Abstract: A method is provided for reducing Critical Dimension (CD) non-uniformity in creating a patterned layer of semiconductor material. Two masking layers are respectively created, the first masking layer comprising a main pattern, an isolated pattern and a dummy pattern, the second masking layer exposing the dummy pattern. Methods of compensating for optical proximity effects and micro-loading, as provided by the invention, are applied in creating the first masking layer. The patterned first masking layer is transposed to an underlying layer creating a first pattern therein. The second masking layer removes the dummy features from the transposed first pattern, creating a second pattern therein comprising a main pattern and an isolated pattern to which compensation for optical proximity effects and micro-loading have been applied. The second pattern serves for additional etching of underlying semiconductor material.

Abstract: A mask fabrication time is shortened. By patterning an electron-sensitive resist film coated on a main surface of a mask substrate, a pellicle is mounted on the main surface of the mask substrate immediately after a resist pattern made from an electron beam sensitive resist film and having light-shielding characteristics with respect to exposure light is formed. Subsequently, by irradiating a laser beam to defect made from the electron beam sensitive resist film with the pellicle being mounted on the mask substrate, the defect is removed. Since the defect can be removed without removing the pellicle, the mask fabrication time can be shortened.

Abstract: An ESD-resistant photomask and method of preventing mask ESD damage is disclosed. The ESD-resistant photomask includes a mask substrate, a pattern-forming material provided on the substrate, a circuit pattern defined by exposure regions etched in the pattern-forming material, and positive or negative ions implanted into the mask substrate throughout ion implantation regions. The ions in the ion implantation regions dissipate electrostatic charges on the mask, thus preventing the buildup of electrostatic charges which could otherwise attract image-distorting particles to the mask or damage the mask.

Abstract: A polymer composite comprises a base material, and a polymer membrane provided on at least a part of the base material, the polymer membrane having at least hydrophilicity, and the polymer composite is used in a state exposed to water or a water-based solvent. The polymer membrane is a resin film formed by photo-crosslinking a photosensitive resin composition consisting essentially of a water-soluble polymer, and during crosslinking of the photosensitive resin composition, some of photosensitive groups of the photosensitive resin composition are bound to amino groups fixed to the surface of the base material, whereby the resin film is fixed to the base material.

Abstract: A simulation is carried out of a projection based on an electronically stored circuit pattern and adjustable projection parameters and optical parameters which characterize the specific characteristics of a projection apparatus. Positions at which it is predicted that side lobes will occur in the event of an actual projection are identified in the calculated circuit pattern. The positions of the side lobes are transmitted to a manufacturing unit and are recorded in a measurement program. A wafer, which has been exposed by a mask, is inspected for side lobes, at least at precisely those transmitted positions using the measurement program. The adjustable projection parameters are adapted, a radiation-sensitive layer is removed from and reapplied to the wafer and the projection is repeated with the adapted projection parameters depending on the detection result. The control process is repeated until the side lobes have been completely prevented.

Abstract: A toner for electrophotography fulfilling both the fixability and the void resistance at high level, and forms a high-quality image. The toner for electrophotography contains: a binder resin; and a wax component which contains: a first wax having an endothermic peak in a temperature region of 60 to 90° C., the endothermic peak occurring in the temperature-rising stage of a DSC curve determined by a differential scanning calorimeter, and having a molecular weight distribution (weight-average molecular weight (Mw)/number-average molecular weight (Mn)) of 1.5 or less, and substantially not containing a component having 500 Mw or less; and at least any of a second wax having an endothermic peak in a temperature region of 100 to 150° C. and the molecular weight distribution of 5 to 20; and a third wax having an endothermic peak in a temperature region of 150 to 170° C. and the molecular weight distribution of 1.1 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic mono-component toner composition, and more particularly to a mono-component toner composition that comprises magnetic toner particle comprising a binder resin, a magnetic component, and a charge control agent; a hydrophobic treated silica having a specific surface area of 20 to 80 m2/g; a hydrophobic treated silica having a specific surface area of 130 to 230 m2/g; and a metal oxide fine powder. A magnetic mono-component toner composition of the present invention has such good flowability that it provides smooth toner supply even when the developing roller surface has been worn due to long time use, and it has such excellent uniform chargeability that it prevents image deterioration (“wave” patterns of toner may form on developing roller, that is, magnetic sleeve) by forming an uniform toner layer on the developing roller.

Abstract: A non-magnetic one-constituent developing agent is an electro-photographic developing agent that provides high quality images without fogging, scattering of toners and ineffective development by maintaining stable charges and a uniform distribution of toners over an extended lifetime in a developing apparatus of an electro-photographic image processing device. In addition, the developing agent has deodorizing, anti-bacterial and sterilizing functions.

Abstract: The toner having a significantly improved dispersibility of a colorant in toner particles is provided. The present invention provides a dry toner comprising: (i) a binder resin; (ii) a colorant; (iii) at least one of metallophthalocyanine and a metallophthalocyanine derivative having a central metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Fe, C o, Ni, Zn, Mn, Mg, and Al; and (iv) a polymer containing 0.5 to 20% by mass of a base unit derived from a specific polymerizable monomer having an amide group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toner for developing an electrostatically charged image of a heat roller type copier or printer, the toner consisting essentially of a binder resin, a colorant and a charge control agent, in which the binder resin at least includes a polyolefin resin having a cyclic structure, and a polyolefin resin of a cyclic structure having an intrinsic viscosity (i.v.) of 0.25 dl/g or more, a heat distortion temperature (HDT) by DIN53461-B of 70° C. or higher, and a number average molecular weight of 7,500 or more and a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 or more, as measured by GPC, is contained in a proportion of less than 50% by weight based on the entire binder resin.

Abstract: A carrier for electrostatic development contains a core particle and a coating layer covering the core particle, and the core particle is a ferrite particle containing at least one of Zr in an amount of 0.005% by mass to 5% by mass and Bi in an amount of 0.001% by mass to 1% by mass. The carrier shows a sufficient resistance, is stably charged over a long period of time, can avoid roughness and irregular density in halftone images, prevents deposition of the carrier particles on a photoconductor, can satisfactorily reproduce character images and can produce high-quality images over a long period of time. The carrier is usable for constituting a developer, a container housing the developer, an image forming apparatus and process, and process cartridge using the developer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polymerized toner comprising a process for forming fine droplets of a polymerizable monomer composition in an aqueous dispersion medium, and a process for polymerizing the polymerizable monomer composition after the process for forming fine droplets; wherein the process for forming fine droplets has the steps of: preparing an agitating apparatus having an agitator equipped with an agitating blade or rotor and a dispersion supply tank; providing a polymerizable monomer composition and an aqueous dispersion medium into the dispersion supply tank; then, mixing the polymerizable monomer composition and the aqueous dispersion medium by the agitator to obtain a dispersion of fine droplets; and the relationship between the peripheral velocity of the agitating blade or rotor of the agitator and the number of circulations of the dispersion is controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to color toner compositions prepared from an aqueous pigment concentrate dispersion which renders a toner exhibiting improved pigment dispersion, and consequently improved image density and color characteristics.

Abstract: A negative-type image recording material comprising a support having a rear surface and an image recording layer disposed on the support, the image recording layer having a front surface and including (A) a radical-generating agent and (B) a radically polymerizable compound, wherein a static friction coefficient between the front surface and the rear surface is less than 0.50. In order to achieve such a specified static friction coefficient, it is preferable that the image recording layer contains (D) a compound represented by the following formula (1): R1—X ??(1) wherein R1 represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group having a total of 8 to 32 carbon atoms, and X represents CO—Y—R2, NH—CO—NH—R2, SO2—Y—R2, or Y—R3 in which Y represents O, S, NR4 or a single bond.

Abstract: A method of producing a pattern-forming body with high accuracy with no need for a post-exposure treatment and without allowing any photocatalyst to remain in the resultant pattern-forming body and whereby any problematic effect of the photocatalyst in the pattern-forming body is eliminated. The method includes providing a photocatalyst-containing layer-sided substrate and a pattern-forming body substrate having a characteristic-changeable layer, which is changed by the effect of the photocatalyst in the photocatalyst-containing layer, and a light-shading part formed as a pattern in such a manner that the photocatalyst-containing layer and the characteristic-changeable layer are brought into contact with each other, followed by exposure on the side of the pattern-forming body substrate to change the characteristics of the characteristic-changeable layer of the exposed part, followed by removing the photocatalyst-containing layer-sided substrate.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising: at least two resins which differ in glass transition temperature by at least 5° C.; and a compound which generates an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, wherein each of the two resins comprises at least either of a repeating unit derived from an acrylic acid derivative monomer and a repeating unit derived from an methacrylic acid derivative monomer and further comprises an alicyclic structure and at least one group that increases a solubility of the resin in alkaline developer by the action of an acid.

Abstract: Resist compositions comprising nitrogen-containing organic compounds having a benzimidazole structure and a specific ether chain moiety have an excellent resolution, form precisely configured patterns with minimized roughness of sidewalls and are useful in microfabrication using electron beams or deep-UV light.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate material including a support having thereon a photosensitive layer containing: (A) a photopolymerization initiator; (B) a polymer binder; (c) a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond; and (D) an anionic dye, wherein the photopolymerization initiator is a metal-arene complex, and the anionic dye has a solubility in methyl ethyl ketone of not less than 1 weight % based on the total weight of methyl ethyl ketone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition which comprises a polymer containing at least some monomer repeat units with photosensitivity-imparting substituents which enable crosslinking or chain extension of the polymer upon exposure to actinic radiation, said polymer being of the formula wherein x is an integer of 0 or 1, A is one of several specified groups, such as B is one of several specified groups, such as or mixtures thereof, and n is an integer representing the number of repeating monomer units, wherein said photosensitivity-imparting substituents are allyl ether groups, epoxy groups, or mixtures thereof. Also disclosed are a process for preparing a thermal ink jet printhead containing the aforementioned polymers and processes for preparing the aforementioned polymers.

Abstract: Methods for reducing surface adsorption of biological materials to the walls of microfluidic conduits in microscale devices are provided. In an example of the methods, one or more colloidal-size particles, such as colloidal silica particles, are flowed in a fluid within the microfluidic conduit in the presence of one or more adherent biological materials (such as one or more proteins, cells, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids and the like) to adsorb to the materials and prevent them from binding to the capillary walls of the microfluidic conduit. Other adsorption inhibition agents such as detergents and nonaqueous solvents can be used alone or in combination with colloidal particles to reduce surface adsorption in microfluidic conduits.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce a hitherto unknown type of human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) receptor protein free of other PDGF receptors. These proteins can be produced from DNA segments in cells in various functional forms. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of these novel receptors as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for specific types of PDGF receptor proteins, for example, by measuring mRNA in cells with PDGF receptor type-specific DNA probes or by measuring antigen in biological samples with type-specific antibodies.

Abstract: Provided are crystals relating to MvaS (HMG-CoA Synthase) and its various uses.

Abstract: Methods for rapidly identifying drug candidates that can bind to an enzyme at both a common ligand site and a specificity ligand site, resulting in high affinity binding. The bi-ligand drug candidates are screened from a focused combinatorial library where the specific points of variation on a core structure are optimized. The optimal points of variation are identified by which atoms of a ligand bound to the common ligand site are identified to be proximal to the specificity ligand site. As a result, the atoms proximal to the specificity ligand site can then be used as a point for variation to generate a focused combinatorial library of high affinity drug candidates that can bind to both the common ligand site and the specificity ligand site. Different candidates in the library can then have high affinity for many related enzymes sharing a similar common ligand site.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-radioactive markers that facilitate the detection and analysis of nascent proteins translated within cellular or cell-free translation systems. Nascent proteins containing these markers can be rapidly and efficiently detected, isolated and analyzed without the handling and disposal problems associated with radioactive reagents. Preferred markers are dipyrrometheneboron difluoride (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically engineered strains of methylotrophic yeast including Pichia and especially Pichia pastoris capable of producing proteins with reduced or modified glycosylation. Methods of producing glycoproteins with reduced and/or modified glycosylation using such genetically engineered strains of Pichia are also provided. Vectors, which comprise coding sequences for ?-1,2-mannosidase I, glucosidase II, GlcNAc-tranferase I and mannosidase II or comprising OCH1 disrupting sequence, for transforming methylotrophic yeasts are contemplated by the present invention. Kit for providing the comtemplated vectors are also included in this invention.

Abstract: Interaction of Rel proteins and steroid receptors is known to result in repression of target genes. Here we describe the discovery of a new mechanism in which Rel proteins and steroid receptors act synergistically to activate a regulatory element. This mechanism is shown to influence the expression of the brain-specific 5HT1A receptor wherein the estrogen receptor acts synergistically with the Nuclear Factor kappa B to enhance the activity of the promoter for the 5HT1A receptor gene. In addition, synergistic effects of Rel proteins with the mineralocorticoid receptor were observed, showing that synergism with Rel proteins may be expected for other steroid receptors as well. The synergism between Rel proteins and estrogen receptor or mineralocorticoid receptor provides a tool for the development of compounds that interact with the estrogen or mineralocorticoid receptor in such a way that only the synergistic effect is modulated whereas other effects are left intact.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits useful for detecting neplasia by measuring the methylation level of biomarkers, especially the promoter region of GSTP1 for the detection of prostate adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: Method for the detection of the antibiotic resistance spectrum of Mycobacterium species present in a sample, possibly coupled to the identification of the Micobacterium species involved, comprising the steps of: (i) if need be releasing, isolating or concentrating the polynucleic acids present in the sample; (ii) if need be amplifying the relevant part of the antibiotic resistance genes present in said sample with at least one suitable primer pair; (iii) hybridizing the polynucleic acids of step (i) or (ii) with at least one of the rpoB gene probes, as specified in table 2, under the appropriate hybridization and wash conditions; (iv) detecting the hybrids formed in step (iii); (v) inferring the Mycobacterium antibiotic resistance spectrum, and possibly the Mycobacterium species involved from the differential hybridization signal(s) obtained in step (iv).

Abstract: The invention features methods that are capable of detecting single target molecules in a sample input volume of, e.g., 5 ?l, and of quantifying organismal, e.g., chiamydial, DNA. Desirably, these methods employ a single tube format coupled with fluorescent detection of amplicons. This approach facilitates the application of quantitative PCR (qPCR) to microbiological diagnosis in clinical settings. The invention also features primers and probes for the detection of Chlamydia. The use of specific hybridization probes with qPCR amplification provides the ability for identification of individual species or strains of microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing a polymer at a location of a substrate are provided. In the subject methods, a fluid droplet containing a first monomer labeled with a first detectable label is deposited from a fluid deposition device onto a location of a substrate surface having a second monomer labeled with a second detectable label. The first and second detectable labels are then detected to determine any misalignment between the fluid deposition device and the location of the substrate surface during deposition. Also provided are algorithms that perform the subject methods, as well as fluid deposition devices that include the subject algorithms. The subject invention also includes arrays produced according to the subject methods and kits that include the subject arrays.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for separating and purifying a nucleic acid by adsorbing the nucleic acid in a test sample to a surface of a solid phase and desorbing the nucleic acid by washing and the like. The present invention provides a method for separating and purifying RNA from a nucleic acid mixture, comprising a step of: adsorbing and desorbing a nucleic acid in the nucleic acid mixture containing RNA and DNA to and from a solid phase of an organic macromolecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for detection and/or genotyping of nucleic acids that utilizes the specificity of an AP endonuclease. In addition, the present invention provides a novel method for nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining faithful expression libraries from tissue samples comprise extraction of RNA from intact tissue cultured in three-dimensional sponge-gel based histocultures.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the stacking of traits in a recombination proficient host using a phage transduction system. The method makes use of a nucleic acid integration cassette that has homology to a specific site on a host chromosome for the insertion of genetic elements and the stacking of traits. Repetition of the method results in the stacking of traits on a single genetic element.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising of the steps of: compartmentalizing genetic elements into microcapsules; expressing the genetic elements to produce their respective gene products within the microcapsules; sorting the genetic elements which produce the gene product having a desired activity. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for identifying novel SHMT modulators. The methods comprise first screening test agents for modulators of p38 activity and then further screening the identified modulating agents for modulators of SHMT enzyme activity. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating cellular proliferation and for treating tumors using the novel SHMT modulators.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, purified mammalian NPFF receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian NPFF receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of isolating mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian NPFF receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of NPFF receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the detection of the amount of a nucleic acid in a sample. The described methods exploit the ability to physically pair nucleic acid molecules in a sample that have a reference sequence with nucleic acid molecules in the sample that have a target sequence. The presence of unpaired target or reference sequence following such physical pairing indicates a difference in the amount of the target sequence versus the reference sequence. The methods are broadly applicable for the determination of differences in the amounts of nucleic acids in diagnostic and research applications.

Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.

Abstract: This invention provides oligonucleotide based arrays and methods for speciating and phenotyping organisms, for example, using oligonucleotide sequences based on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis rpoB gene. The groups or species to which an organism belongs may be determined by comparing hybridization patterns of target nucleic acid from the organism to hybridization patterns in a database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid molecules encoding a Rhesus D antigen contributing to the weak D phenotype which are characterized by one or a combination of missense mutations or by a gene conversion involving exons 6 to 9 of the RHD and RHCE genes. The present invention further relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to hosts transformed with said vectors, to proteins encoded by said nucleic acid molecules and to methods of producing such polypeptides. The fact that missense mutations and the conversion referred to above can be directly correlated to the weak D phenotype has a significant impact on the routine testing of blood samples. For example, oligonucleotides and antibodies can now be designed that generally allow the detection of weak D phenotypes in a sample. Such oligonucleotides, antibodies as well as a variety of diagnostic methods all fall within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the cytoskeletal system. The methods are rapid, convenient and sensitive. Preferably, the method is used to identify lead compounds that can be used as therapeutics, diagnostics and agricultural agents. Generally, test compounds are added to two cytoskeletal components which bind to one another, to determine whether the binding is affected by the test compound. Wherein the binding is affected, a compound which modulates the cytoskeletal system is identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new essential downstream component of the Wnt/Wingless (Wnt/Wg) signaling pathway and therapeutic and diagnostic applications based thereon. The invention relates to nucleotide sequences of the Drosophila melanogaster legless (lgs) gene, of its encoded proteins, as well as derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogues thereof. The invention further includes vertebrate and invertebrate homologues of the Lgs protein, comprising proteins that contain a contiguous stretch of amino acids with similarity to the Drosophila lgs gene. The invention further relates to the function of the Drosophila and the human Lgs proteins. Methods for producing the Lgs proteins, derivatives and analogs, e.g., by recombinant means and antibodies to Lgs are provided by the present invention. In addition, the invention also relates to the therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Lgs proteins and nucleic acids or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions utilizing inteins to generate libraries of cyclic peptides in vivo. The prevent invention also relates to methods for inhibiting protein-protein interaction.

Abstract: A method of detecting Alzheimer's disease includes detecting a disruption or alteration in normal sub-cellular distribution of G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs), particularly GRK2 and GRK5. The disruption is caused by abnormal accumulation of soluble ?-amyloid. The prevention or suppression of the disease progression at prodromal or early stages includes correction of GRK dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to sets of digital antibodies directed against short epitopes, and use thereof in methods for protein analysis.

Abstract: An immunological assay and kit for colon cancer screening is disclosed. Fecal glycoproteins are extracted from individual samples such that immunogenicity is maintained. The purified fecal glycoproteins are reacted with antibodies to Colon and Ovarian Tumor Antigen (COTA). The mucin antigen COTA is specifically present in colorectal cancer tissue and not in normal colons. The amount of COTA in the fecal sample is determined and used to indicate the presence of colon cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human Ependymin protein which is a member of the ependymin family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human Ependymin protein. Ependymin 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 Ependymin activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting nervous system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating nervous system-related disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for following up a prognosis of children with autism before and after treatment with different modalities administered by their clinicians, confirming the involvement of infectious agents, dietary proteins, and toxic chemicals in development of autism. The method utilizes detection of increased amounts of antibodies against an antigen based on infectious agent, toxic chemicals, or dietary proteins. Another method utilizes detection of antibodies to a self-tissue or peptide.

Abstract: Tetraspanins have been found to dimerise. Methods for inhibiting or promoting the dimerisation of tetraspanins are provided, which may involve protein engineering of the tetraspanins themselves, or may rely on other molecules.