Abstract: This invention relates to an allergen-reducing composition comprising a hydroxyproline derivative, a polymer thereof, or a salt of such a derivative or polymer, which is capable of reducing the allergenicity of mites, pollens, or other allergens and is capable of imparting functions of reducing allergenicity to fibers or textiles such as a carpet, a tatami mat, a bed cloth, a curtain, clothing, a stuffed animal, a mask, a filter material, or a dust bag for an electric vacuum cleaner without discoloration; and a method for reducing allergens using such composition.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor which comprises a support having provided thereon a layer containing a light-to-heat converting agent as a lower layer and a hydrophilic photosensitive layer containing light-to-heat convertible metallic fine particles which change to hydrophobic with the conversion of light to heat as an upper layer.

Abstract: In a method of continuously annealing steel strip comprising a heating step (A), a soaking step (B), a primary cooling step (C) including a rapid cooling step at least in a second half thereof, an overaging step (D), and a final cooling step (E), inert atmosphere gas containing H.sub.2 gas in the concentration of 30-60% is employed as cooling gas for use in the rapid cooling step, the blowoff temperature of the cooling gas is 30.degree.-150.degree. C., and the blowoff speed of the cooling gas is 100-150 m/sec. The primary cooling method in continuously annealing steel strip provides the primary cooling step (C) including the rapid cooling step which can be carried out with a high efficiency and a low cost.