Abstract: The present invention provides an optical multiplexer that includes waveguides forming an asymmetric shape with respect to the light traveling direction and can work as designed even when it is obtained through a heat treatment. The optical multiplexer includes at least three input optical waveguides, at least two directional couplers, and at least one output optical waveguide such that the waveguides including the input optical waveguides form an asymmetric shape with respect to a light traveling direction. The optical multiplexer further includes at least one dummy waveguide that is in a horizontally flipped shape of a waveguide located asymmetrically with respect to a center line of the directional couplers or a Mach-Zehnder interferometer composed of a combination of two of the directional couplers. Thus, a waveguide in a light coupling section of each of the directional couplers is prevented from falling inward.

Abstract: An agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions, containing a water-swellable layered silicate having a fluorine atom and a hydroxyl group, wherein the fluorine atom is covalently bonded to the silicate by isomorphous substitution with the hydroxyl group. A method of searching for protein crystallization conditions, which comprises a step of mixing the agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions described above and a solution in which a protein is dissolved.

Abstract: An agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions, containing a water-swellable layered silicate having a fluorine atom and a hydroxyl group, wherein the fluorine atom is covalently bonded to the silicate by isomorphous substitution with the hydroxyl group. A method of searching for protein crystallization conditions, which comprises a step of mixing the agent for searching for protein crystallization conditions described above and a solution in which a protein is dissolved.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a composition and a method for the diagnosis and/or the treatment of a CSABP-related disease, the regulation of the proliferation of an RNA virus and the regulation of an RNA-metabolizing system, which targets a cyclosporin A-binding protein (CSABP); a method for the screening of a component that targets a CSABP; a composition and a method for the detection/inhibition of CsA, NS5B or cyclosphilin B by utilizing a CSABP; a promoter for a CSABP; a method for the screening of a substance capable of regulating the expression of a CSABP by utilizing the promoter; and a method for the determination of the occurrence or clinical stage of a CSABP-related disease.