Abstract: To provide a microorganism or a plant transformed with a ?-ionone ring-4-ketolase gene and/or ?-ionone ring-3-hydroxylase gene derived from Brevundimonas sp. strain SD-212. The ?-ionone ring-4-ketolase gene and ?-ionone ring-3-hydroxylase gene produced by Brevundimonas sp. strain SD-212 each have a high activity compared with those of known enzymes, and therefore microorganisms transformed with the genes encoding these enzymes can efficiently produce astaxanthin.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to find substances that can be used as skin aging markers, and the present invention provides a method for determining the degree of skin aging, including measurement of expression of secretory proteins and/or intracellular proteins and/or their genes in skin cells and/or skin tissues, wherein the secretory proteins and/or intracellular proteins change their expression with aging of skin. The present invention also provides a kit for determining the degree of skin aging and a method for identifying substances effective in the prevention of skin aging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA encoding novel xylitol dehydrogenase and a method for using the same. Specifically, the present invention comprises providing the nucleic acid sequence of a xylitol dehydrogenase gene from Candida shehatae and introducing this gene into a host organism, thereby producing a microorganism having the ability to utilize xylose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Brevundimonas sp. strain SD212-derived peptide having ?-ionone ring-2-hydroxylase activity and a gene encoding the same, to thereby make it possible to produce rare carotenoids in which a hydroxyl group is introduced at the position 2(2?) carbon in their ?-ionone ring in large quantities. The present invention also provides a novel gene encoding an enzyme which introduces a hydroxyl group at the position 3(3?) carbon in the ?-ionone ring of carotenoids, and a novel gene encoding a geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for obtaining flowering plants with a novel flower color, and a method for producing a plant having petals with a novel flower color by use of a novel acyltransferase protein and the gene encoding the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for improving skin conditions comprising, as an active ingredient, a yeast cell wall fraction obtained by removing soluble intracellular component from an enzymatically treated and/or non-enzymatically treated yeast. The composition of this invention is effective for improving skin conditions, such as, moistening, whitening, or active oxygen elimination.

Abstract: The present invention realizes an impedance control for avoiding the extinction of a plasma caused due to a sudden change in a load impedance, which may occur immediately after the plasma is generated. A film-forming apparatus of the present invention includes a power supply; a matching circuit; an electrode configured to receive electric power from the power supply through the matching circuit, and to generate a plasma inside a film forming chamber for accommodating a film forming target based on the electric power; and a control section configured to control an impedance of the matching circuit. The control section keeps the impedance of the matching circuit constant during a first period starting at a first time t1 when the power supply starts to supply the electric power to the electrode, and controls the impedance of the matching circuit based on a reflected-wave power from the electrode for a second period starting at a second time t2 when the first period ends.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an inclusion compound in which isohumulones are included in ?-cyclodextrin (CD). According to the present invention, there is provided an inclusion compound of isohumulones which is obtainable by mixing isohumulones, ?-cyclodextrin (?CD) and an aqueous solvent in a ratio of isohumulones:?CD:aqueous solvent=1:5 to 25:20 to 112.5, where ?CD aqueous solvent=1:4 to 9.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for altering the expression profile of a cell to convert the cell from one cell type to a desired cell type (e.g., T-cells). These reprogrammed cells may be used in a variety of medical applications for treating a mammal in need of a particular cell type.

Abstract: The invention provides cloned transgenic ungulates (e.g., bovines) in which prion protein activity is reduced by one or more genetically engineered mutations. Desirably, these transgenic bovines are also genetically modified to express xenogenous (e.g., human) antibodies. Because of their resistance to prion-related diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopy (also known as mad cow disease), these bovines are a safer source of human antibodies for pharmaceutical uses and a safer source of agricultural products.

Abstract: In general, the invention features genetically modified non-human mammals (e.g., bovines and other ungulates), and methods of making these mammals. In particular, the invention features transgenic ungulates having reduced levels of endogenous IgM heavy chain and/or prion protein.