Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide (CIF Cornifation Inhibiting factor) characterized in that the polypeptide has a sequence of 212 amino acid residues represented by the formula (1) and a molecular weight of about 24000 daltons as determined by SDS-PAGE, a process for preparing the polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions and cosmetics comprising the polypeptide, and a method of preventing or curing symptoms of skin diseases due to abnormal cornification of the skin with use of the polypeptide.

Abstract: This present invention provides a vector for expression and secretion of a polypeptide by directly joining a DNA sequence coding for a signal peptide to a DNA sequence coding for the desired polypeptide, the vector containing the DNA sequence coding for the signal peptide, a vector for expression and secretion of the desired polypeptide as defined above and further having incorporated therein the DNA sequence coding for the desired polypeptide, a microorganism transformed by the secretion vector, and a process for producing the desired polypeptide by growing the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention provides a fly attracting composition characterized by:(a) containing a fly attracting compound at least one sex pheromone selected from the group consisting of 9-tricosene, cis-9-tricosene, 10-methyl-9-tricosene, cis-2-methyl-8-docosene, cis-9-docosene, cis-8-docosene and cis-10-tricosene,(b) having a yellowish red color in the range of 2.5R to 2.5YR in hue, and(c) being in the form of a granular preparation about 0.5 to about 5 mm in mean grain size.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of vaporizing and a device capable of thermally vaporizing a thermally vaporizable composition being drawn up by a porous absorbing body due to its capillary attraction.

Abstract: Homobrassinolide of the formula: ##STR1## which shows a plant growth promoting activity.

Abstract: A mixture of an active ingredient such as insecticide, fungicide, repellent or the like and a blowing agent is heated with a hot air current produced by a suitable heat source and a fan to thermally decompose the blowing agent and cause the hot air current and the gas resulting from the thermal decomposition to vaporize and diffuse the active ingredient. The mixture is accommodated within a passage formed in a container and the passage is provided therein with a fan for forcing the hot air current therethrough. A fumigating method and an apparatus of this invention ensure very efficient, quick and uniform diffusion of the vapor of the active ingredients and are usable for controlling vermin and other purposes with high safety and great convenience.

Abstract: A mixture of an active ingredient such as insecticide, fungicide, antiseptic or the like and a blowing agent is heated indirectly with a heat evolved by contacting an exothermic substance with water to decompose the blowing agent and to volatilize the active agent. The mixture is accommodated in at least one compartment of a container while the exothermic substance is accommodated in at least one further compartment provided with water supplying means, said compartments being separated from each other by a partition which provides a heat transferring surface.

Abstract: A mixture of an active ingredient and a blowing agent is heated indirectly with a heating element to thermally decompose the blowing agent and to volatilize the active ingredient. The mixture and the heating element are separated from each other by a partition which provides a heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A device for use in capturing cockroaches which comprises a container having at least one opening or entrance permitting cockroaches to enter therein and a slanting stepping plate extending inwardly upward from the bottom of the opening.