Abstract: A negative electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery, which includes a composition including Si in an amount of from 30% to 65% by mass of the negative electrode active material, includes a two phase matrix structure including an Sn—Cu based alloy matrix including an Sn content of 50% by mass or more of the Sn—Cu based alloy matrix, Si crystallites dispersed in the Sn—Cu based alloy matrix, and an Si—X based alloy crystallized so as to at least partially cover the Si crystallites, in which X is at least one element selected from Fe, Ni, and Co, and is added in an amount of 1% by mass or more of the negative electrode active material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode active material that provides an improved capacity density. Specifically disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a lithium ion battery with a layered structure represented by Lix(NiyM1-y)Oz (wherein M represents at least one element selected from a group consisting of Mn, Co, Mg, Al, Ti, Cr, Fe, Cu, and Zr; x is in the range from 0.9 to 1.2; y is in the range from 0.3 to 0.95; and z is in the range from 1.8 to 2.4), wherein, when a value obtained by dividing an average of peak intensities observed between 1420 and 1450 cm?1 and between 1470 and 1500 cm?1 by the maximum intensity of a peak appearing between 520 and 620 cm?1 in an infrared absorption spectrum obtained by FT-IR is represented by A, A satisfies the following relational formula: 0.20y?0.05?A?0.53y?0.06.

Abstract: A cathode active material capable of increasing a capacity and improving high temperature characteristics or cycle characteristics, a method of manufacturing it, a cathode using the cathode active material, and a battery using the cathode active material are provided. In a cathode active material contained in a cathode, a coating layer is provided on at least part of complex oxide particle containing at least lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co). The coating layer is an oxide which contains lithium (Li) and at least one of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn).

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode and a sulfur-containing cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The cell exhibits high utilization of the electroactive sulfur-containing material of the cathode and a high charge-discharge efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium lanthanum titanate composite solid electrolyte material containing silicon in which amorphous Si or an amorphous Si compound exist in a grain boundary between crystal grains, and a method of producing the same, and belongs to a field of a lithium ion battery. According to the invention, the amorphous Si or the amorphous Si compound exist in the grain boundary between the crystal grains of the lithium lanthanum titanate. The amorphous Si or the amorphous Si compound are introduced into the grain boundary by employing a wet chemical method. In the wet chemical method, the inexpensive organosilicon compound is used as an additive, and the organosilicon compound is added into the lithium lanthanum titanate solid electrolyte material.

Abstract: A lithium battery and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The lithium battery includes an anode, a cathode located opposite to the anode, a separator and an electrolyte solution. The separator is located between the anode and the cathode, wherein the anode, the cathode and the separator commonly define a containing region. The electrolyte solution is located in the containing region, and includes an organic solvent, a lithium salt and an additive. The additive includes a maleimide-based compound and a hydroxyl-containing species having a molecular weight less than 1000, and a content of the hydroxyl-containing species in the electrolyte solution ranges between 0.05 wt % and 5 wt %. The lithium battery and the fabrication method thereof can solve problems of water contained in the battery, and an environment with high dryness and low moisture content is unnecessary for fabrication, thereby reducing the production cost and enhancing the battery performance.

Abstract: An embodiment lithium-ion battery comprising a lithium-ion electrolyte of ethylene carbonate; ethyl methyl carbonate; and at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of trifluoroethyl butyrate, ethyl trifluoroacetate, trifluoroethyl acetate, methyl pentafluoropropionate, and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl propionate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In a method for operating a fuel cell system having recirculation blower arranged in a fuel cell circuit, fuel discharged from the anode exhaust is fed back to the inlet side of the fuel cell system via the recirculation blower. The direction of flow in the fuel return line is reversed in at least a portion of the return line, in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, an oxidant-gas supply passage, a compressor, a water injection device, a return passage, and a regulation valve. The fuel cell is to generate power utilizing an electrochemical reaction between oxidant gas and fuel gas. The oxidant gas flows toward the fuel cell through the oxidant-gas supply passage. The compressor is provided in the oxidant-gas supply passage. The compressor is capable of sucking and pressurizing the oxidant gas to discharge the oxidant gas toward the fuel cell. The water injection device is to inject water toward a suction port of the compressor. The return passage connects an upstream portion in the oxidant-gas supply passage upstream the compressor and a downstream portion in the oxidant-gas supply passage downstream the compressor to bypass the compressor. Opening of the regulation valve is adjustable. The regulation valve is provided in the return passage.

Abstract: At a start of a fuel cell, discharge of a generated water is ended at a proper timing. Supply of the reactive gas is started at a first flowrate. Then, in a case that the generated water retained by a reactive electrode is determined to outflow to an internal gas flow channel side among unit cells more than or equal to a preset determination cell number, the flowrate of the reactive gas is changed to a second flowrate that is smaller than the first flowrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed with a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the fuel cell stack including an external electrical circuit adapted to control current from the fuel cell stack, a sensor for measuring at least one of an environmental condition affecting the fuel cell stack and a characteristic of the fuel cell stack, wherein the sensor generates a sensor signal representing a measurement of the sensor, and a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and controlling an adaptive load applied to the external electrical circuit based upon the analysis of the sensor signal.

Abstract: An electricity storage system comprising a reversible fuel cell having a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an ionically conducting electrolyte, and at least two chambers adapted to hold fuel and/or a reaction product, wherein the system is substantially closed and at least one reactant for discharge is hydrogen or oxygen.

Abstract: A system for bleeding the anode side of first and second split fuel cell stacks in a fuel cell system that employs anode flow-shifting, where each split stack includes a bleed valve. The system determines that one or both of the bleed valves is stuck in an open position if there is flow through an orifice and a bleed has not been commanded. A shut-off valve is then used to provide the bleed if the cathode exhaust gas is able to dilute the hydrogen in the bled anode exhaust gas. An outlet valve between the first and second split stacks is used to bleed the anode exhaust gas if the cathode exhaust gas is not significant enough to dilute the hydrogen in the anode exhaust gas. If the first or second bleed valve is stuck in the closed position, then the outlet valve is used to provide the bleed.

Abstract: Mechanical stresses of the membrane of a fuel cell can be reduced by virtue of the fact that the supply of feed gas to a gas chamber of the fuel cell takes places, initially, by means of a first pressure increasing speed and then by means of a second pressure increasing speed. The first pressure increasing speed is slower than the second pressure increasing speed. Pressure surges are prevented in the membrane due to the lower pressure increasing speed in the first phase of the gas supply, and as a result, the life span of the membrane is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite separator for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a method for manufacturing the same. The inventive method involves allowing graphite foil layers to be brought into direct contact with each other when graphite foils are stacked on both sides of a carbon fiber reinforced composite material prepreg, thereby improving electrical conductivity in the thickness direction of the separator.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode having a first portion and a second portion, such that the first portion is located between the electrolyte and the second portion. The anode electrode comprises a cermet comprising a nickel containing phase and a ceramic phase. The first portion of the anode electrode contains a lower porosity and a lower ratio of the nickel containing phase to the ceramic phase than the second portion of the anode electrode.

Abstract: To provide an ionic electrolyte membrane structure that enables contact between the air pole and the fuel pole in which structure an edge face of the interface between an ion conducting layer and an ion non-conducting layer stands bare on a plane, an ionic electrolyte membrane structure which transmits ions only is made up of i) a substrate having a plurality of pores which have been made through the substrate in the thickness direction thereof and ii) a plurality of multi-layer membranes each comprising an ion conducting layer formed of an ion conductive material and an ion non-conducting layer formed of an ion non-conductive material which have alternately been formed in laminae a plurality of times on each inner wall surface of the pores of the substrate in such a way that the multi-layer membranes fill up the pores completely; the ions only being transmitted in the through direction by way of the multi-layer membranes provided on the inner wall surfaces of the pores.

Abstract: A Perovskite-like structure and its device applications are disclosed. One Perovskite-like structure disclosed includes a compound having an empirical chemical formula [A(ByC1-Y)Oz]x, where x, y, and z are numerical ranges. In select embodiments, A comprises one or more divalent metal ions, B comprises one or more monovalent metal ions, C comprises one or more pentavalent metal ions, O is oxygen; and wherein x?1, 0.1?y?0.9, 2.5?z?3, and wherein the net charge of A is +2, and the net charge Of (ByC1-y) is +4.

Abstract: A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.

Abstract: A coating including an oligomer is disclosed, the oligomer being the reaction product of an epoxy silane, a multifunctional (meth)acrylate; and a polymerizable fluorochemical. The polymerizable fluorochemical can be fluorinated (meth)acrylate or a polymerizable fluorinated urethane. Phototools having a layer of the coating on a substrate can be made. A method of making a printed assembly such as a printed circuit board is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating wave-shaped mask is disclosed. The method of fabricating wave-shaped mask comprises the steps of providing an elastomeric transparent substrate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, applying a stable force to the elastomeric transparent substrate for deforming the elastomeric transparent substrate, forming a light-penetrable thin film layer on the upper surface of the elastomeric transparent substrate, and removing the force applying to the elastomeric transparent substrate, whereby the upper surface of the elastomeric transparent substrate and the light-penetrable thin film layer are in a periodic wave shape and the lower surface of the elastomeric transparent substrate is in a plate shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of cleaning a substrate, comprising cleaning at least one surface of a substrate located in a liquid by injecting pressurized cleaning liquid containing bubbles or cleaning particles from a injection nozzle to at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and structures for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography are disclosed. A method includes determining a phase error correction for a defect in an EUV mask, determining an amplitude error correction for the EUV mask based on both the defect in the EUV mask and the phase error correction, and modifying the EUV mask with the determined phase error correction and the determined amplitude error correction.

Abstract: A charged particle beam drawing method according to an embodiment is a method including forming a first measurement pattern in a first measurement pattern area; in succession with processing of forming the first measurement pattern, forming a second measurement pattern in a second measurement pattern area located farthest from the first measurement pattern area in the same column as the first measurement pattern area; and in moving a charged particle beam from the second measurement pattern area to a third measurement pattern area located adjacent to the first measurement pattern area in the same column as the first and second measurement patterns to form a third measurement pattern, moving the charged particle beam to the third measurement pattern area while taking tiny shots approximately equivalent to a data resolution at the adjacent measurement pattern areas to be drawn in the same column one after another from the second measurement pattern.

Abstract: Reflection type blank masks are provided. The blank mask includes a substrate, a reflection layer substantially on the substrate, at least one fiducial mark substantially on the reflection layer, an absorption layer substantially on the at least one fiducial mark and the reflection layer, and a resist layer substantially on the absorption layer.

Abstract: A method for forming photomasks includes the following steps. A first photomask including a first target pattern and a first unprintable dummy pattern is provided. A second photomask including a second target pattern and a second printable dummy pattern are provided, wherein at least part of the second printable dummy pattern overlapping the first unprintable dummy pattern exposure limit, such that the second printable dummy pattern can not be printed in a wafer.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned birefringent product, comprising at least steps [1] to [3] in this order: [1] producing a birefringent pattern building material comprising at least one optically anisotropic layer, which is formed by a process including: coating and drying a composition containing at least one rod-like liquid crystalline compound having at least two reactive groups and at least one chiral agent to form a cholesteric liquid crystal phase; and then subjecting the cholesteric liquid crystal phase to heating or exposure to radiation to form the optically anisotropic layer containing a polymer fixed by polymerization and fixing; [2] subjecting the birefringent pattern building material to a patterned exposure to light; and, [3] baking a laminate obtained after the step [2] at 50° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.

Abstract: Provided are an electrophotographic photoconductor that satisfies sufficient wear resistance as well as various characteristics as a photoconductor, and that is little affected by harmful gas or the temperature and humidity environment, and a method for producing such an electrophotographic photoconductor. The electrophotographic photoconductor has at least a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate. The photosensitive layer contains a diadamantyl diester compound represented by Formula (I) (in Formula (I), R1, R2 and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkoxyl group, a C6-C20 aryl group or a heterocyclic group; l, m and n each represent an integer from 1 to 4; U and W represent a single bond or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkylene group; and V represents an OCO group or a COO group).

Abstract: Provided is a thiol group-containing charge transporting material represented by the following general formula (1): F-[(G)a1-(X)a2—Y—SH]b??(1) wherein F represents an organic group derived from a charge transporting compound, G represents a divalent organic group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, X represents a group selected from a —CO—O— group, an —O—CO— group, and an —O— group, Y represents a divalent organic group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a1 and a2 each independently represent 0 or 1, and b represents an integer of 1 or more and 6 or less.

Abstract: To provide an image forming method including conveying a toner by means of a toner supply device that supplies the toner from inside a toner housing container into a developer housing section of a developing device with the use of a screw pump, and forming an image on a recording medium by developing a latent image on a latent image bearing member to form a toner image with the use of a developer and by transferring the toner image to the recording medium by means of a transfer device, wherein the toner is formed by adding small particle size silica to toner base particles, and wherein when A represents the average degree of circularity of the toner, and B, expressed as percent by mass, represents the amount of the small particle size silica relative to the mass of the toner base particles, the expression ?18A+17.92?B??34A+33.96 is satisfied.

Abstract: A method for producing a toner, including ejecting a toner composition liquid containing at least a resin and a colorant periodically from a plurality of nozzles into a chamber using a vibration unit, so as to form droplets in a gas phase; and solidifying the droplets, wherein the droplets are transported by transport air flow selected from at least one of vertical downward air flow and rotational air flow, and the method can prevent toner particles from aggregation.

Abstract: A toner comprising a modified polyester resin containing a structure represented by Formula (1a) or (1b), wherein, in Formula (1a) and (1b), R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group, R2 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon which may be branched, or an aromatic hydrocarbon, and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group.

Abstract: Polymers and compositions for forming self-imageable films encompassing such polymers that encompass norbornene-type repeating unit having at least one phenolic functionality and maleic anhydride-type repeating unit, which can be formulated to be either positive tone imaging or negative tone imaging. The films formed thereby are useful as self-imageable layers in the manufacture of microelectronic, such as semiconductor, and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resist composition comprising at least: (A) a polymer containing one or more repeating units having a structure shown by the following general formula (1) and/or (2), an alkaline-solubility of the polymer being increased by an acid, (B) a photo acid generator generating, with responding to a high energy beam, a sulfonic acid shown by the following general formula (3), and (C) an onium sulfonate shown by the following general formula (4). There can be a resist composition showing not only excellent LWR and pattern profile but also extremely good performance in pattern-fall resistance, and to provide a patterning process using the same.

Abstract: To provide a resist pattern improving material, containing: water; and benzalkonium chloride represented by the following general formula (1): where n is an integer of 8 to 18.

Abstract: A cyclic compound represented by formula (1): wherein L, R1, R?, and m are as defined in the specification. The cyclic compound of formula (1) is highly soluble to a safety solvent, highly sensitive, and capable of forming resist patterns with good profile. Therefore, the cyclic compound is useful as a component of a radiation-sensitive composition.

Abstract: A system and method for forming encoded microparticles is described. One embodiment includes a method for forming a microparticle, the method comprising providing a pattern, wherein the pattern defines a code element, printing the pattern on a substrate to form a first code element within a microparticle region, printing the pattern on the substrate to form at least one successive code element, such that the first code element and the at least one successive code element are within the same microparticle region, wherein a code is formed by the first code element and any successive code elements.

Abstract: Topcoat layer compositions are provided that are applied above a photoresist composition. The compositions find particular applicability to immersion lithography processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic antireflective film composition which includes a monomer containing two or more thiol groups and a monomer containing two or more vinyl groups, as crosslinking agents. When the organic antireflective film composition is used, an antireflective film formed from the composition can be rapidly etched in an ultrafine pattern forming process, and the curing rate can be increased, while the etching rate is increased, without using an acid generator and a curing agent or by using the agents only in small amounts.

Abstract: A flexographic printing sleeve or plate is made by a method that includes providing a millable polyurethane, crosslinking the millable polyurethane, and forming a relief by at least laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. For example, crosslinking may be accomplished by a peroxide-based process or by a vulcanization process using sulfur. A relief in one example is formed by extruding the millable polyurethane, thermally crosslinking the polyurethane after the extrusion step and laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. A printing article is formed into the shape of a flat printing plate or a continuous in-the-round printing sleeve.

Abstract: A method for forming wires with a narrow spacing is provided. The method includes the steps of: sequentially forming a first metal layer and a protective layer on a substrate; using a first photomask to pattern the first metal layer and the protective layer, so as to form a first metal line and a patterned protective layer thereon; forming a second metal layer on the substrate and the patterned protective layer; using a second photomask to pattern the second metal layer, so as to form a second metal line adjacent to the first metal line; and removing the patterned protective layer on the first metal line. According to the method, the wires can be located at the same layer with a narrow spacing, thereby avoiding a problem that the wires are easily broken.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical orientation film is disclosed, the method being able to realize highly accurate exposure in a pattern, even if a simple device and non-parallel light are used and a long continuous resin substrate is used and fed continuously. The method for producing the optical orientation film includes the steps of: (i) preparing an irradiation target substrate and a long continuous photomask (ii) feeding the irradiation target substrate continuously; (iii) feeding the photomask continuously; (iv) producing a laminate by laminating the photomask fed in step (iii) on an orientation layer of the irradiation target substrate fed in step (ii); (v) exposing the orientation layer in the pattern by irradiating with light, while feeding the laminate obtained in step (iv) in the longitudinal direction of the laminate; and (vi) removing the photomask from the laminate irradiated in step (v).

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to the use 1002F to build microdevices and biomedical devices. Through the addition of a photosensitizing agent, Epon epoxy resin 1002F can be linked in the presence of UV light, making it useful as a photoresist or as a micropatternable structural material. One embodiment comprises combining 1002F monomer resin with a solvent and a photoinitiator, placing the monomer solution on a surface, exposing the monomer solution to UV light through a mask to initiate linking, and stripping the unlinked polymer away. In another embodiment, 3-D structures are built using two or more layers of sensitized monomer films, each having different sensitivity to light, and the use of a mask containing opaque and semi-opaque regions.

Abstract: It is provided an improved aqueous solution for the preservation of tissues and organs comprising carvedilol, tacrolimus, and trimetazidine. A synergistic effect is observed for this preservation solution which is particularly effective in marginal organs, such as steatotic livers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence having a substantial amount of sequence identity to the entire length of the polynucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or its complementary strand (SEQ ID NO: 2), the sequence is derived from RT domain of HBV polymerase gene. The present invention also provides a polypeptide and related compositions, as well as methods for using the same.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting the presence of replication-competent HIV-1 virus in a subject who is being treated with an intensified highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. These methods comprise selecting a subject who is being treated with an intensified HAART regimen including an integration inhibitor; obtaining a sample, e.g., a blood sample, from a subject; specifically amplifying a segment spanning two-long terminal repeat (2-LTR) junction of 2-LTR circles using PCR to determine the level of 2-LTR circles in the sample; and determining the presence of replication competent virus based on the level of 2-LTR circles in the sample. These methods can also be used to monitor an intensified HAART regimen by obtaining samples from the same subject at different time points during the HAART treatment, and comparing levels of the 2-LTR circles in those samples.

Abstract: This invention provides RNA, oligoribonucleotide, and polyribonucleotide molecules comprising pseudouridine or a modified nucleoside, gene therapy vectors comprising same, methods of synthesizing same, and methods for gene replacement, gene therapy, gene transcription silencing, and the delivery of therapeutic proteins to tissue in vivo, comprising the molecules. The present invention also provides methods of reducing the immunogenicity of RNA, oligoribonucleotide, and polyribonucleotide molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for screening for binding interactions using multiple sets of microparticles, wherein said set has the same identifiable characteristic and wherein one of more sets comprise subsets of microparticles and said subset presents at least one unique probe that acts as a binding partner for a target molecule in a biological sample. In particular, the invention provides for methods of detecting tissue-typing antigens in donor tissue or recipient tissue using these multiple sets of microparticles.

Abstract: Methods of trapping a deformed portion of a double-stranded polynucleotide in a membrane nanopassage are provided. In an aspect, the membrane has a nanopassage that defines a confine region, wherein the membrane separates a first fluid compartment from a second fluid compartment, and the nanopassage is in fluid communication with the first and second compartments. A polynucleotide is provided to the first fluid compartment and optionally a threshold voltage for the membrane and the polynucleotide is determined. A driving voltage across the membrane that is greater than the threshold voltage is applied to force a portion of the polynucleotide sequence into the nanopassage confine region, and decreased to a holding voltage bias to trap the polynucleotide portion in the nanopassage confine region. In particular, at least one nucleotide base-pair is fixably positioned in the nanopassage confine volume. In further embodiments, any of the trapping methods are used to characterize or sequence double stranded DNA.