Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide (CIF Cornifation Inhibiting factor) characterized in that the polypeptide has a sequence of 212 amino acid residues represented by the formula (1) and a molecular weight of about 24000 daltons as determined by SDS-PAGE, a process for preparing the polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions and cosmetics comprising the polypeptide, and a method of preventing or curing symptoms of skin diseases due to abnormal cornification of the skin with use of the polypeptide.

Abstract: This present invention provides a vector for expression and secretion of a polypeptide by directly joining a DNA sequence coding for a signal peptide to a DNA sequence coding for the desired polypeptide, the vector containing the DNA sequence coding for the signal peptide, a vector for expression and secretion of the desired polypeptide as defined above and further having incorporated therein the DNA sequence coding for the desired polypeptide, a microorganism transformed by the secretion vector, and a process for producing the desired polypeptide by growing the microorganism.

Abstract: A mixture of an active ingredient such as insecticide, fungicide, antiseptic or the like and a blowing agent is heated indirectly with a heat evolved by contacting an exothermic substance with water to decompose the blowing agent and to volatilize the active agent. The mixture is accommodated in at least one compartment of a container while the exothermic substance is accommodated in at least one further compartment provided with water supplying means, said compartments being separated from each other by a partition which provides a heat transferring surface.