Abstract: An electrochromic element including: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed to face the first electrode with a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first electrochromic layer disposed on or above the first electrode, including conductor or semiconductor nano-structures and an electrochromic compound; and an electrolyte layer including an electrolyte, disposed between the first electrochromic layer and the second electrode, wherein the electrochromic compound is a compound represented by General Formula 1, and an anion of the electrolyte is a monovalent anion having oxidation potential higher than reduction potential of a dication of General Formula 1 by 3.1 V or greater, where X? is a monovalent anion having oxidation potential higher than reduction potential of the dication of General Formula 1 by 3.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for promotion of the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, said composition comprising a low endotoxin monovalent metal salt of alginic acid and mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, the composition of the present invention promotes the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc via activation of nucleus pulposus cells by human bone marrow-derived high-purity mesenchymal stem cells and/or differentiation of human bone marrow-derived high-purity mesenchymal stem cells into nucleus pulposus cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a 2-alkyl-3-aminothiophene derivative represented by formula (2) by reducing at least one of the 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivatives represented by formulae (1a) to (1d), or a mixture thereof, or a salt thereof, without using a protecting group for an amino group: wherein in formulae (1a) to (1d), R1 to R4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or the like; and R5 and R6 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or the like. According to the invention, a 2-alkyl-3-aminothiophene derivative usable as an intermediate of agricultural chemicals can be produced by a cost-efficient industrial process, without the use of a high-cost protective group for an amino group.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for producing nitroisourea derivatives which is necessary for producing nitroguanidine derivatives having an insecticidal activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for producing nitroisourea derivatives which is necessary for producing nitroguanidine derivatives having an insecticidal activity.

Abstract: A method for reducing a sulfur-containing compound by hydrogenation using a noble metal catalyst which method is exemplified by an industrial method for producing a 2-alkyl-3-aminothiophene derivative with high economical efficiency by hydrogenating a 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivative using the noble metal catalyst. 2-Alkyl-3-aminothiophene derivatives are useful compounds in the fields of medicine and agriculture, and in particular, useful in bactericides for agriculture or gardening, or intermediates of the bactericides. The hydrogenation reaction temperature is controlled at 150° C. to 300° C. and the method allows the used noble metal catalyst to be recovered and reused.

Abstract: A method for reducing a sulfur-containing compound by hydrogenation using a noble metal catalyst which method is exemplified by an industrial method for producing a 2-alkyl-3-aminothiophene derivative with high economical efficiency by hydrogenating a 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivative using the noble metal catalyst. 2-Alkyl-3-aminothiophene derivatives are useful compounds in the fields of medicine and agriculture, and in particular, useful in bactericides for agriculture or gardening, or intermediates of the bactericides. The hydrogenation reaction temperature is controlled at 150° C. to 300° C. and the method allows the used noble metal catalyst to be recovered and reused.

Abstract: A process, as a substitute for hydrolysis, for preparing a nitroguanidine derivative represented by the following formula (2): ##STR1## wherein A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or non-aromatic hydrocarbon ring, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle, a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group; and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-6 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, which comprises reacting a compound represented by the following formula (1): ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or cyclic C.sub.1-10 alkyl group and A and R.sub.2 have the same meanings as defined above, with ammonia, a primary amine or a secondary amine, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing L-serine from glycine and formaldehyde in the presence of cells of a microorganism or a cell-treated product having a serine hydroxymethyl transferase activity by an enzymatic method.

Abstract: L-Phenylalanine is isolated in pure form from an aqueous solution thereof containing cinnamic acid by subjecting the aqueous solution to toluene extraction to extract cinnamic acid therefrom; separating the toluene phase; and then concentrating the aqueous phase, until crystals of L-phenylalanine form therein, while concurrently separating the crystalline L-phenylalanine from the liquid aqueous phase.