Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided (1) various cell lines derived from hypothalamus and Langerhans islets of mammals, (2) process for producing an active peptide and expression cloning system of active peptide precursor gene using the cell line as a host, (3) a method of screening or evaluating a substance capable of acting on the cells using the cell line, (4) a method of screening or isolating a useful gene or useful peptide using the cell line and (5) a highly-sensitive and simple assay system for GPCR ligand used in the above expression cloning system.

Abstract: A contact-breaker device that can be miniaturized, realize low power consumption and low cost, and generate an irregular pulse current by causing irregular electrical conduction and insulation of a circuit. The contact-breaker device comprises: fixed terminals 12A and 12B secured at positions spaced apart from each other; and a movable member 11 capable of moving relative to the fixed terminals 12A and 12B and coming into or avoiding contact with the fixed terminals 12A and 12B based on its movement, thereby causing electrical conduction or insulation between the fixed terminals 12A and 12B; wherein the movable member 11 irregularly moves in accordance with externally applied vibration, thereby causing irregular electrical conduction or insulation between the fixed terminals 12A and 12B.

Abstract: There is provided according to the present invention a toner layer thickness regulation member capable of suppressing uneven density during forming an image. There is also provided an image forming apparatus capable of forming an excellent image stably by employing such a toner layer thickness regulation member. A toner layer thickness regulation member 1 has a strip metal plate 2 and an elastic member 3 provided in one side of the metal plate 2 in a width direction and arranged in parallel to a longitudinal direction of the metal plate, wherein the elastic member 3 has hardness of more than 55° and hardness relaxation of less than 2.6°. In addition, an image forming apparatus employs the above-mentioned toner layer thickness regulation member 1.

Abstract: There is provided according to the present invention a toner layer thickness regulation member capable of suppressing uneven density during forming an image. There is also provided an image forming apparatus capable of forming an excellent image stably by employing such a toner layer thickness regulation member. A toner layer thickness regulation member 1 has a strip metal plate 2 and an elastic member 3 provided in one side of the metal plate 2 in a width direction and arranged in parallel to a longitudinal direction of the metal plate, wherein the elastic member 3 has hardness of more than 55° and hardness relaxation of less than 2.6°. In addition, an image forming apparatus employs the above-mentioned toner layer thickness regulation member 1.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided (1) various cell lines derived from hypothalamus and Langerhans islets of mammals, (2) process for producing an active peptide and expression cloning system of active peptide precursor gene using the cell line as a host, (3) a method of screening or evaluating a substance capable of acting on the cells using the cell line, (4) a method of screening or isolating a useful gene or useful peptide using the cell line and (5) a highly-sensitive and simple assay system for GPCR ligand used in the above expression cloning system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided (1) various cell lines derived from hypothalamus and Langerhans islets of mammals, (2) process for producing an active peptide and expression cloning system of active peptide precursor gene using the cell line as a host, (3) a method of screening or evaluating a substance capable of acting on the cells using the cell line, (4) a method of screening or isolating a useful gene or useful peptide using the cell line and (5) a highly-sensitive and simple assay system for GPCR ligand used in the above expression cloning system.

Abstract: A contact-breaker device that can be miniaturized, realize low power consumption and low cost, and generate an irregular pulse current by causing irregular electrical conduction and insulation of a circuit. The contact-breaker device comprises: fixed terminals 12A and 12B secured at positions spaced apart from each other; and a movable member 11 capable of moving relative to the fixed terminals 12A and 12B and coming into or avoiding contact with the fixed terminals 12A and 12B based on its movement, thereby causing electrical conduction or insulation between the fixed terminals 12A and 12B; wherein the movable member 11 irregularly moves in accordance with externally applied vibration, thereby causing irregular electrical conduction or insulation between the fixed terminals 12A and 12B.

Abstract: Novel squarium compounds which have a flat photosensitivity in the wide range from visible ray region to the near infrared ray region as a charge generator and which can be prepared by reacting squaric acid and an aniline derivative, and electrophotographic photoreceptors containing the squarium compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel squarium compounds which have a flat photo-sensitivity in the wide range from the visible ray region to the near infrared ray region as a charge generator and which can be prepared by reacting squaric acid and an aniline derivative, and electrophotographic photoreceptors containing them are provided.

Abstract: Novel squarium compounds which have a flat photosensitivity in the wide range from visible ray region to the near infrared ray region as a charge generator and which can be prepared by reacting squaric acid and an aniline derivative, and electrophotographic photoreceptors containing the squarium compounds are disclosed.