Abstract: The present invention relates to a lactic acid bacterial fermentation promoter, containing at least one organic acid selected from malic acid and fumaric acid.

Abstract: Provided is cacao extract with better flavor and in which miscellaneous flavor is reduced, and a method for producing such cacao extract. The cacao-derived water extract of the present invention contains polyphenol. In this cacao water extract, the ratio of a total mass of dimeric to tetrameric proanthocyanidins to a total mass of monomeric to octameric proanthocyanidins is 40% or more. Also, in this method for producing cacao extract, an active ingredient such as polyphenol is extracted from a cacao raw material such as cacao powder using water adjusted to a temperature within a range from 50° C. to 90° C. inclusive and to a pH within a range from 2.0 to 5.0 inclusive.

Abstract: In a method of producing a piston through casting, the piston has a piston head, a skirt, a pin boss and a supporting area, the supporting area connecting a periphery of the pin boss with the skirt. A plurality of molds are arranged such that the molds form cavities corresponding to a configuration of the piston. Mold matching surfaces between the molds are arranged such that the molds are contacted by each other at positions different from corners of the supporting area of the piston. A casting is performed by using the molds so that the piston is produced.

Abstract: A piston of an internal combustion engine includes a piston head having an end portion, a bottom surface and an outer peripheral surface. A pin boss extends from the bottom surface of the piston head, the pin boss having an end surface, a piston pin bore in the center of the pin boss and a peripheral portion on the end surface, the end surface being located inside the outer peripheral surface of the piston head. A connecting portion extends from the peripheral portion of the pin boss to the end portion of the piston head, the connecting portion being shaped in accordance with the piston pin bore, the connecting portion having a reinforcement provided thereon.