Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing analysis and identification of molecules have been presented. In one embodiment, a portable molecule analyzer includes a sample input/output connection to receive a sample, a nanopore-based sequencing chip to perform analysis on the sample substantially in real-time, and an output interface to output result of the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of a nucleic acid sequence by physical manipulation. The method is based on the precise determination of the localization of the replicating fork on the template by measuring the physical distance between one end of the molecule and the fork. This allows the determination of the physical location of the site where a pause or a blockage of the replication occurs, and deducing therefrom information on the sequence of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing intermittent detection during analytical reactions are provided. Such methods facilitate collection of reaction data from disparate reaction times. Further, such methods are useful for reducing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction at a given reaction time. In preferred embodiments, the reaction mixture is subjected to at least one illuminated and non-illuminated period and allowed to proceed such that the time in which the reaction mixture is illuminated is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.

Abstract: The present invention is related to genomic nucleotide sequencing. In particular, the invention describes a paired end sequencing method that enables the sequencing of unique read pairs by co-localizing both 5? ends on a single emulsion polymerase chain reaction bead. The method may use a customized forked adaptor primer pair that is compatible with massively parallel sequencing techniques. The compositions and methods disclosed herein contemplate sequencing complex genomes, amplified genomic regions, as well as detecting chromosomal structural rearrangements.

Abstract: Blood plasma of pregnant women contains fetal and (generally >90%) maternal circulatory extracellular DNA. Most of said fetal DNA contains ?500 base pairs, said maternal DNA having a greater size. Separation of circulatory extracellular DNA of <500 base pairs results in separation of fetal from maternal DNA. A fraction of a blood plasma or serum sample of a pregnant woman containing, due to size separation (e.g. by chromatography, density gradient centrifugation or nanotechnological methods), extracellular DNA substantially comprising ?500 base pairs is useful for non-invasive detection of fetal genetic traits (including the fetal RhD gene in pregnancies at risk for HDN; fetal Y chromosome-specific sequences in pregnancies at risk for X chromosome-linked disorders; chromosomal aberrations; hereditary Mendelian genetic disorders and corresponding genetic markers; and traits decisive for paternity determination) by e.g. PCR, ligand chain reaction or probe hybridization techniques, or nucleic acid arrays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for detecting the presence of minimal or early vasculitis or other vasculopathies induced by a cox-2 inhibitor in a subject to whom a cox-2 inhibitor has been administered, selection of cox-2 inhibitory compounds, use of a cox-2 inhibitory compounds in the manufacture of anti-inflammatory medicaments, and vaccination strategies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of using erythroid expression levels of RNF41 as a predictive biomarker for responsiveness to lenalidomide (LEN) in patients with non-del(5q) MDS.

Abstract: This invention relates to genetic markers of mental illness, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Six new mutations were found in exon 19 of the EGFR gene, the exon that is often mutated in tumors. The invention comprises methods of detecting the mutations, methods of prognosis and methods of predicting response to treatment based on the presence of absence of the mutations.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the human GT198 gene (gene symbol PSMC3IP) at chromosome 17q21 acts as a tumor suppressor. The mutation of the GT198 gene causes the increased dominant negative splice variant activity and leads to the loss of wild type GT198 function, and in turn, induces breast and ovarian cancers. One embodiment provides compositions and methods for treating or alleviating one or more symptoms associated with cancer due to the GT198 gene mutations. Another embodiment provides methods and compositions for detecting cancer due to the mutation of the GT198 gene. Still another embodiment provides methods for identifying compounds, antibodies and natural product molecules that are useful for treating cancer due to the mutations of the GT198 gene. Preferably the disclosed compositions antagonize or interfere with the biological activity of splice variants of GT198.

Abstract: A method for identifying and enumerating candidate target cells within a biological fluid specimen is described. The method includes obtaining a biological fluid specimen, preparing the biological fluid specimen by staining cell features in the biological fluid specimen, capturing a digital image having a plurality of color channels of the biological fluid specimen, and applying image analysis to the digital image. A computer program product for identifying candidate target cells within a biological fluid specimen is also described. The computer program comprises instructions to cause a processor to carry out the image analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of polymorphisms (SNPs) in the penicillin binding protein (pbp3) gene in Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of G88A and/or G2047A SNPs provides an accurate, reliable biomarker for the presence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), specifically the community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). The present invention provides reagents used for detecting the SNPs as well as methods of identifying and using these variants to screen subjects for presence of CA-MRSA. The methods involve isolating a biological sample from a mammal (preferably a human) and testing for the presence of a SNP in the pbp3 gene which is associated with CA-MRSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining living and dead cells in a biological sample. The method according to the present invention is based on the determination of the amount of DNA in the sample with the aid of a DNA amplification reaction which does not impair the membrane integrity of living cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants that have reduced grain moisture. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for screening a multiplicity of respiratory pathogens by isolating nucleic acids from a sample include isolating a nucleic acid from a sample and using solid phase amplification with forward primers SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 16 or 33 or 35 and corresponding reverse primers SEQ ID NOs: 17 to 32 or 34 or 36 along with probes to generate amplicons. The method further includes employing bead sets which are homogenous with respect to bead size and optionally with respect to the intensity of the label. Binding of a particular amplicon to a subset of beads determines the identity of the respiratory pathogen.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of interferon (IFN)/ribavirin (RBV) for hepatitis C is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a specimen; mixing the specimen, a primer of a miRNA Let-7g and a poly-chain reaction (PCR) reagent together; and evaluating the efficacy of IFN/RBV on inhibiting a hepatitis C virus according to the expressing level of the miRNA Let-7g in the specimen detected by the PCR reagent.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for a controlled conversion of a biomass feedstock, wherein the process comprises the steps of: loading the biomass feedstock to at least one reactor; liquefaction of the biomass feedstock into a monomer and/or oligomer sugar mixture in said reactor by treatment in hot compressed liquid water (HCW) at sub- and/or super-critical condition; and removal of the monomer and/or oligomer sugar mixture, being the product molecules, to avoid continued detrimental decomposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for catalytic deconstruction of biomass using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: A forging process is conducted in a temperature range of 350-600° C. on at least a portion that is required to have a fatigue strength in an intermediate forged product having a ferrite and pearlite texture obtained by conducting a hot forging on a steel in which N is not greater than an amount at which N is unavoidably dissolved as a solid, thereby improving strength of the portion that is required to have a fatigue strength. With this, there is provided a forged product having a good strength and a low price.

Abstract: A method for producing a silicon steel normalizing substrate comprises steelmaking, hot rolling and normalizing steps. A normalizing furnace is used in the normalizing step, and along a moving direction of strip steel, the normalizing furnace sequentially comprises: a preheating section, a nonoxidizing heating section, a furnace throat, furnace sections for subsequent normalizing processing, and a delivery seal chamber. Furnace pressures of the normalizing furnace are distributed as follows: the furnace pressure of a downstream furnace section adjacent to the furnace throat along the moving direction of the strip steel is the highest, the furnace pressure decreases gradually from the furnace section with the highest furnace pressure to a furnace section in an inlet direction of the normalizing furnace, and the furnace pressure decreases gradually from the furnace section with the highest furnace pressure to a furnace section in an outlet direction of the normalizing furnace.

Abstract: A method of modifying material properties of a fragmentation device, includes providing a fragmentation device with a first surface, a first section, a second section, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, a third section, and a fourth section disposed between the first, second, and third sections. The method further includes positioning the fragmentation device within a carbon-rich environment, and absorbing carbon from the carbon-rich environment into the first and second surfaces of the fragmentation device. Additionally, the method further includes increasing a content of carbon at the first and second surfaces of 0.06 wt. % carbon to 1.0 wt. % carbon and maintaining an original content of carbon of 0.01 wt. % carbon to 0.05 wt. % carbon at the fourth section of the fragmentation device by controlling penetration of the carbon into the fourth section.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with an enclosure or structure including two sections that are adapted with a snap-fit interlocking structure. Various embodiments of the enclosure or structures are formed with various case hardening or embrittlement processes to increase embrittlement or hardness of the enclosure or structure so as to create a structure or enclosure which has a desired fragmentation capacity while still maintaining sufficient material properties to permit snap-fit insertion of one section into another section and withstand substantial impacts. Embodiments also provide an interlocking structure that minimizes differences in fragmentation or fracturing capacity as contrasted with other portions of the structure or enclosure. An embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure where one section of the enclosure or structure has a first thickness and the second section has a second thickness, wherein the first and second thicknesses are different.

Abstract: In a method for producing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet by including a series of steps of hot rolling a raw steel material containing C: 0.002-0.10 mass %, Si: 2.0-8.0 mass % and Mn: 0.005-1.0 mass % to obtain a hot rolled sheet, subjecting the hot rolled steel sheet after or without hot band annealing to one stage cold rolling or two or more stage cold rollings including an intermediate annealing therebetween to obtain a cold rolled sheet having a final sheet thickness, subjecting the cold rolled sheet to decarburization annealing combined with primary recrystallization annealing, applying an annealing separator to the steel sheet surface, and then subjecting to a final annealing.

Abstract: Hydrometallurgical systems, methods, and compositions are described in which amine-based lixiviants are utilized in substoichiometric amounts to recover alkaline earths from raw or waste materials. The lixiviant can be regenerated and recycled for use in subsequent iterations of the process or returned to a reactor in a continuous process. Extraction of the alkaline earth from the raw material and precipitation of the extracted alkaline earth is performed in the same reactor and essentially simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alloy usable for jewelry applications in which the color can be classified as white, the alloy contains both platinum and palladium and is at a metal cost or lower than that of traditional palladium-containing jewelry alloys, and is commercially age hardenable through heat treatment.

Abstract: A hydrogen storing alloy containing only a few impurities leading to a short circuit where the yield can be maintained even when the alloy is subjected to magnetic separation treatment. A hydrogen storing alloy includes a matrix phase having an AB5 type crystal structure, the alloy having a misch metal (referred to as “Mm”) in an A-site in an ABx composition and having any one or at least one of Ni, Al, Mn, and Co in a B-site in the ABx composition, wherein the ratio (referred to as “ABx”) of the total number of moles of elements comprising the B site to the total number of moles of elements comprising the A site is 5.00<ABx?5.40; the content of Co is more than 0.0 mol % and less than 0.7 mol %; and residual magnetization is more than 0 emu/g and 0.020 emu/g or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot-forgeable Ni-based superalloy excellent in high temperature strength, including, in terms of % by mass: C: more than 0.001% and less than 0.100%, Cr: 11.0% or more and less than 19.0%, Co: 0.5% or more and less than 22.0%, Fe: 0.5% or more and less than 10.0%, Si: less than 0.1%, Mo: more than 2.0% and less than 5.0%, W: more than 1.0% and less than 5.0%, Mo+½W: 2.5% or more and less than 5.5%, S: 0.010% or less, Nb: 0.3% or more and less than 2.0%, Al: more than 3.00% and less than 6.50%, and Ti: 0.20% or more and less than 2.49%, with the balance being Ni and unavoidable impurities, in which (Ti/Al)×10 is 0.2 or more and less than 4.0 in terms of atomic ratio, and in which Al+Ti+Nb is 8.5% or more and less than 13.0% in terms of atomic %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbine wheel of an automotive turbocharger, including a Ni-based alloy having a composition which contains, in terms of mass %: C: 0.08 to 0.20%; Mn: 0.25% or less; Si: 0.01 to 0.50%; Cr: 12.0 to 14.0%; Mo: 3.80 to 5.20%; Nb+Ta: 1.80 to 2.80%; Ti: 0.50 to 1.00%; Al: 5.50 to 6.50%; B: 0.005 to 0.015%; Zr: 0.05 to 0.15%; and Fe: 0.01 to 2.5%, with the remainder being Ni and unavoidable impurities, in which the turbine wheel includes a wing part and a shaft part, and a size of ?? phase in each site of from a tip of the wing part to the shaft part is structure-controlled so as to fall within a range of from 0.4 to 0.8 ?m.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy has a low thermal conductivity at room temperature (25° C.) and a high thermal conductivity at high temperature (200° C.). The aluminum alloy includes 1˜2 wt % of magnesium (Mg), 1˜2 wt % of copper (Cu), 1˜2 wt % of zinc (Zn), 0.5˜2 wt % of nickel (Ni), and the remainder of aluminum (Al) and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultra high strength steel plate with at least 1100 MPa of tensile strength that has both an excellent strength-stretch balance and excellent bending workability, and a method for producing the same. The metal structure of the steel plate has martensite, and the soft phases of bainitic ferrite and polygonal ferrite. The area of the aforementioned martensite constitutes 50% or more, the area of the aforementioned bainitic ferrite constitutes 15% or more, and the area of the aforementioned polygonal ferrite constitutes 5% or less (including 0%). When the circle-equivalent diameter of the aforementioned soft phases is measured, the coefficient of variation (standard deviation/mean value) is less or equal to 1.0. The ultra high strength steel plate has at least 1100 MPa of tensile strength.

Abstract: A wear resistant steel plate that exhibits excellent impact wear resistant properties and that is suitable for use in construction machinery, shipbuilding, steel pipes or tubes, civil engineering, construction and so on, and a method for manufacturing the same. The wear resistant steel plate includes a specific steel composition, where DI* defined by Formula 1 is 100-250, and has a surface layer part containing 90% or more in area ratio of martensite, a Brinell hardness of 450 HBW 10/3000 or more, and a central part in thickness direction of the steel plate containing 70% or more in area ratio of lower bainite, the central part representing a zone extending from a ½ position of the steel plate thickness to distances of 0.5 mm toward both surfaces of the steel plate. DI*=33.85×(0.1×C)0.5×(0.7×Si+1)×(3.33×Mn+1)×(0.35×Cu+1)×(0.36×Ni+1)×(2.16×Cr+1)×(3×Mo+1)×(1.75×V+1)×(1.5×W+1)??Formula 1 where the symbols of elements represent the contents by mass % of the elements, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is an austenitic, lightweight, high-strength steel sheet having a high yield ratio and ductility and a method for producing the same, and more particularly, to a high-strength steel sheet for automotive interior panels, exterior panels, and structural parts, and a method for producing the steel sheet. The steel sheet may be a hot-rolled steel sheet, a cold-rolled steel sheet, or a plated steel sheet. The steel sheet includes, by weight %, C: 0.6% to 1.0%, Si: 0.1% to 2.5%, Mn: 10% to 15%, P: 0.02% or less, S: 0.015% or less, Al: 5% to 8%, Ti: 0.01% to 0.20%, N: 0.02% or less, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein the steel sheet has a specific gravity of 7.4 g/cm3 and a Mn/Al ratio of 2 to 3.

Abstract: Disclosed are non-magnetic metal alloy compositions and applications that relate to non-magnetic metal alloys with excellent wear properties for use in dynamic three-body tribological wear environments where an absence of magnetic interference is required. In one aspect, the disclosure can relate to a drilling component for use in directional drilling applications capable of withstanding service abrasion. In a second aspect, a hardbanding for protecting a drilling component for use in directional drilling can be provided. In a third aspect, a method for prolonging service life of a drilling component for use in directional drilling can be provided.

Abstract: The high strength steel sheet has a chemical composition including 0.08% to 0.20% of C, 0.3% or less of Si, 0.1% to 3.0% of Mn, 0.10% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.10% or less of Al, 0.010% or less of N, 0.20% to 0.80% of V, and the remainder composed of Fe and incidental impurities on a percent by mass basis, and a microstructure which includes 95% or more of ferrite phase on an area percentage basis, in which fine precipitates are dispersed having a distribution in such a way that the number density of precipitates having a particle size of less than 10 nm is 1.0×105/?m3 or more and the standard deviation of natural logarithm values of precipitate particle sizes with respect to precipitates having a particle size of less than 10 nm is 1.5 or less.

Abstract: The invention includes a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with the following composition in weight %: Cu 47.0 to 49.0%, Ni 8.0 to 10.0%, Mn 0.2 to 0.6%, Si 0.05 to 0.4%, Pb 1.0 to 1.5%, Fe and/or Co up to 0.8%, the rest being Zn and unavoidable impurities, wherein the total of the Fe content and double the Co content is at least 0.1 weight % and wherein mixing silicides containing nickel, iron and manganese and/or containing nickel, cobalt and manganese are stored as spherical or ellipsoidal particles in a structure consisting of an ?- and ?-phase. The invention further relates to a method for producing semi-finished products from a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.

Abstract: A method for the carburization of a deep-drawn article or a stamped-bent article made of austenitic rustproof stainless steel includes inserting the article into an oven in a first process step and heating the article to a first temperature, wherein an oxygen containing standard atmosphere that is present in the oven is replaced by a first gas mixture, and in which the article is heated up to a second temperature in a second process step, wherein the first gas mixture is replaced by a second gas mixture, and in which the article is maintained on the second temperature in a third process step, wherein the second gas mixture is replaced by a third gas mixture, and in which the article is cooled down to a third temperature in a fourth process step, wherein the third gas mixture is replaced by a fourth gas mixture.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a ferritic stainless steel product, a ferritic stainless steel object is heated in an inert gas atmosphere including nitrogen gas in a heating furnace at a nitriding temperature higher than or equal to a transformation temperature so as to form a nitrided layer on a surface of the ferritic stainless steel object. Moreover, the nitriding temperature is set lower than 1100° C. during the heating. The heating of the ferritic stainless steel object is performed in a state where a solid carbon exists inside the heating furnace.

Abstract: A method for the nitro-carburization of a deep-drawn article or a stamped-bent article made of austenitic rustproof stainless steel includes inserting the article into an oven in a first process step and heating the article to a first temperature, wherein an oxygen containing standard atmosphere that is present in the oven is replaced by a first gas mixture, and in which the article is heated up to a second temperature in a second process step, wherein the first gas mixture is replaced by a second gas mixture, and in which the article is maintained on the second temperature in a third process step, wherein the article is treated with the second gas mixture, and in which the article is cooled down to a third temperature in a fourth process step, wherein the second gas mixture is replaced by a third gas mixture.

Abstract: Producing an RFeB system sintered magnet with high corrosion resistance and low loss of energy in an RFeB system sintered magnet with high magnetic properties produced by a grain boundary diffusion process. A paste prepared by mixing an organic matter having a molecular structure including an oxygen atom and a metallic powder containing a heavy rare-earth element which is at least one element selected from the group of Dy, Ho and Tb, is applied to the surface of an RFeB system sintered compact composed of crystal grains whose main phase is R2Fe14B containing, as a main rare-earth element, a light rare-earth element which is at least one element selected from the group of Nd and Pr. A heating process for a grain boundary diffusion treatment is performed. As a result, a protective layer containing an oxide of the light rare-earth element is formed on the surface.

Abstract: Methods of forming chemically pure metal films are provided. The methods use electron beam deposition at a high mean deposition rate to form high purity metal films on deposition substrates. By using a high mean deposition rate, the melting point of the metal to be deposited is reached at the metal source surface during the deposition. As a result, the rate of transfer of impurities present in the metal source to the surface of the deposition substrate is so small that the deposited metal films are substantially free of impurity elements.

Abstract: A sputtering chamber includes at least two sputtering targets, one of the at least two targets disposed on a first side a substrate conveyor extending within the chamber, and another of the at least two targets disposed on a second side of the conveyor. The at least two targets may be independently operable, and at least one of the targets, if inactivated, may be protected by a shielding apparatus. Both of the at least two targets may be mounted to a first wall of a plurality of walls enclosing the sputtering chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a beam scanner applying, during a non-uniform scanning mode, a plurality of different waveforms generating a scan of an ion beam along a scan direction, wherein a given waveform comprises a plurality of scan segments, wherein a first scan segment comprises a first scan rate and a second scan segment comprises a second scan rate different from the first scan rate; a current detector intercepting the ion beam outside of a substrate region and recording a measured integrated current of the ion beam for a given waveform; and a scan adjustment component coupled to the beam scanner and comprising logic to determine: when a beam width of the ion beam along the scan direction exceeds a threshold; and a plurality of current ratios based on the measured integrated current of the ion beam for at least two different waveforms of the plurality of waveforms.

Abstract: There is provided a film-forming apparatus including a roll-to-roll mechanism and a heating unit. The roll-to-roll mechanism is configured to transport a film-forming target and includes a tensile force relaxation unit configured to relax a tensile force applied to the transported film-forming target. The heating unit is configured to heat the film-forming target transported by the roll-to-roll mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to substrates for use in microwave plasma reactors. Certain substrates include a cylindrical disc of a carbide forming refractory metal having a flat growth surface on which CVD diamond is to be grown and a flat supporting surface opposed to said growth surface. The cylindrical disc may have a diameter of 80 mm or more. The growth surface may have a flatness variation no more than 100 mm The supporting surface may have a flatness variation no more than 100 mm.

Abstract: Vapor deposition methods to form Group 8-containing films are disclosed. The vapor of a Group-8 containing film forming composition is introduced into a reactor containing a substrate. The Group 8-containing film forming compositions comprise silylamide-containing precursors, particularly {Fe[N(SiMe3)2]2}2. At least part of the silylamide-containing precursor is deposited onto the substrate to from the Group 8-containing film.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate in a substrate processing system includes flowing reactant gases into a process chamber including a substrate, supplying a first power level sufficient to promote rearrangement of molecules on a surface of the substrate, waiting a first predetermined period, and, after the first predetermined period, performing plasma-enhanced, pulsed chemical vapor deposition of film on the substrate by supplying one or more precursors while supplying a second power level for a second predetermined period. The second power level is greater than the first power level. The method further includes removing reactants from the process chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and system designs for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems and CVD synthesis used to deposit one or more thin film layers onto a flexible substrate or to grow nano-structured materials on large area flexible substrates and, more particularly, to scalable CVD coating and nanostructure manufacturing including CVD thin films and nano-structured materials such as nanotubes, nanowires and nanosheets.

Abstract: A susceptor, comprising: a base part; multiple holders distributed on the base part for accommodating wafers; an inner ring connected to the base part; and an outer ring detachably connected to the base part and separated from the inner ring; wherein the inner ring and the outer ring separate the holders from one another. A susceptor, comprising: a base part; multiple holders distributed on the base part for accommodating wafers; a cover comprising a first surface facing the base part, and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first positioning structure; a second positioning structure formed in the first surface; and a third positioning structure formed in the base part, wherein the cover connects to the base part by associating the first positioning structure with the second positioning structure and the third positioning structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber having a processing zone in which a semiconductor substrate may be processed, a process gas source in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber for supplying a process gas into the vacuum chamber, a showerhead module through which process gas from the process gas source is supplied to the processing zone of the vacuum chamber, and a substrate pedestal module. The substrate pedestal module includes a platen made of ceramic material having an upper surface configured to support a semiconductor substrate thereon during processing, a stem made of ceramic material having an upper stem flange that supports the platen, and a backside gas tube made of ceramic material that is located in an interior of the stem.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various assemblies to be used with one or more energy storage devices. In one embodiment, an energy storage device assembly can include a plurality of energy storage devices, and each of these energy storage devices can include a first projecting electrode and a second projecting electrode. The energy storage devices can be connected to each other through a weld, which can directly bond the adjacent first and second projecting electrodes of adjacent energy storage devices to one another. This configuration can allow each of the energy storage devices to be connected together in series.