Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a 5-hydroxy-3-ketoester derivative of the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group, and R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group, which comprises causing the reaction of an aldehyde compound of the formula R.sup.1 CHO in which R.sup.1 has the meanings as defined above and diketene in the presence of a metal compound selected from a titanium or aluminum compound having at least one group of --OR.sup.3 in which R.sup.3 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group. Further, a process for the preparation of an optically active substance of the 5-hydroxy-3-ketoester derivative causing the reaction of the above compounds in the presence of the metal compound and optically active Schiff base or a complex compound obtained by reacting the metal compound with the optically active Schiff base, also is disclosed.

Abstract: A folded sheet article (20) comprises a sheet (22) of material having mutually transverse sets of concertina folds (24, 26) and two diagonally opposite stiff portions (28, 30) at respective corner segments (32, 34) of the sheet (as disclosed in the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,898) and has a pocket (40) at at least one of the segments (32, 34). Pocket (40) may be formed separately, may comprise the stiff portion (28), which may be folded back onto itself to form the pocket (40), or may (alone or together with said portion (28)) be formed from the sheet (22). The stiffening may be provided by a removable card (58) in pocket 40). Such card (58) may bear coded information (60) related to information (62) borne by sheet (22). Pocket (40) may have an egress retarder (64) to retard egress of a card (58).

Abstract: An improved enema insufflation system includes a source of barium sulfate suspension connected, by tubing, to a multi-lumen enema tip and a source of carbon dioxide, connected to the enema tip. The carbon dioxide source contains compressed carbon dioxide. The source is connected to a carbon dioxide reservoir capable of holding a pre-determined volume of carbon dioxide at a relatively low pressure. A hand actuated insufflation bulb is connected to the carbon dioxide reservoir. The insufflation bulb can draw carbon dioxide from the reservoir for delivery, through the enema tip, to a patient. The compressed, high-pressure carbon dioxide is functionally isolated from the patient to ensure patient safety.

Abstract: A dual language information and dictionary machine permits operator selection of a message language, usually the operator's home language, and operator selection of an input word language. Operator input and entry of the word and the language selected provides translation, grammar and related dictionary information concerning the input word. Operator sequencing of an inflection request provides detailed information concerning each tense of the input word in the language into which it is translated together with information about each tense in the message or home language selected. Information screens are available at the request of the user at all operating states to provide additional information or directions.

Abstract: Foaming above the aqueous polymerization mixture can be efficiently reduced in suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer in an aqueous medium contained in a polymerization reactor equipped with a reflux condenser for removal of the heat of polymerization by admixing the polymerization mixture with additives comprising (a) from 0.002 to 0.007 part by weight of a partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of saponification in the range from 20 to 50% by moles and an average degree of polymerization in the range from 200 to 400 and (b) from 0.001 to 0.01 part by weight of a silicone-based defoaming agent, each amount being per 100 parts by weight of the vinyl chloride monomer or the monomer mixture mainly composed of vinyl chloride, at a moment, preferably, before the reflux condenser is brought into operation.

Abstract: Corrosion-resistant rare earth magnets and a method for their manufacture, said magnets containing at least one rare earth element in an amount of 5 to 40 weight %, Fe in an amount of 50 to 90 weight %, Co in an amount of 0 to 15 wt %, B in an amount of 0.2 to 8 weight %, and at least one additive selected from Ni, Nb, Al, Ti, Zr, Cr, V, Mn, Mo, Si, Sn, Ga, Cu, and Zn in an amount of 0 to 8 weight %. The method comprises the steps of: (i) pretreating the surfaces of the magnet after sintering it; (ii) activating the surfaces thereof; and (iii) coating the surfaces thereof with at least one layer of Ni-containing film by electroplating. The activating may be carried out by treating the surfaces with a soap or a surface active agent. The activated surfaces may be subjected to ultrasonic vibrations in water to remove foreign substances before electroplating.

Abstract: A dry-type analytical element for immunoassay utilizing antigen-antibody reaction in which the antigenic component is isolated from the antibody component by incorporating both components in separate layers or separately in a layer using different solvents. The analytical element is excellent in sensitivity and accuracy, and the analytical operation is simple.