Abstract: In a non-reading mode, a bar code is detected by irradiating it with a laser beam from a laser source, power consumption of which is reduced, and it is determined whether or not the detected bar code is correct. The mode is changed from the non-reading mode to a reading mode in which the laser source operates at substantially full power if it is determined that the code symbol is correct. The non-reading mode continues if it is determined that the code symbol is not correct. This enables an auto-trigger function that triggers reading of the bar code automatically. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate conventional parts and/or special-purpose circuits for realizing the auto-trigger function so that the optical-information-reading apparatus can be downsized.

Abstract: A 2-(substituted aryl)propionaldehyde of the formula, ##STR1## (wherein Ar denotes ##STR2## is produced in high yield by reacting a methyl (substituted aryl) ketone of the formula ##STR3## with phenyldimethylsulfonium methylsulfate of the formula, ##STR4## in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide to obtain a reaction mixture containing 2-(substituted aryl)1,2-epoxypropane of the formula, ##STR5## and thioanisole, and subjecting the reaction mixture to contact with anhydrous MgCl.sub.2. The propionaldehyde compound is also produced in high yield by contacting the epoxypropane compound with anhydrous MgCl.sub.2 in the presence of a soft nucleophile such as a sulfide, a thiol and a phosphine.

Abstract: Novel clavulone derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 combine together to form a keto group or either one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is hydrogen atom and another one of them is hydroxy or acetoxy group, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are the same or different and are each hydrogen atom or acetoxy group, n is 0 or 1, provided that when the C--C bond between 8 and 12 positions is double bond, n is 0, a, b, c, d and e are each an integer of 1 or 2, and the dotted line means that the C--C bond is a single bond or double bond, or a salt thereof, which have excellent anti-inflammatory activity and anti-tumor activity and hence are useful as an anti-inflammatory agent or anti-tumor agent.