by the suppression of the function, that is, a substance having an immunosuppression activity, an anti-asthmatic action and/or an anti-allergic action.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting blood disorders, such as diabetes. In particular examples the method includes contacting a blood sample with an amine reagent, blocking an excess of the amine reagent with a blocking reagent, digesting the modified blood sample with trypsin to produce a digested blood sample containing a plurality of glycated N-terminal peptides and non-glycated N-terminal peptides, then analyzing the digested blood sample with MALDI MS. Also provided are reagents for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a succinic acid-producing mutant microorganism that is able to utilize sucrose and glycerol simultaneously as carbon sources. More particularly, the present invention relates to a succinic acid-producing mutant microorganism that is able to utilize sucrose and glycerol simultaneously for succinic acid production, the mutant organism being obtained by relieving the mechanism of sucrose-mediated catabolite repression of glycerol in a succinic acid-producing microorganism. As described above, when the succinic acid-producing mutant microorganism is cultured, it utilizes sucrose and glycerol simultaneously so that succinic acid can be produced with high productivity in a maximum yield approaching the theoretical yield while the production of byproducts is minimized. In addition, according to the present invention, various reduced chemicals which have been produced in low yields in conventional methods can be more effectively produced.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection or measurement of a carbohydrate analyte in fluid comprises components of a competitive binding assay the readout of which is a detectable or measurable optical signal retained by a material that permits diffusion of the analyte but not the assay components, the assay components comprising: a carbohydrate binding molecule labelled with one of a proximity based signal generating/modulating moiety pair; and a carbohydrate analogue capable of competing with the analyte for binding to the carbohydrate binding molecule, the carbohydrate analogue being a flexible water-soluble polymer comprising: polymerized or co-polymerised residues of monomer units, the monomer unit residues bearing pendant carbohydrate or carbohydrate mimetic moieties and pendant moieties which are the other of the proximity based signal generating/modulating moiety pair.

Abstract: Methods, processes, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for predicting minoxidil response in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia based on colorimetric assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the level of amyloid beta protein in a cell or tissue, the methods generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention provides methods for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), and methods for treating cerebral angiopathy, in an individual, the methods generally involving administering to an individual having AD a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.

Abstract: A colorimetric reagent in the form of nanoparticles, composite nanoparticles, and nanoparticle coatings, including methods of use, methods of preparation, deposition, and assembly of related devices and specific applications. The colorimetric reagent comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles which are used in solution or immobilized on a solid support, either alone or in conjunction with oxidase enzymes, to form an active colorimetric component that reacts with an analyte to form a colored complex. The rate of color change and the intensity of the color are proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample. Also described is the use of ceria and doped ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen storage/delivery vehicle for oxidase enzymes and applications in biocatalytic processes in anaerobic conditions of interest in biomedicine and bioanalysis.

Abstract: A novel biological material excavator apparatus is described in the current invention. The apparatus is made up of a double walled tubular structure to house either a single tip or multiple tips to pick/excavate the biological material growing in agar plated petri dishes. The unique feature of this apparatus is a local ultra violet light source is present inside the apparatus to perform irradiation on site. This provides double sterilization of the apparatus as well as the tip that is being used for transferring biological material from one source to another source. The apparatus is double walled to prevent the user from being exposed to ultra violet rays while the irradiation step is being performed.

Abstract: The present application relates to a composition comprising extracellular membrane vesicles derived from indoor air. In addition, the present application provides a method for diagnosing, preventing and/or treating an inflammatory respiratory disease, lung cancer and the like using the extracellular membrane vesicles. In detail, the present application involves injecting extracellular membrane vesicles present in indoor air into an animal in order to prepare an animal respiratory disease model, and enables the search and/or discovery of drug candidates for preventing or treating respiratory diseases using the animal model.

Abstract: Hepatic progenitors comprise two populations of human hepatic stem cells, primitive and proximal hepatic stem cells, and two populations of committed progenitors, one for biliary cells and one for hepatocytes. Human primitive hepatic stem cells are a very small fraction of the liver cell population and give rise to proximal hepatic stem cells constituting a much larger fraction of the liver. Human proximal hepatic stem cells give rise to biliary and hepatocyte committed progenitors. Primitive and proximal stem cells are the primary stem cells for the human liver. Human primitive hepatic stem cells may be isolated by immunoselection from human livers or culturing human liver cells under conditions which select for a human primitive hepatic stem cell. Proximal hepatic stem cells may be isolated by immunoselection, or by culturing human liver cells under conditions which include a developmental factor.

Abstract: A film (14) with a tissue section (10) is placed with the tissue section (10) downward on a microscope slide (18) and the microscope slide (18) positioned in the object plane of an inverse microscope; where an adhesive tape (20) is arranged, with a bonding agent (22) downward, above the film (14) and therefore above the tissue section (10); wherein the next step, tissue (36) to be isolated is excised by a focused laser beam, which also divides the film (14); whereupon removal of the adhesive tape (20) from the microscope, the excised tissue pieces (36) adhere to the adhesive tape (20), and the remnant of the film (14) and of the tissue section (10) remains adhering to the microscope slide (18).

Abstract: A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and encoding a polypeptide involved in at least partially degrading, cleaving, transporting, metabolizing, or removing polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups; and at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide involved in fermenting sugar molecules to a product. Additionally, enzymatic and/or proteinaceous extracts may be isolated from one or more genetically modified organisms. The extracts are utilized to convert biomass into a product.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a liquid medium and a saccharifying agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel cell penetrating peptide that transports proteins into cells and/or into nuclei at higher frequency than conventional cell penetrating peptides, and a pharmaceutical containing the peptide.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials for increasing the expression of a protein of interest such as an antibody by a cell ABC50 expression or activity is increased which increases expression of the protein or antibody of interest. The disclosure also provides methods and materials for increasing the sensitivity of a cell to an endoplasmic reticulum stress agent such as Econazole by decreasing the level of ABC50.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for producing a human insulin analogue with high efficiency and excellent yield, by means of a biotechnological process comprising transformation of a Pichia pastoris yeast strain. In particular, the invention refers to a biotechnological process for obtaining aspart insulin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of matter comprising nucleic acids encoding a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 207 or 208, encoding an anti-CD79b antibody comprising the heavy chain variable domain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 207 and the light chain variable domain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 208, or encoding an anti-CD79b antibody having : (i) a variable light chain comprising a HVR-L1 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 194, a HVR-L2 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 195, and a HVR-L3 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 196 and (ii) a variable light chain comprising a HVR-H1 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 202, a HVR-H2 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 203, and a HVR-H3 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 204, and vectors and host cells thereof.

Abstract: Antibodies to human IL-23R are provided, as well as uses thereof, e.g. in treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and proliferative disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to vector constructs for an HIV-specific gene therapy. The expression of transgenes is coupled with an infection of the cell with HIV while the transcription of the transgene is controlled by a transcription control region derived from HIV. In addition, the transgene is improved with regard to RNA stability and expression efficiency by modifying the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved process for preparing romidepsin. The process involves producing, purifying, or storing romidepsin under conditions that prevent the formation of undesired adducts. Purifying romidepsin at an apparent pH lower than approximately 6.0 (e.g., between an apparent pH of 4.0 and 6.0) has been discovered to prevent the reduction of the disulfide bond of romidepsin and the subsequent formation of dimerized, oligomerized, or polymerized adducts. The invention also provides compositions of monomeric romidepsin free of dimerized, oligomerized, or polymerized adducts.

Abstract: For the biotechnological production of isomaltulose and compositions containing isomaltulose from saccharose the invention provides improved means, particularly a sucrose mutase with improved product specificity as well as microbial cells containing the improved sucrose mutase.

Abstract: To provide a pectin lyase and a gene for a pectin lyase which can be used in an enzyme preparation for processing plant tissue, and which possesses sufficient maceration activity even under highly acidic conditions. Isolation and purification of a pectin lyase and a gene for a pectin lyase having a molecular weight of 39,500 produced by an Aspergillus filamentous fungus, and possessing a maceration activity and a pectin lyase activity. The pectin lyase has a specified amino acid sequence, an optimal pH of 3.5 for maceration activity, an optimal pH of 4.5 for pectin lyase activity, and deactivates with boiling treatment for 15 minutes at 121° C. Sterilizing heat treatment are unnecessary, because the present invention possesses sufficient maceration activity at pH 3.0-4.0, and the resulting pectin lysate possesses a bactericidal activity and a potent antibacterial activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of the rcsA gene.

Abstract: Flat panel biofilm photobioreactor systems with a photosynthetic, autofermentative microorganism that forms a biofilm and methods for using the same to make metabolic intermediate compound(s) through photosynthesis and to convert metabolic intermediate compound(s) into chemical product(s) such as a biofuel or a feedstock through autofermentation.

Abstract: Genetically engineered microorganisms have been constructed to produce succinate and malate in mineral salt media in pH-controlled batch fermentations without the addition of plasmids or foreign genes. The subject invention also provides methods of producing succinate and malate comprising the culture of genetically modified microorganisms.

Abstract: From a bacterial strain isolated from an environmental sample, after enrichment in medium containing 1-butanol as the carbon source, a new enzyme with butanol dehydrogenase activity was identified. The enzyme can convert butyraldehyde to 1-butanol, isobutyraldehyde to isobutanol, as well as 2-butanone to 2-butanol and thus is useful for biosynthesis of butanol in recombinant microbial hosts producing these substrates. The encoding gene, named sadB, was isolated from the strain identified as an isolate of Achromobacter xylosoxidans.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, compositions and methods for the biological production of pentose sugars, such as 2-methylerythritol (2-ME), 1-deoxyxylulose (1-DX), and monoacetylated-2-C-methylerythritols, using recombinant cells.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to methods and systems for facilitating the growth and differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells for laboratory and therapeutic applications. The cells can be employed alone or in conjunction with unique biologically-compatible scaffold structures to generate differentiated tissues and structures, both in vitro and in vivo. The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to methods of forming and using improved tissue engineered scaffolds that can be used as substrates to facilitate the growth and differentiation of cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method to prevent migration of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) from a delivery site while allowing communication between the stem cells and native cardiomyocytes. The device is characterized by scaffold pore size, fiber diameter and biomaterial selection. The invention includes a two part polyurethane scaffold that prevents migration of stem cells, allows gap junction formation through pores and is packaged for minimally invasive delivery.

Abstract: A Product is described and which contains at least one type of ligand bound to a separation material and which allows selective binding or cleavage of a biomolecule for example in human blood.