Abstract: A cloned DNA molecule is disclosed. The DNA molecule encodes a human endothelin-3 protein having the amino acid sequence: Glu-Gly-Ala-Pro-Glu-His-His-Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg-Cys-Thr-Cys-Phe-Thr-Tyr-Lys-As p-Lys-Glu-Cys-Val-Tyr-Tyr-Cys-His-Leu-Asp-Ile-Ile-Trp-Ile-Asn-Thr-Pro-Glu or any portion of said amino acid sequence containing Cys-Thr-Cys-Phe-Thr-Tyr-Lys-Asp-Lys-Glu-Cys-Val-Tyr-Tyr-Cys-His-Leu-Asp-Il e-Ile-Trp. Also disclosed is a method of producing mature endothelin-3 protein. In the method, the host cell is cultured, allowing mature endothelin-3 to accumulate in the culture medium, and the mature endothelin-3 protein is separated from the culture medium.

Abstract: An electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp has a light transmissive ceramic arc tube for containing a discharge sustaining medium and a hollow tube member. An excitation coil for causing an arc discharge is situated about the arc tube. The ceramic arc tube includes a first portion for developing the arc discharge therein and a second portion protruding outwardly from the first portion. The hollow tube member is so disposed in the second portion that a space is provided between the inner wall surface of the second portion and the outer wall surface of the hollow tube member. The space is in communication with the interior of the first portion for allowing the medium to be condensed and retained during the lamp operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a DNA sequence containing a DNA segment coding for endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3, (2) a precursor protein and a mature peptide of endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3, (3) a transformant carrying a DNA sequence containing a DNA segment coding for endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3 and (4) a method for preparing mature endothelin-2 or endothelin-3 which comprises culturing the transformant described in (3), producing and accumulating a protein in a culture medium, and collecting the same. Cells transfected or transformed with the DNA allow large amounts of endothelin-2 or endothelin-3 to be produced, which causes the advantageous production of endothelin-2 or endothelin-3. Endothelin-2 and endothelin-3 can be utilized as hypotension therapeutic agents or local vasoconstrictors to animals including humans.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a DNA sequence containing a segment coding for endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3, (2) a precursor protein and a mature peptide of endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3, (3) a transformant carrying a DNA sequence containing a DNA segment coding for endothelin-2 or human endothelin-3 and (4) a method for preparing mature endothelin-2 or endothelin-3 which comprises culturing the transformant described in (3), producing and accumulating a protein in a culture medium, and collecting the same.Cells transfected or transformed with the DNA allow large amounts of endothelin-2 or endothelin-3 to be produced, which causes the advantageous production of endothelin-2 or endothelin-3.Endothelin-2 and endothelin-3 can be utilized as hypotension therapeutic agents or local vasoconstrictors to animals including humans.

Abstract: Endothelin-2 and a big type of endothelin-2 proteins are described. The proteins contain the amino acid sequence: Cys Ser Cys Ser Ser Trp Leu Asp Lys Glu Cys Val Tyr Phe Cys His Leu Asp Ile Ile Trp.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp has a discharge gas sealed in a light-transmissive, cylindrical tube in which an internal electrode is provided as a first receiving end. An external electrode having predetermined widths along the axis of the tube is provided on the outer surface of the tube as a second receiving end. A shielding film is also provided on the outer surface of the tube excluding where a slit with a predetermined width is formed. The widths of the external electrode can be changed in accordance with the luminance distribution of the gas discharge lamp. The internal and external electrodes are connected to a high frequency power source and are applied with high frequency power therefrom, thereby causing discharge within the tube.

Abstract: In a gas discharge lamp of this invention, an internal electrode is provided in a tube bulb and an external electrode is provided on the outer surface of the bulb so as to cover it. A fluorescent material film is formed inside the bulb and is excited to emit visible light by a glow discharge, which is caused by applying a voltage between these electrodes. The fluorescent material film in the bulb has different thicknesses in the tube axial direction of the bulb to average the surface luminance of the gas discharge lamp.

Abstract: A high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp comprising a discharge tube with a pair of spaced main electrodes; a filling sealed in the discharge tube comprising a light emitting metal and a starting gas; a radioactive source comprising a radioactive substance entirely covered with an envelope of non-radioactive, heat- and corrosion-resistant material sealed inside the discharge tube, an outer tube enclosing the discharge tube, and circuit means for starting the discharge tube.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp device includes a main body having a base, and a fluorescent lamp supported by the main body and electrically connected to the base. The lamp has a plurality of U-shaped glass tubes which define a zigzagging discharge channel. Each glass tube is provided with a pair of straight portions, each of which has a flat cross section.

Abstract: A high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp including an outer bulb having a seal portion, an arc tube enclosed within the outer bulb, the arc tube having at least a pair of electrodes and containing at least a light emitting material and a rare gas, a pair of first lead wires of which one ends connect to the electrodes respectively and another ends mounted at the seal portion of outer bulb, a pre-heater disposed within the outer bulb, the pre-heater comprises a heat element and an insulating material covers the heat element and facing the arc tube to give the heat to the arc tube, and a second lead wires connected to the heat element of pre-heater, the portion of the second lead wires which are exposed in the outer bulb are surrounded by a heat-resisting insulator and the base portion of the second lead wires are mounted at the seal portion of outer bulb.

Abstract: A high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp including an arc tube having at least a main electrode at each end thereof, a fill sealed in the arc tube, including mercury, metal halide and starting gases selected from the group consisting of Ar, Kr and Xe, a radioactive source material, impregnated with a radioactive substance having a half-life less than 1.times.10.sup.4 years, sealed in the arc tube and a circuit including a conventional low voltage mercury lamp ballast and a glow starter for starting the arc tube.

Abstract: A high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp including an arc tube having opposed ends at which are provided respective main electrodes and a fill including mercury and a starting gas, a radioactive source material including a radioactive substance having a half-life less than 1.times.10.sup.4 years sealed in the arc tube, an outer tube enclosing the arc tube and a circuit for starting the arc tube.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp including discharge tube having at least two electrodes at opposite ends thereof, an outer bulb housing the discharge tube, a circuit for starting the discharge tube and a glow starter which is covered with a heat shield member and disposed between the discharge tube and the outer bulb.