Abstract: A layered lithium-nickel-based compound oxide powder for a positive electrode material for a high density lithium secondary cell, capable of providing a lithium secondary cell having a high capacity and excellent in the rate characteristics also, is provided. A layered lithium-nickel-based compound oxide powder for a positive electrode material for a lithium secondary cell, characterized in that the bulk density is at least 2.0 g/cc, the average primary particle size B is from 0.1 to 1 ?m, the median diameter A of the secondary particles is from 9 to 20 ?m, and the ratio A/B of the median diameter A of the secondary particles to the average primary particle size B, is within a range of from 10 to 200.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrode for an electrochemical cell in which an active material in an electrode material is a proton-conducting compound, wherein the electrode material comprises a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound or a polymer having a unit containing a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic moiety.

Abstract: Provided is a battery with a higher capacity and superior charge-discharge cycle characteristics. A cathode contained in a package can and an anode contained in a package cup are laminated with a separator in between. The separator is impregnated with an electrolyte solution formed by dissolving lithium salt in a solvent. The anode comprises a tin-containing material including metallic tin and an intermetallic compound including tin in the same particle. A higher capacity and superior charge-discharge cycles can be obtained by the tin-containing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, including a lithiated intercalation compound and an additive compound. The additive compound comprises one or more intercalation element-included oxides which have a charging voltage of 4.0 to 4.6V when 5-50% of total intercalation elements of the one or more intercalation element-included oxides are released during charging.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy containing at least a rare-earth element, magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al), having an intensity ratio (IA/IB) of not smaller than 0.6 (where IA represents an intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2?=30°˜34° in the X-ray diffraction pattern using CuK?-radiation as the X-ray source and IB represents the intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2?=40°˜44°), and not substantially including La as the rare-earth element.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode or the negative electrode is an electrode obtained by depositing a thin film of active material capable of lithium storage and release on a current collector, the thin film is divided into columns by gaps formed therein in a manner to extend in its thickness direction and the columnar portions are adhered at their bottoms to the current collector, and the nonaqueous electrolyte contains at least one selected from phosphate ester, phosphite ester, borate ester and carboxylic ester having a fluoroalkyl group.

Abstract: A method for minimizing damage to a substrate while repairing a defect in a phase shifting mask for an integrated circuit comprising locating a bump defect in a phase shifting mask, depositing a first layer of protective coating to an upper surface of the bump defect, depositing a second layer of protective coating to areas of the phase shifting mask adjacent the bump defect, etching the first layer of protective coating and removing the bump defect.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a photosensitive composition useful in preparing water-developable, relief printing plates and other photosensitive articles. The compositions comprise an unsaturated polyurethane pre-polymer, which is the reaction product of at least one polyether diol, at least one aliphatic diisocyanate, at least one hydroxyl-functionalized mono-, di- and tri-(meth)acrylate, and a particular photoinitiator. The resulting photosensitive resin compositions have reduced rates and levels of yellowing if subjected to additional UV-light or sunlight after processing.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a substrate, a charge generating layer, a charge transport layer, and an outer overcoat layer including an electron conductive material.

Abstract: To provide a highly sensitive and highly durable electrophotographic photoconductor, electrophotography, photographic apparatus and process cartridge for the electrophotographic apparatus which is practical for a high-speed copying machine as well as for a laser printer. The electrophotographic photoconductor includes a photoconductive layer on a conductive support, in which the photoconductive layer contains an azo compound expressed by Formula (1) and wherein at least one of “Cp1” and “Cp2” contains a coupler residue selected from Formula (2), Formula (3) and Formula (4).

Abstract: An oilless toner including at least (A) a cyclic olefin resin; (B) a resin having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds therein; and (C) a wax.

Abstract: A negatively chargeable toner containing: resin particles containing a colorant; and an external additive which coats the surface of the resin particles, wherein the external additive contains; first silica particles having a number mean primary particle size of 5 to 20 nm and second silica particles having a number mean primary particle size of 30 to 50 nm; surface-modified silica particles which are surface modified by wet treatment using an oxide or hydroxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, tin, zirconium and aluminum, and are further subjected to hydrophobic treatment; and aluminum oxide-silicon dioxide composite oxide particles obtained by flame hydrolysis and hydrophobic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-magnetic monocomponent color toner and a preparing method thereof. In the non-magnetic monocomponent color toner including a toner mother particle, silica and titanium dioxide, the toner mother particle comprises a specific shaped particle size distribution of the charge control agents, and thus, providing non-magnetic monocomponent color toner with a narrow charge distribution and good chargeability. Accordingly, the color toner does not cause contamination in the non-imaging region. Also, because it has superior image density and printing efficiency and significantly improved charge maintenance, it has good long-term stability.

Abstract: A developer includes black toner particles and carrier particles, the black toner particles including at least one binder, at least one black colorant and one or more external additives, wherein the toner particles comprise from about 7 to about 15 pph of the developer, and wherein the toner particles exhibit a triboelectric charge of from about ?25 to about ?50 ?C/g at toner particle concentrations of about 7 to about 15 pph of the developer. The developer is ideally suited for use in a high speed (greater than 100 prints per minute) semiconductive magnetic brush development apparatus. Preferably, the black toner particles include a styrene acrylate binder, and the external additives include from about 1.3 to about 2.1% by weight of the toner particles of a first silica having an average particle size of from about 35 to about 45 nm, from about 0.5 to about 1.0% by weight of the toner particles of a second silica having an average particle size of from about 135 to about 160 nm, and from about 0.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising an electrophotographic photoreceptor to form a toner image by developing an electrostatic latent image with a developer containing a toner and a developing device, in which the photoreceptor contains a charge transport compound having a triphenylamine structure and the developing device supplies a toner having a total content of aromatic volatile compounds of 5 to 30 ppm; an image forming method employing the foregoing electrophotographic photoreceptor and developing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of salt-like structured silicates, in which the cation is NH4+, H3O+, an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, earth metal or transition metal ion or a low molecular weight organic cation or a combination thereof and the anion is an island, cyclic, group, chain, ribbon, laminar or matrix silicate or a combination thereof as charge control agents in electrophotographic toners and developers, in powder coatings, electret materials and in electrostatic separation processes.

Abstract: A resist pattern having a film thickness of 1 to 100 ?m and an aspect ratio (ratio of the line width to the film thickness of the resist pattern) of 3.5 or higher is provided in accordance with the present invention, the resist pattern being useful for increasing the density of a semiconductor package substrate circuit, and use of the resist pattern enabling a low conductor resistance to be maintained in fine wiring. This resist pattern can be produced using, for example, a photosensitive resin composition that includes (A) a binder polymer, (B1) a photopolymerizable compound having three ethylenically unsaturated bonds per molecule, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, and (D) either or both of a compound represented by general formula (I): (in the formula, m is an integer of 2 to 6) or a compound represented by general formula (II).

Abstract: There is provided a composition for forming anti-reflective coating for use in a lithography process with irradiation light from F2 excimer laser (wavelength 157 nm) which has a high effect of inhibiting reflected light and causes no intermixing with resist layers, and an anti-reflective coating prepared from the composition, and a method of controlling attenuation coefficient of the anti-reflective coating. Concretely, the composition is one containing a polymer compound containing halogen atom for forming anti-reflective coating for use in a lithographic process in manufacture of a semiconductor device. The polymer compound is one which halogen atom is introduced to a main chain thereof and/or a side chain bonded to the main chain. The attenuation coefficient can be controlled by changing the content of halogen atom in the solid content of the composition.

Abstract: A polymer for forming an organic anti-reflective coating layer between an etching layer and a photoresist layer to absorb an exposure light in a photolithography process and a composition comprising the same are disclosed. The polymer for forming an organic anti-reflective coating layer has repeating units represented by wherein, R is a substituted or non-substituted alky group of C1 to C5.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microlens comprising the steps of: (a) applying a resist for an excimer laser, an ultraviolet exposure or an electron beam onto a surface, and carrying out an exposure with a light in an ultraviolet region or an electron beam and a development, so as to form a patterned resist; (b) heat treating the resist patterned at the step (a) to give a shape of a microlens; and (c) implanting an ion in a plurality of directions into at least a surface portion of the resist to which the shape of the microlens is given at the step (b), to obtain a microlens having a heat resistance.

Abstract: A method for performing a liftoff operation involves printing a liftoff pattern using low-resolution patterning techniques to form fine feature patterns. The resulting feature size is defined by the spacing between printed patterns rather than the printed pattern size. By controlling the cross-sectional profile of the printed liftoff pattern, mask structures may be formed from the liftoff operation having beneficial etch-mask aperture profiles. For example, a multi-layer printed liftoff pattern can be used to create converging aperture profiles in a patterned layer. The patterned layer can then be used as an etch mask, where the converging aperture profiles result in desirable diverging etched features.

Abstract: A photothermographic material including, on at least one surface of a support, at least a photosensitive silver halide containing a silver iodide at 40 mol % or more, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, and a reducing agent, wherein the photothermographic material contains two or more kinds of the reducing agent at the mixing ratio to satisfy at least one of a), b), c) and d): a) a difference between a sensitivity or b) a difference between a maximum density is 0.10 or less, when developed at 120° C. for 10 sec and a sensitivity when developed at 120° C. for 14 sec; c) a difference between a sensitivity or d) a difference between a maximum density is 0.10 or less, when developed at 117° C. for 12 sec and a sensitivity when developed at 123° C. for 12 sec. An image forming method using the photothermographic material is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming process having the steps of exposing by an exposure device a photothermographic dry imaging material with a support having thereon an image forming layer containing photosensitive silver halide, a reducing agent for silver ions, a binder and a light-insensitive organic silver salt, and developing the photothermographic dry imaging material by a developing device, while the photothermographic dry imaging material is transported, wherein a surface having the image forming layer is brought into contact with sticky rollers during or before each of exposing and developing so as to make an amount of peel-off static electrification between the photothermographic dry imaging material and the sticky roller to be from ?5 to +5 kV.

Abstract: A genetically biotinylated single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) being applied in a system consisting of an immunofiltration-enzyme assay (IFA) with a light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) for the rapid identification of VEE is disclosed. The IFA entails formation of an immunocomplex sandwich consisting of VEE, biotinylated antibody, fluoresceinated antibody and streptavidin, capturing the sandwich by filtration on biotinylated membrane, and detecting the sandwich by anti-fluorescein urease conjugate. The concentration ratio of biotinylated to fluoresceinated antibodies is investigated and optimized. The IFA/LAPS assay sensitivity was approximately equal to that of a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay utilizing polystyrene plates and a chromogenic substrate, however, less time and effort were required for performance of the IFA/LAPS assay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reducing the fluorescence quenching caused by the measuring medium, in a fluorescence assay for an analyte using at least one fluorescent label, characterized in that a fluorescent conjugate comprising an oligonucleotide bonded to a rare-earth metal cryptate is introduced into the measuring medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of stably obtaining fluorescent images of two or more fluorescent samples includes disposing the samples onto compartments defined on a substrate. The compartments are sequentially irradiated with an exciting light where the intensity varies. A value of fluorescence as generated from each of the samples is determined, and a fluorescent image is obtained based on the value of fluorescence.

Abstract: A complex includes: (1) a probe containing a heteropolymeric probe sequence of nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogues; and (2) a target containing a heteropolymeric target sequence of nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogues, wherein: (a) at least one of the probe and the target is purified or synthetic; and (b) the heteropolymeric probe sequence is bonded to the heteropolymeric target sequence by Watson-Crick complementary base interaction or by homologous base interaction, provided that when the complex is a duplex and the heteropolymeric probe sequence is antiparallel to the heteropolymeric target sequence, the heteropolymeric probe sequence is bonded to the heteropolymeric target sequence by homologous base interaction, and provided that when the complex is a triplex, the complex is free of recombination proteins. A method for assaying a target includes detecting formation of the complex.

Abstract: A method and kit for synthesizing a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one non-canonical nucleoside triphosphate using a double-mutant polymerase having a reduced discrimination between canonical and non-canonical substrates is disclosed. The method comprises incubating a template nucleic acid in a reaction mixture comprising the mutant nucleic acid polymerase and the appropriate canonical and non-canonical nucleoside triphosphates which are desired substrates for the mutant nucleic acid polymerase. The present invention is also a method of determining the sequence of a nucleic acid molecule using the mutant polymerase to create a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one non-canonical nucleoside triphosphate.

Abstract: This invention presents a new cDNA amplification method. RNA is first converted to cDNA. The synthesis of cDNA can include a promoter tagged oligonucleotide, and then this cDNA is ligated to form circles (or possibly concatemers). This is then amplified using a Phi29 DNA polymerase based rolling circle and strand displacement amplification. The invention allows for RNA promoter sequences to be attached to the cDNA to facilitate additional amplification through the generation of RNA from the amplified cDNA. The resulting product can then be used to make materials for gene expression studies or other RNA analysis procedures.

Abstract: Growth homone-regulatable liver genes and proteins are described. These may be used as diagnostic markers of liver pathology.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting a target nucleic acid. The methods include subjecting a target, template, cleavage agent, polymerase and first, second and third oligonucleotide to reaction conditions that permit: (1) formation of a duplex between the target and first oligonucleotide; (2) extension of the first oligonucleotide; (3) cleavage of a first cleavage structure; (4) formation of a second duplex with a released flap; (5) extension of the released flap and (6) cleavage of a second cleavage structure within the third oligonucleotide. A signal generated by the release of the third oligonucleotide produces a signal that is detected and indicative of the presence of the target in the sample.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an allele specific primer which is accompanied by less possibility of the false positive and enables definite discrimination when a base immediately adjacent to on the 3? side of a target SNP base is A, while a base adjacent with one base spaced apart is G. According to the present invention, the 3? end base is designed to be the base corresponding to SNP; the second base from the 3? end to be C; the third base from the 3? end to be any one of A, T or G; and the base sequence of from the fourth from the 3? end to the 5? end base to be completely complementary to the sequence of from a base three bases away from the target SNP base on the 3? side to a desired base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purifying and for detecting the presence of a protein. The invention employs a NorpA sequence and a PDZ1 domain. A protein tagged with a NorpA sequence can associate with PDZ1 domain. Similarly, a protein tagged with a PDZ1 domain can associate with a NorpA sequence. This interaction forms an aspect of the protein purification methods and protein detection methods of the present invention. Recombinant expression vectors and a protein purification solid phase are also disclosed, as well as protein detection and purification kits.

Abstract: A method for screening compounds for their ability to interact with transmembrane proteins is provided. Also provided is a method for determining whether proteins such as transmembrane proteins are able to oligomerize.

Abstract: Binding assays for identifying compounds that induce or modulate the T1R1/T1R3 (umami) receptor-associated taste are provided. These binding assays detect the specific binding of a compound to a T1R1/T1R3 (umami) taste receptor or detect the modulation (inhibition or enhancement) of the binding of another compound, e.g., L-glutamate, L-aspartate or lactisole to a T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptor. Compounds that are identified in these binding assays have potential application as T1R1/T1R3 umami taste modulators and therefore can be used as flavor additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an amount of an agent affective to inhibit apoptosis of the subject's lung cells and thus treat or prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the subject. The present invention provides for a method of diagnosing the disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for detecting a soluble guanylate cyclase whose heme iron is in the trivalent oxidation state, and to methods for finding chemical substances which stimulate the activity of a soluble guanylate cyclase when the heme iron of at least part of this soluble guanylate cyclase is oxidized to the trivalent state and also to diagnostic aids or kits for detecting a soluble guanylate cyclase with trivalent heme iron. Further, the invention relates methods for detecting a soluble guanylate cyclase lacking a heme group, and to methods for finding chemical substances which stimulate the activity of a soluble guanylate cyclase lacking a heme group.

Abstract: A plating medium for the presumptive identification of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and/or Bacillus anthrasis that includes a nutrient base to facilitate growth of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus anthrasis, a chromogenic substrate that changes color responsive to the presence of PC-PLC enzymes, and an ingredient that promotes the expression of the PC-PLC enzyme. In a preferred embodiment, the medium includes a second chromogenic substrate that changes color responsive to the presence of PI-PLC enzymes and an ingredient that promotes the expression of the PI-PLC enzyme.

Abstract: A method of staining bacteria comprises: working a polymethine dye on a sample in the presence of a substance capable of reducing nitrite ions to stain bacteria in the sample. A method of detecting bacteria comprises the following steps of: (1) working a polymethine dye on a sample by a method as described above to stain bacteria in the sample, (2) introducing the thus treated sample into a detecting part of a flow cytometer and irradiating cells of the stained bacteria one by one with light to measure scattered light and fluorescent light emitted from each of the cells; and (3) discriminating the bacteria from other components in accordance with an intensity of a scattered light signal and an intensity of a fluorescent light signal or a pulse width reflecting the length of particles to count the bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for enzymatic polymerization which includes (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme; and (2) incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The template can be a micelle, a borate-containing electrolyte, or lignin sulfonate. Such a complex possesses exceptional electrical and optical stability, water solubility, and processibility, and can be used in applications such as light-weight energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries), electrolytic capacitors, anti-static and anti-corrosive coatings for smart windows, and biological sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing and expression of homologous immunoreactive 28-kDa protein genes, p28-1, -2, -3, -5, -6, -7, -9, from a polymorphic multiple gene family of Ehrlichia canis. Further disclosed is a multigene locus encoding all nine homologous 28-kDa protein genes of Ehrlichia canis. Recombinant Ehrlichia canis 28-kDa proteins react with convalescent phase antiserum from an E. canis-infected dog, and may be useful in the development of vaccines and serodiagnostics that are particularly effective for disease prevention and serodiagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant P-glycoprotein polypeptides that confer increased resistance to certain chemotherapeutic drugs relative to wild-type P-glycoprotein or P-glycoprotein having a glycine to valine substitution at position 185, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides antibodies that specifically bind mutant P-glycoproteins. The invention further provides methods for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated 121P1F1) and its encoded protein are described. While 121P1F1 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, it is aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers including prostate, bladder, kidney, brain, bone, cervical, uterine, ovarian, breast, pancreatic, stomach, colon, rectal, leukocytic, liver and lung cancers. Consequently, 121P1F1 provides a diagnostic and/or therapeutic target for cancers, and the 121P1F1 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein or a fragment thereof used to elicit an immune response.

Abstract: The present application describes a fusion molecule that includes coiled coil domain, which renders the molecule soluble and provides potent activity.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a process for producing a protein having ?1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity using a transformant comprising a DNA encoding a protein having ?1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Pasteurella and a process for producing an N-acetylglucosamine-containing complex carbohydrate using a transformant capable of producing a protein having ?1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity derived from a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences after an amplification process, or directly without amplification. In particular, the invention provides for the automation of the amplification and detection process, the amplification and detection of one or more specific nucleic acid sequences, the use of internal controls, reduced potential for contamination caused by the manual manipulation of reagents, and improved reagent compositions to better control assay performance and provide for further protection against contamination.

Abstract: A method for identifying an RNA form of a bacteria, comprising reverse transcribing RNA material; conducting PCR using primers for a first highly conserved genetic sequence generic of the bacteria; conducting nested PCR using primers for a second highly conserved genetic sequence within the first genetic sequence of the bacteria; and identifying the bacteria based on unconserved amplified sequences linked to the conserved sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing an aqueous acrylamide solution by hydrating acrylonitrile in an aqueous solution while in the presence of a biocatalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of resveratrol in cell cultures. The inventive method consists in: incubating a culture of cells which produce resveratrol naturally, in suspension, in the presence of randomly-methylated ?-cyclodextrin (RMBCD) with a degree of substitution of between 11 and 13 under conditions that allow resveratrol synthesis and the excretion of same into the culture medium; and, if desired, isolating the resveratrol produced from said culture medium. The resveratrol can be used in the production of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and kits for producing ethanol and other alcohols. The methods involve fermenting organic material in a fermentation mixture to a biogas comprising methane; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; and contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce alcohol. In some embodiments, a microorganism that reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron is included in the fermentation mixture to enhance the efficiency of the fermentation and the yield of alcohol.