Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell is manufactured by preparing a raw material powder, uniformly mixing the prepared raw material to be formed into a slurry, and charging the raw material powder derived from granulation into a metal mold for heat press forming. The raw material is obtained by adding to carbon powder a binder containing a mixture of phenolic resin and epoxy resin. Therefore the heat press forming step does not cause the binder to generate gas, thus allowing manufacturing of a separator exhibiting sufficient gas-impermeability.

Abstract: A battery system for an automotive vehicle includes a battery case having a number of battery cells housed within the case. Coolant passages extend about the battery cells, and a coolant pump or driver circulates coolant from the coolant supply through the passages so as to transfer heat from the battery cells to the coolant. A controller periodically reverses the direction of flow through the coolant passages so as to minimize the differential temperature arising between various cells of the battery stack.

Abstract: A sealed battery (100) includes a power generation element (120), a battery case (110), and an external positive terminal (150) fixed to a first case wall (110a). Case side faces (110c, 110d) serve as external negative electrode portions providing an electrical connection to a negative electrode of the power generation element (120). The external positive terminal (150) has extended joint portions (155) extending in a direction perpendicular to the first case wall (110a). The extended joint portions (155) are laid to overlap from outside with and connected to the external negative electrode portions when the external positive terminal (150) of the sealed battery (100) is brought into contact with a second case wall (110b) of another sealed battery (100).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alkaline dry cell with a high capacity having a superior liquid leak resistant property. In this alkaline dry cell, the thickness of the trunk portion of an external can is made thinner than 0.18 mm, and the thickness of the sealing edge portion of the external can is set to not less than 1.4 times the thickness of trunk portion. An anode terminal plate is used as a supporting member for a sealing member. Over the entire outer circumferential portion of the anode terminal plate is placed a curved portion having an average curvature radius of not more than 1 mm, which shows a virtually C-letter shape or an arc shape in its cross-section obtained by cutting the anode terminal plate through its center in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A lithium battery includes an electrolyte comprised of a non-aqueous solvent, and a salt mixture. The salt mixture includes an alkali metal electrolyte salt and an additive salt having an anion of a mixed anhydride of oxalic acid and boric acid. Specific additive salts include lithium bis(oxalato) borate and lithium oxalyldifluoroborate. Particular electrolyte salts comprise LiPF6 and LiBF4. The additive salt is present in an amount of 0.1–60 mole percent of the total of the additive salt and electrolyte salt content of the electrolyte. Also disclosed is a method for enhancing the performance characteristics of a lithium battery through the use of the electrolyte composition. Also disclosed is the compound lithium oxalyldifluoroborate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alkaline rechargeable battery for storing electrical energy having a positive electrode which, as the substrate material, has a nickel foam strip, a nickel strip or nickel-plated perforated or unperforated steel strip and a pasty active material, which is composed mainly of nickel hydroxide and contains particles of cobalt hydroxide, cobalt monoxide as well as a plastic binding agent, a negative electrode and a separator which is arranged between the electrodes, in a closed housing. As the conductive agent, the positive active material contains 9 to 20% by weight of a graphite mixture, which is composed of more that 70% of fibrous graphite with a fiber length of 10 to 35 ?m and a fiber diameter of 3 to 8 ?m, and, in addition to this, spherical graphite with a particle diameter d50 of 3 to 8 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising: a cathode including a positive active material; an negative including a negative active material and a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein assuming that the first charging capacity of the positive active material per gram is Cc [mAh/g], the weight of the positive active material is Cw [g], the first charging capacity of the negative active material per gram is Ac [mAh/g], the first discharging capacity is Ad [mAh/g] and the weight of the negative active material is Aw [g], the value of X [%] represented by a formula 16 is located within a range expressed by 20?X?50. ( Ac - Ad ) × Aw Cc × Cw × 100 = X ( formula ? ? 16 ) Thus, the deterioration of a capacity due to charging and discharging cycles is suppressed.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided with a positive electrode including a positive-electrode active material, a negative electrode including a negative-electrode active material, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. The negative electrode further includes carbon fibers and carbon flakes. The synergistic effects of the improved retention of the electrolyte solution by the carbon fibers and the improved conductivity between the active material particles by the carbon flakes facilitate doping/undoping of lithium in a high-load current mode and increase the capacity of the battery in the high-load current mode.

Abstract: Computer-based design and verification tools provide integrated circuit layouts for use in chromeless phase lithography. A phase-mask design tool assigns feature size descriptors to circuit layout features, and mask features are configured using the feature size descriptors. Feature size descriptors can be assigned based on feature size ranges established based on a mask error function, feature dimensions with respect to a lithographic system resolution limit, or selected properties of aerial image intensity as a function of feature size. Circuit layout features are assigned mask features that include twin phase steps. In addition, circuit layout features associated with selected feature descriptors are assigned sub-resolution assist mask pattern portions or other mask pattern portions based on optical and process corrections.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for solving the problem of surface damage due to gallium ion irradiation that poses a problem when carrying out mask repair using currently established FIB techniques, and the problem of residual gallium, and to provide a device realizing this method. The device of the present invention has an electron beam lens barrel that can carry out processing, as well as an FIB lens barrel, provided inside the same sample chamber, which means that a mask repair method of the present invention, in correction processing to remove redundant sections such as a mask opaque defect, phase shift film bump defect or a glass substrate cut remnant defect, comprises a step of coarse correction by etching using a focused ion beam and a step of finishing processing using an electron beam, to remove surface damage due to gallium irradiation, and residual gallium.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide for a novel photomask for patterning features for an integrated circuit, the photomask including masked features having interior nonprinting windows. In some embodiments, the interior nonprinting window is an alternating phase shifter, while the area surrounding the masked features transmits light unshifted. In other embodiments, the interior nonprinting window transmits light unshifted, while the area surrounding the masked features is an alternating phase shifter. Thus any arrangement of features can be patterned with no phase conflict.

Abstract: A phase shift mask is arranged before a laser device through a beam expander, a homogenizer and a mirror, and a processed substrate is set on an opposed surface of the phase shift mask with an image forming optical system therebetween. The processed substrate is held at a predetermined position by using a substrate chuck such as a vacuum chuck or an electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a color filter array plate is described. A substrate is first provided, and a black matrix is formed on the substrate to define several sub-pixel areas. A hydrophobic layer is then pasted on the black matrix, wherein the hydrophobic layer is made of materials including an ester compound having a chemical formula of: Then, an ink-jet printing process is performed where at least one type of color ink is injected into the sub-pixel areas between patterns of the black matrix. A thermal baking process is subsequently carried out to solidify the color ink for forming color film patterns.

Abstract: A composition for an overcoat layer suitable for use in an organophotoreceptor for liquid toner, an organophotoreceptor manufactured by employing the composition and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus containing the organophotoreceptor. Since the organophotoreceptor can maintain higher charge potential and low residual or discharge potential, the lifetime of the organophotoreceptor can be extended. Also, since the organophotoreceptor has good solvent resistance and abrasion resistance, it can be advantageously used for liquid toner.

Abstract: A toner for electrophotography contains a binder resin, a colorant and a releasing agent and has a viscosity, a storage modulus (G?) and a loss modulus (G?), in which the viscosity is 1×103 Pa·s or more and a loss tangent (tan ?) as the ratio of G? to G? is 0.4 or more at temperatures from 140° C. to 170° C.

Abstract: Of developing agents each having a binder containing a polyester resin having an acidic value, wax having a softening point higher than that of the binder, and wax having a softening point lower than that of the binder, the acidic value of a black developing agent is made higher than that of a color developing agent.

Abstract: A carrier including a manganese ferrite core material having a layer on its surface such that 0.1?K?30, where K=(S/M)×100, S and M represent the standard deviation and average of M2/(M1+M2), respectively, M ranging from 0.05 to 0.45, and M1 and M2 represent the content of iron and manganese, respectively, in a carrier particle. The carrier has a magnetization ranging from 45 to 75 emu/g at 1,000 Oe, a mass-averaged particle diameter, D4, ranging from 25 to 65 ?m and carrier particles having a particle diameter not greater than 12 ?m are included in an amount not greater than 0.3% by weight, and a ratio, D4/D1, ranging from 1 to 1.3, where D1 is a number-averaged particle diameter of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor comprising a substrate and a negative image recording layer provided on the substrate containing: a compound that generates a radical or an acid by light or heat; a polymerizable compound or a crosslinking compound; and an infrared ray absorbing agent, wherein a dynamic friction coefficient of the outermost surface of the planographic printing plate precursor, at the side of the negative image recording layer being provided toward an inserting paper inserted into between the planographic printing plate precursors when the planographic printing plate precursors are laminated, is within a range from 0.2 to 0.7, as well as a planographic printing plate precursor laminate comprising the pluralty of the planographic printing plate precursors and inserting paper.

Abstract: There is provided a positive resist composition which enables the formation of a fine resist pattern, enables the angle of the taper shape within that resist pattern to be controlled to a suitable angle, and enables the formation of a resist pattern with an excellent depth width of focus. This positive resist composition is formed from a chemically amplified positive resist composition in which the light transmittance of a resist film of thickness 0.3 ?m, relative to light of wavelength 248 nm, is within a range from 20 to 75%.

Abstract: Antireflective hardmask compositions and techniques for the use of antireflective hardmask compositions for processing of semiconductor devices are provided. In one aspect of the invention, an antireflective hardmask layer for lithography is provided. The antireflective hardmask layer comprises a carbosilane polymer backbone comprising at least one chromophore moiety and at least one transparent moiety; and a crosslinking component. In another aspect of the invention, a method for processing a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a material layer on a substrate; forming an antireflective hardmask layer over the material layer. The antireflective hardmask layer comprises a carbosilane polymer backbone comprising at least one chromophore moiety and at least one transparent moiety; and a crosslinking component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable element including a lithographic substrate and an imageable layer disposed on the substrate. The imageable layer includes a radically polymerizable component, an initiator system capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate a polymerization reaction upon exposure to imaging radiation, and a polymeric binder having a hydrophobic backbone and including both constitutional units having a pendant cyano group attached directly to the hydrophobic backbone, and constitutional units having a pendant group including a hydrophilic poly(alkylene oxide) segment. The invention also provides a method for preparing a suitable polymeric binder. The method comprises contacting a combination of co-monomers in a solvent mixture consisting essentially of a (C1–C6) alkanol and water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light sensitive composition comprising an addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer A), a photopolymerization initiator B), a polymer binder C), and a cation-polymerization compound D), wherein the photopolymerization initiator D) is an iron-arene complex.

Abstract: A black and white thermographic recording material comprising a thermosensitive element and a support, the thermosensitive element containing at least one substantially light-insensitive organic silver salt, a binder and optionally photosensitive silver halide, characterized in that the thermosensitive element further contains deliberately added metal nano-particles in a molar ratio with respect to the total molar concentration of the at least one substantially light-insensitive organic silver salt in the range of 0.05:1 to 10?6:1; and the use for the purpose of increasing the ratio of Dmax to the quantity of said substantially light-insensitive organic silver salts per unit area of the above-mentioned thermographic recording material.

Abstract: To alleviate the absolute value control accuracy of phases in a mask having a groove shifter structure, transfer regions formed at different planar positions on the same plane of the same mask are subjected to a multiple exposure by scanning exposure. Although identical mask patterns are formed over the transfer regions respective groove shifters provided to these mask patterns are arranged opposite from each other.

Abstract: A color developer solution is disclosed, comprising p-phenylenediamine type color developing agents, wherein 2% to 35% by weight of the p-phenylenediamine color developing agents is accounted for by a N-hydroxyalkyl-substituted p-phenylenediamine color developing agent, and the color developer solution further comprising a compound represented by the following formula (1) or (2):

Abstract: Disclosed is a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material having a layer containing a compound of the following formula and a fluorine compound, and has a gamma of 5.0 or more for the optical density range of 0.3 to 3.0: wherein R1 is alkyl or alkenyl, R2 are H, alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl or aryl, l1 is 1–10, m1 is 1–30, n1 is 0–4, a is 0 or 1, and Z1 is OSO3M or SO3M where M is cation.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material having high sensitivity and having a desired spectral sensitivity distribution. A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material comprising at least one multichromophore dye compound having at least two dye chromophores connected by covalent bonding or coordinate bonding, at least two of the dye chromophores forming a dye chromophore group and the light absorption of the dye chromophore group differing from the sum of individual light absorptions of respective dye chromophores constituting said dye chromophore group.

Abstract: A photothermographic material having, on at least one side of a support, an image forming layer including at least a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent, and a binder, wherein an outermost layer on at least one side of the support includes a polymer latex having a core/shell structure, in which a shell part contains a polymer having a monomer component represented by the following (M2): (M2) a monomer containing a fluorine atom and having an unsaturated bond which performs radical polymerization. A photothermographic material excellent in adhesion resistance during storage until use of the photothermographic material after production thereof and excellent in photographic properties is provided.

Abstract: It has been discovered that dysferlin is expressed in blood and that individuals who lack dysferlin in muscle also lack it in CD14(+) cells. Based on these discoveries, blood-based tests for dysferlin expression and uses of such tests are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-throughput systems and methods to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring activity signals of a biological sample comprising: a measurement chamber (A) storing a target liquid containing a biological sample; a porous insulating substrate (5) provided with a measurement electrode (1) on at least one side; and a conveying device (8) which conveys the target liquid stored in the measurement chamber (A) and passes the target liquid through the porous insulating substrate (5) from the measurement electrode (1) side, wherein the conveying device (8) is operated to trap the biological sample contained in the target liquid onto the measurement electrode (1), so that the activity signals of the biological sample are measured through the measurement electrode (1). According to the apparatus, activity signals emitted from the biological sample can be detected easily, rapidly and accurately.

Abstract: A method of detecting N-glycosylase activity in a sample involves incubating an oligodeoxyribonucleotide substrate containing a deoxyadenosine or deoxyuridine residue with the sample to be tested such that the N-glycosylase, if present, hydrolyzes the deoxyadenosine or deoxyuridine residue to result in an N-glycosylase product having an abasic site. A primer is annealed to the N-glycosylase product, and the primer is extended with a DNA polymerase, such as Taq DNA polymerase, that pauses at abasic sites. The resulting extension products are melted from the N-glycosylase product, allowed to form hairpins due to self-complementarity, and further extended in the presence of labeled precursors to result in labeled products. Extension products synthesized from undigested substrate as template do not result in labeled products. Thus, detection of labeled products results in detection of N-glycosylase activity.

Abstract: Agents that modulate an interaction of an FBL2 protein with an NS5A or NS5B Flaviviridae protein in a mixture are identified by contacting the mixture with a candidate agent under conditions wherein but for the presence of the agent, the FBL2 protein and the Flaviviridae protein engage in a reference interaction; and detecting an agent-biased interaction. Flaviviridae replication is inhibited by contacting a Flaviviridae-infected cell with an FBL2-specific reagent; and detecting a resultant Flaviviridae replication inhibition.

Abstract: A method for preparing probes, as well as several probes for use in qualitative or quantitative hybridization assays are disclosed. The method comprises constructing an oligonucleotide that is sufficiently complementary to hybridize to a region of rRNA selected to be unique to a non-viral organism or group of non-viral organisms sought to be detected, said region of rRNA being selected by comparing one or more variable region rRNA sequences of said non-viral organism or group of non-viral organisms with one or more variable region rRNA sequences from one or more non-viral organisms sought to be distinguished. Hybridization assay probes for Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella, Salmonella, Chlamydia trachomatis, Campylobacter, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus, Enterobacter cloacae, E. coli, Pseudomonas group I, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, bacteria, and fungi also are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: Biosensors and methods to determine the activity of any and all nucleic acid binding factors, proteins, cellular events, nucleic acid binding protein coregulators, or fragments thereof, based upon the stabilization of the interaction of two nucleic acid components, which together comprise a complete nucleic acid binding element, by the binding of a nucleic acid binding factor are provided. Preferably, a fluorescence donor is attached to a nucleic acid comprising one portion or component of a complete nucleic acid binding element and a fluorescence acceptor is attached to a nucleic acid comprising the other portion or component of the same complete binding element. Alternatively, a solid substrate is attached to a nucleic acid comprising one portion of a binding element and a detectable label is attached to a nucleic acid comprising the other portion of the same binding element.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating biologics within a hydrogel by using an aqueous solution of an isocyanate-functional hydrogel prepolymer which is mixed with an amount of biologics and an aqueous solution containing a dithiol crosslinking agent under physiological pH conditions. An additional bidentate crosslinking agent may be included. The product of such method may be a bioreactor or an assay device having a plurality or different biologics encapsulated at predetermined locations in a substrate.

Abstract: Differential expression of genes whose expression is different in the activated eosinophils of atopic dermatitis patients was measured by comparative analysis using a gene chip. As a result, the TR3 and TINUR genes, whose expression is significantly elevated in activated eosinophils, were successfully identified. The present inventors discovered that these genes can be used to test for allergic disease and to screen candidate compounds for therapeutic agents for allergic disease.

Abstract: Described herein is the identification of nucleotide sequences specific to Francisella tularensis that serves as a marker or signature for identification of this bacterium. In addition, forward and reverse primers and hybridization probes derived from these nucleotide sequences that are used in nucleotide detection methods to detect the presence of the bacterium are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for transfecting T cells with a nucleic acid molecule comprising a gene such that the gene is expressed in the T cells is described. The T cells are stimulated and proliferating prior to introduction of the nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: This invention relates to treatment of papillomavirus infections. Primarily there is provided a method of treatment of an existing papillomavirus (PV) infection which includes the step of administration of PV VLPs selected from the group consisting of PV L1 VLPs and PV L1/L2 VLPs to a patient suffering from the PV infection. Suitably the PV infection is characterised by the presence of epithelial lesions. The major infection which is treated are gential warts caused by HPV 6 and HPV 11.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating the axonal outgrowth of central nervous system neurons are provided. Methods for stimulating the axonal outgrowth of central nervous system neurons following an injury (e.g., stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, cerebral aneurism, spinal cord injury and the like) and methods for inhibiting the axonal outgrowth of central nervous system neurons in conditions such as epilepsy, e.g., posttraumatic epilepsy, and neuropathic pain syndrome, are also provided. These methods generally involve contacting the central nervous system neurons with a compound that modulates the activity of N-kinase, or analog thereof. The methods and compositions are particularly useful for modulating the axonal outgrowth of mammalian central nervous system neurons, such as mammalian cortical neurons or retinal ganglion cells. Pharmaceutical and packaged formulations that include the compounds of the invention that modulate the activity of N-kinase are also provided.

Abstract: An assay for the detection of haptoglobin (Hp) in milk using an Hp-specific antibody as a means to predict or detect mastitis or subclinical mastitis by way of Hp being an associated marker and/or to test the quality of milk, in, for example, dairy cattle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the detection of early renal disease in animals. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from an animal to be tested and (b) determining the amount of albumin in the sample. An amount of albumin in the range of from 10 ?g/ml to about 300 ?g/ml indicates the presence of early renal disease. The present invention also provides antibodies to canine, feline and equine albumin which can be used to detect the presence of early renal disease.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods for identifying a test subject who has or is at risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or an analogous disease associated with oxidation of DHA-containing lipids are provided. In one aspect, the methods comprise: assaying for the presence of elevated levels of 2-(?-carboxyethyl) pyrrole (CEP) adducts in a bodily fluid which has been obtained from the test subject. In a preferred embodiment, such methods comprise providing an antibody that is immunospecific for CEP, contacting a bodily fluid from the subject with the anti-CEP antibody, and assaying for the formation of a complex between the antibody and an antigen in the sample. In another aspect, the methods comprise assaying for the presence of elevated levels of an antibody that binds to or is immunospecific for a CEP adduct in the bodily fluid of the test subject. The present invention also relates to CEP protein and peptide adducts, an antibody reactive with a CEP adduct and a diagnostic kit comprising such antibody.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and characterizing inhibitors of protein filament formation are provided. These methods are particularly useful for identifying those agents which inhibit or prevent protein filament formation within neurons of mammalian subjects, particularly human subjects, such as the formation of tau filaments in Alzheimer's patients, and ?-synuclein filaments in Parkinson's patients. According to the methods, protein monomers which are associated with formation of intra- or extra-cellular aggregates are combined under physiological conditions with a fibrillization inducer and the formation of protein aggregates is assessed in the absence and the presence of a test agent. The absence or a reduction in the size or stability of proteinaceous polymeric filaments as compared to a control indicates that the test agent is an inhibitor of proteinaceous polymeric filament formation.

Abstract: By using a G protein-coupled receptor protein containing an amino acid sequence, which is the same or the substantially the same as an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12 or SEQ ID NO:14, or its salt together with humanin, a compound or its salt capable of changing the binding properties of the above receptor protein or its salt to humanin can be efficiently screened.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of use thereof for labeling peptide and proteins in vitro or in vivo. The methods described herein employ biotin ligase mutants and biotin analogs recognized by such mutants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the concentration of thrombin inhibitors in a non-turbid body liquid or a non-turbid extract from a body liquid. It comprises the following steps. The body liquid is taken from a living body, and the body liquid is subjected to a separation from the turbid matter, if necessary. To the non-turbid body liquid thus obtained are added a coagulation-inhibiting substance not interfering in the transformation prothrombin/active meizothrombin or Mtdesfgl, resp., a chromogenic or fluorogenic substrate not dissociable by active meizothrombin or Mtdesfgl, resp., and a substance dissociating prothrombin into meizothrombin or Mtdesfgl, resp., and as an optional prothrobmin. The thus obtained solution or mixture, resp., is subjected to a wavelength-selective light absorption or light emission measurement as a function of the time.

Abstract: The invention relates to detection of sphingosine kinase activity and sphingosine kinase agonist or antagonist activity.