Abstract: A positive-working imageable element comprises inner and outer layers and a radiation absorbing compound such as an IR absorbing dye. The inner layer includes a polymeric material that is removable using an alkaline developer. An ink receptive outer layer is not removable using an alkaline developer before its exposure to imaging radiation. The outer layer includes a polymer binder having pendant epoxy groups that are substantially unreacted during exposure.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving layer to layer overlay of a second layer pattern on a first layer pattern formed in a substrate. A plurality of first reference marks is placed inside a pattern area on a first layer mask which is used to form the first layer pattern. A plurality of second reference marks is placed on a second layer mask which is used to form the second layer pattern and in which one second reference mark is matched with a first reference mark having the same (x,y) coordinates. Reference mark placement in the resulting first and second layer patterns is determined by metrology to determine an x-deviation and a y-deviation for each matched pair of reference marks. A correction algorithm is then used to calculate adjustments in exposure tool settings for improved overlay of the second layer pattern on the first layer pattern in subsequent exposures.

Abstract: To provide an exposure method and an exposure apparatus, using a complementary divided mask, designed to enable alignment of a complementary divided mask at a high precision over the entire region of a semiconductor wafer. Further, to provide a semiconductor device fabricated by the exposure method and a method of producing a semiconductor device using the exposure method.

Abstract: A two dimensional vernier is provided along with a method of fabrication. The two dimensional vernier has a reference array patterned into a substrate, or a material overlying the substrate. An active array is patterned into photoresist overlying the substrate or the material. Both the reference array and the active array each comprise a two dimensional array of shapes. A difference between a combination of size or spacing of the shapes in each array determines vernier resolution. Vernier range is determined by a combination of vernier resolution and an integer related to a total number of shapes along a given axis. The two dimensional vernier allows an operator to readily measure the misalignment of a pattern to be processed relative to a previous pattern in two dimensions using a microscope. The two dimensional vernier reduces, or eliminates, repositioning of the microscope to determine both x-axis misalignment and y-axis misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing and using a calibrated registration reference wafer in a semiconductor manufacturing facility. A reference reticle consisting of a 2-dimensional array of standard alignment attributes is exposed several times onto a photoresist coated semiconductor wafer using a photolithographic exposure tool. After the final steps of the lithographic development process the resist patterned wafer is physically etched using standard techniques to create a permanent record of the alignment attribute exposure pattern. The permanently recorded alignment attributes are measured for placement error using a conventional overlay metrology tool. The resulting overlay error data is used to generate a calibration file that contains the positions of the alignment attributes on the reference wafer. The reference wafer and calibration file can be used to determine the wafer stage registration performance for any photolithographic exposure tool.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor in which at least a photosensitive layer is provided above an electroconductive substrate, the outermost surface layer of the electroconductive substrate contains at least an inorganic filler, a binder resin, and an aliphatic polyester, or, alternatively, the outermost surface layer of the electroconductive substrate contains at least an inorganic filler and a binder resin and the binder resin is a copolymer polyarylate having an alkylene-arylcarboxylate structural unit, also an image forming method, image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus processing unit in which the electrophotographic photoreceptor is used.

Abstract: An electrophotographic apparatus adopts a contact development system as a development system, which hardly causes toner fusion, and which hardly causes fogging in an output image; and a process cartridge is detachably attached to a main body of the electrophotographic apparatus. Specifically, provided are: an electrophotographic apparatus equipped with an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a surface layer containing a diorganopolysiloxane having a specific repeating structural unit; and a process cartridge that is detachably attached to a main body of the electrophotographic apparatus.

Abstract: In a magnetic toner having toner particles containing at least a binder resin and a magnetic material, the binder resin is chiefly composed of a resin having a polyester unit synthesized using as a catalyst a tin compound represented by the following Formula (1), and the magnetic material has a number-average particle diameter of form 0.1 ?m to 0.3 ?m: (RCOO)2Sn??Formula (1) wherein R represents an alkyl group having 5 to 15 carbon atoms. This magnetic toner can attain a stable image density without dependence on environment and enables formation of high-grade images over a long period of time without causing scratches of latent image bearing members.

Abstract: A toner including particles of a resin, an optional colorant, and a crystalline wax, where the crystalline wax is selected from aliphatic polar amide functionalized waxes, carboxylic acid-terminated polyethylene waxes, aliphatic waxes consisting of esters of hydroxylated unsaturated fatty acids, high acid waxes, and mixtures thereof, is prepared by an emulsion aggregation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming method including: a charging step; an electrostatic latent image forming step; a developing step; a transfer step; a fixing step; and a cleaning step, wherein an electrostatic latent image developing agent comprises a toner and a carrier, wherein particles which have a volume resistivity of at least 1×1014 ?cm and an average primary particle diameter of 50 nm or less has a higher covering ratio than other particles on the toner particle surfaces, a shape factor SF1 of the toner is in the range of from 100 to 140, the carrier is a resin coated carrier, and at least a coating resin layer comprises a positively charging resin and a quaternary ammonium salt compound.

Abstract: A toner includes toner particles and an inorganic fine powder mixed with the toner particles. The toner particles contain a binder resin, a coloring agent, a releasing agent, and a sulfur-containing resin. The toner particles contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, barium, zinc, aluminum, and phosphorus and satisfy the relationship: 4?T/S?30 wherein T represents the total content of the element in ppm, and S represents the content of sulfur in ppm. The weight-average particle diameter (D4) of the toner is in the range of 3 to 10 ?m. The average circularity of the toner is within the range of 0.950 to 0.995.

Abstract: A magenta dye combination having improved lightfastness and keeping properties is described, wherein the magenta dye combination can be used in thermal printing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for forming images in positive- or negative-tone chemically amplified photoresists. The methods of the present invention rely on the vertical up-diffusion of photoacid generated by patternwise imaging of an underlayer disposed on a substrate and overcoated with a polymer containing acid labile functionality. In accordance with the present invention, the vertical up-diffusion can be the sole mechanism for imaging formation or the methods of the present invention can be used in conjunction with conventional imaging processes.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition of the present invention comprises (A) a resin having a repeating unit represented by formula (IA) and a repeating unit containing an acid decomposable group and copolymerizable with formula (IA), which is decomposed under the action of an acid to increase the solubility in an alkali developer, (B1) a compound capable of generating an aliphatic or aromatic sulfonic acid substituted by at least one fluorine atom upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, (B2) a compound capable of generating an aliphatic or aromatic sulfonic acid containing no fluorine atom, or an aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, and (C) a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming material having, on a substrate, an image forming layer that includes at least (A) a novolac type phenolic resin containing phenol as a structural unit, (B) a photo-thermal converting agent, and (C) a specific ammonium compound or a specific onium salt.

Abstract: Disclosed are a light absorbent agent polymer for organic anti-reflective coating which can prevent diffused light reflection of bottom film layer or substrate and reduce standing waves caused by variation of thickness of the photoresist itself, thereby, increasing uniformity of the photoresist pattern, in a process for forming ultra-fine patterns of photoresist for photolithography by using 193 nm ArF among processes for manufacturing semiconductor device, and its preparation method. Also, the present invention discloses an organic anti-reflective coating composition comprising the light absorbent agent polymer for the organic anti-reflective coating and a pattern formation process using the coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sulfonium salt of the formula (Ia) a polymeric compound comprising a structural unit of the formula (Ib) and a chemical amplification type positive resist composition comprising (A) an acid generator comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a sulfonium salt of the formula (Ia), a polymeric compound comprising a structural unit of the formula (Ib), and a sulfonium salt of the formula (Ic); and (B) resin which contains a structural unit having an acid labile group and which itself is insoluble or poorly soluble in an alkali aqueous solution but becomes soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid.

Abstract: A scintillating structure for aligning an electron or ion beam using a detector while exposing a wafer, which may be a wafer or mask, is described. The structure is formed by a resist including a polymer with carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, and an acid-sensitive group, for instance tert.-butylester; a photoreactive compound which releases an acid upon irradiation with UV light, electrons, or ions; a solvent; and at least one scintillating substance such as anthracene, naphthaline and/or 1,4-bis-(5-phenyl-2-oxazolyl)-benzol. After a developing and silylating step, the cross-linked structure is inert with respect to solvents of additional resists that are applied over the structure. The scintillating structure is thus not dissolved, which improves the quality of online controlled electron or ion beam writing.

Abstract: A method for increasing etching selectivity of a developed silicon-containing photoresist layer on a non-silicon containing photoresist layer on a substrate. The developed silicon-containing photoresist layer includes polymer chains containing silicon. Next, the developed silicon-containing photoresist layer and uncovered portions of the non-silicon containing photoresist layer are exposed to an ultraviolet (UV) light, where the UV light emanates from a UV generating agent, such as neon, xenon, helium, hydrogen, or krypton gas in an inert gas (e.g., argon, etc.) plasma. A top portion of the developed silicon-containing photoresist layer is then converted to a hardened layer, where the hardened layer is created by cross-linking the polymer chains containing silicon and the cross-linking is activated by the UV light. Next, an etch is performed on the uncovered portions of the non-silicon containing photoresist layer and the substrate using the hardened layer.

Abstract: A protective, biocompatible coating or encapsulation material protects and insulates a component or device intended to be implanted in living tissue. The coating or encapsulation material comprises a thin layer or layers of alumina, zerconia, or other ceramic, less than 25 microns thick, e.g., 5–10 microns thick. The alumina layer(s) may be applied at relatively low temperature. Once applied, the layer provides excellent hermeticity, and prevents electrical leakage. Even though very thin, the alumina layer retains excellent insulating characteristics. In one embodiment, an alumina layer less than about 6 microns thick provides an insulative coating that exhibits less than 10 pA of leakage current over an area 75 mils by 25 mils area while soaking in a saline solution at temperatures up to 80° C. over a three month period.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an array of focusing elements for use in a lithography system. In accordance with an embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a master element that includes at least one diffractive pattern at a first location with respect to a target surface, illuminating the master element to produce a first diffractive pattern on the target surface at the first location, moving the master element with respect to the target surface to a second location with respect to the target surface, and illuminating the master element to produce a second diffractive pattern on the target surface at the second location.

Abstract: A bundle for simultaneous refilling of chemicals for processing color photography silver halide materials in an automatic processing apparatus, wherein the bundle comprises at least one bottle with the refilling solution for a color developer and at least two bottles with refilling solutions for a bleach-fixing bath, characterized in that the bottle with the refilling solution for the color developer comprises more than 60 g of color developer substance per 1 L of bottle volume, is distinguished in that the capacity of the bundle is increased.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a paper support for photographic printing paper having a topside and a backside, at least said topside being provided with a pigmented coating based on clay and/or other pigment, said coating having a clay content of less than 3.3 g/m2, which topside of the pigmented coating has an average surface roughness RA of 1.0 ?m or less, and is provided with at least one pigmented polymer resin layer.

Abstract: This invention describes unique patterns of distribution of ganglioside GM1 in non-capacitated sperm and demonstrates that the pattern of distribution of GM1 undergoes changes that can be correlated with the process of capacitation and/or with acrosomal exocytosis. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a method for determining the ability of sperm to respond to capacitation and/or acrosomal exocytosis stimuli. The method comprises determination of distribution pattern for GM1. The method can be used for both diagnostic and predictive purposes when assessing male reproductive fitness, and can also be used to assess the effects on sperm of cryoprotective agents and protocols, and contraceptive agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide in substantially isolated form which includes a contiguous sequence of nucleotides which is capable of selectively hybridizing to SEQ ID NO: 1 or the complement of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a polypeptide in substantially isolated form which includes: (a) the protein in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) an allelic variant or species homologue thereof; or (c) a protein at least 70% homologous to (a); or (d) a fragment of any one of (a) to (c) capable of forming a complex with the E2 F-1 protein or related family member; or (e) a fragment of any one of (a) to (c) of at least 15 amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of self-assembled monolayers with mixtures of conductive oligomers and insulators to detect target analytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, and prognosticating lung cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of a mass-spectrometric analysis of known mutation sites in the genome, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), using the method of restricted primer extension. The invention consists of the use of primers with a photocleavable linker. The linker creates a gap in a DNA strand which is almost the same size as a natural DNA building block (nucleoside). The linker forms a bridge over a base pair without inhibiting hybridization or enzymatic extension. However, the linker allows the primers to be cleaved after extension in order to obtain short DNA fragments which can be more easily detected on the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for assessing tumor cell growth in a patient for the diagnosis, monitoring and/or staging of tumor development. The method include the identification of reduced cdk6 expression or biological activity as an indicator of increased cell growth in a cell sample. The methods further include the identification of compounds which regulate cdk6 and the use of such compounds in a method for the regulation of inappropriate cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides for transposon vectors encoding expression control region-traps and gene-traps. Also provided are dicistronic vectors. Certain embodiments of the invention contain internal ribosome entry sites.

Abstract: SCCA1 and SCCA2 genes, whose expression were greatly changed in a plurality of cells by stimulating respiratory tract epithelial cells with IL-4 or IL-13, were obtained as allergy related genes. Furthermore, elevation of blood level of expression products of these genes accompanying bronchial asthmatic attack was elucidated. This invention provides a method of testing for bronchial asthmatic attack that uses as indicators, expression levels of these genes in biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention involves an assay system and method of selecting compounds useful in the treatment of bladder instability and related bladder conditions through the activation of KCNQ potassium channels in the bladder smooth muscle.

Abstract: The invention provides a plurality of peptides (and immunologically functional variants thereof) which are immunogenic epitopes recognized by CD8+ class I MHC restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocytes of patients harboring latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. The peptides are capable of activating CTLs and CTLps in the absence of active viral replication, and thus are useful for eliciting a cellular immune response against HCMV by normal and immunodeficient subjects. Peptide and lipopeptide vaccines, with and without adjuvants, also are disclosed. Cellular vaccines comprising the peptides form a further embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of medicine and may be used for producing a specific antiserum as well as for carrying out immunological diagnoses of malignant tumours. This method for producing an antiserum involves sampling an embryo at the foetal stage from animals of a same genetic type so as to obtain a cell suspension. After immunization, this method involves sampling spleen cells from the animal, separating lymphocytes and immunizing the animal of the same genetic line using the lymphocyte suspension. An antiserum is then obtained and cells originating from healthy organs of the same animals are added to the antiserum. The mixture is finally decanted and the liquid located above the sediments is filtered. In order to carry out a diagnosis, the filtrate is added to the subject's blood and the results are obtained by immuno-fluorescence, by blood tests or using other methods of immunological diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and cassettes for cell-based toxin detection and organ localization. The cassettes includes an array containing cells and a matrix of openings or depressions, wherein each region of the substrate enclosed by the opening or depression in the matrix forms a domain individually addressable by microfluidic channels in the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to Bt toxin resistance management. The invention particularly relates to the isolation and characterization of nucleic acid and polypeptides for a novel Bt toxin receptor. The nucleic acid and polypeptides are useful in identifying and designing novel Bt toxin receptor ligands including novel insecticidal toxins.

Abstract: In a pretreatment instrument and a pretreatment method of saliva, used for identification and quantitation of Streptococcus mutans in saliva by the immunochromatographic method utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, the instrument includes a swab and a mixing container for saliva and a treatment liquid, the swab having a stick and a soft synthetic resin-made sponge capable of absorbing a predetermined amount or more of saliva, and the mixing container being made of a transparent or translucent soft synthetic resin and comprising a bag-like portion formed integrally with and continuously to a constricted portion as the end of a tapering introduction portion having an opening thoroughly larger than the sponge, wherein the constricted portion and the bag-like portion have elasticity such that the sponge can be squashed by a finger pressure in a state that the sponge is inserted therein; the constricted portion has a width such that a pressure can be applied by fingers and has a shape such that when the sponge i

Abstract: A biosensor method and apparatus for detecting and measuring nitrate. The biosensor is based on the fluorescence properties of a receptor molecule fragment. The biosensor apparatus contains the active-site fragment of the receptor molecule for detecting nitrate. Both the biosensor method and apparatus provide reversible and sensitive detection of nitrate in the form of a versatile method and device.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for detecting biomolecular interactions said method comprising: (a) selecting an appropriate reporter molecule selected from the group consisting of a protein, a fluorescent protein, a luminescent protein and a phosphorescent protein; (b) effecting fragmentation of said reporter molecule such that said fragmentation results in reversible loss of reporter function; (c) fusing or attaching fragments of said reporter molecule separately to other molecules; followed by (d) reassociation of said reporter fragments through interactions of the molecules that are fused to said fragments; and (e) detecting said biomolecular interactions by reconstitution of activity of the reporter molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting activation of ATM kinase, DNA damage, and DNA damaging agents. Further provided are antibodies which specifically recognize the phosphorylation state of Ataxia Telangiectasia-Mutated (ATM) kinase. Methods of identifying agents which modulate the activation and activity of ATM kinase are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 26443 and 46873 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel human hydrolase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 26443 and 46873 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 26443 and 46873 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 26443 and 46873 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-26443 or 46873 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding a variety of proteins having diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and other uses. These nucleic and proteins are useful for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of a number of human and other animal disorders. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods using compositions of the invention are also provided. The nucleic acids and polypeptides of the present invention are useful as modulating agents in regulating a variety of cellular processes.

Abstract: Novel PYRIN-2, PYRIN-3, PYRIN-5, PYRIN-6, PYRIN-7, PYRIN-8, PYRIN-10, and PYRIN-11 polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated PYRIN-2, PYRIN-3, PYRIN-5, PYRIN-6, PYRIN-7, PYRIN-8, PYRIN-10, and PYRIN-11 proteins, the invention further provides PYRIN-2, PYRIN-3, PYRIN-5, PYRIN-6, PYRIN-7, PYRIN-8, PYRIN-10, and PYRIN-11 fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PYRIN-2, -PYRIN-3, -PYRIN-5, -PYRIN-6, -PYRIN-7, -PYRIN-8, -PYRIN-10, and -PYRIN-11 antibodies. The invention also provides PYRIN-2, PYRIN-3, PYRIN-5, PYRIN-6, PYRIN-7, PYRIN-8, PYRIN-10, and PYRIN-11 nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals in which a PYRIN-2, PYRIN-3, PYRIN-5, PYRIN-6, PYRIN-7, PYRIN-8, PYRIN-10, or PYRIN-11 gene has been introduced or disrupted.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having antibacterial activity, which nucleic acid sequence has the nucleotide sequence of Bases 198 to 452 of Seq. ID No. 13 or is a nucleic acid that hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a complement of a nucleic acid having the nucleotide sequence of Bases 198 to 452 of Seq. ID No. 13, and the polypeptide encoded thereby.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding erythropoietin isoforms are described herein, as well as the encoded isoforms, methods of detecting the same, and methods of screening for and treating cancer.

Abstract: The subject invention provides new fluorescent and/or colored proteins, and polynucleotide sequences that encode these proteins. The subject invention further provides materials and methods useful for expressing these detectable proteins in biological systems.

Abstract: Animal product free (APF) media and processes for the culture and fermentation of botulinum toxin producing Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The botulinum toxin obtained can be used for formulating and compounding botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The APF media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products and use non-animal based products instead of the animal-derived products. Preferably, the APF media used are substantially free or free of animal derived products.

Abstract: A nucleic acid encoding a protein which has an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, 12, or 14, or the amino acid sequence modified by addition or deletion of one or more amino acids and/or substitution by other amino acids, and which has activity to transfer a glycosyl group to the 3?-position of anthocyanins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes for detecting the genus Pectinatus frisingensis or Pectinatus cerevisiiphilus of the genus Pectinatus, which is known as beer-spoilage bacteria, and a method for detecting the bacteria by 5 using the genes. The present invention provides gene sequences of spacer regions between 16S rRNA genes and 23S rRNA genes specific for the genus Pectinatus relating to beer-spoilage and a method for quickly and sensitively detecting the bacteria by using the sequences.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA vectors and methods for cloning and expressing nucleic acid molecules by using a combination of site-specific recombination and end-to-end joining or linking of nucleic acid molecules, such as endonuclease restriction digestion and ligation. The DNAs, vectors and methods can be used for inserting, exchanging, transferring a variety of DNA segment(s) both in vitro and in vivo. Also disclosed are linker molecules and methods using these linkers the can be used for cloning a gene of interest into an expression vector in one-step. The linker sequences comprise adapter sequences for cloning purposes, as well as eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosome binding sites for increase translation efficiency.