Abstract: Novel polypeptides having a modified amino acid sequence of human interleukin 1.alpha. polypeptides in which a certain amino acid residue(s) in said amino acid sequence is(are) exchanged for other amino acid residue(s). Said polypeptides having no capacity of induction of production of prostaglandin E.sub.2 while maintaining other biological activities of human interleukin 1 such as activation of lymphocyte and being expected to be useful as a medicament.

Abstract: A method for forming an automobile bead assembly comprises three series of steps. The first series includes placing a bead ring onto the smaller-diameter side surface of a taper drum, winding a bead filler around the peripheral surface of the taper drum such that the thick-walled portion thereof projects over the smaller diameter surface of the drum, bonding the ends of the filler together, bending the thick-walled portion along the smaller-diameter side edge to join it to the bead ring, and separating the front end portion of the filler from the peripheral surface of the drum. The second series includes winding a side ply around the outer periphery of a cylindrical forming drum, bonding the ends together, winding a bead flipper around the side ply while part of the flipper overlaps the side ply, and joining the ends of the flipper together.

Abstract: A human TNF polypeptide mutant having an amino acid sequence of modified human TNF polypeptide, a DNA having a base sequence encoding the above human TNF polypeptide mutant and a method of producing the above human TNF polypeptide mutant by culturing a host transformed with a vector having inserted therein the above DNA. The above human TNF polypeptide mutant is soluble and has antitumor activity.

Abstract: A slitter for steel belt including rotary blades for slitting a belt material including steel cords and topping rubber. The rotary blades include an upper blade and a lower blade having their circumferential portions slightly overlapped and in contact with each other. Sandwiching delivery members for delivering the belt material to the blades is installed either at both sides or one side of the rotary blades in the delivery direction of the belt material so that the belt material is slit in a sandwiched condition. The sandwiching members as well as the rotary blades may be automatically adjusted in position in the transverse direction of the belt material. A freely suspended curved portion of the belt material formed between a delivering device and the slitter may be so controlled as to keep the suspended amount constant.