Abstract: This invention is intended to enhance and improve the resistance of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprising a base sequence of a functional nucleic acid to degradation by nucleolytic enzymes in a simple and cost-effective manner. The single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprises, ligated to at least one end thereof, hairpin-shaped DNA comprising: (A) a nucleic acid region comprising 2 to 5 arbitrary nucleotides; (B) a nucleic acid region comprising a “gna” or “gnna” base sequence, wherein each “n” represents “g”, “t”, “a”, or “c”, a base analogue, or a modified base; and (C) a nucleic acid region comprising a base sequence complementary to the nucleic acid region (A), sequentially from the 5? end toward the 3? end.

Abstract: This invention is intended to enhance and improve the resistance of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprising a base sequence of a functional nucleic acid to degradation by nucleolytic enzymes in a simple and cost-effective manner. The single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprises, ligated to at least one end thereof, hairpin-shaped DNA comprising: (A) a nucleic acid region comprising 2 to 5 arbitrary nucleotides; (B) a nucleic acid region comprising a “gna” or “gnna” base sequence, wherein each “n” represents “g”, “t”, “a”, or “c”, a base analogue, or a modified base; and (C) a nucleic acid region comprising a base sequence complementary to the nucleic acid region (A), sequentially from the 5? end toward the 3? end.

Abstract: This invention is intended to enhance and improve the resistance of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprising a base sequence of a functional nucleic acid to degradation by nucleolytic enzymes in a simple and cost-effective manner. The single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprises, ligated to at least one 3? end thereof, a hairpin-shaped DNA comprising: (A) a nucleic acid region consisting of 2 to 5 arbitrary nucleotides; (B) a nucleic acid region consisting of a “gna” or “gnna” base sequence, wherein each “n” represents “g”, “t”, “a”, or “c”, a base analogue, or a modified base; and (C) a nucleic acid region consisting of a base sequence complementary to the nucleic acid region (A), sequentially ligated from the 5? end toward the 3? end, wherein at least one of two 3? terminal nucleotides from at least one 3? end of the single-stranded nucleic acid fragment or the double-stranded nucleic acid fragment is modified.

Abstract: This invention is intended to enhance and improve the resistance of a single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprising a base sequence of a functional nucleic acid to degradation by nucleolytic enzymes in a simple and cost-effective manner. The single- or double-stranded nucleic acid fragment comprises, ligated to at least one end thereof, hairpin-shaped DNA comprising: (A) a nucleic acid region comprising 2 to 5 arbitrary nucleotides; (B) a nucleic acid region comprising a “gna” or “gnna” base sequence, wherein each “n” represents “g”, “t”, “a”, or “c”, a base analogue, or a modified base; and (C) a nucleic acid region comprising a base sequence complementary to the nucleic acid region (A), sequentially from the 5? end toward the 3? end.

Abstract: A solder which can form a soldered joint of good bonding strength on a Ni layer containing a small amount of P formed from electroless Ni plating with a P-containing plating solution comprises 60–64 mass % of Sn, 0.002–0.01 mass % of P, 0.04–0.3 mass % of Cu, and a remainder of Pb. The solder is particularly suitable for forming a solder bump on a Cu electrode which has been coated with Ni by electroless plating.

Abstract: Electroporation electrodes are laminated to a permeable membrane to form an electrode membrane. Such an electrode membrane is useful for a continuous controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent through the skin or mucosa, when placed in direct contact with the skin or mucosa and by application of electric field pulses at specified intervals. An electrode membrane can be assembled such that it incorporates an iontophoretic electrode in the same device. This device can be jointly utilized for electroporation and iontophoretic drug delivery through the skin and mucosal membrane.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a maxizyme that can bind to a target mRNA regardless of its conformation, and can effectively cleave the mRNA. The present invention provides a maxizyme which binds to a molecule having helicase activity.

Abstract: Electroporation electrodes are laminated to a permeable membrane to form an electrode membrane. Such an electrode membrane is useful for a continuous controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent through the skin or mucosa, when placed in direct contact with the skin or mucosa and by application of electric field pulses at specified intervals. An electrode membrane can be assembled such that it incorporates an iontophoretic electrode in the same device. This device can be jointly utilized for electroporation and iontophoretic drug delivery through the skin and mucosal membrane.

Abstract: A solder which can form a soldered joint of good bonding strength on a Ni layer containing a small amount of P formed from electroless Ni plating with a P-containing plating solution comprises 60-64 mass % of Sn, 0.002-0.01 mass % of P, 0.04-0.3 mass % of Cu, and a remainder of Pb. The solder is particularly suitable for forming a solder bump on a Cu electrode which has been coated with Ni by electroless plating.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful in inhibiting integrin-associated diseases are provided. The compositions contain a polypeptide having one or more D-amino acids that inhibit integrin binding to its associated binding polypeptide. The compositions include retro-inverso polypeptides.

Abstract: Electroporation electrodes are laminated to a permeable membrane to form an electrode membrane. Such an electrode membrane is useful for a continuous controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent through the skin or mucosa, when placed in direct contact with the skin or mucosa and by application of electric field pulses at specified intervals. An electrode membrane can be assembled such that it incorporates an iontophoretic electrode in the same device. This device can be jointly utilized for electroporation and iontophoretic drug delivery through the skin and mucosal membrane.

Abstract: Electroporation electrodes are laminated to a permeable membrane to form an electrode membrane. Such an electrode membrane is useful for a continuous controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent through the skin or mucosa, when placed in direct contact with the skin or mucosa and by application of electric field pulses at specified intervals. An electrode membrane can be assembled such that it incorporates an iontophoretic electrode in the same device. This device can be jointly utilized for electroporation and iontophoretic drug delivery through the skin and mucosal membrane.

Abstract: The invention features antisense oligonucleotide molecules that specifically bind polynucleotides encoding IL-15. The present invention provides antisense oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting IL-15 expression, and methods of use thereof to reduce activity of IL-15 in tissues in order to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic liver disease, ulcerative colitis and cell proliferative disorders.

Abstract: Electroporation electrodes are laminated to a permeable membrane to form an electrode membrane. Such an electrode membrane is useful for a continuous controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent through the skin or mucosa, when placed in direct contact with the skin or mucosa and by application of electric field pulses at specified intervals. An electrode membrane can be assembled such that it incorporates an iontophoretic electrode in the same device. This device can be jointly utilized for electroporation and iontophoretic drug delivery through the skin and mucosal membrane.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides conjugated to carbohydrates and methods for their production are described. These oligonucleotide-carbohydrate conjugates are resistant to degradation by nucleases, are able to form stable duplexes with RNA, and have utility as inhibitors of gene expression.

Abstract: Electroporation electrodes are laminated to a permeable membrane to form an electrode membrane. Such an electrode membrane is useful for a continuous controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent through the skin or mucosa, when placed in direct contact with the skin or mucosa and by application of electric field pulses at specified intervals. An electrode membrane can be assembled such that it incorporates an iontophoretic electrode in the same device. This device can be jointly utilized for electroporation and iontophoretic drug delivery through the skin and mucosal membrane.

Abstract: Electroporation electrodes are laminated to a permeable membrane to form an electrode membrane. Such an electrode membrane is useful for a continuous controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent through the skin or mucosa, when placed in direct contact with the skin or mucosa and by application of electric field pulses at specified intervals. An electrode membrane can be assembled such that it incorporates an iontophoretic electrode in the same device. This device can be jointly utilized for electroporation and iontophoretic drug delivery through the skin and mucosal membrane.

Abstract: Enzymatic RNA molecules which cleave mRNA encoding IL-15, are provided. The constructs of the invention include regulatory regions for expression in cells, cell lines, or transgenic non-human animals. The ribozymes of the invention are directed against IL-15 mRNA and are useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Oligomers for inhibiting expression of interleukin genes are described. It is believed that each oligomer, when introduced into a cell, is capable of forming a transcription-inhibiting complex composed of the oligomer and an interleukin gene. The oligomer preferably binds in the antiparallel orientation to the polypurine strand of a polypurine-polypyrimidine region of the interleukin gene.

Abstract: A liposome composition which is effective in administering a physiologically active substance to Peyer's patches and is characterized by containing phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and phosphatidylinositol as lipid components and having a high ability to migrate into Peyer's patches.