Abstract: Nanoparticles and methods of making nanoparticles are provided. The nanoparticles may include semiconductor nanocrystals. A shell may encapsulate a nanoparticle core, and the shell may include non-organic material and may be silica. The shell may also include additional species such as PEG. In some embodiments, a passivation layer is in contact with the core.

Abstract: An organic semiconductor material, enabling to exhibit liquid crystal phase at wide temperature range including at least ordinary temperature and to exhibit high charge carrier mobility, and an organic semiconductor structure and organic semiconductor device formed from the organic semiconductor material. The organic semiconductor material has a quaterthiophene skeleton as shown in a following chemical formula 1, wherein R1 in the chemical formula 1 is an alkyl group of C1 to C20 or a hydrogen, and R2 is an alkyl group of C1 to C20 or a hydrogen.

Abstract: A coated article or layer system is provided which includes at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer including niobium (Nb) sandwiched between at least a pair of dielectric layers. In certain embodiments, a Cr inclusive barrier layer is provided to protect the Nb inclusive IR reflecting layer, for chemical durability purposes. In other example embodiments, a protective overcoat including a zirconium oxide inclusive layer may be provided to protect the Nb inclusive IR reflecting layer for durability purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antireflection substance such as an antireflection film having a low moisture-permeable characteristic, high quality and high reliability, and also provides a display apparatus comprising this antireflection substance. The antireflection substance according to the present invention includes an antireflection film formed on a transparent substrate, the antireflection film being composed of a multiple layer in which a first layer serving as an adhesion-improving layer, a second layer serving as a barrier layer against moisture, a third layer, a fourth layer and a fifth layer are laminated in this order, and in which the second layer and the fourth layer are each set to have a refractive index higher than that of the third layer and the fifth layer. The display apparatus according to the present invention comprises this antireflection substance on its display surface.

Abstract: Coating composition, articles, and methods for applying reactive silanol coating compositions having electron deficient surfaces formed as the coating composition cures wherein organic radical groups from the silanes are forced to the surface of the coating. The silicon atoms in the interpenetrating silicon-oxygen structure below retain electrons skewing the electron cloud downward creating an electron deficient or net positively charged surface. The resultant surface exhibits self-sterilization without toxic biocide additives due to the electron deficient surface. The surface is also extremely tight and thereby absent nutrients for microorganisms, discouraging organic growth such as mold. This unique positively charged surface further exhibits both hydrophobic and oleophobic qualities providing ease of cleaning for maintenance, particularly for hospital beds, equipment, floors, walls, curtains, bathrooms, or all the surfaces inside and outside of an ambulance and the equipment contained therein.

Abstract: A method of electroplating metal onto a low conductivity layer combines a potential or current reversal waveform with variation in the amplitude and duration of the applied potential or current pulse. The method includes, over time, varying the duration of the pulse and continuously decreasing the amplitude of both the cathodic and anodic portions of the waveform across the surface of the low conductivity layer as the deposition zone moves from the center of the surface of the low conductivity layer to the outside edge. By virtue of the ability to vary the amplitude and duration of the pulse, the method facilitates the filling of structures in the center of the low conductivity layer without overdepositing on the outside edge, thus ensuring a controlled deposition of material across the surface of the low conductivity layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a laminate and formation of a laminate having at least one layer of an ionomer and at least one layer of an acid polymer or blend of acid polymer and a thermoplastic polyolefin that can be thermoformed to form a shaped laminate. The shaped laminate can then be contacted with a plastic substrate such as a thermoplastic polyolefin to form a composite article by such means as, for example, injection molding. The laminate can be pigmented to eliminate the need to paint the surface of the plastic substrate. Impact and scratch resistant articles can be formed from the laminated substrate such as automotive parts, appliance body parts and sporting equipment.

Abstract: A continuous film that includes ethylene copolymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene n-butylacrylate carbon monoxide, ethylene vinyl acetate carbon monoxide, and combinations thereof. The film exhibits a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 100 g/m2/day when measured according to MVTR Test Method I.

Abstract: A metallic body of carbon steel covered with an adhesive layer capable of adhering to a rubber matrix based on diene elastomer. The carbon content of the steel is between 0.35 and 1.2% by weight. The adhesive layer is formed of a metallic layer bearing aluminum oxides or hydroxides, which itself is covered with an organosilane film which is at least bifunctional, capable of ensuring, as coupling agent, the bond between the aluminum oxides or hydroxides on one hand, and the rubber matrix on the other hand.

Abstract: A recording medium according to the invention has a magnetic recording layer with an L10 magnetic material deposited with a (111) preferred orientation and soft underlayer (SUL). One set of embodiments includes an intermediate layer (seed layer or underlayer) between the L10 media and SUL. The intermediate layer can be a close-packed surface structure (triangular lattice) to promote (111) orientation of the L10 media. For example, the intermediate layer can be a (111) oriented, face-centered-cubic (fcc) material such as platinum, palladium, iridium, rhodium, FePt, FePd, or FePdPt alloys; or the intermediate layer can be a (100) oriented hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) material such as ruthenium, rhenium, or osmium. Alternatively, the intermediate layer can be an amorphous material. The L10 recording layer of the invention can be deposited with a matrix material to form grain boundaries and provide magnetic isolation of the grains of L10 material.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell includes supplying a gas stream to the fuel cell and oscillating the gas stream.

Abstract: A method of generating electrical current in a system comprising a power-plant unit and/or hydrogen storage medium by transferring heat generated by the hydrogen storage medium and/or power-plant unit to a thermoelectric device, and converting the heat to generate electrical current using the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a metal-air cell having a tab system that covers an air entry port of the metal-air cell are provided. In one representative embodiment the tab system includes polymer layer and an adhesive layer between the metal-air cell and the polymer layer. The tab system has a loss stiffness of less than 55,000 N/m at 20° C. to 25° C.

Abstract: The reaction product of a monomer comprising phthalazinone and a phenol group, and at least one sulfonated aromatic compound. The monomer comprising phthalazinone and a phenol group is used in a reaction with the sulfonated aromatic compound to produce ionomers with surprising and highly desirable properties. In one embodiment, the inventive ionomer is a sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone), hereinafter referred to as sPPEK. In another embodiment, the inventive ionomer is a sulfonated poly(phthalazinone either sulfone), herein after referred to as SPPES. In another embodiment, the inventive ionomer is other sulfonated aromatic polymeric compounds. The invention further includes the formation of these polymers into membranes and their use for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), and in particular for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC).

Abstract: A fuel cell system (1) comprises at least one fuel cell (2) and at least one gas generation system (6) in which at least one component requires air during operation. A compression device (11) is provided to supply the oxygen-containing gas, for example air, to the cathode chamber (4) of the fuel cell. At least one branch line (13) also supplies oxygen-containing gas to the gas generation system component(s) that requires air during operation thereof. Exhaust gases from the fuel cell cathode chamber anode chamber are combined downstream of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bipolar plate (1) as well as to a fuel cell assembly (2). The bipolar plate comprises two outer surfaces (3a, 3b) which are electrically connected to one another, for the electrical contacting, as well as the discharge and supply of gases and/or fluids to the surfaces of the fuel cells which are adjacent to the outer surfaces. The bipolar plate comprises a frame (7) open in the central region as well as an inner part (3) arranged in the central reign, wherein the frame and the inner part are elastically connected to one another.

Abstract: Subject matter includes a fuel cell with a catalytic combustor seal and related methods. The catalytic converter is positioned to come in contact with a fuel after the fuel has traversed a path over an intended electrode and the fuel is catalytically converted before the fuel can come in contact with an unintended electrode.

Abstract: A highly reliable polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes an anode-side separator plate and a cathode-side separator plate that are provided with an anode-side sealing member and a cathode-side sealing member, respectively. The anode-side and cathode-side sealing members seal the cell in cooperation with a polymer electrolyte membrane at sealing parts where the anode-side and cathode-side sealing members are opposed to each other, thereby preventing gas from leaking out of gas flow channels. One of the anode-side and cathode-side sealing members has a pointed rib that comes in contact with the sealing parts in a linear manner, and the other sealing member comes in contact with the sealing parts surface to surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for use of carbonized charcoal powder as an electrode is provided. Charcoal is provided as a powder, carbonized, and placed in a container (16) by which compressive pressure is applied to the carbonized-charcoal powder via one or more sides of the container (16). As a result of the compressive pressure the packed-bed (11) of carbonized-charcoal powder manifests a resistivity of less than about 1 ohm-cm and is suitable for use as an electrode in a fuel cell, battery or electrolyzer. The apparatus is adapted with electrical contacts (8, 9, 10) to conduct electric flow to or from the electrode and adapted for communication of an electrolyte with the electrode.

Abstract: A novel anode structure for making a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) tolerant to incidences of cell reversal includes an electrocatalyst layer having at least one electrocatalyst and at least one proton conducting polymer. The anode structure also includes one or more water retaining material(s), such as carbon nanofibers, embedded within the electrocatalyst layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery pack including a plurality of cartridges. Each of the cartridges has a plurality of unit cells mounted therein. The cartridges are stacked one on another in an alternate orientation structure in which electrode terminals of the neighboring cartridges are not located on the same plane when the cartridges are electrically connected to each other, thereby accomplishing easy and safe electrical connection between the cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkaline dry battery which has excellent heavy load and intermediate load discharge characteristics, and in which reduction in light load discharge characteristic is suppressed. In the alkaline dry battery comprising: a negative electrode; an alkaline electrolyte; and a positive electrode comprising manganese dioxide and a graphite powder, the positive electrode is added with an additive selected from the group consisting of Ti(OH)4 and Ti(OH)2.

Abstract: A lithographic mask having a mask substrate (3) and a patterned mask layer (4) which includes mask structures (5) and can be transferred by lithography to a further substrate is disclosed. With masks of this type, it is customary for a protective layer to be provided in the form of a membrane positioned at a distance from the mask layer (4), in order to keep impurity particles or other impurities away from the focal plane of the mask layer (4). According to the invention, the protective layer (6) is applied in liquid form directly to the mask structures (5) and fills up spaces between the mask structures (4). Then, the protective layer (6), while it is still in the liquid state, is covered with a plane-parallel plate. The continuously dense protective layer (6) which is formed in accordance with the invention is even more reliable in preventing impurity particles or impurities (20) from penetrating into spacers between the structures (5) of the mask layer (4).

Abstract: Dicing lines extending longitudinally and transversely, and chip areas surrounded by the dicing lines are formed in a resist mask. Critical-dimension patterns are formed in the dicing lines so as to be paired while placing the center line thereof in between. The dimensional measurement of the resist film having these patterns formed therein is made under a CD-SEM, by specifying a measurement-target chip area out of a plurality of chip areas, and by specifying a position of a critical-dimension pattern on the left thereof. Then, the distance of two linear portions configuring the critical-dimension pattern is measured, wherein a portion at a point of measurement on the measurement-target chip area side as viewed from the center line of the dicing line is measured.

Abstract: A nematic liquid crystal composition includes at least one of liquid crystal compounds containing a trans-4-trifluoromethoxycyclohexyl group in a backbone, in which the number of an intramolecular cyclohexane ring is 2 to 4; at least one of compounds in which ?? is less than 1 in absolute value; and at least one selected from liquid crystal compounds containing a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2, 6-diyl group in a backbone, in which ?? is 1 or more in absolute value, and a liquid crystal compound in which the number of a six-membered ring is 2 to 4, and ?? is 1 or more in absolute value.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a liquid electrographic toner composition are provided, wherein a polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions is first prepared in a hydrocarbon reaction solvent, wherein the hydrocarbon reaction solvent comprises less than about 10% aromatic components by weight and has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. Toner particles are then formulated in the hydrocarbon reaction solvent and dried. The dried toner particles are then redispersed in a carrier liquid that is different from the reaction solvent, wherein the carrier liquid comprises less than about 10% aromatic components by weight and has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL, to form a redispersed liquid electrographic toner composition. Preferred carrier liquids are silicone oils. Products and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A bottom antireflective coating for photolithography at 157 nm or less, where the bottom antireflective coating includes a crosslinkable polymer which contains cinnamic acid derivatives.

Abstract: Hardmask compositions having antireflective properties useful in lithographic processes, methods of using the same, and semiconductor devices fabricated by such methods, are provided. Antireflective hardmask compositions of the invention include: (a) a polymer component including at least one polymer having a monomeric unit of Formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 may each independently be hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-10 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, allyl, or halo; R3 and R4 may be each independently be hydrogen, a crosslinking functionality, or a chromophore; R5 and R6 may each independently be hydrogen or an alkoxysiloxane having the structure of Formula (II), wherein at least one of R5 and R6 is an alkoxysilane; wherein R8, R9, and R10 may each independently be a hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl; and x is 0 or a positive integer; R7 may be hydrogen, C1-10 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, or allyl; and n is a positive integer; (b) a crosslinking component; and (c) an acid catalyst.

Abstract: An optical recording medium containing one or more compounds selected from imide compounds having a metallocene residue in a recording layer and an imide compound represented by a general formula (1): wherein a ring AR represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring residue or a residue formed by combining two or more aromatic ring residues via one or more linking groups; n represents the number of imide groups bonded to the ring AR; Am represents any one of substituents A1 to An bonded to a nitrogen atom of each imide group; and m represents an integer of from 1 to n, with the proviso that at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of A1 to An is one having at least one substituted or unsubstituted metallocene residue.

Abstract: A multi-optical-layer optical element of a lithographic projection apparatus in which at least one optical layer is comprised of an alloy of Mo and Cr. That layer may form the outer most layer of a Mo/Si layer system with an optional protective outer coating of Ru. Furthermore, the multi-optical-layer optical element may be comprised of a plurality of interposed between Mo/Cr alloyed layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photolithographic systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methodologies that facilitate the reduction of line-edge roughness (LER) during gate formation in an integrated circuit. Systems and methods are disclosed for improving critical dimension (CD) of photoresist lines, comprising a non-lithographic shrink component that facilitates mitigating LER, and a trim etch component that facilitates achieving and/or restoring a target critical dimension.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a resist pattern designed to reduce a manufacturing cost by improving efficiency in the use of a resist material, a method for removing a resist pattern, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The present invention includes a step of forming a resist pattern by discharging a composition containing photosensitizer on a object to be processed under reduced pressure. The present invention includes a step of etching the object to be processed using the resist pattern as a mask, a step of irradiating the resist pattern through a photomask with light within a photosensitive wavelength region of a photosensitizer, and a step of removing the resist pattern on the object to be processed.

Abstract: Methods of adhering polymeric materials to a substrate, either directly or through linker molecules, are disclosed. Structures, for example, microstructures, including microwells and arrays of microwells, may be readily formed using the methods. In some embodiments, microstructures formed completely from polymeric materials are provided, making it possible to tailor the chemical and physical properties of the microstructures. For example, microwells having a bottom comprising a polar polymeric material and well sides/top comprising a non-polar polymeric material are provided. Biochemical reagents may be easily delivered to such “smart wells” because the intrinsic attraction of the well bottom for the reagents and the intrinsic repulsion between the well sides/top combine to direct the reagents to the wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pattern forming method comprising image-wise forming, on a surface of a substrate, a region having an ability to initiate polymerization, forming a graft polymer on the region by atom transfer radical polymerization, and adhering a substance to the graft polymer. The method can be applied for preparing an image forming material, a fine particle adsorption pattern material, a conductive pattern material, or the like by selecting a suitable substance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus and method for disinfecting biological samples, including semen and the like, and for removing a biological sample pellet from surrounding media while reducing the risk of recontamination of the pellet with said media. An insert receptacle includes a receiving cylinder having a drain in a floor which allows the fluids to decant slowly down the side of a tube. The insert receptacle further includes an aspiration channel which allows an aspiration device, such as a modified micro-pipette, to be utilized for extracting a sample pellet from the bottom of the tube. Utilizing the novel apparatus, a method for reducing pathogens in a biological sample includes decanting the biological sample through the receiving cylinder and into a tube where it passes through a multi-layer gradient including an enzyme suitable for removal of at least one pathogen from the biological sample.

Abstract: Fluorophore-labeled collagen covalently bound to a cell culture vessel can be used to assay collagen degradation by a variety of cell types, including osteoclasts and tumor cells. Such assays provide a high throughput platform for rapid screening of large numbers of potential modulators of, for example, tumor metastasis or osteoclast differentiation and/or function.

Abstract: Cell lines that are commonly used for protein expression are engineered to include genes that encode suppressors of apoptosis (SA). Insect cell lines expressing these SA genes are resistant to apoptosis or programmed cell death, and express certain recombinant proteins at increased levels. These cell lines also have increased resistance to many types of stress. Because some of the SA proteins inhibit apoptosis in a wide spectrum of organisms, these genes may be inserted into other plant or animal cell lines for a variety of purposes involving resistance to apoptosis or resistance to stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

Abstract: Described is a method for detecting 5-methylcytosine in genomic DNA samples. First, a genomic DNA from a DNA sample is chemically converted with a reagent, 5-methylcytosine and cytosine reacting differently, and the pretreated DNA is subsequently amplified using a polymerase and at least one primer. In the next step, the amplified genomic DNA is hybridized to at least two oligonucleotides, the latter being joined by inserting at least one oligonucleotide. In the ligation product, one nucleotide carries a detectable label, and the elongation depends on the methylation status of the specific cytosine in the genomic DNA sample. In the next step, the elongated oligonucleotides are analyzed for the presence of the label.

Abstract: Among the different intrastrand quadruplex structures that can arise from duplex DNA, it has been discovered that the nucleotide sequences (GGA)4 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and (GGA)3GG (SEQ ID NO: 2) form biologically significant quadruplex structures. Thus, provided herein are methods for identifying molecules that modulate the biological activity of quadruplex DNA comprising the nucleotide sequence (GGA)4 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or the nucleotide sequence (GGA)3GG (SEQ ID NO: 2), and specifically, methods for identifying molecules that bind such quadruplexes. Also provided herein are methods for modulating the biological activity of a biologically significant native quadruplex DNA with a molecule identified by the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting nucleic acid or protein, in which multi-layer dendrimers are formed on the surface of fine particles, amino radicals for capturing nucleic acid or protein are formed on the surface of these dendrimers, and nucleic acid or protein is extracted using these amino radicals. The present invention can greatly and easily increase the recovery ratio of nucleic acid or protein.

Abstract: Sets of nucleic acids and methods for predicting a subject's responsiveness to therapy for liver disorders.

Abstract: A comprehensive set of human specific, target specific, multiplex PCR assays for DNA quantitation is provided. Our duplex qPCR for nDNA/mtDNA had a linear quantitation range of 100 ng to 1 pg, and our triplex qPCR assay for nDNA/mtDNA/male Y DNA had a linear range of 100 ng to 0.1 ng. Human-specificity was demonstrated by the accurate detection of 0.05% and 5% human DNA, respectively, from a complex source of starting templates. Target-specificity was confirmed by the lack of cross-amplification among targets. A high throughput alternative for human gender determination was also developed by multiplexing the male Y primer/probe set with an X chromosome based system. Background cross-amplification with DNA templates derived from fourteen other species was negligible aside from the male Y assay which produced spurious amplifications from other non-human primate templates. Mainstream application of these assays will undoubtedly benefit forensic genomics.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying a virus in breast ducts are provided. In addition, antiviral therapy for treating a virally infected breast duct is also provided. Patients with a viral infection identified in the breast ducts may be at risk for developing breast precancer or cancer.

Abstract: Methods for prophylactic and anti-transmissivity uses of an anti-microbial composition are disclosed. The methods comprise the step of administering to a mammal or a bird, an amount of a composition having a first ingredient obtainable from ginger; a second ingredient obtainable from green tea; an optional third ingredient obtainable from turmeric; and an acceptable carrier. When administered the composition is effective to reduce the incidence of contracting an illness or to prophylactically prevent transmission of an illness. Also disclosed are nasal and throat spray compositions for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the estimation of the amount of subtypes of specific cells, for example the number of certain subtypes of leukocytes, by measurements of unique proteins in extracts of blood and other biological material. The knowledge of the number or amount of specific subtypes of white cells is important in the clinical diagnosis and surveillance of subjects with inflammatory disease including infectious disease, cancer, allergy/asthma etc.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which is specific to a polypeptide having a molecular weight of 18,500±3,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE and a pI of 4.9±1.0 on chromatofocusing. The monoclonal antibody is obtainable from hybridomas and can be used for the purification and detection of the polypeptide. The polypeptide strongly induces the IFN-? production by immunocompetent cells with only a small amount, and dose not cause serious side effects even when administered to human in a relatively-high dose.

Abstract: Method for early diagnosis and diagnosis, for prognosis and assessment of the severity and for therapy-accompanying monitoring of inflammatory diseases and infections, in particular sepsis-like systemic infections and Alzheimer's disease, in which the presence and/or amount of the protein LASP-1 (SEQ ID NO:1) or of the protein LAP-1 (SEQ ID NO:16) or of an immunoreactive fragment of one of these proteins in free and/or protein-bound form is determined, preferably as immunoreactivity, in a biological fluid, or optionally a tissue sample, of a patient, and conclusions are drawn with respect to the presence, the expected course, the severity or the success of a therapy of the inflammatory disease or of the infection from the presence and/or amount of the proteins determined.

Abstract: Quorum-sensing bacteria communicate with extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers to allow community-wide synchronization of gene expression. The present invention relates to the identification the Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio cholerae protein Hfq as mediating interactions between small, regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) and specific messenger RNA (mRNA) targets. Accordingly, the present invention provides nucleic acids encoding the Vibrio sRNAs, strains having various deletions and mutations of one or more qrr genes encoding these sRNA as well as methods of identifying quorum-sensing regulators. Additionally, the invention relates to an isolated V. harveyi Hfq protein and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof as well as nucleic acids encoding those proteins, recombinant methods of producing those proteins and antibodies against those proteins.

Abstract: A screening tool for an antiplatelet agent wherein the tool is a human ADP receptor P2TAC protein, a variation functionally equivalent thereto, or a homologous protein thereof, and a screening tool for an antiplatelet agent wherein the tool is a transformant which is transformed with an expression vector comprising a DNA encoding the protein and is expressing the polypeptide are disclosed. Further, a method for detecting an ADP receptor P2TAC ligand, antagonist, or agonist by using the screening tool for an antiplatelet agent, and a method for screening an antiplatelet agent by the detecting method are disclosed.