Abstract: A technique to prevent peeling of deposits formed on the surface of the inner walls of the thin-film formation apparatus and the members inside the apparatus and to suppress particle production without contamination of the inside of the apparatus. A member for a thin-film formation apparatus having inner walls and a method for manufacturing the member is provided. A plurality of unevenness is provided on at least a portion of the surface of the member and the inner walls on which unnecessary thin films are deposited. The surfaces are subjected to masking, and then, etching processing to form the plurality of unevenness. After the etching processing the masking is removed.

Abstract: &bgr;-Amino-&agr;-hydroxycarboxylic acid derivatives represented by the following formula and salts thereof which are useful as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors: The compounds are effective for treating a patient suffering from AIDS and AIDS related diseases.

Abstract: A novel purine derivative exhibiting an effect to control inflammatory symptoms characteristic to nephritis and a medicine comprising this compound as an effective ingredient are provided. The compound is represented by the following general formula (I), wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon group having 17 or less carbon atoms and R2 is a hydrocarbon group having 16 or less carbon atoms, wherein one or more CH2 g roups in the hydrocarbon group which 7013 do not directly bind with the carbon atom at 2 or 7 position of the purine ring replaced are by carbonyl groups, sulfonyl groups, O, or S and/or one or more CH groups in the hydrocarbon group which do not directly bind with the carbon atom at 2 or 7 position of the purine ring are replaced by N, C-halogen, or C—C≡N, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the etch pit density (EPD) and the full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) value of the double crystal X-ray rocking curve, and to provide a CdTe crystal or a CdZnTe crystal which does not include deposits having Cd or Te and the process for producing the same. After a CdTe crystal or a CdZnTe crystal was grown, while the temperature of the crystal is from 700 to 1050° C., the Cd pressure is adjusted so as to keep the stoichiometry of the crystal at the above temperature. The crystal is left for time t which is determined so that each of a diameter L(r) of the crystal and a length L(z) thereof satisfies the following equation 1: {L(r),(L(z))}/2<{4exp(−1.15/kT)×t}½. Then, when the crystal is cooled, the temperature of the crystal is decreased within a range in which the temperature of the crystal and that of a Cd reservoir satisfy the following equation 2: −288+1.68×TCd<TCdTe<402+0.76×TCd.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises at least a germanium (Ge) substrate, buffer layers formed on the germanium substrate, a first InxGa1-xAs layer of first conductivity type formed on the buffer layers, and a second InxGa1-xAs layer of second conductivity type formed on the first InxGa1-xAs layer to form pn junction. Because the composition x of In contained in the first InxGa1-xAs layer and the second InxGa1-xAs layer is in a range of 0.005≦x≦0.015, the inexpensive and high conversion efficiency solar cell can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber process oil in which the content of polycyclic aromatics (PCAs) as determined by the IP 346 method is less than 3% by mass and which is rich in aromatic hydrocarbons, and a method for producing the same. The aniline point of the rubber process oil is 80° C. or less, and the %CA value as determined by ring analysis according to the Kurtz method is from 20 to 50%. The rubber process oil is produced by using extraction of lube oil fraction with a solvent having a selective affinity for aromatics. The extraction conditions are determined so that the extraction yield is regulated to a predetermined requirement defined by the PCAs content of the lube oil fraction. Alternatively, the extract is cooled to further separate into the extract and the raffinate, and the second raffinate is used for the rubber process oil.

Abstract: A novel tripeptide compound represented by the following general formula (I) exhibiting superior HIV protease inhibition activity, and an anti-AIDS medicine comprising this compound as an effective component and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. (R)-N-(2-methylbenzyl)-3-{(2S,3S)-3-[N-(2-chromonecarbonyl)-L-asparaginyl]amino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoyl}-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-thiazolidine-4-carboxamide can be given as a typical example of this compound.

Abstract: There is provided a high-purity ruthenium sputtering target with a low impurity content, in particular producing extremely few particles, which is suitable for applications such as the formation of semiconductor thin films. The high-purity ruthenium sputtering target is manufactured by feeding crude ruthenium powder into a sodium hydroxide solution; blowing an ozone-containing gas while or after blowing chlorine gas into the solution to form ruthenium tetroxide; absorbing the ruthenium tetroxide in a hydrochloric acid solution or a mixed solution of hydrochloric acid and ammonium chloride, and evaporating the solution to dryness; sintering the resultant ruthenium salt in a hydrogen atmosphere to form high-purity ruthenium powder; and hot-pressing the ruthenium powder into a sputtering target.

Abstract: A method is provided for elevating the stability of peptides containing the sequence -Asp-Gly- or -Asn-Gly- by preventing these sequences from changing into succinimide compounds or &bgr;-transition compounds. The method comprises adding an organic acid to a solution of peptides containing these sequences to bring the pH value of the solution to a pH of between 5 and 6.5 followed by freeze-drying. In one embodiment, sucrose or mannitol is added together with the organic acid. Freeze-dried medicinal compositions obtained by using the method have excellent stability. In one embodiment of the invention, compositions produced by the method are provided and comprise hirudin or hirudin variants.

Abstract: Mn alloy materials for magnetic materials contain 500 ppm or less, preferably 100 ppm or less, oxygen, 100 ppm or less, probably 20 ppm or less, sulfur, and preferably a total of 1000 ppm or less, more preferably 500 ppm or less, impurities (elements other than Mn and the alloying component). The alloying component that forms an alloy with Mn is one or two or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ir, Pt, pd, Rh, Ru, Ni, Cr and Co. Sputtering targets formed from the Mn alloy materials for use in depositing magnetic thin film, and the thin films so produced.

Abstract: An Ni—Fe alloy material suitable for forming a ferromagnetic Ni—Fe alloy thin film is provided. The magnetic thin film produces a small number of particles during sputtering, and excels in corrosion resistance and magnetic properties. A method of manufacturing an Ni—Fe alloy sputtering target used to make the thin film is also provided. In addition, an Ni—Fe alloy sputtering target for forming magnetic thin films is provided. The sputtering target is characterized in that it has: an oxygen content of 50 ppm or less; an S content of 10 ppm or less; a carbon content of 50 ppm or less, and a total content of metal impurities other than the alloy components of 50 ppm or less. Such an Ni—Fe alloy target can be produced by melting and alloying high-purity materials obtained by dissolving the raw materials in hydrochloric acid, and performing ion exchange, activated-charcoal treatment, and electrolytic refining.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber process oil in which the content of polycyclic aromatics (PCAs) as determined by the IP 346 method is less than 3% by mass and which is rich In aromatic hydrocarbons, and a method for producing the same. The aniline point of the rubber process oil is 80° C. or less, and the % CA value as determined by ring analysis according to the Kurtz method is from 20 to 50%. The rubber process oil is produced by using extraction of lube oil fraction with a solvent having a selective affinity for aromatics. The extraction conditions are determined so that the extraction yield is regulated to a predetermined requirement defined by the PCAs content of the lube oil fraction. Alternatively, the extract is cooled to further separate into the extract and the raffinate, and the second raffinate is used for the rubber process oil.

Abstract: A target material for sputtering composed of a perovskite type composite oxide sintered body of the general formula BaxSr1−xTiO3−y (where 0≦x<1 and 0≦y<0.5), in which the content of each element in the group consisting of Na, K, Mg, Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, and Al is 1 ppm or less and the content of each element of U and Th is 1 ppb or less. A thin film of BaxSr1−xTiO3 deposited by use of the target material exhibits outstanding dielectric properties, reduces the leakage current that has been a problem in the art, and prevents software error. The invention also provides a sputtering target of a sintered body having a relative density of 97% or more and an average grain diameter of 3 &mgr;m or less. It permits the manufacture of thin films with few particle defects and enhanced mechanical strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic methodology to produce novel dipeptide compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which exhibit excellent HIV protease inhibitory activity and excellent bioavailability from digestive tracts. Methods of using the dipeptide compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof also are provided.

Abstract: An aluminum salt solution and an alkali aluminate solution are subjected to a neutralization reaction to precipitate and form a pseudo-boehmite powder. The neutralization reaction is performed under a condition in which the reaction temperature is within a range of 55 to 71° C., pH is within a range of 8.5 to 9.5, and the solution feed time is within a range of 7 to 25 minutes. The obtained pseudo-boehmite is as follows. That is, the pore volume concerning pores having a pore diameter ranging from 20 to 600 Å is within a range of 0.8 to 1.8 cc/g as measured by the nitrogen adsorption method, and the maximum value of variation ratio dV/dD of the pore volume with respect to the pore diameter as measured by the BJH method is not more than 0.018 cc/g•Å. When the pseudo-boehmite is used, it is possible to produce a catalyst carrier for hydrogenation refining, which has a sharp pore diameter distribution and which suffers less decrease in strength upon impregnation with a catalyst solution.

Abstract: A method for preventing formation of a "bridge" is provided for electrolessly plated nickel or gold between copper patterns. A circuit board having a copper pattern is immersed in a pretreatment solution containing thiosulfate for electroless nickel plating, or the pretreatment solution is sprayed over the board. The pretreatment solution may be incorporated with an additive, such as a pH adjustor, complexing agent, surfactant or corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: The surface roughness of a sputtering target is controlled and the amount of residual contaminants, the hydrogen content, and the thickness of a surface damage layer are reduced, in order to homogenize the thickness of a film formed on a substrate by sputtering and prevent and suppress nodule production to reduce particle production during sputtering. A sputtering target with the surface roughness (Ra) not more than 1.0 .mu.m, the total amount of contaminants, metal elements with a high melting point other than the major component and alloy components and Si, Al, Co, Ni, and B, not more that 500 ppm, the hydrogen content of the surface not more than 50 ppm, and the thickness of a surface damage layer not more than 50 .mu.m is provided, which is manufactured by precision machining, preferably, with the use of a diamond turning tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaped solid acid catalyst for the isomerization of hydrocarbons and so on, which has a high activity and is excellent in strength and easily handleable, and processes for the preparation thereof. This catalyst comprises a support comprising zirconia having a tetragonal form and alumina, and a sulfureous component and, if necessary, a Group 8, 9 or 10 metal component, both being supported on the support, and has a specific surface area of 150 m.sup.2 /g or above. The catalyst can be prepared by kneading aluminum hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide and a sulfureous compound, shaping the kneaded mixture, calcining the shaped material at such a temperature as to form tetragonal zirconia and, if necessary, supporting a Group 8, 9 or 10 metal component on the calcinedmaterial and calcining the resulting molding at 300 to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ITO sputtering target and a method of cleaning the target. ITO ground powder which is deposited on a surface of the target requires removal to increase the cleanness of the target surface. This prevents the production of nodules caused by sputtering in order to restrain abnormal discharge and prevent the production of particles. Particles deposited on a sputtered surface of an ITO sintered target are removed by subjecting the sputtered surface to multiple-oscillation ultrasonic washing, or alternatively, by sticking an adhesive tape to the sputtered surface, sufficiently rubbing the tape against the surface, and then peeling the tape off the surface. Both methods result in 400 or fewer deposited particles of 0.2 .mu.m or more average particle diameter being present in a 100 .mu.m.times.100 .mu.m area of the sputtered surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a refrigerator oil, a working fluid for a refrigerator, and a method for lubricating a refrigeration system, which can inhibit the creation of deposits attributable to metal working oils remaining within a refrigeration system. The refrigerator oil contains: a polyhydric alcohol ester compound as a lube base oil, and 0.5 to 4.5% by weight of at least one polyoxyalkylene compound. The working fluid for a refrigerator, containing: the above refrigerator oil, and a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant. A method for lubricating a refrigeration system contaminated with metal working oils, containing a component sparingly soluble in the polyhydric alcohol ester compound or the hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant, or metal working oils, containing a component highly reactive with the polyhydric alcohol ester compound or the hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant, remaining therein, wherein the above working fluid for a refrigerator is used as a working fluid.