Abstract: Liquid crystal composite materials containing organic compounds enable the lowering of the drive voltage of liquid crystal display devices and of liquid crystal display devices of a polymer-dispersion type. The liquid crystal composite materials can be used in liquid crystal display devices and PDLC devices with a scattering layer having a liquid crystal and a polymer between the electrodes. A ter phenyl derivative can also favorably be used in the liquid crystal composite materials and in the liquid crystal display devices.

Abstract: The materials include non-polyampholite crosslinked polymers and gels based on a polymer which in uncrosslinked form is substantially soluble in ionic fluids and substantially insoluble in water. The materials change their state of hydration in response to an environmental trigger. The disclosed materials are useful as drilling, completion or workover fluids in wells such as hydrocarbon producing wells. According to the disclosed method, crosslinked polymers or gels are introduced into a stratum, blocking or bridging the pores of the stratum. Thereafter, an environmental condition is changed to cause the hydrated material to become less hydrated to unblock the pores allowing production from the well.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 each represent a halogen atom;R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent;R.sup.2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted bicyclic heterocyclic substituent of the following formula; ##STR2## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4, Y, Z, m, n, p, q and r are as defined herein;A represents a nitrogen atom or a substituted carbon atom; andR represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. The compound exhibits potent antimicrobial activity and also high safety due to reduced lipophilicity.

Abstract: A process for leaching gold, silver, platinum and palladium wherein an aqueous leaching solution containing bromine and bromide ion contacts a precious metal source to produce an aqueous leachate. A precursor composition for producing an aqueous leaching solution for leaching gold, silver, platinum and palladium. A process for electrogenerating bromine and a process for leaching gold, silver, platinum and palladium wherein bromine is electrogenerated and contacts a precious metal source to produce an aqueous leachate. A process for leaching gold, silver, platinum and palladium wherein bromine is electrogenerated from a solution containing chloride ions and bromide ions.