Abstract:
A system is disclosed for detecting the presence of a broken or mis-positioned wafer during bench processing of the wafers. In one embodiment, a charge-coupled device (CCD) is provided above a wet bench bath, and is positioned to record an image of the bath and its contents. The CCD is connected to processing software that compares the image with a stored image of the bath. Based on the image comparison, the system can provide either a “go” indication, where the images are deemed substantially the same, or an “error” indication, where the images are deemed substantially different thus indicating the presence of broken wafer pieces in the bath. In a second embodiment, the CCD may be positioned to record an image of a plurality of wafers carried on a cassette-less wafer lifter held above the bath. Again, the CCD may be connected to processing software that compares the image with a stored image of the plurality of wafers on the lifter. Based on the image comparison, the system can provide a “go” indication if the images are substantially the same, or an “error” indication if the images are substantially different—indicating the presence of a broken or mis-positioned wafer on the wafer lifter. A method of using the system is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods and compositions for in vivo incorporation of unnatural amino acids. Also provided are compositions including proteins with unnatural amino acids.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and agents for treating impaired vascular and cardiac function. Methods and agents for treating various physiological and pathological features associated with vascular dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and agents for treating impaired vascular and cardiac function. Methods and agents for treating various physiological and pathological features associated with vascular dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention concerns methods of treating malignant gliomas, by administering inhibitors of TGF-β the TGF-β signaling pathway, including molecules preferably binding to the type I TGF-β receptor (TGFβ-R1). Preferably, the inhibitors are non-peptide small molecules, including quinazoline derivatives. The invention also concerns methods for reversing the TGF-β-mediated effect on glioma cells to make them less refractile to signaling and other immune cells, comprising contacting a glioma cell or tissue in vivo or in vitro, with an inhibitor of TGF-β.
Abstract:
Nature evolves biological molecules such as proteins through iterated rounds of diversification, selection, and amplification. The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for synthesizing, selecting, amplifying, and evolving non-natural molecules based on nucleic acid templates. The sequence of a nucleic acid template is used to direct the synthesis of non-natural molecules such as unnatural polymers and small molecules. Using this method combinatorial libraries of these molecules can be prepared and screened. Upon selection of a molecule, its encoding nucleic acid template may be amplified and/or evolved to yield the same molecule or related molecules for re-screening. The inventive methods and compositions of the present invention allow for the amplification and evolution of non-natural molecules in a manner analogous to the amplification of natural biopolymer such as polynucleotides and protein.
Abstract:
This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a modular electrical circuit includes the steps of pre-manufacturing a plurality of components having fine features such as resistors, capacitors, inductances, and conductors formed on a dielectric substrate. The pre-manufactured components are laminated each to the other in a predetermined order. Each pre-manufactured component includes one or more electrical elements of the same type coupled each to the other by conducting lines. Each dielectric substrate includes through vias filled with the conductive material which serve for cross-coupling of the elements of neighboring components. Position of the passive elements, as well as conductive lines and through vias, are pre-designed to allow precise coordination between the elements of different components in the multi-layered modular electrical circuit.
Abstract:
A clamp for fixturing a substrate when forming and thermally processing upon the substrate a thermally flowable layer. The clamp comprises a backing member having a top member connected through a first mechanical means to the backing member. The backing member and the top member are sized such that a substrate may be clamped between the backing member and the top member. A portion of the top member overlaps the substrate and leaves exposed a first portion of the substrate when the substrate is clamped between the backing member and the top member. The clamp also comprises a shroud connected through a second mechanical means to the backing member, where a portion of the shroud overlaps the top member. The shroud leaves exposed a second portion of the substrate which is smaller than and contained within the first portion of the substrate. The shroud is removable from the backing member while the substrate remains clamped between the backing member and the top member.