Abstract: A disclosed managing apparatus and image forming apparatus management system ensure confidentiality of information in an image forming apparatus while usability is maintained. An image forming apparatus acquires IC card identifying information with an IC card reader. A management server acquires a user ID associated with the acquired IC card identifying information and use limit information concerning use of the image forming apparatus. A process is performed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the use limit information.

Abstract: A method for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, by analyzing an amount and/or activity of a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and a kit for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, or a von Willebrand factor or a fragment thereof, are disclosed. Examples of the detection of a condition include a detection of cerebrovascular disease, a detection of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, and a detection or prediction of severity.

Abstract: A method for determining an appropriate treatment option for a patient who has been diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) but who may have thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), by analyzing the amount and/or enzyme activity of a von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) and the amount of vWF in a patient that has been diagnosed with DIC is disclosed. Using the method of the present invention, a differential diagnosis of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) can be made from among patients diagnosed with DIC, which could not previously be distinguished on the basis of only clinical findings or known markers. Also disclosed is a kit for determining an appropriate treatment option, the kit comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to ADAMTS13.

Abstract: A method of detecting thrombosis or the degree of thrombophilia by measuring a von Willebrand factor cleaving protease, and a kit for detecting thrombosis or the degree of thrombophilia, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof specifically binding to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, are disclosed. The detection method and the detection kit have an excellent convenience, rapidity, and specificity.

Abstract: A method for determining an appropriate treatment option for a patient who has been diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) but who may have thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), by analyzing the amount and/or enzyme activity of a von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) and the amount of vWF in a patient that has been diagnosed with DIC is disclosed. Using the method of the present invention, a differential diagnosis of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) can be made from among patients diagnosed with DIC, which could not previously be distinguished on the basis of only clinical findings or known markers. Also disclosed is a kit for determining an appropriate treatment option, the kit comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to ADAMTS13.

Abstract: A method of detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), comprising analyzing a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease and/or a cleaving factor thereof, is disclosed. A kit for detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from DIC or SIRS, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and/or an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a cleaving factor of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, by analyzing an amount and/or activity of a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and a kit for detecting a condition in a patient with disturbance of consciousness, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, or a von Willebrand factor or a fragment thereof, are disclosed. Examples of the detection of a condition include a detection of cerebrovascular disease, a detection of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, and a detection or prediction of severity.

Abstract: A method of analyzing an enzyme, comprising (1) bringing a sample suspected of containing an enzyme to be analyzed into contact with an enzyme substrate which is immobilized on an insoluble carrier and can be cleaved by the enzyme, in a liquid, (2) separating the insoluble carrier from the liquid, and (3) analyzing a substrate or a fragment thereof which remains on the insoluble carrier and/or a fragment of the substrate which is released from the insoluble carrier into the liquid; and a kit for analyzing an enzyme, comprising at least an enzyme substrate which is immobilized on an insoluble carrier and can be cleaved by the enzyme, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining a condition of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), by analyzing the amount and/or enzyme activity of a von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) (preferably also the amount of vWF) in a patient suffering from DIC, and a kit for determining a condition of DIC, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to ADAMTS13, are disclosed. According to the present invention, a differential diagnosis of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) can be carried out from among patients with DIC, which could not be distinguished on the basis of only clinical findings or known markers.

Abstract: A method of detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), comprising analyzing a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease and/or a cleaving factor thereof, is disclosed. A kit for detecting platelet thrombosis or organ failure in a patient suffering from DIC or SIRS, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, and/or an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to a cleaving factor of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting thrombosis or the degree of thrombophilia by measuring a von Willebrand factor cleaving protease, and a kit for detecting thrombosis or the degree of thrombophilia, comprising an antibody or a fragment thereof specifically binding to a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, are disclosed. The detection method and the detection kit have an excellent convenience, rapidity, and specificity.

Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable film and laminate are provided for use in a wide variety of personal care garments and protective garments. The film, and laminate containing the film, are extendible in a cross-direction to a stretched width which is at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width. The film and laminate have a first water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams/m2-24 hours coinciding with the unstretched width. The film and laminate have a much higher second water vapor transmission rate which is at least about 225% of the first water vapor transmission rate, and not less than about 4000 grams/m2-24 hours, coinciding with a stretched width that is only 25% greater than the stretched width.

Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable film and laminate are provided for use in a wide variety of personal care garments and protective garments. The film, and laminate containing the film, are extendible in a cross-direction to a stretched width which is at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width. The film and laminate have a first water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams/m2-24 hours coinciding with the unstretched width. The film and laminate have a much higher second water vapor transmission rate which is at least about 225% of the first water vapor transmission rate, and not less than about 4000 grams/m2-24 hours, coinciding with a stretched width that is only 25% greater than the stretched width.

Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable film and laminate are provided for use in a wide variety of personal care garments and protective garments. The film, and laminate containing the film, are extendible in a cross-direction to a stretched width which is at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width. The film and laminate have a first water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams/m2-24 hours coinciding with the unstretched width. The film and laminate have a much higher second water vapor transmission rate which is at least about 225% of the first water vapor transmission rate, and not less than about 4000 grams/m2-24 hours, coinciding with a stretched width that is only 25% greater than the stretched width.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, an absorbent core layer, a breathable outer cover, and a creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer between the absorbent core and breathable outer cover. The creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer has a level of creping of about 5-75%, and is preferably permanently creped. The creped inner nonwoven fibrous layer serves as a dampness inhibitor which reduces or prevents perceived dampness on the external surface of the outer cover by lowering thermal conductivity between the absorbent core and the outer cover surface.

Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable laminate is provided that is permanently conformable to the contours of a wearer's body when used in a personal care absorbent article or a medical article. The laminate includes a breathable (preferably microporous) film and a fibrous nonwoven web. Both the film and the web are extendible in a cross direction to a width at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width upon application of a stretching force. The web and the film, and the overall laminate, exhibit little or no retractive force once they have been stretched. A diaper or other garment can be constructed in undersized fashion using the laminate, permitting material savings. When the garment is worn, the laminate stretches only where needed to provide a substantially perfect fit on the wearer. The minimal retractive force avoids the skin marks, rashes, etc. that can result from elastic garments.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent core layer and a breathable outer cover is provided with a hydrophobic foam dampness-inhibiting layer between the absorbent core and the outer cover. The hydrophobic foam dampness-inhibiting layer maintains an air space within the foam. The air space acts as a thermal insulator, dampness-perception inhibitor and moisture passageway. The resulting product is an absorbent garment having a breathable outer cover material with reduced perception of dampness on the outer surface of the outer cover.

Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable laminate is provided that is permanently conformable to the contours of a wearer's body when used in a personal care absorbent article or a medical article. The laminate includes a breathable (preferably microporous) film and a fibrous nonwoven web. Both the film and the web are extendible in a cross direction to a width at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width upon application of a stretching force. The web and the film, and the overall laminate, exhibit little or no retractive force once they have been stretched. A diaper or other garment can be constructed in undersized fashion using the laminate, permitting material savings. When the garment is worn, the laminate stretches only where needed to provide a substantially perfect fit on the wearer. The minimal retractive force avoids the skin marks, rashes, etc. that can result from elastic garments.

Abstract: A breathable, substantially liquid impermeable film and laminate are provided for use in a wide variety of personal care garments and protective garments. The film, and laminate containing the film, are extendible in a cross-direction to a stretched width which is at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width. The film and laminate have a first water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams/m2-24 hours coinciding with the unstretched width. The film and laminate have a much higher second water vapor transmission rate which is at least about 225% of the first water vapor transmission rate, and not less than about 4000 grams/m2-24 hours, coinciding with a stretched width that is only 25% greater than the stretched width.

Abstract: A method for detecting infection with enterohemorrhagic E. coli which comprises holding enterohemorrhagic E. coli lipopolysaccharides on carrier particles, reacting an anti-lipopolysaccharide antibody in samples with the lipopolysaccharides on the carrier particles, and then determining the extent at agglutination of the carrier particles.