Abstract: A load leveling battery (122) comprising an electrolyte that includes a cerium zinc redox pair wherein preferred electrolytes are acid electrolytes, and most preferably comprise methane sulfonic acid. Contemplated load leveling batteries (122) have an open circuit voltage of at least 2.4 Volt per cell. Such batteries are useful at power grid substations (120) and commercial and industrial applications were large amounts of power are used. Preferred capacity is at least 100,000 kWh, more preferably 250,000 kWh.

Abstract: A module battery comprises a cell including an electrode tab and a cell body having a power generating element hermetically sealed in a package film. The module battery has a constitution in which a plurality of the cells are stacked on one another, and the electrode tabs of the cells adjacent to each other in a stacking direction are interconnected. Further, a bent portion of an approximate L-shape toward the stacking direction of the cells is formed in each of the electrode tabs of the cells, and the bent portions of the cells adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are at least partially overlapped with each other so as to be interconnected.

Abstract: To offer excellent hermeticity inside a battery having high productivity and being covered with package members by means of solving a problem such as sealing failures caused by gaps between sides of lead electrodes and the package members in sealing parts, in which the lead electrode to be disposed. During a step of sealing between ends of the package members and the lead electrodes by fusing the sealing members, or during a step of adhering the fused sealing members to the lead electrodes, stripping sheets made of a material such that the fused sealing members does not adhere to heaters, are inserted between the package members, or the sealing members and the heaters. Accordingly, even if the fused sealing members are forced out from ends of the package members, or leaked toward the outside, the sealing members does not adhere to surfaces of the heaters or crumble their shapes.

Abstract: In a lithium secondary cell having a negative electrode, a positive electrode and, arranged between the electrodes, a polymer electrolyte layer, the internal resistance of the cell and the interfacial resistance between the electrode and the polymer electrolyte can be reduced by incorporating into the electrode, in advance, a polymer electrolyte precursor solution in a manner such that the electrode has a higher content of the precursor monomer and/or an oligomer thereof than that in the polymer electrolyte layer formed on the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel battery having a first electrode comprising an electrode active material represented by the general formula AaMb(XY4)2Zd, a second electrode which is a counter-electrode to the first electrode; and an electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recording medium comprising a recording layer including a photo-acid generating agent that generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic radiation and a polymer having a polymerizable substituent group bonded to a main chain of the polymer via a functional group that cleaves in the presence of the acid.

Abstract: A photo acid generator (PAG) or an acid is used to reduce resist scumming and footing. Diffusion of acid from photoresist into neighbors causes a decreased acid level, and thus causes resist scumming. An increased acid layer beneath the resist prevents acid diffusion. In one embodiment, the increased acid layer is a layer of spun-on acid or PAG dissolved in aqueous solution. In another embodiment, the increased acid layer is a hard mask material with a PAG or an acid mixed into the material. The high acid content inhibits the diffusion of acid from the photoresist into neighboring layers, and thus substantially reduces photoresist scumming and footing.

Abstract: The invention relates to printing of documents, for example bank checks. According to the various aspects of the invention, a printing system, process and product with microprinting are provided. Documents printed as described may include digitally variable microprint and other enhancements. The invention is particularly useful for enhanced security documents and the production thereof.

Abstract: A process for forming an image on a substrate, which comprises coating the substrate with an amine of molybdenum, tungsten or vanadium that changes colour on heating or irradiation as an aqueous dispersion or suspension or as a solution in an organic solvent. Also described is a coated substrate, wherein the coating is a substantially visible light-transparent layer comprising an amine compound of molybdenum, tungsten or vanadium, and a solution of said amine compound and a thermoplastic polymer or a photo-polymerisable monomer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes an exposure step conducted by using a reticle. The method includes the steps of exposing a first pattern on a wafer by using a first reticle having a first reticle error, and exposing a second pattern on the wafer in alignment with the first pattern by using a second reticle having a second error, wherein the step of exposing the second pattern uses a reticle having a reticle error that satisfies a requirement of critical alignment error as the second reticle, the critical alignment error being determined from a design rule applied to the wafer, the critical alignment error being further determined with reference to the first reticle error of the first reticle.

Abstract: A pattern forming method is proposed for easy correction of a pattern-size variation occurring in an etching process. An energy beam is radiated onto a resist-applied target while the energy beam is adjusted to correct the pattern-size variation occurring in the etching process. The resist on the target is developed to form a resist pattern. The target is etched with the resist pattern as a mask, thus forming patterns thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an edge profile of a volume of a photoresist after a development process. At first, the volume of the photoresist is divided into cells. A chemical master equation is set up which reflects the stochastic kinetics of chemical reactions proceeding in cells of the volume of the photoresist during the development process. The chemical master equation is solved for a given development time on the basis of a Gillespie algorithm in order to determine developed and non-developed cells of the volume of the photoresist at the end of the development process. Finally, the edge profile of the volume of the photoresist after the development process is determined on the basis of a cluster of non-developed cells.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming a full color toner image by overlaying four color electrostatic image developing toners of black, yellow, magenta and cyan, wherein at least one of the four color electrostatic image developing toners is a toner containing a large diameter external additive in a larger amount and at least one is a toner containing the large diameter external additive in a smaller amount, in which the primary particle diameter of the large diameter external additive is from 150 nm to 2,000 nm, the content of the large diameter external additive in the toner containing the large diameter external additive in larger amount is from 0.06% by weight to 4.0% by weight and the content of the large diameter external additive in the toner containing the large diameter external additive in the smaller amount is not more than 0.05% by weight.

Abstract: A photoreceptor including an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer located overlying the substrate, and a protective layer overlying the photosensitive layer, wherein the photoreceptor has a property such that when the photoreceptor is charged so as to have a potential of ?700 V and then exposed to light with exposure of 0.4 ?J/cm2, the potential (PL) of a lighted portion of the photoreceptor decreases at a rate not greater than 700 V/sec during a time period of from a time 35 msec after the exposure to the transition time of the photoreceptor. An image forming apparatus and a process cartridge including the photoreceptor are also provided.

Abstract: An electrostatic latent image is formed on an image carrier. In the image carrier, a photosensitive layer is provided so as to cover a conductive substrate. Conductive particles are dispersed in the photosensitive layer, such that some of the particles are exposed at a surface of the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a charge generating layer comprising dispersing photoconductive phthalocyanine particles in a polymer matrix, the matrix comprising a polymeric film-forming reaction product of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, maleic acid, and hydroxyalkyl acrylate, in a solution of n-butyl acetate and methyl isobutyl ketone. An electrophotographic imaging member is also prepared comprising a charge generating layer prepared according to this process.

Abstract: A non-halogenated binder material, such as for an electrophotographic imaging member binder, includes a copolymer of vinyl acetate and vinyl acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isocyanate composition including an adduct of a multifunctional isocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups in the molecule thereof with a polymer obtained by radically polymerizing in the presence of a chain transfer agent having active hydrogen at least a vinyl monomer including a polymerizable compound having a polyether represented by the following Formula (I): A1-(L-O)n-B1 ??Formula (I) wherein A1 represents a group having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond; L represents an alkylene group; B1 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; and n is an average polymerization degree of the polyether and represents a number of 8 to 300.

Abstract: A method and a medium for laser imaging is herein disclosed. The medium incorporates one or more types of microstructures having a predetermined heat or radiation modifiable optical characteristic such as color, scattering, diffusion, diffraction, interference and iridescence. Associated intimately with the microstructures is a radiation antenna that acts to absorb radiation from a radiation source. The radiation antenna and source are attuned to one another to efficiently transfer energy therebetween and subsequently to the microstructures; this transfer of energy results in the modification of an optical characteristic of the microstructures to form an image on the medium. The medium has one or more layers that may include both the radiation antenna and the microstructures. Alternatively, the microstructures and radiation antenna may be included in separate layers. Coatings that incorporate one or more layers that include distinct microstructures and radiation antennae are also contemplated.

Abstract: Heat-sensitive element comprising a) an optionally pretreated substrate; b) a positive working coating comprising (i) at least 40 wt.-%, based on the dry weight of the coating, of at least one polymer soluble in aqueous alkaline developer selected from novolak resins, functionalized novolak resins, polyvinylphenol resins, polyvinyl cresols and poly(meth)acrylates with phenolic and/or sulfonamide side groups, (ii) 01-20 wt.-%, based on the dry weight of the coating, of at least one (C4-C20 alkyl)phenol novolak resin insoluble in aqueous alkaline developer, and (iii) optionally at least one further component selected from polymer particles, surfactants, contrast dyes and pigments, inorganic fillers, antioxidants, print-out dyes, carboxylic acid derivatives of cellulose polymers, plasticizers and substances capable of absorbing radiation of a wavelength from the range of 650 to 1,300 nm and converting it into heat.

Abstract: Antireflective compositions characterized by the presence of an Si-containing polymer having pendant chromophore moieties are useful antireflective coating/hardmask compositions in lithographic processes. These compositions provide outstanding optical, mechanical and etch selectivity properties while being applicable using spin-on application techniques. The compositions are especially useful in lithographic processes used to configure underlying material layers on a substrate, especially metal or semiconductor layers.

Abstract: Imaging compositions and methods of using the compositions are disclosed. The imaging compositions are sensitive to low levels of energy such that upon application of the low levels of energy the compositions change color or shade. The compositions may be used in methods of marking.

Abstract: An organic anti-reflective coating composition and a method for forming a photoresist pattern using the same in order to improve uniformity of the pattern in an ultra-fine pattern formation process of the photoresist. In one aspect, organic anti-reflective coating composition contains a light absorbent agent, a cross-linking agent, a thermal acid generator, and a formanilide photo-base generator.

Abstract: Photoresist patterns are formed using a photoresist composition, which includes water, a photoacid generator, and a negative photoresist polymer. The polymer includes a basic-type repeating unit represented by Formula (I) (shown below), so that a developing process can be performed not by using conventional TMAH solution but by using water. Additionally, since the main solvent of the composition is water, the disclosed photoresist composition is eco-friendly, and has a low light absorbance at 193 nm and 248 nm, which is useful in a photolithography process using light source in a far ultraviolet region when high-integrated fine circuits of semiconductor device are manufactured. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, b, c, d and m are defined in the specification.

Abstract: Cyanoadamantyl compounds, polymers that comprise polymerized units of such compounds, and photoresist compositions that comprise such polymers are provided. Preferred polymers of the invention are employed in photoresists imaged at wavelengths less than 250 nm such as 248 nm and 193 nm.

Abstract: A negative resist composition and a method for patterning semiconductor devices using the composition are provided. The negative resist composition contains an alkali-soluble hydroxy-substituted base polymer, a silicon-containing crosslinker having an epoxy ring, and a photoacid generator. In the method for patterning semiconductor devices, fine patterns are formed according to a bi-layer resist process using the negative resist composition.

Abstract: Overcoating compositions for a photoresist and methods of using the same are disclosed. More specifically, overcoating compositions for a photoresist comprising materials which can weaken acid stably are disclosed. These materials neutralize large amounts of acid produced in the upper portion of a photoresist film, thereby uniformizing vertical distribution of the acids. As a result, vertical and fine patterns of less than 100 nm thickness can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photopolymerizable composition containing an addition-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated compound, a photopolymerization initiator, a polymer binder, and a sensitizing dye represented by the following formula (A), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and X are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: A photoresist composition for LCD light diffuse reflecting film is disclosed, which comprises (a) 8 to 90% by weight of base-soluble resin; (b) 1 to 30% by weight of polyfunctional unit; (c) 0.1 to 20% by weight of photopolymerization initiator; (d) 0.1 to 20% by weight of thermosetting cross-linking reagent; (e) 0.01 to 10% by weight of ultraviolet absorber; and (f) 8 to 90% by weight of solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of structuring of a substrate by providing a polymerization starter layer on the substrate, applying a radiation field on the polymerization starter layer for selectively reducing a density of polymerization starters of the polymerization starter layer, applying monomers and then polymerizing of the monomers, the polymerization being initiated by the starters of the polymerization starter layer, and structuring the substrate using the polymerized monomers as a mask.

Abstract: A method of passivating silicon-oxide based low-k materials using a supercritical carbon dioxide passivating solution comprising a silylating agent is disclosed. The silylating agent is preferably an organosilicon compound comprising organo-groups with five carbon atoms such as hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and chlorotrimethylsilane (TMCS) and combinations thereof. The silicon oxide-based low-k material, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, is maintained at temperatures in a range of 40 to 200 degrees Celsius, and preferably at a temperature of about 150 degrees Celsius, and at pressures in a range of 1,070 to 9,000 psi, and preferably at a pressure of about 3,000 psi, while being exposed to the supercritical passivating solution. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, a silicon oxide-based low-k material is simultaneously cleaned and passivated using a supercritical carbon dioxide cleaning solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimized direct write lithography system using optical mirrors. That is, a maskless lithography system is provided. The maskless direct-write lithography system provided uses an array of mirrors configured to operate in a tilting mode, a piston-displacement mode, or both in combination. The controlled mirror array is used as a substitute for the traditional chrome on glass masks. In order to avoid constraining the system to forming edges of patterns aligned with the array of mirrors, gray-scale techniques are used for subpixel feature placement. The direct-writing of a pattern portion may rely on a single mirror mode or a combination of modes.

Abstract: Imaging layers, image recording media, and methods of preparation of each, are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of the imaging layer, among others, includes a matrix; a radiation absorbing compound dissolved in the matrix; an aromatic compound dissolved in the matrix; a color former; and an activator. One of the activator and the color former is dissolved in the matrix and the other of the activator and the color former is substantially insoluble in the matrix at ambient conditions and is substantially uniformly distributed in the matrix.

Abstract: A composition, method, and system for recording an image. The system includes a multiphase imaging material in which energy is absorbed by an antenna material. The absorbed energy causes the reaction of an oxidizer and a leucozine dye.

Abstract: A method of forming an image using a photothermographic material containing a support having thereon an image forming layer which contains an organic silver salt, silver halide grains, a binder and a reducing agent, the method including the steps of: imagewise exposing the photothermographic material to light to form a latent image; and simultaneously or sequentially heating the exposed photothermographic material to develop the latent image, wherein at least two matting agents are contained on one surface of the support, and an average particle size LA of Matting agent A and an average particle size LB of Matting agent B satisfy the following relationship: 1.5?LB/LA?6.0, provided that Matting agent A is the matting agent having a largest weight ratio; and Matting agent B is the matting agent having a second largest weight ratio.

Abstract: Living cellular material may be preserved by incubating the cellular material in a culture medium containing at least one sugar, particularly for at least three hours, and then subjecting the cellular material to a preservation protocol, such as freezing, vitrification, freeze-drying and desiccation.

Abstract: Biooxidation reactions can be controlled by a method which comprises the steps of: (1) independently adding a substrate and a co-substrate at predetermined rates to a bioxidation reaction mixture comprised of a biocatalyst; (2) measuring the oxygen consumption rate and carbon dioxide evolution rate from the reaction mixture; (3) determining the instantaneous rates of substrate and cosubstrate consumption by solving simultaneous equations relating carbon dioxide evolution rate and oxygen consumption rate to the substrate oxidation stoichiometry, the cosubstrate combustion stoichiometry, and optionally the biomass formation stoichiometry; (4) simultaneously adjusting the substrate and cosubstrate addition rates to the rates of substrate oxidation and cosubstrate consumption in order to maximize the rate of product formation while simultaneously minimizing the rate of cosubstrate usage.

Abstract: Mass spectrometric techniques are provided for detecting the presence of parasites that accumulate unbound heme in red blood cells (including malaria parasites), based on the discovery that unbound heme can be detected and quantified using mass spectrometry. In one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of: obtaining a blood sample from the animal; preparing a test sample on a support from the blood sample, and inserting the support into a mass spectrometer for analysis. Next one obtains a mass spectrum of the test sample and determines whether the mass spectrum contains a mass/charge signature of unbound heme. If it is determined that the mass spectrum of the test sample shows the mass/charge signature of unbound heme, the animal is diagnosed as infected with malaria parasites.

Abstract: A fluorescence based assay for compounds that modulate T-type calcium ion channels and that can be adapted to high throughput screening formats. Modulators of T-type channels are useful to correct functional abnormalities. These abnormalities are associated with epilepsy, pain, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, certain types of cancer, diabetes, infertility, sexual dysfunction and other undesirable conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are RNA-protein fusion production methods which involve a high salt post-translational incubation step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel sequencing apparatus and the methods employed to determine the nucleotide sequence of many single nucleic acid molecules simultaneously, in parallel. The methods and apparatus of the present invention offer a rapid, cost effective, high through-put method by which nucleic acid molecules from any source can be readily sequenced without the need for prior amplification of the sample or prior knowledge of any sequence information.

Abstract: The present methods and apparatus concern the detection and/or identification of target analytes using probe molecules. In various embodiments of the invention, the probes or analytes are attached to one or more cantilevers. Binding of a probe to an analyte results in deflection of the cantilever, detected by a detection unit. A counterbalancing force may be applied to restore the cantilever to its original position. The counterbalancing force may be magnetic, electrical or radiative. The detection unit and the mechanism generating the counterbalancing force may be operably coupled to an information processing and control unit, such as a computer. The computer may regulate a feedback loop that maintains the cantilever in a fixed position by balancing the deflecting force and the counterbalancing force. The concentration of analytes in a sample may be determined from the magnitude of the counterbalancing force required to maintain the cantilever in a fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions for isolating and/or stabilising nucleic acids in materials of biological origin. The compositions comprise as an essential ingredient a cationic compound of general formula Y+R1R2R3R4X? wherein Y may represent nitrogen or phosphorus R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently of one another may represent a branched or unbranched C1-C20-alkyl group and/or a C6-C20-aryl group as well as a C6-C26-aralkyl group and X? may represent an anion of an inorganic or organic, mono- or polybasic acid.

Abstract: This invention is related to the immobilization of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) onto solid surfaces for use in hybridization, purification, biosensing, and other biochemical applications. Specifically, their use to increase the thermal stability, specificity, and lifetime of devices based on in situ hybridization is disclosed. A method is disclosed by which peptide nucleic acids replace oligonucleotides as probes in the detection of specific DNA and RNA sequences.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provide novel receptor interacting factors, referred to herein as “SMRT”, i.e., a silencing mediator (co-repressor) for retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and thyroid hormone receptor (TR). SMRT is a novel protein whose association with RAR and TR both in solution and on DNA response elements is destabilized by ligand. The interaction of SMRT with mutant receptors correlates with the transcriptional silencing activities of receptors. In vivo, SMRT functions as a potent co-repressor. A GAL4 DNA binding domain (DBD) fusion of SMRT behaves as a frank repressor of a GAL4-dependent reporter. Together, these data identify a novel class of cofactor which is believed to represent an important mediator of hormone action.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor polynucleotide complementary to the target polynucleotide. The sensor polynucleotide comprises a signaling chromophore to receive energy from the excited multichromophore and increase emission in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Bacteria that are capable of ammonia oxidation. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for detecting the bacteria of the present invention are also provided. Such methods may be effected by any conventional methology, such as with a DNA chip.

Abstract: Disclosed are a number of methods that can be used in a variety of embodiments, including, creation of a nucleic acid terminated at one or more selected bases, sequence analysis of nucleic acids, mapping of sequence motifs within a nucleic acid, positional mapping of nucleic acid clones, and analysis of telomeric regions. The methods utilize double-stranded templates, and in most aspects involve a strand replacement reaction initiated at one or more random or specific locations created in a nucleic acid molecule, and in certain aspects utilizing an oligonucleotide primer.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that sample handling devices, particularly those used for testing for substances of abuse, do not allow for a separation of the bulk sample from a sample thereof to be tested. The present invention provides such a device and methods of use. The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber such that the chamber is capable of collecting a specimen. The device also includes a reservoir such that the reservoir is capable of receiving a portion of the specimen from the chamber and optionally so that the reservoir is capable of receiving a test device. The device includes a valve functionally interposed between the chamber and the reservoir that is capable of transferring at least a portion of the specimen from the chamber to the reservoir such that the chamber and the reservoir are not in direct fluid communication.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the detection of a malignant condition, and relates to the discovery of soluble and cell surface forms of HE4a polypeptides, including HE4a that is overexpressed in ovarian carcinomas. In particular the invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding HE4a, and also provides a method of screening for the presence of a malignant condition in a subject by detecting reactivity of an antibody specific for a HE4a polypeptide with a molecule naturally occurring in soluble and/or cell surface form in a sample from such a subject, and by hybridization screening using an HE4a nucleotide sequence, as well as other related advantages.