Abstract: The present invention provides a gene derived from a thermophilic Bacillus, comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No.2 and encoding a thermostable diaphorase comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No.1, a recombinant vector possessing the gene, a transformant with the recombinant vector and a process for producing the thermostable diaphorase by using the transformant.

Abstract: A heat-bondable fiber in the form of a core-sheath type composite fiber comprising a core component and a sheath component which covers the periphery of the core component. The sheath component is formed of copolymer polyethylene consisting of predetermined material and having predetermined properties. The core component is made of a fiber-forming polymer whose melting point is more than 30.degree. C. higher than that of the sheath component. The fineness of the core-sheath type composite fiber is less than 8 deniers. Such heat-bondable fiber provides a nonwoven fabric in which the force of adhesion of the heat-bondable fiber to other dissimilar fibers is high and the hand of the fabric is soft. This nonwoven fabric contains at least 15 percent of the heat-bondable fiber and is heat-treated at a temperature less than the melting point of the core component.

Abstract: A fiber comprised of chitin having a single yarn denier of 0.5 to 20 and a dry tensile strength of 2 g/d or more, and a process for the production thereof are described. The use of such chitin fibers permits the production of surgical sutures having high tensile strength and flexibility, and good absorption properties.

Abstract: A reagent for the determination of creatine kinase is comprised of a reagent group containing N-acetylcysteine and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and a reagent group containing magnesium, whereby the stability thereof is acheived.

Abstract: A bladder assist device for maintaining natural drainage by a repetition of expansion and contraction of a bladder even when a urethral catheter is embedded in the bladder which includes a pressure control chamber containing a concentric-type siphon tube connected to a urethral catheter at a particular part, the pressure control chamber having a pressure control hole sealed by an air flow restricting filter.