Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell comprising a fuel cell body (stacked body) including a unit cell having an electromotive section in which an electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode, and a liquid fuel tank for storing a liquid fuel that is to be supplied to the fuel cell body and connected to the fuel cell body. The liquid fuel is introduced by the capillary action into the unit cell included in the fuel cell body and vaporized within the unit cell so as to be supplied to the fuel electrode, thereby generating an electric power. The liquid fuel tank is provided with a pressure adjusting mechanism for introducing a required amount of the liquid fuel from a liquid outlet port into the unit cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising a battery element produced by laminating and winding up a positive electrode and a negative electrode with a separator interposed therebetween. A separator is not provided on the outermost periphery of the battery element. A current collector surface of one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode is exposed to the ambient environment. A separation-preventive tape is attached on the battery element except a portion of one of the longer sides on the outermost periphery. This battery increases battery capacity of the thin-walled type nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery including an internal electrode body contained in a battery case including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator made of porous polymer, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound or laminated. A working volume ratio of the positive active material and the negative active material obtained by the positive active material weight being divided by the negative active material weight is within the range from 40% to 90% of the theoretical working volume ratio. The lithium secondary battery has high safety as well as high energy density by controlling the working volume of an electrode active material and the dispersion of the distribution of the working volume and in particular is preferably used for a drive motor of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel lithium bisoxalatoborate compound, and to a method for producing this compound, on the basis of a lithium compound, an oxalic acid or an oxalate, and a boron compound. The invention also relates to another production method on the basis of lithium boron hydride and oxalic acid, and to the use of lithium bisoxalatoborate as a conducting salt in lithium-ion batteries.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical generator consisting of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, wherein the anode and/or the cathode comprises a carbonaceous material obtained by a process comprising suspending a carbonaceous material containing carboxyl, amine and/or hydroxyl functions on its surface in a solution comprising at least one polymer and a solvent which dissolves the polymer, said polymer containing at least one carboxyl, amine and/or hydroxyl function, and treating the solution thus obtained under conditions promoting a dehydration reaction between at least one carboxyl function, and at least one amine and/or hydroxyl function, thereby grafting at least one said polymer onto said carbonaceous material by means of an ester or amide bond.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery capable of improving high temperature cycle life characteristic effectively without decreasing discharge capacity. Amorphous carbon powder with a specific surface area of 10.0 m2/g and a mean particle diameter of 7.0 &mgr;m is used as negative electrode active material and lithium manganate with a Li/Mn ratio of 0.58 is used as positive electrode active material. Since a surface area of the negative electrode active material layer is made large by setting the mean particle diameter of the amorphous carbon powder to 10 &mgr;m or less, the surface area of the negative electrode active material layer is sufficiently large that, even when inert coating is formed on the surface of the negative electrode due to manganese deposition caused by manganese elution from the positive electrode, high temperature cycle life characteristic can be improved without high temperature deterioration.

Abstract: A negative electrode of a nonaqueous secondary battery is formed of a carbonaceous material. The ratio RG=Gs/Gb of the degree of graphitization Gs of the carbonaceous material, determined by a surface-enhanced Raman spectrum, to the degree of graphitization Gb, determined by a Raman spectrum measured using argon laser light, is at least 4.5. Alternatively, the carbonaceous material has a peak in a wavelength range above 1,360 cm−1 in a surface-enhanced Raman spectrum which is measured by the same surface-enhanced Raman spectrum. The deterioration of the nonaqueous secondary battery is suppressed during use in high-temperature environments and high capacity is maintained for long periods.

Abstract: A negative electrode is characterized by its composite particles constructed in such a manner that at least part of the surrounding surface of nuclear particles containing at least one of tin, silicon and zinc as a constituent element, is coated with a solid solution or an inter-metallic compound, which is composed of, the element included in the nuclear particles, and at least one other element except the elements included in the nuclear particles selected from a group comprising group 2 elements, transition elements, group 12 elements, group 13 elements and group 14 elements except carbon of the Periodic Table. The present invention is characterized that the lithium content of the nuclear particles of the composite particles is 40-95 atomic percent of the theoretical limit of lithium content of each constituent element of the nuclear particles. Further, the batteries are first charged at a constant current and upon reaching the predetermined voltage, are charged at a constant voltage.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: A recombinant battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having an additive associated with the separator that improves the overall efficiency of the lead acid battery.

Abstract: A solid-electrolyte secondary battery is provided which comprises a positive electrode, negative electrode and a solid electrolyte provided between the electrodes. The solid electrolyte contains as a matrix polymer a vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene block copolymer. The film of the block copolymer has a high mechanical toughness and solvent retaining capability. Use of this block copolymer film as the matrix polymer of the solid electrolyte greatly improves the adhesive strength, load characteristic and low-temperature performance. In the block copolymer, the proportion of hexafluoropropylene should preferably be 3 to 7.5% by weight. The molecular weight should preferably be of over 550,000. A block copolymer of over 300,000 in Mw and under 550,000 in Mw is used in combination with the above one.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an alkali metal-ion secondary cell having a carbonaceous anode and an electrolyte, comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in an organic electrolyte solvent. Intercalation and de-intercalation during repeated charge/discharge cycle of the secondary cell using a conventional electrolyte solvent causes continual exposure of bare surfaces of the carbonaceous material to the electrolyte, resulting in continual consumption of electrolyte in the formation of new passivation films on the bared or partially covered surfaces, adversely affecting the performance and capacity of the cell. An improvement on the conventional electrolyte involves the addition of fluorinated organic solvent to the conventional electrolyte and results in a more stable passivation film, much less consumption of electrolyte and better performance and cell capacity.

Abstract: A three-step method is used to repair an opaque defect in a photomask having a transparent substrate, and a light transmission portion disposed on the substrate and defining an opening the image of which is to be transferred to a layer on a semiconductor substrate. First, the thickness of the opaque defect is reduced by etching away only some of the defect. Second, a correction film is selectively formed over the entire surface of the substrate of the photomask in the opening defined by the light transmission portion with the exception of the region occupied by the pre-etched defect. Next, the correction film and the pre-etched defect are simultaneously etched away.

Abstract: A refelective mask having non-reflective and reflective regions. The reflective regions are reflective of light at an inspection wavelength and a semiconductor processing wavelength and the non-reflective regions are substantially non-reflective of light at the inspection wavelength and the semiconductor processing wavelength. The contrast of reflected light off of the non-reflective and reflective regions is greater than 0.210 at either of the two wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaged photographic elements comprising an overcoat layer of a water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin having the following general formula: In—P—Am wherein I is an ionic group; n is an integer from 1-3; P is a polyester backbone; A is an Asiatic group comprising a straight or branched chain fatty acid or triglyceride thereof having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms; and m is an integer from 3-8. Such a protective overcoat provides excellent stain resistance for an imaged photographic element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photothermographic color element containing a mixture of blocked developers in the same emulsion layer, which blocked developers having different onset temperatures. Such a mixture has been found to allow for lower film processing temperatures and/or shorter times of development with respect to the blocked developer having a higher onset temperature. Conversely, improved discrimination can be obtained with respect to the blocked developer having the lower onset temperature.

Abstract: A toner for developing an electrostatic latent image comprising a resin, a colorant and a releasing agent is disclosed. The releasing agent comprises a mixture of a plurality of compounds represented by formula (1) having difference carbon number of carbon atoms in R2 R1—(OCO—R2)n  (1) wherein n represents an integer of 1 to 8 carbon atoms which may has a substituent, R1 is a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 40, R2 is a hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 40 carbon atoms which may has a substituent.

Abstract: The present invention provide a toner comprising: a coloring agent; a binder resin comprising a first binder resin and a second binder resin, the first binder resin being composed of a linear polyester resin having a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of from 2,800 to 7,000, a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 8,900 to 21,000, and a Mw/Mn ratio of 2 to 4, the second binder resin being composed of a non-linear polyester resin having a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of from 3,500 to 8,000, a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 40,000 to 120,000, and a Mw/Mn ratio of 10 to 20, and a ratio of the first binder resin to the second binder resin (the first binder resin:the second binder resin) being 60:40 to 95:5 by weight.

Abstract: A magnetic carrier exhibiting excellent durability against mechanical impact as exerted by vibration and capable of exhibiting a stable charging performance in electrophotography is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a novel toner satisfying a high resolution, a low temperature fixability and a high offset resistance at a low cost. A novel toner for the development of an electrostatic image is provided comprising an agglomerate of particles containing at least primary polymer particles, wherein said primary polymer particles substantially comprise a wax encapsulated therein.

Abstract: Infra-red absorbing polymers useful in imageable products and the lithographic printing field comprise infra-red absorbing groups carried as pendent groups on a polymer backbone. Certain infra-red absorbing groups may also act to insolublize the polymer in a developer, until it is imagewise exposed to infra-red radiation. The resulting heat renders the polymer soluble in the developer. Imagable products employing the infra-red absorbing polymers may include positive working lithographic printing plates.

Abstract: The negative resist composition comprises (1) a film-forming polymer which is itself soluble in basic aqueous solutions, and contains a first monomer unit with an alkali-soluble group in the molecule and a second monomer unit with an alcohol structure on the side chain which is capable of reacting with the alkali-soluble group, and (2) a photo acid generator which, when decomposed by absorption of imaage-forming radiation, is capable of generating an acid that can induce reaction between the alcohol structure of the second monomer unit and the alkali-soluble group of the first monomer unit, or protect the alkali-soluble group of the first monomer unit. The resist composition can form intricate negative resist patterns with practical sensitivity and no swelling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive working photoresist composition comprising an acid-decomposable polymer containing at least a repeating unit represented by the following formula (I) and at least either one repeating unit represented by the following formula (IIa) or (IIb), and also disclosed is a positive working photoresist composition comprising (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, (B) an acid-decomposable polymer containing at least a repeating unit represented by the following formula (I) and at least either one repeating unit represented by the following formula (IIa) or (IIb), (C) at least one solvent capable of dissolving the components (A) and (B), (D) an organic basic compound and (E) at least one surfactant selected from fluorine-containing surfactants, silicon-containing surfactants and nonionic surfactants:

Abstract: The present invention also includes an imageable element, comprising a substrate and a thermally imageable composition comprising a thermally sensitive polymer which exhibits an increased solubility in an aqueous developer solution upon heating. The thermally sensitive polymer includes at least one covalently bonded unit and at least one thermally reversible non-covalently bonded unit, which includes a two or more centered H-bond within each of the non-covalently bonded unit. The present invention also includes a method of producing the imaged element. The present invention still further includes a thermally imageable composition comprising comprising a thermally sensitive polymer according to the present invention and a process for preparing the thermally sensitive polymer, which is a supramolecular polymer.

Abstract: A positive-type radiation-sensitive resin composition is provided. The composition includes: (A) a low-molecular compound comprising a compound having at least one amino group having one or two hydrogen atom(s) bonded to the nitrogen atom; at least one hydrogen atom the amino group has having been substituted with a t-butoxycarbonyl group; (B) a radiation-sensitive acid generator; and (C) a silicon-atom-containing resin comprising an alkali-insoluble or alkali-slightly-soluble resin having been protected with an acid-cleavable group; the resin being capable of turning soluble in alkali upon cleavage of the acid-cleavable group. This radiation-sensitive resin composition is effectively responsive to radiations of various types, has superior sensitivity and resolution and also a superior long-term storage stability, and is useful as a positive-type chemically amplified resist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of the naphthopyran type which have an annelated carbocycle in position 5,6. These compounds are of formula (I) given below: in which A is an alicyclic ring which is optionally annelated with an aromatic ring and in which two adjacent R3 can together form at least one ring, for example a benzo group. These compounds (I) possess interesting photochromic properties. The invention also relates to the method of preparing these compounds (I), as well as their applications as photochromes and compositions and (co)polymer matrices comprising them.

Abstract: A complex of a dye cation and an anionic TCNQ derivative of the formula (I): in which [Dye]+ is a dye cation, L1 is a linking group, R1 is a substituent group, p is an integer of 1-4, and r is an integer of 0-3 under the condition of 1<p+r<4, is favorably employable as a dye compound for preparing a recording layer of CD-R or DVD-R.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable composition comprising (A) a polymer binder, (B) a photopolymerizable monomer and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the component (B) is at least one compound represented by the following formula (1):

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-curable polymer composition comprising: a) a first block copolymer comprising at least two blocks A of polymerised mono-vinyl aromatic monomer, and at least one block B of polymerised conjugated diene monomer, wherein the total polymerised mono-vinyl aromatic monomer content is in the range from 5 to 25% by weight of the block copolymer; b) 5 to 10% by weight of a second block copolymer having one block A of polymerised mono-vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one block B of polymerised conjugated diene monomer, wherein the total polymerised mono-vinyl aromatic monomer content is in the range from 5 to 50% by weight of the block copolymer, alkoxy or epoxy functional groups; and c) at least 5% by weight of a low molecular weight block copolymer, wherein the total of (b) and (c) is from 15% by weight to 80% by weight, the low molecular weight block copolymer having one block A of polymerised mono-vinyl aromatic monomer, and at least one block B of polymerised conjugated

Abstract: An aqueous developer for photopolymerizable flexographic printing plates containing a combination of an amino alcohol and/or an amino carboxylic acid and a surfactant or a combination of two surfactants and a process for preparing flexographic printing forms by the use of this developer are described.

Abstract: A method of photolithography using super-resolution near-field structure. A super-resolution near-field structure is formed on a semiconductor chip comprising a substrate and a photoresist layer thereon. An incident light beam penetrates through the super-resolution near-field structure to expose the photoresist layer. While penetrating through the super-resolution near field structure, the intensity of the incident light beam is increased, and the aperture of the light beam is reduced. As a result, the line width of the pattern formed on the photoresist layer is narrowed. The super-resolution near-field structure has a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer and an active layer sandwiched between the first and the second dielectric layers. The active layer is formed of one of gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), indium (In), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), and silver (Ag).

Abstract: In the exposure method of the invention, a first pattern and a second pattern are joined and exposed on a substrate using a mask having a pattern. The pattern on the mask has a common pattern for the first pattern and the second pattern, and a non-common pattern different from the common pattern and formed continuously with the common pattern. The common pattern and at least a part of the non-common pattern are selected to effect the joining and exposing. According to this method, the number of masks required for exposure processing accompanying screen synthesis can be reduced.

Abstract: A process for removing stain in a photographic material is described which process comprises incorporation of at least one compound of formula (I) wherein X is O or NH; n is 1 or 2, p is 0, 1 or 2, M is hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, ammonium or a cation formed from an amine; each R1, independently, is an amimoacid residue from which a hydrogen atom on the amino group has been removed; each R2, independendy, is hydrogen, C1-C8alkyl, C1-C8alkoxy, halogen, cyano, COOR, wherein R is hydrogen or C1-C3alky1, CONH—R in which R has its previous significance, SO2NH—R in which R has its previous significance, NH—COR in which R has its previous significance, or SO3M, wherein M has its previous significance, or, if n is 1, R2 can also be CO—R3 in which R3 is C1-C3alkyl or phenyl, in that photographic material.

Abstract: This invention comprises an imaging element comprising an imaging layer having associated therewith a compound of Structure I: wherein PUG is a photographically useful group; LINK 1 and LINK 2 are linking groups; TIME is a timing group; T represents t independently selected substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl groups, t is 0, 1, or 2 and if t is 2, the T groups can form a ring; HET is a heterocyclic group which optionally can form a ring with a T group; R12 is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or R12 can form a ring with a T group or with HET; 1 is 0 or 1; m is 0, 1, or 2; and n is 0 or 1.

Abstract: A roll package comprising a spool, a length of web material wound about the spool, and a length of a protective material wound about the length of web material. The length of a protective material has a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.1 grams per one hundred square inches for 24 hours when tested at 100 degree F., 100 percent relative humidity. In a particular embodiment, the spool includes a core and a pair of flanges, each flange having an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface, the inwardly facing surface of each flange including a substantially planar portion adjacent an outer edge of the flange and a recessed portion inboard of the substantially planar portion. Edges of the protective material abut the substantially planar portion when wound about the length of web material such that the edges are held in intimate contact with the substantially planar portion to form a light seal barrier and a moisture vapor barrier seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a silver halide photographic element comprising at least one silver halide emulsion layer and further comprising an antifoggant represented by the following Structure I: wherein R1 is an aliphatic or cyclic group, R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or bromine as long as at least one of them is bromine, L is a divalent linking group, m and n are independently 0 or 1, and SG is a solubilizing group that has a pKa of 8 or less.

Abstract: Solutions are described which are useful as plasma expanders and blood substitutes in mammals, including primates, and methods for using the solutions.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for inducing apoptosis of a selected group of vertebrate cells in vivo by reducing the level of thiamin in the cells. Included are methods for inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. Also described are compounds and compositions for use in methods of thiamin depletion and treating diseases such as cancer, and methods for identifying thiamin-depleting agents and for preparing pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a method for determining the prognosis and probable clinical course of a subject diagnosed with B-CLL. Specifically, the invention involves comparing CD38 expression in a biological sample from the subject containing B-CLL cells to a baseline level of CD38 expression, wherein an elevated level of CD38 expression in relation to the baseline level of CD38 expression may indicate poor prognosis or aggressive course of disease in the subject. Also disclosed is a method for determining whether the Ig V genes of the B-CLL cells of a B-CLL patient are mutated, comprising comparing CD38 expression in a biological sample from the subject containing B-CLL cells to a baseline level of CD38 expression, wherein a lower level of CD38 expression in relation to the baseline level indicates IG V gene mutation.

Abstract: An amino acid-trehalose composition comprising an amino acid composition which comprises proline, alanine, glycine, valine, threonine, leucine, histidine, lysine, isoleucine, arginine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine; and trehalose. The amino acid-trehalose composition has effects of compensating the reduction of the blood level of amino acids associated with severe exercise, of improving the exercise, of reducing the degree of fatigue after exercise and of recovering from fatigue. In addition, the administration of the composition permits the inhibition of the consumption of amino acids associated with exercise and any induction of fatigue accompanied by exercise.

Abstract: A novel assay utilizing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific peptides is disclosed. The assay is particularly useful for detecting early antigen antibodies in a blood sample from an individual having an EBV-associated disease, the disease preferably being infectious mononucleosis.

Abstract: Described are the crystal structure of the &agr;-helical domain of the gp41 component of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein which represents the core of fusion-active gp41, methods of identifying and designing drugs which inhibit gp41 function and drugs which do so.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one compound that inhibits HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) protease, selected from ritonavir, saquinavir or one of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for the production of a medicament to modulate proteasome.

Abstract: There is provided a method for the synergistic control of insects which comprises applying to the locus of a transgenic crop which produces an insect toxin a synergistically effective amount of a recombinant insect virus containing a vector which is highly virulent to said insect.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed whereby protease activity is directly linked to replication of viral display packages containing protease-encoding polynucleotides in target cells. The methods can be used, inter alia, to identify proteases, including previously undiscovered proteases or variants of known proteases which may have altered substrate specificity.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protecting groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substantially pure thermostable DNA polymerase from Thermotoga (Tne and Tma) and mutants thereof. The Tne DNA polymerase has a molecular weight of about 100 kilodaltons and is more thermostable than Taq DNA polymerase. The mutant DNA polymerase has at least one mutation selected from the group consisting of (1) a first mutation that substantially reduces or eliminates 3′→5′ exonuclease activity of said DNA polymerase; (2) a second mutation that substantially reduces or eliminates 5′→3′ exonuclease activity of said DNA polymerase; (3) a third mutation in the O helix of said DNA polymerase resulting in said DNA polymerase becoming non-discriminating against dideoxynucleotides. The present invention also relates to the cloning and expression of the wild type or mutant DNA polymerases in E. coli, to DNA molecules containing the cloned gene, and to host cells which express said genes.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a library of tags able to define a specific state of a biological sample, such as a tissue or a cell culture. The present method provides an important advantage over other methods used to analyze gene expression in that libraries may be generated from tiny amounts of cells, e.g., from 30,000-100,000 cells.

Abstract: A general method is described for screening cDNAs, genes or genome segments to directly isolate and characterize sequences associated with particular phenotypes. In the case of the human genome, a simplification of the starting material is needed, and a specific method to generate highly polymorphic genome subsets for this purpose is presented. The general screening method identifies DNA sequences containing allele frequency differences when groups with dissimilar phenotypes are compared. The approach is based on mathematical principles of inequality. A change in the abundance ratio of homoduplexes of perfectly matched sequences to heteroduplexes of perfectly matched sequences, or, conversely, of mismatched homoduplexes to mismatched heteroduplexes, serves as an indicator of allele frequency difference.