Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a polymer wherein during the polymerization is incorporated in the polymer chain by ring opening polymerization a cyclic (alkyl)acryloyl carbonate having the formula (4): wherein R1 and R2 each independently are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. Preferable the polymer is an (alkyl)acryloyl polycarbonate such that at least one first monomer a cyclic (alkyl)acryloyl carbonate having the formula (4). The (alkyl)acryloyl polyester may be modified and used in biodevices.

Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is used for making lithographic printing plates from infrared radiation imaging. The precursor comprises free radical chemistry and a specific infrared radiation absorber that is a cyanine dye and defined by Formula (1a) described in the disclosure. This particular infrared radiation absorber provides both IR sensitivity and print out after imaging.

Abstract: A two-dimensional dense array of contact holes can be printed on a negative photoresist employing a combination of a quadrupole illumination lens and a lithographic mask including a criss-cross pattern of opaque lines. The openings in the quadrupole illumination lens are aligned along the perpendicular directions of the opaque lines. Discrete contact holes can be printed on a negative photoresist employing a combination of a quadrupole illumination lens and a lithographic mask including a criss-cross pattern of opaque subresolution assist features and discrete opaque cross patterns. Alternately, a two-dimensional array of contact holes can be printed on a negative photoresist employing a quadrupole illumination lens and a checkerboard pattern of openings. The openings in the quadrupole illumination lens are in diagonal directions.

Abstract: A mask includes: a substrate that includes a central area and a peripheral area disposed around the central area; and lenses disposed in rows and columns, in the central area and the peripheral area. The lenses of opposing sides of the peripheral area may be disposed in different rows or columns. For a given amount of input light, the lenses of the peripheral area may focus less light on a substrate than the lenses of the central area. The mask may be disposed over the substrate in different positions, and then the substrate may be irradiated through the mask, while the mask is in each of the positions. The peripheral portion of the mask may be disposed over the same area of the substrate, while the mask is in different ones of the positions.

Abstract: A double patterning method includes providing a first resist film on a substrate using a first photoresist composition. The first resist film is exposed. The exposed first resist film is developed using a first developer to form a first resist pattern. A second resist film is provided in at least space areas of the first resist pattern using a second photoresist composition. The second resist film is exposed. The exposed second resist film is developed using a second developer that includes an organic solvent to form a second resist pattern. The first resist pattern is insoluble or scarcely soluble in the second developer.

Abstract: A multilayer resist process pattern-forming method includes providing an inorganic film over a substrate. A protective film is provided on the inorganic film. A resist pattern is provided on the protective film. A pattern is provided on the substrate by etching that utilizes the resist pattern as a mask. A multilayer resist process inorganic film-forming composition includes a compound, an organic solvent, and a crosslinking accelerator. The compound includes a metal compound that includes a hydrolyzable group, a hydrolysate of a metal compound that includes a hydrolyzable group, a hydrolysis-condensation product of a metal compound that includes a hydrolyzable group, or a combination thereof. The compound includes at least one metal element belonging to Group 6, Group 12, or Group 13 of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state.

Abstract: Described herein is a substrate comprising at least one colorimetric component attached to a peptide, as well as methods for detecting a modification of said substrate. Also described are methods of detecting the presence or absence of a protein, for example, a protein produced by a microorganism, by contacting a substrate with a sample. If the sample contains the protein of interest, the substrate is modified and a visible color change results, indicating the presence or absence of the protein in the sample. The present invention also features biosensors and kits for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms and/or proteins in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides comprising, as constituent A, at least three monomers of a member of the TNF ligand family and, as constituent B, at least two peptide linkers that link the monomers of the member of the TNF ligand family to one another. The invention also relates to the use of these polypeptides for treating diseases and for producing a medicament or a vaccine. The invention also relates to methods for producing and isolating these polypeptides, to nucleic acids that code for these polypeptides, to vectors containing these nucleic acids, to host cells transfected with these vectors, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing these inventive objects. Finally, the invention relates to methods for the extracorporeal manipulation, depletion and/or removal of components contained in body fluids, e.g. by means of apheresis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of virology. The invention provides an isolated essentially mammalian negative-sense single stranded RNA virus (MPV) within the sub-family Pneumovirinae of the family Paramyxoviridae and identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by interacting with 3? untranslated regions (UTRs) of their target mRNAs. The invention relates to the application of miR-192 and miR-215. Both of these miRNAs impact cellular proliferation through the p53-miRNA circuit, and interact with dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS). Particularly, upregulation of these miRNAs reduces cellular proliferation. The invention relates to this discovery. For example, inhibiting miR-192 and/or miR-215 sensitizes a neoplasm or a subject with a neoplasm to chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, measuring the levels of miR-192 and/or miR-215 provides one with information regarding whether the neoplasm or subject will respond to chemotherapeutic agents. Accordingly, the invention relates to composition and methods relating to the identification, characterization and modulation of the expression of miR-192 and miR-215.

Abstract: The invention provides new probes that are useful in a method to analyze beta-PV types based on hybridization to these probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for detection of liver cancer. This method detects high-sensitively, high-specifically, simply and accurately liver cancer, especially that in early stage by identifying and/or quantifying methylation on particular genes and/or their DNA fragments in clinical specimens, and by combining said methylated DNA values with existing tumor marker values and/or DNA amounts in blood. This invention also detects a precancerous lesion, detects a risk of recurrence after treatment of liver cancer, detects malignancy of liver cancer and monitors progression of liver cancer with time by the same method. As for particular genes, BASP1 gene, SPINT2 gene, APC gene, CCND2 gene, CFTR gene, RASSF1 gene and SRD5A2 gene are mentioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel conjugate complexes for immunoassays as well as kits comprising these conjugate complexes, methods of producing these complexes, and methods of detecting an analyte by use of these complexes. The conjugate complexes of the invention comprise one or more non-nucleic acid receptors capable of specifically binding an analyte, one or more nucleic acid markers comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence, one or more first linker molecules capable of specifically binding the non-nucleic acid receptor and the nucleic acid marker, and one or more second linker molecules capable of specifically binding the first linker molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of nucleotide compositions and uses thereof for conducting nucleic acid analyzes. The compositions and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for nucleic acid analyzes that require high-resolution detection of labeled nucleotides or labeled nucleic acid targets.

Abstract: FRET-labeled compounds are provided for use in analytical reactions. In certain embodiments, FRET-labeled nucleotide analogs are used in place of naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates or other analogs in analytical reactions comprising nucleic acids, for example, template-directed nucleic acid synthesis, DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, single-base identification, hybridization, binding assays, and other analytical reactions.

Abstract: DNA oligomers comprising sequences that are absent from the genome of one or more organisms of interest are used as reference markers (RMs). The RMs are added to biological samples to “tag” and subsequently identify the samples as authentic and to distinguish tagged samples from samples obtained without said markers, for example, in forensic, medical, legal and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating nucleic acid and protein from the same biological sample, comprising, in the following order: a) disrupting the biological sample; b) contacting the disrupted biological sample of (a) with a protein lysis buffer that lacks any component that denatures or reduces protein to produce a first lysate; c) centrifuging the first lysate of (b) to produce a first supernatant containing protein and a pellet containing nucleic acid; d) removing the first supernatant of (c), thereby isolating protein from the biological sample; e) contacting the pellet of (d) with nucleic acid lysis buffer to produce a second lysate; f) centrifuging the second lysate of (e) to produce a second supernatant containing nucleic acid; and g) removing the second supernatant of (f), thereby isolating nucleic acid from the same biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting mutations in a GNA11 gene in a melanocytic neoplasm for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The invention further provides methods of treating such melanocytic neoplasm by modulating the activity of the mutated GNA11 gene.

Abstract: This application describes the discovery that, in a pregnant woman, certain genes (such as RASSF1A, APC, CASP8, RARB, SCGB3A1, DAB2IP, PTPN6, THY1, TMEFF2, and PYCARD) originated from a fetus are highly methylated, whereas the same genes of maternal origin are unmethylated. This discovery allows the easy detection of one or more of these methylated fetal genes in a biological sample from a pregnant woman, serving as a universal indicator of the presence of fetal DNA in the sample. These fetal methylation markers are particularly useful as positive controls for a non-invasive analytical process during which the quality and quantity of fetal DNA are monitored. These newly identified fetal markers can also be measured directly for diagnosis of certain pregnancy-related conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria, in particular of hepatotoxin-producing cyanobacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for segregating a target nucleic acid from a mixed nucleic acid sample. The methods, compositions and kits comprise a non-processive endonuclease (e.g., a restriction enzyme) or an antibody that binds the target nucleic acid (e.g., has methylation specificity). The mixed nucleic acid sample can comprise prokaryotic and eukaryotic nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid from more than one prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the quality of a blood sample, comprising the steps of: mixing labeled anti-cortisol antibodies with a blood sample to be subjected, to conduct the antigen-antibody reaction of the labeled anti-cortisol antibody with cortisol contained in the blood sample, developing a mixture obtained in the above step on an immunochromatographic test strip having a substrate on which cortisol is immobilized to cause the antigen-antibody reaction of the labeled anti-cortisol antibodies which are free in the mixture with the cortisol immobilized on the substrate, thereby bonding the antibody to the cortisol, determining the amount of the labeled anti-cortisol antibodies bonded to the cortisol in the above step, and evaluating whether or not the blood sample has a quality suitable for suprarenal vein sampling test on the basis of the amount of the labeled anti-cortisol antibodies determined in the above step.

Abstract: A protein used as a biomarker for diagnosing IgA nephropathy and TGBM (thin-glomerular-basement-membrane) using urine through a target proteomics method. A diagnosis biomarker protein and a kit for diagnosing IgA nephropathy and TGBM and predicting progress of the nephropathy in advance using the protein are provided. The degree of the progression of the disease can be grasped by detecting IgA nephropathy and TGBM, enabling early diagnosis and confirming progress from the patient's urine. In addition, a monoclonal antibody produced based on the diagnosis biomarker protein can be used for an immunoassay kit (ELISA, antibody coated tube test, lateral-flow test, potable biosensor). The monoclonal antibody is used in early diagnosis and progression detection of IgA nephropathy and development of a novel drug for the purpose of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel diagnostic markers for kidney disease and the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention is to supply a novel way for the isolation and identification of proteins bound to any kind of interesting nucleic acid sequence (Sequence-of-Interest: SoI), advantageously to any kind of interesting DNA sequence, particularly in the context of chromosomal DNA or RNA or episomal DNA in living cells or in test tubes. In the context of the present invention, living cells include any organism that contains nucleic acid material as for example viruses, bacteria, cells, the bound protein of which have to be analyzed. The invention is based upon the use of a specific nucleic acid sequence tag, advantageously a specific double-stranded DNA able to form triplex helix, referred to as the Triplex-Forming Tag sequence, (TFT sequence), that will be located nearby the SoI.

Abstract: The application generally relates to the field of diagnostic or prognostic assays and in particular relates to assays for the detection of antibodies in a sample comprising patient bodily fluid, wherein such antibodies are used as biological markers of a disease state or disease susceptibility. The assay is based on cross-titration of both the patient bodily fluid to be tested for the antibody and an antigen used to detect the antibody by specific binding.

Abstract: Fluorescent dyes useful for preparing fluorescent metal ion indicators, the fluorescent indicators themselves, and the use of the fluorescent indicators for the detection, discrimination and quantification of metal cations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay (method) to quantify the amounts of catecholamine-O-methyltransferase (COMT) protein in samples, such as extracts from cell cultures, body fluids, tissues, and environmental samples. It uses novel agents (anti-NE, COMT-NE, or COMT-epitope-NE) in combination with two previously described agents (anti-COMT and COMT) in a competitive ELISA system to achieve this aim.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A substrate is reacted to generate a chromogenic reaction product, and a reaction stop reagent that is a sulfonic acid is added to stop and stabilize the reaction product. The absorbance properties of the chromogenic reaction product can be maintained over significantly longer periods of time of that of conventional reagents and methods. The sulfonic acid can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and safer detection of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: A method of determining the effects of a test component on intracellular ROS levels. The method can be used in marketing or in screening for useful components in reducing ROS levels in cells adversely affected by increased ROS generation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel reagent for blood cell counting and a novel blood analysis method, which enable blood cells such as leukocytes to be counted with high accuracy by dissociating platelet aggregates in capillary blood collected from a living body. The reagent for blood cell counting is used to dilute capillary blood collected from a living body to prepare a blood sample in order to count blood cells in the collected capillary blood using a particle analyzer, and is an aqueous solution containing a chloroquine salt.

Abstract: Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutated trypsin comprising an amino acid substitution both at position K60 and D189, and at least one more amino acid substitution by histidine at position N143 or position E151. Such trypsin mutant has a preferred cleavage site comprising the amino acids Xaa1-Xaa2-His, wherein Xaa1 is L, Y or F and Xaa2 is R or K. The invention also relates to a man-made polypeptide comprising a target peptide and the above cleavage site as well as to a method of producing C-terminally modified target peptides by using this mutated trypsin.

Abstract: Provided is a separatome-based recombinant peptide, polypeptide, and protein expression and purification platform based on the juxtaposition of the binding properties of host cell genomic peptides, polypeptides, and proteins with the characteristics and location of the corresponding genes on the host cell chromosome, such as that of E. coli, yeast, Bacillus subtilis or other prokaryotes, insect cells, mammalian cells, etc. This platform quantitatively describes and identifies priority deletions, modifications, or inhibitions of certain gene products to increase chromatographic separation efficiency, defined as an increase in column capacity, column selectivity, or both, with emphasis on the former. Moreover, the platform provides a computerized knowledge tool that, given separatome data and a target recombinant peptide, polypeptide, or protein, intuitively suggests strategies leading to efficient product purification.

Abstract: The present application describes an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of synchronously binding VEGF polypeptide and TNF polypeptide comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a TNFR2 component and VEGFR1 component operatively linked to (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding a multimerizing component, wherein the TNFR2 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of cystein rich domain 1, cystein rich domain 2, cystein rich domain 3, and cystein rich domain 4 of the extracellular domain of TNFR2, and wherein the VEGFR1 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of Ig-like domain 2 of the extracellular domain of VEGFR1.

Abstract: A fusion polypeptide comprising (A)x-M-(A?)y, wherein A and A? are each polypeptides capable of binding a target receptor. The fusion polypeptides of the invention form multimeric proteins which activate the target receptor. A and A? may be each be an antibody or fragment derived from an antibody specific for a target receptor, such as the same or different scFv fragments, and/or a ligand or ligand fragment or derivative capable of binding the target protein, M is a multimerizing component, and X and Y are independently a number between 1-10.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a simple method for producing hyaluronic acid at a high yield. Further, it is also intended to provide a method for producing hyaluronic acid in a short period of time. The invention provides a method for producing hyaluronic acid including a step of culturing a microorganism having the capability to produce hyaluronic acid and a step of adding glutamine and arginine to a culture medium during late logarithmic growth phase of the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of degrading or converting biomass material enriched with hemicellulosic material into fermentable sugars.

Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to provide a process for efficiently producing poly-?-glutamic acid having a high L-glutamic acid content and excellent quality. The process for producing poly-?-glutamic acid according to the present invention is characterized in using a bacterium belonging to species Bacillus megaterium.

Abstract: An acylating agent and a hydrolase are caused to act on a hydroxypyranone represented by formula (I) in a water-containing organic solvent, to thereby produce an acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II) (wherein R1 represents an acyl group). Then, an acetylene organic metal compound represented by formula (III) (wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a tri-substituted silyl group, and M represents an alkali metal atom, aluminum, or a magnesium monohalide) and a coordinating additive are caused to act on the acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II), to thereby produce an alkyne compound represented by formula (IV). The alkyne compound represented by formula (IV) is hydrolyzed with acid, to thereby produce a dihydrofuran compound represented by formula (V).

Abstract: A method of producing patchoulol and 7-epi-?-selinene by contacting at least one polypeptide with farnesyl phyrophosphate (fpp). The method may be carried out in vitro or in vivo to produce patchoulol and 7-epi-?-selinene, compounds which can be useful in the field of perfumery.

Abstract: A process for improving the yield and efficiency of an ethanol fermentation plant that receives organic fermentable feedstock material, prepares the feedstock for fermentation, ferments the feedstock with yeast to produce ethanol, and produces stillage as a byproduct of ethanol fermentation. The process steps which can be operated independently or in combination, may include, but are not limited to, degrading fatty acids in the fermentable feedstock material prior to fermentation; degrading cellulose and hemicellulose present in the feedstock prior to fermentation; adding a surfactant to the fermentable feedstock; separating a liquid fraction from the stillage; recycling the liquid fraction to be combined with the fermentable feedstock; recovering a solid fraction from the stillage; and introducing at least a portion of the solid fraction to an anaerobic digester to produce methane.

Abstract: Methods for production of multiple biofuels through thermal fractionation of biomass feedstocks are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of one or more terpenoids through microbial engineering, and relates to the manufacture of products comprising terpenoids.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method of preventing, mitigating or treating Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) that includes administering an effective amount of a medicament comprised of Streptococcus oralis 89a to a human to prevent, mitigate or treat PANDAS.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting and/or modifying chemical agents. In some embodiments, a biosensor may be configured to detect a chemical agent, modify that agent to a form with reduced toxicity, and/or detect the modified form of the chemical agent. The present disclosure also relates, in some embodiments, to variant organophosphorus hydrolase having one or more desirable amino acid substitutions.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of preparing an RNA sample comprising: a) obtaining an RNA sample comprising: i. long RNA molecules that may be unfragmented or fragmented to contain 5?-OH group and a 2?-3?-cyclic phosphate group; and ii. short RNA molecules that comprise a 5? phosphate group and a 3? OH group; and b) contacting the RNA sample with an adaptor comprising either a 2?-PO group and 3?-OH group or a 2?,3?-cyclic phosphate group in the presence of a eukaryotic tRNA ligase, thereby producing a ligated RNA sample in which a) the short RNA molecules are selectively ligated to the adaptor or b) the short RNA molecules and long RNA fragments are selectively ligated to the adaptor.