Abstract: The present invention provides a human amniotic cell in which a gene desired to be expressed is introduced, and wherein said human amniotic cell expresses the product encoded by said gene. The present invention also provides a method for treating hereditary diseases comprising transplanting the human amniotic cells.

Abstract: An outsole is provided having excellent gripping and traction properties on wet surfaces. These properties are achieved by equipping the bottom surface of the outsole with a combination of gripping regions having different gripping characteristics. The gripping regions include (a) regions of siping, oriented in different directions to provide multidirectional traction, and (b) regions of stippling (spaced protuberances).

Abstract: An HCV antibody contained in a specimen is measured by an immunoassay method by utilizing the specific binding affinity of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody to an antigenic peptide having the amino acid sequence represented by the following formula (1) or (2):Leu-Ser-Gly-Arg-Pro-Ala-Ile-Val-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-Tyr-Gln-Glu-Phe-Asp -Glu . . . (SEQ ID NO: 1)Val-Asn-Gln-Arg-Ala-Val-Val-Ala-Pro-Asp-Lys-Glu-Val-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Ala-Phe-Asp -Glu . . . (SEQ ID NO: 2)According to the above method, it is possible to determine the serotype of the specimen simply and accurately, while suppressing a cross reaction or a non-specific reaction. As a result, it is also possible to preliminarily predict the effect of interferon treatment in an accurate manner, and to simply observe the course of the curing or treatment for hepatitis C.

Abstract: The outsole assembly of a shoe having an upper defining a volume for enclosing a wearer's foot, with the outsole assembly attached generally therebelow, includes an outsole consisting of an outsole body of transparent material defining a water impervious outsole bottom surface disposed for engagement with a walking surface when worn, an outsole upper surface disposed generally in opposition to the volume, and an outsole side surface extending peripherally about the outsole generally between the outsole bottom and upper surfaces. A grid member defines at least one aperture at the outsole upper surface. An article disposed within the aperture is observable through the water impervious outsole bottom surface of the body of transparent material. A method for shoe assembly is also described.