Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes: a first exposing step using a photomask in a first area of a semiconductor substrate; and a second exposing step using the photomask in a second area adjacent to the first area of the semiconductor substrate. The photomask includes a first transmitting pattern having a ring shape that is missing a part, and a supplemental second transmitting pattern having a shape corresponding to the missing part of the first transmitting pattern, so that a closed loop pattern is exposed by the first exposing step and the second exposing step on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An evaluation method for lithography apparatus including a coating unit, an exposure unit, a heating unit and a development unit, the evaluation method including forming an evaluation resist pattern by using the lithography apparatus, the evaluation resist pattern including first and second evaluation patterns, the first and second evaluation patterns having different peripheral environments, measuring dimensions of the first and second evaluation patterns to obtain a dimensional difference between the first and second resist evaluation patterns, estimating an exposure dose of a resist when the resist is exposed by the exposure unit, the estimating the exposure dose being performed based on the dimensional difference between the first and second resist evaluation patterns, and estimating an effective heating temperature of the resist when the resist is heated by the heating unit, the estimating the effective heating temperature being performed based on the estimated exposure dose and the dimensional differenc

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image onto a recording medium using a liquid developer which contains an insulation liquid and toner particles dispersed in the insulation liquid is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a liquid developer storage section for storing the liquid developer therein; a developing section for developing a toner image using the liquid developer supplied from the liquid developer storage section; an image transfer section for transferring the developed toner image formed by the developing section onto the recording medium to form a transferred image thereon; and a fixing section for fixing the transferred image formed on the recording medium onto the recording medium, wherein at least a part of the insulation liquid in the transferred image is oxidized and polymerized to fix the toner particles in the transferred image onto the recording medium. According to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to fix the toner particles onto the recording medium firmly.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive composition and negative-working imagable element includes a polymeric binder that has a hydrophobic backbone and pendant salt groups that comprise a cation covalently attached to the hydrophobic backbone and a boron-containing anion forming a salt with the cation. The use of these particular polymers provides fast digital speed (high imaging sensitivity) and good printability (good shelf-life) even when the preheat step normally used between exposure and development, is omitted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor including on a support a photosensitive layer that contains a polymerizable composition containing a specific binder polymer having a repeating unit of formula (I), an infrared absorbent, a polymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a linking group which includes two or more atoms selected from a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom and has a number of atoms of 2 to 82; A represents an oxygen atom or —NR3— in which R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n represents an integer of 1 to 5. The invention also provides a planographic printing plate precursor provided with a specific photosensitive layer with respect to an alkaline developer.

Abstract: Linear or branched functionalized polycarbosilanes having an absorbance less than 3.0 ?m?1 at 193 nm and a relatively high refractive index are provided. The functionalized polycarbosilanes contain at least one pendant group that is acid labile or aqueous base soluble. Also disclosed are photoresists formulations containing the functionalized polycarbosilanes that are suitable for use in lithography, e.g., immersion lithography.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a photoresist is lithographically patterned to form an array of patterned photoresist portions having a pitch near twice a minimum feature size. Fluorine-containing polymer spacers are formed on sidewalls of the patterned photoresist portions. The pattern of the fluorine-containing polymer spacers is transferred into an underlying layer to form a pattern having a sublithographic pitch. In another embodiment, a first pattern in a first photoresist is transferred into a first ARC layer underneath to form first ARC portions. A planarizing second optically dense layer, a second ARC layer, and a second photoresist are applied over the first ARC portions. A second pattern in the second photoresist is transferred into the second ARC layer to form second ARC portions. The combination of the first ARC portions and second ARC portions function as an etch mask to pattern an underlying layer with a composite pattern having a sublithographic pitch.

Abstract: A photosensitive planographic printing plate comprising a substrate and a photosensitive layer including a photopolymerizable compound, wherein the photosensitive layer and the substrate are provided between them with an undercoat layer including a (co)polymer having structural units having ethylenically unsaturated groups bonded with silicon atoms and phosphonic acid groups.

Abstract: The present inventors have developed an accurate method for forming a plurality of images on a substrate. The present method provides an improved pattern replication technique that provides submicron resolution, for example 20 nm or less, especially 10 nm or less. The method may involve moving a structured beam of energetic radiation across a target substrate. The motion of an image of the template mask on the substrate is achieved by tilting a mask and substrate assembly relative to the axis of the incident beam. The technique does not require high precision motion of the template mask relative to the target substrate. The energetic radiation may comprise energetic particles. The technique is insensitive to particle energy and can be applied to uncharged, neutral particles.

Abstract: An apparatus (and method) for referencing a surface of a workpiece during imprint lithography, includes an air bearing for mechanically referencing a surface of the workpiece, and a lithographic template coupled to the air bearing.

Abstract: A method for providing a lithographic printing plate includes developing an exposed imageable element with an alkali silicate-containing developer composition having a pH of at least 12.0. The developer composition is regenerated by adding to it an alkali silicate-containing regenerator composition having a pH of at least 12.0. Conductivity of both the developer and regenerator compositions is suppressed from the presence of one or more conductivity reducing agents (such as glycerin). This conductivity suppression in the developer composition is greater than the suppression of the conductivity of the regenerator composition.

Abstract: In an exposure step, a combination of a first photomask and a second mask is used. The first mask has a real pattern corresponding to the pattern actually formed on the film to be processed, and a dummy pattern added for controlling pattern pitch in the first photomask within a prescribed range; and the second photomask has a pattern isolating a real-pattern-formed region from a dummy-pattern-formed region. In forming the pattern, after forming a film to be processed on a substrate, a first mask is formed on the film to be processed, by lithography, using the first photomask, and a second mask is formed on the film to be processed, by lithography, using the second photomask. Thereafter, the film to be processed is etched and removed using the first and second masks as masks to form the pattern.

Abstract: A method of double patterning a thin film is described. The method comprises forming a thin film to be patterned on a substrate, forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the thin film, and forming a mask layer on the ARC layer. Thereafter, the mask layer is patterned to form a first pattern and a second pattern therein, and the first and second patterns are partially transferred to the ARC layer using a transfer process, such as an etching process or a developing process. Once the mask layer is removed, the first pattern and second patterns are completely transferred to the ARC layer using an etching process, and the first and second patterns in the ARC layer are transferred to the underlying thin film using another etching process.

Abstract: The method for forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device includes depositing a photoresist film over a semiconductor substrate having an underlying layer, performing a first exposure process using a first exposure mask to form a first photoresist pattern, the first exposure mask defining a first and a second exposure patterns, the first exposure pattern finer than the second exposure pattern, depositing a photoresist film over an entire surface of the resultant including the first photoresist pattern, performing a second exposure process using a second exposure mask to form a second photoresist pattern, the second exposure mask defining a third and a fourth exposure patterns, the third exposure pattern finer than the fourth exposure pattern and disposed between the first exposure patterns, the fourth exposure pattern overlapped with a portion of the second exposure pattern, and patterning the underlying layer using the first and the second photoresist patterns.

Abstract: This invention provides a transparent electrically conductive film, which, while maintaining the light transparency of a transparent film, has excellent electrical conductivity, can be utilized for electromagnetic wave shielding, and does not cause inclusion of air bubbles in the lamination onto other base material, and a process for producing the same. The production process comprises the steps of forming a large number of concaves and convexes having an average height of not more than 0.1 ?m on both sides or one side of a transparent film, forming a resist layer having a pattern shape opposite to the electrically conductive part in the electrically conductive film on the transparent film on its concave-convex side, applying a catalyst for plating onto the resist layer-formed face, separating the resist layer, forming a metal layer by plating, and blackening the metal layer, the metal layer satisfying 1?W/T?500 wherein W represents the width of the metal layer and T represents the height of the metal layer.

Abstract: An organometallic composition containing an organometallic compound (I) containing Ag, an organometallic compound (II) containing Au, Pd, or Ru, and an organometallic compound (III) containing Ti, Ta, Cr, Mo, Ru, Ni, Pd, Cu, Au, or Al, wherein the metal components of organometallic compounds (II) and (III), respectively, are present in an amount of 0.01˜10 mol % based on the amount of Ag in the organometallic compound (I), and a method of forming a metal alloy pattern using the same. Silver alloy patterns can be obtained through a simplified manufacturing process, which patterns have enhanced heat resistance, adhesiveness and chemical stability. The method may be applied to making a reflective film for LCD and metal wiring (gate, source, drain electrode) for flexible displays or flat panel displays, and further to CMP-free damascene processing and PR-free ITO film deposition.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a plurality of substantially uniform nano-scale features in a substantially parallel manner in which an array of micro-lenses is positioned on a surface of a substrate, where each micro-lens includes a hole such that the bottom of the hole corresponds to a portion of the surface of the substrate. A flux of charged particles, e.g., a beam of positive ions of a selected element, is applied to the micro-lens array. The flux of charged particles is focused at selected focal points on the substrate surface at the bottoms of the holes of the micro-lens array. The substrate is tilted at one or more selected angles to displace the locations of the focal points across the substrate surface. By depositing material or etching the surface of the substrate, several substantially uniform nanometer sized features may be rapidly created in each hole on the surface of the substrate in a substantially parallel manner.

Abstract: In a developing method, a developer is supplied onto a resist film provided on a substrate, made of a resist and having an upper surface on which design patterns having different mask opening ratios are exposed and a development reaction is caused to proceed on the resist film with the supplied developer. After the development, the substrate is rotated so that the developer and the resist dissolved in the developer are removed. Then, a rinsing solution is supplied onto the resist film subjected to development and the substrate is rotated, thereby washing out the developer and the resist dissolved in the developer. The rotation speed of the substrate in removing the developer is a half or less of the rotation speed of the substrate in the rinsing step of washing out the resist.

Abstract: Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analyses of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compound and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for detecting colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma comprising the steps: a) providing an isolated sample material which has been taken from an individual, b) determining the level of C3a or a derivative thereof in said isolated sample material, c) comparing the determined level of C3a or a derivative thereof with one or more reference values. The invention is further directed to a method for discriminating between colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma as well as to a method for monitoring the course of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma and/or the treatment of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma. Moreover, the invention is directed to a test system and an array for use in these methods. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of C3a as a biomarker for a detection of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hepatitis virus core proteins and nucleic acids. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods comprising recombinant hepatitis virus core proteins or nucleic acids for use in vaccine formulations.

Abstract: A method for producing influenza virus on large scale is provided. A method for propagating influenza virus which comprises, after removing or decreasing a trypsin inhibitor secreted into culture of MDCK cells (cell line derived from dog kidney) by washing with a culture medium or a buffer, inoculating influenza virus into said cells and culturing said influenza virus-inoculated cells in a culture medium supplemented with trypsin.

Abstract: Isolated HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides obtained from the HIV-1 isolate HAM112 are claimed, as well as (a) antigen constructs comprising fusions of one or more of each of HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides and HIV-1 Group M env polypeptide and (b) further antigen constructs containing additional Group O sequences and especially the gp41 IDR of isolate HAM112. Also claimed are polynucleotide sequences encoding the above, expression vectors comprising the same, host cells transformed thereby, and immunoassay methods and kits utilizing the antigen constructs of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to activate a genetically designated target cell (or population of target cells) artificially, in vivo or in vitro, employ triggering of heterologous stimulus-gated ion channels to activate the cells. The stimulus-gated ion channels are suitably TRPV1, TRPM8 or P2X2. A stimulus which leads to opening or “gating” of the ion channel can be a physical stimulus or a chemical stimulus. Physical stimuli can be provided by heat, or mechanical force, while chemical stimuli can suitably be a ligand, such as capsaicin for TRPV1 or ATP for P2X2, or a “caged ligand,” for example a photolabile ligand derivative, in which case a physical signal in the form of light is used to provide the chemical signal. Selective activation of the cell may be used for various applications including neuronal and neuroendocrine mapping and drug screening.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of screening cells for differentiation or de-differentiation, and/or for status as a pluripotent or multipotent (e.g., “stem”) cell, by detecting the differential expression (e.g., upregulation, downregulation) of genes.

Abstract: Methods of detecting affinity interactions between at least two molecules of interest are provided. The method comprises: a. forming a plurality of interactors by coupling each molecule of interest with at least one nucleic acid moiety comprising an identification sequence element and at an association element; b. promoting an association between at least two nucleic acid moieties from different interactors to form a plurality of unique associated oligonucleotides, wherein each nucleic acid moiety may form more than one unique associated oligonucleotide, and wherein each unique associated oligonucleotide comprises at least two identification sequence elements derived from the at least two nucleic acid moieties; c. selecting the plurality of unique associated oligonucleotides; and d. subjecting the selected associated oligonucleotides to an analysis that permits detection of the at least two identification sequence elements.

Abstract: A method for amplifying a plurality of target sequences that minimizes amplification artefacts is provided. A sample of interest is fragmented into fragments, where each fragment that includes a target sequence has at least one defined end sequence. Selector constructs, all comprising a primer pair motif and each individual selector comprising one or two protruding ends complementary to the defined end sequences of the fragments containing the target sequences, are brought in contact with the fragments. After ligation, the selected target sequences are amplified in parallel using a primer-pair specific for the primer-pair motif common to the selectors.

Abstract: This invention relates to plant breeding and the protection of plants from insects. More specifically, this invention includes novel transformation events of cotton plants comprising one or more polynucleotide sequences, as described herein, inserted into specific site(s) within the genome of a cotton cell. In highly preferred embodiments, said polynucleotide sequences encode “stacked” Cry1F and Cry1Ac lepidopteran insect inhibitory proteins. However, the subject invention includes plants having single cry1F or cry1Ac events, as described herein. Additionally, the invention is related to cotton plants derived from that transformation event and to assays for detecting the presence of the event in a sample. More specifically, the present invention provides DNA and related assays for detecting the presence of certain insect-resistance events in cotton. The assays are based on the DNA sequences of recombinant constructs inserted into the cotton genome and of the genomic sequences flanking the insertion sites.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for determining whether a person carries an allele associated with increased risk for coronary atherosclerosis by determining whether the person has had RA-CHR9 allele, such as by determining whether the person has an RA-CHR9 allele-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

Abstract: A method is provided for screening a subject for hepatocellular carcinoma by determining the level of glypican-3 (GPC3) in a body fluid sample from the subject. A further method is provided for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma by detecting GPC3 in a liver tissue sample. Also provided are antibodies which bind specifically to GPC3.

Abstract: A method for the determination of cardiovascular risk factors in biological samples that comprising the steps of a) sampling, b) altering the sample into a dry blood sample c) conducting a sample preparation where appropriate and d) analyzing the sample to offer a simple yet effective method for the determination of cardiovascular risk factors in biological samples. It also relates to dry blood filter for performing this method, that filter comprises at least one substance of the group consisting of antioxidants, coagulants, disinfectants, detergents and inhibitors.

Abstract: An improved extractive reagent composition and method for extracting an immunosuppressant drug, such as sirolimus, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, from blood samples while yielding a test sample extract that has low vapor pressure and is compatible with immunoassay components. The inventive reagent composition comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at least one divalent metal salt and water. The sample extracts resulting from use of each of these combinations have low vapor pressure and are compatible with immunochemistry assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds. Also, the invention relates to the discovery of specific hT2R9 alleles and their disparate activity in functional assays with the same biter ligands. The invention further relates to the use of these T2R receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors by specific bitter ligands and related compounds. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages, cosmetics and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. Also T2R ligands may be used as therapeutics to treat and modulate T2R associated gastrointestinal and metabolic functions as well as treat gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases such as eating disorders, food sensing, food absorption, obesity, diabetes, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, et al.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide is provided. The isolated polypeptide comprising an antigen recognition domain capable of specifically binding a CD44 polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 and incapable of binding a CD44 polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 4 or 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for identifying drug side effects by detecting perturbations in organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints. The invention further relates to methods for identifying drug-specific organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints. As such, the present invention provides compositions comprising organ-specific proteins, detection reagents for detecting such proteins, and panels and arrays for determining organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioassay element and its producing method. The bioassay element includes a carrier, a testing material, and a coating film, in which the testing material is dispersed in the coating film which covers on the surface of the carrier and comprises a casein and calcium ions. The bioassay element is produced by applying a bioassay solution which includes a testing material, a casein and calcium ions to the carrier, and then drying the bioassay solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides the identification of human Ras palmitoyl acyl transfersase complexes, and nucleic acids coding therefor. In addition, methods of screening for modulators of human Ras palmitoyl acyl transfersase, including high throughput yeast screens, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for the use thereof, in performing high-throughput assay methods that determine the proliferative status of isolated target cell populations. The methods measure the luminescent output derived from the intracellular ATP content of incubated target cells, and correlate the luminescence with the proliferative status of the cells. The present invention further relates to kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for high-throughput assays methods for screening compounds that may modulate the proliferative status of a target cell population. The kits of the present invention and methods therein described may be used for determining the proliferative status of any isolated cell line or type. The kits and methods of the present invention address the need for rapid assays that determine the proliferative status of isolated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and of subpopulations of differentiated cells thereof.

Abstract: Diglyceride solutions for lipase activity determination, comprising at least one diglyceride, a low concentration buffer, and a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and an apparatuses for determining protease activity. The compositions of the invention contain a reporter protein fused to at least one protease cleavage sequence, and a linker for attaching the protease cleavage sequence to a solid support. Methods for determining protease activity and characterizing proteases are also provided.

Abstract: A method of efficiently removing or fixing donor cells from a native tissue of mammalian origin comprises immersing the tissue in a treating solution, and irradiating the tissue with microwave while maintaining the temperature thereof in the range between 0° C. and 40° C.

Abstract: A base plate for use in cell culture which comprises a base material, a water-repellent layer having a water-repellent surface formed on the above base material and a hydrophilic surface having a prescribed pattern formed on the base material; a method for producing the above base plate; and a method for producing a cell culture product using the base plate. It is preferred that the water-repellent surface has a water contact angle of more than 150°. The above method for producing a cell culture product using the base plate base plate is a novel method which allows the production of a cell culture product of a fine pattern.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal tRNA's, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNA's/synthetases are provided. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins using these orthogonal pairs.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing at least one of: (i) binding affinity of a target protein for a maltodextrin substrate and/or (ii) solubility of a target protein. The methods and compositions relate to a modified maltose-binding protein.

Abstract: Novel ?10 polypeptides and heterodimers thereof, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are disclosed. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, selective binding agents, and methods for producing ?10 polypeptides and heterodimeric forms thereof, specifically ?2/?10. Also provided for are methods for the treatment, diagnosis, amelioration, or prevention of diseases with ?10 polypeptides and ?2/?10 heterodimers or their respective binding agents.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for sequencing single-stranded DNA by employing a nanopore and modified nucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting, by means of molecular identification, a bacterium from one of the Staphylococcus-type species. The inventive method is characterised in that the following are used: a fragment of the rpoB gene of said bacterium, comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from one of the SEQ. ID. No. 11 to 39 sequences, the reverse sequences and the complementary sequences; or an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence having at least 12 consecutive nucleotide patterns included in one of the SEQ. ID. No. 7 to 10 sequences, in which N represents a nucleotide selected from inosine and an equimolar mixture of 4 different nucleotides selected from A, T, C or G and from the oligonucleotides of the reverse sequences and complementary sequences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods useful for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules in a simplified one- or two-step RT-PCR procedure using combinations of reverse transcriptase and thermostable DNA polymerase enzymes in conjunction with sulfur-containing molecules or acetate-containing molecules (or combinations of such sulfur-containing molecules and acetate-containing molecules), and optionally bovine serum albumin. The invention thus facilitates the rapid and efficient amplification of nucleic acid molecules and the detection and quantitation of RNA molecules. The invention also is useful in the rapid production and amplification of cDNAs which may be used for a variety of industrial, medical and forensic purposes.

Abstract: This invention provides novel enzyme compositions using newly identified and isolated C. lucknowense enzymes, including CBH Ib CBH IIb, EG II, EG VI, ?-glucosidase, and xylanase II in conjunction with previously identified enzymes CBH Ia, CBH IIa (previously described as Endo 43), and EG V. These enzyme compositions demonstrate an extremely high ability to convert lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., Avicel, cotton, Douglas fir wood pretreated by organosolv) to glucose. CBH Ia and IIb, which both have a cellulose-binding module (CBM) displayed a pronounced synergism with three major endoglucanases (EG II, EG V, EG VI) from the same fungus in hydrolysis of cotton as well as a strong synergy with each other. The enzyme compositions are effective in hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sugar chain synthesizer capable of continuously reacting sugar chains when a plurality of sugar chains are successively reacted. The sugar chain synthesizer of the present invention includes a plurality of vessels containing respective sugar nucleotide solutions, a plurality of vessels containing respective glycosyltransferases, and a reactor containing a primer that is a water-soluble polymer, into which the above described sugar nucleotide solution and glycosyltransferase are introduced. In the present invention, components in a reaction solution obtained in the reactor are separated through an ultrafiltration column, and a reaction product is then returned to the above described reactor, so as to continuously synthesize sugar chains. Although it is a complicated synthesis of sugar chains, it becomes possible to carry out such synthesis continuously and automatically.