Abstract: Disclosed is useful means for the therapy or diagnosis of a mental disorder. A method for screening for a compound which is effective for a mental disorder, comprising the steps of (1) providing a cell capable of expressing a gene (target gene) selected from the group consisting of a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:1, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:3 and genes homologous to these genes; (2) exposing the cell to a compound to be tested; (3) determining the amount of a product of the target gene expressed in the cell after the exposure to the compound; and (4) determining the change in amount of the product of the target gene under the influence of exposure to the compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing memory in a normal individual, particularly in an individual of middle or advanced age who is regarded as clinically normal. The method for enhancing memory in a normal individual comprises administration of a peptide consisting of Leu and Ile or a modified form thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intracerebral oxidation inhibitor for preventing the onset of mental deterioration, which has early therapeutic effects. Specifically, the present invention relates to: an intracerebral oxidation inhibitor comprising a peptide consisting of Leu and Ile or a modified form thereof as an active ingredient; and a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for mental deterioration comprising the peptide consisting of Leu and Ile or a modified form thereof as an active ingredient and having effects of inhibiting intracerebral oxidation.

Abstract: Disclosed is useful means for the therapy or diagnosis of a mental disorder. A method for screening for a compound which is effective for a mental disorder, comprising the steps of (1) providing a cell capable of expressing a gene (target gene) selected from the group consisting of a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:1, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:3 and genes homologous to these genes; (2) exposing the cell to a compound to be tested; (3) determining the amount of a product of the target gene expressed in the cell after the exposure to the compound; and (4) determining the change in amount of the product of the target gene under the influence of exposure to the compound.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel neurotrophic factor production promoter containing N-acetyl-L-pipecolic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient, which can be used for the prophylaxis or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal injury, Huntington's disease, cerebral infarction, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, diabetic or drug-induced peripheral neuropathy and retinal neuropathy, and the like.

Abstract: There is disclosed a magnetic head including a magnetic film deposited on a substrate, being characterized in that: the the magnetic film is made of a soft magnetic alloy having an average coefficient of linear thermal expansion in the range from 125.times.10.sup.-7 to 150.times.10.sup.-7 /.degree.C. over the temperature range from room temperature to 600.degree. C., a saturation magnetostriction constant in the range from 0 to +3.times.10.sup.-6, and a mean crystal grain size less than 30 nm; and the portion of the substrate adjacent to the magnetic core has an average coefficient of linear thermal expansion in the range from 115.times.10.sup.-7 to 145.times.10.sup.-7 /.degree.C. over the temperature range from room temperature to 600.degree. C., thereby providing a high permeability, low coercive force, and excellent resistance to corrosion.

Abstract: In a magnetic head of the metal-in-gap type, a magnetic metal layer provided in a magnetic gap comprises a plurality of thin film layers. Of the thin film layers, one which is located on the side of the magnetic gap is formed by use of a material having a comparatively higher saturation magnetic flux density whereas one which is located on the side of facing the magnetic core is formed by use of a material having a comparatively lower saturation magnetic flux density. Magnetic recording efficiency can be thereby enhanced, without a considerable increase in the thickness of the magnetic metal layer provided in the magnetic gap.