Abstract: Artificial skin having a thickness of 100 to 1,000 &mgr;m, and prepared from a polymer which, when formed into a thin film having a thickness of 100-1,000 &mgr;m, exhibits a percent transmission of light having a wavelength of 450-280 nm of at least 10%. In the artificial skin of the present invention, grooves which imitate furrows are provided on one surface. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating UV screening agents making use of the artificial skin of the present invention, on the basis of the relation between UV shielding power of a UV screening agent and UV transmission through the artificial skin.

Abstract: A microorganism resistant to a threonine analogue, which has a plasmid containing part or whole of a biotin operon; and a process for producing biotin, which comprises culturing a microorganism described above in a medium to produce and accumulate biotin in the medium, and collecting biotin.

Abstract: A fragrance composition which contains 1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene in an amount of from 0.01 to 30% by weight as a fragrance modifier that provides a sedative effect. 1,3-Dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene used in the present invention can exhibit a sedative effect not only by itself but also when mixed with various formulations of jasmine, floral and the like types having stimulative effects. Also, since a single chemical is used as an active ingredient, the present invention is more effective than the sedative function of natural essential oil from a viewpoint of sedation. In addition, since 1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene itself has a mild scent, its sedative effect can be obtained without altering original fragrance of interest.

Abstract: A microorganism resistant to a threonine analogue, which has a plasmid containing part or whole of a biotin operon; and a process for producing biotin, which comprises culturing a microorganism described above in a medium to produce and accumulate biotin in the medium, and collecting biotin.

Abstract: A microorganism resistant to a nicotinic acid analogue, which has a plasmid containing part or whole of a biotin operon; and a process for producing biotin, which comprises culturing a microorganism described above in a medium to produce and accumulate biotin in the medium, and collecting biotin.

Abstract: Cosmetic composition comprising cationic thickener prepared in a nonaqueous system in the absence of a surface active agent by polymerizing monomer composition containing 15 to 90% by weight of at least one of acrylic monomer having amino group and methacrylic monomer having amino group, 0 to 80% by weight of vinyl monomer, 1 to 60% by weight of monomer having at least one of acryloyl group and methacryloyl group and 0.1 to 25% by weight of crosslinkable vinyl monomer. This cosmetic composition imparts refreshing feeling and little skin irritation and can be suitably used as hair cream, hair lotion and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are acicular magnetic metal particles containing iron as the main ingredient the surfaces of which are coated with a polymer formed from at least one of silicone compounds represented by the following formula (I):(R.sup.1 HSiO).sub.a (R.sup.2 R.sup.3 SiO).sub.b (R.sup.4 R.sup.5 R.sup.6 SiO.sub.1/2)c (I)wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 respectively represent a hydrogen atom or hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which hydrocarbon group may be substituted by at least one halogen atom, a and b are respectively 0 or integers of not less than 1, and c is 0 or 2, provided that when c is 0, the sum of a and b is an integer of not less than 3 and which have a coercive force of not less than 1400 Oe, a saturation magnetization of not less than 100 emu/g, a major axial diameter of not more than 0.25 .mu.m and an S.F.D. of not more than 0.38, and a process for producing the acicular magnetic metal particles containing iron as the main ingredient.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal container by attaching a body formed integral with a top cover to a bottom plate formed separately. The body and bottom plate are sealably attached together with an adhesive and by a tight curl. The tight curl is formed toward the interior of the container and not exposed outside, thus making it pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: A metal container and a method of manufacturing the same as disclosed herein are provided by attaching a body formed integral with a top cover to a bottom plate formed separately. The body and bottom plate are sealably attached together with an adhesive and by a tight curl. The tight curl is formed toward the interior of the container and not exposed outside, which makes it very pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: A dispensing and closing package for liquid products has a cap which also serves as a measuring cup. The cap fits on the outer circumference of a dispensing cylinder. A passageway is provided adjacent to a common point between the cap and the dispensing cylinder running between the container body and the inside of the cap. Residual liquid products adherent in the inside of the cap returns into the container body through the passageway.