Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, a cyclic carboxylic acid ester having a high conductivity in a low-temperature environment is used as an electrolyte, and, furthermore, a cyclic carbonic acid ester having at least one carbon-carbon unsaturated bond is added thereto for the inhibition of reductive decomposition of the cyclic carboxylic acid ester.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a diffraction grating by utilizing a single substrate comprises the steps of forming a photosensitive material layer and a light transmission reducing film having a predetermined pattern integrally with each other on the substrate, exposing the photosensitive material layer by exposure irradiation light via the light transmission reducing film, and developing the photosensitive material layer after exposure. It is composed so that the direction of exposure and the direction of development are opposite to each other. It is possible to fabricate a diffraction grating in which each grating is formed on a predetermined substrate at a predetermined pitch and a root portion in a cross-section of each diffraction grating is constricted. In this way, it is possible to reduce or eliminate interfaces, so that the generation of noise light can be effectively suppressed and a diffraction grating having a high diffraction efficiency can be made.

Abstract: A reflection-type mask for use in exposing a pattern onto a photosensitive material, wherein the mask includes a reflection area, having a multilayer film, for reflecting exposure light, and a non-reflection area which does not reflect the exposure light, the reflection area and the non-reflection area forming a mask pattern, wherein at least one layer of the multilayer film consists of an impurity semiconducter, whereby bad influences, for example, caused by poor conduction of the multilayer film at mask-production stage, can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of patterning a mass of material. A beam of activated particles is formed proximate the mass of material, and a pattern of deposit is formed on a surface of the mass with the beam of activated particles. The mass is then etched while using the deposit as an etch mask. The mass of material can be associated with a radiation-patterning tool, such as, for example, a photomask, or can be associated with a semiconductor substrate. The invention also encompasses a photomask construction comprising a substrate, and a patterned material over the substrate. The patterned material covers some regions of the substrate, and leaves other regions not covered. A carbon-containing layer is on the patterned material, but not over the regions of the substrate that are not covered by the patterned material.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a phase shift mask blank hating a light translucent film or a light translucent portion having the designated phase angle and transmittance and being superior in film characteristics of chemical resistance, light resistance, and internal stress. The invention is characterized by having a translucent film on a transparent substrate, wherein thermal treatment of the translucent film is implemented at more than 150° C. after forming the translucent film comprising nitrogen, metal, and silicon as a main component on said transparent substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color filter which has a flattening layer that functions also as a wavelength converting layer. The wavelength converting layer converts that portion of light incident to the color filter layer which is in the near ultraviolet region into light having a wavelength longer than the blue region. Thus the red, green, and blue filter segments are improved in light transmittance. In this way it is possible to realize a color filter and a liquid crystal display unit having a high light transmittance and good display characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing a decorative coating or text or the like on articles, like shavers, GSM's, cards, etc. The coating comprises a region-wise optically modified (patterned) cholesteric liquid crystalline layer, which is transferred onto a surface of the article by means of a transfer operation. The so-called in-mold decoration technique has been found to be very advantageous for the transfer of decorative (patterned) cholesteric liquid crystalline layers. In this technique the layer is (releasably) deposited on a plastic carrier foil and provided with a layer of adhesive. The assembly is inserted in an injection mold before the injection molding of polymer material starts. In this way decorative coatings (e.g. multi color images) and texts or the like can be even applied onto, non-even and slightly curved substrates.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotography photosensitive body substrate, photosensitive body, and electrophotography device used in a contact charging process that can prevent the occurrence of minor insulation damage of around diameter 0.1-0.5 mm. In an electrophotography photosensitive body substrate having a sealed aluminum anodic oxidation film on its surface, the anodic oxidation film is sealed by a sealing agent in which an anion surface active agent is beneficially added.

Abstract: Methods for development of an electrostatic image are disclosed that utilize developer compositions with hard magnetic carrier compositions which can provide improved development efficiencies and reduced amounts of image carrier pick-up. The methods utilize hard magnetic carrier particles that are modified to have specific levels of resistivity, such as, for example, of from about 1×105 ohm-cm to about 1×1010 ohm-cm, and a carrier charge-to-mass of greater than about 1.0 &mgr;C/g, which carriers can provide greater development speeds without unacceptable levels of image carrier pick-up. In embodiments, the hard magnetic materials are doped, i.e., bulk substituted, with multi-valent metals to adjust resistivity, while in other embodiments, the hard magnetic materials are coated with at least one multi-valent metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material comprising a substrate having disposed thereon at least a heat-sensitive recording layer comprising: microcapsules; diazonium salt compounds contained within the microcapules and represented by the following general formula (I); and a coupler which undergoes coupling-reaction with the diazonium salt compounds to cause color development, wherein three or more of the diazonium salt compounds represented by the general formula (I) are contained in the same microcapsule: (wherein R1, R2 and R3 each independently represents an alkyl group, a substituted alkyl group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group; and X− represents a counter anion).

Abstract: A triphenyl sulfonium salt compound shown by the general formula [1] or [3]. (wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, provided that at least one of R1 and R2 are a lower alkyl group, R3s are each independently an alkyl group, n is an integer of 0 to 3, i is an integer of 1 to 3, j is an integer of 0 to 2, provided that i+j=3, Y− is an anion derived from a sulfonic acid shown by the general formula [2] R4—SO3H  [2] [wherein R4 is an alkyl group or an aryl group which may have as a substituent an alkyl group]). (wherein X is a phenyl group which has a substituent at an ortho- and/or a meta-position, m is an integer of 1 to 3, q is an integer of 0 to 2, provided that m+q=3, p is 1 or 2 and Zp− is an anion derived from a carboxylic acid).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positive-working photosensitive resin precursor composition which is characterized in that it contains (a) polymer in which the chief component comprises structural units of the kind where the bonding between structural units is represented by general formula (1) and (b) photoacid generator, and it can form a pattern by light irradiation and subsequent developing, and the total carboxyl groups contained in said polymer is from 0.02 to 2.0 mmol/g, and it provides a photosensitive resin composition of high sensitivity which can be developed by alkali. (R1 is an organic group of valency from 3 to 8 having at least 2 carbon atoms, R2 is an organic group of valency from 2 to 6 having at least 2 carbon atoms, R3 is hydrogen or an organic group with from 1 to 10 carbons. n is an integer of value from 3 to 100,000, m is 1 or 2, p and q are integers of value from 0 to 4 and p+q>0).

Abstract: A positive resist composition contains (a) an acrylic resin which is subject to a change in solubility in a basic aqueous solution, the acrylic resin comprising an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester unit comprising an ester moiety comprising a fluorine-containing group; and (b) a photoacid generator capable of releasing an acid when irradiated with a laser. The composition is high in transparency to vacuum ultraviolet laser beams, particularly the F2 excimer laser beam, and high in sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation sensitive photoresist composition comprising a photoacid initiator and a polycyclic polymer comprising repeating units that contain pendant acid labile groups. Upon exposure to an imaging radiation source the photoacid initiator generates an acid which cleaves the pendant acid labile groups effecting a polarity change in the polymer. The polymer is rendered soluble in an aqueous base in the areas exposed to the imaging source.

Abstract: There can be provided a method for producing a pattern film-coated article which has excellent film formability, can remove unexposed portions of a film completely in the development step after exposing the film to light. and has excellent pattern accuracy; and a photosensitive composition. The method for producing a pattern film-coated article comprises the steps of coating a photosensitive composition comprising an organometallic or organosilicon compound having photosensitivity and a hydrolyzable metal or silicon alkoxide on a substrate, irradiating the coated film on the substrate with light to polymerize the exposed portions of the coated film and then dissolving unexposed portions to remove them, wherein a pattern film-coated article is produced from an allyl group-containing metal or silicon alkoxide as the organometallic or organosilicon compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoresist composition sensitive to radiation in the deep ultraviolet, particularly a positive working photoresist sensitive in the range of 100-200 nanometers(nm). The photoresist composition comprises a) a polymer that is insoluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and comprises at least one acid labile group, and furthermore where the polymer is essentially non-phenolic, b) a compound capable of producing an acid upon radiation, and c) an additive that reduces the effect of electrons and ions on the photoresist image.

Abstract: Lithographic printing form precursors comprising positive working polymeric coatings on substrates may during storage or transportation undergo undesirable changes in their imaging properties. It has been found that acceptable properties can be restored by carrying out a heat treatment which involves a relatively short heating stage followed by accelerated cooling.

Abstract: Positive-working thermally imageable elements, useful as printing plate precursors and having reduced ablation when thermally imaged, and methods for their preparation are disclosed. In one aspect, the elements contain a hydrophilic substrate, an underlayer, a barrier layer, and a top layer. The underlayer comprises a photothermal conversion material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a printing member by coating a printing cylinder with a layer comprising ultraviolet-curable silicones and curing the layer using ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a water-resistant support having provided thereon a light-sensitive layer containing fine titanium oxide grains doped with a metallic ion which absorb a visible ray and a complex composed of an organo-metallic polymer which is formed by a hydrolysis polymerization condensation reaction of a compound represented by formula (I) shown below and an organic polymer which has a group capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the organo-metallic polymer: (R0)nM(Y)x−n  (I) wherein R0 represents a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group or a heterocyclic group; Y represents a reactive group; M represents a metallic atom having from 3 to 6 valences; x represents a valence of the metallic atom M; and n represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, provided that the balance of x−n is not less than 2. A method for the preparation of a lithographic printing plate using the lithographic printing plate precursor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates having on a hydrophilic substrate an oleophilic photosensitive layer comprising an oleophilic polymer, a free radical polymerizable monomer, and 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine as free radical initiator and/or leucomalachite green as exposure indicating dye; wherein the weight ratio of the monomer to the polymer is larger than 1.0. The plates can be developed with ink and/or fountain solution on a lithographic printing press or with a non-alkaline aqueous developer comprising 60-99% by weight of water and 0.5 to 40% by weight of an alcohol solvent. A photosensitive dye can be added in the photosensitive layer to provide photosensitivity to a specific wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm. Unlike commonly used s-triazine initiator or leuco dye, 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine or leucomalachite green does not insolubilize from the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A conductor pattern is constructed to prevent corners from peeling and raising off a substrate. The conductor pattern has a spiral configuration and includes straight lines and corners connected to the straight lines. The bottom surface cross-sectional width of the conductor pattern is smaller than the top surface cross-sectional width thereof. Moreover, the bottom surface cross-sectional width of the corner is larger than the bottom surface cross-sectional width of the straight line.

Abstract: Negative-working, water-developable imageable elements, useful as printing plate precursors, and methods for their use, are disclosed. The elements can be imaged with ultraviolet radiation, with infrared radiation, or with heat. The elements contain an imageable composition that contains a latent Brönsted acid, a water-soluble or water-dispersible binder, and an acid-activated cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material comprising a support having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer, wherein the material is contained at least one complex selected from complexes having a compound represented by the following formula (I) as at least one of their respective ligands or complexes having a diketone compound as at least one of their respective ligands: wherein X represents an atom or atomic group bridging two pyridine rings, each of R1 to R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent group, and each of R1′ to R2′ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent group.

Abstract: A dehydrated composition is provided that includes freeze-dried platelets. The platelets are loaded with trehalose which preserves biological properties during freeze-drying and rehydration. The trehalose loading is conducted at a temperature of from greater than about 25° C. to less than about 40° C., most preferably at 37° C., with the loading solution having trehalose in an amount from about 10 mM to about 50 mM. These freeze-dried platelets are substantially shelf-stable and are rehydratable so as to have a normal response to an agonist, for example, thrombin, with virtually all of the platelets participating in clot formation within about three minutes at 37° C.

Abstract: Increased expression of Chk1 is associated with drug resistance of certain cells (e.g., cancer cells). The invention provides methods for identifying drug resistant cells by measuring the expression or activity of Chk1, methods for identifying modulators of drug resistance, and methods for modulating drug resistance by modulating the expression or activity of Chk1.

Abstract: Methods are described for measuring the activity of dual substrate enzymes and for identifying compounds that inhibit such enzymes. The disclosed methods use a capture resin to bind to a first substrate of the dual substrate enzyme and a separation step to remove unreacted radiolabeled second substrate and the amount of radiolabeled first substrate is then measured by scintillation counting.

Abstract: Test strips, and methods for their manufacture and use in the determination of the concentration of at least one analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject test strips have a plurality of reaction zones defined by a hydrophobic barrier. The reagent compositions present in each reaction zone may be the same or different. In addition, each reaction zone may have a separate fluid channel, or two or more of the reaction zones may have separate channels that merge into a single channel. In use, sample is applied to a subject test strip, a signal is detected and then related to the amount of analyte in the sample. Also provided are methods for manufacturing the subject test strips using thermal transfer technology to apply the hydrophobic barrier. Finally, kits are provided for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Convenient methods for judging mouth odor with the use of an artificial mouth odor prepared by a convenient method which load any burdens neither on the operator nor on the subjects. Saliva collected immediately after wake-up is cultured under anaerobic conditions and head space components of the thus cultured saliva are analyzed, or anaerobic bacteria contained in the collected saliva are counted.

Abstract: Described herein is an ELISA based assay for the detection of HCV infection. This new assay can detect HCV infection earlier than the currently used assays for the screening of blood for HCV infection by using a combination of HCV antigens and anti-core antibodies to capture HCV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating a gene library from an environmental pool of organisms, which gene library is enriched in DNA encoding a polypeptide with an activity of interest. Also, the invention provides a method of selecting a DNA sequence of interest from an environmental pool of organisms. Further, the invention relates to a gene library prepared from an enriched environmental pool of organisms enriched in DNA encoding a polypeptide with an activity of interest.

Abstract: A method for the identification of the presence of E. coli, and Enterococcus faecalis and/or Enterococcus faecium in liquid or liquified samples. The method employs novel oligonucleotide primers based on sequences of the E. coli LamB gene and the Enterococcus faecalis/faecium transposase gene Tn1546. The method involves enrichment of the liquid or liquified sample, preferably using a selective medium, obtaining DNA from bacteria in the sample, and PCR amplification of the DNA using the novel oligonucleotide primers. Kits with the primers are also contemplated.

Abstract: An oncogene designated PAX8-PPAR&ggr;1 contains a PAX8 coding region fused to PPAR&ggr; coding region. Molecular characterization of PAX8-PPAR&ggr;1 molecules provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences useful for detection and treatment of certain tumors, particularly thyroid follicular carcinomas.

Abstract: A method for amplifying a target DNA sequence, said method comprising amplifying said sequence in the presence of: a) a nucleic acid polymerase; b) at least one primer capable of hybridising to said target polynucleotide; c) an internal control sequence to which said primer is capable of hybridising and which is of similar length to the target DNA sequence but with a different percentage GC content; and d) label means for detecting the hybridisation of nucleic acids in the reaction; and detecting the hybridisation of the target and control sequences at different temperatures.

Abstract: Method for detecting the presence of at least one single allele of a deletion mutant, specially as PCR assay for detecting the presence of at least one GST1*0 allele wherein a PCR is performed with two primers, of which one stems from the sequence upstream of the deletion area, and the other stems from the sequence downstream of the deletion area and wherein the production of the corresponding DNA fragment in the PCR is checked. Useful for testing of patients to check whether they are susceptible to toxins or resistant or overly sensitive to certain therapeutic agents or belonging to risk groups.

Abstract: Methods of end-labeling ribonucleic acids with non-radioactively labeled ribonucleotides, and particularly fluorescently labeled ribonucleotides, are provided. In the subject methods, a ribonucleic acid is contacted with a non-radioactively labeled ribonucleotide in the presence of a prokaryotic, usually bacterial, poly(A) polymerase under conditions sufficient for covalent bonding of the labeled ribonucleotide to the 3′ end of the ribonucleic acid to occur. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject method. The subject methods and kits find use in a variety of applications where labeling of the 3′ end of a ribonucleic acid with a non-radioactive label, particularly a fluorescent label, is desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separation of a particulate matrix from a solution while reducing loss of particles during separation steps. Methods are also disclosed for isolation of molecules of interest using affinity particles or beads, wherein at least one step of the isolation is conducted in the presence of a detergent. The presence of detergent reduces the loss of matrix particles and enhances reproducibility and yield of the molecule of interest. The invention makes possible the manual and automated processing of affinity beads, especially magnetic beads, in multi-well as well as single-well vessels with significantly reduced bead loss, as compared with similar processes conducted in the absence of detergent.

Abstract: The ICP4 protein of herpes simplex virus plays an important role in the transactivation of viral genes. The present invention discloses that ICP4 also has the ability to inhibit apoptosis. This function appears to reside in functional domain distinct from the transactivating function, as indicated by studies using temperature sensitive mutants of ICP4 that transactivating function at elevated temperatures. Also disclosed are methods for inhibition of apoptosis using ICP4 or an ICP4 encoding gene, such as an &agr;4 gene, methods of inhibiting ICP4's apoptosis-inhibiting function, and methods for the production of recombinant proteins and treatment of HSV infections.

Abstract: A genetic package display system and methodology for probing protein-protein interactions that lead to cell transduction, selecting and/or identifying internalizing ligands, target cells and tissues which internalize known or putative ligands, and cell transduction facilitating peptides is provided. A ligand displaying genetic package that carries a selectable marker (e.g., reporter, selection, etc.) and presents a ligand on its surface is utilized to identify internalizing ligands, tranduction facilitating peptides, and/or a variety of cells and tissue types for the ability to be successfully transduced by the ligand displaying genetic package. Also provided are methods for evolving a ligand displaying package to facilitate gene delivery or delivery of any desired agent (e.g., pharmaceutical, polypeptide, peptide, etc.) into a cell and/or targeting cellular compartments such as the nucleus, endosome, chloroplast, mitochondria, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sequencing all or part of a target nucleic acid molecule by determining the sequence of a portion of said nucleic acid molecule in addition to information regarding the position of said portion and in particular provides a new method of sequencing involving the magnification of one or more bases of said bases to aid identification.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel methods and compositions useful for directly and rapidly analyzing the biochemical components of microorganisms. The compositions and methods of the present invention obviate the need for extracting and purifying the biochemicals prior to analysis.

Abstract: Polyamides comprising at least one hydrophilic C1-C10 hydrocarbyl substituent on an amide nitrogen atom, and methods for producing and using the same is provided. In particular, polyamides of the formula: and methods for using the same for altering the ratio of charge/translational frictional drag of binding polymers to allow electrophoretic separation of polynucleotides or analogs thereof in a non-sieving liquid medium is provided, where a, q, L1, P1, Q1, R, R1, R10 and R11 are those described herein.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuously monitoring for the presence or quantity of an analyte in a flowing liquid stream. The method involves binding an analyte-specific receptor species to the surface of a piezoelectric substrate, contacting the surface bound receptor species with the flowing liquid stream and quantitating the presence of the analyte. A novel apparatus for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid chromatography eluant is provided as well.

Abstract: Weak binding motifs were transformed into a high affinity ligand surface by using a heterologous self-assembled monolayer (SAM) as a rigid scaffold to present discrete binding moieties, in a controlled geometry, to a target molecule. At a critical ligand density, the discrete binding moieties simulated a multivalent ligand and promoted high-affinity, cooperative binding of the target molecule. Statistical calculations were applied to SAM components in solution and gold-sulfur packing dimensions to extract the inter-ligand-distance within the SAM. This distance information is valuable to the rational design of multivalent drugs.

Abstract: An isolated chemokine is disclosed. The isolated chemokine is expressed preferentially in breast tissue or can be detected in breast milk. It includes from about 100 to about 132 amino acids, has a deduced molecular weight of from about 10 to about 16 kDa, and has a deduced isoionic point of from about pH 10.1 to about pH 10.7. Antibodies and binding portions thereof recognizing the subject chemokine and peptides which include the antigenic portions of the subject chemokines are described. DNA molecules which encode the subject chemokines as well as nucleic acid molecules which, under stringent conditions, hybridize to nucleic acid molecules encoding the subject chemokines or to a complement thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polypeptides are expressed by the pituitary-tumor-transforming-gene (PTTG), formerly known as pituitary-tumor-specific-gene (PTSG), and nucleic acids encode them. Examples are the human and rat PTTG proteins. The nucleic acids may be applied to the production of a recombinant protein, and to the detection of the presence of PTTG genes in different species. The nucleic acids may be operatively linked to a vector, optionally provided with control and expression sequences and/or being carried by a host cell. The nucleic acids may also be delivered to a mammal to compensate for the absence, or a defective expression, of endogenous protein. The nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies are also employed in diagnostic assays, as well as, for example, in the production of anti-PTTG antibodies (protein), therapeutic compositions and other applications of the proteins and antibodies. Various kits utilize nucleic acids, polypeptides, and/or antibodies. A transgenic non-human mammal expresses PTTG.

Abstract: Novel chemokines from mammals, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding said chemokines. Chemokine receptors are also provided. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: A gene hucep-8 coding for a novel protein HUCEP-8 having sugar-transporting activity can be obtained by cloning from a cDNA library derived from human cerebral cortex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein having a Na+—HCO3− cotransporter activity and a DNA encoding it. The present protein and the present DNA can be used as or for [1] obtaining an antibody and antiserum, [2] constructing an expression system for the present protein, [3] development of a system for measuring the activity of a Na+—HCO3− cotransporter and screening of a drug candidate compound using the same expression system, [4] performing drug design based on the steric structure of a Na+—HCO3− cotransporter protein, [5] a reagent for making a probe or a PCR primer in gene diagnosis, [6] making a transgenic animal, or [7] a composition for gene prevention and/or treatment.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, the present invention is directed to a novel system for monitoring cell movement in response to chemotactic and chemokinetic factors. In this system, cells migrate in an under-agarose environment and their position is monitored using a system capable of measuring changes in impedance and other electrical parameters of the system at a target electrode lithographed onto a substrate as the cells arrive at the target. With the disclosed system, the time of arrival of cells at the target electrode is proportional to the dose of the chemoattractant species used to stimulate the cells and can be assessed by changes in resistance at the electrode. The system is readily able to distinguish between wild-type cells and mutants that are deficient in their chemotactic response. In addition, agents that interfere with chemotactic motility can be shown to lead to delayed arrival of cells at the target electrode.