Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and dietary supplement comprising yeast cells that can produce a healthful benefit in a subject inflicted with bladder cancer. The biological compositions can be used to retard the growth of bladder cancer cells and/or prolonging the time of survival of the subject. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and dietary supplement comprising yeast cells that can produce a healthful benefit in a subject inflicted with esophageal cancer. The biological compositions can be used to retard the growth of esophageal cancer cells and/or prolonging the time of survival of the subject. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preventing or treating male erectile dysfunction or female sexual arousal disorder by administering an effective amount of one or more factors from a group of factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, or angiopoietin-1, wherein the factor is a full length protein or a nucleic acid encoding the factor, or a functional derivative or fragment thereof, or an agent that enhances production and/or male erection or female sexual arousal stimulating function of the factor(s). Combinations, kits, and combinatorial methods are also provided.

Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection is further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers and in particular, cervical cancer. In particular, this invention relates to fusion proteins, and the nucleic acids encoding these fusion proteins, used to generate immune responses against HPV. Specifically, this invention provides for fusions of HPV E6 and E7 in which the E6 and/or E7 contains one or more mutations. These mutations abrogate the transformation activity of these oncogenic proteins and, thus, confer safety to the E6/E7 fusions. In addition, these fusions maintain or increase the immunogenic efficacy of E6 and E7. Any gene or protein delivery method can be used to deliver or package the immunogenic compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to the development of a mammalian expression vector, under which expression of the structural genes of western equine encephalitis virus have been placed under the control of an eucaryotic promoter. When the recombinant vector is administered to mammalian cell culture or using a cell-free transcription/translation system, in vitro, authentic structural proteins of western equine encephalitis virus are produced as verified by reactivity with monoclonal antibodies developed to western equine encephalitis virus. When the recombinant DNA molecule is administered in vivo, a protective immune response is induced, thereby enhancing protection of the individual against subsequent infection by western equine encephalitis virus. In a similar manner, DNA vaccines to related alphaviruses (Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses) could also be developed.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition capable of producing a respiratory syncytial (RS) virus specific immune response in a host immunized therewith comprises purified, inactivated RS virus which is substantially free from cellular and serum components and which is non-infectious, non-immunopotentiating, immunogenic and protective. The virus is grown on a vaccine quality cell line and harvested virus is purified under non-denaturing conditions to be substantially free from cellular and serum components. The purified RS virus is inactivated using ?-propiolactone, a non-ionic detergent, particularly n-octyl-?-D-glucopyranoside and n-octyl-?-D-glucopyranoside, or ascorbic acid. The immunogenic composition may be formulated as a vaccine for in vivo administration to a human host. The immunogenic composition also may be used in diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A herpesvirus vaccine comprising a mutated herpesvirus suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The mutated herpesvirus is capable of infecting cells of the mammal to be vaccinated, but incapable of completing a replicative cycle, and it is capable of eliciting a protective immune response in that mammal. The mutated herpesvirus is also capable of treating immunomodulatory or immunoregulatory diseases. The mutation occurs in at least one gene encoding a protein essential for replication of the virus, so that the mutation renders the virus replication defective.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing recombinant modified Staphylococcal toxin having improved stability, comprising the steps of preparing a modified toxin in which a specific amino acid sequence is substituted and a vector for expressing the modified toxin, and culturing E. coli transformed with the vector, and a use thereof for the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for arresting, protecting and/or preserving an organ which includes administering effective amounts of (i) potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) local anaesthetic to a subject in need thereof. The present invention also relates to a method for arresting, protecting and/or preserving an organ which comprises adding a composition which includes effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) a local anaesthetic to the organ. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition which includes effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) a local anaesthetic.

Abstract: A resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite that finds utility for drug delivery. The bioactive composite is loaded with a pharmaceutical composition and releases a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition for periods of up the 28 days.

Abstract: Weather resistant granular baits containing an attractant system are disclosed. Methods of making and using the baits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition containing at least one NSAID formulated for topical administration to a mucous membrane and/or skin for prophylactic or symptomatic therapy. The composition may also contain an anti-irritant such as a non-nutritive sweetener, which improves compliance when applied to an oral or nasal mucous membrane. The composition may also contain a metalloproteinase inhibitor such as a tetracycline class compound at a neutral pH. The composition may be used for patients having or at risk for developing symptoms of viral infection such as cold sores, canker sores, or shingles, or for treatment of rashes due to allergies.

Abstract: Nutrient formulations are provided having a high content of carrageenan and a low liquid content. The nutrient formulation also contains at least one nutritional and/or pharmaceutical component such as flavorings, sweeteners, amino acids, fruit solids, protein and carbohydrates. The formulations are produced by mixing at least one carrageenan at a minimum of 5% by weight, and the desired nutritional and/or pharmaceutical component with no more than 50% by weight of a liquid.

Abstract: A stretch plaster comprising a support membrane having a thickness of 1 to 50 ?m and a drug containing adhesive layer having a thickness of 3 to 400 ?m, wherein (i) the support membrane comprising a copolymer of 0 to 90% by weight of vinyl acetate, 10 to 97% by weight of alkyl (meth)acrylate having 3 to 14 of a mean carbon number of alkyl group and 0 to 15% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid, (ii) the copolymer is cross-linked by polyvalent metal such as aluminum or a poly-functional chain compound, wherein the cross-linking ratio is 20% or more of the theoretical total number of carboxyl group of the copolymer when the polymer is cross-linked by the polyvalent metal such as aluminum, and is 1 to 10% expressed by copolymerized ratio of the poly-functional chain compound when the copolymer is cross-linked by poly-functional chain compound, (iii) the support membrane has 150 g or less of self adhesion shown by an adhesion between the support membranes and (iv) the support membrane has 70% or more of an elasticit

Abstract: Provided are a production process for a polymeric micelle which is stable and has a high drug content and a composition containing such polymeric micelle. Disclosed are a production process for a polymeric micelle, comprising the steps of dissolving a drug and a specific copolymer in a water non-miscible organic solvent to prepare a solution, mixing the resulting solution with water to form an O/W type emulsion and then slowly volatilizing the organic solvent from the solution, and a polymeric micelle composition charged therein with a water-scarcely soluble drug, which can be obtained by the above production process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder mixture for resorbable calcium phosphate biocements, which mixture consists of 40–99% by volume of powder having a particle size of 0.1–10 ?m, 1–20% by volume of powder having a particle size of 10–43 ?m and 0–59% by volume of powder having a particle size of 43–315 ?m, which powder is obtained by grinding the spontaneously crystallizing melts of a material comprising crystalline and X-ray amorphous phases, which material a) according to 31P-NMR measurements, contains Q0-groups of orthophosphate and Q1-groups of diphosphate, the orthophosphates or Q0-groups making up 65 to 99.9% by weight relative to the total phosphorus content of the powder mixture and the diphosphates or Q1-groups making up 0.1 to 35% by weight relative to the total phosphorus content of the powder mixture, and b) according to X-ray diffractometric measurements and relative to the total weight of the powder mixture, contains 35 to 99.

Abstract: Taste masked particles and chewable tablets made therefrom are disclosed. The taste masked particles comprise a core containing an active ingredient and a polymeric coating covering said core, said coating comprising a mixture of a) an enteric polymer; and b) an insoluble film forming polymer, the surface of said particle being free of active ingredient. The chewable tablets provide immediate release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product and method for transplanting biological fluids into a host animal (including humans) that have been collected from donor animals. These biological fluids have been purified and processed so that they are a cellular, sterile, pathogen free, and a form that can be stored for considerable periods of time without degradation. In one embodiment, synovial fluid is harvested from a large number of donors to produce the transplantation compound. Donor fluid is collected from a number of joints per animal, and initially screened for obvious abnormalities (clarity, color, viscosity . . . etc.) and accepted or rejected on a joint-by-joint basis at the time of collection. The collected fluid is frozen in the field. Once in a laboratory setting, the fluid is warmed and spun down in a centrifuge. The supernate is collected, filtered, and mixed in large batches while the permeate is discarded.

Abstract: A skin treatment composition, comprising an effective combination of ingredients selected from cumin, cloves, peach kernel, olibanum, eagle wood, giant hyssop, almond, and pachira macracarpa is provided. The composition can be used as a skin cleanser, as a deodorant, and to treat a wide array of skin problems, including signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and skin sagging, dark spots, skin infections, skin irritation, cuts, scarring, acne, cold sores, chapped lips, and varicose veins.

Abstract: A composition including an aliquot of the herb Herba Epimedii; and an aliquot of at least three supplemental herbs selected from the group consisting of Fructus Rosae Laevigatae; Fructus Rubi; Fructus Psoralea; Radix Morindae Officinalis; Fructus Schisandrac Chinensis; Fructus Ligustri Lucidi; Semen Cuscutae; and Radix Astragali. A composition including icariin; ursolic acid; ellagic acid; psoralen; deoxyschizandrin; oleanolic acid; quercetin; aslvagaloside; and an extract of the herb Radix Morindae Officinalis. Methods including administering a composition directed at treatment of various kidney disorders or the promotion of kidney health and to the overall health of the kidney, including the use of a composition in the treatment of prostate cancer, prophylatic prostate health, reduction of polyuria, incontinence, proteinuria, as well as for sexual satisfaction.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredient, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent for the active ingredient, in which the active ingredient is i) a polar solvent extract of Polygala, the polar solvent being water or a mixture of water and methanol or ethanol; ii) an aqueous fraction resulting from an extraction of the polar solvent extract with an organic solvent; iii) an organic eluate by introducing the polar solvent extract or the aqueous fraction into a reverse phase chromatography column, and eluting the column with water and an organic solvent; or iv) a filtrate having a molecular mass less than 30000 in the organic eluate.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device and method for dispensing dual component liquids or concentrates packaged in separate containers to provide protection from effects such as oxidation and moisture loss. The liquids or concentrates can be dispensed through a pumping system, preferably including a peristaltic pump, mixed together, and optionally diluted with another liquid, such as water, to provide a consumable beverage. In addition, the device of the present invention can dispense liquids or concentrates having different viscosities, such that they are mixed together in the proper ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of use for storing and communicating information such as beverage preparation parameters including but not limited to beverage recipes, advertisements or operator information. The present disclosure provides a system which stores the information, communicates the information, and when appropriate, displays the information. The present disclosure also includes a method of using the described system. This disclosure provides a storage device which provides beverage brewing parameters used in beverage preparation.

Abstract: Methods of producing shaped, embossed, or decorated confectionery chocolate products by using chilled forming, shaping, or embossing devices.

Abstract: A method of making a loaf of crustless, sliced bread from a rectangular prismatic loaf of bread, the method comprising: decrusting the bread by moving the loaf of broad longitudinally past cutting blades to remove the crust from four sides of the loaf of bread; slicing the crustless bread by moving the loaf transversely past a plurality of blades to slice the loaf; and packaging the loaf by moving the loaf longitudinally to a packaging station.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and method for moulding lollipops, the apparatus comprising stick receiving means (6) and a mould forming surface (3) of a mould (15), the stick receiving means being mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mould forming surface through substantially ninety degrees. In use the apparatus is passed around a circuit (34) and engagement between the apparatus and a cam track (35) is such that a stick held by the stick receiving means is pivoted through substantially ninety degrees into the mould so that confectionery material can be poured into the mould and around the stick. As the apparatus further progresses around the circuit the formed lollipop is pivoted out of the mould for release from the stick receiving means.

Abstract: A method of shredding a block of material, which can be a block of cheese, includes moving blades about an axis and feeding a block of material in a feed plane toward the moving blades in a feeding direction, where the feeding direction is substantially perpendicular to the axis about which the blades move. A drive unit is provided that moves the blades about the axis, wherein the blades define a cutting perimerer, and a feed unit is provided that moves the block of material toward the cutting perimeter on a feed plane and in the feeding direction. In one embodiment, the blades are on a rotating drum and the feeding direction is generally perpendicular to and rotated about 90° from the axis about which the blades move. The plurality of blades cut shreds of material from a front face of the block.

Abstract: Antioxidant polymers of the present invention comprise repeat units that include one or both of Structural Formulas (I) and (II): wherein: R is —H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, acyl or aryl group; Ring A is substituted with at least one tert-butyl group or substituted or unsubstituted n-alkoxycarbonyl group; Ring B is substituted with at least one —H and at least one tert-butyl group or substituted or unsubstituted n-alkoxycarbonyl group; Rings A and B are each optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of —OH, —NH, —SH, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group; n is an integer equal to or greater than 2; and p is an integer equal to or greater than 0. The invention also includes methods of using and preparing these polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flour/starch blend for preparing stuffed rolls wrappers, said blend comprising: from 48% to 52% of high amylose rice starch; from 31% to 36% of high amylose rice flour; from 8% to 12% of potato starch; from 4% to 7% of modified tapioca starch; from 0.2 to 2% of pregelatinized wheat flour. Stuffed rolls wrappers obtained from said blend can withstand freezing/thawing without loss of their qualities.

Abstract: Processed baby foods are disclosed which are formulated with oils and/or nucleotides. Oils are added to yield an acceptable ratio of the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and ?-linolenic acid (ALA). A blend of 3–6 nucleotides may be added to yield a level of 3–6 mg/100 Kcal, which are associated with a number of biological processes, the most common being the potential to optimize the health of the immune and gastrointestinal systems of breast-fed infants and some infants and young children fed commercial infant formula with added nucleotides.

Abstract: Preparation of a fat phase suited for the preparation of food compositions which contain liquid or solid particles stably dispersed in the fat phase, which preparation comprises mixing 0.25–20 wt. % of a structuring triglyceride fat A with 0–19.75 wt. % of a triglyceride fat C and admixing a vegetable oil up to 100%, which fat A is characterized in that the fat is non-hydrogenated and that its content of fully saturated triglycerides is 20–100 wt. %, 80–100 wt. % of its saturated fatty acid residues are palmitic acid or stearic acid residues, 0–5 wt. % of its saturated fatty acid residues are lauric acid or myristic acid residues, <50 wt. % of its saturated triglycerides are monoacyl triglycerides and that fat C having a solid fat content at 20° C. (N20) being at least 5 contains less than 20 wt.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal feed. The animal feed includes fat, preferably vegetable oil; a solid nutritive source; such as a whole seed or grain or a fraction thereof; and a binder, the binder comprising hemicellulose. Also disclosed are methods for preparing an animal feed and for feeding an animal. When formulated into pellets, the disclosed animal feeds have excellent durability, such that pellet fracture and dust formation are minimized.

Abstract: Novel, edible, pressure molded proteinaceous wafer, waffle, inclusion ingredient, and cookie food products are derived utilizing an engineered batter formulation of proteinaceous materials, water, oils/fats, flavors, and select percentages of carbohydrates. The batter has a specific mass balance ratio that allows the wafers to be consistently manufactured on process equipment that was designed for carbohydrate wafer, waffle, or cookie processing. The novel engineered mass balance-based protein formulation provides a batter that can be pumped, utilizes standard steam port pressure relief systems, and results in a final food product that has marketable organoleptic qualities as a component in fabricated protein bars/snacks, confections, as an inclusion in other foods, or as an independent snack food, frozen breakfast food, cookie, or cone product.

Abstract: A direct-write method for fabricating magnetic nanostructures, including hard magnetic nanostructures of barium hexaferrite, BaFe, based on nanolithographic printing and a sol-gel process. This method utilizes a conventional atomic force microscope tip, coated with a magnetic material precursor solution, to generate patterns that can be post-treated at elevated temperature to generate magnetic features consisting of barium ferrite in its hexagonal magnetoplumbite (M-type) structure. Features ranging from several hundred nm down to below 100 nm were generated and studied using AFM, magnetic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The approach offers a new way for patterning functional inorganic magnetic nanostructures with deliberate control over feature size and shape, as well as interfeature distance and location.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, which provide high surface recording density and high recording/reading performance. The magnetic recording medium is manufactured by forming an intermediate protective layer between a continuous recording layer and a first mask layer, dividing the continuous recording layer to form divided recording elements, and then removing the first mask layer while leaving the intermediate protective layer on the top of the divided recording elements. Further, gaps between the divided recording elements are filled with a non-magnetic material before removing the first mask layer.

Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition process for laying down a gallium oxide coating on a glass substrate through the use of an organic ester and an inorganic gallium halide. The organic ester preferably contains 3-6 carbon atoms which contributes to obtaining a high deposition rate. The chemical vapor deposition method to form the gallium oxide coating is preferably at, essentially, atmospheric pressure. The resulting article has a gallium oxide coating which can be of substantial thickness because of the high deposition rates attainable. The coating deposition rates resulting from the method of the present invention are preferably greater than or equal to 75 ? per second.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a conducting doped diamond-like nanocomposite film containing, as basic elements, carbon, silicon, metal, oxygen and hydrogen. The film is produced as follows: a substrate is disposed in a vacuum chamber, and a voltage of 0.3-5.0 kV is applied to the substrate; a gas discharge plasma with an energy density of more than 5 kilowatt-hour/gram-atom of carbon particles is generated, and an organosiloxane compound is evaporated into the plasma; a beam of particles of a dopant is introduced into the plasma; and a film is grown on the substrate to produce a conducting doped carbon nanocomposite film with a predetermined relationship of atomic concentrations of carbon, metal and silicon. The film surface is coated with a silicon dioxide layer. A unidirectional alternating current is passed through the film in a current generator mode to effect electric thermal exposure of the film.

Abstract: An antimicrobial cementitious composition for imparting antimicrobial characteristics to cement comprises cement and an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of an ortho-phenyl phenol or salt thereof, a tolyl diiodomethyl sulfone, a zinc pyrithione, an oxathiazine, an azole, a chlorothalonil, and a triazine diamine; combinations of agents also may be employed.

Abstract: A fast method of creating nanostructures comprising the steps of forming one or more electrically-charged regions (5) of predetermined shape on a surface (1) of a first material, by contacting the regions with a stamp for transferring electric charge, and providing electrically charged nanoparticles (7) of a second material, and permitting the particles to flow in the vicinity of the regions, to be deposited on the regions.

Abstract: A process for the deposition of particulate material of a desired substance on a surface includes: (i) charging a particle formation vessel with a compressed fluid; (ii) introducing into the particle formation vessel a first feed stream comprising a solvent and the desired substance dissolved therein and a second feed stream comprising the compressed fluid, wherein the desired substance is less soluble in the compressed fluid relative to its solubility in the solvent and the solvent is soluble in the compressed fluid, and wherein the first feed stream is dispersed in the compressed fluid, allowing extraction of the solvent into the compressed fluid and precipitation of particles of the desired substance; (iii) exhausting compressed fluid, solvent and the desired substance from the particle formation vessel at a rate substantially equal to the rate of addition of such components to the vessel in step (ii) through a restrictive passage to a lower pressure whereby the compressed fluid is transformed to a gaseous

Abstract: In a parallel flat plate type plasma CVD apparatus, plasma damage of constituent parts in a reaction chamber due to irregularity of dry cleaning in the reaction chamber is reduced and the cost is lowered. In the parallel flat plate type plasma CVD apparatus in which high frequency voltages of pulse waves having mutually inverted waveforms are applied to an upper electrode and a lower electrode, and the inversion interval of the pulse wave can be arbitrarily changed, the interior of the reaction chamber is dry cleaned.

Abstract: Method of coating the seam of a welded tube with an adherent metal coating, including applying a nonadherent metal coating to the inside and outside of the welded seam, externally heating the seam area with the seam located in the lower portion of the tube to generally the melting temperature of the coating, then applying a fluid coolant to the external surface to freeze the outer coating while continuing heating to melt the coating on the inner surface and finally quenching. In one preferred embodiment, the tube is heated with an induction heater including a seam coil which first heats the seam area below the melting temperature of the coating and then heated with a full body coil. The coolant may be chilled water or other coolant which is sprayed onto the seam area.

Abstract: A method for providing uniformity in plasma-assisted material processes. A shielding plate is implemented within a plasma chamber above a substrate. The dimensions, geometry, and location of the shielding plate are optimized to generate a desired ion flux in a plasma-assisted material process conducted in a plasma chamber.

Abstract: A film deposition method and film deposition system for depositing a halogen compound film, capable of depositing such a film while suppressing abuse that occurs due to deficiency of a halogen element even if the halogen element is dissociated from a film material. The halogen compound film is deposited through a process including: evaporating a film material comprising a halogen compound by means of an evaporation source 3; ionizing the evaporated film material with a radio frequency power outputted from a radio frequency power supply unit 11 and supplied through a substrate holder 2; and causing the ionized film material deposit on the substrate 5. A bias voltage outputted from a bias power supply unit 12 and applied to the substrate holder 2 causes halogen ions dissociated from ions of the halogen compound to be incorporated into the film being deposited on the substrate 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to chiral compounds of formula I wherein X1,X2,X1,X2,x1,x2,y1,y2,B,C,U1,U2,V1,V2,W1 and W2 have the meaning given in claim 1, to liquid crystal mixtures comprising at least one chiral compound of formula I, to chiral linear or crosslinked liquid crystal polymers obtainable by polymerizing a polymerizade mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula I, to the use of chiral compound of formula I and mixtures and polymers obtained thereof in liquid crystal display, active and passive optical elements, adhesives, synthetic resins with anisotropic mechanical properties, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions, diagnostics, liquid crystal pigments, for decorative and security applications, nonlinear optics, optical information storage or as chiral dopants, and to a liquid crystal display comprising a mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula I.

Abstract: A uniaxially or biaxially oriented film which is made from a specific polycarbonate having a fluorene ring and a glass transition temperature of 165° C. or higher and which has a heat shrinkage factor when it is heated at 90° C. for 500 hours of 0.1% or less, and a ratio of retardation R(450) within the film plane at a wavelength of 450 nm to retardation R(550) within the film plane at a wavelength of 550 nm of 1 to 1.06. This film can be used in a high-quality liquid crystal display device such as a vertical alignment liquid crystal display device and is useful as a retardation film which almost solves a frame problem.

Abstract: An optical film, which includes a laminate of a base and a birefringent layer, and which is excellent in adhesiveness between the base and the birefringent layer, is provided. The birefringent layer is formed on the base by: coating a material of the birefringent layer on the base so as to form a coating film; stretching/shrinking the base so as to stretch/shrink the coating film; and solidifying the material of the coating film. The material is dispersed or dissolved previously in a solvent and coated in a form of solution, where the solvent used exhibits solubility with respect to the base, and in the coating step, the solvent is infiltrated into a part of the interior of the base, thereby obtaining an optical film with excellent adhesiveness between the base and the birefringent layer.

Abstract: An ink jet recording medium containing a support and an ink receiving layer on the support, in which the ink receiving layer includes at least a complex formed from a metal with a valence of two or more and an acidic group-containing compound having a substituent group containing a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. The acidic group-containing compound is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (I).