Abstract: Novel synthetic glycosphingolipids and pharmaceutical compositions containing such synthetic glycosphingolipids are described. Methods of making the novel synthetic glycosphingolipid compounds and compositions as well as their use in the field of neuroprotection and cancer treatment is also described.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing an unfixed toner image by heating and pressurizing a recording material by which the unfixed toner image is carried includes a heating member having a heat source, a pressurizing member that faces the heating member and that forms a fixing nip region between the heating member and the pressuring member, a belt member that circulates while being tensioned around the heating member and is able to transport the recording material while in contact with a surface of the unfixed toner image of the recording material, and a belt driving device that temporarily stops or decelerates the belt member after a rear edge of the recording material passes through the fixing nip region, and that restores the belt member before a leading edge of a subsequent recording material reaches the fixing nip region.