Abstract: The present invention provides an improved methodology by which therapeutically to overcome resistance to tetracycline in living cells including bacteria, parasites, fungi, and rickettsiae. The methodology employs a blocking agent such as C5 ester derivatives, or 6-deoxy 13-(substituted mercapto) derivatives of tetracycline, in combination with other tetracycline-type antibiotics as a synergistic combination of compositions to be administered simultaneously, sequentially or concurrently. In another embodiment, certain novel compositions are provided which may be administered alone against, for example, a sensitive or resistant strain of gram positive bacteria such as S. aureus and E. faecalis. The concomitantly administered compositions effectively overcome the tetracycline resistant mechanisms present such that the cell is effectively converted from a tetracycline-resistant state to a tetracycline-sensitive state.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for irradiating a liquid crystal display panel from the back includes a light guiding plate having at least an end which is bent in a direction opposite to the liquid crystal display panel, and a light source disposed on the back surface of the light guiding plate with respect to the liquid crystal display panel. Light from the light source is incident on the bent section of the light guiding plate, reflected by a reflector covering the outside surface of the bent section, and then falls on a section corresponding to a data display space of the liquid crystal display panel. This structure enables an increase in the ratio of the area of a light emitting section to the area of the entire lighting apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining organic solvent resistant microorganisms which comprises subjecting a microbial parent strain to mutagenesis and then to selective cultivation in the presence of 0.1% to 10% by volume (v/v) of concentrations of a toxic organic solvent, and the organic solvent resistant microorganisms obtainable by the method. In addition according to the present invention, a microorganism which is natively hydrophilic and has useful functions but does not show resistance to organic solvents and can not express the useful functions in the organic solvents may be converted into a microorganism capable of growing in the presence of such toxic organic solvents and expressing the useful functions that the hydrophilic parent strain bears natively.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a polypeptide represented by formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable amide, ester or salt thereof:His-Ser-Asp-Gly-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asp-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Arg-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Gln-NH-CHX-CO-A la-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Y SEQ ID NO:13 (I)wherein X is hydrogen atom; or a lower alkyl group which may be substituted with a member selected from the group consisting of hydroxy group, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, and substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group; and Y is one of amino acids or peptides consisting of 1 to 16 amino acid residues counted from the N-terminal side of Leu-Ala-Ala-Val-Leu-Gly-Lys-Arg-Tyr-Lys-Gln-Arg-Val-Lys-Asn-Lys SEQ ID NO:20, and (2) a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide represented by formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable amide, ester or salt thereof, which has remarkable c-AMP activity and is useful as a nerve activating agent.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes substrates opposed to each other, a polymeric layer patterned into a predetermined pattern, and a liquid crystal layer at least partially surrounded by the polymeric layer. The polymeric layer and the liquid crystal layer are interposed between the substrates. The polymeric layer is at least partially formed by polymerizing a liquid crystalline polymerization precursor in a state where the molecules of the liquid crystalline polymerization precursor are aligned in a predetermined direction by an alignment regulating force of at least one of the substrates.

Abstract: A releasably locking dilator/sheath medical introducer device is provided having a dilator with a non-circular cross-sectional shape to enable insertion of a catheter, guide wire and the like into a patient. More particularly, the invention provides an introducer device that has dilator with a non-circular cross-sectional shape, particularly a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, and that comprises a releasable lock for the dilator and the circumscribing sheath components of the device. In preferred embodiments, the introducer device also includes a visual indicator and/or a tactile indicator to conveniently inform a user of the device whether the dilator/sheath assembly is in a locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides multilayer ion plated coatings comprising a titanium oxide as well as methods for applying such coatings onto a variety of substrates. In particular, the invention provides ion plated transparent multilayer coatings comprising layers of titanium oxide (particularly TiO.sub.x, x.apprxeq.2) and materials of low refractive indices such as SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, MgO etc. Further provided are articles of manufacture comprising such multilayer coatings and novel deposition methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved optical devices and reflection control techniques. In one aspect, the invention provides an optical device comprising an array of substantially tubular elements and one or more reflective surfaces, wherein at least one of the reflective surfaces positioned behind the tubular elements is tilted with respect to the optical path of the device. This orientation of the reflective surface results in incident light from a source in the field of view of the device being reflected from the tilted surface and captured by the array of elements, rather than the reflected light being projected outward from the device where it can be perceived by a viewer, particularly a viewer in the field of view.

Abstract: A polysaccharide having a molecular weight of about 5.times.10.sup.3 to 10.times.10.sup.6 as measured by gel permeation chromatography and composed of 5 saccharides, viz. D-glucose, D-galactose, D-glucuronic acid, D-ribose and D-riburonic acid, in a molar ratio of D-glucose:D-galactose:D-glucuronic acid:D-ribose:D-riburonic acid=10:1.8-2.9:1.8-2.6:0.5-1.7:0.5-1.7, with the content of o-acetyl groups in the polysaccharide being 0-10% by weight.