Abstract: An electromagnetic stirring apparatus includes a vessel (2) for containing an electroconductive material in a molten state, such as a molten metal (1); an axially traveling magnetic field generating coil (3) for generating magnetic line of force (15) in an axial direction of the vessel (2) towards the molten metal (1) contained in the vessel (2) from an outside of the vessel (2); and a strip-shaped magnetic plate (4) disposed between the coil (3) and the vessel (2). Portions (11) where an axial electromagnetic force is generated in the molten metal contained in the vessel by the coil (3), and portions (10) into which a magnetic field is prevented by the magnetic plate (4) from locally entering, are formed in the vessel (2), whereby a circumferential pressure gradient is generated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic stirring apparatus includes a vessel (2) for containing an electroconductive material in a molten state, such as a molten metal (1); an axially traveling magnetic field generating coil (3) for generating magnetic line of force (15) in an axial direction of the vessel (2) towards the molten metal (1) contained in the vessel (2) from an outside of the vessel (2); and a strip-shaped magnetic plate (4) disposed between the coil (3) and the vessel (2). Portions (11) where an axial electromagnetic force is generated in the molten metal contained in the vessel by the coil (3), and portions (10) into which a magnetic field is prevented by the magnetic plate (4) from locally entering, are formed in the vessel (2), whereby a circumferential pressure gradient is generated.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-containing complex, containing a nucleic acid and a biodegradable polymer, especially a positively-charged water-insoluble biodegradable polymer, is disclosed. The complex has excellent properties of sustainedly releasing a desired nucleic acid, especially DNA, to a site in need of a treatment. Since the complex can be taken up to phagocytes such as macrophages and delivered specifically to the target site, the function of the nucleic acid can be exhibited in a target site specific manner, and thus more specific gene therapy can be achieved. The complex has no adverse effects, such as occurrence of recombinants or toxicity which could be caused by using a virus vector such as adenovirus, or liposome. Thus, the complex is particularly preferable for the field of gene therapy. Furthermore, the complex enhances the biological effect of the nucleic acid introduced into the cells, allowing a gene therapy with a lower dose of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-complex, containing a nucleic acid and a positively charged, water-insoluble biodegradable polymer, is disclosed. The complex has properties of sustainedly releasing a desired nucleic acid, especially DNA, to a site. The complex can be taken up by phagocytes such as macrophages and delivered to a target site, allowing the function of the nucleic acid to be exhibited in a target specific manner.