Abstract: An isolated polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein the expression of said polypeptide is significant lower specifically in human livers with hepatitis compared with that in human health livers. The detection of said polypeptide expression in human liver can be used as a diagnosis for human hepatitis.

Abstract: A gene panel comprising a group of genes of which expression levels change in hepatocytes during liver regeneration as compared with those in a normal state is produced by the following steps: (a) the step of measuring expression levels of various genes in hepatocytes of a model animal in a normal state and expression levels of the genes during liver regeneration; (b) the step of comparing the expression levels, respectively; and (c) the step of identifying a group of genes of which expression levels change during liver regeneration.

Abstract: In gene expression frequency analysis, a vector primer to which each cDNA is ligated is formed by synthesizing the cDNA from each mRNA using by a vector primer having a poly(T) sequence; each cDNA sequence is converted to a tag on the vector primer; a concatemer is formed by ligating the obtained tags via a sequence that enables recognition of ends of the tags; and the nucleotide sequence of the concatemer is analyzed.

Abstract: A polypeptide having a production level specifically lowered in human diseased human livers. This polypeptide provides a novel diagnostic means for hepatitis by determining the production level of the polypeptide or an mRNA encoding the polypeptide in the liver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a condiment with decreased animal smell and which has increased beefwise taste and greater body flavor and complex flavor. The condiment is produced by blending therein denatured meat and/or the extract thereof, wherein the denatured meat is obtained by salting livestock meat, washing and then allowing microorganisms to ferment and ripen the meat.

Abstract: A friction pad for use in a disc brake includes a backing plate and a lining member secured to the front surface of the backing plate. The backing plate includes a cavity formed in the front surface of the backing plate for receiving therein a portion of the lining member, and a protrusion on the back surface of the backing plate located at a position corresponding to the cavity and projecting outwardly from the back surface of the backing plate. The cavity includes a first recess formed in the front surface of the backing plate in a depressed manner and defined by a side wall, and a second recess formed at the bottom wall of the first recess and defined by a side wall. The bottom of the side wall defining the first recess and the side wall of the second recess are interconnected by a convex surface protruding into the cavity.