Abstract: Improved lithium-ion batteries in which the cathode comprises particles that include (i) transition metal grains having a grain size no greater than about 50 nanometers; and (ii) lithium-containing grains selected from the group consisting of lithium oxides, lithium sulfides, lithium halides (e.g., chloride, bromides, iodides, or fluorides), and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An electrode plate unit capable of suppressing the internal short circuit caused by flashing that is formed on the end portion of a positive electrode plate and a battery using the same. The electrode plate unit includes a group of electrode plates in which a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates are laminated alternately via separators, a positive electrode collector plate connected to one side face of the group of electrode plates for connection to the positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode collector plate connected to another side face of the group of electrode plates for connection to the negative electrode plate, wherein the edge portion of the positive electrode plate is protruded from the edge portion of the negative electrode plate on the entire side face excluding the side face to which the negative electrode collector plate of the group of electrode plates is connected.

Abstract: A lithium battery which includes an electrode assembly having a cathode, an anode and a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, a gel electrolyte prepared by curing a composition consisting of a polysiloxane compound or a polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene compound, a polyethylene glycol derivative, and an organic solvent containing a lithium salt. The lithium battery has improved reliability and safety since a swelling phenomenon due to an electrolytic solution is effectively suppressed and leakage of the electrolytic solution is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a lithium battery with self-adhesive polymer electrolyte. The characteristic of the method is to pour a polyacrylonitrile-based solution into a battery with electrode plates and separators. An organic solvent is then poured into the battery, during which time the polyacrylonitrile-based solution is phase-separated, resulting in the adhesion of the electrode plates and separators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid polymer electrolyte of polyether poly(N-substituted urethane) comprising an electrolytic compound and a polymer matrix, wherein the polymer matrix is a copolymer comprising polyether unit and polyurethane unit and has 50,000-2,000,000 of a weight average molecular weight, where N-positions of the polyurethane unit are substituted with oligo(ethylene oxide) derivatives which provide flexibility and electrolytic conduction of the polymer matrix by controlling its length, composition, structure and crosslinked degree. Accordingly, the solid polymer electrolyte of the present invention provides excellent thermal stability, electrochemical stability and mechanical properties and thus, is suitable for use in polymer secondary batteries and electrochemical devices.

Abstract: Sidelobe formation in photolithographic patterns is suppressed by non-rectangular, non-circular contact openings formed in attenuated phase shift photomasks. The contact openings may be diamond-shaped, star-shaped, cross-shaped, or various other shapes which include multiple vertices. The contact opening shapes may include only straight line segments or they may include rounded segments. The contact openings may be arranged in various relative configurations such as in arrays in which the contact openings are sized and spaced by sub-wavelength dimensions. A method for forming contact openings on a photosensitive film uses the attenuated phase shift photomask to form a contact pattern free of pattern defects. A computer readable medium includes instructions for causing a photomask manufacturing tool to generate the attenuated phase-shift photomask.

Abstract: An alternating phase mask is described in which a propagation of a T phase conflict which occurs in the case of a T pattern structure is avoided by producing a phase jump at one of the 90° corners of the T pattern structure. First and second transparent area segments, which produce a mutual phase difference of 180°, are separated by a narrow slot running approximately at 45° toward the corner of the T pattern structure. The structure containing the transparent area segments, which are separated by the slot running at 45°, can also be provided at the other corner of the T structure providing a solution for each T conflict. The trimming mask for eliminating the dark line artificially produced by the 180° phase jump is a conventional mask and requires no additional coloration. Moreover, alignment errors are minimal on account of the small number of trimming openings.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition (C) containing a photosensitive resin (B) which is a reaction product produced by modifying an epoxy acrylate (a) with a cyanate ester compound (b) to obtain a modification product (A) and reacting the modification product (A) with a polybasic acid anhydride (c), and a compound (d) of the formula, in which each of n and m is an integer of at least 1, and a cured product of the photosensitive resin composition (C).

Abstract: A composition comprised of resin and colorant, and wherein the colorant is stabilized with an ultra-violet stabilizer.

Abstract: An asymmetric radiographic silver halide film has two cubic grain silver halide emulsion layers on the frontside and a tabular grain silver halide emulsion layer on the backside. The cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer closer to the support also includes a crossover control agent to reduce crossover to the backside to less than 10% and is thinner than the outermost cubic grain silver halide emulsion layer. The backside of the support also includes an antihalation layer. These films are useful for imaging soft tissue as in mammography.

Abstract: A composition includes (A) an alkali-soluble resin; and (B) (b-1) a compound of Formula (I): wherein Ds are each a hydrogen atom or a naphthoquinonediazidosulfonyl group; and (b2) a quinonediazide ester of, for example, bis(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-cyclohexylphenyl)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylmethane.

Abstract: A photosensitive transfer material including a temporary support having disposed thereon an alkali-soluble photosensitive resin layer containing a colorant, wherein when the temporary support is peeled from an adjacent layer provided between the temporary support and the photosensitive resin layer at a peeling rate of 1 m/min in an atmosphere of 25° C. and 30% RH, each of the temporary support and the adjacent layer has a surface potential whose absolute value is 5 kV or less after being peeled.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polymeric compositions useful for the suppression or elimination of outgassing of volatile components generated from photoresist polymers during lithographic construction. In resists of the invention, an aromatic compound is mixed with a photoresist composition, such that the aromatic compound suppresses or eliminates outgassing of volatile components upon exposure of the resist to radiation. The aromatic additive is preferably an aromatic polymer and in at least some instances can be substituted with at least one electron-donating group or electron-withdrawing group to enhance its stabilizing effects. In one embodiment, the aromatic compound can be an additive to a resist composition. In another embodiment, the aromatic compound can be incorporated into the polymeric backbone of the resist composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-sensitive resin composition for spacer is a copolymer comprising derivative units, an addition polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond, radiation-sensitive initiator and solvent, wherein said copolymer comprising (a1) 5 wt %-50 wt % of unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer derivative unit; (a2) 10 wt %-70 wt % of epoxy-containing unsaturated monomer derivative unit; and (a3) 0 wt %-70 wt % of copolymerizable unsaturated monomer derivative unit other than the above monomer derivative units (a1) and (a2). The content of said copolymer [A] which has a molecular weight of 800-7,000 and which has a molecular weight of greater than 70,000 are determined to account for 10 wt %-23 wt % and less than 5 wt %, respectively, based on the total weight of said copolymer[A].

Abstract: The invention includes polymers that contain a heterocyclic ring, preferably an oxygen-or sulfur-containing ring. The heterocyclic ring is preferably fused to the polymer backbone. The invention also provides photoresists that contain such polymers, particularly for imaging at short wavelengths such as sub-200 nm.

Abstract: Anti-reflective coatings formed from new polymers and having high etch rates are provided. Broadly, the coatings are formed from a polymer binder and a light attenuating compound. The polymer binder has halogen atoms bonded thereto, preferably to functional groups on the polymer binder rather than to the polymer backbone. Preferred polymer binders comprise acrylic polymers while it is preferred that the halogenated functional groups of the polymer binders be dihalogenated, and more preferably trihalogenated, with chlorine, fluorine, or bromine atoms.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor which comprises a support having a hydrophilic surface having provided thereon in order of a layer containing a latex (layer A) and an ink-receptive layer (layer B) whose solubility at least either in water or in an aqueous solution is converted by heat, wherein at least one layer of either layer A or layer B contains a light/heat converting agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to using VLSI techniques to store information on a substrate. One embodiment of a die with text deposited upon the die uses semiconductor processing techniques during fabrication. Included in the die are a substrate, a first paragraph and a second paragraph. The first and second paragraphs are in contact with the substrate. The second paragraph is aligned with the first paragraph in a column.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening in a wafer layer is described. At least two patterned photoresist layers are formed on a wafer layer. Each photoresist layer comprises patterns of various configurations. The photoresist layers are stacked to form an opening pattern that expose the underlying wafer layer by superpositioning the space between the patterns in the first photoresist layer and the space between the patterns in the second photoresist layer. The wafer layer exposed by the opening pattern is then etched to form an opening.

Abstract: A photoresist or a residue of the photoresist may by removed by the hydrogen and water plasma mixture. The process may be performed at a temperature range between about 150° C. and about 450° C., preferably about 250° C., and a power range between about 500 W and about 3000 W, preferably about 1400 W.

Abstract: The invention provides a color negative photographic element comprising a light sensitive silver halide emulsion imaging layer having associated therewith a cyan dye-forming coupler dispersion comprising a first 2-ureido-5-acylamino substituted phenolic cyan dye-forming coupler [P], a second phenolic cyan dye-forming coupler [AP] where the 2-substituent is other than an ureido group, a substantially non-color-developable phenolic activator compound [ACT], and a non-phenolic organic coupler solvent having a boiling point of at least 150C; wherein compounds represented by [P], [AP], and [ACT] are present in the coupler dispersion in relative weight fractions of from 0.30 to 0.65 for [P], from 0.15 to 0.35 for [AP], and from 0.15 to 0.

Abstract: A cell culture unit is disclosed herewith comprising a shell having two ends with an elongated chamber there between. A liquid and a gas perfusion port are located on each end. Liquid perfusion fibers are connected to the liquid perfusion ports and gas perfusion fibers are connected to the gas perfusion ports. These fibers thereby define an extracapillary and intracapillary space. The cell culture unit further comprises means for communicating with the intracapillary space of the gas perfusion fibers means for communicating with the intracapillary space of the liquid perfusion fibers, and means for communicating with the extracapillary space.

Abstract: The invention relates to CARD-3, a mediator of apoptosis. CARD-3 contains a CARD domain and a serine/threonine kinase domain. CARD-3 nucleic acids and polypeptides are useful in mediating apoptosis and in the identification of compounds which modulate apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention provides active and passive immunization methods for preventing and treating Clostridium difficile infection, which involve percutaneous administration of C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, C. difficile toxoids, or combinations thereof. Also provided by the invention are C. difficile toxoids, C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin, and methods of identifying subjects that produce C. difficile toxin-neutralizing polyclonal immune globulin.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of delivering a polypeptide to a cell comprising (a) contacting a cell with a replicon having a non-poliovirus nucleic acid substituted for a nucleic acid which encodes at least a portion of a protein necessary for encapsidation, the non-poliovirus nucleic acid encoding, in an expressible form, a polypeptide or fragment thereof; and (b) maintaining the cells under conditions appropriate for introduction of the replicons into the cells. The cell may be within a subject and the polypeptide may be a therapeutic agent. The methods of the invention may be used to treat diseases including central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the nucleic acid molecules encoding an STE20-related family of novel protein kinases, ZC1, ZC2, ZC3, ZC4, STLK2, STLK3, STLK4, STLK5, STLK6, STLK7, KHS2, SULU1, SULU3, GEK2, PAK4 and PAK5, segments and domains thereof, as well as various methods useful for the diagnosis and treatment of various kinase-related diseases and conditions. Mammalian nucleic acid molecules encoding these kinases are particularly disclosed, and more specifically human sources of these nucleic acids are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 protein which is a novel inhibitor of INFR-1 and CD-95 induced apoptosis. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 protein. I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of I-FLICE-1 or I-FLICE-2 activity. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating diseases and disorders associated with apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cancer markers and compositions and methods for cancer therapies. For example, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of gene expression of particular marker genes as indicative of cancers, while control of said gene expression provides for intervention in cancer therapies and, in particular, glioma therapies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the diagnosis of tauopathies in an individual and/or for the differential diagnosis of a tauopathy versus a non-tauopathy based on the detection of the ratio of phospho-tau (181)/total tau in said individual. The present invention further provides a phospho-peptide for standardization in a method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying an agent which alters (inhibits, enhances) activity of GDF-9. The method involves combining cells having a receptor for GDF-9 and a gene, wherein expression of the gene is regulated by binding of GDF-9 to the receptor; GDF-9; and an agent to be assessed. The combination produced is maintained under conditions appropriate for binding of GDF-9 to the receptors on the cells. The extent to which binding of GDF-9 to the receptors on the cells occurs is then determined, wherein binding of GDF-9 to the receptor to a lesser or greater extent in the presence of the agent to be assessed than in its absence, is indicative of an agent which alters GDF-9 activity.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing cancer, such as prostate, ovarian or breast cancer, as well as leukemia, are provided. Such methods may employ binding agents, such as antibodies or CAR sequences of OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, that specifically bind to OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, or polynucleotides that hybridize to a polynucleotide encoding OB-cadherin or N-cadherin. Also provided are methods for monitoring the progression of a cancer and to evaluate the metastatic potential of a cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of candidate ligands which modulate antigen presenting cells. Specifically, ligands which superactivate antigen presenting cells are identified.

Abstract: A method, kit, system and reagent for measuring low molecular weight heparin in a whole blood sample is provided which involves the use of a Factor Xa activator, such as Russell's Viper Venom, as the coagulation assay initiator.

Abstract: A method is presented for the preparation and use of fluorogenic peptide substrates that allows for the configuration of general substrate libraries to rapidly identify the primary and extended specificity of enzymes, such as proteases. The substrates contain a fluorogenic-leaving group, such as 7-amino-4-carbamoylmethyl-coumarin (ACC). Substrates incorporating the ACC leaving group show comparable kinetic profiles as those with the traditionally used 7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin (AMC) leaving group. The bifunctional nature of ACC allows for the efficient production of single substrates and substrate libraries using solid-phase synthesis techniques. The approximately 3-fold increased quantum yield of ACC over AMC permits reduction in enzyme and substrate concentrations. As a consequence, a greater number of substrates can be tolerated in a single assay, thus enabling an increase in the diversity space of the library.

Abstract: A method of expressing proteins is disclosed. In a preferable embodiment, the method comprises placing a DNA sequence encoding a protein or peptide and expression vector containing a regulatable promoter expressible in Rhodospirillum rubrum and expressing the protein within a bacterial host, wherein the host has extra capacity for membrane formation and wherein the host is a member of the genus Rhodospirillum.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of Kv6.2, antibodies to Kv6.2, methods of detecting Kv6.2, methods of screening for voltage-gated potassium channel activators and inhibitors using biologically active Kv6.2, and kits for screening for activators and inhibitors of voltage gated potassium channels comprising Kv6.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of recombinant peptides by fed-batch cultivation of a microorganism in a bioreactor containing a medium comprising organic carbon source, nitrogen source and mineral salts. The cultivation is carried out by the addition of the organic carbon source by oscillation feed and/or by oscillation variation of stirring speed, e.g. in a square or sinus wave pattern. Preferably the organic carbon source is glucose and the recombinant peptide is growth hormone.

Abstract: The invention provides a DNA molecule comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a DNA sequence encoding first and second proteins linked by a hinge region wherein in that the promoter sequence can be one having activity which is induced in response to a change in the surrounding environment and the first protein can be Tetanus toxin C fragment or one or more epitopes thereof. The invention also provides intermediate molecules having a promoter operably linked to a DNA sequence encoding a first antigenic sequence and a hinge region, and at or adjacent the 3′-end thereof one or more restriction sites for the introduction of a second anti-genic sequence. In addition, the invention provides replicable expression vectors containing the DNA fusion proteins expressed therefrom, bacterial transformed with the vectors and the use of the bacteria, in vaccines.

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones. The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: A temperature-stable droplet is provided containing a temperature-stable hydrocolloid membrane. The hydrocolloid membrane encapsulates a liquid that contains at least one enzyme, a cell, a biological agent, a pharmaceutical agent, an immunological agent, or mixtures thereof, and at least one of a locust bean gum, a natural thickening agent, a guar, polyvinylpyrrolidone, Konjac mannan, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, calcium gluconate, glucomannan, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the hydrocolloid membrane comprises at least one of methoxy pectin, Konjac mannan, sodium alginate, or mixtures thereof, and at least one of a locust bean gum, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, glucomannan, or mixtures thereof. The hydrocolloid membrane encapsulating the liquid is a thickness capable of holding the liquid without bursting through a temperature range of about −20° C. to about 90° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a polyphenol oxidase enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides corresponding to the plsC gene and which encode 1-acyl-SN-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, methods of producing L-amino acids, and methods of screening for polynucleotides which encode proteins having 1-acyl-SN-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences from Coryneform bacteria which code for the PtsI protein and a process for the fermentative preparation of amino acids using bacteria in which the ptsI gene is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the kinase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the kinase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the kinase peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protein belonging to an ADAM family, a partial peptide thereof or a salt thereof, a DNA encoding the protein, a recombinant vector comprising the DNA, a transformant, a method for producing the protein, a medicine comprising the protein or the DNA, an antibody against the protein, a method/kit for screening for a compound or a salt thereof which promotes or inhibits the protease activity or the extracellular metric degrading enzyme activity (preferably, the peptidoglycan degrading enzyme activity) of the protein, a compound obtained by the screening, and a medicine comprising the compound. The present protein and a DNA encoding it can be used, for example, as an agent for treating or preventing various diseases such as disc herniation, ischialgia, glomerular nephritis, diabetic nephropathy, hepatic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis or osteopetrosis. In addition, the present antibody can be used for quantitating the present protein in a test solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of producing L-amino acids comprising culturing altered bacterial cells having increased amounts of NADPH as compared to unaltered bacterial cells whereby L-amino acids yields from said altered bacterial cells are greater than yields from unaltered bacterial cells. The invention also relates to a gene encoding phosphoglucoisomerase.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which code for antigens expressed by tumor cells which maybe recognized by cytotoxic T cells, leading to lysis of the tumor cells which express it. This invention also relates to vectors which are designed to encode the antigen expressed by tumor cells and also to cells transfected by the nucleic acid molecules or vectors which comprise the nucleic acid molecules. Various therapeutic and diagnostic uses arising out of the properties of the nucleic acid molecules and the antigens for which these code are also part of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating from the immunological gene repertoire a gene coding for a receptor having the ability to bind a preselected ligand. Receptors produced by the gene isolated by the method, particularly catalytic receptors, are also contemplated.

Abstract: Chemical and/or biological analysis device comprising an analysis support (100) with at least one input bowl (102) to contain a sample, at least one output bowl (104) to output the said sample, at least one internal duct (108) passing through the support to form a connection between the input bowl and the output bowl, and at least one reagent reservoir (120a, 120b, 120c) connected to each duct (108) between the input bowl and the output bowl, in which the input bowl, the output bowl and the reservoir open up onto a first face (106) of the analysis support.

Abstract: A method for deodorizing a storage tank having mercaptan residue disposed therein includes the steps of delivering a cleaning material to the storage tank, and absorbing the mercaptan residue from the walls of the tank into the cleaning material. The cleaning material having absorbed the mercaptan is transferred to a recovery vessel. The mercaptan is continuously sparged from the cleaning material with natural gas for continuously and repeated using the cleaning material.