Abstract: A photoconductor that includes, for example, a backing layer, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a charge transport layer, and wherein the outermost layer of the backing layer is comprised of an acrylic resin and a crosslinkable fluoro additive.

Abstract: A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the photogenerating layer contains a phenol polysulfide.

Abstract: A toner including a binder resin including a polyester resin and a vinyl resin; a wax; and a colorant, wherein the vinyl resin includes a unit obtained from a radically polymerizable monomer having an alkyloxysilyl group. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic image thereon; a developing device configured to develop the electrostatic image with a developer including the toner to form a toner image on the image bearing member; and a transfer device configured to transfer the toner image onto a receiving material. A process cartridge including an image bearing member; and a developing device configured to develop an electrostatic image on the image bearing member with a developer including the toner, wherein the process cartridge is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus as a unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a fixing device to fix a toner image on a recording medium including a heat roller and an oil applicator to apply a silicone oil to the heat roller, having a system speed of from 500 to 1700 mm/sec, and using a toner including a binder resin including a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous polyester resin; a fatty acid amide compound; and a colorant, wherein a ratio (W/R) of a height (W) of a peak at a wavenumber of 1638 cm?1, specific to the fatty acid amide compound, to a height (R) of a peak at a wavenumber of 829 cm?1, specific to the amorphous polyester resin, is from 0.010 to 0.040 in an absorption spectrum obtained by an ATR method (total reflectance method) using a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometer.

Abstract: An image forming method is provided including: charging an image bearing member; irradiating the image bearing member with a light beam to form an electrostatic latent image thereon; developing the electrostatic latent image with a toner to form a toner image on the image bearing member; primarily transferring the toner image from the image bearing member onto an intermediate transfer member; secondarily transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto a transfer-fixing member; heating the toner image on the transfer-fixing member; and fixing the toner image on a recording medium passing through a nip formed between the transfer-fixing member and a pressing member, wherein the toner has a weight average particle diameter (D4) from 3 to 5 ?m.

Abstract: A method for producing a developing agent contains mechanically shearing a mixture containing a polyester resin, a colorant and a releasing agent to form first fine particles, aggregating the first fine particles to form aggregated particles as a core, aggregating second fine particles containing a polyester resin onto the core to form a shell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing toner including; melting and kneading a mixture including a binder resin and a coloring agent; cooling down the melted and kneaded mixture to provide a cooled mixture; coarsely pulverizing the cooled mixture to provide a coarsely pulverized mixture; finely pulverizing the coarsely pulverized mixture by supplying it via a pulverized material supply to a pulverizer that includes a rotation axis, a rotor attached to the rotation axis, and stators arranged around the rotor with a gap between the stators and the surface of the rotor and that performs pulverization in a circular space formed by the gap; and classifying the finely pulverized material by a classifier into at least fine powder, a toner product and coarse powder, wherein the coarse powder is returned to the pulverized material supply as part of the coarsely pulverized mixture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a toner includes preparing a droplet forming device, comprising a storage portion to store a toner composition solution, a thin film formed from a rigid material, bonded to the storage portion by a bonding material, and provided with a nozzle and an oscillation device including an oscillation generation device configured to generate an oscillation upon the thin film and an oscillation amplification device which has an oscillation surface including a position that is parallel and opposite to the thin film and is configured to amplify the oscillation, periodically forming a droplet of the toner composition solution including at least a resin and a coloring agent to be supplied between the thin film and the oscillation surface and discharging the droplet via the nozzle, and solidifying the droplet of the toner composition solution discharged via the nozzle, and forming a toner particle.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I) where the symbols and indices are each defined as follows: A is A?, R or O—R; where R is a straight-chain, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic radical having 1-8 carbon atoms; A? is the same or different and is B is a bond, —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—O—, —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—NH—, —NH—C(O)—, —C(O)—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O, —O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—(O)C—, —O—C(O)—O—, —O—C(O)—NH— or —NH—C(O)—O—; R1 is H or OH; m is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; Y is n is a positive rational number ?3; E is the same or different and is —CH—CHR2—, —CHR2—CH2—, —CH2—CHR2—O—, —O—CHR2—CH2—, —(CH2)r—O— or —O—(CH2)—; R2 is H or CH3 and r is 1 or 4, is suitable as a light-sensitive component for photoresists.

Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition comprising: (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (B1) a resin of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; and (B2) a resin that has at least one group selected from (a) an alkali-soluble group and (b) a group capable of decomposing under an action of an alkali to produce an alkali-soluble group, and the resin (B2) does not have a group capable of decomposing under an action of an acid; and a pattern forming method using the same.

Abstract: Overcoating layer compositions are provided that are applied above a photoresist composition including for immersion lithography processing as well as non-immersion imaging.

Abstract: A soft mold may be manufactured that is used for forming a pattern. Semiconductor devices and flat panel display devices include a plurality of fine patterns on a substrate. The soft mold may be photo-curable and formed of a material with a hydrophobic property similar to heat-curable molds. The photo-curable mold may be created on a master plate with a resin layer that is removed with a back plate and adhesive layer after embossed or depressed portions are formed on the mold that correspond with embossed or depressed portions of the master plate.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor including: a support; a hydrophilic layer including a hydrophilic polymer chemically bonded to a surface of the support, where the hydrophilic polymer has a positively-charged substituent and at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of a reactive group capable of directly chemically bonding to a surface of the support and a reactive group capable of chemically bonding to a surface of the support via a crosslinked structure; and an image forming layer, wherein the hydrophilic layer and the image forming layer are provided in that order on the support.

Abstract: A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) consisting of a compound represented by general formula (b1) shown below (wherein Q1 represents a divalent linkage group containing an oxygen atom; Y1 represents a fluorinated alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, with the proviso that the carbon atom adjacent to the sulfur atom within the —SO3? group has a fluorine atom bonded thereto; X represents a hydrocarbon group of 3 to 30 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and A+ represents an organic cation), and the resist composition further including an organic compound (C) which generates an acid exhibiting a weaker acid strength than the acid generated from the acid generator (B1) upon exposure.

Abstract: New photoresist systems are provided that comprise an underlying processing (or barrier) layer composition and an overcoated photoresist layer. Systems of the invention can exhibit significant adhesion to SiON and other inorganic surface layers.

Abstract: A curable composition in which polymerization inhibition due to oxygen is suppressed and which may be cured with high sensitivity by exposure to laser light or the like is provided. The curable composition includes: a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond; a binder; a radical polymerization initiator; and at least one specific amine compound. Also provided is an image forming material and a negative-working planographic printing plate precursor including the curable composition.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), wherein L1, L2, L3 and L4 independently of one another are hydrogen or an organic substituent; R is for example C1-C20alkyl, C5-C12cycloalkyl, C2-C20alkenyl, substituted C1-C20alkyl; X is O, S, NRa or NCORa; Ra is for example hydrogen or C1-C20alkyl; and Y is an inorganic or organic anion; are suitable as photolatent acid generators.

Abstract: Disclosed are organic semiconductor devices containing a copolymer layer that contains a polymer dielectric and a semiconducting polymer formed using actinic radiation. As initially formed, the copolymer layer has dielectric properties, but portions may selectively rendered conductive after those portions are exposed to actinic radiation. Also disclosed are methods of making the organic semiconductor devices. Such devices are characterized by light weight and robust reliability.

Abstract: Pitch multiplied and non-pitch multiplied features of an integrated circuit, e.g., features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit, are formed by processing a substrate through a mask. The mask is formed by patterning a photoresist layer which simultaneously defines mask elements corresponding to features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit. The pattern is transferred to an amorphous carbon layer. Sidewall spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the patterned amorphous carbon layer. A layer of protective material is deposited and then patterned to expose mask elements in the array region and in selected parts of the interface or periphery areas. Amorphous carbon in the array region or other exposed parts is removed, thereby leaving a pattern including free-standing, pitch multiplied spacers in the array region.

Abstract: A method of patterning a target layer on a substrate is described. A patterned photoresist layer is formed over the target layer, wherein the patterned photoresist layer has unexposed parts as separate islands and each unexposed part has a low proton concentration at least in its sidewalls. Acid-crosslinked polymer layers are formed only on the sidewalls of each unexposed part. A flood exposure step is performed to the substrate. A baking step is performed to the patterned photoresist layer. A development step is performed to remove the previously unexposed parts. The target layer is etched with the acid-crosslinked polymer layers as a mask.

Abstract: It is to provide a process for preparing a conductive material in which transparency and conductivity are both high, and storage stability is high, and further, in a process for preparing a conductive material utilizing ultra fine silver particles, to provide a process for preparing a conductive material having high conductivity without requiring a calcination step which has conventionally been required. A process for preparing a conductive material having a conductive pattern containing silver on a support, which process for preparing a conductive material comprises acting at least one of the following mentioned (I) to (IV) on the pattern portion containing silver provided on the support: (I) a reducing substance, (II) a water-soluble phosphorus oxo acid compound, (III) a water-soluble halogen compound, (IV) warm water of 55° C. or higher.

Abstract: An evaluation and preservation solution for human and animal organs, tissues and parts thereof is described, wherein it comprises serum albumin at a concentration of 55-105 g/L, a scavenger and coating compound, preferably dextran compounds and derivatives thereof having essentially the same structure at a concentration of 1-55 g/L weight, and a physiological serum concentration of salts and nutrients in a physiologically acceptable medium.

Abstract: Cervical cancer cells and HPV+ head and neck cancer cells express three testis-specific genes not normally expressed in somatic cells: testicular cell adhesion molecule 1 (TCAM1), synaptonemal complex protein 2 (SYCP2) and stromal antigen 3 (STAG3). Among the three markers, TCAM1 and SYCP2 are early detection markers. Various methods for identifying a human or non-human animal as a candidate for further examination for cervical cancer, preneoplastic lesion for cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, or preneoplastic lesion for head and neck cancer are disclosed. Methods of detecting said cancers and preneoplastic lesions, methods of screening for drugs for treating said cancers and preneoplastic lesions, methods for monitoring the effectiveness of a treatment for said cancers, and methods of treating said cancers are also disclosed. Further disclosed are kits that can be used to practice the above methods.

Abstract: Seven polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were characterized for their ability to react specifically with either conformational or non-conformational epitopes of the HPV-1 virion. Using these antibodies, it was shown that the HPV-1 L1 protein (when expressed by an SV40 vector in cos cells) displayed conformational epitopes characteristic of intact viral particles. In addition, the L1 capsid protein was translocated normally into cell nuclei, was of appropriate size (57kD), and could be isolated in native form by immunoprecipitation techniques. Most importantly, the screening of expressed papillomavirus capsid proteins for reactivity with conformation-dependent antibodies represents a new, general methodology for ensuring that such proteins will be suitable for use in vaccine development or in the serologic detection/typing of human papillomavirus infections.

Abstract: A new technical means is provided that can be produced and prepared at low cost, and in which the generation of stagnation in the flow of a liquid sample can be suppressed, microbeads can be smoothly and simply injected, filled and transported and the generation of dust can be also suppressed and a new extracting method for nucleic acid using the new technical means is provided. A microchip has a microchannel (3) formed by groove parts (11, 21) provided in connecting surfaces of upper and lower substrates (1, 2). In the microchannel (3), a gap part (31) in which the section of the channel is reduced is provided in a central part upward and downward, rightward and leftward, or upward and downward and rightward and leftward the section thereof, and microbeads are checked.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, models of bone metastasis, methods for identifying agents that modulate skeletal related events and metastasis, methods for modulating skeletal related events and metastases, and methods for detecting skeletal related events and metastases. The methods and models generally comprise co-culturing cancer cells and host cells and comparing biological markers from such co-cultured cells to control cells.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel chromo/fluoroproteins and mutants thereof are provided. The subject proteins of interest are proteins that are colored and/or fluorescent, where this feature arises from the interaction of two or more residues of the protein. The subject proteins are further characterized in that they are either obtained from non-bioluminescent Cnidarian, e.g., Anthozoan, species or are obtained from non-Pennatulacean (sea pen) species. Specific proteins of interest include proteins obtained from the following specific Anthozoan species: Anemonia majano (NFP-1), Clavularia sp. (NFP-2), Zoanthus sp. (NFP-3 & NFP-4), Discosoma striata (NFP-5), Discosoma sp. “red” (NFP-6), Anemonia sulcata (NFP-7), Discosoma sp “green” (NFP-8), and Discosoma sp.“magenta” (NFP-9). Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to, or mutants of, the above specific proteins.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a subject at risk for developing AMD are disclosed, as are kits which can be used to practice the methods. The methods include identifying specific protective or risk polymorphisms or genotypes from the subject's genetic material, including polymorphisms in the BF, C2 and/or CFH genes. Microarrays and kits for use in these methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutation genes of the AQP (aquaporin), a method for detecting cancer using mutations and expressions of the AQP and a DNA chip possessing oligonucleotides of mutated AQP base sequence. In case of the present method for detecting cancer and DNA chip using the AQP's mutations and expressions, it is highly accurate, rapid and effective in cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods of detecting at least one analyte and at least one nucleic acid in a sample are provided. Reagents for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting the risk of a patient for developing adverse drug reactions, particularly SJS or TEN. It was discovered that an HLA-B allele, HLA-B* 1502, is associated with SJS/TEN that is induced by a variety of drugs. The correlation with HLA-B* 1502 is most significant for carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN, wherein all the patients tested have the HLA-B* 1502 allele. In addition, another HLA-B allele, HLA-B*5801, is particularly associated with SJS/TEN induced by allopurinol. Milder cutaneous reactions, such as maculopapular rash, erythema multiforme (EM), urticaria, and fixed drug eruption, are particularly associated with a third allele, HLA-B *4601. For any of the alleles, genetic markers (e.g., HLA markers, microsatellite, or single nucleotide polymorphism markers) located between DRB1 and HLA-A region of the specific HLA-B haplotype can also be used for the test.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to the generation and use of gene expression data from tissue samples that have been fixed and embedded are provided. The data can be electronically stored and implemented as well as used to augment diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: Tools are provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification elite event A2704-12 in biological samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for nucleic acid amplification wherein nucleic acid templates, beads, and amplification reaction solution are emulsified and the nucleic acid templates are amplified to provide clonal copies of the nucleic acid templates attached to the beads. Also disclosed are kits and apparatuses for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simultaneous quantification of human nuclear DNA and human male DNA in a biological sample while also detecting the presence of PCR inhibitors in a single reaction. The multiplex quantification method also provides a ratio of human nuclear and male DNA present in a biological sample. Such sample characterization is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as genotyping.

Abstract: Methods for producing and using protein/peptide fingerprints, allowing identification and investigation of disease-associated proteins/peptides that can be linked to specific drug targets, or to specific drug target combinations. The methods are particularly useful for studies relating to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), especially for the enzyme MMP12.

Abstract: A method of analyzing cellular samples that include a chemically crosslinked analyte is provided. The analysis typically involves the use of mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Antibodies for a variant of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) or its fragments which have at position 17 the amino acid serine which is phosphorylated [p(17) PTH] and methods of producing the same. The invention further includes various immunoassay methods which use the described antibody alone or in combination with other antibodies to determine the circulating levels of p(17) intact PTH (1-84) or fragments thereof in biological fluids. Such antibodies and immunoassays can be used in conjunction with other antibodies to detect all biologically active forms of hPTH present in biological fluids.

Abstract: This invention relates to regulation of cell signaling, cell growth, and more particularly to the regulation of cancer or inflammatory cell growth and/or activation. The invention provides methods of, and compositions useful for, inhibiting interactions between MUC1 and a kruppel-like factor (KLF), method of inhibiting interactions between a KLF protein and the p53 promoter, methods of inhibiting the interaction between MUC1 and the p53 promoter, methods of increasing p53 activity, and methods of increasing histone acetylation. The invention also provides screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the aforementioned interactions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the identified compounds can be useful in treating cancers and inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof binding to the extracellular I-domain of integrin alpha10beta1 and a hybridoma cell line deposited at the Deutsche Sammlung von Microorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH under the accession number DSM ACC2583. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof binding to the extracellular I-domain of integrin alpha10beta1 produced by the hybridoma cell line deposited. Methods and uses of said antibody or a fragment thereof in identifying and selecting cells of a chondrogenic nature for treatment purposes, in particular for the identification and isolation of chondrocytes, mesenchymal progenitor cells and embryonic stem cells for tissue engineering of cartilage, or for identifying diagnostic and therapeutic tools in studying the biological role and the structural/functional relationships of the integrin alpha10beta1 with its various extracellular matrix ligands are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma comprising the determination of annexin A3, particularly of extracellular annexin A3 with highly specific antibodies, particularly with monoclonal antibodies. The present invention further refers to a test reagent comprising such antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the microbial bioburden in a wound (in particular a diabetic ulcer) in a test subject, the method comprising the step of measuring the level of a cytokine in a wound sample, wherein a cytokine level lower than a reference level indicates a significant microbial bioburden in the wound (or a cytokine level higher than a reference level indicates an insignificant microbial bioburden in the wound). The invention provides methods of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of wound infection, and devices and kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of recombinant, immunodominant Rickettsia typhi proteins. The invention also relates to a method for the use of the recombinant proteins, either singly or in combination, in detection and diagnostic assays. The proteins can also be used in anti-Rickettsia typhi immunogenic formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agonists of the human bitter-taste receptor hTAS2R3 and its role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block hTAS2R3 bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated or recombinant Na+/H+ exchanger comprising an isolated or recombinant Na+/H+ exchanger, particularly to the PBO-4 Na+/H+ exchanger. Also disclosed is an isolated or recombinant protein component of an H+-gated channel which can be affected by extracellular Ca2+ concentration. In particular, the invention relates to PBO-5 and/or PBO-8 and/or a H+-gated channel composed of PBO-5 and PBO-8. The invention relates to compounds isolated from a vertebrate organism, wherein said compounds comprise at least a part of a H+-gated channel or Na+/H+ exchanger. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a component of a H+-gated channel in a vertebrate organism.

Abstract: Methods of using microarrays to simplify analysis and characterization of genes and their function are provided. Such methods can be used to identify and characterize antibodies having binding affinity for a specific target antigen. A method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting an array of characterized or uncharacterized antibodies on a solid surface with one or more proteins and identifying the antibodies to which said protein(s) binds also is provided. This method can be used to compare the protein expression in two different populations of cells, such as normal cells and cancer cells or resting cells and stimulated cells. In addition, a method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting a microarray of nucleic acid samples derived from a variety of different sources with one or more nucleic acid probes then identifying the sample or samples to which the probe binds is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the molecule referred to as ALK-1, and its role as a type I receptor for members of the TGF-? family. The molecule has a role in the phosphorylation of Smad-5 and Smad1, which also act as activators of certain genes. Aspects of the invention relate to this interaction.

Abstract: Assay methods are disclosed involving specific binding reactions which are simplified compared to known methods. A compound capable of producing chemiluminescence is immobilized on a solid support as is a member of a specific binding pair for capturing an analyte from a sample. An activator compound that activates the chemiluminescent compound and is conjugated to a specific binding pair member is added in excess along with the sample to the solid support. Addition of a trigger solution causes a chemiluminescent reaction at the sites where the activator conjugate has been specifically bound. The assay methods are termed non-separation assays because they do not require removal or separation of excess detection label (activator conjugate) prior to the detection step. The methods are applicable to various types of assays including immunoassays, receptor-ligand assays and nucleic acid hybridization assays.