Abstract: A sealed secondary battery assembly in which electricity-generating elements (1) are accommodated in battery cases (3) formed in rectangular tubular shape having a bottom, a plurality of cells (2a to 2j) constituted by sealing the apertures of battery cases (3) by covers (4) are arranged in series, and these are electrically connected by means of electrical connecting elements (9), wherein the battery cases (3) of the individual cells (2a to 2j) are constituted by a unitary battery case (51) and electrical connection elements (9) are arranged so as to pass through partition sections (53, 54) that define the space for the individual cells (2a to 2j), and coolant passages (55, 56) that communicate with the outside are formed in the partition sections (53, 54).

Abstract: An expandable, flexible connection between a battery cell case cover and a terminal is provided which compensates for expansions of plates or grids of one polarity connected to that terminal. The expandable design encompasses a flexible battery case which facilitates movement of the battery terminal without compromising the scal between the case and the terminal. Preferably, a tubular thermoplastic sleeve is formed integrally with the case cover and extends into an opening between the cover and a terminal bushing which supports battery plates of one polarity. An annular flexible thermoplastic connector connects the sleeve to the case or to the bushing, with the connector being thinner than the case cover to afford more flexibility than the case cover.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a cationic polymer comprising quaternary ammonium salt groups. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: A method for making a mask for optically transferring a lithographic pattern corresponding to an integrated circuit from the mask onto a semiconductor substrate by use of an optical exposure tool. The method includes the steps of de-composing the existing mask patterns into arrays of “imaging elements.” The imaging elements are &pgr;-phase shifted and are separated by non-phase shifting and sub-resolution elements referred to as anti-scattering bars (ASBs). In essence, the ASBs are utilized to de-compose the larger-than-minimum-width mask features to form “halftone-like” imaging patterns. The placement of the ASBs and the width thereof are such that none of the &pgr;-phase shifting elements are individually resolvable, but together they form patterns substantially similar to the intended mask features.

Abstract: A three-phase phase shift mask. On a transparent substrate, a non-transparent pattern covering a portion of the transparent substrate is formed, while the other portion of the substrate is remained exposed. A proximity region around a comer of the non-transparent pattern is equally partitioned three phase-shift areas different from each other with a phase shift of 120°. The formation of these three phase-shift areas uses two etching steps to form a first and a second phase-shift areas, while a portion of the exposed substrate is etched twice as a third phase-shift area.

Abstract: A half-tone phase shift mask is formed from the composite structure of a mask substrate and a half-tone phase shifting layer. The half-tone phase shifting layer induces a 180° phase shift to light passing through the mask. The half tone phase shifting layer further includes a main pattern having a first width and a first length, and an assist feature having a second width and a second length. The assist feature is parallel to the main pattern and disposed at both sides of the main pattern while being separated therefrom by a distance. Using deep ultraviolet light as the exposure source, a wafer scale of the first width is about 0.1-0.15 &mgr;m, a wafer scale of the second width is about 0.055-0.09 &mgr;m and the distance between the main pattern and the assist feature is about 0.22-0.27 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A photomask material which has high-definition image reproducibility and gives a photomask having good image strength, heat resistance and durability against light (ultraviolet light) and which is for use to form a circuit pattern etc., and a method of effectively processing the above photomask material. The photomask material comprises has at least a silver halide emulsion layer and a physical development center layer on a glass substrate, the physical development center layer being formed between the glass substrate and the silver halide emulsion layer, and gives a photomask having a metal silver image having a thickness of 1 &mgr;m or less formed on the glass substrate and having a maximum optical density of at least 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging elements, including photographic elements and ink-jet recording media, having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. More particularly, the protective overcoat comprises a polycarbonate-containing polyurethane polymer having a Tg of 0 to 70° C. and a molecular weight of 15,000 to 200,000, wherein the amount of polycarbonate, based on the total weight of the polymer, is at least 20 percent.

Abstract: An imagery characteristic is corrected by changing the position and/or orientation of a reticle or lens elements of a projection lens system. Correction of the imagery characteristic, however, causes displacement of the projected pattern image of the reticle. The relation between the driving amount of the lens elements and reticle and the lateral displacement of the center of the pattern image of the reticle is stored as a table in advance. When the lens elements and/or the reticle are driven, lateral displacement of the pattern image can be obtained by accessing the table. Alternatively, the lateral displacement can be determined using a base-line amount corresponding to a distance between a detection center of a substrate position detector and a center of the projected image. Once the pattern image displacement is determined, the substrate can be accurately positioned.

Abstract: Disclosed are a phosphor composition comprising an inorganic phosphor, capable of emitting blue color upon ultraviolet irradiation, and copper or a copper compound; a phosphor paste comprising the phosphor composition dispersed in a dispersing medium; and a photosensitive dry film formed from the phosphor paste.

Abstract: A toner comprised of resin, colorant and a coated silica, and wherein said silica has a primary particle size of about 25 nanometers to about 55 nanometers, and an aggregate size of about 225 nanometers to about 400 nanometers, and said coating is comprised of a mixture of an alkylsilane and an aminoalkylsilane.

Abstract: A two-component type developer has a negatively chargeable toner having toner particles and an external additive and a magnetic-fine-particle-dispersed resin carrier. The magnetic-fine-particle-dispersed resin carrier has composite particles containing at least inorganic compound particles and a binder resin. The inorganic compound particles have been surface-treated with a lipophilic-treating agent having at least one type of functional group (A) selected from the group consisting of an epoxy group, an amino group, a mercapto group, an organic acid group, an ester group, a ketone group, an alkyl halide group and an aldehyde group, or a mixture of the agent. The composite particles have been surface-coated with at least one type of coupling agent having at least one type of functional group (B) different from the functional group (A) the lipophilic-treating agent.

Abstract: A positive photoresist composition includes (A) an alkali-soluble resin, and (B) a photosensitizer including an ester of a 1,2-naphthoquinonediazidesulfonyl compound with a compound of the following formula (I). This positive photoresist composition has satisfactory sensitivity, definition, and depth of focus properties, can form both dense patterns and isolation patterns with good shapes in the formation of mixed resist patterns, and can minimize inverted taper shape formation of isolation resist patterns induced by shifts of focal depth to the minus side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a patterned calcined inorganic film such as an electroconducting or insulating (non-conductive) film, particularly a plasma display panel, embracing a calcining step. To produce a patterned calcined inorganic film without inducing warpage, shrinkage of line width, or breakage of patterned lines, a patterned film formed on a substrate with a composition containing a heat decomposable binder and particles of an inorganic material is covered, prior to the calcining step, with a coating film of a heat decomposable resin composition capable of hardening or drying at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the heat decomposable binder is thermally decomposed and further capable of being burned off below the highest temperature of the calcining profile and thereafter the calcining step is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device using a copolymer-containing photoresist, and a process for manufacturing the same. As a norbornene derivative (monomer) having a hydrophilic group is synthesized and introduced to the backbone chain of a polymer, the polymer according to the present invention has excellent etching resistance and heat resistance, which are the characteristic points of alicyclic olefin structure, and provide excellent resolution due to prominent enhancement of adhesiveness resulted from introducing a hydrophilic group (—OH).

Abstract: The invention provides a radiation sensitive plate which is imageable by exposure to thermal radiation and comprises (a) a substrate; (b) an imaging layer containing a disperse phase comprising a water insoluble heat softenable component, a continuous phase comprising a component which is soluble or swellable in aqueous medium and a substance capable of strongly absorbing radiation and transferring the energy as heat to the disperse phase to cause at least partial coalescence of the coating; and (c) a topmost covering layer having an optical density which is lower than that of the imaging layer at the wavelength of exposure and contains either a combination of a disperse phase and a continuous phase, or a polymer resin which is soluble or dispersible in aqueous medium.

Abstract: A novel ester compound having an exo-form 2-alkylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl group as the protective group is provided as well as a polymer comprising units of the ester compound. The polymer is used as a base resin to formulate a resist composition having a higher sensitivity, resolution and etching resistance than conventional resist compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to photoresist cross-linkers selected from the group consisting of a cross-linker monomer represented by following Chemical Formula 1, and homopolymers and copolymers thereof. Such cross-linkers are suitable for use in photolithography processes employing KrF(248nm), ArF(193nm), E-beam, ion-beam or EUV light sources.

Abstract: A chemically amplified positive resist composition contains (A) an organic solvent, (B) a base resin in the form of a polymer having at least one acid labile group and crosslinked within a molecule and/or between molecules with a crosslinking group having a C—O—C linkage, the polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000-500,000, (C) a photoacid generator, (D) a basic compound, and (E) an aromatic compound having a group ≡C—COOH in a molecule. The composition has a high alkali dissolution contrast, high sensitivity and high resolution.

Abstract: A resist composition containing a polymer of t-butyl cinnamate, a photacid generator, and a solvent. Optionally, the resist composition may include a basic compound. The polymer of t-butyl cinnamate has the monomeric units: wherein a=0.3 to 0.9, b=0.1 to 0.7, and c=0 to 0.3; R1=H, methyl, or CH2OR4; R4=H or C1-C4 alkyl group; R2=H, methyl, CH2OR4, CH2CN, or CH2X; X=Cl, I, Br, F, or CH2COOR5; R5=C1-C4 alkyl group; and R3=isobomyl, cyclohexyl methyl, cyclohexyl ethyl, benzyl, or phenethyl.

Abstract: High-quality composite printing elements are prepared without the need for precise registration of constituent photocurable elements by disposing at least one photocurable element, and preferably a plurality of photocurable elements, upon a surface of a substantially planar carrier sheet in approximate register and then transferring a computer-generated negative onto a surface of the elements.

Abstract: High-quality composite printing elements are prepared without the need for precise registration of constituent photocurable elements by disposing at least one photocurable element, and preferably a plurality of photocurable elements, upon a surface of a printing element in approximate register and then transferring a computer-generated negative onto a surface of the elements.

Abstract: A plate surface protective agent for a lithographic printing plate and a fountain solution composition for a lithographic printing plate are disclosed, each comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the following formula: wherein R, a and b are defined hereinbefore.

Abstract: A method of forming a dual damascene structure in low k dielectric material employs a multiple layer hard mask over the low k dielectric layer. The trench pattern is etched into the hard mask layer, followed by etching of a via pattern. The trench pattern is widened to completely coincide with the via if the via does not fall completely within the trench pattern due to alignment errors. The low dielectric constant material is protected from the photoresist removal process during the patterning and initial formation of the trench and via in the multiple layer hard mask.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multidomain liquid crystal display panel, including the steps of forming a photo-alignment layer on a substrate, positioning a mask having a plurality of regions with different photo-transmittances; and forming different alignment directions in different domains of the photo-alignment layer corresponding to each of the plurality of regions by irradiating the photo-alignment layer with light through the mask.

Abstract: A tool and method for placing an identifying mark on a semiconductor wafer has a bundle of optical fibers that can be illuminated in a pattern representing an identifying character. Light from the fibers is focused on a photoresist layer during wafer manufacture and a pattern of dots is etched into the wafer to represent the character. The dots are too small to be seen with the human eye but the character can be read by a human or by a machine. The character is etched as part of a conventional etch step in manufacturing the wafer and it is easily repeated as a series of manufacturing steps obscure the original mark.

Abstract: A homogeneous, ready to use, single-part color developing concentrate comprises a color developing agent in free base form, an antioxidant for the color developing agent, a buffering agent, and a water-miscible or water-soluble hydroxy-substituted, straight-chain organic solvent present in an a concentration such that the weight ratio of water to the organic solvent is from about 15:85 to about 50:50. In addition the concentrate includes a mixture of a specific polyaminopolyphosphonic acid and either a hydroxyalkylidene-diphosphonic acid or morpholinomethanediphosphonic acid (or salt thereof) for stability in the presence of calcium ions. This concentrate is prepared by mixing the components in a unique order for improved safety and manufacturability. It can be used to make a working strength processing solution, or it can be used as a replenishing composition with proper dilution to provide color images in photographic silver halide materials.

Abstract: This invention concerns a kit for the development of color photographic products. The kit comprises a basic solution containing an antifogging agent, and a second solution containing a color developing agent. This kit allows an easier preparation of the developer and of replenishment solutions of the developer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging element, such as a photographic or photothermographic element comprising a silver halide emulsion layer, wherein the element also comprises a compound of Structure I: wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer photographic element comprising a reflective support wherein the color record 1 adjacent to the support comprises at least one light sensitive layer and a non-light sensitive dye-forming interlayer; and wherein color record 2 above said color record 1 comprises at least one light sensitive layer and at least two non-light sensitive dye-forming interlayers and wherein color record 3 above said color record 2 comprises at least one light sensitive layer and a non-light sensitive dye-forming interlayer; and a top overcoat layer comprising gelatin and ultraviolet absorbing material; and wherein each interlayer is substantially scavenger free, and color records 1, 2, and 3 comprise silver halide grains comprising greater than 90% silver chloride, and wherein the reciprocity characteristics of the silver halide grains are such that for a separation exposure of 1 microsecond and 0.4 sec, at least one color record develops to a density of at least 2.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a photographic element is disclosed comprising a silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith an acetanilide-based yellow dye forming coupler and a stabilizer compound of the formula S-I: wherein R0 represents an aryl or heterocyclic group; Ra is H or a substituent group; L represents an alkylene linking group and p represents 0 or 1; and Rb is a substituent group, provided that substituent groups represented by Ra and Rb may be joined to form a ring. The presence of substituted amine compounds of formula S-I improves the efficiency of dye formation reaction for acetanilide-based couplers. When used in combination with known bis-phenolic stabilizers, substantial improvements in the light stability of the image dyes can be also be obtained.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a light-sensitive silver halide emulsion comprising tabular grains containing colloidal silica sol as a protective colloid, said tabular grains having an average grain thickness of not more than 0.3 &mgr;m, an average aspect ratio of more than 12:1, a total projective area of said tabular grains of at least 50% and a coverage degree by silica sol particles within the range from 50 to 2000%, comprising following steps: precipitating in a reaction medium silver halide by means of a double-jet or triple-jet technique applied to aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and halide salts in colloidal silica having an average particle size in the range from 0.003 &mgr;m to 0.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material comprises at least one silver halide emulsion comprising silver halide grains having associated therewith at least two dyes: (a) a first dye that has at least one anionic substituent and that is capable of spectrally sensitizing a silver halide emulsion; and (b) a second dye of formula II  wherein: R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group; E3 represents the atoms necessary to complete a substituted or unsubstituted 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic nucleus; Ar1 represents an electron-withdrawing substituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted electron-withdrawing heteroaryl group; L11 through L14 are substituted or unsubstituted methine groups; s is 0 or 1; G1 is an electron-withdrawing group; G2 is O or dicyanovinyl (C(CN)2); W1 is a counterion if necessary.

Abstract: This invention comprises a photographic element comprising a light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer which contains a sensitizing dye of the formula: wherein: n is 0 or 1; X, Y, and Z are independently O, N, S, Se, or C; X′ is O, NR13, S, or Se; R1 and R2 are acid substituted alkyl; R4 is H or alkyl, with the proviso that if X′ is N, R4 is H; each of R6, R7, R8 and R9 is independently H or a substituent or R7 and R8 or R8 and R9 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered ring; when X or Y or Z is O, N, S or Se then a, b or c, respectively, is 0 and when X or Y or Z is C, a, b or c, respectively is 1 and the corresponding R10, R11, or R12 substituent is independently H or a non-aromatic substituent; and R13 is alkyl or substituted alkyl.

Abstract: A photothermographic or thermographic material comprising a support having provided thereon or thereabove at least one image forming layer having its thermal expansion coefficient in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 and having provided on or above said at least one image forming layer a layer which has its thermal expansion coefficient of at least 0.9 and lower than 1.0 and comprises at least one kind of polymer latex having a glass transition temperature of not higher than a heat development temperature, said layer which has its thermal expansion coefficient of at least 0.9 and lower than 1.0 being farther from the support than the at least one image forming layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting reactions comprising a plurality of reaction vessels for holding reagents, an electrically conducting polymer which emits heat when an electric current is passed through it, and control device for controlling supply of current to the polymer, the polymer being connectable to an electrical supply via the control device. The control device may be arranged such that different currents and therefore different temperatures can be achieved in each reaction vessel. Certain novel reaction vessels are described and claimed. The apparatus are reaction vessels may be used in carrying out reactions which require multiple temperature stages such as amplification reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crystal containing the N-terminal domain of a STAT protein that is of sufficient quality to perform X-ray crystallographic studies. Methods of preparing the crystals are include in the invention. The present invention further discloses the three-dimensional structure of the crystal. The present invention also provides methods of using the structural information in drug discovery and drug development.

Abstract: An article and a method for monitoring the concentration of an analyte, e. g., glucose, in blood. In one aspect, the invention involves an article comprising a multiple-layer element. In one embodiment, the article comprises: a multiple-layer element comprising: (a) a base layer (b) a cover layer, the cover layer having a first opening for venting the multiple-layer element and a second opening for receiving a biological sample; and (c) a core layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, the core layer disposed between the base layer and the cover layer, the core layer comprising a sample introduction chamber and a optical reading chamber, the first major surface of the core layer in face-to-face contact with the base layer, the second major surface of the core layer in face-to-face contact with the cover layer.

Abstract: Combinations of HCV antigens that have a broader range of immunological reactivity than any single HCV antigen. The combinations consist of an antigen from the C domain of the HCV polyprotein, and at least one additional HCV antigen from either the NS3 domain, the NS4 domain, the S domain, or the NS5 domain, and are in the form of a fusion protein, a simple physical mixture, or the individual antigens commonly bound to a solid matrix.

Abstract: The Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease gene and its corresponding cDNA are disclosed. Methods for detecting carriers of the VHL disease gene using probes derived from the VHL disease gene sequence are described. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating diseases related to the VHL gene are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to species-specific DNA probes specific for Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae. The DNA probes of the present invention specifically detects Vibrio vulnificus or Vibrio cholerae in a mixed bacterial sample based on unique ribosomal RNA nucleotide sequences. When the DNA probes of the present invention are tagged with a labeled molecule such as a fluorescent label, it affords direct and immediate visualization of individual bacterial cells, and a rapid method of detection of bacterial infection in humans and shellfish without culturing.

Abstract: Ligase detection reaction is utilized to distinguish minority template in the presence of an excess of normal template with a thermostable ligase. This process can be carried out with a mutant ligase, thermostable ligase, or a modified oligonucleotide probe. This procedure is particularly useful for the detection of cancer-associated mutations. It has the advantage of providing a quantitative measure of the amount or ratio of minority template.

Abstract: Methods and compounds, including compositions therefrom, are provided for determining the sequence of nucleic acid molecules. The methods permit the determination of multiple nucleic acid sequences simultaneously. The compounds are used as tags to generate tagged nucleic acid fragments which are complementary to a selected target nucleic acid molecule. Each tag is correlative with a particular nucleotide and, in a preferred embodiment, is detectable by mass spectrometry. Following separation of the tagged fragments by sequential length, the tags are cleaved from the tagged fragments. In a preferred embodiment, the tags are detected by mass spectrometry and the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule is determined therefrom. The individual steps of the methods can be used in automated format, e.g., by the incorporation into systems.

Abstract: Conjugates between a minor groove binding molecule, such as the trimer of 1,2-dihydro-(3H)-pyrrolo[3,2-e]indole-7-carboxylate (CDPI3), and an oligonucleotide form unusually stable hybrids with complementary target sequences, in which the tethered CDPI3 group resides in the minor groove of the duplex. These conjugates can be used as probes and primers. Due to their unusually high binding affinity, conjugates as short as 8-mers can be used as amplification primers with high specificity and efficiency. MGB conjugation also increases the discriminatory power of short oligonucleotides, providing enhanced detection of nucleotide sequence mismatches by short oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human selenium-binding protein (HSEBP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HSEBP. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding HSEBP and a method for producing HSEBP. The invention also provides for agonists and antibodies specifically binding HSEBP, and their use in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of HSEBP. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding HSEBP for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of HSEBP. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding HSEBP.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for measuring DNA or RNA binding proteins, specific nucleic acids, as well as enzyme activities using labeled nucleic acids of labeled protein/peptide molecules.

Abstract: A chemical analog of adenine is provided which can be incorporated into DNA but base pairs as normal, and does not disrupt DNA secondary structure. The analog is cleavable and disrupts functionality with DNA-binding protein. The analog finds use in a technique provided by the invention involving TDI footprinting or adenine-DNA contacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for diagnosing a person's susceptibility for having an increased risk for the development of atherosclerosis and a diabetic person's susceptibility for having an increased risk for the development of diabetic retinopathy. The invention relates further to methods for treating persons diagnosed for having increased risk for the development of said diseases, in order to prevent the development of said diseases. The invention also concerns methods to investigate or screen pharmaceuticals or genetic aims useful in the treatment of said diseases, by using an animal model including a transgenic animal.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides which are associated with the transcription complex NF-AT, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, antibodies which are reactive with such polypeptides, polynucleotide hybridization probes and PCR amplification probes for detecting polynucleotides which encode such polypeptides, transgenes which encode such polypeptides, homologous targeting constructs that encode such polypeptides and/or homologously integrate in or near endogenous genes encoding such polypeptides, nonhuman transgenic animals which comprise functionally disrupted endogenous genes that normally encode such polypeptides, and transgenic nonhuman animals which comprise transgenes encoding such polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or disorders amenable to treatment through modulation of Activating Protein 1 (AP-1) expression are provided. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with c-fos or c-jun, the genes encoding c-Fos or c-Jun, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, a method of modulating the metastasis of malignant tumors via modulation of one or more of the AP-1 subunits is provided; this method can be effected using the oligonucleotides of the invention or any other agent which modulates AP-1 or AP-1-mediated transcription.