Abstract: A toner contains: (A) a binder resin; (B) a colorant; (C) a charge controlling agent; and (D) an additive. (A) contains: a polyester resin containing no tetrahydrofuran-insoluble component; and having components having a molecular weight not greater than 5×102 present in an amount of 4% or less by weight, a main peak present in a molecular weight range of from 3×103 to 9×103 as determined by gel permeation chromatography. (C) contains: a metal salt of salicylic acid or salicylic acid derivative. (D) contains: a hydrophobized silica having a primary particle diameter of from 0.01 to 0.03 ?m; and a hydrophobized titanium oxide having a primary particle diameter of from 0.01 to 0.03 ?m, a specific surface area of from 60 to 140 m2/g, one or more water-soluble components in an amount of 0.2% or more by weight, a transmittance not less than 35% for light having a wavelength of 300 nm and a transmittance not less than 80% for light having a wavelength of 600 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toner that exhibits excellent low-temperature fixing properties, offset resistance, and has excellent storage stability in a developing machine. The toner has, in a DSC curve obtained by measuring the toner with differential scanning calorimeter, a glass transition temperature (Tg1) measured in a first scan of 50.0 to 70.0° C. and a temperature difference (Tg1?Tg2) between the glass transition temperature (Tg1) measured in the first scan and a glass transition temperature (Tg2) measured in a second scan ranging from 3.0 to 20.0° C.

Abstract: A recording material having, on a support, a recording layer containing an azolinyl acetic acid derivative and a diazo compound. The azolinyl acetic acid derivative is preferably is a compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein X represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; R11 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, —OR13 or —NR14R15; R12 represents a substituent; R13 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; R14 and R15 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; n represents an integer from 0 to 4; and, when n is an integer of 2 or greater, two or more R12s may be linked with each other to form a ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers that are useful in negative resist compositions. Polymers of the present invention comprise (1) a first monomer having a polar functional group; (2) a second monomer; and optionally, (3) a third monomer that imparts at least one characteristic selected from crosslinkable functionality, etch resistance, and solubility modulation. The first monomer provides an acid catalyzed polarity switch upon elimination of the polar functional group, whereas, the second monomer provides aqueous dissolution. The polymers of the present invention may be incorporated into negative resist compositions, which may also include photoacid generators, crosslinking agents, basic compounds, solvents, dissolution accelerators, photobase generators, latent basic compounds, surfactants, adhesion promoters, and anti-foaming agents.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor capable of forming an image without alkali development, comprising a hydrophilic support and a laser-sensitive photopolymerizable layer, wherein the photopolymerizable layer or other layer included in the lithographic printing plate precursor contains a copolymer containing at least a repeating unit having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond and a repeating unit having at least two functional groups capable of interacting with a surface of the support or a copolymer containing at least a repeating unit having at least two ethylenically unsaturated bonds and a repeating unit having at least one functional group capable of interacting with a surface of the support.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a chemically amplified (CA) resist composition for printing features having a dimension of about 30 nm or less and a method of forming a material structure having a pattern containing features having a dimension of about 30 nm or less by using the inventive CA resist. The CA resist composition comprises (a) about 1 to about 50 weight % of a copolymer, (b) about 0.02 to about 25 weight % of a photoacid generator, (c) about 47 to about 99 weight % of a solvent, and (d) about 0.004 to about 25 weight % of a base additive. The copolymer comprises at least one hydrophilic monomer unit containing one or more polar functional groups and at least one hydrophobic monomer unit containing one or more aromatic groups. Some, but not all, of the one or more polar functional groups in the copolymer are protected with acid labile moieties having a low activation energy.

Abstract: A data storage medium includes a substrate, a reflective metal layer, and a haze-prevention layer between the substrate and the reflective metal layer. The substrate includes an amorphous thermoplastic resin having a heat distortion temperature of at least about 140° C., a density less than 1.7 grams per milliliter, and an organic volatiles content less than 1,000 parts per million measured according to ASTM D4526. The haze-prevention layer includes a material having a volume resistivity of at least 1×10?4 ohm-centimeters and a tensile modulus of at least about 3×105 pounds per square inch. The data storage medium resists hazing of the reflective layer at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: This invention concerns radiation durable organic compositions which are well-suited for use in 157 nm lithography by virtue of their high transparency and excellent radiation durability, and to a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of processing a light sensitive planographic printing plate material comprising an aluminum support, and provided thereon, a photopolymerizable light sensitive layer containing a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated compound, a photopolymerization initiator, and a polymer binder, the method comprising the steps of imagewise exposing the light sensitive planographic printing plate material, developing the exposed light sensitive planographic printing plate material with a developer to obtain a planographic printing plate, the developer containing no silicate or containing a silicate in amount of not more than 0.1% by weight in terms of SiO2, and plate processing the resulting planographic printing plate with a plate protecting solution containing a phosphonic acid compound at a temperature of from 40 to 90° C.

Abstract: Nonvolatile memory wordlines (160) are formed as sidewall spacers on sidewalls of control gate structures (280). Each control gate structure may contain floating and control gates (120, 140), or some other elements. Pedestals (340) are formed adjacent to the control gate structures before the conductive layer (160) for the wordlines is deposited. The pedestals will facilitate formation of the contact openings (330.1) that will be etched in an overlying dielectric (310) to form contacts to the wordlines. The pedestals can be dummy structures. A pedestal can physically contact two wordlines.

Abstract: Photomasks that are used to form a fine contact hole array, a method of fabricating the photomask, and use of the photomask. The photomask includes a transparent substrate; a plurality of line-type opaque patterns being formed on the transparent substrate, for defining floodlighting portions for forming patterns; and phase-shifting regions being arranged on the transparent substrate between the opaque patterns at predetermined intervals, the phase-shifting regions defining floodlighting portions for contact holes. A fine and dense contact hole array can be easily formed using the photomask together with a customized illumination. Therefore, a fine contact hole of a good quality can be formed directly on a photoresist using the photomask without additional processes.

Abstract: The photobase generator of the invention is represented by the following formula 1: wherein Ar, R, A+ and X? are as defined in the specification. Since the photobase generator of the formula 1 absorbs ultraviolet lights of relatively long wavelength and is photolyzed to generate a strong base efficiently, a composition containing the photobase generator and an episulfide compound is easily cured by polymerization under ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and composition of matter for enhancing the staining of tissue or features of interest therein by applying an effective amount of a bile salt in combination with a special stain to a tissue suspected of harboring a microorganism or other feature of diagnostic interest. The particular invention herein is directed to detecting H. pylori, the microorganism responsible for gastrointestinal ulcers. The composition of matter is a sensitizer for Alcian Yellow stain.

Abstract: Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing NBS-1 and PYRIN-1 are disclosed. The methods take advantage of the interactions between NBS-1 or PYRIN-1 and various proteins involved in apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways. Also disclosed are methods for identifying modulators of ASC and NF-?B.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay device for detection of an analyte which is a member of a specific binding partner in a sample, the assay device comprising a sample application zone, a preabsorbing zone and a specific binding zone. The device can provide a HSV-2 specific assay by preabsorbing HSV-1 antibodies in the preabsorbing zone.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying genetic markers and for determining methylation patterns using restriction endonucleases having degenerate recognition or cleavage sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to determine gender of a canine subject, that include contacting a nucleic acid sample from the canine subject with at least one probe or primer specific for canine amelogenin, and using the binding of the at least one probe or primer to detect a difference between the canine amelogenin gene on the Y chromosome and the canine amelogenin gene on the X chromosome, thereby determining gender of the canine subject. In certain aspects, gender of the canine subject is determined by contacting the nucleic acid sample with a primer pair that generate different sized amplification products depending on whether an X chromosome or a Y chromosome copy of the canine amelogenin gene is amplified.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating a modified peptide from a complex mixture of peptides, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a proteinaceous preparation from an organism, wherein the preparation comprises modified peptides from two or more different proteins; (b) contacting the preparation with at least one immobilized modification-specific antibody; and (c) isolating at least one modified peptide specifically bound by the immobilized modification-specific antibody in step (b). The method may further comprise the step of (d) characterizing the modified peptide isolated in step (c) by mass spectrometry (MS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS—MS), and/or MS3 analysis, or the step of (e) utilizing a search program to substantially match the spectra obtained for the modified peptide during the characterization of step (d) with the spectra for a known peptide sequence, thereby identifying the parent protein(s) of the modified peptide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the identification of a human hypercholesterolemia causal gene, which can be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia, more particularly familial hypercholesterolemia, as well as for the screening of therapeutically active drugs. The invention more specifically disclosed that mutations in the PCSK9 gene encoding NARC-1 causes autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia and represent novel targets for therapeutic intervention. The invention can be used in the diagnosis of predisposition to, detection, prevention and/or treatment of coronary heart disease and, cholesterol, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism disorders, including familial hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for specifically isolating and separating large segments of genomic DNA that can subsequently be used to determine a genomic haplotype. The invention relies on using a solid phase having a flat surface arrayed with oligonucleotides designed to specifically hybridize to each particular haplotype of an individual sample, e.g., oligonucleotides designed to specifically hybridize with each of the two HLA-B haplotypes, HLA-A, HLA-C, HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and the like. The genomic DNA is contacted and hybridized to the arrayed oligonucleotides to form a genomic DNA/oligonucleotide complex. The excess genomic DNA is washed away and the haplotype separated genomic DNA is denatured from the oligonucleotide probe and collected. The method of the present invention allows for the separation of genomic DNA fragments of between approximately 2 to about 4 megabases (Mb).

Abstract: Method and reagent composition for covalent attachment of target molecules, such as nucleic acids, onto the surface of a substrate. The reagent composition includes epoxide groups capable of covalently binding to the target molecule. Optionally, the composition can contain photoreactive groups for use in attaching the reagent composition to the surface.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the design, fabrication, and uses of an electronic system which can actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex reactions in macroscopic or microscopic formats. In particular, these reactions include molecular biological reactions, such as nucleic acid hybridizations, nucleic acid amplification, sample preparation, antibody/antigen reactions, clinical diagnostics, combinatorial chemistry and selection, drug screening, oligonucleotide and nucleic acid synthesis, peptide synthesis, biopolymer synthesis, and catalytic reactions. A key feature of the present invention is the ability to control the localized concentration of two or more reaction-dependant molecules and their reaction environment in order to greatly enhance the rate and specificity of the molecular biological reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A family of transmembrane domain proteins, the tramdorins, has been identified in human, mouse and rat. A variety of uses for these proteins is contemplated, including but not limited to peripheral myelination, the etiology of parathyroid adenomas, and the diagnosis and treatment of Central Nervous System (CNS) and non-CNS disorders.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize Thy-1; and IL-7R?, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: An immunoassay device and assay to detect an antigen, such as PSA, in a biological sample. The device comprises a solid support having multiple reaction zones containing capture antibodies directed to the antigen. Exposure of a test sample to a mixture of incubation antibodies with known and different concentrations prior to exposure to the capture antibodies in the reaction zones facilitates determination of a range of concentrations of the antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel engineered derivatives of green fluorescent protein (GFP) which have an amino acid sequence which is modified by amino acid substitution compared with the amino acid sequence of wild type Green Fluorescent Protein (SEQ ID NO: 2). The modified GFPs exhibit enhanced fluorescence relative to wtGFP when expressed in non-homologous cells at temperatures above 30° C., and when excited at about 490 nm compared to the parent proteins, i.e. wtGFP. An example of a preferred protein is F64L-S175G-E222G-GFP. The modified GFPs provide a means for detecting GFP reporters in mammalian cells at lower levels of expression and/or increased sensitivity relative to wtGFP. This greatly improves the usefulness of fluorescent proteins in studying cellular functions in living cells.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to solve low test efficiency and low accuracy which are problems encountered in the conventional methods for testing myelotoxicity of a drug by observing smears. To this end, markers for discriminating and identifying hematopoietic stem cells and blood cells at various differentiation stages in bone marrow are identified. From this point of view, cell surface antigens are specified. Thus, it is found that the myelotoxicity of a drug can be evaluated with a high efficiency at a high accuracy by using flow cytometry to analyze for a change in the quantity of bone marrow-derived cells expressing the cell surface antigens after administration of the drug to an animal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for identifying compounds which modify the activity of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR45 like/GPR63, compositions useful for this method, and compounds identified by it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new uses of Solute Carrier 6 (SC6), a taurine transporter, in the diagnosis, screening, treatment and prophylaxis of hypoxia related conditions e.g. cancer. Compositions comprising the protein, such as vaccines and agents that modulate the protein expression or activity, including antibodies that are immunospecific for the protein, are also provided.

Abstract: A compound for enhancing the light output of a chemiluminescent system and, in particular, a stabilized, triggerable 1,2-dioxetane, is obtained by reacting a polyvinylbenzyl halide and a bilinker with either a trisubstituted amine or trisubstituted phosphine. A fluorescent molecule may be attached to polymer along with the trisubstituted amine or trisubstituted phosphine. Also, the benzyl halide may be reacted with a ?-electron donor, such as a vinyl naphthalene or vinylanthracene to form a co-polymer which is polymerizable with the trisubstituted amine and/or trisubstituted phosphine. By controlling the reaction parameters it is possible to obtain either a water-soluble or partial water soluble or insoluble compound crosslink polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of DNA sequences of plant origin encoding a polypeptide with aspartate carbamyltransferase (E.C. 2.1.3.2) activity for generating an assay system for finding aspartate carbamyltransferase inhibitors. For the first time, it was shown, with the aid of antisense technology, that aspartate carbamyltransferase constitutes a herbicidal target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the enzymatic measurement of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors in biological samples. The present invention also provides assay reagents and packaged kits useful for performing enzymatic measurement of imatinib mesylate and other bcr-abl protein kinase inhibitors in biological samples.

Abstract: Stabilized aqueous solution of a coenzyme for hydrogen-transferring enzymes characterized in that the solution contains NAD, NADP or a derivative thereof in an oxidized or reduced form and one or several organic compounds or salts thereof having a pKa value between 1.5 and 6.0 and/or a nitrogen compound of the general formula in which the residues R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and denote hydrogen, or a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or aryl group as well as the use of the solution to determine dehydrogenases in particular lactate dehydrogenase or substrates thereof.

Abstract: An elastomeric article that contains a chromogen that undergoes a detectable change in color in the presence of one or more microbes is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the chromogen is a solvatochromic dye (e.g., Reichardt's dye) that undergoes a color change in the presence of bacteria or other microbes. More specifically, such dyes may respond to differences in polarity between microbe components (e.g., cell membrane, cytoplasm, etc.) and the environment outside the cell. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be wholly or partially responsible for the interaction between the dye and the microbe, such as acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and so forth.

Abstract: A process to produce 19-nor-10?-carboxylic acids by fungal oxidation of 6-substituted-?6-pregnanes is disclosed.

Abstract: Purified BMP-2 and BMP-4 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. The proteins may be used in the treatment of bone and cartilage defects and in wound healing and related tissue repair.

Abstract: An improved system for large scale production of proteins and/or polypeptides in cell culture, particularly in media characterized by one or more of: i) a cumulative amino acid concentration greater than about 70 mM; ii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative asparagine ratio of less than about 2; iii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative total amino acid ratio of less than about 0.2; iv) a molar cumulative inorganic ion to cumulative total amino acid ratio between about 0.4 to 1; or v) a combined cumulative glutamine and cumulative asparagine concentration between about 16 and 36 mM, is provided. The use of such a system allows high levels of protein production and lessens accumulation of certain undesirable factors such as ammonium and/or lactate. Additionally, culture methods including a temperature shift, typically including a decrease in temperature when the culture has reached about 20-80% of it maximal cell density, are provided.

Abstract: A method for constructing stable bioactive fusion proteins of the difficult to express tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF), and particularly members CD40L (CD154) and RANKL/TRANCE, with collecting, particularly pulmonary surfactant protein D (SPD) is described. Single trimers of these proteins lack the full stimulatory efficacy of the natural membrane forms of these proteins in many cases. The multimeric nature of these soluble fusion proteins enables them to engage multiple receptors on the responding cells, thereby, mimicking the effects of the membrane forms of these ligands. For CD40L-SPD, the resulting protein stimulates B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, indicating its potential usefulness as a vaccine adjuvant. The large size of these fusion proteins makes them less likely to diffuse into the circulation, thereby limiting their potential systemic toxicity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there are provided methods for producing enantiomerically pure ?-substituted carboxylic acids, such as, for example, ?-amino acids and ?-hydroxy acids, said method comprising combining an aldehyde or ketone with a cyanide and ammonia or an anmionium salt or an amine, in the presence of a nitrilase or a polypeptide having nitrilase activity which stereoselectively hydrolyzes the amino nitrile or cyanohydrin intermediate under conditions sufficient to produce the enantiomerically pure ?-substituted carboxylic acid, such as, for example, ?-amino acids and ?-hydroxy acids.

Abstract: An L-amino acid-producing strain of Escherichia coli is bred by modifying an Escherichia coli K12 strain or a derivative thereof so as to become resistant to L-valine and have an ability to produce one or more L-amino acids selected from the group consisting of L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, L-lysine, L-tyrosine, L-glutamic acid, L-histidine, L-cysteine, and L-proline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutated pyruvate carboxylase gene from Corynebacterium. The mutant pyruvate carboxylase gene encodes a pyruvate carboxylase enzyme which is resistant to feedback inhibition from aspartic acid. The present invention also relates to a method of replacing the wild-type pyruvate carboxylase gene in Corynebacterium with this feedback-resistant pyruvate carboxylase gene. The present invention further relates to methods of the production of amino acids, preferably lysine, comprising the use of this mutant pyruvate carboxylase enzyme in microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to covalent modification of proteins through their conjugation with other proteins. More particularly, the invention relates to the modulation of such conjugation involving the protein NEDD8. The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8, as well as compositions and methods for discovering molecules which are useful in detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8. The present invention arises from the purification and characterization of novel NEDD8 activating and conjugating enzymes.

Abstract: Granules that include a protein core are described. The protein core includes a protein matrix which includes a protein mixed together with a starch. The protein matrix can be layered over a seed particle or the protein core can be homogeneous. The protein can be an enzyme or a therapeutic protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell proliferation, survival, morphology, and migration. Nucleic adds encoding proteins and proteins so encoded which are capable of modulating proliferation, survival, morphology and migration in mammalian cells are provided. Compositions and methods for the treatment of disorders related to cell proliferation, survival, morphology and migration are also provided. Prophylactics and methods for the prevention of such disorders are also provided. Also provided are compositions and methods for diagnostic and prognostic determination of such disorders. Further provided are assays for the identification of bioactive agents capable of modulating proliferation, survival, morphology and migration in mammalian cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated mutant acid phosphatase/phytase with improved enzymatic properties. The mutant acid phosphatase/phytase composition is particularly useful in animal feed compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new glycosyl hydrolases with an amyloltic activity and nucleic acids coding for said gylcosyl hydrolases, A PCR-based method for identifying and preparing new gylcosyl hydrolases from metagenome DNA and several possible technical uses for such glycosyl hydrolases with an amylolytic activity. Washing and cleaning products containing such enzymes, and methods and possible uses corresponding thereto are particularly interesting.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a nitrile hydratase capable of producing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyroamide. The present invention provides a novel nitrile hydratase producing ?-hydroxyamide using, ?-hydroxnitrile as the substrate, and the encoding DNA thereof. The enzyme can be obtained from Rhodococcus sp. Further, the enzymatic activity of the enzyme can he maintained stably during the reaction. The present invention provides a method for producing amide compounds, the method comprising the step of reacting this enzyme to nitrile compounds. According to the present invention, from hydroxy nitrile compounds, corresponding amide compounds can be produced biochemically without reducing the enzyme activity of nitrile hydratase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of interferon in the in vitro cultivation of animal circular ssDNA virus such as Porcine Circovirus 2 or human TT virus in an animal cell line. Increased titres of animal circular ssDNA virus are obtained by addition of interferons or agents which ensure the production of endogenous interferons by said cell line.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing L-histidine using bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, wherein the L-amino acid productivity of said bacterium is enhanced by enhancing an activity of the transaldolase encoded by the talb gene.