Abstract: An image forming apparatus having first and second basic cells each containing a predetermined number of cells in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and disposed adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction, a gradation processing portion arranged to perform a gradation expressing process for each basic cell in accordance with a density of a supplied image and a dot forming portion capable of forming dots on a recording medium to correspond to each pixel subjected to the gradation expressing process by the gradation processing portion. The gradation processing portion performs the gradation expressing process in such a manner that enlargement of dots in the first and second basic cells adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction is inhibited in the sub-scanning direction until the dots are enlarged and connected to each other in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: In a substrate conveying system, the temperature adjustment for a substrate is performed by use of a temperature adjusting plate which is provided at a substrate transfer station where a substrate can be transferred from or to an outside structure, by which the substrate temperature adjustment can be accomplished without a decrease of a processing speed of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and without deposition of contaminations.

Abstract: A novel megakaryocyte differentiation factor, for example, consisting essentially of SEQ ID NO: 30; DNA coding for the megakaryocyte differentiation factor, an expression vector comprising the DNA, a host transformed with the expression vector, and a process for production of the megakaryocyte differentiation factor using the host.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor provided with a magnet (52) and a magnetic detecting element (53) comprising a detection shaft (38a), a detection disc (59a) which is fixed to the detection shaft, a magnetic piece (59b) which is fixed to the outer circumference edge of the detection disc, a yoke (59c) which is disposed to hold the magnetic piece in a predetermined shaped gap, and the magnet and the magnetic detecting element both fixed to the yoke. The sensor is used for a drive force auxiliary device which combines a human power drive force and a motor drive force. The drive force auxiliary device comprises a torque sensor (30), a vehicle speed detecting means (40) for detecting a running speed of the drive force auxiliary device, and an auxiliary power means using a motor (M). The vehicle speed detecting means (40) detects a running speed by virtue of the drive force auxiliary device based on a rotation position signal obtained from a rotor rotation position detector.

Abstract: A novel megakaryocyte differentiation factor, for example, consisting essentially of SEQ ID NO: 30; DNA coding for the megakaryocyte differentiation factor, an expression vector comprising the DNA, a host transformed with the expression vector, and a process for production of the megakaryocyte differentiation factor using the host.The megakaryocyte differentiation factor accelerates differentiation of megakaryocytes in the presence of IL-3, and acts as a thrombopoietin, and therefore an effective medicament to various diseases involving a decrease in platelete.

Abstract: A novel megakaryocyte differentiation factor, for example, consisting essentially of SEQ ID NO: 30; DNA coding for the megakaryocyte differentiation factor, an expression vector comprising the DNA, a host transformed with the expression vector, and a process for production of the megakaryocyte differentiation factor using the host. The megakaryocyte differentiation factor accelerates differentiation of megakaryocytes in the presence of IL-3, and acts as a thrombopoietin, and therefore an effective medicament to various diseases involving a decrease in platelete.

Abstract: A driving force auxiliary device for combining a manpower drive force and a motor drive force comprises a manpower drive unit, an auxiliary power drive unit, and a leg power detecting means, wherein the manpower drive unit has a first one-way clutch and an elastic body 16 for transmitting a turning force disposed on a crank shaft to transmit a manpower drive force to an output, gear 17, a motor drive force of the auxiliary power drive unit is added to the manpower drive means at the outer periphery of the crank shaft via a second one-way clutch, and the leg power detecting unit includes first and second rotor members 31, 32 disposed at the front and rear of the elastic body 16, a pair of bevel gears 33, 34 which is interconnected with the first and second rotor members 31, 32 respectively, a bevel gear 35 is disposed to be engaged between the bevel gears 33, 34, an output shaft 37 which is fixed with and intersected at right angles with a supporting shaft 36 for supporting the bevel gear 35, and a sensor 38 c

Abstract: The present invention provides novel megakaryocyte differentiation factors, which are useful as therapeutic agents due to their accelerating effects on the differentiation of megakaryocytes and their thrombopoietic effects. The megakaryocyte differentiation factors of the present invention include the megakaryocyte differentiation factor having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 34. The present invention also provides DNA coding for the megakaryocyte differentiation factors of the present invention, expression vectors containing the DNA, hosts transformed with the expression vectors, and processes for production of the megakaryocyte differentiation factors using transformed hosts. The present invention further provides specific antibodies to the megakaryocyte differentiation factors of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize a specific structural portion of cardiac glycoside.The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention recognize an integrated structure in the steroid structure of cardiac glycoside or its aglycon comprising: a D-ring bonded in the cis-configuration with respect a C-ring; a methyl group bonded in the .beta.-configuration at the C13 position; a hydroxyl group bonded in the .beta.-configuration at the C14 position; and, an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated lactone group bonded in the .beta.-configuration at the C17 position. This structure is common to cardiac glycoside substances that inhibit potassium ion concentration antagonist type Na.sup.+,K.sup.+ -ATPase.

Abstract: The metastasis of cells, which express a glycoprotein of human carcinoembryonic antigen on the cells surfaces, is inhibited in a living organ by administering, in advance, to a subject, a monoclonal antibody which binds a peptide which comprises at least the peptide sequence of domain N in the glycoprotein of human carcinoembryonic antigen.

Abstract: A container for containing therein a plate-like article, such as a reticle, includes a bottom member having a holding portion for holding the article in a substantially laid-down state; an upper member to be mated with the bottom member to define a space above the upper surface of the article; a pressing member for resiliently pressing in the space the article against the holding portion; and a fixing portion having an engaging member being supported by the upper member and being engageable with an end portion of the bottom member. The engaging member is effective to prevent upward opening motion of the upper member due to a reaction force of the pressing member. In addition, a releasing portion is partially projectable into the fixing portion to press the same in the same direction as the direction of the opening motion of the upper member to thereby release the engaging member.

Abstract: An ion source for producing wide, large area type ion beams with a mass-separation device. Four, five six or so electrode plates with ion holes at the same positions are installed at the outlet of the ion source. Second or third one of the electrodes has Wien filters at the ion holes. The Wien filter has permanent magnets and electrodes for producing a magnetic field and an electric field perpendicular to the axial direction of the ion holes. Ion beams which have not been accelerated so fast are separated by mass by the Wien filter. Low kinetic energy of ions alleviates the strength of the magnetic field and the electric field. Wide, large area type ion beams without impurities are obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human TNF derivative with a reduced tendency to cause adverse side effects that is obtained by replacing the 31st and 32nd arginine residues from the N-terminal of the amino acid sequence of human TNF, which has a potential for causing serious adverse effects, with asparagine residue and threoine residue, respectively, as well as a method of preparing the same utilizing recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: A rotary voice coil motor for positioning a recording head or the like. Fixed magnets are provided opposite a pivotable flat coil. The fixed magnets have magnetic members placed at positions corresponding to large magnetic flux on the coil. The magnetic members absorb some of the magnetic field flux so as to cause a more constant torque to be applied to the coil throughout its arcuate path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DNA fragment comprising a base sequence coding for a peptide occurring in human atrium cordis and having diuretic action or a precursor of the peptide, plasmids containing the DNA fragment, microorganisms transformed with the plasmid, and a process for production of the peptide using the transformant.Also disclosed is a new peptide consisting of 126 amino acids occurring in human atrium cordis and a precursor thereof. The peptide has notable diuretic action and hypotensive or antihypertensive actions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human TNF derivative with a reduced tendency to cause adverse side effects that is obtained by replacing the 31st and 32nd arginine residues from the N-terminal of the amino acid sequence of human TNF, which has a potential for causing serious adverse effects, with asparagine residue and threoine residue, respectively, as well as a method of preparing the same utilizing recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: A device for detecting a position of an edge of a disk-like workpiece having an outer periphery whose shape includes a portion bearing positional information related to the workpiece, the device including a system for rotationally moving the workpiece; an illuminating system; and a photodetecting system; wherein the illuminating system and the photodetecting system are disposed so as to sandwich therebetween an outer peripheral portion of the workpiece when it is rotationally moved by the moving system and wherein the illuminating system projects, toward the photodetecting system, a light beam having an elongated shape in cross-section.

Abstract: A device for positioning a disk-like workpiece, the device having a system for detecting a change in position of an edge of the workpiece, the detecting system producing a signal; a system for selecting a portion of the signal produced by said detecting means, which portion contains desired positional information, the selecting means producing a signal; and a positioning system for rotating the workpiece on the basis of the signal produced by the selecting system, to thereby position the workpiece.

Abstract: A dust-proof container for keeping therein a mask or reticle usable to transfer a pattern onto a semiconductor wafer for the manufacture of integrated circuits, is disclosed. The container includes a casing within which supporting pins for supporting the mask or reticle are formed. Also, in the casing, there are provided leaf springs for pressing the mask or reticle toward the supporting pins, and a releasing mechanism for releasing the reticle pressing force of the leaf springs. The releasing mechanism is responsive to a non-mechanical signal such as an electric signal to release the reticle pressing force. A shape memory alloy may be usable in the releasing mechanism. An opening/closing mechanism is provided to open/close a door which is operable to cover an opening formed in the casing for the insertion and extraction of the mask or reticle. A shape memory alloy may be used in the opening/closing mechanism.

Abstract: A dust-tight container suitably usable in the manufacture of semiconductor microcircuits, for keeping therein a plate-like member such as a reticle, a photomask or a wafer is disclosed. The container has an elastomeric sealing member which is provided along an engaging portion between a container casing and a cover or door of the container, to achieve sufficiently complete dust-tight property of the container to thereby effectively prevent dust or foreign particles from entering into the container. At an engaging portion between the door and the container casing, a protrusion and a recess which mate at the time of closing of the door are provided. These mating protrusion and recess are formed at positions which are on the inner side of the elastomeric sealing member. This effectively prevents particles, adhered to the sealing member and scattering at the time of opening/closing of the door, from entering into the container.