Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the early differential diagnosis and detection, prognosis and determination of the degree of severity of a case of sepsis and systemic infections similar to sepsis and also for the determination of the course of infection during therapy. The above is achieved, whereby the amount of CA 125 in a biological fluid from a patient is determined, preferably with determination of at least one further parameter suitable for diagnosis of sepsis, for a patient who has sepsis or is suspected of having sepsis and, from the determined amounts of CA 125 conclusions are drawn as to the presence, expected course, the degree and/or the success of measures taken for the therapy of sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the use of at least one immunosuppressant, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate of physiologically functional derivative thereof, in the treatment of topical immune disorders of the scalp, and scalp conditions, and compositions suitable for such use.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: A method for isolating human neuroepithelial precursor cells from human fetal tissue by culturing the human fetal cells in fibroblast growth factor and chick embryo extract and immunodepleting from the cultured human fetal cells any cells expressing A2B5, NG2 and eNCAM is provided. In addition, methods for transplanting these cells into an animal are provided. Animals models transplanted with these human neuroepithelial precursor cells and methods for monitoring survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of the cells in the animal model via detection of human specific markers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant drugs based upon ADAMTS13.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to immunointeractive molecules and more particularly antibodies which bind to vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) or its functional or structural equivalent and inhibit the biological activity of VEGF-B. In particular, the present invention relates to deimmunized such as humanized or human antibodies that bind to VEGF-B and inhibit the biological activity of VEGF-B. These antibodies have uses in the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with perturbations in normal vasculogenesis or angiogenesis or vascular remodelling. The present invention further contemplates a method of modulating diseases associated with perturbations in normal vasculogenesis or angiogenesis or vascular remodelling by the administration of the subject antibodies. The present invention further provides an assay system useful for identifying antibodies which bind to VEGF-B and block the biological activity of VEGF-B.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for inhibiting amyloidogenic protein toxicity, inhibiting formation of an amyloidogenic protein deposit and/or treating amyloidogenic diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more agents that bind an integrin or an integrin subunit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for treating tumors. Disclosed methods and compositions enhance the uptake of immunocytokines into tumors, and are based on a combination of an immunocytokine with an immunocytokine uptake enhancing agent. Disclosed methods and compositions are particularly useful for reducing tumor size and metastasis in a mammal.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an autoimmune disease in an animal comprising administering to the animal an antibody-DT mutant immunotoxin which routes by the anti-CD3 pathway, or derivatives thereof, under conditions such that the autoimmune disease is treated. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating T cell leukemias or lymphomas in an animal comprising administering to the animal an antibody-DT mutant immunotoxin which routes by the anti-CD3 pathway, or derivatives thereof, under conditions such that the T cell leukemias or lymphomas are treated.

Abstract: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced by an excretory recombinant approach was tested for its efficacy in treating various skin wounds. In a randomized double blind controlled study, local cream samples prepared with human EGF at a final concentration of as low as 0.02% (g/g) in topically suitable carrier were found to have an enhancing effect on the recovery of diabetes foot ulcers. This promotional effect is statistically significant and has resulted in a reduced mean healing time of over 3 weeks when compared with that of control. Both the 0.02% (g/g) and 0.04% (g/g) human EGF supplemented samples in comparison with control showed a trend of stimulatory effect when a recovery of 50% of an ulcer was considered. The EGF samples were also shown to be highly effective in promoting treatments of wounds resulting from bedsores and surgeries.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of immunology, more specifically to the field of immune-mediated disorders such as allergies, auto-immune disease, transplantation-related disease and other inflammatory diseases. The invention in particular relates to the systemic treatment of inflammatory disease by oral or mucosal administration of a pharmaceutical composition with a gene-regulatory peptide. The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition in a form for mucosal application for the treatment of a subject suffering from disease, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmacologically effective amount of a gene-regulatory peptide or a functional analogue thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the growth rates, alleviating the symptoms, or improving the metabolism of human patients having insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency (IGFD). The invention relates to methods comprising administering insulin-like growth factor-I to a patient having a height which, at the time of treatment or prior to initial treatment with IGF-1, is at least about 2 standard deviations below normal for a subject of the same age and gender, a blood level of insulin-like growth factor-I that, and at the time of treatment or prior to initial treatment with IGF-1, is below normal mean levels, usually at least about 1 standard deviations below normal mean levels, for age and gender.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dengue virus tetravalent vaccine containing a common 30 nucleotide deletion (?30) in the 3?-untranslated region of the genome of dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, or antigenic chimeric dengue viruses of serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Abstract: 8,9-Dihydroxydihydropyridopyrazine-1,6-diones and 8,9-dihydroxypyridopyrazine-1,6-diones are inhibitors of HIV integrase and inhibitors of HIV replication. In one embodiment, the pyridopyrazinediones are of Formula (I): (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined herein. The compounds are useful in the prevention and treatment of infection by HIV and in the prevention, delay in the onset, and treatment of AIDS. The compounds are employed against HIV infection and AIDS as compounds per se or in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compounds and their salts can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines. Methods of preventing, treating or delaying the onset of AIDS and methods of preventing or treating infection by HIV are described.

Abstract: Proteins derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa are antigenic and are of use in the treatment, prophylaxis and diagnosis of P. aeruginosa infection.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an o/w emulsion, which comprises mixing together a high molecular compound carrying at least on side chains thereof groups represented by the following formula (1): —(OX)n-E2-R??(1) wherein n “X”s may be the same or different and each independently represents a linear or branched, divalent, saturated C1-6 hydrocarbon group, n stands for a number of from 5 to 300, E2 represents an ether bond or an oxycarbonyl group (—OCO— or —COO—), and R represents a linear or branched, C4-30 alkyl group which may be substituted by hydroxyl group(s), an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polyol, and a hydrophobic compound, and diluting a resulting mixture with water, and the o/w emulsion obtained by the preparation process. The emulsion according to the present invention is excellent in touch feeling to the skin and is good in stability.

Abstract: Use of agonists and antagonists of the nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors of insects for the non-systemic control of parasitic insects, such as fleas, lice and flies, on humans and on animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing comprising a flexible base layer and an antimicrobial material, wherein the antimicrobial material comprises an activated carbon-carried noble metal, the activated carbon is selected from the group consisting of an activated carbon powder, an activated carbon particle, an activated carbon fiber, and a combination thereof, and the noble metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, palladium, platinum, copper, zinc, and a combination thereof. The invention also relates to an antimicrobial composition for topical use on skin, in which the composition comprises the aforementioned activated carbon-carried noble metal.

Abstract: A process for decontaminating water, comprising contacting the water with iodine, contacting the solution with a nylon polymer selected from the group consisting of nylon-6, nylon-4,6 and nylon-6,6, and then separating the so-formed iodophor from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid supports functionalized with phosphorus-containing dendrimers, to a process for preparing them, to their use for preparing biochips and to the uses of these biochips, in particular for immobilizing molecules of interest, especially biological molecules of interest such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for producing a calcium phosphate cement or filler which hardens in a temperature dependent fashion in association with an endothermic reaction. In the reaction a limited amount of water is mixed with dry calcium phosphate precursors to produce a hydrated precursor paste. Hardening of the paste occurs rapidly at body temperature and is accompanied by the conversion of one or more of the reactants to poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate. The hardened cements, fillers, growth matrices, orthopedic and delivery devices of the invention are rapidly resorbable and stimulate hard tissue growth and healing. A composite material is provided including a strongly bioresorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate composite and a supplementary material. The supplementary material is in intimate contact with the hydroxyapatite material in an amount effective to impart a selected characteristic to the composite.

Abstract: Isolated cranberry seed oil and components thereof, in a form suitable for use as a foodstuff, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical composition, are disclosed. The isolated cranberry seed oil or compositions comprising one or a combination of components derived from the cranberry seed oil can be used as anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, antithrombotic, antioxidizing, antiatherogenic, antiinflammatory, and immunoregulatory agents. In addition, the invention features novel methods of extracting cranberry seed oil from cranberry seeds in a form suitable for adding to foodstuffs, dietary supplements, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to water dispersible extract preparations derived from water soluble components of Labiatae family plant material, including plant material hay and previously extracted or spent hay, which possesses beneficial oral care properties, methods of their manufacturing and application of the preparations in oral care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the prevention and the treatment of cardiovascular disease containing extracts of T. nucifera or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same as an effective ingredient. T. nucifera extracts or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same of the present invention not only shows excellent anti-oxidative activity to LDL but also effectively inhibits ACAT activity. Further, T. nucifera extracts of the present invention reduce blood LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. Therefore, the composition of the present invention can be effectively used for the prevention and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases including hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis caused by the LDL oxidation and the synthesis and accumulation of cholesteryl ester.

Abstract: There is described a process for the production of a vegetable yogurt formed by fermentation of vegetable products such as green vegetables and fruits under the action of lactic acid bacteria. In the first phase the vegetable substrate is prepared whereby the green vegetables and/or fruit are homogenized. then water is added to obtain a creamy or liquid product which is then pasteurized. Afterwards the cultures of lactic acid bacteria are inoculated whereby the fermentation step is carried out at a temperature depending on the strain of lactic acid bacteria being used until the pH reaches a value of about 3.8-4.5, at which point fragrances and/or thickening agents, fruit puree, or fruit in small pieces or cereals are added and the product is packaged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing fry, which comprises cooking with an oil composition containing at least 15% by weight of diglycerides as a frying oil, wherein the content of nitrogen in at least 5 liters of the oil composition is kept to 0.2% by weight or lower. The method permits repeatedly producing fry good in appearance and flavor without causing coloring of an oil and emission of offensive odor in fry workshops, daily dish shops, eating houses, restaurants, etc. where fry is mass-produced over a long period of time using a diglyceride-containing oil composition having an effect to reduce the accumulation of body fat to prevent obesity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reduced calorie fat and a process for the preparation of a reduced calorie fat, which includes esterification of edible oils with a source of behenic acid in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature in the range of about 25° C. to 150° C. for at least about 0.5 hours, and then recovering and purifying the reduced calorie fat using conventional methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for precipitating mono or multiple layers of organophosphoric acids of the general formula I (A) Y—B—OPO3H2??(IA) or of organophosphonic acids of the general formula I (B) Y—B—PO3H2??(IB) and the salts thereof, wherein B is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl, aryl, aralkyl, hetaryl or hetarylalkyl residue and Y is hydrogen or a functional group from the hydroxy, carboxy, amino, optionally low-alkyl-substituted mono or dialkylamino series, thiol, or a negative acid group from the ester, phosphate, phosphonate, sulfate, sulfonate, maleimide, succinimydyl, epoxy, acrylate series, wherein a biological, biochemical or synthetic indicator element may be coupled to B or Y by addition or substitution reaction, wherein compounds may also be added conferring the substrate surface a resistance to protein adsorption and/or to cell adhesion and in the B chain may optionally be comprised one or more ethylene oxide groups, rather than one or more —CH2- groups.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for coating a device comprising a coating chamber and a device rotator having at least one device mount wherein the apparatus allows insertion and retraction of the device on the device mount into and out of the coating chamber. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a substantially uniform coating on a device comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for coating a device, mounting the device onto the device mount, purging the coating chamber to reduce humidity in the coating chamber, maintaining a reduced humidity content in the coating chamber, inserting the device into the coating chamber, disposing a coating material on the device and rotating the device mounts about the device axis.

Abstract: A method of forming a ferroelectric thin film containing vinylidene fluoride homopolymer, including the steps of (i) preparing a green powder of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer of crystal form I alone or as main component by subjecting vinylidene fluoride to radical polymerization in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator, (ii) forming a thin film on a substrate surface by using vinylidene fluoride homopolymer of crystal form I alone or as main component obtained from the green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer of I-form crystal structure alone or as main component, and (iii) subjecting the thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer formed in step (ii) above to polarization.

Abstract: An organic EL function layer is formed in the following manner. Namely, relative scanning is carried out between a substrate and a function liquid droplet ejection head having introduced therein a light function material is selectively ejected toward the emitting function material. The light emitting substrate such that an organic EL function layer is formed on a multiplicity of pixel regions on the substrate. The work of ejecting the light emitting function material is carried out in an atmosphere of an inert gas.

Abstract: A picture element for an electro-luminescent display comprises a substrate, a first intermediate structure disposed above a first area of the substrate, at least one first color type electro-luminescent device disposed above the first intermediate structure, a second intermediate structure disposed above a second area of the substrate, and at least one second color type electro-luminescent device disposed above the second intermediate structure. The second intermediate structure is different from the first intermediate structure.

Abstract: A technique for manufacturing a light-emitting device by using a method of forming a thin film having a highly uniform thickness with high throughput is provided. The technique includes the steps of filling a small molecular organic electroluminescence material into an evaporation cell that has an orifice-like evaporation material ejecting port, and heating the small molecular organic electroluminescence material in an inert gas atmosphere to form a light emitting layer on a substrate from the small molecular organic electroluminescence material.

Abstract: A method of texturing a substrate or superstrate support material is provided, in which a thin textured film (32) is applied to the surface of the support material such as glass sheet (11). The dipping process is performed by loading a sheet (50) of the support material (11) into a frame (51) which provides a small number of small area contact points (52, 53) at which the sheet (50) is supported and lowering the frame (51) into texturing solution (59) comprising a mixture (59) of Sol-Gel (61) and texturing particles (62) comprising SiO2 monospheres. The sheet is then withdrawn from the texturing solution and the resultant film allowed to dry. The film is then sintered and the resulting film provides a textured surface suitable for the formation of a photovoltaic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive aid composition having excellent adhesive strength to polyimide films without decreasing mechanical properties and being useful in the field of electric materials. An adhesive aid composition of the present invention contains a phenolic hydroxyl group-containing polyamide and a solvent as essential components. The phenolic hydroxyl group-containing polyamide preferably has a segment represented by formula (1): (wherein R1 represents a divalent aromatic group, and n represents an average number of substituents and is a positive number of 1 to 4). The adhesive aid composition of the present invention is suitably used for bonding polyimide films.

Abstract: A process for producing a nano-structure is provided which enables control of the pore diameters and the pore intervals by film formation conditions. The process produces a nano-structure of an aluminum-silicon-germanium mixed film containing silicon and germanium at a content of 20 to 70 atom % relative to aluminum, the mixed film being constituted of a matrix composed mainly of silicon and germanium in a composition ratio of SixGe1-x (0?X?1), and cylindrical portions mainly composed of aluminum having a diameter of not larger 30 nm in the matrix. In the process, the mixed film is formed at a film-forming rate of not higher than 150 nm/min.

Abstract: A copper plating solution according to the present invention is characterized by that it comprising 0.03 mol/L to 0.5 mol/L of copper sulfate, 0.05 mol/L to 0.7 mol/L of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 0.02 mol/L to 0.3 mol/L of sulfite, and has a pH adjusted to 5.0 to 8.5. A method for copper plating according to the present invention is characterized by that it comprises using the copper plating solution above. The copper plating solution and the method for copper plating according to the present invention stably provide a uniform copper plating film excellent in adhesion on the surface of an article to be plated, such as rare earth metal-based permanent magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a consumer scrubbing wipe article. The method comprises providing a nonwoven substrate having a dry basis weight of less than about 300 g/m2 where the nonwoven substrate defining first and second opposing surfaces, providing an abrasive resin-based matrix, printing the matrix onto the first surface of the nonwoven substrate, and coalescing the matrix to create a texture layer that provides a scrubbyness attribute. The printed matrix covers less than an entirety of the first surface, and the texture layer is created without crosslinking of the matrix resin. The texture layer extends at least 50 microns outwardly beyond the first surface upon coalescing.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to produce an oxide film having good surface morphology and crystal quality, by a metal organic chemical vapor deposition using two or more raw material gases of metal organic compounds and oxygen gas. It is used a film forming system having a first supply hole 11A, a second supply hole 11B, a third supply hole 11C and a film forming chamber 7. A first raw material gas “A” containing a first metal organic compound is supplied through the first supply hole 11A into the chamber 7. A second raw material gas “B” containing the second metal organic compound is supplied through the second supply hole 11B into the chamber 7, and oxygen gas “C” is supplied through the third supply hole 11C into the chamber 7. The oxygen gas “D” contacts the first raw material gas “E” before the oxygen gas is mixed with the second raw material gas “F” in the chamber 7.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for controlling placement of nanoparticles, and methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a substrate and a plurality of funnels in the substrate, wherein each of the funnels comprises an inlet opening and an elongated, rectangular shaped outlet opening. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes creating a dusty plasma comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes, positioning a mask between the dusty plasma and a desired target for the carbon nanotubes, the mask having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, and extinguishing the dusty plasma to thereby allow at least some of the carbon nanotubes in the dusty plasma to pass through at least some of the plurality of openings in the mask and land on the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inner coatings of metal food containers and packaging and to a process for their production. The coatings are applied to the inside of at least a portion of the surface area of containers that are in direct contact with foods or other consumable products and subsequently cured. The coatings include a) at least one polyisocyanate containing an average of at least two NCO groups per molecule, at least 95% of the NCO groups being blocked with a blocking agent, and b) at least one polyhydroxyl compound containing an average of at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule that react with NCO groups.

Abstract: The height H of a liquid level, a capillary gap distance T, and a relative scanning speed between a coating nozzle 22 and a surface 10a, which is to be coated, are adjusted within an adjustable range by simultaneously setting the thickness of a coating film 21a formed of a resist agent at a predetermined value. Thus, a coating gap G is widen.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating onto a glass substrate for adhesive bonding. The process comprises depositing a coating where the surface is cleaned during a first time period, and depositing a high-velocity impact polymer reaction coating on the surface at ambient air pressure during a second time period using an atmospheric pressure air plasma. The coated glass can be bonded using a CASE compound, consisting of coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and combinations thereof. The opposing surface of the CASE compound is adjacent to a frame, such as an automotive vehicle windshield flange.

Abstract: A deposition method includes placing a substrate on a susceptor inside a chamber, the susceptor including a center pin passing through the susceptor for lifting the substrate, energizing an electrode to applying a uniform electric field to the substrate, electrically connecting a ground member extending along and attached to an entire axial length of the center pin to a ground voltage source, and forming a film on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A hose of impermeability has a wall corrugated along at least a part of its length, and formed by an inner thin resin layer, a laminated layer including a metal film, or a layer formed by a metal film, and an outer thin resin layer. It has a very high fluid impermeability owing to its wall layer including or formed by a metal film, and is also very flexible, capable of absorbing vibration, light in weight and strong. A tubular inner thin resin layer is formed by extrusion as the innermost layer of a multi-layered hose wall, and a laminated tape including a metal film, or simply a metal film is spirally wound or longitudinally lapped about the inner resin layer. An outer thin resin layer is formed about a layer formed by the laminated tape, or metal film, and the whole is at least partly corrugated. Alternatively, corrugation is done before an outer thin resin layer is formed by electrostatic powder coating.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method by exposing at least a portion of a luminescent coating disposed on a surface of an article to ultraviolet light at one or more preselected wavelengths causing said luminescent coating to exhibit a luminescence spectrum, the luminescence spectrum exhibiting a plurality of intensity peaks that have been predetermined to create a standard; determining the intensity of at least two peaks in the luminescence spectrum of the coating; determining a peak intensity ratio of the at least two peaks; comparing the peak intensity ratio determined with the standard; and, classifying the article according to whether or not the peak intensity ratio does or does not match the standard; wherein the luminescent coating is a particulate luminescent composition comprising a rare earth doped fluoride represented by the chemical formula REx(CaaSrbBac)1?xF2+x?2yOy wherein RE represents a three-valent rare-earth element, 0.005?x?0.20, and 0?y?0.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition containing at least one compound represented by formula (1) as a first component and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (2) and (3), but not containing a compound represented by formula (4), and having a negative dielectric anisotropy: wherein R1 is alkyl or alkenyl; R2 is alkyl or alkoxy; R3 is alkyl or alkoxymethyl; R4 is alkyl; R6 is alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxy; A1 and A2 are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; A3 is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z1 is a single bond or —COO—; and n is 0 or 1.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition including at least two kinds of gelling agents and a liquid crystal. The liquid crystal shows a liquid crystal phase at room temperature. A liquid crystal display device using the liquid crystal composition also is provided.

Abstract: An optically transparent touch panel includes an upper substrate provided with an upper conductive layer formed on a lower surface thereof, and a lower substrate provided with a lower conductive layer formed on an upper surface thereof in a manner to confront the upper conductive layer with a predetermined space. The upper and lower substrates are bonded together with a spacer having a modulus of elasticity between 104 and 106 Pa. The touch panel has a long usable life with the capability of downsizing the whole body, while maintaining a required effective operating area.