Abstract: Matrix-type transdermal drug delivery devices for administering potent steroids such as ethinyl estradiol at a low flux steady-state rate over a multi-day period comprising a laminate of: (a) an occlusive backing layer and (b) a matrix layer of the drug completely dissolved at a loading of below 0.5% by weight in a 2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, including a semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer located on the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of memory cells arranged on the semiconductor substrate in a matrix with the insulation layer therebetween. The memory cells each includes a floating gate located on the semiconductor substrate with the insulation layer therebetween, a control gate for forming a capacitance with the floating gate with the insulation layer interposed therebetween, an impurity diffusion region located in the semiconductor substrate and having an opposite conductivity to that of the semiconductor substrate, and a bit line connected to the impurity diffusion region. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device further includes an application device for applying a control voltage for reading data from the memory cell to the control gate; and a determination device for determining data to be read from a plurality of sets of data and outputting the data.

Abstract: The optical pickup of the invention includes a hologram mirror for directing an optical axis of a light beam emitted from a light source to be perpendicular to the recording face of a recording medium. The hologram mirror includes: a light transmissive substrate having a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other, the light beam from the light source entering the substrate from the first surface; a transmissive holographic element, formed on the first substrate, for diffracting the light beam incident thereon to generate a plurality of diffracted beams; and a reflective film, formed on the second surface of the substrate, for reflecting the diffracted beams, wherein the holographic element includes a blazed grating which is designed to make a predetermined one of the diffracted beams most intense.

Abstract: The cellular binding proteins present in membranes of fleas, especially those which are present in the digestive tract, are useful as screening tools for systemic anti-flea reagents and in the design of vaccine formulations. Particularly useful is the .alpha.-subunit of (Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+)ATPase. The .alpha.-subunit of this protein expressed in recombinant host cells in the presence of the .beta.-subunit is distributed on the membrane and the recombinant cells can thus be used to screen candidates for ability to bind the cells. Secondary screens are used to determine the specificity of the candidate reagent for flea protein as compared to a corresponding protein derived from other sources.

Abstract: Methods are provided for improved production of hIL-3 either in glycosylated form from mammalian and yeast cells or in unglycosylated form from prokaryotes. Recombinantly produced human IL-3 is purified in a series of steps, initially employing hydrophobic interaction, followed by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration.