Abstract: Spherical-shape ceramics obtained by dropping starting ceramics into a low temperature medium or composite spherical-shape ceramics having a composite layer obtained by applying a hydrothermal treatment thereto.

Abstract: A functional food which comprises a glucosyltransferase and/or a fructosyltransferase each having a water-soluble polysaccharide production ability, and a base therefor.

Abstract: A system for generating a cryptokey (k) to be shared among entities (A, B) engaged in communications, in particular one known as the key predistribution system. Indentifiers (y.sub.A, y.sub.S) for the entities engaging in communications under a center and a center algorithm (G) which only the center knows are generated, then secret algorithms (x.sub.A, X.sub.B) distinct to each entity are generated on added to IC cards or other cipher generation means (2, 3). A cipher generation means (2, 3) is provided for each entity. The identifiers (y.sub.B, y.sub.A) of the other entity are applied to compute a cryptokey, whereby a common cryptokey is generated.Also disclosed is a system for communications using the above shared cryptokey.

Abstract: An anticariogenic or antiperiodontitic agent containing, as an active component, yeast cells and/or water-soluble extracts of yeasts having antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans or Bacteroides gingivalis. This anticariogenic or antiperiodontitic agent has strong inhibitory effects on the growth of Streptococcus mutans causing dental caries and Bacteroids gingivalis causing periodontitis and has neither influence on intestinal microflora nor any side-effects when orally administered.

Abstract: If a part of the surface of a solid electrolyte (1) is covered with a layer (2) of a metal salt capable of forming a dissociative equilibrium with a gas component to be measured and the remaining surface of the solid electrolyte (1) is substantially completely sealed and coated with a gas-intercepting layer (3), there can be provided a gas sensor having a simple structure, the size of which can be drastically reduced, and the operation characteristics of this gas sensor are very stable.

Abstract: A hypotriglyceridemically active polysaccharide having the following characteristics:(a) Specific rotatory power:[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.29 =+190.1(1.8 w/v % solution)(b) Molecular weight by gel filtration:14,000.+-.3,000(c) Sugar composition (weight percent by gas chromatography)glucose: 70.3rhamnose: 13.7uronic acid: 16.0(d) Acid-base characteristic:neutral polysaccharides(e) Physiological characteristics:capable of reducing the blood triglyceride in mammals.This hypotriglyceridemically active polysaccharide can be prepared by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptococcus in an adequate culture medium therefor; and collecting the hypotriglyceridemically active polysaccharide from the cultured cells of the microorganism and/or the supernatant of the culture broth.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter capable of effectively removing carcinogenic substances from tobacco smoke is presented. This tobacco filter contains an aqueous solution of a compound having a metallic ion or especially ferric ion binding protoporphyrin ring structure, as a removal agent of carcinogenic substances from the tobacco smoke, and a porous carrier therefor.