Abstract: A fibrous-structure electrode plate has a metal thickness which increases continuously towards the current discharge lug and the resultant low-loss current carrying. To produce the fibrous-structure electrode framework plates according to the invention, textile substrate can be reinforced by electrodeposition. For the subsequent use of the textile substrate which has been reinforced by electrodeposition as an electrode framework of fibrous structure, a diaphragm system is introduced into the electrodeposition bath between each anode and the premetallized web of a textile substrate which is to be reinforced by electrodeposition. In this way, it is possible to distribute the metal applied to the substrate, specifically without previously cutting the web to size.

Abstract: Provided are a polymeric gel electrolyte comprising a lithium salt, an organic solvent and a thermal curing product of a composition having a terpolymer having a repeating unit represented by formula (1), a repeating unit represented by formula (2) and a repeating unit represented by formula (3): wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12, and R is a C1 to C12 alkyl group, and a lithium battery employing the polymeric electrolyte. Use of a polymeric gel electrolyte according to the present invention can effectively suppress swelling due to an electrolytic solution, and a lithium battery which can prevent reliability and safety from being lowered due to the swelling, can be attained.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery including an electrode assembly composed of positive and negative electrode plates wound up spirally with a separator and disposed in a cell casing filled with electrolyte containing lithium salt dissolved in organic solvent wherein the cell casing is provided with a current interrupt device for cutting off a charge current of the battery when an internal gas pressure of the battery exceeds a predetermined value, and wherein the organic solvent contains aklylbenzene derivative or cycloalkylbenzene derivative having tertiary carbon adjacent a phenyl group.

Abstract: Disclosed are oxidizer-treated lithium electrodes, battery cells containing such oxidizer-treated lithium electrodes, battery cell electrolytes containing oxidizing additives, and methods of treating lithium electrodes with oxidizing agents and battery cells containing such oxidizer-treated lithium electrodes. Battery cells containing SO2 as an electrolyte additive in accordance with the present invention exhibit higher discharge capacities after cell storage over cells not containing SO2. Pre-treating the lithium electrode with SO2 gas prior to battery assembly prevented cell polarization. Moreover, the SO2 treatment does not negatively impact sulfur utilization and improves the lithium's electrochemical function as the negative electrode in the battery cell.

Abstract: A mask is composed of a substrate, and a pattern having a transmission factor formed on the substrate by using a material, wherein an optical path length difference between light beams respectively passing the pattern and an area adjacent thereto is greater than ( m - 1 8 ) ⁢ λ and less than ( m + 1 8 ) ⁢ λ , where &lgr; is a wavelength of incident light, and m is an integer.

Abstract: A fiducial includes complementary patterns that are situated symmetrically about a common axis. The complementary patterns permit location of the common axis as an axis that is equidistant from the complementary patterns. The complementary patterns are displaced from the common axes by different distances so that the common axis is located using the complementary patterns nearest the common axis to accurately locate the common axis. The complementary patterns include etch-compensation features that permit the common axis to be accurately located even if an etch process defines the fiducial and the etch process exhibits a process error or variation such as underetching or overetching. The fiducial may be produced by transferring a fiducial pattern from a mask such as a photomask. The fiducial pattern may also be defined on the mask using a computer-aided design program.

Abstract: The present invention claims a binary mask printing a product feature which includes a narrow space; and a phase-shifting mask having an assist feature that fits within the narrow space when both masks are properly aligned in exposing a wafer.

Abstract: An image forming method including forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image bearing member; developing said electrostatic latent image employing a toner to form a toner image; transferring the toner image to a recording medium; cleaning the electrostatic latent image bearing member with a contact cleaner to collect untransferred toner as waste toner thereon and fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium, wherein said waste toner after collection is reused in a subsequent developing step as a mixed toner comprising said collected waste toner and toner not yet used for developing the electrostatic latent image, wherein said toner comprises a binder resin, a colorant and a release agent, said binder resin having at least one peak in the region of a molecular weight from 2,000 to 50,000 and at least a peak or shoulder in the region of a molecular weight of not less than 100,000 in molecular weight distribution as measured by gel permeation chromatography, and said rele

Abstract: A process for producing an electrophotographic light-receiving member having a conductive support and a light-receiving member having a photoconductive layer formed on the surface of the conductive support and composed of a non-single crystal material containing silicon atoms as a main component, hydrogen atoms and/or halogen atoms. The photoconductive layer is formed at a flow rate (X) sccm of n Si supply gas and a discharge space volume (Z) cm3 satisfying (A) and a flow rate (X) sccm of the Si supply gas and density (Y) W/cm3 of the electric power input to the discharge space satisfying the following relation (B) wherein 3×10−3≦X/Z≦1×10−2  (A) and 3×10−4≦Y/X≦7×10−4  (B).

Abstract: A toner for electrophotography comprises a resin, a colorant and a charge controlling agent, wherein the charge controlling agent is substantially present on a surface part of the toner, and wherein the toner has a saturated charge quantity (absolute value) of from about 10-40 &mgr;C/g when the toner is mixed with a carrier which is coated with a silicone resin, and a carrier contamination degree not greater then about 20%.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, which comprises an image-forming layer which contains a hydrophilic resin, an acid precursor and at least one component selected from fine particles containing a compound having a vinyloxy group and microcapsules containing a compound having a vinyloxy group, on a hydrophilic support, which can be development processed on a printing machine.

Abstract: A chemically amplified positive resist composition is provided which is excellent in sensitivity and resolution; and comprises a resin (X) which, per se, is insoluble or slightly soluble in alkali but becomes soluble in alkali by the action of acid, and has a polymeric unit (a) derived from an alicyclic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester in which a carboxylic acid ester group represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 represents an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R represents an alicyclic hydrocarbon residue which may be optionally substituted with a group selected from hydroxyl and oxo, and R2 represents an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R and R2, together with carbon atoms to which R2 and R are bonded, form a ring, is bonded to an alicyclic hydrocarbon having a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond in its ring; and a polymeric unit (b) derived from maleic anhydride; and an acid-generating agent (Y).

Abstract: A pattern formation material contains a base polymer including a siloxane compound represented by Chemical Formula 1: wherein R1 are the same or different compounds selected from the group consisting of an alkyl compound, an ester compound, an ether compound, a sulfone compound, a sulfonyl compound and an aromatic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical recording medium having a protective layer and a phase-change recording layer on a substrate, said protective layer containing a metallic oxysulfide and an optical recording medium having a protective layer and a phase-change recording layer, said protective layer being formed by sputtering using a target comprising a metallic oxysulfide.

Abstract: A thermosensitive composition consisting of a mixture of polyacrylic acid, a salt of a long chain fatty acid such as silver behenate, an infra-red absorbent and modifiers such as additional polymers and fillers. Both the water solubility and affinity to water and oil changed when composition is heated.

Abstract: To provide a light transmitting material which has high transmission at wavelength ranges used for communication and excellent characteristic properties such as heat resistance, water resistance and chemical resistance, and makes it possible to produce a grating and incorporate it in a mounting module with ease. A photosensitive composition for forming a light transmitting material comprising a silane compound or hydrolysis/dehydration condensation reaction product thereof, a photoinitiator and water, the silane compound being represented by the following formula (1): R1SiX13  (1) wherein R1 is an organic group having a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond, and X1 is a hydrolyzable group or atom, with the proviso that at least 40% of the total number of hydrogen atoms of the organic group R1 are substituted by at least one substituent atom selected from the group consisting of deuterium, fluorine, chlorine and bromine.

Abstract: A positive resist composition which comprises (A) a compound which generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, and (B) a resin which is decomposed by the action of an acid to increase solubility in an alkaline developing solution and contains repeating units represented by formulae (I) and (V):

Abstract: A method of enhancing photoresist anti-etching ability, at least includes follows. Provide a substrate, form a photoresist with a pattern on the substrate, put both photoresist and substrate in a low pressure environment, and treat photoresist by an electron beam to let at least part of photoresist is hardened. This method usually is performed before etch process, but the method also could be modified as follows. Expose photoresist by an electron beam while an etching process being performed, or alternately expose photoresist by an electron beam and perform an etch process.

Abstract: A process is described for the direct production of an imaged pattern of resist on a substrate surface (such as a pattern of etch-resistant organic resin material on the surface of a copper-clad dielectric in connection with a printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication process or in the process of producing printed plates), which process utilizes thermo-resists rather than photoresists, i.e., compositions which undergo thermally-induced, rather than photo-induced, chemical transformations. A film of thermo-resist composition applied to the substrate surface is scanned by a focused heat source (e.g., a thermal laser emitting in the IR region) in a predetermined pattern, without a phototool, to bring about localized thermally-induced chemical transformations of the composition which either directly produce the resist pattern or produce in the film a developable latent image of the pattern.

Abstract: A hydrophilic layer and an overcoat layer are provided in this order on a heat-sensitive layer having an ink receiving surface, so as to form an original (plate) for a lithographic printing plate. The overcoat layer can be removed during printing. A system capable of forming an inorganic hydrophilic matrix by sol-gel conversion is provided in the hydrophilic layer. Adhesion between the heat-sensitive layer and the hydrophilic layer decreases in a heated region through image processing. Emulsion ink is supplied to the plate surface during printing, whereby the overcoat layer and the hydrophilic layer at an image portion are removed with a hydrophilic component of the emulsion ink. Thus, with a heat-sensitive original that can be subjected to heat-mode prepress using laser exposure, good printed matter can be stably obtained, irrespective of balance between image and non-image portions, without using wetting water.

Abstract: A new method is provided for the creation of densely patterned interconnect lines. As a first step of the invention, the mask layout is modified such that the ratio of line width (L) to line spacing (S) is sharply decreased. The line pattern that is created using this mask reflects the same sharp reduction in the ratio L/S. The width of the thus created lines is, as a second step of the invention, increased by the process of thermal flow while the spacing between the lines is concurrently decreased by the same amount.

Abstract: Nanolaminates are formed by alternating deposition, e.g., by combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD), layers of resistive material and layers of dielectric material. Outer resistive material layers are patterned to form discrete patches of resistive material. Electrical pathways between opposed patches of resistive material on opposite sides of the laminate act as capacitors. Electrical pathways horizontally through resistive material layers, which may be connected by via plated holes, act as resistors.

Abstract: A resist pattern forming method of forming a pattern on a resist film formed on a wafer by using a projection exposure apparatus generates a resized pattern of an active area and its inverted pattern, then generates a logical product pattern of a gate pattern to be exposed and the resized pattern, generates a first mask having a logical sum pattern of the inverted pattern and the logical product pattern as a light shielding film, generates a second mask having a logical sum pattern of the resized pattern and the gate pattern as a light shielding film, exposes the resist film on the wafer using the first mask under a condition that an numerical aperture of the projection exposure apparatus is small, and then exposes the resist film on the wafer using the second mask under a condition that the numerical aperture of the projection exposure apparatus is large.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern by using a photomask having both a minute aperture where a main component of transmitted light is evanescent light and an aperture where a main component of transmitted light is propagating light. The method includes the steps of forming a photoresist having a film thickness at most equal to a width of the minute aperture on a substrate to be processed, exposing the photoresist by incident light for exposure, and adjusting the film thickness of the photoresist and the conditions of the exposure so as to prevent a photoresist pattern made by the propagating light from extending to an adjacent pattern made by the evanescent light.

Abstract: A processing composition for a silver halide photographic material, which comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following general formulae (I) and (II):

Abstract: A silver halide photographic emulsion comprising grains, wherein 50% or more (numerical ratio) of all the grains are occupied by tabular grains meeting the requirements (i) to (iii): (i) a silver iodobromide or silver iodochlorobromide tabular grain having (111) faces as main planes and having two parallel twin planes; (ii) a thickness of 0.12 &mgr;m or less; and (iii) the tabular grains have a grain fringe portion meeting the requirements: (a) the grain fringe portion has a phase of high silver iodide content in either of an upper region and a lower region than a region sandwiched between the two twin planes, and (b) “A”, which represents the maximum local silver iodide content (mol %) in the phase of high silver iodide content, satisfies the relationship: A−6.0≧B, wherein “B” represents local silver iodide content (mol %) in an opposite part to the phase of high silver iodide content.

Abstract: A silver halide emulsion is disclosed, comprising silver halide grains having a chloride content of not less than 90 mol % and internally doped with an iridium compound (A) and a compound (B) forming a stronger electron trap than said iridium compound (A), the silver halide grains meeting the following requirement: 10<X<1000 and 0<Y≦X wherein X represents an average number of molecules of said iridium compound (A) contained per grain and Y represents an average number of molecules of said compound (B) contained per grain.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following formula (1) and a silver halide photographic material containing the compound: wherein Dye 1 represents a first chromophore; Dye 2 represents a second chromophore; L1 represents a linking chain; R1 represents a dissociable group having pKa of 5 or less; m1 represents an integer of from 1 to 5; m2 represents an integer of from 1 to 5; and m3 represents an integer of from 1 to 4.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for dewaxing wax-embedded biological specimens prior to histochemical analysis. The compositions and methods provided can effectively remove wax or improved wax-based embedding materials, particularly paraffin-based, from specimens during preparation for histochemical or other diagnostic analyses, while minimizing danger to users, achieving compatibility with automated use, and maintaining compatibility with downstream histochemical analyses, particularly immunostaining. Compositions of the invention comprise a paraffin-solubilizing organic solvent, a polar organic solvent, and a surfactant. Compositions can further comprise water. The method involves contacting a wax-embedded specimen with the dewaxing composition to solubilize the wax impregnating the specimen prior to histochemical analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to procedures for the detection or for the determination of solid phase-associated factors, which are multiply associated with the same solid phase. According to the invention, the sample is brought into contact with a transmitter particle, on which at least one ligand having binding affinity for a solid phase-associated factor and a transmitter are immobilized, and a receiver particle, on which at least one ligand having binding affinity for said solid phase-associated factor and a receiver is immobilized, and then the signal is determined which results when transmitter and receiver are brought sufficiently close to one another. In particular, the invention relates to the detection of cell surface receptors which can be used for the typing of cells or for the determination of cell activation states. It is thus possible to replace the hitherto widely customary flow cytometry by a more simple procedure.

Abstract: Provided is a method of screening gene libraries derived from a mixed population of organisms for a bioactivity or biomolecule of interest. The mixed population of organisms can be a cultured population or an uncultured population from, for example, the environment. Also provided are methods of screening isolates or enriched populations of organisms, which isolates include a population that is spatially, temporally, or hierarchical, for example, of a particular species, genus, family, or class of organisms. Identified clones containing a biomolecule or bioactivity of interest can be further variegated or the DNA contained in the clone can be variegated to create novel biomolecules or bioactivities of interest.

Abstract: HCV immunoassays comprising an NS3/4a conformational epitope and a multiple epitope fusion antigen are provided, as well as immunoassay solid supports for use with the immunoassays.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and genes for manipulating the sugar-sensing capabilities of a plant, involving reducing or increasing the level of a hexokinase protein in a transgenic plant.

Abstract: An immunoassay of a liquid biological specimen for a specific analyte is conducted by forming a test sample by contacting the specimen with: (1) a binding substance of a ligand, antiligand or receptor capable of binding the analyte and (2) a detector substance of a colloidal gold or silver labeled ligand or antiligand to form a test sample. The test sample is applied by flowing onto a defined zone of an insoluble porous support film having a pore size impassable to a complex formed between the analyte, if present, with the binding substance and the detector substance, but passable to the binding substance and detector substance while remaining uncomplexed in the absence of the desired analyte. If the analyte is present in the test specimen, the detector substance binds with the analyte and the binding substance to form a visually inspectable complex on the surface of the porous support film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences which comprise all or part of a nucleic acid sequence of a CIITA gene. These sequences can comprise a sequence which exhibits a transcriptional promoter activity, which activity is, in particular, specifically expressed in one cell type. The sequences can also comprise a coding sequence. Therapeutic and diagnostic applications, in particular relating to disorders in which it is desirable to act on the level at which genes which encode the class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are expressed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of performing nucleic acid hybridization assays on high-density substrate-bound oligonucleotide arrays involving including in the hybridization mixture an isostabilizing agent, a denaturing agent or a renaturation accelerant.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for determining large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms in target DNA employing particles having (1) primers complementary to sequences in the target DNA where the next succeeding 3′-nucleotide is a potential single nucleotide polymorphism and coding composition members, where the members are unique for each primer, and (2) differentially labeled terminating nucleotides, where the label permits separation of the terminating nucleotides. Desirably the particles are separated into groups having a common prevalent next succeeding nucleotide. The particles and target DNA are combined under nucleotide extending conditions, the particles separated into groups in accordance with the terminating nucleotide and the coding members identified, so that one knows the sequence and the single nucleotide polymorphism. Various protocols are provided for the determination.

Abstract: Method for the detection of the antibiotic resistance spectrum of Mycobacterium species present in a sample, possibly caused to the identification of the Mycobacterium species involved, comprising the steps of: (i) if need be releasing, isolating or concentrating the polynucleic acids present in the sample; (ii) if need be amplifying the relevant part of the antibiotic resistance genes present in said sample with at least one suitable primer pair; (iii) hybridizing the polynucleic acids of step (i) or (ii) with at least one of the rpoB gene probes, as specified in table 2, under the appropriate hybridization and wash conditions; (iv) detecting the hybrids formed in step (iii); (v) inferring the Mycobacterium antibiotic resistance spectrum, and possibly the Mycobacterium species involved from the differential hybridization signal(s) obtained in step (iv).

Abstract: The invention demonstrates that the transcription factor XBP-1 is a regulator of hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and T cell subset activity. Methods for identifying modulators of hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and/or T cell subset activity, using XBP-1-containing indicator compositions or XBP-1-deficient cells, are provided. Methods of modulating hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and/or T cell subset activity (e.g., Th2 cytokine production) using agents that modulate the activity of XBP-1 are also provided. Methods for diagnosing disorders associated with aberrant hepatocyte growth, plasma cell differentiation and/or T cell subset activity, by assessing a change in XBP-1 expression, are also provided. XBP-1 deficient cells, animals and embryos, as well as kits for the methods of the invention, are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification of and multiplex detection of molecules of interest involving rolling circle replication. The method is useful for simultaneously detecting multiple specific nucleic acids in a sample with high specificity and sensitivity. The method also has an inherently low level of background signal. A preferred form of the method consists of an association operation, an amplification operation, and a detection operation. The association operation involves association of one or more specially designed probe molecules, either wholly or partly nucleic acid, to target molecules of interest. This operation associates the probe molecules to a target molecules present in a sample. The amplification operation is rolling circle replication of circular nucleic acid molecules, termed amplification target circles, that are either a part of, or hybridized to, the probe molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of isolation of related polynucleotides harboring nucleic acid difference within a polynucleotide sample. The method will be useful in detecting and identifying alternative splicing events and corresponding splicing isoforms and to detect genomic DNA differences between genomes. The method according to the present invention is based on the use of a single-stranded trap. The single-stranded trap preferably involves the use of single-strand binding protein.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides methods and kits for amplifying a target sequence from within a nucleic acid population. The presently claimed invention provides selection probes which are complementary to at least a portion of said target sequence and mechanisms for adding a probe sequence to the 3′ end of a target sequence that is hybridized to a selection probe. The added 3′ probe sequence and a probe sequence added at the 5′ end of the target by adaptor ligation allow for selective amplification of the target sequence.

Abstract: A method for forming a biological chemical tag. At least one double stranded DNA molecule is provided. At least a portion of the at least one double stranded DNA molecule is denatured. At least one chemical moiety that prohibits recrystallization of the at least one denatured portion to which the at least one chemical moiety is attached is attached to at least one nucleotide in the at least one denatured portion of the at least one double stranded DNA molecule.

Abstract: An improved oligopeptide composition for use in a fluorescent polarization immunoassay for a high molecular weight analyte is disclosed, along with a kit and a method using the composition. The composition comprises an oligopeptide selected by a screening procedure in which a plurality of different oligopeptides having respective amino acid sequences that represent sequential overlapping segments of the analyte amino acid sequence, and a fluorescent label bound thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the oligopeptide has an amino acid sequence which does not form internal disulfide bridges. Such a preferred oligopeptide will generally have no more than one cysteine residue. In a further preferred embodiment, the fluorescent label is tetramethylrhodamine or a cyanine dye. The kit may be packaged with instructions directing a user to prepare an assay solution containing the monoclonal antibody and the oligopeptide in certain respective concentrations.

Abstract: The gene for Streptococcus pyogenes DNase B has been cloned and vectors incorporating the cloned DNA have been used to transform Escherichia coli, allowing efficient and rapid production of the DNase in E. coli without the necessity of growing large quantities of S. pyogenes. The enzyme can be produced with a leader peptide at its amino terminus. An improved method for the purification of naturally occurring S. pyogenes DNase B enzyme is also provided. The DNase B enzyme produced, either by purification of naturally occurring enzyme or by recombinant DNA techniques, can be used to generate antibodies and can also be used in immunochemical assays to detect the presence of anti-DNase B antibodies in serum as a marker of infection by S. pyogenes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating a target biological material contained in a sample, which consists in providing a capture phase comprising an organic molecule having at least a reactive function and at least a protein material capable of recognizing or binding, specifically and directly or indirectly, with the target biological material, said protein material having a specific covalent binding site with the organic molecule reactive function, consisting of at least a tag comprising at least six contiguous lysine, or lysine derivative residues, the method consists in contacting said target biological material with at least the capture phase; and detecting the target biological material fixed on the capture phase: The invention also concerns the capture and detection phases, and a reagent containing them.

Abstract: Compounds that selectively bind to expanded polyglutamine repeats are disclosed. Such compounds are characterized in that they bind to a first polyglutamine peptide consisting of 60 glutamine residues under conditions in which they do not bind to a second polyglutamine peptide consisting of 20 glutamine residues. Conjugates of such compounds, nucleic acids encoding the same, and methods of use thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a cDNA which encodes a TUAN. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, fragments, complements, and variants thereof and of the encoded protein, portions thereof and antibodies thereto for diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and cell proliferative disorders, in particular, Crohn's disease and colon cancer. The invention additionally provides expression vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and a transgenic model system.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) nucleic acid sequences, amino acid sequences, homologies, structural features and various other data characterizing a morphogen cell surface receptors particularly OP-1-binding cell surface receptors ALK-2, ALK-3, and ALK-6; (2) methods for producing receptor proteins, including fragments thereof, using recombinant DNA technology; (3) methods for identifying novel morphogen receptors and their encoding DNAS; (4) methods and compositions for identifying compounds capable of modulating endogenous morphogen receptor levels; and (5) methods and compositions for identifying morphogen receptor binding analogs useful in the design of morphogen agonists and antagonists for therapeutic, diagnostic and experimental uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel microfluidic device and methods of using this device to conduct in vitro studies on the reaction and effects of various compounds on cells. More particularly, it relates to a method for using stop flow in a microfluidic system to study the effect of compounds on individual cells.