Abstract: A toner comprising: a core layer and a shell layer formed on the core layer, wherein the core layer and the shell layer respectively comprise a first wax and a second wax; the second wax having a melting point that is higher than a melting point of the first wax; the first wax having an average dispersion diameter that is smaller than the average dispersion diameter of the second wax; and the first wax having a content in the core layer that is greater than a content of the second wax in the shell layer.

Abstract: A negative-type planographic printing plate having, disposed on a support, a recording layer comprising an image recording material which contains an infrared ray absorbing agent and can be recorded by irradiation with an infrared ray, in which, as for the infrared ray absorbing agent comprising a cyanine dye, at least one of substituents on nitrogen atoms at both ends was selected from the group consisting of the following substituents: —C(?X)R1; —C(?X)NR2R3; —CH?CR4R5; —C?CR6; —CHR7R8;—CR9R10R11; and —Ar, wherein X represents O, S or Se; R1 to R6 each independently represent H or a hydrocarbon group having 20 or fewer carbon atoms which may have a substituent; R7 to R11 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having 20 or fewer carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and Ar represents an aromatic group which may have a substituent.

Abstract: The invention includes new Si-containing monomers, polymers containing such monomers and photoresists that contain the polymers. Synthetic methods of the invention include reacting a vinyl carbocyclic aryl ester compound with a reactive silane compound to provide the monomer.

Abstract: An antireflective coating composition including a polyester and/or a polyurethane; and a crosslinker selected from the group consisting of tetraamidomethyl ethers.

Abstract: An onium salt compound having a cation moiety of the following formula (1) is disclosed. wherein A represents I or S, m is 1 or 2, n is 0 or 1, x is 1–10, and Ar1 and Ar2 are (substituted) aromatic hydrocarbon group, and P represents —O—SO2R, —O—S(O)R, or —SO2R, wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a (substituted) alkyl group, or a (substituted) alicyclic hydrocarbon group. The onium salt compound is suitable as a photoacid generator for photoresists of a positive-tone radiation-sensitive resin composition. The positive-tone radiation-sensitive resin composition containing this compound is useful as a chemically-amplified photoresist exhibiting high resolution at high sensitivity, responsive to various radiations, and having outstanding storage stability.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising (A) polysiloxane or polysilsesquioxane that has a property of increasing solubility in an alkali developing solution by the action of an acid and contains a group capable of being decomposed with an acid, (B) a compound that generates a sulfonic acid upon irradiation of an actinic ray or radiation and (C) an organic basic compound, wherein an amount of the compound that generates a sulfonic acid upon irradiation of an actinic ray or radiation is from 6 to 20% by weight based on the total solid content of the positive resist composition.

Abstract: Fluorinated polymers, photoresists and associated processes for microlithography are described. These polymers and photoresists are comprised of a fluoroalcohol functional group which simultaneously imparts high ultraviolet (UV) transparency and developability in basic media to these materials. The materials of this invention have high UV transparency, particularly at short wavelengths, e.g., 157 nm, which makes them highly useful for lithography at these short wavelengths.

Abstract: A photoresist composition including a polymer is disclosed, wherein the polymer includes at least one monomer having the formula: where R1 represents hydrogen (H), a linear, branched or cyclo alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbons, a semi- or perfluorinated linear, branched or cyclo alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbons or CN; R2 represents an alicyclic group of 5 or more carbon atoms; X represents a methylene, ether, ester, amide or carbonate linkage; R3 represents a linear or branched alkylene group or semi- or perfluorinated linear or branched alkylene group with 1 or more carbon atoms; R4 represents hydrogen (H), methyl (CH3), trifluoromethyl (CF3), difluoromethyl (CHF2), fluoromethyl (CH2F), or a semi- or perflourinated aliphatic group; R5 represents trifluoromethyl (CF3), difluoromethyl (CHF2), fluoromethyl (CH2F), or a semi- or perfluorinated substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group; n represents an integer of 1 or more; and OR12 represents OH or at least one acid labile group selected from a tertiary alkyl c

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermally curable polymer composition, and a photolithographic substrate coated therewith, the composition comprising a hydroxyl-containing polymer, an amino cross-linking agent and a thermal acid generator. The thermally curable polymer composition may be dissolved in a solvent and used as an undercoat layer in deep UV lithography.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support having thereon two image-forming layers each containing a polymer insoluble in water and soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution, wherein an upper layer of the image-forming layers contains a copolymer including a monomer unit represented by formula (A) defined in the specification.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a support for lithographic printing plates provided with a photosensitive layer containing an acid generator and an acid-decomposable compound, that offers superior sensitivity, chemical resistance, print durability, and little scumming during printing. The present invention provides an aluminum support for a lithographic printing plate, the support being obtainable by treating a surface of an anodized aluminum plate with a treatment liquid comprising metal fluoride, metal phosphate salt, and perchlorate, and a base plate for a lithographic printing plate using the same.

Abstract: A color image-forming material capable of drawing an image by infrared laser exposure and excellent in image visibility, storage stability and white light stability, and an on-press development or non-processing (non-development) type lithographic printing plate precursor ensuring high sensitivity and high press life and being excellent in image visibility, on-press developability and the like, are provided, which are a color image-forming material comprising an image recording layer capable of drawing an image by infrared laser exposure, the color image-forming material forming a color image without passing through a development processing step after image recording, wherein the image recording layer comprises (A) an infrared absorbent, (B) a cyclic color-forming compound having a cyclic structure within the molecule and forming a dye by a ring opening, and (C) a dye stabilizer which is a compound interacting with the cyclic color-forming compound to stabilize the ring-opened dye body and cause color formati

Abstract: There is provided an infrared-sensitive lithographic printing plate capable of direct plate-making based on digital data from a computer or the like, and excellent in development latitude and scratch resistance, which is an infrared-sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising a support and a heat-sensitive layer, the heat-sensitive layer comprising (A) a copolymer having a specific monomer unit having a carboxyl group, (B) an alkali-soluble high molecular weight compound having a sulfonamide group, and (C) a light-heat conversion material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of imagewise exposing a thermally sensitive composition formed from a nanopaste comprising inorganic nanoparticles, a carrier, and preferably certain polymeric binders. The composition has been applied to a substrate and treated to improve adhesion. Exposure affects the solubility of exposed portions of the applied and treated layer relative to unexposed portions of the applied layer. The imaged layer is then developed on-press with a fountain solution, lithographic ink, or both, to remove the exposed portions or unexposed portions of the layer to form an image in a printing plate.

Abstract: An exposure method comprising the steps of forming onto a mask that arranges a pattern of a contact hole and a plurality of patterns each being smaller than the contact hole pattern, and illuminating the mask using plural kinds of light so as to resolve the desired pattern without the smaller patterns on a target via a projection optical system.

Abstract: The application, according to a desired image, of an absorbance controlling composition to a receiver having an imaging layer comprising a radiation absorbing component, such as a dye or pigment, with spectral absorbance properties susceptible to change on treatment with the absorbance controlling composition provides a method of imaging by which a desired image may be formed on the receiver, for example by jetting a solution of the absorbance controlling composition onto the receiver.

Abstract: The use of cortisol agonist for preparing a system for diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome and related conditions as belly fatness, insulin resistancy including increased risk of developing senile diabetes, i.e. diabetes type II, high blood fats and high blood pressure, in which system the dose of cortisol agonist is in an interval where a difference is obtained in the inhibitory effect of the autoproduction of cortisol in individuals suffering from the metabolic syndrome, compared to normal values.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of nucleic acid diagnostics and the identification of base variation in target nucleic acid sequences. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of such genotypic characterization of a target population of HIV and the subsequent association, i.e., correlation, of this information to phenotypic interpretation in order to correlate virus mutational profiles with drug resistance. The invention also relates to methods of utilizing the mutational profiles of the invention in drug development, i.e., drug discovery, drug design, drug modification, and therapy, treatment design, clinical management and diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of characterizing a target that binds to a ligand. The method comprises providing ligands, optionally attached to a support, and contacting the ligands with targets to allow at least one target to bind to at least one ligand. The method further comprises immobilizing the resulting complexes in a first matrix, such that each complex has a different position within the first matrix, and transferring the target of the complex to a second matrix. The position of the target within the second matrix corresponds to the position of the ligand-support complex within the first matrix. The target on the second matrix is then detected.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of lymphadenopathy virus, which has been designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1). This invention relates to a diagnostic means and method to detect the presence of DNA, RNA or antibodies of the lymphadenopathy retrovirus associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome or of the lymphadenopathy syndrome by the use of DNA fragments or the peptides encoded by said DNA fragments. The invention further relates to the DNA fragments, vectors comprising them and the proteins expressed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the identification, isolation and characterization of regulatory DNA sequences in a cell of interest are provided. Also provided are libraries of regulatory sequences obtained according to the methods, and databases comprising collections of regulatory sequences for a particular cell of interest. In addition, various uses for the regulatory sequences so obtained, and uses for the databases of regulatory sequences, are provided. Also disclosed are computer systems and computer program products for utilizing the databases to conduct various genetic analyses, and uses of accessible regulatory sequences in the design of vectors bearing transgenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing and altering the timing of antibiotic production in Streptomyces species, particularly S. coelicolor and S. lividans, by functionally deleting the S. coelicolor scbA and scbR genes, respectively, or their homologues. Also provided are strains having such mutations, and methods of producing antibiotics using such strains. Also provided are methods for identifying strains in which functional deletion of the scbA and/or scbR genes or their homologues leads to the above effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and reagent composition for attachment of target molecules onto the surface of a substrate, such as microwell plates, tubes, beads, microscope slides, silicon wafers or membranes. In one embodiment, the method and composition are used to immobilize nucleic acid probes onto plastic materials such as microwell plates, e.g., for use in hybridization assays. In a preferred embodiment, the method and composition are adapted for use with substantially flat surfaces, such as those provided by microscope slides and other plastic, silicon hydride, or organosilane-pretreated glass or silicone slide support surfaces. The reagent composition can then be used to attach a target molecule such as a biomolecule (e.g., a nucleic acid) which in turn can be used for specific binding reactions (e.g., to hybridize a nucleic acid to its complementary strand).

Abstract: A method for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes contacting the sample with a porous support that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample and directing a fluid through the porous support, whereby the nucleic acid component of the sample is directed through at least a portion of the porous support and is separated from the support, thereby preparing the nucleic acid component for amplification.

Abstract: We describe here an in vitro method of increasing complementarity in a heteroduplex polynucleotide sequence. The method uses annealing of opposite strands to form a polynucleotide duplex with mismatches. The heteroduplex polynucleotide is combined with an effective amount of enzymes having strand cleavage activity, 3? to 5? exonuclease activity, and polymerase activity, and allowing sufficient time for the percentage of complementarity to be increased within the heteroduplex. Not all heteroduplex polynucleotides will necessarily have all mismatches resolved to complementarity. The resulting polynucleotide is optionally ligated. Several variant polynucleotides result. At sites where either of the opposite strands has templated recoding in the other strand, the resulting percent complementarity of the heteroduplex polynucleotide sequence is increased. The parent polynucleotides need not be cleaved into fragments prior to annealing heterologous strands. Therefore, no reassembly is required.

Abstract: Hepatoma up-regulated protein (HURP) gene serves as a useful molecular marker in the detection, preliminary screening and monitoring of bladder cancer in a human subject. A method for the detection of bladder cancer, in particular transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, in a human subject is disclosed, in which the detected expression of the human HURP gene in a sample taken from a subject suspected to have bladder cancer is indicative of the presence of the bladder cancer. The present invention further provides a non-invasive method for the detection, preliminary screening or monitoring of urinary TCC in a suspected subject, in which a urine sample taken from the subject is analyzed to determine an expression of the human HURP gene, the presence of which is indicative of the presence of urinary TCC.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for identifying and analysing microsatellite-associated polymorphisms between different DNA samples. Different DNA samples, e.g. from different individuals, are analysed using a PCR based on the combination of a RAMP-primer and an AFLP-primer and polymorphisms between the different DNA samples are identified. The polymorphisms thus identified may be isolated and further analysed by e.g. DNA sequence analysis both upstream and downstream from the microsatellite-associated polymorphism. These sequences may subsequently be used to devise and synthesise new means for analysis of the polymorphic locus, such as e.g. PCR-primer pairs or oligonucleotide probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying an incidence of ischemia in mammalian tissue, particularly mammalian heart tissue. Further, a method of reducing apoptosis in mammalian tissue, preferably heart tissue, is provided. These methods involve measuring and comparing the gene expression levels of both apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and proliferating eIF-5A and correlating an incidence of ischemia when the expression level of apoptosis-specific eIF-5a is higher than proliferating eIF-5A. In the method of reducing apoptosis in mammalian tissue, there is provided an agent that inhibits expression of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A. Preferred agents are antisense oligonucleotides to human apoptosis-specific eIF-5A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the presence of one or more analytes of interest in a sample by measuring changes in fluorescence anisotropy as a result of binding of the analytes to specific aptamers. The aptamers are immobilized on a solid support and may be in the form of an array.

Abstract: The present invention describes Histoplasmosis capsulatum chitin synthase nucleic acid and protein sequences as reagents for the detection of H. capsulatum infection. Specifically, the invention describes intron sequences from the H. capsulatum chitin synthase gene which can be used for hybridization-based and PCR-based detection of H. capsulatum infection. In another embodiment, assays for H. capsulatum chitin synthase 2 polypeptide and/or mRNA used as a diagnostic test for H. capsulatum infection and/or histoplasmosis. Also described is the differentiation of H. capsulatum from Blastomyces dermititidis based on detection of intron 1 sequences specific to H. capsulatum chitin synthase 2. The present invention also comprises the production of H. capsulatum strains lacking functional chitin synthase 2 as a means to produce H. capsulatum having reduced pathogenicity.

Abstract: Microwell biochips (11) are formed from a thin flat plate (13) of polymeric material having a plurality of regularly spaced holes (15) that extend completely therethrough and create microwells. The lower end of each hole is closed by a microporous, hydrophobic, polymeric membrane (17) laminated to the undersurface of the plate which retains an aqueous test solution in the wells until a vacuum is applied to the undersurface thereof to effect draining of the solution and of any wash solution that might be subsequently added. A spot of polymerizing isocyanate-functional hydrogel is applied generally centrally to the porous membrane surface at the bottom of each well in a manner so as to cover only a minor portion of the surface and out of contact with the well sidewalls, thus leaving substantial surface area through which drainage can be readily effected. Biological capture agents are associated with the polymerizing hydrogel so as to become immobilized as a part thereof.

Abstract: Methods for identifying transcripts and genes whose splicing is regulated by a selected splicing factor are disclosed. Unprocessed or partially processed transcripts are bound to an array of probes and contacted with one or more splicing factors. The identities of transcripts bound to splicing factors are determined.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for sorting polynucleotides from a population based on predetermined sequence characteristics. In one aspect, the method of the invention is carried out by extending a primer annealed polynucleotides having predetermined sequence characteristics to incorporate a predetermined terminator having a capture moiety, capturing polynucleotides having extended primers by a capture agent that specifically binds to the capture moiety, and melting the captured polynucleotides from the extended primers to form a subpopulation of polynucleotides having the predetermined sequence characteristics. In another aspect, the method of the invention is carried out on a population of tagged polynucleotides so that after a subpopulation is selected, the members of the subpopulation may be simultaneously analyzed using the unique tags on the polynucleotides to convey analytical information to a hybridization array for a readout.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having nucleoside phosphoramidase activity, and methods of screening for nucleoside phosphoramidate compounds that are cleaved by a phosphoramidase or for phosphoramidases that are able to cleave phosphoramidate compounds. The invention also provides methods of delivering a nucleoside monophosphate.

Abstract: Aplasia of the corpus callosum or aspermatogenesis is diagnosed by investigating existence or expression of the BT-IgSF gene with use of a primer for PCR or probe for hybridization comprising a DNA coding for a novel cell adhesion molecule (BT-IgSF) defined in the following (A) or (B) or a partial sequence thereof: (A) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of the amino acid numbers 1 to 409 of SEQ ID NO: 2; (B) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence of the amino acid numbers 1 to 409 of SEQ ID NO: 2 including substitution, deletion, insertion or addition of one or several amino acids and having a function as a cell adhesion molecule.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound which affects the formation of AMPA receptors into aggregates. The method also provides for a compound, for example, a long pentraxin polypeptide or fragment thereof, having a pentraxin binding domain and affecting AMPA receptor aggregation. The method provided herein affects AMPA receptor aggregation of GluR1, GluR2 and GluR3 receptor subunits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of gene sequences and proteins involved in vaccinia virus dominant T cell epitopes. Two vaccinia virus CD8+ T cell epitopes restricted by the most common human MHC class I allele, HLA-A0201 have been identified. Both epitopes are highly conserved in vaccinia and variola viruses. The induction of the T cell responses following primary vaccination is demonstrated by the kinetics of epitope specific CD8+ T cells in 3 HLA-A0201 individuals. This information will be useful for the design and analyses of the immunogenicity of experimental vaccinia vaccines, and for basic studies of human T cell memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides filter-based assays for measuring binding of compounds to phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The assay permits stoichiometric binding of compounds to PDEs, thereby providing a highly sensitive measure of a PDE binding and inhibition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human secreted proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel CK?-6 protein which is a member of the alpha chemokine family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human CK?-6 protein. CK?-6 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of CK?-6 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting CNS and immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating CNS and immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: A process for detecting the forms of the prion pathogens responsible for subacute, transmissible, spongiform encephalopathies, including a macrocyclic adjuvant ligand (AML), free or bound to a support, that is added to a biological sample capable of containing PrPsc, the resulting suspension then being reacted with an anti-PrPsc antibody, and the presence of PrP is then detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for determining the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more membrane-associated analytes in a sample. In accordance with the invention, binding compounds derivatized with releasable molecular tags specifically bind to selected membrane-associated analytes, after which the molecular tags are released upon activation of cleavage moieties, or sensitizers, anchored in the same membrane as the membrane-associated analytes. The released molecular tags are then identified by their distinct separation and detection characteristics.

Abstract: A method for detecting DNA damage in a tissue sample involves contacting an immobilized biological sample with a labeled ligand which binds to human 53Bp1, and examining the immobilized sample for the presence of a label generated-detectable signal concentrated in foci in said sample. The presence of concentrated foci is indicative of DNA damage and the presence of diffuse signal is indicative of a normal sample. Diagnostic reagents contain a ligand that binds to human 53Bp1 associated with a detectable label. Diagnostic kits for detecting DNA damage in a biological sample contain such diagnostic reagents and signal detection components. Compositions that inhibit or antagonize the biological activity of 53Bp1 are identified by suitable assays, and are employed in methods of retarding the growth of a cancer cell.

Abstract: Acquired and de novo endocrine resistance are major clinical problems in the management of breast cancer patients. Though the antiestrogen tamoxifen prolongs disease-free and overall survival in the adjuvant setting, and induces remissions in over half of the patients with estrogen receptor positive metastatic disease, all patients eventually acquire tamoxifen resistance. Furthermore, many of the resistant tumors actually appear to be stimulated by tamoxifen just as they are by estrogens. The present invention provides methods of predicting endocrine resistance comprising detecting the biological activity and/or expression of p38 MAPK and/or AIB1. The invention further provides methods of reducing, reversing, or preventing endocrine resistance comprising contacting a breast or prostate tumor with a p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of screening cellular polypeptides for pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic activity in a cell of a particular cell-type by: (a) culturing cells of the particular cell-type under non apoptotic conditions and culturing cells of the particular cell-type under apoptotic conditions, and (b) determining subcellular localization of the cellular polypeptides in the cultured cells, wherein a localization of a cellular polypeptide in lipid rafts in cultured cells under non apoptotic conditions and a segregation of the cellular polypeptide from lipid rafts in cultured cells under apoptotic conditions is indicative that the cellular polypeptide has a pro-apoptotic or an anti-apoptotic activity in the particular cell-type.

Abstract: The enzyme Lp-PLA2 in purified form, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding Lp-PLA2, the use of an inhibitor of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 in therapy and a method of screening compounds to identify those compounds.

Abstract: A medium for biological analysis by biochemical means involving chromogenic or fluorogenic substrates that react with enzymes (esterases and/or osidases and/or peptidases and/or sulfatases and/or phosphatases) specific for the target strains is that is in a stable, ready-to-use liquid or gel form and contains at least one emulsifying stabilizer of the fatty acid sorbitan ester/fatty acid type and at least one solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide). This medium is obtained by mixing a stock solution of esterase and/or osidase and/or peptidase and/or sulfatase and/or phosphatase substrates in the solvent, and the emulsifying stabilizer, with some of the constituents of the culture medium.

Abstract: A method to increase carotenoid production in carotenogenic microbial host cells is provided by down-regulating or disrupting glycogen synthesis. Disruption of glycogen synthase activity in a carotenogenic microbial host cell significantly increased carotenoid production. Carotenogenic microorganisms are also provided that have been optimized for the production of carotenoid compounds through the down-regulation and/or disruption of glycogen synthase activity.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is the CaESS1 gene, portions thereof such as primers or probes, expression products therefrom, and methods for using the gene, and expression products; for instance, for diagnostic, therapeutic or preventive compositions.