Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: a liquid electrolyte including a non-aqueous solvent and an alkali metal salt dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent; a positive electrode active material including a redox material that is dissolved or dispersed in the liquid electrolyte; a positive electrode current collector that provides a place where an oxidation-reduction reaction involving the positive electrode active material occurs; and a negative electrode capable of charging and discharging in which an alkali metal ion participates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high capacity electrochemical cell having a cathode containing an oxide of copper as an active material, as well as an anode, an electrolyte, and separators for use with the cathodes of the invention in an alkaline electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery comprising electrode leads mounted in a sealed fashion in a battery case while the electrode leads partially protrude from the battery case and resin films disposed between the battery case and the electrode leads wherein the electrode leads are provided at predetermined areas of the surfaces thereof, to which the resin films are applied, with irregular parts, by which the adhesive strength between the electrode leads and the resin films is increased. The adhesive strength between the electrode leads and the resin films is large, and the movement path of moisture or electrolyte, through which the moisture contained in the air or the electrolyte contained in the secondary battery may move, is extended. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of minimizing the reduction in service life of the secondary battery due to introduction of the moisture into the secondary battery and leakage of the electrolyte from the secondary battery.

Abstract: An active material for positive electrode for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a lithium-metal composite oxide that is expressed by the general formula of Lix(Ni1-yCoy)1-zMzO2 (where 0.98?x?1.10, 0.05?y?0.4, 0.01?z?0.2, and where M is at least one metal element selected from the group of Al, Mg, Mn, Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn and Ga), and where the SO4 ion content is in the range from 0.4 weight % to 2.5 weight %, and the occupancy rate of lithium found from the X-ray diffraction chart and using Rietveld analysis is 98% or greater, and the carbon amount measured by way of the high frequency heating-infrared adsorption method is 0.12 weight % or less, and that the Karl Fischer water content due to heating at 180° C. be 0.2 weight % or less.

Abstract: Alkali (or other active) metal battery and other electrochemical cells incorporating active metal anodes together with aqueous cathode/electrolyte systems. The battery cells have a highly ionically conductive protective membrane adjacent to the alkali metal anode that effectively isolates (de-couples) the alkali metal electrode from solvent, electrolyte processing and/or cathode environments, and at the same time allows ion transport in and out of these environments. Isolation of the anode from other components of a battery cell or other electrochemical cell in this way allows the use of virtually any solvent, electrolyte and/or cathode material in conjunction with the anode. Also, optimization of electrolytes or cathode-side solvent systems may be done without impacting anode stability or performance. In particular, Li/water, Li/air and Li/metal hydride cells, components, configurations and fabrication techniques are provided.

Abstract: An electrolyte capable of improving battery characteristics even at high temperatures, a battery including the electrolyte, and a method for manufacturing an electrolyte are provided. The electrolyte contains at least one type of compound represented by the following formula: where R1, R2, R3, and R4 independently represent a hydrogen group, a fluorine group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a group in which a fluorine group has substituted for a part of the methyl group or the ethyl group; at least one of R1, R2, R3, and R4 is a group containing fluorine (F); and X, Y, and Z independently represents sulfur (S) or oxygen (O) except the case in which all of X, Y, and Z are oxygen (O), that is, X=Y=Z=O.

Abstract: A colorant-containing curable composition containing a tetraazaporphyrin compound represented by formula (1), wherein rings A1, A2, A3, and A4 each independently represent a benzene ring or a pyridine ring, at least one of the rings A1, A2, A3, and A4 represents a pyridine ring, R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group provided that R1 and R2 are not hydrogen atoms at the same time, m represents an integer of 1 to 8, and n is an integer of 1 to 4.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining an overlay correlation set between two successive patterned material layers on a substrate. The method comprises steps of providing a first material layer having a first overlay mark formed therein over the substrate and then using an exposure tool with a first overlay correlation set to form a patterned photoresist layer on the first material layer, wherein the patterned photoresist layer comprises a mark pattern and the mark pattern is located over the first overlay mark for defining a later formed second material layer on the first material layer to be a second overlay mark. Thereafter, a pre-process metrology overlay parameter set between the first overlay mark and the mark pattern is obtained. The first overlay correlation set at the exposure tool is adjusted according to the pre-process metrology overlay parameter set.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member is provided which has a photosensitive layer formed on a support. The electrophotographic photosensitive member has a surface layer containing a silicon-containing compound or a fluorine-containing compound. The surface layer has a plurality of depressed portions which are independent from one another, on the surface. When the major axis diameter of the depressed portion is represented by Rpc and the distance between the deepest part and the opening surface of the depressed portion is represented by Rdv, Rdv is 0.1? or more to 10.0 ?m or less, and the ratio of the depth (Rdv) to the major axis diameter (Rpc), Rdv/Rpc, is more than 0.3 to 7.0 or less.

Abstract: A coating composition having a polymer resin composition containing at lest an acid catalyst and a masking agent, wherein the masking agent is selected from the group consisting of compound A, compound B, and the acylated derivatives of compound A, where compound A is given by the structural formula (I): where X represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of —OR and —NR?R?, wherein R, R?, and R? each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group; and compound B is given by the structural formula (II): where Y and Z independently represent —OH or —NH2.

Abstract: Broadly the invention provides for a deinkable toner composition, an image made with the deinkable toner, and a method for making the toner including a coloring agent; a thermoplastic polymer; and a protein. In another embodiment the toner includes a coloring agent and a thermoplastic polymer where the protein has been incorporated into the polymer itself. In typical embodiments the protein is derived from soybeans but may be from other plant or animal sources. Typically the toner has a positive triboelectric charge of between about 10 to about 40 microCoulomb/g, or a negative triboelectric charge of between about 10 to about 40 microCoulomb/g.

Abstract: A toner or two-component developer is provided. The toner includes toner base particles obtained by mixing in an aqueous medium a first resin particle dispersion, a colorant particle dispersion, and a wax particle dispersion, aggregating the mixed dispersion to form core particles at least part of which is melted, adding a second resin particle dispersion to a core particle dispersion in which the core particles are dispersed, and fusing the second resin particles with the core particles by heating. A GPC measurement of the second resin particles shows that the number-average molecular weight (Mn2) is 9000 to 30000, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw2) is 50000 to 500000, and the ratio (Mw2/Mn2) of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw2) to the number-average molecular weight (Mn2) is 2 to 10. The wax particles include at least a first wax and a second wax. An endothermic peak temperature (melting point Tmw1) of the first wax based on a DSC method is 50° C. to 90° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are toner particles generated by emulsion/aggregation processes. The processes are conducted under conditions that shorten the time for coalescence and post-formation washing, thereby increasing efficiency of the processes as compared to conventional processes.

Abstract: Toner compositions include a non cross linked resin; a cross linked resin or gel; a wax; and a colorant. Processes for preparing a toner include mixing a non-cross linked resin and a cross-linked resin or gel in the presence of a wax, a colorant, and a coagulant to provide toner size aggregates; adding additional non-cross linked latex to the formed aggregates thereby providing a shell over the formed aggregates; heating the shell covered aggregates to form toner; and, optionally, isolating the toner.

Abstract: An image forming method, which comprises: forming an electrostatic latent image on a surface of a latent image supporting member; developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the latent image supporting member with a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image or an electrostatic latent image developer containing the toner and a carrier to form a toner image; transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the latent image supporting member onto a surface of a transfer receiving material; and fixing the toner image transferred onto the transfer receiving material under pressure, wherein the toner comprises a block copolymer having a crystalline polyester block and a non-crystalline polyester block, and wherein a maximum pressure applied when the image is fixed is 1 MPa or greater but not greater than 10 MPa.

Abstract: An electrophotographic recording medium including a substrate and formed on the substrate at least one image receiving layer has a thermoplastic resin, the image receiving layer containing at least one kind of unsaturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid derivative having a melting point of from about 40° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor and method for forming a photoreceptor is disclosed which is provided with an anticorrosion layer on the interface between the supporting substrate surface and the undercoat layer. The photoreceptor has a high mechanical strength and minimizes defects in print for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A photo-patternable composition for forming an organic insulating film which includes (i) a functional group-containing monomer, (ii) an initiator generating an acid or a radical upon light irradiation, and (iii) an organic or inorganic polymer. Further disclosed is a method for forming a pattern of an organic insulating film using the composition. Since an organic insulating film can be simply patterned without involving any photoresist process, the overall procedure is simplified and eventually an organic thin film transistor with high charge carrier mobility can be fabricated by all wet processes.

Abstract: A positive resist composition, comprising: (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (B) a resin having a repeating unit containing at least one alicyclic structure, of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; and (C) an alkali-soluble resin having a siloxane bond as a main chain.

Abstract: An image forming medium includes a paper substrate and an imaging layer coated on or impregnated into a paper substrate, where the imaging layer is formed of an imaging composition that includes an alkoxy substituted diarylethene photochromic material dissolved or dispersed in a solvent or polymeric binder, and where the imaging composition exhibits a reversible transition between a colorless and a colored state.

Abstract: A positive resist composition and method of forming a resist pattern are provided which enable formation of a resist pattern having excellent shape with reduced LWR. The positive resist composition includes a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon irradiation, the resin component (A) having a structural unit (a1) which has an acetal-type protection group, and the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) having a cation moiety represented by general formula (b-5) shown below: wherein Ra and Rb each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom or a hydroxyl group; Rc represents an aryl group or alkyl group which may or may not have a substituent; and n? and n? each independently represents an integer of 0 to 3.

Abstract: An image forming medium includes a substrate, and an imaging layer coated on or impregnated into the substrate, wherein the imaging layer includes an imaging composition including a photochromic or photochromic-thermochromic material and an infrared absorbent dissolved or dispersed in a solvent or polymeric binder; wherein the infrared absorber absorbs infrared light of a wavelength in a range from about 730 nm to about 1500 nm; and wherein the imaging composition is imageable by light of a first wavelength and erasable in a short time period by a combination of infrared radiation and light of a second wavelength and exhibits a reversible transition between a colorless and a colored state.

Abstract: A photosensitive film excellent in workability and making it possible, in a normal pressure laminating process, to laminate photosensitive films on the surface of substrate having a metallic surface with a reduced number of air voids generated and in a high product yield, said film comprising a support film (A), a photosensitive resin composition-containing photosensitive resin layer (B) formed on said support (A) and a protecting film (C) further stuck on said layer (B), wherein the number of fish eyes having a diameter of at least 80 ?m included in the protecting film (C) does not exceed 5 fish eyes/m2.

Abstract: A photosensitive film excellent in workability and making it possible, in a normal pressure laminating process, to laminate photosensitive films on the surface of substrate having a metallic surface with a reduced number of air voids generated and in a high product yield, said film comprising a support film (A), a photosensitive resin composition-containing photosensitive resin layer (B) formed on said support (A) and a protecting film (C) further stuck on said layer (B), wherein the number of fish eyes having a diameter of at least 80 ?m included in the protecting film (C) does not exceed 5 fish eyes/m2.

Abstract: The present invention is to obtain without any trouble a photosensitive resin composition, a photosensitive layer and a photosensitive resin printing original plate, which are developable with an aqueous developer, resistant to an aqueous ink and a cosolvent ink, and assured of good image reproducibility. The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition comprising (A) hydrophobic polymers obtained from at least two or more water dispersion latexes, (B) a photopolymerizable compound and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the two or more hydrophobic polymers each is present in a fine particle state.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and more particularly, to utilizing polymer solutions to make thick film compositions. In one embodiment the process is directed to the formation of photoimageable thick film compositions for use in photo-patterning methods to make photoimageable electrodes in flat panel display applications, including plasma display panels (PDP). Polymer solutions are obtained by directly polymerizing desired monomers in a desired solvent to form a desired polymer, rather than by dissolving a pre-made polymer in a desired solvent. Other ingredients are added to the polymer solution to directly form thick film pastes, including photoimageable thick film pastes.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising: a polyurethane resin synthesized by using a compound represented by the following formula (I) as one of starting materials; a photopolymerization or thermal polymerization initiator; and an addition-polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond: wherein X represents a tri- or higher valent atom; R1 and R2 each independently represent a single bond or an alkylene group optionally having a substituent, provided that R1 and R2 do not represent a single bond at a same time; A represents a straight chain linking group; and n is an integer of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: A sulfide phosphor paste composition comprising a sulfur-containing dispersant, and a fluorescent film prepared therefrom, are provided. The sulfur-containing dispersant has a dual head structure containing both a carboxyl group and a thiol group or a structure containing a thiol or thiophene group as a head group. An oligomeric sulfur-containing dispersant is also provided. Adsorption of the dispersant on the surface of the sulfide phosphor prevents aggregation of the phosphor particles, and thereby improves the dispersibility of the sulfide phosphor paste composition, the homogeneity of the phosphor in the paste composition, and the density of a film produced from the paste composition. Fluorescent films and display devices produced from the phosphor paste composition exhibit improved luminescent properties and excellent processability.

Abstract: A method of on-press developing a laser sensitive lithographic printing plate with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The printing member comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser and on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. The exposure and development are performed with the plate under lightings that contain no or substantially no radiation below a wavelength selected from 400 to 650 nm, or in the dark or substantially dark.

Abstract: The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic heart valve xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides methods for preparing a heart valve xenograft by removing at least a portion of a soft tissue from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to cellular disruption treatment; treating the xenograft with crosslinking agents, and digesting the xenograft with a proteoglycan-depleting factor and/or glycosidase. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the above-identified method of the invention. The invention further provides a heart valve xenograft for implantation into a human including a portion of a heart valve from a non-human animal, wherein the portion has extracellular components and substantially only dead cells. The extracellular components have reduced proteoglycan molecules.

Abstract: Specific binding of a foreign core ligand to a PAS domain, wherein the PAS domain is predetermined, prefolded in its native state, and comprises a hydrophobic core that has no NMR-apparent a priori formed ligand cavity, is determined using NMR spectra of the PAS domain in the presence and absence of a foreign ligand bound within the hydrophobic core. A functional surface binding specificity of a PAS domain is changed by (a) introducing into the hydrophobic core of the PAS domain a foreign ligand of the PAS domain; and (b) detecting a change in the functional surface binding specificity of the PAS domain.

Abstract: Methods for detecting BoNT/A activity in a sample, methods for screening molecules able to compete with BoNT/A receptor binding, methods for reducing BoNT/A activity in a human and methods of marketing a neurotoxin capable of selectively binding to FGFR3 to a governmental or regional regulatory authority.

Abstract: Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but is also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid target sequences. The method produces DNA/RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a means of diagnosing genetic risk of restenosis after coronary angioplasty which shows a high accuracy and a high estimation ratio. The risk of restenosis after coronary angioplasty is diagnosed by a method comprising the following steps: (i) the step of analyzing 2 or more polymorphisms among 6 gene polymorphisms proved as relating to restenosis after balloon expansion or 5 gene polymorphisms proved as relating to restenosis after stent insertion; (ii) the step of determining the genotype of a nucleic acid sample based on the polymorphism data obtained in the above step; and (iii) the step of determining the genetic risk of restenosis after coronary angioplasty form the genotype thus determined.

Abstract: The early prediction or diagnosis of sepsis advantageously allows for clinical intervention before the disease rapidly progresses beyond initial stages to the more severe stages, such as severe sepsis or septic shock, which are associated with high mortality. Early prediction or diagnosis is accomplished using a molecular diagnostics approach, involving comparing an individual's profile of biomarker expression to profiles obtained from one or more control, or reference, populations, which may include a population who develops sepsis. Recognition of features in the individual's biomarker profile that are characteristic of the onset of sepsis allows a clinician to diagnose the onset of sepsis from a bodily fluid isolated at the individual at a single point in time. The necessity of monitoring the patient over a period of time is, therefore, avoided, advantageously allowing clinical intervention before the onset of serious symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of metallizing nucleic acid molecules and to methods of attaching nucleic acid molecules to conductive surfaces. Methods of detecting target nucleic acid molecules based on these techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for monitoring gene expression for diagnosing and monitoring inflammation disorders, and for monitoring gene expression in inflammation disorders in response to a particular drug treatment regimen. This system for detecting nucleic acid expression in a body fluid uses an isolated polynucleotide to detect expression of a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5; SEQ ID NO:11; SEQ ID NO:17; and SEQ ID NO: 23. These nucleic acids are differentially expressed in body fluid in an individual with a disease criterion for a disease as listed in Table 1 as compared to an individual without the disease criterion.

Abstract: The non-invasive detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies is demonstrated. Alleles of fetal RNA-SNPs present in a biological sample (e.g. maternal blood) containing fetal RNA are detected and quantified in order to determine the ratio of the alleles. This ratio is compared to a standard control consisting of euploid fetuses. Deviation of allele ratio indicates the presence of chromosomal aneuploidy.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema) polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species, including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of streptococci.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating samples of RNA. In an embodiment the method includes contacting the sample of RNA with a set of oligodeoxynucleotides to provide a DNA/RNA duplex. The method includes contacting the DNA/RNA duplex with an enzyme having a DNA:RNA nuclease activity to provide a digested RNA sample. Kits in accordance with the invention are also described.

Abstract: A herbicide resistant transformed sugar beet that is detectable by the specific primers developed to match the DNA sequences that flank the left and/or right border region of the inserted transgenic DNA and the method of identifying primer pairs containing plant genomic DNA/plasmid DNA. More specifically, the present invention covers a specific glyphosate resistant sugar beet plant having an insertion of the transgenic material identified as the T227-1 event. The present invention additionally covers primer pairs: plant genomic DNA/Plasmid DNA that are herein identified. Additionally, these primer pairs for either the left or the right flanking regions make an event specific test for the T227-1 insert of transgenic material.

Abstract: The invention provides allelic ladder mixtures and individual alleles suitable for use in such mixtures. The allelic ladder mixtures give improved identification and distinguishing capabilities, particularly suitable in forensic investigations.

Abstract: Methods for determining nucleic acid fragmentation status are provided. A nucleic acid of interest in a reaction mixture is contacted with two or more different probes complementary to sites separated by a point of potential fragmentation. The probes each comprise a detectable marker. The nucleic acid of interest is flowed into a detection region, where two or more coincident detectable marker signals from the probes are detected. Fragmentation status of the nucleic acid of interest is determined, coincident detection of signals from two or more of the different probes indicating the nucleic acid of interest is not fragmented between the probes.

Abstract: Aptamers bind to Listeria surface proteins. A method of assaying a sample for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes includes exposing the sample to an aptamer that specifically binds one of the following proteins: Listeria monocytogenes internalin A protein, Listeria monocytogenes internalin E protein, and Listeria monocytogenes 0610 protein. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the sample is detected when the aptamer binds the protein present in the sample. A method of treating Listeria monocytogenes infection includes administering the aptamers to the mammal at a concentration sufficient to reduce Listeria monocytogenes infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are screening processes for identification of compounds that may inhibit complex formation between C-reactive protein and fibronectin. Compounds identified by the disclosed methods may be utilized to inhibit the target analytes that are known to occur during skin aging as well as during the course of several diseases. Accordingly, inhibitory compounds identified by the disclosed methods may be utilized to prevent and treat damaged tissue, inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular conditions, renal conditions, periodontal conditions and obesity, among other conditions. For example, the compounds identified by the disclosed methods may be utilized to treat tissue that has suffered trauma, e.g., burns or wounds, as well as tissue that is inflamed due to any of several causes.

Abstract: Novel, sensitive and specific markers for diagnostics and monitoring of liver injuries, including, but not limited to ischemic liver damage, are provided. This includes identification several enzymes of arginine/urea/nitric oxide cycle, sulfuration enzymes and spectrin breakdown related products, among others.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and apparatus for detecting protein isoforms (e.g., those due to alternative splicing, or different disease protein isoforms or degradation products) in a sample, including using combinations of capture agents to identify the isoforms to be detected/measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, isolated, tumor-associated antigens, and methods for identifying such antigens in a biological sample, and of screening for the presence of such an antigen in a biological specimen, wherein the tumor antigen identified reacts with serum from a subject treated with a vaccine comprising a cytokine and proliferation-incompetent tumor cells which express the tumor-associated antigen. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying agents that modulate intracellular calcium. Also provided are methods of modulating calcium within cells and methods of identifying proteins involved in modulating intracellular calcium.

Abstract: Microphthalmia (Mi) while present in melanocytes, a cells and osteoclast, is not normally present in other cells. We have found that Mi is present in the nucleus of melanoma cells. Melanoma can be diagnosed by contacting a malignant cell with a probe for Mi. If the probe identities Mi in the nucleus of the cell, the cell is a melanoma.