Abstract: A storage device capable of avoiding write fault error or read error occurring immediately after switching from power save mode or migration mode to ordinary mode. By carrying out a dummy write/dummy read command when switching from power save mode for reducing electric power consumption or migration mode for reducing the time for which the electric current flows in magnetic heads, normal write command/read command is executed in a condition in which the magnetic heads are placed completely in on-track condition.

Abstract: Hyaluronidase inhibitor containing GOD-type ellagitannin as an active ingredient, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics containing the inhibitor. The activity of hyaluronidase which hydrolyses hyaluronic acid can be inhibited without causing any toxicity to human, notably in the absence of irritation or any other adverse effects on the skin.

Abstract: A novel disaccharide derivative represented by the following formula, which is the compound of the present invention, its stereoisomers and salts and a medicinal composition comprising the same as an active ingredient. ##STR1## The compound of the present invention has various biological activities, for example, potent mitogenic activity, adjuvant activity, polyclonal B cell activating (nonspecific protective) activity, natural killer activity, antitumor activity, antiviral activity, etc. but little harmful effects, for example, function of inducing the production of so-called inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1 from macrophages. Therefore it is highly useful as an immunopotentiator, an antitumor agent, an antiviral agent as well as an agent for preventing and treating sepsis, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, etc. without showing any harmful effects such as lethal toxicity or pyrogenicity as observed in the conventional lipid A and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The nucleotide sequence of a DNA coding for highly thermophilic cytochrome C-552, a plasmid containing said sequence, a host cell transformed with said plasmid and a process for the production of C-552 comprising culturing said host.

Abstract: Novel peptide analogues which exhibit inhibitory activity against aspartic proteinases, a novel species of actinomycetous microorganism which produces said novel peptide analogues, a process for producing said novel analogues by culturing said species and a pharmaceutical composition containing said analogues.

Abstract: A process for producing cis-4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxyphthalic acid which comprises producing cis-4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxyphthalic acid and/or a salt thereof from phthalic acid and/or a salt thereof using a microorganism whose activity to decompose cis-4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxyphthalic acid and/or a salt thereof has disappeared or diminished, acidifying the product system unless it is acidic, and then extracting therefrom cis-4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxyphthalic acid with such an organic solvent that it is miscible with water in any proportion and the mixture of the organic solvent with water can be separated into two layers upon adding a salt thereto, in the presence of a salt, or with an alcohol having 4 carbon atoms. The process enables one to produce cis-4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxyphthalic acid from phthalic acid and/or its salt in a high yield.

Abstract: A 2-pyranone derivative represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, or a linear, branched alkylcarbonyloxy, or cyclo-alkylcarbonyloxy group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and salts thereof; a process for the production of the above-mentioned 2-pyranone derivative (I), comprising the steps of culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces and capable of producing the derivative, to produce the derivative, and recovering the produced derivative from the cultured product; a biocidal composition comprising the above-mentioned 2-pyranone derivative (I); and a microorganism belonging to the genus Stretromyces and capable of producing the above-mentioned 2-pyranone derivatives.