Abstract: A laser splitting method for splitting off a segment from an object to be split using a laser beam, includes a surface processing step of processing the object by forming a linear recessed portion in a surface of the object, the linear recessed portion being effective to cause a stress concentration at the surface of the object; an internal processed-region forming step of forming an internal processed-regions at a depth of the object in a line along which a laser beam scans the surface of the object by a relative motion therebetween, the laser beam being converged adjacent the depth, wherein the thus formed internal processed-regions extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the object; and an external force applying step of applying an external force to the object to form cracks between the recessed portion and the internal processed-regions.

Abstract: A resin-impregnated substrate is obtained by a method comprising the steps of immersing a sheet comprising an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester fiber in an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester solution containing 100 parts by weight of a solvent and 0.5 to 100 parts by weight of an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester and removing the solvent, the solvent containing on a weight basis with respect to the solvent 30% or more of a phenol compound. The resin-impregnated substrate has a high heat resistance in soldering conditions.

Abstract: A resin-impregnated substrate having a high heat resistance at a high temperature under soldering conditions and a small linear expansion rate is provided. The resin-impregnated substrate can be obtained by a method comprising the steps of immersing a sheet comprising an aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester fiber in an aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester solution containing an aprotonic solvent and a liquid-crystalline polyester comprising 10 to 35% by mol, with respect to the total repeating units of the polyester, of at least one repeating unit selected from the group consisting of a repeating unit derived from an aromatic diamine and a repeating unit derived from an aromatic amine with a phenolic hydroxyl group; and removing the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant panel having superior fire resistant properties and a low dimensional variation ratio, and a fire-resistant decorative panel using the same. In detail, the present invention provides a fire-resistant panel comprising a) a substrate of inorganic-fiber-based fabric or non-fabric, or paper; and b) a resin blend containing i) a thermosetting resin selected from a group consisting of phenol resin, phenol modified resin, phenol-urea modified resin, melamine resin, melamine modified resin, melamine-urea resin, urea resin, and urea modified resin; and ii) loess, which is impregnated or coated to the substrate of a), and a fire-resistant decorative panel using the same as a substrate material.

Abstract: A conformable veil is formed by impregnating a random mat of glass fibers formed with a polystyrene-based resin. The veil is then introduced between two layers of a sheet molding compound resin paste and compacted to form a compacted sheet. The compacted sheet is then introduced to a mold and molded to form a soft, flexible sheet molding composite part having good resin and fiber distribution. Resin and fiber distribution of the present invention is improved because the polystyrene-based resin is soluble in the sheet molding compound resin paste and allows the plurality of fibers to flow freely within the resin paste during the molding process.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven laminate and a process for producing the elastomeric nonwoven laminate are provided. The elastomeric nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and a plurality of elastic strands. The plurality of elastic strands is attached to the first nonwoven while under a strain producing a corrugated intermediate laminate once the strain is relieved. A second nonwoven is joined to the corrugated intermediate laminate and subsequently mechanically activated forming an elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: There are provided glass-ceramics having a high lithium ion conductivity which include in mol %: P2O5 38–40% TiO2 25–45% M2O3 (where M is Al or Ga) ?5–15% Li2O 10–20% and contain Li1+X(Al, Ga)XTi2?X(PO4)3 (where 0<X<0.8) as a main crystal phases. There are also provided glass-ceramics having a high lithium ion conductivity which include in mol %: P2O5 ?26–40% SiO2 0.5–12% TiO2 ?30–45% M2O3 (where M is Al or Ga) ??5–10% Li2O ?10–18% and contain Li1+X+YMXTi2?XSiYP3?YO12 (where 0<X?0.4 and 0<Y?0.6) as a main crystal phase. There are also provided solid electrolytes for an electric cell and a gas sensor using alkali ion conductive glass-ceramics, and a solid electric cell and a gas sensor using alkali ion conductive glass-ceramics as a solid electrolyte.

Abstract: An oxide porcelain composition includes at least one metal element selected from Al, Si, Ba, B and Cr. The oxide porcelain composition contains about 11.5 weight percent to 60.0 weight percent of Al, in the form of Al2O3; about 4.0 weight percent to 70.0 weight percent of Si, in the form of SiO2; about 4.0 weight percent to 40.0 weight percent of Ba, in the form of BaO; about 1.0 weight percent to 30.0 weight percent of B, in the form of B2O3; and about 0.3 weight percent to 3.0 weight percent of Cr, in the form of Cr2O3.

Abstract: A magnesium halide support material for a polyolefin catalysts is disclosed. The magnesium halide of present invention is prepared by reacting magnesium with an alkylhalide in a non-polar hydrocarbon solvent. Preparation of the support does not require the use electron donating solvents and therefore does not require extensive washing to remove the solvent from the support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing a catalyst useful in gas phase polymerization of olefins wherein the physical properties of the polymer and the productivity of the catalyst can be altered depending on the sequence of addition of the catalyst components. The catalyst consists of compounds of Ti, Mg, Al and optionally an electron donor supported on an amorphous support.

Abstract: Supported stereospecific catalysts and processes for the stereotactic propagation of a polymer chain derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers which contain three or more carbon atoms or which are substituted vinyl compounds, specifically alpha olefins, particularly the polymerization of propylene to produce syndiotactic or isotactic polypropylene. The supported metallocene catalyst comprises a stereospecific metallocene catalyst and a co-catalyst component comprising at least one of an alkyl alumoxane and an alkylaluminum compound. Both the metallocene catalyst and the co-catalyst are supported on a particulate silica support comprising silica particles having an average particle size of 5–40 microns and an average effective pore size of 50–200 angstroms. The silica support further has a differential pore size distribution of a pore volume of at least 0.01 cm3/g. within a range having a maximum pore width of no more than 300 angstroms.

Abstract: A modified aluminum oxy compound (A) obtained by reacting an aluminum oxy compound (a), water (b) and a compound having a hydroxyl group (c); a polymerization catalyst component comprising the modified aluminum oxy compound; a polymerization catalyst obtained by contacting said modified aluminum oxy compound (A), a transition metal compound (B) and optionally an organoaluminum compound (C) and a specified boron compound; and a process for producing an olefin polymer or an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer with the polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Catalyst component for the polymerization of alpha-olefins in solution, in suspension, in gas phase at low and high pressure and temperature or in mass at high pressures and high or low temperatures, characterized in that is defined by general formulas I or II wherein: R, equal to or different from each other, is hydrogen or a radical which contains from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; this group optionally contains heteroatoms of groups 14 to 16 of the periodic table of the elements and boron; at least one group R contains a group OSiR?3, Q is selected from a group comprising: boron or an element from groups 14 or 16 of the periodic table; m value can change from 1 to 4 and it preferably is 1 or 2; L, equal to or different from each other, is a cyclic organic group united to M through a ? bond, or it is an atom from groups 15 or 16 of the periodic table; L1 and L2, equal to or different from each other, have the same meaning of L; M is a metal from groups 3, 4, 10 of the periodic table, lanthanide or actinide.

Abstract: The invention relates to Group 1 metal/silica gel compositions comprising silica gel and an alkali metal or an alkali metal alloy. The compositions of the inventions are described as Stage 0, I, II, and III materials. These materials differ in their preparation and chemical reactivity. Each successive stage may be prepared directly using the methods described below or from an earlier stage material. Stage 0 materials may, for example, be prepared using liquid alloys of Na and K which are rapidly absorbed by silica gel (porous SiO2) under isothermal conditions, preferably at or just above room temperature, to form loose black powders that retain much of the reducing ability of the parent metals. When the low melting Group 1 metals are absorbed into the silica gel, a mild exothermic reaction produces Stage I material, loose black powders that are indefinitely stable in dry air. Subsequent heating to 400° C. produces Stage II materials, which are also loose black powders. Further heating above 400° C.

Abstract: This invention is directed to providing a high-performance ceramic support being capable of realizing early activation of a catalyst due to direct loading while maintaining the excellent properties of the substrate ceramic, and being less susceptible to heat deterioration, by specifying the kind and combination of optimal replacing elements and the replacing amount and the like. A ceramic support comprising a substrate ceramic containing Mg, Al, Si and O as constituent elements are solid-dissolved therein Ti and W as the second component. The proportion of cordierite crystal having solid-dissolved therein W and Ti is 25 mol % or more, whereby a high-performance directly supporting ceramic support is realized.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage composite material having a Mg—Ni based alloy with a coating of a catalytically active metal deposited on at least a portion of a surface of said Mg—Ni based alloy. The coating is less than about 200 angstroms thick and preferably is formed from iron or palladium. The composite material is capable of adsorbing at least 3 weight percent hydrogen and desorbing at least 1 weight percent hydrogen at 30° C. The Mg—Ni based alloy has a microstructure including both a Mg-rich phase and a Ni-rich phase, micro-tubes having an inner core of Ni-rich material surrounded by a sheathing of Mg-rich material, amorphous structural regions and microcrystalline structural regions.

Abstract: A method for producing high yields of high-purity carbon nanostructures having uniform average widths narrower than conventional carbon nanostructures. The nanostructures are produced from unsupported catalytic metal powders. A dispersing agent, such as sodium chloride, is blended with the catalytic metal powders prior to milling to the desired catalytic size to prevent the powder particles from sintering.

Abstract: A photocatalyst composition which comprises (A) modified photocatalyst particles, the modified photocatalyst particles (A) being prepared by subjecting particles of a photocatalyst to a modification treatment with at least one modifier compound selected from the group consisting of different compounds each of which independently comprises at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of a triorganosilane unit, a monooxydiorganosilane unit and a dioxyorganosilane unit; and (B) a binder component comprising a phenyl group-containing silicone optionally containing an alkyl group. A film formed using the above-mentioned photocatalyst composition, a functional composite comprising a substrate and the above-mentioned film formed on the substrate, and a shaped article produced by shaping the above-mentioned photocatalyst composition.

Abstract: A flat sheet material for manufacturing leaf-like sheets for receiving information has at least one coating applied onto a first side of a substrate. Magnetically activatable particles are embedded in the at least one coating. The magnetically activatable particles have a grain size that is smaller than about 3 micrometers. The magnetically activatable particles are iron oxide arranged in a kaolin/SBR layer. A carbonless set can be made from the flat sheet material.

Abstract: The imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines given by the following formula [I]: [wherein R1 and R2 represent a C1–C6 alkyl group optionally substituted by one or more selected from the group consisting of C1–C4 alkoxy group, C2–C8 dialkylamino group, C1–C4 alkylthio group, C2–C5 alkoxycarbonyl group, cyano group and halogen atoms; or R1 and R2 represent a 3–8 membered heterocyclic group together with the nitrogen atom bonded with R1 and R2; R3 represents a halogen atom or C1–C4 alkyl group; and Ar represents a phenyl group optionally substituted by a halogen atom or atoms; and the like] have excellent activity for controlling plant diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides well drilling and servicing fluids, and methods of drilling, completing, or working over a well therewith, preferred fluids comprise an aqueous liquid, a water soluble polymer viscosifier (preferably xanthan gum), a polymeric fluid loss control additive (preferably a partially depolymerized partially crosslinked hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of starch or a hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of a partially crosslinked and partially depolymerized starch), a bridging agent comprising a particulate calcined magnesia that has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds, and citric acid in an amount sufficient to increase the low shear rate viscosity of the fluids. The invention further provides a method of increasing the low shear rate viscosity of fluids which contain a water soluble polymer and a calcined magnesia bridging agent which has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curable, permeable resin compositions and methods of using such compositions. One embodiment of provides a method of creating a resin mass comprising the steps of combining a resin, a hardening agent, a hydrocarbon diluent, a silane coupling agent, a foaming agent, a compressible gas, and a degradable material to form a resin composition; placing the resin composition in a subterranean formation; and, allowing the resin to substantially cure and the degradable material to substantially degrade so as to form a permeable, hardened resin mass. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a resin composition useful in subterranean applications comprising a resin, a hardening agent, a hydrocarbon diluent, a silane coupling agent, a foaming agent, a compressible gas, and a degradable material.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to fluid loss control operations are provided. More particularly, fluid loss treatment fluid compositions may comprise ceramic particulate bridging agents, a partially depolymerized starch derivative, and a base fluid. In some embodiments, the partially depolymerized starch derivative may include a crosslinked ether derivative of a partially depolymerized starch, a partially depolymerized crosslinked ether derivative of a starch, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for releasing a stuck drill string in the borehole of an underground formation employing an non-aqueous drilling fluid, the illustrative method including contacting the stuck drill string with a non-emulsion based, homogeneous additive composition effective in reducing the annular pressure exerted by the drilling fluid or mud cake against the stuck drill string and releasing the stuck drill string, the additive composition formulated to include a mutual solvent and a viscosifying agent. In one illustrative embodiment the mutual solvent is a C2 to C22 glycol or a C2 to C22 glycol ether or mixtures or combinations of these and similar compounds known to one of skill in the art. Alternatively and preferably, the mutual solvent may be selected from the group consisting of: diethylene glycol, propoxy propanol, butyl cellosolve, butyl carbitol and mixtures or combinations of these and similar compounds known to one of skill in the art.

Abstract: An aqueous-based composition containing cesium formate and at least one chelating agent is described. Methods of removing scaling deposits, which may include alkaline earth metal sulfates, present on surfaces, including porous media, such as alkaline earth metal sulfate buildup in a well bore, is also described, wherein the method includes contacting the alkaline earth metal sulfate with the compositions of the present invention to remove the scaling deposits. A completion fluid containing at least one alkali metal formate, at least one acid and/or at least one chelating agent, and optionally at least one surfactant or mutual solvent is also described. Methods of removing a filter cake from a well bore surface, which may include weighting agents such as calcium carbonate, is also described, wherein the method includes contacting the filter cake with the completion fluid of the present invention.

Abstract: Versatile cleaning composition that has tremendous cleaning power, yet is compatible with many surfaces. For example, the cleaning composition easily cleans oil, grease, tar, and rubber from soiled surfaces, but does not damage metals, vehicle paints, concrete, plastics such as polycarbonate, MYLAR polyester and silicone sealants, wood, ceramic, and the like. The cleaning composition includes an oil solubilizing amount of a degreaser, a rubber solubilizing amount of a rubber solvent, and a polar, organic diluent. In preferred embodiments, the degreaser comprises a glycol ether, the rubber solvent comprises an nonaromatic naphtha, and the diluent comprises an alcohol.

Abstract: A non-toxic enzymatic detergent for use in cleaning surgical instruments and the like which have a large build-up of bio-residue thereon and which need specialty cleaning in order to avoid both hardened bio-residue and certain fluid traces from the instruments for both operating accuracy as well as sterilization requirements.

Abstract: A dense cleaning fluid for removing contaminants from a substrate and a method comprising same is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dense cleaning fluid comprises a dense fluid and at least one acetylenic diol or acetylenic alcohol surfactant.

Abstract: A aqueous composition and method of use for cleaning tile and grout and the like, the composition is particularly suited to cleaning newly laid tile and the films that typically cover it. The composition is a basic solution of glucose and distilled water with optionally included colorant and fragrance. The composition contains no harsh acids or caustics. The composition is fully biodegradable. Because of the composition's basic and biodegradable advantages, the method of use is basic and uncomplicated, requiring no concerns in disposal.

Abstract: A process for efficiently preparing fine zeolite particles comprising synthesizing zeolite in the presence of an alkaline earth metal-containing compound and/or with controlling the preparation process of zeolite, thereby giving fine zeolite particles being composed of crystalline aluminosilicate, the fine zeolite particles having a fine average primary particle size, being excellent in the cationic exchange properties and the oil-absorbing ability, having a fine average aggregate particle size, and being excellent in the dispersibility; fine zeolite particles obtainable by the above process; and a detergent composition comprising the fine zeolite particles, the detergent composition being excellent in the detergency.

Abstract: Fabric softening compositions are disclosed comprising: (a) from 0.01% to 50% by weight of a cationic or non-ionic softening compound; (b) at least 0.001% by weight of a water dispersible cross-linked cationic polymer derived from the polymerization of from 5 to 100 mole percent of a cationic vinyl addition monomer, from 0 to 95 mole percent of acrylamide, and from 5 to 500 ppm of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer cross-linking agent (c) from 0 to 5% by weight of a non-confined fragrance oil, (d) an effective amount of at least one fabric or skin beneficiating ingredient encapsulated within an organic polymer core and having at the exterior of the core a hydroxy functional polymer attached to the core so as to form a shell at least partially about said core, said shell being permeable to perfume and said hydroxy functional polymer not being removed from the core in water; and (e) balance water and optionally one or more adjuvant materials.

Abstract: This invention relates the use of glucagon-like peptides such as GLP-1, a GLP-1 analog, or a GLP-1 derivative in methods and compositions for reducing body weight.

Abstract: Improved materials and methods for the treatment of Hemophilia A are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of increasing the half-life and/or specific activity of factor VIII. More specifically, the invention provides methods of increasing the half-life and/or specific activity of factor VIII by substituting one or more amino acids in the A2 domain. It further provides methods for producing such factor VIII mutants. The invention also provides polynucleotides encoding the mutant factor VIII, and methods of treating hemophilia using the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel hemoglobin compositions, particularly novel recombinant mutant hemoglobin compositions, which eliminate or substantially reduce 1) the creation of heart lesions, 2) gastrointestinal discomfort, 3) pressor effects, and 4) endotoxin hypersensitivity associated with the administration of extracellular hemoglobin compositions in various therapeutic applications. Applications described include treatments for anemia, head injury, hemorrhage or hypovolemia, ischemia, cachexia, sickle cell crisis and stroke; enhancing cancer treatments; stimulating hematopoiesis; improving repair of physically damaged tissues; alleviating cardiogenic shock; and shock resuscitation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of inducing apoptosis of a malignant cell, which employs a calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa) activator and is useful for treating a malignant tumor in a human subject. Also disclosed are methods of selectively inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cells compared to non-malignant cells in a mixed population of malignant and non-malignant cells and of inhibiting the growth of a malignant tumor, such as a glial tumor, in a mammalian subject. A kit for inducing apoptosis of malignant cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: The administration of cytotoxic agents followed by the administration of heat shock protein 90 inhibitors, such as ansamycins, has a synergistic effect on the growth inhibition of cells. This synergy occurs at doses of each cytotoxic agent that normally only causes minimal growth inhibition of cells. Such combination therapy thus allows one to use lower doses of cytotoxic agents to avoid or reduce their respective toxicity to patients without compromising their growth inhibitory effects. Thus, these combinations can be used for the treatment of an animal, preferably a mammal, that has a cell proliferative disorder, whether the cells have wild-type Rb or are Rb deficient or Rb negative. One such method, directed to treating cell proliferative disorders includes the step of administering a therapeutic effective amount of a cytotoxic agent followed by administering a therapeutic effective amount of a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses three novel proteins regulating the energy homeostasis and the metabolism of triglycerides, and polynucleotides, which identify and encode the proteins disclosed in this invention. The invention also relates to vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, study, prevention, and treatment of diseases and disorders related to body-weight regulation, for example, but not limited to, metabolic diseases such as obesity, as well as related disorders such as adipositas, eating disorders, wasting syndromes (cachexia), pancreatic dysfunctions (such as diabetes mellitus), hypertension, pancreatic dysfunctions, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, gallstones, cancer, e.g. cancers of the reproductive organs, sleep apnea, and others.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the design and/or the selection of agonist or antagonist chemokine variants combining a phage display technology and a screening on living cells expressing the receptor of the corresponding native chemokine. It also provides RANTES variants having agonist properties towards said receptor, and methods for preventing and/or curing viral diseases, as well as clues for preventing and/or curing inflammatory or malignant diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogues that mimic the structural and pharmacological properties of human ApoA-I. The peptides and peptide analogues are useful to treat a variety of disorders associated with dyslipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel peptidic antagonist for the bradykinin B1 (BKB1) receptor having very good to excellent affinities and selectivity for the BKB1 receptor, in vitro and in vivo increase resistance to enzymatic degradation, superior pharmacokinetic properties, capability to significantly reduce microvascular leakage observed alongside diabetic-induced increase in vascular permeability, capability to significantly reduced the state of hyperalgesia alongside diabetes, capability to significantly reduce the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells and general state of inflammation alongside allergic asthma.

Abstract: A food composition for preventing type I allergy, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating type I allergy and an external preparation for skin for preventing or treating type I allergy.

Abstract: 9-Desoxoerythromycin compounds of formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein, are useful as prokinetic agents for treating disorders of gastric motility.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding papillomavirus proteins are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment, prevention and/or prophylaxis of a host, and in particular, a human, infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is provided that includes administering an effective amount of a 5-substituted uracil nucleoside or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or excipient.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which can be used as a health food/dietary supplement or as a drug for the prevention and/or treatment of lipid metabolism disorders and allergic forms and for activating organic defences against infections and tumor processes, containing as its characterizing components isovaleryl L-carnitine and a polysaccharide selected from glucans and galactans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrogen-containing fused ring compound represented by the following formula [I] wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an anti-HIV agent containing such compound. The compound of the present invention has an HIV integrase inhibitory activity, and is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of AIDS, or as an anti-HIV agent. In addition, by the combined use with other anti-HIV agents such as a protease inhibitor, a reverse transcriptase inhibitor and the like, it can be a more effective anti-HIV agent. Because it shows integrase-specific high inhibitory activity, the compound can be a pharmaceutical agent safe on human body, which causes only a fewer side effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula I wherein R, R1, R2, R3, X, and n are defined in the specification. The invention also provides pharmaceutically suitable acid addition salts thereof and all forms of optically pure enantiomers, recemates or diastereomers and diastereomeric mixtures thereof. Compounds of the invention are useful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, which, are novel antagonists for D1/D5 receptors as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such D1/D5 receptor antagonists as well as methods of using them to treat CNS disorders, obesity, metabolic disorders, eating disorders such as hyperphagia, and diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating acute and chronic inflammation in the lung caused by inhalation of smoke, endometriosis, Behcet's disease, uveitis, ankylosing spondylitis, pancreatitis, cancer, Lyme disease, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, traumatic arthritis, congestive heart failure and restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, known to be cytokine mediated, using aromatic heterocyclic compounds described in WO 00/55139.