Abstract: The present invention is to provide an image forming method for a planographic printing plate. In the method, a planographic printing plate precursor in which an image recording layer containing a thermally sensitive and thermally curable material is formed on an aluminium support is scanning exposed with a relatively weak laser beam, and a latent image is formed, which is composed of an image recording layer part whose surface layer is thermally cured corresponding to an image and an unexposed image recording layer part which is not thermally cured. The unexposed image recording layer part which is not thermally cured is then removed by simple water development. Then, by carrying out heating, the whole image recording layer part remaining on the surface of the aluminum support is uniformly cured and firmly fixed. The invention also provides an image forming apparatus for a planographic printing plate.

Abstract: A soluble polyimide for a photosensitive polyimide precursor and a photosensitive polyimide precursor composition including the soluble polyimide, wherein the soluble polyimide contains hydroxyl and acetyl moieties and at least one reactive end-cap group at one or both ends of the polymer chain. The photosensitive polyimide precursor composition comprises the soluble polyimide, a polyamic acid containing at least one reactive end-cap group at one or both ends of the polymer chain, a photo acid generator (PAG) and optionally a dissolution inhibitor. Since the polyimide film of the present invention exhibits excellent thermal, electric and mechanical properties, it can be used as insulating films or protective films for various electronic devices. A pattern with a high resolution may be formed even on the polyamide film having a thickness of above 10 ?m.

Abstract: An intermediate layer composition having a silicon-containing polymer(A) having a specific structure and a pattern-forming process using the same.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising (A) a resin containing at least one group that is decomposed by the action of an acid to generate an alkali-soluble group and (B) at least two compounds selected from (B1) a compound that generates an aliphatic or aromatic sulfonic acid substituted with at least one fluorine atom, (B2) a compound that generates an aliphatic or aromatic sulfonic acid that does not contain a fluorine atom, (B3) a compound that generates an aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid substituted with at least one fluorine atom and (B4) a compound that generates an aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid that does not contain a fluorine atom, as (B) a compound that generates an acid upon irradiation of an actinic ray or radiation, wherein the group that is decomposed by the action of an acid contained in the resin (A) includes a group represented by formula (Y) defined in the specification.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer useful as a base resin of a resist material featuring a high resolution, patterns with less sidewall roughness, practically acceptable etching resistance, and a substantial margin allowed for heat treatment temperature after exposure. The polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 50,000 and comprises at least one repeating unit of formula (1) below, at least one repeating unit of formula (2) below and at least one repeating unit of formula (3) below. A resist material comprising the polymer is also provided.

Abstract: A positive resist composition satisfying all of high sensitivity, high resolution, good pattern profile, good line edge roughness and good in-vacuum PED characteristics, is provided, the positive resist composition comprising: (A) a resin containing a repeating unit having a specific styrene skeleton, which is insoluble or hardly soluble in an alkali developer and becomes soluble in an alkali developer under the action of an acid; (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; and (C) an organic basic compound, and a pattern formation method using the positive resist composition.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an aluminum support for a planographic printing plate material, the process containing the steps of: (a) electrolytically surface-roughening an aluminum plate in an electrolyte solution containing hydrochloric acid as a main component; and (b) anodizing the surface-roughened aluminum plate, wherein the step (a) contains: (i) a first stage which surface-roughens the aluminum plate employing a sine-wave alternating current; and (ii) a second stage which surface-roughens the aluminum plate employing a controlled sine-wave alternating current using a thyristor so that a current flow starts at a phase angle of 60 to 120 degree of an alternating current cycle.

Abstract: A plate-making method is capable of recording a sharp image on a photosensitive plate, and is applicable to a process operation executed in a light room, while adverse influences caused by laser flares can be hardly received. Ultra-short pulse laser light emitted from a Ti:Al2O3 laser light source is modulated by an AOM (acousto-optic modulating element). The modulated laser light is focused by a collective lens onto a high-sensitive photopolymer layer of a photosensitive plate-making material. The focused ultra-short pulse laser light may cause a photopolymerization reaction in a laser-light-irradiated portion of the high-sensitive photopolymer layer by way of a multiple photon absorption phenomenon, so as to form a hardened portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A first organic layer, a sacrificial layer, and a second organic layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. Then, a photolithography process is performed for forming a predetermined pattern in the second organic layer. Thereafter, the second organic layer is utilized as an etching mask for etching the sacrificial layer till a surface of the first organic layer is exposed, thus transferring the predetermined pattern to the sacrificial layer. Subsequently, the sacrificial layer is utilized as an etching mask for etching the first organic layer till a surface of the substrate is exposed, thereby transferring the predetermined pattern to the first organic layer. Then, the sacrificial layer and the first organic layer are utilized as an etching mask for etching the substrate, thereby transferring the predetermined pattern to the substrate. Finally, the first organic layer is removed by use of plasma.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming optical components. The methods involves (a) forming over a substrate a layer of a photoimageable composition that includes a hybrid organic-inorganic polymer and a photoactive component, wherein the layer has a first index of refraction and a first dissolution rate; and (b) exposing by multi-photon absorption using actinic radiation a predefined volume of the layer. The volume is caused to have: (i) a second index of refraction which is different than the first index of refraction and/or (ii) a second dissolution rate which is different than the first dissolution rate. The methods have particular applicability in the formation of optical waveguides and other optical components.

Abstract: There is provided a developer agent for a positive type photosensitive compound having a near infrared wave length region laser sensitive characteristic in which a photosensitive portion of the compound exposed and reacted with a laser of the near infrared wavelength region is enabled to be dissolved in the developer liquid. This developer agent contains a) water; b) either one of or two kinds or more of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, benzyl triethyl ammonium hydroxide, ortho silicate soda, etc., applied as either organic or non-organic alkali capable of becoming a major material; and c) potassium pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate soda, etc., applied as liquid agent having dampening action for preventing a reduction in pH value.

Abstract: High-speed aqueous-based black-and-white photothermographic materials are imageable in any suitable fashion using ultraviolet, visible, infrared, or X-radiation. They can have one or more thermally developable imaging layers on either or both sides of the support and can be imaged with or without a phosphor intensifying screen in an imaging assembly. The photothermographic emulsions and materials have a net Dmin less than 0.25, and require less than 1 erg/cm2 to achieve a density of 1.00 above net Dmin. The imaging layers include hydrophilic binders or water-dispersible latex polymer binders and chemically and spectrally sensitized photosensitive silver halide grains.

Abstract: A photoresist with adjustable polarized light response and a photolithography process using the photoresist. The photoresist and the photolithography process are suitable for use in an exposure optical system with a high numerical aperture. The photoresist includes a photosensitive polymer that can absorb the exposure light source to generate an optical reaction. The photosensitive polymer can also be oriented along a direction of an electric field or a magnetic field. The response for the photosensitive upon a polarized light is determined by an angle between the predetermined direction and the polarized light. In addition, the photolithography process adjusts the orientation of the photosensitive polymer, so that the P-polarized light has a weaker response than that of the S-polarized light to compensate for the larger transmission coefficient of the P-polarized light with a high numerical aperture, so as to prevent the photoresist pattern deformation.

Abstract: A silver halide emulsion is disclosed, comprising silver halide grains, wherein at least 50% by number of the silver halide grains is accounted for by cubic grains having a chloride content of not less than 90 mol %, an iodide content of from 0 to 2 mol % and a bromide content of from 0.1 to 10 mol % and containing dislocation lines in the edge region or the corner region of the grains.

Abstract: A photothermographic material comprising, on a support, an image forming layer containing at least a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent and a binder, and a non-photosensitive outermost layer at a surface side of the support at which the image forming layer is provided, wherein: 1) the non-photosensitive organic silver salt contains 90% by mole or more of silver behenate; and a binder in the outermost layer contains 50% by weight or more of a hydrophobic polymer latex, 2) the outermost layer contains a polymer latex; and a layer adjacent to the outermost layer contains a binder which can lose fluidity upon a decrease in temperature, or 3) the outermost layer contains a polymer latex; and a coating solution for forming the outermost layer can lose fluidity upon a decrease in temperature.

Abstract: A photothermographic material contains a support having thereon an image forming layer containing a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent and a binder, and a non-photosensitive outermost layer on a side of the support where the image forming layer is provided, The photosensitive silver halide contains silver iodide in an amount of from 40 to 100% by mole, and a binder contained in the outermost layer contains at least one of a latex polymer and a water soluble polymer that is not derived from an animal protein in an amount of 50% by mass or more.

Abstract: Photothermographic materials are designed with increased photospeed by chemical sensitizing the photosensitive silver halide grains with a combination of compounds. A first chemical sensitizer is a specific gold(III)-containing compound and a second chemical sensitizer is a sulfur-containing compound that is a diphenylphosphine sulfide. The molar ratio of the gold(III)-containing compound to the sulfur-containing compound is at least 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a silver halide photosensitive material and a photothermographic material having, on at least one side of a support, at least a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, and a reducing agent for the organic silver salt, wherein the silver halide photosensitive material and the photothermographic material contain a phthalocyanine compound represented by the following formula (PC-1): wherein, M represents a hydrogen atom or a metal atom; R1, R4, R5, R8, R9, R12, R13, and R16 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent; at least one of R1, R4, R5, R8, R9, R12, R13, and R16 represents an electron-attracting group; and R2, R3, R6, R7, R10, R11, R14, and R15 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent.

Abstract: A process for hydrolyzing products with enzymatic activity remaining in peptone solutions after mucosa hydrolysis is provided along with a process for preserving mucosa tissue. Broadly, the processes are carried out by hydrolyzing mucosa tissue according to conventional heparin manufacturing processes wherein an excess quantity of proteolytic enzymes is used. The resulting peptone solution is then contacted with proteins or protein-containing materials in order to hydrolyze the proteins. In another embodiment, mucosa tissue is preserved by mixing it with a preserving agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid. The product preserved by hydrogen peroxide is low in ash, stable for at least a week, and has a reduced odor.

Abstract: A method for vitrification of a tissue or organ includes immersing the tissue or organ in increasing concentrations of cryoprotectant solution at a temperature greater than ?15° C. to a cryoprotectant concentration sufficient for vitrification; cooling the tissue or organ at an average rate of from 2.5–100° C. per minute to a temperature between ?80° C. and the glass transition temperature; and further cooling the tissue or organ at an average rate less than 30° C. per minute to a temperature below the glass transition temperature to vitrify the tissue or organ. After the vitrified tissue or organ has been stored, the tissue or organ may be removed from vitrification by warming the tissue or organ at an average rate of from 20–40° C. per minute to a temperature between ?80° C. and the glass transition temperature; further warming the tissue or organ at a rate greater than 80° C. per minute to a temperature above ?75° C.; and reducing the concentration of the cryoprotectant.

Abstract: The activity of intracellular chemical reactions of molecules is measured by the use of fluorescently labeled substrate molecules that undergo a change in electrophoretic mobility upon chemical reaction such as that catalyzed by an enzyme. Specificity is achieved by using labeled substrate molecules that can be acted upon only by specific enzymes. Thus the activity of a specific enzyme or class of enzymes can be determined. Measurements are made with the intracellular presence of such substrate molecules, at some time of interest, typically after exposure of the cell to a stimulus that activates a particular enzymatic pathway. To ensure accuracy, measurements must be made in a timely manner so as to minimize chemical reactions occurring subsequent to the time of interest. Fast controllable laser lysis is used to obtain the contents of a single cell into which reporter substrate molecules have been introduced.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided selection systems and methods for screening for agents that control splicing of inteins in their native host protein (extein) or in homologous exteins. Specifically, there are provided positive genetic selection systems for the screening of agents which inhibit or activate protein splicing which comprise: a host cell containing a chromosomal gene encoding either a drug-resistant form of a target enzyme or a wild-type target enzyme, and a plasmid-borne gene encoding either a drug-sensitive form of the target enzyme, which is dominantly cytotoxic upon interaction with the drug, or a dominantly cytotoxic form of the target enzyme. In these systems the plasmid-borne gene contains an intein, and the inhibition or activation of splicing of the dominant cytotoxic form of the target enzyme by a given reagent results in the survival or death of the host cell. More specifically, positive genetic selection systems which utilize the M. xenopi GyrA intein or M.

Abstract: An HIV-1 type (or subtype) O retrovirus protein, or a natural or synthetic polypeptide or peptide including at least a part of said protein, which is capable of being recognised by antibodies isolated from a serum resulting from infection by an HIV-1 type O VAU strain or an HIV-1 type (or subtype) O DUR strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleic acid composition comprising or consisting of at least one polynucleic acid containing 8 or more contiguous nucleotides corresponding to a nucleotide sequence from the region spanning positions 417 to 957 of the Core/E1 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4664 to 4730 of the NS3 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4892 to 5292 of the NS3/4 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 8023 to 8235 of the NS5 region of the BR36 subgroup of HCV type 3a; and or the coding region of HCV type 4a starting at nucleotide 379 in the core region; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4; and/or the coding region of HCV type 5, with said nucleotide numbering being with respect to the numbering of HCV nucleic acids as shown in Table 1, and with said polynucleic acids containing at least one nucleotide difference with known HCV type 1, and/or HCV type 2 genomes in the above-indicated regions, or the complement thereof.

Abstract: Microarray technology allows the multiple parallel processing of information generated from matrices of huge numbers of loci on a solid substrate, which is useful in the gathering of gene signatures defining specific biological states. An approach has been developed to facilitate this process wherein genes of the same regulatory modality are selected. The transcriptional regulation of these genes is related to the same control element. Primers specific for the regulatory genes are selected, based on minimum cross-reactivity with other genes, using known gene data banks. PCR products of selected regions of known genes either binding to this sequence or whose expression is dependent on this binding, as well as genes interacting with the regulatable genes and control genes, referred to as “amplicons” or “gene cDNA fragments” of between about 450 and 1000 nucleotide bases in length, are obtained from a total RNA pool.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for genetic testing of an organism and for correlating the results of the genetic testing with a unique marker that unambiguously identifies the organism. The markers may be internal markers, such as for example single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), short tandem repeats (STRs), or other sites within a genomic locus. Alternatively, the markers may be external, such that they are separately added to the genetic sample before testing.

Abstract: An optical alignment system for a device for synthesizing DNA polymers provides for a patterned substrate for simple alignment of the system. The substrate may also be used for synthesis allowing precise alignment of the synthesis substrate during each synthesis operation. The patterning of the substrate may be used to promote separation of reaction sites.

Abstract: An apparatus, compositions and related methods for sequencing a target nucleic acid are described. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is a microfluidic apparatus comprising an input chamber, microchannel, output chamber and a detection unit that is operatively connected to the microchannel. In preferred embodiments, the methods include hybridizing a target nucleic acid to one or more probe libraries, moving the hybridized target nucleic acid past the detector, and detecting bound probes. Probe libraries may comprise oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs, preferably with each probe uniquely labeled. A linear order of labeled probes hybridized to the target nucleic acid can be detected and the target nucleic acid sequence deduced. In preferred embodiments, probe labels are detected by analysis of electron-induced fluorescence of probes labeled with conductive polymers.

Abstract: A method that comprises analyzing codon types encoding amino acids at positions 127 and/or 172 of the amino acid sequence of the bovine growth hormone, and evaluating the growth ability and/or the ability to accumulate fat in the muscle of cattle based on the analytical results.

Abstract: Impedance measurements are used to detect the end-point for PCR DNA amplification. A pair of spaced electrodes are located on a surface of a microfluidic channel and an AC or DC voltage is applied across the electrodes to produce an electric field. An ionically labeled probe will attach to a complementary DNA segment, and a polymerase enzyme will release the ionic label. This causes the conductivity of the solution in the area of the electrode to change. This change in conductivity is measured as a change in the impedance been the two electrodes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying high-grade cervical disease in a patient sample are provided. The methods of the invention comprise detecting overexpression of at least one biomarker in a body sample, wherein the biomarker is selectively overexpressed in high-grade cervical disease. In particular claims, the body sample is a cervical smear or monolayer of cervical cells. The biomarkers of the invention include genes and proteins that are involved in cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, and DNA replication and transcription. In particular claims, the biomarker is an S-phase gene. In some aspects of the invention, overexpression of a biomarker of interest is detected at the protein level using biomarker-specific antibodies or at the nucleic acid level using nucleic acid hybridization techniques. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided.

Abstract: A microscale binding assay, analyte binding array, and kits are disclosed, which exploit the mass action law to harvest analyte from a liquid sample. This is achieved by fabrication of sorbent zones having up to ten times the binding capacity per unit area generally obtained on polystyrene microtiter plates. The resulting arrays substantially deplete the liquid solution of analyte during incubation. Accordingly, the assays respond to total mass of analyte in the sample, not analyte concentration. This approach, coupled with direct fluorescence detection in the NIR, yields maximal signal intensity and low background for optimal sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosis or prognosis of cardiovascular disease involving the detection of an elevated amount of MIC-1 in a test body sample. The invention also provides methods for treatment of cardiovascular disease and other chronic inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides antigenic peptides useful for the production of antibodies which selectively bind to an enzyme involved in the ?-oxidation of fatty acids and alkanes to ?,?-dicarboxylic acids in yeast. Antibodies which specifically bind to an enzyme involved in the ?-oxidation of fatty acids and alkanes to ?,?-dicarboxylic acids in yeast are also provided. In addition, methods of producing the subject antibodies, a method of detecting the presence and amount of a specific enzyme involved in the ?-oxidation of fatty acids and alkanes to ?,?-dicarboxylic acids, and a method of monitoring the degree of enzyme induction and/or enzyme stability in a mixture during ?-oxidation of fatty acids and alkanes to ?,?-dicarboxylic acids in yeast, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a reagent kit for detecting cells in a biological sample using a double-fluorescence technique and the diagnostic and therapeutic application of amino acid sequence-specific antibodies against the urokinase receptor having a high affinity for tumour cell-expressed receptors.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel methods, assays and kits for identifying and/or quantifying Aminoglycoside Binding Molecules (ABMs), enzymes modifying such molecules, and compounds modulating the interaction between ABMs and either enzymes or aminoglycosides, by exploiting the scintillation proximity effect. The invention, which makes use of aminoglycoside-coated scintillating supports, can be adapted to high throughput screening formats.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated MID 4460 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel tyrosine phosphatase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing MID 4460 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a MID 4460 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated MID 4460 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-MID 4460 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Novel proteins or polypeptides having significant sequence homology to DPPIV, nucleic acids coding therefor, cells which have been modified with such nucleic acid so as to express these proteins, antibodies to these proteins, screening methods for the discovery of new therapeutic agents which are inhibitors of the activity of these proteins or of related proteins, and therapeutic agents discovered by such screening methods, as well as new therapeutic treatments, are all provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the staining of fungi and microsporidia for observation with a light microscope based upon the presence of chitin in the composition of these organisms. With the method of the present invention a sample to be analyzed is treated with a solution of Ponceau S and Stains-all dye. The sample is then selectively decolorized and rinsed. The resulting sample is examined with a light microscope, or photographed for a permanent record, to identify the presence of a variety of microorganisms, to include fungi and microsporidia.

Abstract: Sequences and partial sequences for three types of mammalian (human and rat sequences identified) T-type calcium channel subunits which we have labeled as the ?1G, ?1H and ?1I subunits are provided. Knowledge of the sequence of these calcium channel permits the localization and recovery of the complete sequence from human cells, and the development of cell lines which express the novel calcium channels of the invention. These cells may be used for identifying compounds capable of acting as agonists or antagonists to the calcium channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated mammalian adenosine receptor, isolated or recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant vectors encoding the same, host cells comprising the nucleic acids and vectors, and methods of making the receptor using the host cells. This invention further provides antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which specifically bind to the receptor and are useful for treating medical conditions caused or mediated by adenosine. Also provided are screening methods for identifying specific agonists and antagonists of the mammalian adenosine receptor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of microbial infection, and in particular meningococcal disease, comprise a commensal Neisseria or an extract of a commensal Neisseria. Further methods and compositions comprise commensal Neisseria which express genes from virulent strains of Neisseria and/or heterologous gene products from non-neisserial sources. Such compositions are used in vaccine preparations for the treatment of microbial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RNA polymerase I transcription factor TIF-IA and proteins related thereto, whose concentration and/or activity are correlated with the cell proliferation rate, and to DNA sequences encoding these proteins. The present invention also concerns ligands binding to an RNA polymerase I transcription factor TIF-IA and proteins related thereto, respectively, antagonists as well as antisense RNAs and/or ribozymes, directed against the TIF-IA expression. These compounds are of use for the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with an increased or reduced cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences describing a novel isoform of the ?2? subunit of a voltage gated calcium channel, herein named as ?2?-4. The isolated nucleic acid or polypeptide molecule of the invention can be used in diagnosing and treating a disease or disorder associated with a defective ?2?-4 subunit, such as seizure-related syndromes, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning of novel cDNA sequences encoding the ?4 and ? receptor subunits of the human GABA A receptor; to stably co-transfected eukaryotic cell lines capable of expressing a human GABAA receptor, which receptor comprises at least one of the novel ?4 and ? receptor subunits; and to the use of such cell lines in screening for and designing medicaments which act upon the human GAGAA receptor.

Abstract: An agonist or antagonist of glutamic acid or an allosteric modulator is screened by reacting a glutamic acid receptor protein having the following properties with a substance binding thereto in the presence of a test substance and detecting the inhibition or promotion of the reaction: (A) it has a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain common to those of type 4 metabotropic glutamic acid receptor protein, or (B) it has an extracellular domain by about 316 or 327 amino acid residues shorter than that of the type 4 metabotropic glutamic acid receptor protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the processes of racemization and deprotection of special N-protected amino acids in the acylase/racemase system for the total conversion of special N-protected racemic amino acids into optically pure amino acids.

Abstract: Glutaminase is purified from an Aspergillus oryzae, its partial amino acid sequence is determined, a partial sequence of glutaminase gene is obtained by PCR based on the obtained information, and DNA fragments containing glutaminase gene from Aspergillus oryzae genomic library and cDNA library, and Aspergillus nidulans genomic library by hybridization using the partial sequence as a probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of (R)- or (S)-8-chloro-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula (R)-II or (S)-II in which R has the meaning C1-4-alkyl, from 8-chloro-6-oxooctanoic acid alkyl esters of the general formula I in which R has the above meaning, by enzymatic reduction using alcohol dehydrogenases, such as Lactobacillus brevis or Thermoanaerobium brokii, in the presence of cofactor regeneration systems. The resulting (R)- and (S)-8-chloro-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid esters can be converted in a known manner into (R)-?-lipoic acid and (S)-?-lipoic acid, respectively.