Abstract: The present invention provides an optical member having a plastic substrate and a multilayered antireflection film formed by vapor deposition, wherein at least one layer in the antireflection film is a hybrid layer formed of at least one inorganic substance selected from silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, tantalum oxide, yttrium oxide, and niobium oxide and an organosilicon compound that is a liquid at normal temperature and at atmospheric pressure and/or an organic compound not containing silicon that is a liquid at normal temperature and at atmospheric pressure as vapor deposition raw materials.

Abstract: A polarizing molded article, which includes a polarizing plate-containing laminated structure. The laminated structure includes a polarizing sheet layer that is held between two protective sheet layers. One of the two protective sheet layers is connected to a polyurethane sheet layer or a polyamide sheet layer with an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. A thermally molded resin layer is thermally adhered to the polyurethane sheet layer or the polyamide sheet layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to monoaxially drawn polyolefin multilayer film, tape or yarn of the AB or ABA type, having a stretch ratio of more than 12, having an E-modulus of at least 10 GPa, substantially consisting of a central layer (B) of a polyolefin selected from polyethylene and polypropylene, and one or two other layers (A) of a polyole fin from the same class as the material of the central layer B, the DSC melting point of the material of the said other layers (A) being lower than the DSC melting point of the material of the said central layer (B), wherein the central layer (B) is between 50 and 99 wt. % of the material and the other layers (A) between 1 and 50 wt. %. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a tape, film or yarn.

Abstract: A device having a substrate, a pair of ferromagnetic leads on a surface of the substrate, laterally separated by a gap, and one or more ferromagnetic microparticles comprising a conductive coating at least partially within the gap. The conductive coating forms at least part of an electrical connection between the leads. A molecular junction may connect the leads to the microparticle.

Abstract: A composite chromium plating film containing hard particles in network-shaped microcracks, a surface-occupying ratio of the microcracks being 10 to 20% by area, a distribution density of the microcracks being 1,200 to 2,500/cm, and the amount of the above hard particles being 1 to 15% by mass per 100% by mass of the above entire plating film. This composite chromium plating film has excellent wear resistance and scuffing resistance with small attacking ability to a mating member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorene compounds and polymers thereof, having various structures and functional groups, and capable of being used as a luminescent material for organic and polymer-based electro-luminescence (EL) element and other optical element, and to an EL element using the same as a luminescent material.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a perylene derivative preparation process featuring satisfactory yields and improved preparation efficiency, a perylene derivative obtained by the process, and an organic EL device using the same.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes an emissive substance between an anode and cathode that emits light upon application of electrical energy. The emissive substance included in the device is at least one of the following types of compounds: (a) a compound having a plurality of 1,7-phenanthroline skeletal structures; (b) a benzoquinoline derivative; (c) a spiro compound; and (d) a tetraphenylmethane derivative.

Abstract: A composite structure body obtained through a plurality of processes including forming composite fine particles by way of a process in which a surface of the fine particles of a brittle material is coated with another brittle material; then by bombarding the composite fine particles against a surface of a substrate at high velocities, an anchor portion biting the substrate surface is formed; the composite fine particles are simultaneously distorted and fractured by impact of the bombardment; mutual rejoining of the composite fine particles is made through intermediary of a newly generated active surface formed by the distortion or fracture; and thereby forming a structure body in which crystals and/or microstructures of the brittle materials are dispersed above the anchor portion; and a pre-processing which includes imparting internal distortion to the brittle material fine particles.

Abstract: A method for forming an elevated temperature durable coating on a surface of a substrate includes applying an aqueous slurry comprising lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, zirconia powder, a fibrous agent, and a magnetic powder to a surface of a substrate in one or more layers of substantially uniform thickness to form a coating. A substantially controlled humidity environment is maintained during application of the aqueous slurry and the coating is ambient dried for a period. A drying agent is applied to the coating and formation of a dry crust is prevented on the coating during ambient drying. After the period, the coating is heat cured.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fuel cell includes an electromotive section, a fuel tank, an anode line through which a fuel is circulated between the electromotive section and the fuel tank, an air supply section, a cathode line which is connected to the electromotive section and through which products from the electromotive section are discharged, a cooler which is provided in the cathode line, cools the products, and condenses water, and an exhaust filter provided in the cathode line. The fuel cell has a reservoir portion which stores the condensed water and water discharged from the electromotive section, a first recovery line through which the water stored in the reservoir portion is guided into the fuel tank, and a second recovery line through which the water produced in the cathode line is guided into the reservoir portion between the cooler and the exhaust filter.

Abstract: A control technique for use in a fuel processor is disclosed. In one aspect, a control system includes a subsystem manager controller the operation of a respective physical subsystem for each of a plurality of physical subsystems in the fuel processor. The subsystem managers take their direction from a master control manager. In a second aspect, the subsystem managers collectively form a layer operating in conjunction with a second layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers to their respective physical subsystems, a third layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers with the second layer. In a third aspect, master control manager manages the operation of each physical subsystem through a respective subsystem manager, directs state transitions of the subsystem managers, and routs interaction between the subsystem managers from the master control manager.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system utilizing fuel cells which generate electric power by a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, the moisture content within a fuel cell is adjusted to be brought within an appropriate range by adjusting the operating current of the fuel cell. The total amount of electric power generated by the system is maintained at a required value by supplying/obtaining electric power to/from a secondary battery as required, or by utilizing a plurality of separately controlled fuel cells (or fuel cell stacks) and increasing or decreasing the electric power generated by another fuel cell or stack that is currently operating with an appropriate moisture content.

Abstract: A hydrophilic cross-linked polymer obtainable by copolymerization of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers that give a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on polymerization; a monomer including a strongly ionic group; and water is useful as the membrane in an assembly that can be used in an electrolyter or fuel cell. More generally, a membrane electrode assembly comprises electrodes and an ion-exchange membrane which comprises a hydrophilic polymer including a strongly ionic group. A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising electrodes and an ion-exchange membrane, comprises introducing between the electrodes a material or materials from which the membrane can be formed, and forming the membrane in situ.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stamped bridge member that defines a flow path between a header and a flow field on a fuel cell plate. The bridge member provides a support surface on which a seal can be positioned to seal the plate against adjacent plates or MEAs. The fuel cell plates can be stamped plates with two surfaces each having flow fields thereon. The flow fields maintain a fluid flowing between a supply header and a return header on a single surface of the plate. The ends of the flow fields can taper relative to the supply and return apertures to provide for a desired flow distribution through the flow field.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a hydrogen ion-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode and a cathode sandwiching the hydrogen ion-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode-side conductive separator plate having a gas flow channel for supplying a fuel gas to the anode, and a cathode-side conductive separator plate having a gas flow channel for supplying an oxidant gas to the cathode.

Abstract: In a MEA (membrane electrode assembly) of a fuel cell including an electrolyte membrane as an ion transfer medium arranged between a bipolar plate having a fuel side open groove in which fuel flows and a bipolar plate having an air side open groove in which air flows so as to form a fuel path with the fuel side open groove and form an air path with the air side open groove; and a catalyst electrode inserted into the fuel side open groove so as to be separated from the electrolyte membrane in order to form a fuel path with both sides thereof and induce electrochemical oxidation with the fuel, by activating action occurred on the fuel electrode in which fuel is supplied and the air electrode in which air is supplied, current generating efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: An electrode with adjustable gas permeability for electrochemical cells is formed by first and second laminated thin layers. The first serves for determining the overall gas permeability through the thickness of the electrode and conducting electricity. The second is for conducting electricity, supplying the reaction gases and removing the reaction products, and is a porous electricity-conducting material. The laminate consists of at least two materials of different gas permeability. The material with the higher gas permeability located on the side of the membrane forms the first layer, and the material with the lower gas permeability forms the second layer on the side away from the membrane. Openings are formed in the laminate towards the side adjacent to the membrane. The sidewalls of the openings in the area of the material with the higher gas permeability are at least partially covered by the material with the lower gas permeability.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward electrocatalyst compositions of platinum, titanium, a third, fourth and possibly fifth metal for use in fuel cells. The electrocatalyst composition is composed essentially of platinum present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 30 percent and about 85 percent, titanium present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 5 percent and about 30 percent, a third metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 1 percent and about 30 percent, a fourth metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 1 percent and about 30 percent, and a possible fifth metal present in an atomic percentage ranging between about 1 percent and about 30 percent. The third metal can be at least one member selected from the group consisting of nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, copper, manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium and gold.

Abstract: There is disclosed a battery pack, which has a plate-shaped resin-formed body to divide an internal space of the battery pack into at least two spaces in a thickness direction thereof, so that a battery is received in a first internal space, while a wiring substrate having a control circuit packaged thereon is placed in a second internal space, thereby allowing the battery pack to hold an input/output circuit or the like of a memory card securely in a limited space in the battery pack, while ensuring that a sufficient insulation is provided to the battery, when the battery pack is used for PDA's, for instance.

Abstract: A polymer battery is provided with a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode active material layer placed in opposition to the positive electrode active material layer, a polymer electrolyte layer disposed between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, and a distance defining member included in the polymer electrolyte layer to define a distance between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery comprises an electrode assembly that comprises a positive plate, a negative plate, and a separator interposed between those two plates. It also includes a container for the electrode assembly, a cap assembly fixed to the container to seal the container, and a collector plate coupled to the positive plate or the negative plate of the electrode assembly. The collector plate includes a plate-shaped body and at least two tabs that are integrally formed with the body to be coupled to the cap assembly.

Abstract: A secondary battery, that has an excellent charge and discharge cycle characteristics, with a larger capacity, is provided. The secondary battery having a positive electrode, negative electrode and electrolyte, includes a polymer having a repeating unit represented by a formula (1) as an active material of at least one of positive electrode and negative electrode. According to formula (1), R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represents hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, substituted or unsubstituted hetroaromatic groups, halogen atom, or alkylene group that may be coupled to the ring form either one or both of R1 and R3, R2 and R4.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for coating electroactive particles. Coating materials include a conductive component and a low refractive index component. Coatings are provided in which the conductive and low refractive index components are linked and/or do not form phases having lengthscales greater than about 0.25 ?m. Coatings are provided in which the components are contained in sequential layers.

Abstract: The invention provides a battery achieving excellent battery characteristics by using, as an anode active material, any of metal elements and metalloid elements each of which can form an alloy with a lithium, alloys of these elements, and compounds of these elements. Mesh projections as a frame structure are formed on the surface on the side facing an anode active material layer, of an anode collector. By the mesh projections, expansion and contraction in the plane direction of the anode active material layer is suppressed. Thus, pulverization, peeling, and the like of the anode active material layer caused by expansion and contraction thereof are prevented and the cycle characteristics are improved.

Abstract: An adhesive composition-supporting separator for a battery includes a porous substrate supporting thereon a thermally cross-linkable adhesive composition comprising a multi-functional isocyanate and a reactive polymer having a functional group capable of reacting with an isocyanato group of the multi-functional isocyanate; an electrode/separator laminate is obtained by contact pressing the adhesive composition-supporting separator for a battery against electrodes; and an electrode/separator bonded material having a cross-linked adhesive composition is obtained by heating the electrode/separator laminate to thereby react the multifunctional isocyanate with the reactive polymer for causing cross-linking.

Abstract: A composition for photosensitive flexographic plates which is capable of forming a sheet having a smooth surface and excellent antiflowing properties and less apt to have trouble caused by sticking and which further has excellent thin-line reproducibility; a block copolymer composition for photosensitive flexographic plates which is suitable for use in the composition; and a flexographic plate obtained by exposing the composition to light. Also provided are: a block copolymer composition containing a three-branched aromatic vinyl/conjugated diene block copolymer obtained with a specific coupling agent; and a composition for photosensitive flexographic plates which comprises an ethylenic compound and a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: A photoconductive imaging member containing a photogenerating layer, and a charge transport layer containing a binder and a suitable polyimide, and more specifically, an amorphous polyimide.

Abstract: Dry electrographic toner compositions are provided comprising a plurality of dry toner particles, wherein the toner particles comprise polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions. The dry electrographic toner composition comprises a wax associated with the dry toner particles that has been entrained in the toner particle during the formation of the amphipathic copolymer. Methods of making the electrographic toner compositions are also provided. These toner compositions provide images having excellent durability and erasure resistance properties at low fusion temperatures and with little undesired offset.

Abstract: The invention provides dry electrographic toner compositions comprising toner particles. The toner particles comprise polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions prepared from an organosol reaction process utilizing a liquid carrier reaction medium having a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. The S material portion comprises at least one soluble component and at least one non-sorptive component, wherein the non-sorptive component is the reaction product of monomers having an absolute difference in Hildebrand solubility parameter from the liquid carrier of about 3.0 MPa1/2 or greater. Additionally, dry electrographic toner compositions are provided wherein the toner particles comprise polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions.

Abstract: To provide a toner that can provide long-term removability and high-definition images with reduced image layer thickness and densely-packed toner particles, a developer capable of forming high-quality images using the toner, a toner container for containing the toner, a process cartridge using the toner, an image forming apparatus using the toner, and an image forming method using the toner. The toner of the present invention is a toner having a substantially spherical shape with irregularities on its surface and containing at least a binder resin and a colorant, wherein a surface factor SF-1 that represents the sphericity of toner particles is 105 to 180, a surface factor SF-2 that represents the degree of surface irregularities of the toner particles is correlated with the volume-average diameter of the toner particles, and the toner particles have an inorganic oxide particle-containing layer within 1 ?m from their surfaces.

Abstract: A toner includes toner particles which have a binder resin and a colorant. The toner has a weight average particle diameter of from 4 to 7 ?m and includes toner particles having a circle equivalent diameter of from 0.6 to 2.0 ?m in an amount not greater than 5% by quantity, toner particles having a particle diameter of from 3.17 to 4.00 ?m in an amount of from 10 to 40% by quantity, toner particles having a diameter of from 4.00 to 5.04 ?m in an amount of from 20 to 40% by quantity, and toner particles having a diameter not less than 12.7 ?m in an amount of from 0 to 1.0% by weight. The toner satisfies the following relationship: 1.04?D4/D1?1.30, wherein D4 represents the weight average particle diameter and D1 represents a number average particle diameter of the toner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heterocycle-containing onium salt useful as, for example, a cationic photopolymerization initiator and an acid generator for a chemically amplified resist, and provides “a heterocycle-containing onium salt shown in the specification.

Abstract: A lift-off positive resist composition capable of forming a fine lift-off pattern is provided. This composition comprises a base resin component (A) and an acid generator component (B) generating an acid under exposure, wherein the base resin component (A) is a silicone resin.

Abstract: A resistless lithography method for fabricating fine stiuctures is disclosed. IN an embodiment, a semiconductor mask layer (HM) may be formed on a carrier material (TM, HM?) and a selective ion implantation (I) being effected in order to dope selected regions (1) of the semiconductor mask layer (HM). Wet chemical removal of the non doped regions of the semiconductor mask layer (HM) yields a semiconductor mask which can be used for further patterning. A simple and high precision resistless lithography method for structures smaller than 100 nm is obtained in this way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved compressible flexographic printing plate that uses a compressible layer comprising a polyurethane (meth)acrylate resin and microspheres. The process of the invention produces a chemically fused printing plate that eliminates the need for an adhesive to secure the compressible layer to the back of the printing plate.

Abstract: A method for preparing a negative-working lithographic printing plate is provided which comprises the steps of (1) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising on a grained and anodized aluminum support, having a hydrophilic surface, a coating comprising (i) polymer particles which are core-shell particles having a hydrophobic heat-softenable core and a hydrophilic shell and (ii) an infrared light absorbing agent, (2) exposing said coating to heat, thereby inducing coalescence of said polymer particles at exposed areas of said coating, and (iii) developing said precursor by applying a gum solution to said coating, thereby removing non-exposed areas of said coating from said support. According to the above method the printing plates exhibit after ageing an improved clean-out and a reduced background stain, resulting in toning-free printing.

Abstract: A method for forming patterned insulating elements on a substrate includes a plurality of exposure steps of exposing a photosensitive paste provided on the substrate through at least one mask having a predetermined pattern; a developing step of developing the exposed photosensitive paste to form a precursor pattern; and a firing step of firing the precursor pattern to form the patterned insulating elements. This method is applied to a method for forming an electron source and a method for forming an image display device including the electron source.

Abstract: Disclosed are an exposure apparatus for forming fine patterns of a semiconductor using an electric field and a method for forming fine patterns using the exposure apparatus. The exposure apparatus comprises an electric field generator for generating an electric field to be applied to infiltrate an acid (H+) produced when a photoresist film is exposed into non-exposure regions. Non-exposure regions into which an acid is infiltrated along with exposure regions in a development process can be removed by applying an electric field to the acid produced during exposure of a photoresist film such that the acid is infiltrated into the non-exposure regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to tissue decellularization and, in particular to a method of treating tissues, for example, heart valves, tendons and ligaments, so as to render them acellular and thereby limit mineralization and/or immunoreactivity upon implementation in vivo.

Abstract: In order to separate individual, in particular biological, objects from a, in particular biological, preparation the use of a support device is proposed in which a laser light absorbent membrane (1), for example of polyester or polyethylene-naphthalene, to which the biological preparation for processing is to be applied is retained and tensioned, preferably together with carrier means (2) located thereunder, for example, a glass object carrier or a thicker membrane, by means of a retaining device (3, 4) configured in particular as a frame, so that a compact unit is provided. The support device according to the invention is particularly suitable for isolating individual biological objects from a surrounding biological material by means of laser irradiation and for catapulting said biological objects into a collecting device. The combination of a laser light absorbent membrane (1) and a laser light transparent membrane (2) as support for the laser light absorbent membrane (1) is particularly advantageous.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of viral infections. The identification of distinct classes of peptides for use in both anti-viral vaccines and therapeutic formulations is reported. Peptide formulations are disclosed which enhance the systemic distribution, activity, and longevity of anti-viral cytotoxic T cells, and/or which protect human cells from HIV infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are the methods for producing recombinant viruses using site-specific recombination in vitro. In the present invention, circular viral genomic DNAs are digested with restriction enzymes to generate a linear form viral genomic DNAs flanked by site-specific recombination sites, and then are subjected to site-specific recombination with the desired genomic materials flanked by site-specific recombination sites in vitro. According to the present invention, since the site-specific recombination mixture can be applied to host cells without further procedures of selecting the desired recombinant viral genomic DNAs, it is possible to obtain numerous recombinant viruses rapidly at the same time. Thus, the present invention can be used as a high throughput system for generating and screening hundreds or thousands of recombinant viruses.

Abstract: A method for isolating, from a mixture, a virus having a surface protein with a binding site for sialic acid is provided. The method involves contacting the mixture with mucin which has been linked to a solid support and washing the solid support to remove material from the mixture is non-specifically bound to the mucin-linked support. Thereafter, the specifically bound virus (e.g., AAV4 or AAV5) may be removed in a further washing step utilizing a concentrated slat or solution with low pH. Also described are pharmaceutical kits containing solid supports linked to mucin for use in isolating virus having a surface protein with a binding site for sialic acid, or detecting the presence of the virus in a biological sample.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods and reagents useful for sequencing nucleic acid targets utilizing sequencing by hybridization technology comprising probes, arrays of probes and methods whereby sequence information is obtained rapidly and efficiently in discrete packages. That information can be used for the detection, identification, purification and complete or partial sequencing of a particular target nucleic acid. When coupled with a ligation step, these methods can be performed under a single set of hybridization conditions. The invention also relates to the replication of probe arrays and methods for making and replicating arrays of probes which are useful for the large scale manufacture of diagnostic aids used to screen biological samples for specific target sequences. Arrays created using PCR technology may comprise probes with 5?- and/or 3?-overhangs.

Abstract: Materials and method are disclose for delivering a desired substance to a target site, using a layered carrier in which the carrier and the substance together form at least three layers which associate by ionic interaction at the first pH, where at least one layer comprises a charge switch material which comprises an ionisable group and which has a positive charge at a first pH and a charge which is less positive, neutral or negative at a second pH, at least one layer comprises a polyionic polymer which is negatively charged at the first pH and at least one layer comprises the desired substance. Preferred carriers are based on the charge switch material poly Bis-Tris and the polyionic polymer polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotide primers and primer sets that can be used to identify the bacterial pathogen Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli in a test sample.

Abstract: Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STEAP” (Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate). Four particular human STEAP's are described and characterized herein. The human STEAP's exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STEAP family, STEAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STEAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a “serpentine” manner into three extracellular and two intracellular loops.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for determining a predisposition for developing cancer, e.g., prostate and/or breast cancer, due to a germline mutation of a NBS1 gene. The present invention also relates to surveillance protocols for developing cancer, e.g., prostate and/or breast cancer, due to germline mutation of a NBS1 gene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.