Abstract: A battery separator of the invention is obtained by press forming a meltblown nonwoven fabric comprising 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer or a 4-methyl-1-pentene/?-olefin copolymer, the battery separator having an average fiber diameter of 0.8 to 5 ?m, a basis weight of 9 to 30 g/m2, a porosity of 30 to 60%, and a load at 5% elongation in the MD direction (longitudinal direction) of not less than 1.2 (kg/5 cm width). A lithium ion secondary battery of the invention includes the battery separator.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte battery having improved energy density and safety, the solid electrolyte battery incorporating a positive electrode; a negative electrode disposed opposite to the positive electrode; a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and solid electrolytes each of which is disposed between the positive electrode and the separator and between the separator and the negative electrode, wherein the separator is constituted by a polyolefin porous film, the polyolefin porous film has a thickness satisfying a range not greater than 5 mm nor greater than 15 mm and a volume porosity satisfying a range not less than 25% nor greater than 60%, and the impedance in the solid electrolyte battery is greater than the impedance realized at the room temperature when the temperature of the solid electrolyte battery satisfies a range not less than 100 EC nor greater than 160 C.

Abstract: A method for producing a mask set for lithography including at least one mask, has a predetermined layout of structures which are provided for imaging into a common exposure plane and which are transferred to the masks as a basis. Strongly coupled structures that are so closely adjacent one another, at least in sections, that they are strongly coupled in the case of simultaneous imaging are distributed between at least two different masks of the mask set.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a color filter, capable of having the surface of the pixel part flatly even in the case a pixel part is formed by an ink discharging method, and the thickness of each pixel part evenly. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a color filter comprising at least a pixel part forming process of forming a pixel part of a plurality of colors in a predetermined pattern by adhering an ink on a transparent substrate by a discharging method, and the convex pixel part is formed in the pixel part forming process, wherein a pixel part flattening process of flattening the convex pixel part is executed after the pixel part forming process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a positive image in a photothermographic element comprising a potentially negative-working emulsion wherein fog density development is imagewise inhibited in exposed areas of the image upon thermal development. In one embodiment of the invention, a density-inhibiting agent is released during thermal development which agent inhibits the thermal development of unexposed silver salts in the exposed areas relative to the unexposed areas. The method preferably comprises imagewise exposing the film with a non-solarizing amount of radiation/energy to form a latent image and thermally developing the latent image in a single development step to produce a positive image in the element. The present invention is also directed to a photothermographic element that can be used in the present process in which a positive image characterized by high speed and discrimination is formed when exposed and thermally heated above 150° C.

Abstract: A phase shift mask comprises first and second mask patterns. The first mask pattern is a backing film enabling a first optical image to be formed on a substrate. The first optical image forms a resist pattern having a width that changes depending on the distance between the phase shift mask and the substrate. The second mask pattern is a semi-transmissive film enabling a second optical image to be formed on the substrate. The second optical image can form a resist pattern having a width that changes depending on the distance between the phase shift mask and the substrate and on a thickness of the semi-transmissive film. The duty ratio of the second mask is set so that the rate at which the width of the first optical image varies will be the same as the rate at which the width of the second optical image varies.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved organophotoreceptor that comprises an electrically conductive substrate having at least a surface; an inner photoconductive layer adjacent the surface of the electrically conductive substrate; and an outer photoconductive layer adjacent the inner photoconductive layer. In some embodiments, the inner photoconductive layer comprises a first binder in an amount not more than 45% by weight of the inner photoconductive layer, a first charge generating compound, and a charge transport compound, and the outer photoconductive layer comprises a second binder in an amount not less than 45% by weight of the outer photoconductive layer and a second charge generating compound. The inner photoconductive layer and the outer photoconductive layer can be discrete layers or sections of a gradient layer.

Abstract: An image forming method includes a photoreceptor preparation step, a coated paper preparation step, a charging step, an exposure step, a development step, and a transfer step. The electrophotographic photoreceptor has a conductive support and a photosensitive layer disposed on the conductive support. The photosensitive layer on the farthest side from the conductive support, includes a surface layer containing at least one selected from the group consisting of fluorine based resin fine particles, a carbonate resin, an arylate resin. The coated paper has a substrate and a coated layer, disposed on at least one surface of the substrate. The coated layer contains an adhesive containing latex having a glass transition temperature of 20° C. or higher and a pigment, and the surface, opposite to the substrate, of the coated layer has a glossiness of 10% or more.

Abstract: Improved organophotoreceptor comprises an electrically conductive substrate and a photoconductive element on the electrically conductive substrate, the photoconductive element comprising: (a) a charge transport material having the formula where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are, independently, an alkyl group, an alkaryl group, an aryl group, or a part of a cyclic group; R5 is hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkaryl group, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic group; X comprises an aromatic group, such as an aryl group or an aromatic heterocyclic group; Y is a linking group; and Z comprises an epoxy group; and (b) a charge generating compound. Corresponding electrophotographic apparatuses and imaging methods are described.

Abstract: A toner for forming a full color image, which includes a colorant and a binder resin including a polyester resin which is prepared by a polycondensation ester reaction in the presence of a titanium-containing catalyst selected from the group consisting of halogenated titanium, titanium diketone enolates, titanium carboxylates, titanyl carboxylates, and salts of titanyl carboxylates. A toner kit including a yellow toner, a magenta toner, a cyan toner and a black toner, wherein each of the toners is the toner mentioned above. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member; a charger; a light irradiator; a developing device configured to develop an electrostatic latent image with a developer including the toner mentioned above; a transfer device; and a fixing device.

Abstract: Negatively charged coated toner particles are provided that comprise a polymeric binder particle and a coating material. The coating material comprises at least one visual enhancement additive coated on the outside surface of the polymeric binder particle. Electrographic toner compositions comprising these particles, and methods of making these particles particularly by magnetically assisted impact coating processes are also provided.

Abstract: Positively charged coated toner particles are provided that comprise a plurality of polymeric binder particles that are substantially free of positively charged pigment and a coating material comprising at least one positively charged pigment coated on the outside surface of the polymeric binder particles. In one embodiment, a majority of the specific charge of the toner particles is contributed from the positively charged pigment. In another embodiment, the toner particles are substantially free of additional charge director or charge control additive. Electrographic toner compositions comprising these particles are also provided.

Abstract: A toner for electrostatic image development, containing a resin binder containing a polyester, a colorant, and a releasing agent containing an ester wax and a petroleum wax; and a process for preparing a toner for electrostatic image development, including the step of melt-kneading raw materials for the above toner, wherein the melt-kneading step is carried out with an open-roller type kneader. The toner for electrostatic image development is used for the development of a latent image formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like.

Abstract: A carrier core material for an electrophotographic developing agent, which comprises 100 parts by weight of a ferrite component represented by a formula (A) and 0.1 to 5.0 parts by weight of ZrO2 that is present in the ferrite component without forming a solid solution, and which has a magnetization, at 1000(103/4?·A/m), of 65 to 85 Am2/kg and an electrical resistance, at an applied voltage of 1000 V, of 105 to 109 ?. (MnO)x(MgO)y(Fe2O3)z??(A) wherein x, y and z are each expressed in % by mol and are numbers satisfying the conditions of 40?x?60, 0.1?y?10 and x+y+z=100. Also disclosed is a two-component developing agent comprising a coated carrier, which is obtained by coating the above carrier core material with a resin, and toner particles. Further disclosed is an image forming method comprising developing an electrostatic latent image formed by the use of an alternating electric field, with the two-component developing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tandem-type image forming method using a trickle developing system, wherein the average circularity of a toner contained in at least a supplementary developer used for appropriately supplying a developer to a developing device is in the range of 0.940 to 0.980. In the toner, the ratio of the number of particles having an average circularity of 0.970 or greater, in a particle diameter range of a toner circle-equivalent diameter×3/5 or less, is 5% or less, and the ratio of the number of particles having an average circularity of 0.950 or less, in a particle diameter range of a toner circle-equivalent diameter×7/5 or greater, is 10% or less.

Abstract: An image forming method having: developing a latent image formed on a cylindrical electrophotographic photoreceptor having a cylindricity of 5 to 40 ?m, with a developer comprising a toner which comprises a ratio Dv50/Dp50 of a 50% volume particle diameter Dv50 to a 50% number particle diameter Dp50 of 1.0 to 1.15, a ratio Dv75/Dp75 of a cumulative 75% volume particle diameter from a largest volume particle diameter Dv75 to a cumulative 75% number particle diameter from a largest number particle diameter of Dp75 of 1.0 to 1.20, and toner particles having a particle diameter of 0.7×Dp50 or less in an amount of 10 percent by number or less.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive resist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation (and possibly other radiation) at low energy levels are obtained using a polymer having acrylate/methacrylate monomeric units comprising a low activation energy moiety preferably attached to a naphthalene ester group. The resist allows the performance benefit of acrylate/methacrylate polymers with low activation energy for imaging thereby enabling improved resolution and reduced post-exposure bake sensitivity. The resist polymer also preferably contains monomeric units comprising fluoroalcohol moiety and a monomeric units comprising a lactone moiety.

Abstract: The present invention provides new light absorbing compositions suitable for use as an antireflective coating (“ARC”) with an overcoated resist layer. ARCs of the invention exhibit increased etch rates in standard plasma etchants. Preferred ARCs of invention have significantly increased oxygen content relative to prior compositions.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an image-forming layer containing a polymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound, and a hydrophilic support, wherein the lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a compound containing at least one functional group having an interaction with a surface of the hydrophilic support.

Abstract: Initiator system comprising: (a) at least one substance capable of absorbing IR radiation, (b) at least one compound capable of forming free radicals, and (c) at least one 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative of the formula (I)

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation curable composition comprising relative to the total weight of the composition (A) 0–29 wt % of a cationically curable component having a linking aliphatic ester group, (B) 10–85 wt % of an epoxygroup containing component other than A, (C) 1–50 wt % of an oxetanegroup containing component, (D) 1–25 wt % of a multifunctional acrylate and a radical photoinitiator and a cationic photoinitiator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a printing plate in the form of a roller and a method for obtaining same. Said method consists in producing on a first layer, at least a photopolymer film and in coiling said layers on themselves to form a roller. The invention is applicable in flexographic or typographic printing.

Abstract: In a process of making a magnetoresistive memory device, a mask layout is produced by use of any suitable design tool. The mask layout is laid out in grids having a central grid forming a central section and grids forming bit end sections, and the grids of the bit end sections are rectangles. A mask is made by use of the mask layout, and the mask has stepped bit ends. The mask is used to make a magnetic storage layer having tapered bit ends, to make a magnetic sense layer having tapered bit ends, and to make a non-magnetic layer having tapered bit ends. The non-magnetic layer is between the magnetic sense layer and the magnetic storage layer.

Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a shadow mask for ion beams comprising a silicon wafer with a hole pattern arranged therein, wherein the silicon wafer is provided at a side confronting the incident ion beams with a metallic coating which stops the ion beams and dissipates heat, wherein an apertured region of the silicon wafer has a thickness from about 20 ?m to about 200 ?m and apertures in the shadow mask have lateral dimensions from about 0.5 ?m to about 3 ?m.

Abstract: A silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material, having at least one each of blue-, green-, and red-sensitive emulsion layers containing yellow, magenta, and cyan couplers, respectively, on a support; wherein said blue-sensitive emulsion layer contains at least one coupler of formula (I); and wherein the light-sensitive material satisfies expression a-1) and/or b-1): wherein, Q forms a 5- to 7-membered ring with the —N?C—N(R1)—; R1 and R2 each are a substituent; m is 0 to 5; and X is a hydrogen atom, or a coupling split-off group; a-1): 0.5?Dmax(UV)/Dmin(UV)?1.1 wherein Dmax(UV)/Dmin(UV) is the smallest of the value in a wavelength range of 340 to 450 nm; b-1): 1300?(B-C)/A?20000 wherein B is yellow Dmax, C is yellow Dmin; and A is an amount mol/m2 of the coupler of formula (I).

Abstract: The methods of this invention involve preventing the formation of a complex between adenine and riboflavin by reducing the amount of adenine in a solution containing blood or blood components to be pathogen reduced.

Abstract: Mammalian CYK-4 polypeptides, which are key molecules required for cytokinesis, and DNA molecules encoding them. Screening methods based on biochemical reactions relevant for the function of CYK-4 can be employed to identify compounds interfering with cell division. Such compounds are useful in tumor therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reporter gene construct for the detection of the HIV Rev and HIV Tat proteins. Furthermore, the invention relates to a functionality test method for Rev and Rev fusion proteins prepared in a recombinant manner, a method of screening for sequences of different origin for their activity as an instability element, a method of screening for sequences which cause the transport out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm by binding to cellular or other viral shuttle proteins, as well as to a method for the detection of HIV-infected cells. The reporter gene construct according to the present invention, after it has been introduced into cells, in the presence of HIV Rev and HIV Tat proteins results in the formation of reporter proteins which may be used for quantitative/qualitative detection of the HIV Rev and HIV Tat proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a sterilization process by determining the release of dipicolinic acid (DPA) from bacterial or other spores that contain DPA. A biological indicator containing a spore may be included together with articles being sterilized, and an assay of DPA released from the spore can be performed moments after the sterilization process is completed, or during the process. The kits and methods thus provide a rapid and reliable method of assessing the effectiveness of a sterilization process and, consequently, assure the sterility of article subjected to the same process.

Abstract: This application describes the cloning of p63, a gene at chromosome 3q27-29, that bears homology to the tumor suppressor p53. The p63 gene encodes at least six different isotypes. p63 was detected in a variety of human and mouse tissue and demonstrates remarkably divergent activities, such as the ability to transactivate p53 reporter genes and induce apoptosis. Isotopes of p63 lacking a transactivation domain act as dominant negatives towards the transactivation by p53 and p63.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the detection and identification in a sample of one or more target molecules which bind to nucleic acid probe molecules are provided. The method includes contacting the sample with a surface that is coated with one or more gradients of nucleic acid or nucleic acid analog probe molecules that bind target molecules in the sample. Gradients are formed by varying a physical, structural or functional property of the probes on the surface; for example, the density of probe molecules bound to the surface. The coating layer or immobilization layer in which the gradient is formed is preferably continuous Determination of the location, speed and/or extent of hybridisation of a nucleic acid on a gradient surface is useful to identify target molecules bound to probes and/or to quantitatively measure the amount of the target in a sample.

Abstract: The invention is based on the elucidation of a mechanism by which HPV promotes oncogenesis and provides a methods of diagnosing malignant tumors and methods of preventing the development of malignancies or inhibiting tumor growth. A method for diagnosing a neoplasm in a mammal is carried out by measuring the level of helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF) in tissue of the mammal. An increase in the level of HLTF in the tissue compared to the level in a normal control tissue indicates the presence of a neoplasm in the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, comprising forming a complex by incubating a sample comprising a target nucleic acid sequence with a probe comprising a first and second subunit, and/or an upstream primer, and binding the probe to the target nucleic acid such that the first and second subunits dissociate to release the first subunit and generate a signal. In certain embodiments, the upstream primer is extended with a nucleic acid polymerase to displace at least a portion of the first subunit of the probe from the target nucleic acid strand and dissociate the first and second subunits to release the first subunit of the probe and generate a signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of extracellular papillomavirus DNA in blood plasma or serum from a human or animal. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, evaluation, or monitoring of neoplastic, premalignant or malignant disease associated with a papillomavirus. The invention thereby provides methods for the identification of individuals at risk for, or having, cervical dysplasia, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or cervical cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the identification of a biological target of a chemical compound, such as saframycin A, known to bind a polynucleotide. The invention also provides methods of screening chemical compounds for those which act in a similar method and may be more potent than known compounds. The inventive methods are particularly useful in the high-throughput screening of chemical compounds that target GAPDH. The invention also provides kits useful in the practice of the inventive method. Compounds identified by inventive methods are also included in the invention.

Abstract: Radio-frequency (RF) excitation is used for direct detection of hybridization events at microelectrodes with surface-attached DNA oligomers. A homodyne reflectometer operates on a high frequency carrier to detect the presence of a low-frequency modulation signal. Without non-linearities in an interface, the modulation signal is not impressed upon the carrier signal. As such, the reflectometer can sensitively measure changes in dielectric properties without interference from other sources of capacitance/resistance unrelated to the reaction at the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multiplex PCR method for obtaining at least two PCR products from one PCR solution. In the multiplex PCR method for having at least two DNA amplified products from a sample positioned in a PCR equipment, the object of the present invention is to provide a novel multiplex PCR method characterized in that a primer annealing temperature and an extension time be changed per cycle with constant periods. When a multiplex PCR is performed in accordance with the present invention, limitations in determining PCR conditions due to a various sizes of PCR products or dimers caused by primers can be eliminated, and time and efforts required for determining the PCR conditions to various samples can also be reduced. Further, not only refined DNAs like cDNA, genomic DNA, vector, etc, but blood can be directly used as a multiplex PCR sample, and PCR amplification reaction can be performed even with a sample having the smallest amounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-invasive methods for detecting, monitoring, and diagnosing skin disease and pathological skin states such as irritated skin and psoriasis. The methods include using tape stripping to analyze expression in epidermal samples, of one or more skin markers. In illustrative examples, the tape stripping is performed using pliable tape that has a rubber adhesive. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for predicting and monitoring response to therapy for a skin disease, such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Finally, the methods can include the use of a microarray.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting mutations associated with albinism in the cat.

Abstract: A method of generating a compound having at least one biological activity of a peptide. The method includes identifying a biologically active peptide, providing a first monomer which contains terminal reactive moieties and at least one functionalizable group, providing a second monomer which contains terminal reactive moieties and at least one functionalizable group, and reacting first and second monomer under stereo-and/or regiochemically controlled conditions to yield a compound in which the monomers are attached by way of terminal reactive moieties.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection and quantification of Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia ewingii antibodies, antibody fragments, and polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insect steroid receptor protein which is capable of acting as a gene switch which is responsive to a chemical inducer enabling external control of the gene.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel member of the prostanoid receptor family, a guinea pig prostaglandin D2 receptor. Described are the receptor, the nucleic acid that encodes it, and various uses for both.

Abstract: A chemokine receptor binds to MCP-1, MIP-1? and/or RANTES. It can be used in screening for agents which act as antagonists to MCP-1, MIP-1? and/or RANTES. Such agents may be useful in treating various disorders, including allergies, atheromas and diseases mediated by viruses. They may also be useful in preventing graft rejection and in protecting stem cells from potentially damaging effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying pre-neoplastic and/or neoplastic states in mammals and in particular to a method for identifying pre-neoplastic and neoplastic cells in tissues and body fluids, based on differential expression of purinergic receptors in these cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial UC pANCA antigens. The invention provides methods of diagnosing ulcerative colitis (UC) and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a histone H1-like antigen. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing UC and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a porin antigen. Methods of diagnosing UC and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a Bacteroides antigen also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining clostridial toxin activity by (a) contacting with a sample a cell containing a clostridial toxin substrate that includes a donor fluorophore; an acceptor having an absorbance spectrum overlapping the emission spectrum of the donor fluorophore; and a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site that intervenes between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor, where resonance energy transfer is exhibited between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor under the appropriate conditions; (b) exciting the donor fluorophore; and (c) determining resonance energy transfer of the contacted cell relative to a control cell, where a difference in resonance energy transfer of the contacted cell as compared to the control cell is indicative of clostridial toxin activity.

Abstract: A versatile linker compound has a structure represented by following general formula (1), wherein Y has a structure represented by O or NH, and X has a structure serving as a multi-branched moiety including four hydrocarbon derivative chains each of which has an aromatic amino group at an end thereof, and may or may not have a carbon-nitrogen bond in a backbone thereof. With the versatile linker compound, sugar molecules can be two-dimensionally arranged on a surface of a protein-analyzing supporter with high reproducibility. Also, a ligand includes the versatile linker compound and a sugar molecule introduced thereinto.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reducing the presence of a compound in an ionically conductive material, e.g., for use in iontophoretic devices, wherein the presence of the compound interferes with detecting a selected analyte. Removal of the compound can typically take place either during or after the manufacture of the ionically conductive material or an assembly comprising this material. Also disclosed are methods for generating selectively permeable barriers on the reactive faces of electrodes. Further, this invention relates to hydrogels comprising one or more biocides, as well as assemblies containing such hydrogels.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a means for measuring amylase activity existing in biological samples such as saliva in a more convenient manner and is particularly to provide a means (reagent for measurement, method for measurement and apparatus) by which a sample containing high concentrations of amylase is measured. There has been found a means (reagent for measurement, method for measurement and apparatus), whereby amylase activity in an amylase sample having a high activity value can be quite conveniently measured by making an oligosaccharide substrate carry on a support in an enzymatic method for measuring amylase activity using a modified oligosacharide substrate, whereupon the present invention has been achieved.